What a difference a week makes. Was totally pumped to be at church yesterday. Pastor Jimmy preached an awesome message and in with the students - Pastor Travis delivered a great message as well. I got to open with announcements and pray for all of us before Travis took the stage but I also did something we had not done in over a year and that was pass out a bucket of candy which was a big hit with the students. I also got approval from one of our first time students yesterday to be my go to guy to pass the candy out. He personally got to say hello to everyone in the room - all 44 students. I asked him afterwards if that was ok - he said "yeah man! Can I do that next week also?" I have a feeling he may be back :) - I also had 2 of "MyKids" tell me yesterday I did a good job and that means a lot to me. Rock Group last night was also a strong message which I will share at another time but as I think about that from yesterday, I can't help but to think about all the people in my life that I would call - closer than a brother. This also means ladies too - so I will change it a little. They are closer than a brother and sister. This doesn't mean that I am not close to my brothers, I have 2 of them, one older and one younger - do I wish I was closer to them? Yes absolutely. Do I love them? Yes absolutely. I am just saying.....
I posted a question a few days ago on my FaceBook page that has really led me to a few great conversations, not only with a few of "MyKids" but also some of our students. The question I posted was - "Is it better to pick your friends or is it better to have your friends pick you?"
There have been some key points talked about for both sides of the question for sure but I will let you answer that question for yourself but I do really want to share what a friend is. The Bible has a few things to say about friendship.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 19:4Wealth brings many friends, but a poor man's friend deserts him.
Proverbs 19:7 A poor man is shunned by all his relatives— how much more do his friends avoid him! Though he pursues them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.
John 15:14 You are my friends if you do what I command.
John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
The bible is packed with examples of friendship. Jesus picked his 12 friends that He poured into. He did life with them. He took them places. They ate together. They traveled and stayed in hotels together. Well not really hotels, but places to rest, usually in the homes of friends. They went boating together. Climbed mountains together. They went to church together... they also got kicked out of places together. They shared together and shared their families together. See the big thing here is relationships. I am blessed to be doing life with some awesome families. I am blessed to be close enough to some very special to me students who I love like my own children. They breath into me and I breath into them.
I have to say that the only reason why I have so many awesome people in my life is because of the relationship I have with Jesus. It all starts with Him. If I was only calling myself a Christian or if I never knew Jesus at all - I would never be in a place to have gotten to know these wonderful people in the first place. I would never be allowed to be this close or my walls would be never to let them in. My focus would have been all about me and what my needs were and always wanting something from them. We become who we hang out with. So chances are the friends I would be hanging out with would be just like me. They would always be wanting something from me and their focus would always be on them. These things make for terrible friendships.... and ones that no matter how hard you try or what you do.. it will never be enough.
A true friend puts their needs aside and attends to your needs. A true friend comes to your side when things are falling down.
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. This paints a wonderful picture of what a friend really is. It means that when a friend is down - we get in the game. We are born to help and get involved. Its easy to have friends when everything is going well. Money rolling in, face with smiles out front of everything but when things start to struggle. Its your true friends that stick to your side.... ready to do whatever it is to do battle with you. I learned this a few weeks back with a very difficult decision. There is nothing more powerful than a friend reaching out in hugs, offering a shoulder, lifting prayers, and saying - I am with you where ever you go. "MyKids" are no exception there.... those words mean so much to me. What a difference a "Friend" makes in our lives. I bet you could use a few of these in our lives can't we? Build that relationship with Jesus - Start there and they will come.
In Christ,
Lonnie
Lord I thank You for your friendship. You are always there as our example in a BFF. In a day where we are all looking for instant gratification and comfort with dating someone or being seen with someone - help us to know You more personally Lord. Help us know who we really are and what You see us as. Our perfect father and our best friend. One that never changes and is always there to listen and guide us in the ways that are true and good. You have our best intentions at heart. When we can finally see, believe and live who we really are - then life will take on a new meaning. We will become different because we will know we are powerful and beautiful because that is what you created .... we are in Your image and You surely don't make junk Lord. Lord we thank You today and may we give ourselves a chance to see things and people with Your eyes Lord. Give us the strength to take a stand today - for You and show the world we are really yours. Help us understand the true meaning of friends Lord.
I pray all this in Your sons mighty and perfect name in Jesus.
Amen
Monday, November 16, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
What a week ...
Yes faith moves mountains. It has been a long week for sure but a week that was surrounded and immersed in prayer. That is what makes it a great week. Friday today - looking forward to Sunday.
Tonight I am taking some of "MyKids" to the UNC Charlotte mens basketball game. It will be time well invested with fun, smiles, dip n dots and friendship. I take this role very seriously as I reach out to the students in my life. God has entrusted them to me and for me - there is NO higher calling. Yes sometimes its messy and teenagers from 11 - 17 are at the most complicated times of their lives. Emotions and body changes and in between somewhere with not being a child or an adult can really take its toll. I realized something yesterday - when we get to college and beyond, it is not so much us that is complicated anymore. We are who we are but the complicated part is the lives we are leading. Studies, decisions, friends, dating, marriage and raising a family... those are all complicated things.
