I woke this morning to an amazing alarm - one that I woke long before it went off because I have not been sleeping to well this week with so much going on ... To give you a little inside to me that you may not know.
Almost every morning before my feet even touch the ground, I thank God for the day ahead and then get my day started with coffee and a shower.
This morning was different and without giving thanks I picked up my cell and checked email. I know, its lame but the email was awesome and I know as God has closed a door finally in my life - He stepped up in a big way and opened another. I am so blessed and it has set my day off to another direction and one that I know will be an amazing road ahead. I will say more in details about all this as things get worked out and closer to happening.
Carol is out to the beach for a few days with her girl friends and I am enjoying my time with Kyle, Morgan and Taylor...we have shared so many laughs and are enjoying each other - society may have a problem with this but in all reality, this should be applauded because its exactly in many ways what God has called each of us to do. Make a difference in someones life, pour into them and love them as He would. Step up in a need if you are able to fill it. I am so blessed because of "My Calling" ..... no more target.... just blessed to move forward.
I will close today with a song lyric from Third day.
~ Follow Me~
You need a place where you can find some shelter
Follow me there, follow me there
You want a hand to hold, someone to help you
Follow me there, come on, follow me there
Where love, like a river, flows
Peace like you've never known
And joy never ending lives
A place where faith can find
Hope that will never die
Follow me there, come on, followe me there
You need a place to be your sanctuary
Follow me there, come on, follow me there
Where you can lay down all those burdens you carry
Follow me there, come on, follow me there
Where the lost can find salvation
and the lonely finds a friend
Where the sinner finds forgiveness
WOnt you follow me there
WOnt you follow me there
Peace out,
Lonnie~
Friday, August 5, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
It has been AWHILE since my last post. Lots of things going on - some good and some well not so good but in the long run will be BETTER!
Last week I spent the week in Myrtle Beach with our student ministry. Though having its tough spots and tough situations - I fully enjoyed the conversations with so many students. Some tough conversations and having the chance to pray with them and preach a message on Tuesday night was just amazing. I think I made some good connections with a few students who before camp I had not had the chance to get to really know them. I am very blessed to walk away knowing that I invested my time in them and in their walk with Christ. There is nothing more important than that to me. The last morning on the beach was indeed my favorite time as me and a few students walked to the beach, sat and watched the sun rise. I am so in awe of what God shows us and his power and beauty for us to see and experience. It was an amazing morning and if that beach was here right now - I would be putting my feet in the sand to just sit and worship Him with all I have.
I had in my inbox this morning a great reminder as to why I stepped up and put myself sometimes in harms way as a target when people dont understand or want to cut me down but I am not letting myself go to those low levels and I will ride on Gods word and as he has promised, will soar on eagles wings.
I have been over the last few weeks, last week and this week, especially, reflecting on how God called me to serve students. I need to remember those details and keep focused on that because I am reminded again that youth ministry is a ministry of extremes - and that includes the good, the bad and the ugly. I need to hold onto my sense of my calling.
On the beach at Cherry Grove SC - I was watching the sunrise while having some quiet time with God, seeking direction and purpose for my life and asking him to lead me on a few things and he clearly spoke to me to step up into the lives of a family that is so dear to me. I gained two daughters that morning and a sister and I have yet to back down from that calling. Time and time again we are tested as we do life together and reflecting back on that moment that I said OK God - I am done hiding, giving excuses and running - I will do what you are telling me to do even if I have no idea what I am doing, how this will look, how it will work or even if it will be accepted. God has been there in every inch of the way over these past 5 years now.
Your calling will make you humble.
How can it not? As much as I would like to call it my student ministry it is not mine to own. I can live it, breathe it, I will even take a bullet for it but calling it mine is just not right. God has given me the stewardship over this section of his kingdom. He has the power to give it and also take it away.
I think my calling is keeping me focused in many ways. I care deeply about the students, their faith journey and their walk with Christ. In many ways, they also teach me about my faith and my walk with Christ and no matter what - keeping in focus Christ in the center of all things has been a priority with me. The students know my heart and they know they have their best interest. They know when they speak to me or have tough things to work through, they know I will point them to Jesus at some point in the conversation. I may not be able to fix the problem but I can show them Jesus in the solution. Being the person I am, I jump in and take hold. Students have a situation they need help with, want to talk something through, I have always been willing to drop stuff to help. I serve student ministry because I am called to and giving it less than my undivided attention just isn't allowed for me.
My calling will also keep me going.
I took many conversations last week with upset students. Its part of the job. I remember a few years ago while serving under a great youth pastor who is now a head pastor of a church, Travis Bush - I told him that Youth Ministry was relational. Without those relationships - its just another group of kids getting together to have fun, waste time and doing nothing to increase their faith, learn about God and then do something with their faith. WIthout those relationships, a student will never trust you, get to know you and then open up to you. That is the key when you can have a student be at that place and them come to you and open up with a struggle or have questions - thats the fruit that Christ is talking about.
I got to see a lot last week at Camp. I got to talk through some tough things with some students. BUT I also got to be a part of a student giving their life again to Christ. I got to be a part of them saying, I have messed up, I used to be close to GOd and I want to get that back. Lonnie how do I do that? - yeah there are tears, there are hugs and there is real stuff taking place.
GOd transformed my life because I answered his call and through these students - I want to have a front row seat in their lives and watch what God will do in their lives.
GOd will give me the desire, the strength, the wisdom and the passion to do what he has called me to do.
I am focused...because I am called.
Last week I spent the week in Myrtle Beach with our student ministry. Though having its tough spots and tough situations - I fully enjoyed the conversations with so many students. Some tough conversations and having the chance to pray with them and preach a message on Tuesday night was just amazing. I think I made some good connections with a few students who before camp I had not had the chance to get to really know them. I am very blessed to walk away knowing that I invested my time in them and in their walk with Christ. There is nothing more important than that to me. The last morning on the beach was indeed my favorite time as me and a few students walked to the beach, sat and watched the sun rise. I am so in awe of what God shows us and his power and beauty for us to see and experience. It was an amazing morning and if that beach was here right now - I would be putting my feet in the sand to just sit and worship Him with all I have.
