I will keep this short because I'm sick. Later tonight Holly and I are leaving for Austin, MN. Our plans are to enjoy Thanksgiving with her side of the family, however, as sick as I am, I may just sleep.
But I wanted to at least hop online and say Happy Thanksgiving. I know we all have many things to be thankful for and I pray that you might focus on what's important this Thanksgiving-family. Your family is important because without them you'd feel alone and maybe you do feel alone, but ask yourself this: are you isolating yourself?
If you find yourself calloused or even bruised due to how you feel you've been treated by family; remember Thanksgiving is a time of renewal and you should share your feelings with family.
As many on our Mission Trip would say...start fresh! Don't wait for the 'new year' to arrive, now is the time. Hate is a strong word, but love is even stronger. Perhaps it's time to give love another try this Thanksgiving.
If it gets tough this Thanksgiving know that you're not alone. There are many who don't get to see their family or even get a meal on Thanksgiving. So you should be thankful. Choose to focus on the good, not the bad-that's a ball and chain that gets you no where. Don't choose to feel empty...be filled. Go read 1 Corinthians 11:28-30
Stop going through the motions this Thanksgiving...
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
It hurts to sit...
While I sit in the Minneapolis Airport, the third airport stop for the day-I realize something. It hurts to sit too long! I don't want to get on the next flight because it hurts.
My pain got me thinking...how often do people sit among us in worship on Sundays hearing the needs of the church but do nothing? How many sit there thinking that someone else will step up? The sad thing is, too many actually do that. The problem isn't that they're not capable, it's just that their commitment isn't to God. They're perfectly content with letting others step up and too often it's the same people who pick up the slack.
The danger here is forgetting baptismal vows, marriage vows, and our own baptism. As a body of Christ we said we would help this youth grow in the faith or help this young couple in their marriage. Now this isn't anything new really.
In James there are some passages I'd like to share: James 1:22 & James 4:17 GRAB YOUR BIBLE!
So you find that those verses talk about not 'merely listening to the word,' but 'do what it says.' And that 'anyone, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't...sins'.
Wow, really? Well what I think we as God children too often forget is that we come to worship our God on Sunday and the rest of the week we are to go and serve. Be the change and love we want to see in the world.
Francis Chan says that lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. That their love of others is focused on those who love them-like family and friends.
He also says that it's not that they don't to serve God or others, but that there are limits on how much time, money, or energy they will give to furthering His Kingdom.
So does it hurt when you sit too long? If you know this pain it's time to get up! Lets go beyond our comfort zone and step out in faith. I leave you with this-please go look it up: Matt. 13:44-46
Lets stop playing it safe-we need to take a risk for God!
My pain got me thinking...how often do people sit among us in worship on Sundays hearing the needs of the church but do nothing? How many sit there thinking that someone else will step up? The sad thing is, too many actually do that. The problem isn't that they're not capable, it's just that their commitment isn't to God. They're perfectly content with letting others step up and too often it's the same people who pick up the slack.
The danger here is forgetting baptismal vows, marriage vows, and our own baptism. As a body of Christ we said we would help this youth grow in the faith or help this young couple in their marriage. Now this isn't anything new really.
In James there are some passages I'd like to share: James 1:22 & James 4:17 GRAB YOUR BIBLE!
So you find that those verses talk about not 'merely listening to the word,' but 'do what it says.' And that 'anyone, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't...sins'.
Wow, really? Well what I think we as God children too often forget is that we come to worship our God on Sunday and the rest of the week we are to go and serve. Be the change and love we want to see in the world.
Francis Chan says that lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves. That their love of others is focused on those who love them-like family and friends.
He also says that it's not that they don't to serve God or others, but that there are limits on how much time, money, or energy they will give to furthering His Kingdom.
So does it hurt when you sit too long? If you know this pain it's time to get up! Lets go beyond our comfort zone and step out in faith. I leave you with this-please go look it up: Matt. 13:44-46
Lets stop playing it safe-we need to take a risk for God!