So as I continue to reach out to my students and their families... I can't help but to be thankful. Thankful that they call on me and reach out to me as much as I do to them. Doesn't matter if its a phone call, a text message, a facebook comment or a hug at church that sends a message - hey we need to talk. Its all good ....... humbling for sure.
Teenagers need relationships with godly adults. Teenagers see very little consistency in this world, and they need to be confronted with the consistency of Christ through adults who love Jesus and who also love them.
I am so thankful for the other leaders in my life and at church who are serving God with me and who are setting this example and being authentically available to our young people.
Jesus poured himself into the relationships of his disciples. He could have chosen any way He wanted to get the message to generations of people .... but he chose to do so through
~ Relationship~
What a week it has been.......
Gods peace and happy Friday everyone,
Lonnie~
Tonight I am taking some of "MyKids" to the UNC Charlotte mens basketball game. It will be time well invested with fun, smiles, dip n dots and friendship. I take this role very seriously as I reach out to the students in my life. God has entrusted them to me and for me - there is NO higher calling. Yes sometimes its messy and teenagers from 11 - 17 are at the most complicated times of their lives. Emotions and body changes and in between somewhere with not being a child or an adult can really take its toll. I realized something yesterday - when we get to college and beyond, it is not so much us that is complicated anymore. We are who we are but the complicated part is the lives we are leading. Studies, decisions, friends, dating, marriage and raising a family... those are all complicated things.
So as I continue to reach out to my students and their families... I can't help but to be thankful. Thankful that they call on me and reach out to me as much as I do to them. Doesn't matter if its a phone call, a text message, a facebook comment or a hug at church that sends a message - hey we need to talk. Its all good ....... humbling for sure.
Teenagers need relationships with godly adults. Teenagers see very little consistency in this world, and they need to be confronted with the consistency of Christ through adults who love Jesus and who also love them.
I am so thankful for the other leaders in my life and at church who are serving God with me and who are setting this example and being authentically available to our young people.
Jesus poured himself into the relationships of his disciples. He could have chosen any way He wanted to get the message to generations of people .... but he chose to do so through
~ Relationship~
What a week it has been.......
Gods peace and happy Friday everyone,
Lonnie~
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Decisions are sometimes difficult
Being 43 means we are supposed to make adult decisions. It means putting childish things aside and our life reflects the amount of faith we have. Does faith dictate that decision making skills we have today? I hope so because for me, its the bottom line in my life. Its the foundation in the choices I make even when those choices are tough ones. Do I trust my faith in Jesus enough to know that when I do have to make a decision in life - especially when it affects others - has that choice been prayed over, have you seeked Gods heart in it, and have I clearly heard from God in what He would want me to do?
This past week has been a tough week for me. I can't recall a tougher week since the week that my mom passed back in 2006. It was a week full of doubts, questions, seeking Gods will over my own, decisions knowing it would affect SO many other people, people that I love with all my heart and all the students and kids that I have grown to love over the past few years and who I have invested so much into. They are very much a major part in who I am today....
I am finally thankful and at peace with having made my decision. Many, especially some of my closest "kids" who cried last week when we talked through all this was smiling and crying tears of joy yesterday when I got to share the news with them. I am at peace and I slept last night even though I was on the couch because everyone is sick at the house ... I slept peacefully.
I remember doing a Rock Group study a few months ago from Luke 24. I would like to share that story here this morning. This is a story of 2 men, probably Jesus' disciples, walking home along the road coming from the place where Jesus was just killed.
Luke 24: 13
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.
17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19"What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ[b] have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
I just love this story. 2 men rejected in all their hopes and dreams. All their lives they have heard about their savior and king that would come and rescue their people. Its like a bedtime story that you just love when you are a kid when mommy or daddy lays with you in bed before bedtime. Its stories that you just hold close to your heart and after years of them growing up with these stories had it right in front of them. It was personal and it was true. But then it all crashed and all hope and dreams went with it. So many of us live our lives in this fashion. We have struggles and difficult things we face. We focus on the problems and in a lot of cases - we become those struggles. It defines us. Just as these 2 men walking along the road with all hopes and dreams shattered - Jesus appears to them and they don't recognize him. He encourages them and gives them hope once again. When they finally realize it - he is gone but they are left changed. They are left knowing the fact that Jesus is with them always - every step of the way.
I have to say that nowhere in my walk last week did I not feel the presence of Jesus. No matter how much I struggled or how hard it weighed me down ...I felt Jesus the entire time. The decision was made and I know without a doubt I have made the right decision but also not my will in it - but Gods will.