I had in my inbox this morning a great reminder as to why I stepped up and put myself sometimes in harms way as a target when people dont understand or want to cut me down but I am not letting myself go to those low levels and I will ride on Gods word and as he has promised, will soar on eagles wings.
I have been over the last few weeks, last week and this week, especially, reflecting on how God called me to serve students. I need to remember those details and keep focused on that because I am reminded again that youth ministry is a ministry of extremes - and that includes the good, the bad and the ugly. I need to hold onto my sense of my calling.
On the beach at Cherry Grove SC - I was watching the sunrise while having some quiet time with God, seeking direction and purpose for my life and asking him to lead me on a few things and he clearly spoke to me to step up into the lives of a family that is so dear to me. I gained two daughters that morning and a sister and I have yet to back down from that calling. Time and time again we are tested as we do life together and reflecting back on that moment that I said OK God - I am done hiding, giving excuses and running - I will do what you are telling me to do even if I have no idea what I am doing, how this will look, how it will work or even if it will be accepted. God has been there in every inch of the way over these past 5 years now.
Your calling will make you humble.
How can it not? As much as I would like to call it my student ministry it is not mine to own. I can live it, breathe it, I will even take a bullet for it but calling it mine is just not right. God has given me the stewardship over this section of his kingdom. He has the power to give it and also take it away.
I think my calling is keeping me focused in many ways. I care deeply about the students, their faith journey and their walk with Christ. In many ways, they also teach me about my faith and my walk with Christ and no matter what - keeping in focus Christ in the center of all things has been a priority with me. The students know my heart and they know they have their best interest. They know when they speak to me or have tough things to work through, they know I will point them to Jesus at some point in the conversation. I may not be able to fix the problem but I can show them Jesus in the solution. Being the person I am, I jump in and take hold. Students have a situation they need help with, want to talk something through, I have always been willing to drop stuff to help. I serve student ministry because I am called to and giving it less than my undivided attention just isn't allowed for me.
My calling will also keep me going.
I took many conversations last week with upset students. Its part of the job. I remember a few years ago while serving under a great youth pastor who is now a head pastor of a church, Travis Bush - I told him that Youth Ministry was relational. Without those relationships - its just another group of kids getting together to have fun, waste time and doing nothing to increase their faith, learn about God and then do something with their faith. WIthout those relationships, a student will never trust you, get to know you and then open up to you. That is the key when you can have a student be at that place and them come to you and open up with a struggle or have questions - thats the fruit that Christ is talking about.
I got to see a lot last week at Camp. I got to talk through some tough things with some students. BUT I also got to be a part of a student giving their life again to Christ. I got to be a part of them saying, I have messed up, I used to be close to GOd and I want to get that back. Lonnie how do I do that? - yeah there are tears, there are hugs and there is real stuff taking place.
GOd transformed my life because I answered his call and through these students - I want to have a front row seat in their lives and watch what God will do in their lives.
GOd will give me the desire, the strength, the wisdom and the passion to do what he has called me to do.
I am focused...because I am called.
Friday, July 22, 2011
This will probably be my last post for a little more than a week. I dont know if I will have the time or the energy to write and share all that God is going to do next week. I will be sure to do that when I return though, I promise. I love Thirst Camp week.... its a mission trip in itself because we are away from home, focused on experiences and serving others for Christ. Its times to reflect, devote and energize our hearts once again. Its in such a way as it breathes new things into our soul and the opportunity for Christ to open our eyes and speak into our ears so that life change, a vision for our lives is revealed and purpose to come back home changed is in order. I know there will be some parents who wont know their kids when they return. Some though will come back just like they left because they are unwilling to let go, open the heart up to share the grief and struggles they have been carrying. Maybe its the fear to go to that place and let people in so they come yet another year and go home another year.
I am excited to be preaching the opening message on Monday night - our first full day at the beach. I dont know exactly what that will look like being on the beach, in the water, at the pool side - I have no idea but I am excited about it because I am so PUMPED about it.
I love these students and have invested so much energy, time, words of encouragement and really honestly just want the best for them in their lives by following Gods plan for them. Gosh if they could just really grab hold of that and run with it, be loud with it and not back down from it - there isnt anything they can't do for Christ. He will honor them and bless them in more ways than anyone could even imagine.
Having to do it again - as I get older and you know we all do that as we get older - I would have listened to my mom and went to church. I would love to have been part of a small group of friends who love Jesus and aren't afraid to show it and be different from the crowd. Leadership skills being shaped and molded because you are leading something that not everyone has but most people want.
I was on campus today at work and in line waiting for my food I noticed a young gal looking at me. She being around 13 maybe and thats not odd for campus in the summer with all kinds of camps here. SHe smiled and I smiled and she walked over and said - I know you from Hickory Ridge right? - I said, Hickory ridge middle school? She said yes, you my YCI pastor on Fridays there. I asked for her name - Peyton and we began to talk and she introduced me to her friends she has made this week at her camp. They were on a career camp and each day was a different career but they got to learn about those different things, hoping someday making a decision on one of them because they had their eyes opened to it.
Isnt thats what its all about? Experience to something better, something bigger, something dreamy - do they still use that word? - I hope so ....
But then doing something with that experience that changes your life. I enjoyed talking with them and asking questions and making some laughs... I told them it was nice to meet them and I said to Peyton I would see her in a few weeks at school and she said "Yes Sir".... "I look forward to that!"
Gosh that is amazing really and each day I ask God to reveal himself in my day, through whatever that looks like. Today it was through Peyton and in some small way in my heart, I know what I am doing, the tears shed, the hurts, the good smiles and laughs and everything invested inbetween is paying off...and not for my glory but for Gods glory.