CRAZY LOVE
I mentioned Francis Chan earlier in one of my posts, but I've been reading more of his latest book: Crazy Love. I mean what else am I going to do while I'm waiting in the Airport-aside from blogging? Well, he's got an awesome resource for everyone online. So if you're not too busy check out this awesome website:
http://www.crazylovebook.com/
You won't be sorry that you did, but I encourage you to keep an open mind because Francis Chan has a tendency to hit you in the face with things you never really thought about. So don't be offended, remain open.
Let me know your thoughts of the website...write a comment.
http://www.crazylovebook.com/
You won't be sorry that you did, but I encourage you to keep an open mind because Francis Chan has a tendency to hit you in the face with things you never really thought about. So don't be offended, remain open.
Let me know your thoughts of the website...write a comment.
The 'Slow' Club
As I sit in the Nashville Airport waiting for my flight (another 1 1/2 hr left), I can't help but notice everyone that walks or runs by my gate. It reminded me of one of the speakers we had at the National Youth Workers Convention-Mark Yaconelli. He's the son of Mike Yaconelli who was the co-founder of Youth Specialties and author of a great many books. Mark told a story about his youngest son who's different from the rest of the family.
One day they were sitting at the table asking about everyone's day and his youngest son-whose name escapes me now, said 'I joined a club!' Somewhat shocked, they asked what club? To which he replied...'the slow club.' Confused, they asked how many were apart of this club...his response: 'well, I'm the President!'.
Now you need to know something about Mark's youngest...he takes his time when it comes to everything. Getting ready for bed, school, and even eating.
Well, one day his son asked Mark if he wanted a one day pass. Mark did what any dad would do in such a situation...he accepted his sons generous offer. Later that day when he picked up his son from school to walk him home his son reminded him to slow down-walk slower and take notice. So he did, his son would point out various things and he himself saw somethings he took for granted...something we all take for granted-God's creation all around us!
When was the last time you looked up to the stars in awe? When was the last time you watched the sun go down? When was the last time you slowed down to notice God's creations-including your spouse and children?
If it's been a while...then you've earned your FREE pass to the Slow Club. Take time for family and God...slow down and don't be quick to speak. Try silence for once.
I'll be sure to write something else on my next layover...until then, enjoy your free pass.
One day they were sitting at the table asking about everyone's day and his youngest son-whose name escapes me now, said 'I joined a club!' Somewhat shocked, they asked what club? To which he replied...'the slow club.' Confused, they asked how many were apart of this club...his response: 'well, I'm the President!'.
Now you need to know something about Mark's youngest...he takes his time when it comes to everything. Getting ready for bed, school, and even eating.
Well, one day his son asked Mark if he wanted a one day pass. Mark did what any dad would do in such a situation...he accepted his sons generous offer. Later that day when he picked up his son from school to walk him home his son reminded him to slow down-walk slower and take notice. So he did, his son would point out various things and he himself saw somethings he took for granted...something we all take for granted-God's creation all around us!
When was the last time you looked up to the stars in awe? When was the last time you watched the sun go down? When was the last time you slowed down to notice God's creations-including your spouse and children?
If it's been a while...then you've earned your FREE pass to the Slow Club. Take time for family and God...slow down and don't be quick to speak. Try silence for once.
I'll be sure to write something else on my next layover...until then, enjoy your free pass.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
National Youth Worker's Convention-Day 4
WARNING-it's a bit long.
Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans…
Originally, I was going to skip today’s workshops/seminars, but ended up in Mark Oestreicher’s ‘Developing Your Own Curriculum’. We got to a point where those in the crowd asked him for some books he suggested on the issue of helping parents understand their teenager. And it evolved into a discussion about a difference many don’t seem to see in the church today-it transcends youth groups and permeates into our older and wiser members too.
I wish to throw out some of the major talking points or issues…
-There’s a difference between childish faith and child-like faith.
-Does God want us to change or grow? And what’s the difference?
Needless to say we strayed from our original topic or purpose of the seminar/workshop but it did produce some great discussions-getting into the dirty and messy parts of ministry.