If you are struggling today with something. Students if you are having issues in school with friends, bad influences, teachers or issues at home..... know that God is with you. He is walking along side and like these 2 men - there is someone you can lean on to help carry your burdens. Never let the devil have a foothold in your thinking .... he will get you alone and that is where the most damage and deception is done. Grab a good trusted friend, grab a leader at your church or someone else that you have a good trusted relationship with and get them involved.
Jesus is in your walk. He is along the side of the road right with you in your walk. Let Him carry you for a little while - if you ask Him for a mile ... He will give you 2.
Lord thank You for this day. Thank You for your loving hands and your patience with me the last week. I especially thank You for the people, the families and especially "MyKids" who prayed for me, who lifted me and my family in prayer and in comfort and especially for the encouragement that no matter what - they had my back and would walk with me - would walk with my family because that is what we are ... family. Lord thank You for my church who has given me the foundation to my faith by teaching me about You. Thank You Lord Jesus for being our heavenly Father who knows what is best in all things and for loving us the way You do. May we honor You and bring You glory in all we do. I pray for the person who is struggling with something today. I pray You walk along side of them Lord and reveal yourself to them in a new and exciting way. I pray for those around them Lord in their life who would help pick up their burdens and carry the cross for them. Help us not be alone in our struggles. I pray all this in your sons mighty name in Jesus,
Amen
This past week has been a tough week for me. I can't recall a tougher week since the week that my mom passed back in 2006. It was a week full of doubts, questions, seeking Gods will over my own, decisions knowing it would affect SO many other people, people that I love with all my heart and all the students and kids that I have grown to love over the past few years and who I have invested so much into. They are very much a major part in who I am today....
I am finally thankful and at peace with having made my decision. Many, especially some of my closest "kids" who cried last week when we talked through all this was smiling and crying tears of joy yesterday when I got to share the news with them. I am at peace and I slept last night even though I was on the couch because everyone is sick at the house ... I slept peacefully.
I remember doing a Rock Group study a few months ago from Luke 24. I would like to share that story here this morning. This is a story of 2 men, probably Jesus' disciples, walking home along the road coming from the place where Jesus was just killed.
Luke 24: 13
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.
17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19"What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."
25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ[b] have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
I just love this story. 2 men rejected in all their hopes and dreams. All their lives they have heard about their savior and king that would come and rescue their people. Its like a bedtime story that you just love when you are a kid when mommy or daddy lays with you in bed before bedtime. Its stories that you just hold close to your heart and after years of them growing up with these stories had it right in front of them. It was personal and it was true. But then it all crashed and all hope and dreams went with it. So many of us live our lives in this fashion. We have struggles and difficult things we face. We focus on the problems and in a lot of cases - we become those struggles. It defines us. Just as these 2 men walking along the road with all hopes and dreams shattered - Jesus appears to them and they don't recognize him. He encourages them and gives them hope once again. When they finally realize it - he is gone but they are left changed. They are left knowing the fact that Jesus is with them always - every step of the way.
I have to say that nowhere in my walk last week did I not feel the presence of Jesus. No matter how much I struggled or how hard it weighed me down ...I felt Jesus the entire time. The decision was made and I know without a doubt I have made the right decision but also not my will in it - but Gods will.
If you are struggling today with something. Students if you are having issues in school with friends, bad influences, teachers or issues at home..... know that God is with you. He is walking along side and like these 2 men - there is someone you can lean on to help carry your burdens. Never let the devil have a foothold in your thinking .... he will get you alone and that is where the most damage and deception is done. Grab a good trusted friend, grab a leader at your church or someone else that you have a good trusted relationship with and get them involved.
Jesus is in your walk. He is along the side of the road right with you in your walk. Let Him carry you for a little while - if you ask Him for a mile ... He will give you 2.
Lord thank You for this day. Thank You for your loving hands and your patience with me the last week. I especially thank You for the people, the families and especially "MyKids" who prayed for me, who lifted me and my family in prayer and in comfort and especially for the encouragement that no matter what - they had my back and would walk with me - would walk with my family because that is what we are ... family. Lord thank You for my church who has given me the foundation to my faith by teaching me about You. Thank You Lord Jesus for being our heavenly Father who knows what is best in all things and for loving us the way You do. May we honor You and bring You glory in all we do. I pray for the person who is struggling with something today. I pray You walk along side of them Lord and reveal yourself to them in a new and exciting way. I pray for those around them Lord in their life who would help pick up their burdens and carry the cross for them. Help us not be alone in our struggles. I pray all this in your sons mighty name in Jesus,
Amen
Monday, November 9, 2009
Dragging a bit this afternoon as I begin my hunt for a coffee to make it through the afternoon. I slept in the other room last night due to Kyle not feeling well but thankfully his fever broke and puking has stopped and is hungry. Something Kyle is always .... hungry! He should be back on his feet in the next day or 2 - the kids have off school on Wed this week so I am sure he and many others will be enjoying their time off and with a much needed break.