Camp this week will be about Gods glory as we are reminded to stop, slow down, sit awhile with our heavenly Father and just be in AWE of Him at the beach. Lets put God in focus again and let us all be encouraged and redirect our aim in life.
I cant wait to tell the students how much I believe in them and they are not too young to accomplish great things and big things for God. We are to serve him until our last breath leaves our bodies. I'm 45 years old, hanging with middle school students, high school students not because I can relate to them, even though I do sometimes and sometimes its really weird and awkward but because I honestly feel that I can bridge my generation to theirs. I can't sit on the sidelines and let their generation go to hell and have Lady Gaga or Lil' Wayne be the life voice in their lives. I want to stand on a chair, scream from the building, take them to the beach, ride the rides at Carowinds, hit the mall together - whatever I have to do to meet them on their turf ...I will do for the name of Jesus. Show them Jesus and let them see the VISION he has for their lives. I want so badly for them to catch that, to stick it out and live that life that GOd has called each of them. Let them be contagious and together continue to show Christ to those who need him - in their schools, in their neighborhoods, on Facebook and even in their own families.
I am excited for the week ahead. I sad Carol wont be there with me as so many young ladies look up to her and need her but without vacation time it makes it tough. I will be missing some of the students from years past and I am thankful for the chance to invest in them over the years and I am also excited as anything for our rising 6 grade class. Its going to be an amazing week for them, for our first timers and hopefully, if hearts are right, if they are soft and willing to let the guard down and be poured into - our veteran Thirst Camp students just might be the ones to propel this generation and have the courage to stand up and make a stand for Jesus.
That is my prayer .... my hope and vision. 2 more days....... Thank you Lord for this opportunity. May everything we do, everything we say, be an honor to you. For your higher glory and purposes. Amen
~ Tomorrow we are serving a family at church who was killed last week in a motorcycle accident. Expecting 700+ people there from 11-2 - many for the first time hearing about Jesus, some not having step in foot of a church in 30 years.... tomorrow GOd will be shown as we serve them and love them the way Christ would want us to. Even through the passing of one - many may be opened to the heart of Christ. I think years from now, we will be thankful for this story and how its all part of a bigger story ...Gods perfect story.
Peace out,
Lonnie
I am excited to be preaching the opening message on Monday night - our first full day at the beach. I dont know exactly what that will look like being on the beach, in the water, at the pool side - I have no idea but I am excited about it because I am so PUMPED about it.
I love these students and have invested so much energy, time, words of encouragement and really honestly just want the best for them in their lives by following Gods plan for them. Gosh if they could just really grab hold of that and run with it, be loud with it and not back down from it - there isnt anything they can't do for Christ. He will honor them and bless them in more ways than anyone could even imagine.
Having to do it again - as I get older and you know we all do that as we get older - I would have listened to my mom and went to church. I would love to have been part of a small group of friends who love Jesus and aren't afraid to show it and be different from the crowd. Leadership skills being shaped and molded because you are leading something that not everyone has but most people want.
I was on campus today at work and in line waiting for my food I noticed a young gal looking at me. She being around 13 maybe and thats not odd for campus in the summer with all kinds of camps here. SHe smiled and I smiled and she walked over and said - I know you from Hickory Ridge right? - I said, Hickory ridge middle school? She said yes, you my YCI pastor on Fridays there. I asked for her name - Peyton and we began to talk and she introduced me to her friends she has made this week at her camp. They were on a career camp and each day was a different career but they got to learn about those different things, hoping someday making a decision on one of them because they had their eyes opened to it.
Isnt thats what its all about? Experience to something better, something bigger, something dreamy - do they still use that word? - I hope so ....
But then doing something with that experience that changes your life. I enjoyed talking with them and asking questions and making some laughs... I told them it was nice to meet them and I said to Peyton I would see her in a few weeks at school and she said "Yes Sir".... "I look forward to that!"
Gosh that is amazing really and each day I ask God to reveal himself in my day, through whatever that looks like. Today it was through Peyton and in some small way in my heart, I know what I am doing, the tears shed, the hurts, the good smiles and laughs and everything invested inbetween is paying off...and not for my glory but for Gods glory.
Camp this week will be about Gods glory as we are reminded to stop, slow down, sit awhile with our heavenly Father and just be in AWE of Him at the beach. Lets put God in focus again and let us all be encouraged and redirect our aim in life.
I cant wait to tell the students how much I believe in them and they are not too young to accomplish great things and big things for God. We are to serve him until our last breath leaves our bodies. I'm 45 years old, hanging with middle school students, high school students not because I can relate to them, even though I do sometimes and sometimes its really weird and awkward but because I honestly feel that I can bridge my generation to theirs. I can't sit on the sidelines and let their generation go to hell and have Lady Gaga or Lil' Wayne be the life voice in their lives. I want to stand on a chair, scream from the building, take them to the beach, ride the rides at Carowinds, hit the mall together - whatever I have to do to meet them on their turf ...I will do for the name of Jesus. Show them Jesus and let them see the VISION he has for their lives. I want so badly for them to catch that, to stick it out and live that life that GOd has called each of them. Let them be contagious and together continue to show Christ to those who need him - in their schools, in their neighborhoods, on Facebook and even in their own families.
I am excited for the week ahead. I sad Carol wont be there with me as so many young ladies look up to her and need her but without vacation time it makes it tough. I will be missing some of the students from years past and I am thankful for the chance to invest in them over the years and I am also excited as anything for our rising 6 grade class. Its going to be an amazing week for them, for our first timers and hopefully, if hearts are right, if they are soft and willing to let the guard down and be poured into - our veteran Thirst Camp students just might be the ones to propel this generation and have the courage to stand up and make a stand for Jesus.