So lets get to the first major talking point I mentioned. In today’s culture the youth are so inundated with preconceptions about self and how parents are just bringing them down and that there are parents who are ‘cooler’ than their parents because Susie Q and Joe Cool’s mom and dad let them do this…
But we dug deeper…we talked about how there are youth who come to our youth group who are open to change of perspective. About how they have been they’ve been unknowingly trained by their parents to be the way they are. Parents often reinforce the idea that going to church isn’t that important and that this whole God thing is just for show. One of the major examples is when a parent(s) drop off their child for Sunday School and say it’s important that they go, but they themselves don’t stick around. There’s a tendency for parents to say, but not do when it comes to the things they ‘stress’ as important. You see, the parents put too much emphasis on how the church or the school is supposed to be responsible for this or that, but they are the ones that make the true difference. They are the ones that make or break the deal on those important things.
So it’s no wonder that youth-as they get older grow to be so pessimistic. However, we can not miss the opportunity to help them develop as Christians. When a youth asks a question more often than not, they are expressing their doubts. And an answer-a real answer, could help them in their development of a new perspective.
As a Christian, regardless of your age…do you think that God wants you to change or grow? And do you know the difference? If you were to ask me, I think God wants us to grow.
I think God calls us to grow, but it requires a change. We’re too caught up in ourselves-how right we are and how others are wrong-we’re too busy and we lose focus of what’s truly important: having an open heart and an open mind to what God’s trying to tell you.
Are you flexible? Are you willing to be molded by God or are you asking God to bless your plans? Do you have a childish faith that can be too selfish or self-absorbed? Are you growing and making changes that benefit the Kingdom?
If you’re a parent, don’t ignore your youth’s cries for help. Take some time to talk to them, don’t settled for the ‘how was your day honey?’ ‘it was okay.’ routine…dig deeper and really ask like you care. If you’re too busy-then it’s time to make the time (for God and for family). It’s never too late you know…do you remember the Prodigal Son? He squandered his opportunity, but ended up getting another chance…God offers you that chance. He stands at the door and is knocking, but do you hear Him? Are you ignoring Him?
If you’re married…how’s your relationship? Do you have a movie night or a date night? If not, you better clear your schedule for one. And if you want to really grow-find more time…cards and flowers are nice, but nothing means more than your time. *Don’t worry, it’s something I need to keep working on too.
If you’re single take heart. God has plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11) and right now, you need to do all you can to make sure you stay connected and open to His words and direction for you. Perhaps now isn’t the time for you to be in a relationship, perhaps He needs you to do something else right now-like become a youth leader, maybe He wants you to pour your time and energy into furthering His Kingdom.
If you’re reading this…seek God and take a look around. God may be calling you to do something seriously ridiculous.
Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans…
Originally, I was going to skip today’s workshops/seminars, but ended up in Mark Oestreicher’s ‘Developing Your Own Curriculum’. We got to a point where those in the crowd asked him for some books he suggested on the issue of helping parents understand their teenager. And it evolved into a discussion about a difference many don’t seem to see in the church today-it transcends youth groups and permeates into our older and wiser members too.
I wish to throw out some of the major talking points or issues…
-There’s a difference between childish faith and child-like faith.
-Does God want us to change or grow? And what’s the difference?
Needless to say we strayed from our original topic or purpose of the seminar/workshop but it did produce some great discussions-getting into the dirty and messy parts of ministry.
So lets get to the first major talking point I mentioned. In today’s culture the youth are so inundated with preconceptions about self and how parents are just bringing them down and that there are parents who are ‘cooler’ than their parents because Susie Q and Joe Cool’s mom and dad let them do this…
But we dug deeper…we talked about how there are youth who come to our youth group who are open to change of perspective. About how they have been they’ve been unknowingly trained by their parents to be the way they are. Parents often reinforce the idea that going to church isn’t that important and that this whole God thing is just for show. One of the major examples is when a parent(s) drop off their child for Sunday School and say it’s important that they go, but they themselves don’t stick around. There’s a tendency for parents to say, but not do when it comes to the things they ‘stress’ as important. You see, the parents put too much emphasis on how the church or the school is supposed to be responsible for this or that, but they are the ones that make the true difference. They are the ones that make or break the deal on those important things.