Funny thing happened to me on Saturday that I just have to share. I was cutting a big branch off a tree for an extended family and while on the ladder up about 12 foot - the branch cut loose and twisted, fell and really knocked the steps on the ladder. There I was up in the tree hanging on swinging with a chain saw in my hands..... glad nobody "saw" that. Well, the story is not over. After getting that all cleaned up and branches stacked at the curb, I decided to get the gutters cleaned. Well, I don't do ladders. I don't do heights. I don't do roofs. There I was on the ladder, on the roof and up way off the ground! Yes I got the gutters cleaned very slowly and then it was time to get down off the roof. Well after 15 min or so of sweating in the hot sun and the ladder only inches on the gutter. I moved back to the side of the 2nd story and got my phone out. A few text messages and a phone call almost to someone who could HELP!!!.... I found out one of my dear kids was inside. I called her and she opened the window in less than 10 seconds. Rescued.... I climbed in and laid on the floor in her room. Thankful for sure.... tired..... sweaty and spent.
Got to spend some time after church yesterday with our Rock Group over some great food, Panthers game even though they lost and had a chance to catch up with everyone. Awesome to be doing life with these families and know that this is the sweet spot in life that so many people never have the chance to experience.
I have had some thoughts the last few months as I get to know the HS students and their so close walk with adult decisions and life choices that are in front of them. I have been thinking about even my years in HS and what different choices I would make knowing what I know now and how can I use my experience to navigate them in these crucial years. What does God want me to do? is probably the most common question , but there are others. What does God want me to go to college? What does He want me to study? Would I make a good youth pastor? Where does God want me to live? Should I date this person?
God doesn't focus so much on the externals but the internals. I had the chance yesterday to use a chisel while helping a dear family change a lock on their front door. I didn't get to use it but I think about that wood being shaped so that things would fit. I think about that molding and shaping that is taking place. God has his chisel and is shaping the internals of who you are. As He shapes and molds you to be more like Him. You will know where you will go to college and what you will study. You will know because Gods will is 98% of who you are. Choose to believe the truth that God is changing you, and you should clear up a lot of confusion of what is ahead.
He has the hammer and chisel and his greatness is coming out through you.
I am still afraid of ladders, heights and roofs - but I got it done and there is blessings in there. For me, I got to serve an awesome family who I love and would do anything in the world for and they receive a blessing by allowing someone to serve them and feel the practical love of Jesus. Its a win win for sure..... and He is shaping all of us along the way.
Funny thing happened to me on Saturday that I just have to share. I was cutting a big branch off a tree for an extended family and while on the ladder up about 12 foot - the branch cut loose and twisted, fell and really knocked the steps on the ladder. There I was up in the tree hanging on swinging with a chain saw in my hands..... glad nobody "saw" that. Well, the story is not over. After getting that all cleaned up and branches stacked at the curb, I decided to get the gutters cleaned. Well, I don't do ladders. I don't do heights. I don't do roofs. There I was on the ladder, on the roof and up way off the ground! Yes I got the gutters cleaned very slowly and then it was time to get down off the roof. Well after 15 min or so of sweating in the hot sun and the ladder only inches on the gutter. I moved back to the side of the 2nd story and got my phone out. A few text messages and a phone call almost to someone who could HELP!!!.... I found out one of my dear kids was inside. I called her and she opened the window in less than 10 seconds. Rescued.... I climbed in and laid on the floor in her room. Thankful for sure.... tired..... sweaty and spent.
Got to spend some time after church yesterday with our Rock Group over some great food, Panthers game even though they lost and had a chance to catch up with everyone. Awesome to be doing life with these families and know that this is the sweet spot in life that so many people never have the chance to experience.
I have had some thoughts the last few months as I get to know the HS students and their so close walk with adult decisions and life choices that are in front of them. I have been thinking about even my years in HS and what different choices I would make knowing what I know now and how can I use my experience to navigate them in these crucial years. What does God want me to do? is probably the most common question , but there are others. What does God want me to go to college? What does He want me to study? Would I make a good youth pastor? Where does God want me to live? Should I date this person?
God doesn't focus so much on the externals but the internals. I had the chance yesterday to use a chisel while helping a dear family change a lock on their front door. I didn't get to use it but I think about that wood being shaped so that things would fit. I think about that molding and shaping that is taking place. God has his chisel and is shaping the internals of who you are. As He shapes and molds you to be more like Him. You will know where you will go to college and what you will study. You will know because Gods will is 98% of who you are. Choose to believe the truth that God is changing you, and you should clear up a lot of confusion of what is ahead.
He has the hammer and chisel and his greatness is coming out through you.
I am still afraid of ladders, heights and roofs - but I got it done and there is blessings in there. For me, I got to serve an awesome family who I love and would do anything in the world for and they receive a blessing by allowing someone to serve them and feel the practical love of Jesus. Its a win win for sure..... and He is shaping all of us along the way.
Friday, November 6, 2009
A recent homework assignment....
Its time I put this on "the walk" as I have only shared this with 2 others... Happy Friday everyone!