That is my prayer .... my hope and vision. 2 more days....... Thank you Lord for this opportunity. May everything we do, everything we say, be an honor to you. For your higher glory and purposes. Amen
~ Tomorrow we are serving a family at church who was killed last week in a motorcycle accident. Expecting 700+ people there from 11-2 - many for the first time hearing about Jesus, some not having step in foot of a church in 30 years.... tomorrow GOd will be shown as we serve them and love them the way Christ would want us to. Even through the passing of one - many may be opened to the heart of Christ. I think years from now, we will be thankful for this story and how its all part of a bigger story ...Gods perfect story.
Peace out,
Lonnie
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Easy button
I have one on my desk at work. You know that talking button that Staples sells and it part of their trade mark in office supply shopping. But today I want to talk about the "Dread" button.
Being honest, since coming back from Jamaica - I have been under such spiritual attack like I have never experienced before. I wont go into much details ... because I dont want to open the flood gates. But I do want to address what I am going to do because I believe in my heart speaking to those things only keeps us there but speaking past those things puts our hearts and minds ahead of those things. God is already in those next moments and he meets us there when we get there. So my focus is moving past these spiritual attacks with the best way I know how.
I have been in the book of Job this morning in my quiet time and it really is speaking amazing things to me. I hope to share what I have gathered this morning.
I have read this book before but probably then, I was not in the place I am today and that loved ones, is why we must continue to read Gods word. It is alive and able to speak into you life even if you read it before. Even if you have read the gospels 4 times over the past 2 years, today may find you at a place where Gods word in Matthew comes to life and speaks to you. Never give up on the things that God is trying to teach you through his book.
Hitting that dread button looks differently for each of us. It may be as season of time where you are in between employment and jobs are hard to come by but bills continue to keep coming in. It may look like your marriage is on the brink of letting go and someone moving out breaking the family in parts. It may look like that son or daughter continues to show themselves being immature and making poor choices time and time again.
It may also mean - your son or daughter taking the car out for the first time and its 11:00 and the phone rings. It may be that doctor who called and left VM about a test that was done last week and they have news. It may be that the door bell rings and 2 service men are standing on your front porch knowing your son is over seas.
Those are "dread buttons" and in our lives we WILL have them. We pound them with panic wrapped around our cold fingers because of the fear you have in your heart. Those moments almost paralyze us and take our breath away. Its almost like time stands still for a few moments and there is nothing going on except that moment. We have all had them.
Consider Job and his situation. A man of great wealth. Known as a good person through the land. A family guy leading his family and sharing the love of God in many ways. He was a honoring man to God and God knew his heart. God allowed Job's "dread button" to be pushed as he allowed Satan to test his servant. He not only had one button pushed but many. Losing his family, his wealth, all he has worked for in his life and then covered head to toe in sores and pain. He had lost everything and was suffering on top of that.
If you can relate to all of this or even part of this in your own life - Job's trials connect thousands of years to your situation today. Your "dread button" is very much the same as Jobs.
Far too often we pray for these kinds of things never to happen to us. We become complacent in our walk when things are going good but always looking over our shoulders waiting for that moment when something happens.
Some folks seem to go through tough seasons without much harm or emotion. Sometimes those things dont appear until years later when they resurface in some way. Some folks are immediately affected.
I love Job's prayer in Job 1:21 - "Naked I come from my mothers womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the neame of the Lord be praised."
We are just stewards of the things we have in this life. I know some folks who have fallen on hard time financially because of the economy or over extending themselves and they have put so much into their stuff. Their stuff gives them an identity and they stive and strain to keep those things. As Paul has said in:
2 Corinthians 11:26-28 - I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jes, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worded hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my convern for all the churches.
Even besides all the things that Paul was suffering through - his concern for the church was his main focus above all else. A daily burden to strain ahead for the people of God. Job was in that place. Though he could have easily given up, gave into the temptation to scream out to God to curse him and blame him. He never waivered in his faith and in his trust of Christ. Jesus taught us to wrap our hearts around whatever we treasure most. If we treasure most what can be taken away or destroyed, our hearts will always be in danger. Job appreciated what he had, what he had been given but his life didnt revolve around his possessions. Instead, his heart was wrapped around his relationship with God. A personal relationship with Christ.
So looking at your situation today, along with me looking at mine, what kind of lesson can you learn from Job and his experience?
In Job 2:11-13 - share a great story which I wont put here but I will challenge you to read in your bible or online so that maybe you will continue to read - it talks about Job's 3 friends. They travel long distance probably to come and be with him in his agony and pain. 7 days without a word to him and each other, not a word spoken as they stayed with him, weaped loudly and tore their clothes because of the suffering their friend was under.
Remain faithful loved ones, strain forward and not give in or give up to where today finds you, the things you are suffering from or challenges that today has for you. You will get a new job, you will not be a cancer patient but a person who follows Christ because of that cancer. You will rise to lead your family and out the trust back in your marriage. Your son or daughter will call at 11:05 and say she is running late and then you take the keys from her/him and ground them for the next 28 years.... and all the while.... tears and a heart that is thankful inside because they are safe.
Lord we praise you the storms of our lives. Help us learn from Job as he was so passionate about honoring you even while he suffered so much. Help us relate to where he was and his example so that we may do that in our own lives and through the things we are suffering with. May we all have friends that will come along side and suffer with us, who will cry with us, give us a leaning shoulder when we need it and a church family who will step up and support us. May Jesus speak into our next moments before we even get there and feel him in some new way that will give us hope, direction and confidence to keep striving forward. We love and praise you today and through our storms in this life. Amennnnnn~
Being honest, since coming back from Jamaica - I have been under such spiritual attack like I have never experienced before. I wont go into much details ... because I dont want to open the flood gates. But I do want to address what I am going to do because I believe in my heart speaking to those things only keeps us there but speaking past those things puts our hearts and minds ahead of those things. God is already in those next moments and he meets us there when we get there. So my focus is moving past these spiritual attacks with the best way I know how.