So it’s no wonder that youth-as they get older grow to be so pessimistic. However, we can not miss the opportunity to help them develop as Christians. When a youth asks a question more often than not, they are expressing their doubts. And an answer-a real answer, could help them in their development of a new perspective.
As a Christian, regardless of your age…do you think that God wants you to change or grow? And do you know the difference? If you were to ask me, I think God wants us to grow.
I think God calls us to grow, but it requires a change. We’re too caught up in ourselves-how right we are and how others are wrong-we’re too busy and we lose focus of what’s truly important: having an open heart and an open mind to what God’s trying to tell you.
Are you flexible? Are you willing to be molded by God or are you asking God to bless your plans? Do you have a childish faith that can be too selfish or self-absorbed? Are you growing and making changes that benefit the Kingdom?
If you’re a parent, don’t ignore your youth’s cries for help. Take some time to talk to them, don’t settled for the ‘how was your day honey?’ ‘it was okay.’ routine…dig deeper and really ask like you care. If you’re too busy-then it’s time to make the time (for God and for family). It’s never too late you know…do you remember the Prodigal Son? He squandered his opportunity, but ended up getting another chance…God offers you that chance. He stands at the door and is knocking, but do you hear Him? Are you ignoring Him?
If you’re married…how’s your relationship? Do you have a movie night or a date night? If not, you better clear your schedule for one. And if you want to really grow-find more time…cards and flowers are nice, but nothing means more than your time. *Don’t worry, it’s something I need to keep working on too.
If you’re single take heart. God has plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11) and right now, you need to do all you can to make sure you stay connected and open to His words and direction for you. Perhaps now isn’t the time for you to be in a relationship, perhaps He needs you to do something else right now-like become a youth leader, maybe He wants you to pour your time and energy into furthering His Kingdom.
If you’re reading this…seek God and take a look around. God may be calling you to do something seriously ridiculous.
Go to Chris' Corner too
Also, go check out Chris Hansen's blog...he's had a lot of awesome things to write about too. Click the link below:
http://2-chris-corner.blogspot.com/
http://2-chris-corner.blogspot.com/
Seriously Ridiculous-DAY 3
Hebrews 11:1-3 says: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand...
This was truly an amazing day...I spent a lot of time reading the Bible and some books. Among them was a Mike Yaconelli book. Did you know that he was the co-founder of Youth Specialties?
Well one of yesterdays scripture basis was based upon the Prodigal Son and how the Father's love was beyond comprehension to the other son who was faithful. In case you didn't know, this years Y.S. theme is 'Seriously Ridiculous'. Now what we should find crazy here is the love and faith aspect of our relationship with Christ.
Depending on your translation of Hebrews 11, it describes faith as being 'sure' of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see...interestingly enough, are we really that sure or certain about anything in our lives. Like will we all see tomorrow and will we have a paycheck this week? Jesus told us that we need not worry-check out Matt. 8:20.
I think if Jesus were here today He would say to me and even to you 'Oh, you of little faith'. You and I need to work on the seriously ridiculous when it comes to God and his plans for us.
My challenge is to be ridiculous for God. It's time for change!
This was truly an amazing day...I spent a lot of time reading the Bible and some books. Among them was a Mike Yaconelli book. Did you know that he was the co-founder of Youth Specialties?
Well one of yesterdays scripture basis was based upon the Prodigal Son and how the Father's love was beyond comprehension to the other son who was faithful. In case you didn't know, this years Y.S. theme is 'Seriously Ridiculous'. Now what we should find crazy here is the love and faith aspect of our relationship with Christ.
Depending on your translation of Hebrews 11, it describes faith as being 'sure' of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see...interestingly enough, are we really that sure or certain about anything in our lives. Like will we all see tomorrow and will we have a paycheck this week? Jesus told us that we need not worry-check out Matt. 8:20.
I think if Jesus were here today He would say to me and even to you 'Oh, you of little faith'. You and I need to work on the seriously ridiculous when it comes to God and his plans for us.
My challenge is to be ridiculous for God. It's time for change!
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