Who God is to me
By Lonnie Bateman
Yaywey, heavenly Father, God, Jesus is all those things wrapped in one. Who is God to me? More importantly who is Jesus to me? See God can mean many different things to many different people. We have earthly gods that rule our lives. Other religions have their own version of God. As a follower of Jesus Christ – Jesus is my God and my salvation. Say the word Jesus and people know exactly where and who you stand for. As I look at the years of past in my life – God was not much a part of my life up until July 10, 2005. My younger years were spent doing my thing as a kid which really meant that the world was all about “me”. I remember my mom trying to take us to church and having to get dressed up and all and really fighting about going. After some time had passed – my brother and I won the battle and mom quit making us go but that also meant that it kept mom from going. She was very much a believer in God. God became a very important part in my life when I was sick in January 1999. After a very real close brush with death, He began pulling me back into church and taking my faith journey seriously. I can remember saying to God, that if he let me live, I would be the father that my son Kyle needed to be. Carol and I attended our first church service Easter Sunday 2005 at Rocky River Church. There in that school lunch room, I was taught in plain English and in a very real way – the Bible and Gods word. His word became alive. Being on fire for God for the next several months led to my baptism in July and then the grace of salvation was extended to my mom later that month with Pastor Jimmy praying over her with tears running down everyone’s face. See mom knew something was going to happen and she had to make sure that her next steps would be secure. After a 4 month struggle with cancer – mom went home on February 23, 2006. It was such a wonderful experience that morning feeling close to God and knowing that mom was in his presence at that very moment with words “Job well done” as Jesus reached out his hand to her. It is a day that I look forward to myself. God is my father. A father that is full of all the comfort I will ever need in this life and the life that is to come. He is there always ready to listen and ready to encourage me in the next steps I have to make. God has given us the words – “Fear Not” for each day of the year. He has taken away many of my fears because I know he is for me and his promises are true. I often times love to close my eyes and see Jesus listening to my prayers and concerns and then lifting them on my behalf to our heavenly father. I also love to imagine His face when I give Him the glory and praise He so deserves. How he must love that part! I know with all my heart that the love he has for me is real, alive and on a level I cannot even comprehend. The love I understand in my own heart is such a small portion compared to the love God has for me. Love comes from him and as I grow in my faith journey it becomes more and more powerful as I learn to love those who are in my life. God is a perfect father and being a father myself – he makes me be the best father I can be. My life today is totally different because of God. The things of this earth are no longer that important. I strive every day to serve and share with others what God has done in my life. It burns deeply the love I have for others because of him. He has given me a wonderful wife, a wonderful son, and “MyKids” who I love with all my heart. I strive to be the best father, husband, fatherly figure, coach, male role model, friend, son, and spiritual leader that I can be. I look forward to serving him and serving those around me until my name is called and I have to leave this earth. I think about that meeting sometimes and not even being able to speak as he reaches his hand for mine. I want to see and feel the nail scars in his hands – those were for me. My sins put them there and I am sure there will be tears. I will be looking for my mom and many others who have went before me. I take my faith seriously. It is mine, I own it and hearing the words “Job well done” will be a joyous moment for sure. Life has meaning now and so much purpose. Alive, finally after 40+ years of living in the wilderness and being lost. I feel more alive than I have ever been in my life. If God called me today – I would welcome that call… because the best is yet to come. I am so blessed by the life I have now – even though at times it is hard and struggles are very real. I know my God is behind me – taking me by the hand and leading the way. He is perfect in every way. I am willing to follow …. Like a sheep follows his shepherd. He is a good shepherd indeed. I pray that God calls me during that still moment of the day when time seems to stand still – where heaven and earth touch. It reminds of a poem someone wrote long ago.
I am standing by the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.She is an object of beauty and strength,and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, 'There she goes! Gone where? Gone from my sight - that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the places of destination.Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says,'There she goes! ' ,there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout :'Here she comes!'
With Jesus I can do anything. He is my rock, my salvation and my life. I can’t imagine life without him.