I have been in the book of Job this morning in my quiet time and it really is speaking amazing things to me. I hope to share what I have gathered this morning.
I have read this book before but probably then, I was not in the place I am today and that loved ones, is why we must continue to read Gods word. It is alive and able to speak into you life even if you read it before. Even if you have read the gospels 4 times over the past 2 years, today may find you at a place where Gods word in Matthew comes to life and speaks to you. Never give up on the things that God is trying to teach you through his book.
Hitting that dread button looks differently for each of us. It may be as season of time where you are in between employment and jobs are hard to come by but bills continue to keep coming in. It may look like your marriage is on the brink of letting go and someone moving out breaking the family in parts. It may look like that son or daughter continues to show themselves being immature and making poor choices time and time again.
It may also mean - your son or daughter taking the car out for the first time and its 11:00 and the phone rings. It may be that doctor who called and left VM about a test that was done last week and they have news. It may be that the door bell rings and 2 service men are standing on your front porch knowing your son is over seas.
Those are "dread buttons" and in our lives we WILL have them. We pound them with panic wrapped around our cold fingers because of the fear you have in your heart. Those moments almost paralyze us and take our breath away. Its almost like time stands still for a few moments and there is nothing going on except that moment. We have all had them.
Consider Job and his situation. A man of great wealth. Known as a good person through the land. A family guy leading his family and sharing the love of God in many ways. He was a honoring man to God and God knew his heart. God allowed Job's "dread button" to be pushed as he allowed Satan to test his servant. He not only had one button pushed but many. Losing his family, his wealth, all he has worked for in his life and then covered head to toe in sores and pain. He had lost everything and was suffering on top of that.
If you can relate to all of this or even part of this in your own life - Job's trials connect thousands of years to your situation today. Your "dread button" is very much the same as Jobs.
Far too often we pray for these kinds of things never to happen to us. We become complacent in our walk when things are going good but always looking over our shoulders waiting for that moment when something happens.
Some folks seem to go through tough seasons without much harm or emotion. Sometimes those things dont appear until years later when they resurface in some way. Some folks are immediately affected.
I love Job's prayer in Job 1:21 - "Naked I come from my mothers womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the neame of the Lord be praised."
We are just stewards of the things we have in this life. I know some folks who have fallen on hard time financially because of the economy or over extending themselves and they have put so much into their stuff. Their stuff gives them an identity and they stive and strain to keep those things. As Paul has said in:
2 Corinthians 11:26-28 - I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jes, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worded hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my convern for all the churches.
Even besides all the things that Paul was suffering through - his concern for the church was his main focus above all else. A daily burden to strain ahead for the people of God. Job was in that place. Though he could have easily given up, gave into the temptation to scream out to God to curse him and blame him. He never waivered in his faith and in his trust of Christ. Jesus taught us to wrap our hearts around whatever we treasure most. If we treasure most what can be taken away or destroyed, our hearts will always be in danger. Job appreciated what he had, what he had been given but his life didnt revolve around his possessions. Instead, his heart was wrapped around his relationship with God. A personal relationship with Christ.
So looking at your situation today, along with me looking at mine, what kind of lesson can you learn from Job and his experience?
In Job 2:11-13 - share a great story which I wont put here but I will challenge you to read in your bible or online so that maybe you will continue to read - it talks about Job's 3 friends. They travel long distance probably to come and be with him in his agony and pain. 7 days without a word to him and each other, not a word spoken as they stayed with him, weaped loudly and tore their clothes because of the suffering their friend was under.
Remain faithful loved ones, strain forward and not give in or give up to where today finds you, the things you are suffering from or challenges that today has for you. You will get a new job, you will not be a cancer patient but a person who follows Christ because of that cancer. You will rise to lead your family and out the trust back in your marriage. Your son or daughter will call at 11:05 and say she is running late and then you take the keys from her/him and ground them for the next 28 years.... and all the while.... tears and a heart that is thankful inside because they are safe.
Lord we praise you the storms of our lives. Help us learn from Job as he was so passionate about honoring you even while he suffered so much. Help us relate to where he was and his example so that we may do that in our own lives and through the things we are suffering with. May we all have friends that will come along side and suffer with us, who will cry with us, give us a leaning shoulder when we need it and a church family who will step up and support us. May Jesus speak into our next moments before we even get there and feel him in some new way that will give us hope, direction and confidence to keep striving forward. We love and praise you today and through our storms in this life. Amennnnnn~
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Productivity without passion.
Imagine a marriage just going through the motions. Imagine life just going through the motions. Imagine a Pro football player - going through the motions. Imagine your walk with Christ, just going through the motions.
There is no interest really to strengthen, to improve, to do better, or to walk closer.
As a dad I cant imagine leading my family and loving them without passion. They are dear to my heart and mean everything to me. But yet so many fathers, say those words but dont show those words. A father dutifully earns a living at a job to pay the bills, take care of the house, keeps the lawn cut, cleans the cars and sees that his family has clothing or other earthly needs being met. He has lost tenderness and his passion for his wife and the mother of his children. He finds himself on the internet looking for things he shouldn't, pouring himself into the local watering hole in town and he only speaks to his family when he has to.
For many, these dads have lost the vision that God had for them. Its not that God lost the vision - they have. They have forgotten how to live and the purpose of raising a family and pouring into the next generation. Its their next generation - they are the ones that suffer the most.
It saddens me because that passion or lack there of, is contagious. It affects everyone around them. A son looking to dad to raise him, to lead a family and love his momma - lost because he doesnt have an example. A daughter who looks to dad for guidance, to learn how a man is supposed to treat and love her and a dad who should be someone that they may one day marry because of his charcter, his passion, his love and his tenderness.
Its all sad really because for many - we have lost the vision. We have lost the passion. We turn because its hard and do the easy things in life or just give up and move on.