Who God is to me
By Lonnie Bateman
Yaywey, heavenly Father, God, Jesus is all those things wrapped in one. Who is God to me? More importantly who is Jesus to me? See God can mean many different things to many different people. We have earthly gods that rule our lives. Other religions have their own version of God. As a follower of Jesus Christ – Jesus is my God and my salvation. Say the word Jesus and people know exactly where and who you stand for. As I look at the years of past in my life – God was not much a part of my life up until July 10, 2005. My younger years were spent doing my thing as a kid which really meant that the world was all about “me”. I remember my mom trying to take us to church and having to get dressed up and all and really fighting about going. After some time had passed – my brother and I won the battle and mom quit making us go but that also meant that it kept mom from going. She was very much a believer in God. God became a very important part in my life when I was sick in January 1999. After a very real close brush with death, He began pulling me back into church and taking my faith journey seriously. I can remember saying to God, that if he let me live, I would be the father that my son Kyle needed to be. Carol and I attended our first church service Easter Sunday 2005 at Rocky River Church. There in that school lunch room, I was taught in plain English and in a very real way – the Bible and Gods word. His word became alive. Being on fire for God for the next several months led to my baptism in July and then the grace of salvation was extended to my mom later that month with Pastor Jimmy praying over her with tears running down everyone’s face. See mom knew something was going to happen and she had to make sure that her next steps would be secure. After a 4 month struggle with cancer – mom went home on February 23, 2006. It was such a wonderful experience that morning feeling close to God and knowing that mom was in his presence at that very moment with words “Job well done” as Jesus reached out his hand to her. It is a day that I look forward to myself. God is my father. A father that is full of all the comfort I will ever need in this life and the life that is to come. He is there always ready to listen and ready to encourage me in the next steps I have to make. God has given us the words – “Fear Not” for each day of the year. He has taken away many of my fears because I know he is for me and his promises are true. I often times love to close my eyes and see Jesus listening to my prayers and concerns and then lifting them on my behalf to our heavenly father. I also love to imagine His face when I give Him the glory and praise He so deserves. How he must love that part! I know with all my heart that the love he has for me is real, alive and on a level I cannot even comprehend. The love I understand in my own heart is such a small portion compared to the love God has for me. Love comes from him and as I grow in my faith journey it becomes more and more powerful as I learn to love those who are in my life. God is a perfect father and being a father myself – he makes me be the best father I can be. My life today is totally different because of God. The things of this earth are no longer that important. I strive every day to serve and share with others what God has done in my life. It burns deeply the love I have for others because of him. He has given me a wonderful wife, a wonderful son, and “MyKids” who I love with all my heart. I strive to be the best father, husband, fatherly figure, coach, male role model, friend, son, and spiritual leader that I can be. I look forward to serving him and serving those around me until my name is called and I have to leave this earth. I think about that meeting sometimes and not even being able to speak as he reaches his hand for mine. I want to see and feel the nail scars in his hands – those were for me. My sins put them there and I am sure there will be tears. I will be looking for my mom and many others who have went before me. I take my faith seriously. It is mine, I own it and hearing the words “Job well done” will be a joyous moment for sure. Life has meaning now and so much purpose. Alive, finally after 40+ years of living in the wilderness and being lost. I feel more alive than I have ever been in my life. If God called me today – I would welcome that call… because the best is yet to come. I am so blessed by the life I have now – even though at times it is hard and struggles are very real. I know my God is behind me – taking me by the hand and leading the way. He is perfect in every way. I am willing to follow …. Like a sheep follows his shepherd. He is a good shepherd indeed. I pray that God calls me during that still moment of the day when time seems to stand still – where heaven and earth touch. It reminds of a poem someone wrote long ago.
I am standing by the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.She is an object of beauty and strength,and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sun and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, 'There she goes! Gone where? Gone from my sight - that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the places of destination.Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says,'There she goes! ' ,there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout :'Here she comes!'
With Jesus I can do anything. He is my rock, my salvation and my life. I can’t imagine life without him.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
I care ~ You matter to me ~ ________.
2 very important things to say over and over to the people in your life. I care ~ You matter to me .... seems like I have been saying those words a lot lately and with everything I have... they come from my heart.
Today's song takes me to a place that has really shaken me the last few days or at least since I put together a song list and shared it with one of my close kids - it has been played a lot over the last few weeks. Last night while leaving the gym and a great workout to boot ... this song came on my Ipod and I just had to stop and get out. I had a moment to pause, thank God for what He is doing in my life, for my family, the people in my life who we are doing life with and for the young people and their families who I get to lead. I pray I am showing them Jesus as much as they are showing me Jesus.
May Jesus receive the glory for all that is on me and in my heart. Let His blessings flow as He leads and this song comes alive within each and every word.
The Motions - Matthew West
This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change
I don't care if I break, At least I'll be feeling something'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life
I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more daywithout Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,"What if I had given everything,instead of going through the motions?
What a powerful song for sure. I have noticed something unusual the last few weeks. The young people who are closest to me get to hear this allot and they don't need to ask any questions when I say these words, "I am proud of you", because I have already explained it to them in detail. They know without a doubt that I am proud of them. Our teens today at home ..... HOME ... get 1 positive remark for every 10 negative. At school they get 1 for every 8 negative so its even worse at home for them as far as building them up and leading them to a place of success. We as parents are often times on the sidelines when it comes to pointing out positive things and when they do something right or make a good decision. We are the first to jump in and swing when they don't and then we drag them through it in the process. No wonder our boys are afraid to make decisions for themselves. No wonder our young girls are paying attention to their friends, magazines and tv over what mom and dad have to say about their appearance and dress.