As I think about next week with Thirst Camp and spending 6 days with teenagers, adult leaders and investing so much in them - I find myself the last few days, especially today just in AWE of God. Still trying to process all that I was so blessed to experience in Jamaica and how God showd up in so many ways, in so many people and in so many situations ... I know this next week will be the same. It will be at a different location being that we are not in Jamaica but at the beach and with a WHOLE bunch more students. I know God is going to wreck some folks. I know He is going to take on and break some hearts. I know God is going to put some tears in some of their faces which might end up on my shirt or on my sleeve. I am excited for this coming week because God will show up and reveal himself to many. As I read through a few things to share for this coming Sunday right before we leave for camp .... I want to really share my heart with those there that God is so much bigger than we think about his sometimes. He is in all things and even the sunrises at the beach next week - he created so much for us to be in AWE. How can we not be in that place and just think, God - you created heaven and earth and here we are - some of us complaining over stupid stuff, all of falling short of what you want for us, we think too highly of ourselves to put others ahead of us - Gosh Lord we have our priorities messed up!!
Last night Carol and I got to serve a meal to a family who lost their dad, their husband, their friend and their leader. A man sold out for Christ and as the family shared, he was all in. 110% full forward - it was how he lived. He never did anything half way. He never not put all he had into whatever he was doing. He lived his life with passion. He lived his life taking care of others and giving his shirt off his back not wanting anything in return. He was respected and placed in a catagory all his own to those who really knew him.
The Apostle Paul shares with us his passion for teaching and sharing Christ. Never lose heart loved ones of doing what is right. Its all that matters in the end. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.
I am in AWE of Jesus today. I am so excited to be teaching the students this year at camp. Center stage just as Paul longed to do in his heart. Just show people Jesus, share with them what He is all about. When we have the right vision and perspective of God - it changes everything. Its such a humbling place as I prepare what God has laid on my heart to share with them.
Golden opportunity - I am reading Isaiah 6 today and it really is pressing on me - Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty the whole earth is full of his glory.
Do you see that glory today in your life? Do you see all that he has created around you for you to see, to gain perspective, to see how small you really are and how BIG he really is?
Isaiah 6:8 - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
It reminds me of a song that is out now from Chris Tomlin - I will Follow.
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve, I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you
Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You're the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone
In you there's life everlasting
In you there is freedom for my soul
In you theres joy, undending joy
and I will follow
Peace out,
Lonnie~
Imagine a marriage just going through the motions. Imagine life just going through the motions. Imagine a Pro football player - going through the motions. Imagine your walk with Christ, just going through the motions.
There is no interest really to strengthen, to improve, to do better, or to walk closer.
As a dad I cant imagine leading my family and loving them without passion. They are dear to my heart and mean everything to me. But yet so many fathers, say those words but dont show those words. A father dutifully earns a living at a job to pay the bills, take care of the house, keeps the lawn cut, cleans the cars and sees that his family has clothing or other earthly needs being met. He has lost tenderness and his passion for his wife and the mother of his children. He finds himself on the internet looking for things he shouldn't, pouring himself into the local watering hole in town and he only speaks to his family when he has to.
For many, these dads have lost the vision that God had for them. Its not that God lost the vision - they have. They have forgotten how to live and the purpose of raising a family and pouring into the next generation. Its their next generation - they are the ones that suffer the most.
It saddens me because that passion or lack there of, is contagious. It affects everyone around them. A son looking to dad to raise him, to lead a family and love his momma - lost because he doesnt have an example. A daughter who looks to dad for guidance, to learn how a man is supposed to treat and love her and a dad who should be someone that they may one day marry because of his charcter, his passion, his love and his tenderness.
Its all sad really because for many - we have lost the vision. We have lost the passion. We turn because its hard and do the easy things in life or just give up and move on.
As I think about next week with Thirst Camp and spending 6 days with teenagers, adult leaders and investing so much in them - I find myself the last few days, especially today just in AWE of God. Still trying to process all that I was so blessed to experience in Jamaica and how God showd up in so many ways, in so many people and in so many situations ... I know this next week will be the same. It will be at a different location being that we are not in Jamaica but at the beach and with a WHOLE bunch more students. I know God is going to wreck some folks. I know He is going to take on and break some hearts. I know God is going to put some tears in some of their faces which might end up on my shirt or on my sleeve. I am excited for this coming week because God will show up and reveal himself to many. As I read through a few things to share for this coming Sunday right before we leave for camp .... I want to really share my heart with those there that God is so much bigger than we think about his sometimes. He is in all things and even the sunrises at the beach next week - he created so much for us to be in AWE. How can we not be in that place and just think, God - you created heaven and earth and here we are - some of us complaining over stupid stuff, all of falling short of what you want for us, we think too highly of ourselves to put others ahead of us - Gosh Lord we have our priorities messed up!!
Last night Carol and I got to serve a meal to a family who lost their dad, their husband, their friend and their leader. A man sold out for Christ and as the family shared, he was all in. 110% full forward - it was how he lived. He never did anything half way. He never not put all he had into whatever he was doing. He lived his life with passion. He lived his life taking care of others and giving his shirt off his back not wanting anything in return. He was respected and placed in a catagory all his own to those who really knew him.
The Apostle Paul shares with us his passion for teaching and sharing Christ. Never lose heart loved ones of doing what is right. Its all that matters in the end. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.
I am in AWE of Jesus today. I am so excited to be teaching the students this year at camp. Center stage just as Paul longed to do in his heart. Just show people Jesus, share with them what He is all about. When we have the right vision and perspective of God - it changes everything. Its such a humbling place as I prepare what God has laid on my heart to share with them.
Golden opportunity - I am reading Isaiah 6 today and it really is pressing on me - Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty the whole earth is full of his glory.
Do you see that glory today in your life? Do you see all that he has created around you for you to see, to gain perspective, to see how small you really are and how BIG he really is?