The last few times I have been together with our students I have told many that, "I am Proud of you". I get a weird look and then the comment of - "For what?" I have to say "just because"... just because they are in church, they are listening to Gods word and they for right now are engaged in something so much bigger than themselves. I am proud of them for that..... When we as leaders and positive role models make those kinds of comments to a young person it has amazing effects. When someone other than their parents make those kinds of comments and breath positive influence into them and takes a genuine interest in them - WOW - it speaks volumes. It breathes confidence... it builds a sense of belief in themselves and you can see it having an impact once they hear it a few times. I do my best to let them know "I am proud of them" and that by walking with them - I am not to judge them but to be there for them. I had a student recently tell me that they could tell me anything and feel ok with it. That is building trust with that student. That opens the floodgates to more conversations and if I am doing my part right and I have my heart and mind focused on Jesus during those conversations ... there is awesome stuff that takes place. Students who have a caring relationship with adults don't tend to fall through the cracks. They know they have someone cheering them on regardless if they mess up... cause they will. We are here to help them navigate the storms and keep them from sinking or getting lost at sea. I am not saying that I have not had my heart hurt even while taking these steps and investing so much in a relationship. Families move .... students go to different churches or whatever. But down the road somewhere.... some place ... they may look back and know at that season in their life - they had someone willing to invest in them, to be authentically available to them and it is something that will hopefully they remember that there was ownership in their faith. No matter where life takes them ... owning their faith will keep there life on the right paths and they have a safety net in place all in the hands of Jesus.
I will close with this -
I care, You matter to me, and I am proud of you. You know who you are.....
Lonnie~
"No regrets, not this time
I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love make me whole
I think I'm finally feeling something'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of this life
"What if I had given everything,instead of going through the motions?
Today's song takes me to a place that has really shaken me the last few days or at least since I put together a song list and shared it with one of my close kids - it has been played a lot over the last few weeks. Last night while leaving the gym and a great workout to boot ... this song came on my Ipod and I just had to stop and get out. I had a moment to pause, thank God for what He is doing in my life, for my family, the people in my life who we are doing life with and for the young people and their families who I get to lead. I pray I am showing them Jesus as much as they are showing me Jesus.
May Jesus receive the glory for all that is on me and in my heart. Let His blessings flow as He leads and this song comes alive within each and every word.
The Motions - Matthew West
This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change
I don't care if I break, At least I'll be feeling something'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life
I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more daywithout Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,"What if I had given everything,instead of going through the motions?
What a powerful song for sure. I have noticed something unusual the last few weeks. The young people who are closest to me get to hear this allot and they don't need to ask any questions when I say these words, "I am proud of you", because I have already explained it to them in detail. They know without a doubt that I am proud of them. Our teens today at home ..... HOME ... get 1 positive remark for every 10 negative. At school they get 1 for every 8 negative so its even worse at home for them as far as building them up and leading them to a place of success. We as parents are often times on the sidelines when it comes to pointing out positive things and when they do something right or make a good decision. We are the first to jump in and swing when they don't and then we drag them through it in the process. No wonder our boys are afraid to make decisions for themselves. No wonder our young girls are paying attention to their friends, magazines and tv over what mom and dad have to say about their appearance and dress.
The last few times I have been together with our students I have told many that, "I am Proud of you". I get a weird look and then the comment of - "For what?" I have to say "just because"... just because they are in church, they are listening to Gods word and they for right now are engaged in something so much bigger than themselves. I am proud of them for that..... When we as leaders and positive role models make those kinds of comments to a young person it has amazing effects. When someone other than their parents make those kinds of comments and breath positive influence into them and takes a genuine interest in them - WOW - it speaks volumes. It breathes confidence... it builds a sense of belief in themselves and you can see it having an impact once they hear it a few times. I do my best to let them know "I am proud of them" and that by walking with them - I am not to judge them but to be there for them. I had a student recently tell me that they could tell me anything and feel ok with it. That is building trust with that student. That opens the floodgates to more conversations and if I am doing my part right and I have my heart and mind focused on Jesus during those conversations ... there is awesome stuff that takes place. Students who have a caring relationship with adults don't tend to fall through the cracks. They know they have someone cheering them on regardless if they mess up... cause they will. We are here to help them navigate the storms and keep them from sinking or getting lost at sea. I am not saying that I have not had my heart hurt even while taking these steps and investing so much in a relationship. Families move .... students go to different churches or whatever. But down the road somewhere.... some place ... they may look back and know at that season in their life - they had someone willing to invest in them, to be authentically available to them and it is something that will hopefully they remember that there was ownership in their faith. No matter where life takes them ... owning their faith will keep there life on the right paths and they have a safety net in place all in the hands of Jesus.
I will close with this -
I care, You matter to me, and I am proud of you. You know who you are.....
Lonnie~
"No regrets, not this time
I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love make me whole
I think I'm finally feeling something'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of this life
"What if I had given everything,instead of going through the motions?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Last couple of days....