Isaiah 6:8 - Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
It reminds me of a song that is out now from Chris Tomlin - I will Follow.
Where you stay, I'll stay
When you move, I'll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I'll love
How you serve, I'll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you
Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You're the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone
In you there's life everlasting
In you there is freedom for my soul
In you theres joy, undending joy
and I will follow
Peace out,
Lonnie~
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Press through the pain. Nobody likes discomfort or a season of time where things are sour or just plain hard. I have hearing the words at the dentist or at the doctors office about to have some procedure done and the dentist or doctors says, "You will have some discomfort" - that really means its going to hurt!
Being a parent at times is painful. From the moment your son or daughter is born, they depend on you. That never changes throughout your life even though it may look different at different times of your life as well as theirs. These middle school years are especially hard as Kyle is venturing out more and establishing himself and his place in the world. I feel that same way with my daughters in my life and not being their "real" dad - its hard sometimes to know where the line is. It changes all the time within the bounderies and I struggle with that - just finding a way to fit in and still be useful I guess or needed. Its also hard because they dont have a great daddy example and sometimes that leads to seasons of time where we are not in sync with one another and thats okay because we talk through them. I love that about them because we know we have each others back and if there is a problem we dont throw in the towel or give up. We work on them. I was told just in the last few days, - Family sticks together no matter what. Its for sure a God thing this family ...
I know with Kyle its about showing him how to be a man, to love his mother as one day he will need that example to love, care and lead his own wife and family. As I seek God in those things its so apparent that you have to be at a humble place in order to move through this season. Having wisdom is something that God promises to give us if we ask for it. Proverbs is written just for that purpose. This important book offers amazingly rich and wise words to relush rather than to simple read. I find it better to linger over a single proverb and really understand its meaning than to just sit and read an entire chapter. Its even better if we can excersize that proverb into our lives and put it into practice. These proverbs point us towards wise decision in life and who doesn't want that? I mean we don't go out and try to make poor choices do we? This is timeless wisdom for everyone no matter where you find yourself today.
Proverbs 4:20-27
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a mans whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
This is in reference to me speaking into the lives of those around me, my son, my daughters, those who I am leading - but its also our heavenly Father speaking to them and to me. I am listening closely to what you are saying Lord. When your heart is in something - its special. It lasts. It means something. Guarding it can sometimes mean putting it into a protective shell where nothing will penetrate it- that is such a sad place to be. I am that person who wears his heart on his sleeve and life does mean so much. The people in my life mean so much. Following Jesus means so much. When those seasons come where your heart gets hurt, it aches a little - thats when we turn to Christ even more because He is the wellspring of life. He can restore the heart and thus heal the entire body.
If you are in a place today, if you find yourself mostly grump central or just not happy even when you should be - seek some wisdom from our Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 3:6 - In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Lord we acknowledge you today and we ask that you be in the details of everything in our lives. You know the level of heart pain that each of us has and I ask that you take that pain from each of us. Hold it in your hands Lord and mend those good things from you back into us. Help us soak in your every word as we seek wisdom and your face in all we do. For you are the wellspring to our lives because you make us complete. May our hearts be in this with you, may they be in tune with our children as we seek your wisdom in how to lead them, how to love them and gently correct their paths. May your wisdom be in all these decisions Lord as we make our paths in this life. We know you are there with us and we thank you for loving us enough to send your son Jesus for us. Help us continue on your paths Lord and not our own. Keep us straight, keep us hungry for you and help us love one another as you have given us a great example. I pray these things in Jesus name, Amennnnnnn
Being a parent at times is painful. From the moment your son or daughter is born, they depend on you. That never changes throughout your life even though it may look different at different times of your life as well as theirs. These middle school years are especially hard as Kyle is venturing out more and establishing himself and his place in the world. I feel that same way with my daughters in my life and not being their "real" dad - its hard sometimes to know where the line is. It changes all the time within the bounderies and I struggle with that - just finding a way to fit in and still be useful I guess or needed. Its also hard because they dont have a great daddy example and sometimes that leads to seasons of time where we are not in sync with one another and thats okay because we talk through them. I love that about them because we know we have each others back and if there is a problem we dont throw in the towel or give up. We work on them. I was told just in the last few days, - Family sticks together no matter what. Its for sure a God thing this family ...
I know with Kyle its about showing him how to be a man, to love his mother as one day he will need that example to love, care and lead his own wife and family. As I seek God in those things its so apparent that you have to be at a humble place in order to move through this season. Having wisdom is something that God promises to give us if we ask for it. Proverbs is written just for that purpose. This important book offers amazingly rich and wise words to relush rather than to simple read. I find it better to linger over a single proverb and really understand its meaning than to just sit and read an entire chapter. Its even better if we can excersize that proverb into our lives and put it into practice. These proverbs point us towards wise decision in life and who doesn't want that? I mean we don't go out and try to make poor choices do we? This is timeless wisdom for everyone no matter where you find yourself today.
Proverbs 4:20-27
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a mans whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
This is in reference to me speaking into the lives of those around me, my son, my daughters, those who I am leading - but its also our heavenly Father speaking to them and to me. I am listening closely to what you are saying Lord. When your heart is in something - its special. It lasts. It means something. Guarding it can sometimes mean putting it into a protective shell where nothing will penetrate it- that is such a sad place to be. I am that person who wears his heart on his sleeve and life does mean so much. The people in my life mean so much. Following Jesus means so much. When those seasons come where your heart gets hurt, it aches a little - thats when we turn to Christ even more because He is the wellspring of life. He can restore the heart and thus heal the entire body.