Hope this post finds everyone well today that follows my heart here at "the walk". The last few days have been pretty exciting with my family reunion on Sunday and 2 days spent at the cabin with a couple special young people. I am especially thankful for my uncle Homer who preached a few minutes and then blessed the food Sunday. I could follow him around all day listening to what he has to say and I really enjoy feeling his heart as he goes around the room talking and greeting everyone. There is just a love for the Lord that radiates from him. I am also especially thankful for a parent who let her most precious possession come with us to the cabin. You have no idea how much I value that trust and the relationship I have with your family - I just dont have the words to fill it in today but my heart speaks many things. When God is behind something and is leading the way, we often times don't understand things and its usually not the norm that people agree with.
James 1:27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
This is part 2 in a small series I am sharing here on "the walk". This is a song that has been played a lot on my Ipod over the last few days.
Big Daddy Weave – What Life Would Be Like
I wish I was more of a man
Have you ever felt that way
And if I had to tell you the truth
I’m afraid I’d have to say
That after all I’ve done and failed to do
I feel like less than I was meant to be
And what if I could fix myself
Maybe then I could get free
I could try to be somebody else
Whose much better off than me
But I need to remember this
That it’s when I’m at my weakest
I can clearly see
He made the lame walk And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits While His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let JESUS live through you and me
With any leader, business - church - family - we can lead about 10 people before it gets to be too big. If you are leading more than that you will need to recruit help to properly lead and be effective. I continue to learn that along my faith journey. As I mentioned earlier - I want the people in my life and the students/families I am leading to know ~ I care. BUT there is more than that. Not only do I care but ~ You matter to me.
I think about my rock group families and the young adults when I think about this but it also applies to so many more. That contact I have with each of them is personal. It means I care but it also means that you matter. You are not left behind or just another person who is struggling, lost or confused. What your smile and face shows each minute of every single day reflects what and where your heart is. That matters to me. Families are struggling today from so much. Our children are facing divorced parents, drug addictions and peer pressures in schools, magazines and friends. Our churches are meant to be a safe haven for the lost and the hurting. As a leader I am supposed to reflect in my heart the face of Jesus and that means going to messy places because lets face it. Relationships are messy. Real people+Real life=Real Messy. I know I am part of a team. A team that consists of parents, friends, other leaders and pastors - who ever is willing to be in the fight... That small group around me - I want them to know they matter. I can't reach everyone. Not everyone is going to listen and yes Matthew 7:13 says: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
~I Care
~You matter to me
Yes sometimes its painful, its sometimes inconvenient, it can be exhausting but there is so much that is awesome and wonderful. Yes I am choosing the road less traveled but only because I know Jesus is at the end of this path. Love leaves a significant mark. Who ever said this was going to be easy? I sure didn't... I have lived the other side in this life but really living is on the other side. Gods side.....
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let JESUS live through you and me
James 1:27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.
This is part 2 in a small series I am sharing here on "the walk". This is a song that has been played a lot on my Ipod over the last few days.
Big Daddy Weave – What Life Would Be Like
I wish I was more of a man
Have you ever felt that way
And if I had to tell you the truth
I’m afraid I’d have to say
That after all I’ve done and failed to do
I feel like less than I was meant to be
And what if I could fix myself
Maybe then I could get free
I could try to be somebody else
Whose much better off than me
But I need to remember this
That it’s when I’m at my weakest
I can clearly see
He made the lame walk And the dumb talk
He opened blinded eyes to see
That the sun rises on His time Yet He knows our deepest desperate need
And the world waits While His heart aches
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let JESUS live through you and me
With any leader, business - church - family - we can lead about 10 people before it gets to be too big. If you are leading more than that you will need to recruit help to properly lead and be effective. I continue to learn that along my faith journey. As I mentioned earlier - I want the people in my life and the students/families I am leading to know ~ I care. BUT there is more than that. Not only do I care but ~ You matter to me.
I think about my rock group families and the young adults when I think about this but it also applies to so many more. That contact I have with each of them is personal. It means I care but it also means that you matter. You are not left behind or just another person who is struggling, lost or confused. What your smile and face shows each minute of every single day reflects what and where your heart is. That matters to me. Families are struggling today from so much. Our children are facing divorced parents, drug addictions and peer pressures in schools, magazines and friends. Our churches are meant to be a safe haven for the lost and the hurting. As a leader I am supposed to reflect in my heart the face of Jesus and that means going to messy places because lets face it. Relationships are messy. Real people+Real life=Real Messy. I know I am part of a team. A team that consists of parents, friends, other leaders and pastors - who ever is willing to be in the fight... That small group around me - I want them to know they matter. I can't reach everyone. Not everyone is going to listen and yes Matthew 7:13 says: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
~I Care
~You matter to me
Yes sometimes its painful, its sometimes inconvenient, it can be exhausting but there is so much that is awesome and wonderful. Yes I am choosing the road less traveled but only because I know Jesus is at the end of this path. Love leaves a significant mark. Who ever said this was going to be easy? I sure didn't... I have lived the other side in this life but really living is on the other side. Gods side.....
To realize the dream
I wonder what life would be like
If we let JESUS live through you and me
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