If you are in a place today, if you find yourself mostly grump central or just not happy even when you should be - seek some wisdom from our Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 3:6 - In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Lord we acknowledge you today and we ask that you be in the details of everything in our lives. You know the level of heart pain that each of us has and I ask that you take that pain from each of us. Hold it in your hands Lord and mend those good things from you back into us. Help us soak in your every word as we seek wisdom and your face in all we do. For you are the wellspring to our lives because you make us complete. May our hearts be in this with you, may they be in tune with our children as we seek your wisdom in how to lead them, how to love them and gently correct their paths. May your wisdom be in all these decisions Lord as we make our paths in this life. We know you are there with us and we thank you for loving us enough to send your son Jesus for us. Help us continue on your paths Lord and not our own. Keep us straight, keep us hungry for you and help us love one another as you have given us a great example. I pray these things in Jesus name, Amennnnnnn
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
It has been a little while since I have really got into writing - in many ways I am still adjusting to everything since coming back from Jamaica. On many fronts I know the enemy is attacking and I am standing firm for Christ is everyway I know how to and asking God for direction and guidance. I want to share a story from the Center of Hope this past Sunday. I have to say it was in deed the best Sunday there I have ever experienced~ thus far. It was a good handful of students that went with me. Kyle, Madison, Katelyn, Marissa and Taylor. What a great bunch right there and it was so awesome seeing them coming into the women and children's homeless shelter in uptown Charlotte Sunday. With smiles and a serving heart showing Jesus - it really showed to all the folks there as we served pot roast, rice, corn and green beans, rolls and a desert. It was hot there with all the hot foot but I put Maddi on the front line taking orders and she was greeted by so many smiles that afternoon because smiles are contagious and hers is as big and bright as anyone I know. We had so much fun serving that meal, talking with all the folks there, giving fist bumps to most of the kids there and complimenting the ladies there on their hair, ear rings, and color of clothes...it was welcomed with "Thank You", "God Bless", "Thank You all for coming today it was great!" - it was a day that was like no other. We got to work with Pam who was the lady in charge and as soon as I walked in and said good morning - she smiled as she remembered us from the last time. She asked me her name and I said with a smile, "Pam". She said it was so good to us and she loved serving the days we are there because I bring energy and a great smiling attitude along with a great bunch of young people. For me, it is awesome serving the needs of folks and showing them Jesus but more so - its about me giving the students an opportunity to give back, to engage themselves in something bigger and focusing them on being active in their faith. Its faith with hands and feet and that is what Jesus has called us to do. So to see this young people, to serve along side of them is such an amazing experience for them but also for me. I ask questions like, "What do you think that persons story is?" "Why do you think she is here with 5 children?" - it really makes them stop and think and realize that maybe they dont belong here. Maybe this is not so much as a hand out but a hand up for them. Offer them a little encouragement, share with them a smile and show them that they are worthy of someone doing that for them because they are not forgotten. Gosh this just makes me excited thinking about it. As the morning turned into the afternoon - Pam shared with me how down she has been. Her brother murdered last week in Charlotte really has her in a tough place. A place ash she described as not even wanting to get out of bed. It was then that I shared some of our experiences in Jamaica. We didnt go to sit in the white sandy beaches drinking fruit drinks while watching the sun set - we went to serve. We went to share the love of Christ. We went to make a difference. She said Lonnie, That is exactly what I need to jump start my faith again, I am so down and depressed and she said it wouldn't surprise her if at some point soon she was standing on the other side of the meal room. Meaning she would be homeless and living there with the folks we were serving a meal to. I told her to give me her address and I would send you our pictures and I gathered up the students and we held hands and thanked God for the opportunity to serve those in need, all of which Jesus loves and He has not forgotten them. I lifted Pam in prayer for encouragement and for her to keep her eyes on Him. I prayed for soften hearts for the students with me serving that day and may His blessings touch all in that facility. She walked us out, with tears and a smile, gave each of us hug.
That is sharing Jesus with those in need. Even though it was not planned or thought through before hand, God had an opportunity there and we all took that step out in faith and He blessed that. Our lunch uptown was fun as we ate at fuel pizza together and shared a few hours walking around uptown Charlotte.
I say all this because I am almost finished with my book "RADICAL" by David Platt and last night reading a few pages it talks about something that I struggled with before Jamaica. As I read that tingle appeared and I knew I was reading something special. I have just lived this and now I am reading exactly what I was living a few months ago, a bunch of times talking with folks about it, blogging about it and here it was in flippin PRINT!
I will share that here and thank you Mr. Platt for writing your heart in this book and sharing.
There are 3 things to turn your life upside down for Christ.
1. spend your $ on something gospel centered.
2. Give in a way that is church focused.
3. Give to something specific and tangible.
Point three is what I want to dig into.... ready?
For example, if you are trying to sacrifice your money generally to give to the poor, then you will lack a face on the need that reminds you why you must sacrifice to give. Related to this, give to someone or something you can personally serve alongside. The more you are involved with touching needs personally, the more you will demonstrate the gospel to people authentically. So its best to connect your giving to your going.
Connect your giving to your going. Gosh that blows me away. Serving a meal uptown to touch the hearts of the folks there, going to Jamaica and serving the many there who need so much and who have so little. Go not so much in terms of meeting a physical need but a spiritual need which is FAR more in need and important. It reminds me of Terry in the hospital in Jamaica who as I was called from across the room for my hat, sunglasses, $400 and my blessing for Terry to marry Morgan.... I was greeted by a man with very little - 14 years in bed paralyzed from the waste down from a neck injury playing soccer. He asked me for physical healing and I shared with him I was not there for physical needs because I didnt give him my hat, my sunglasses, $400 nor my blessing for him to marry my daughter - I shared with him I was there for his spiritual needs. He then smiled a huge smile and I got to pray with him.
Following Christ this way is radical. Its weird. Its different. Its pretty amazing and awesome.
2 Corinthians 2:14-
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. TO the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men send from God.
2 Corinthians 3:2 - 3 - You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tables of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Loved ones, I pray this has been an encouragement to you today. I feel like someone out there needed this today ... including myself. You have been sent from God - now go and do.
Peace out,
Lonnie~
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