Hope this post finds you in a good place and in good spirits today. It was such a nice weekend this past Saturday and Sunday - much needed time to get away and just sit and be still. Sunny and warm weather does a heart good sometimes. I am reflecting on the stars Saturday night as Carol and I took the dogs for a walk in the late evening. Its always a special time for me as I look up into the heavens and see so many stars, with so many questions, so much longing for a talk with my mom and imagining what she is experiencing and seeing right in those moments. In my heart I know my mom is with me but to be honest here, I do miss that relationship of having a mom. I think about some of the people in my life who although young, they too are missing out on that mom relationship. Maybe that is why for some, I step up in big ways in my role as a dad or step dad. I know there are relationships all around me that need that outside voice.
Last night during Rock Group - the conversation was just awesome after a great lesson on being that outside voice into the people around you. Our kids need their parents but also a voice to speak into their lives. So often we dont have that because of being afraid and really not knowing what to do or to say when a teenager comes to you in tears or having an issue they need guidance on. Often times just being there is all you need to do.
Presence - is powerful!
Yesterday when I got home from the cabin I got to take one of my daughters :) - out for a coffee. We talked and shared some things and yesterday at this point in time, I dont have the answers, I want to take away the hurt, I want to have something to pull from the Bible ... but I didnt have any of it. All I had was me. Turned out, that is all she needed. After coffee we went and picked up a pizza and while waiting we headed over to Harris Teeter to pick up a few things for her breakfast this week before school. She wants to make a cake, her first one so we got those things to make one. Promising that I would get a piece - its during those times, nothing fancy, nothing really fun but radio off, cells off, connection is made and its so cool to be there in those times when a teenager just needs some guidance. Sometimes they dont need a sermon to listen to or someone telling them what to do - its just about relationship.
Youth ministry is all about that relationship. I see it forming in our rock group with the new families that are with us. I see the importance of someone investing in my son Kyle other than me and who is speaking truth into their life. I dont care if its over coffee, going skiing or just talking and walking through Bass Pro Shops. Relationships....
I can remember back about a year ago and our youth pastor was in the middle of his sermon and a student stopped and raised her hand. With a greeting, she said - You dont even know my name! - and she was hurt. I stepped up and said her name and she smiled and asked her question. I had not had that right to speak into her life yet. I only knew her from afar and a few conversations. Because I knew her name and didnt leave her hanging in front of 50 other students, which probably would have meant her not ever coming back, she and I bonded and still today, though not as often as I would like - we catch up and we share what is happening in our lives. She asks about church and work and more importantly I get to ask about school, home and how her walk is with Christ. Sure not everyone can pour into these teenagers like that nor can you do that to everyone but relationships matter. They need to know that you care and love them - even when its awkward. Yes parents, there are awkward moments but press through them. How is your daughter going to know how to be treated by a guy she is dating if you dad, dont show her? How is your son going to know how to treat a girl he has the hots for if you dont show them with how you treat their mom?
Relationships - sometimes just taking a student, your daughter, your son, the person you have influence with, to Walmart .... radio off, cell off and just listen. Sure teenagers are drama filled, full of themselves at times, ramble on and talk and talk - but listening is what they need sometimes. You may not ever need the answers or even sometimes say a word. Your presence is all they may need and in a few years, those moments of you being there may have eternal benefits as well.
Having a presence in a students life, your son or daughters, is like Christ having a presence in your life. He is always there and its up to you to model that for them. They need to see you have a relationship with Christ so they have something to model in their own life.
Presence is showing others they matter and you are showing them by doing what you are saying. People often times dont want to hear what we have to say - they want you to show them what you have to say.
Tomorrow, I am headed to the middle school girls basketball game - there will be a lot of familiar faces for sure. I only know that because one of my students texted me last night to tell me she is starting on the team. I wouldn't miss this for anything because that relationship matters. I dont really care if they win or lose - I do care that she will know there is someone in the stands that cares and puts a priority on being there. Relationship. Along with doing this, I get to see others, cheerleaders that I know, other students, parents - its all about relationships.
Your relationship with Christ will spread into the relationships around you. If God is speaking truth into your heart - you will do the same into the people around you.
Its the heart of ministry. Your ministry, rock group ministry, student ministry - Christs ministry in your life.
Thank you Lord for being a presence in my life so that I may have a presence in someone Else's life. Help us just focus on you and be ok in those awkward moments when its silent and we dont know what to say. Help us just focus in ministry Lord because its about relationships. We thank you for your relationship with us and for making it that important to save us. Help us build relationships in our lives centered and focused on the things of you. Thank you for coffee and conversations Lord.... heaven will be full of both I'm sure. Amen
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Hope yall are having a great day thus far. Raining and dreary here in the Carolina's but after speaking to my neice a few days ago in Tupper Lake NY and it being -38 degrees - hey I'll take this weather any day. That cold is just insane and maybe ok for a day or 2 if you go to it and be there ...key word being THERE. But you can have it. I do like some snow and some extreme things at times dont get me wrong but there is just something about living in a place that is that cold. Not for me, Carol freezes me out of the house, the car, where ever we are together!
Last night Carol and I had date night which has been on the plans now for a few weeks. We headed into south Charlotte - fancy side of town- and got something to eat. Gift card - free meal. After we went and seen the new movie premier - Soul Surfer - free tickets. So Free movie. I like that kind of date - Carol only cost me $6 and I would have got out of that if she just didn't HAVE to have the popcorn.
Anyways, I wanted to talk a little about the movie. Give you some of my thoughts on it. I love being on the Youth Pastor list to be invited and give feedback to these types of movies that seem to be gaining steam in Hollywood. The long arm of Sony has put this movie out - You can see the trailer here - http://www.soutsurferthemovie.com/ or the real life story at http://www.heartofasoulsurfer.com
This movie is about the life of Bethany Hamilton. She if you don't know, was the young up and rising surfing star from Hawaii who had her arm bitten off by a shark. Her faith being a solid foundation in her journey during her life, kept her moving and pressing forward during these hard and difficult times. With her surfing career over, so she thought, she searched for Gods purpose in her life. 13 years old and a surfing contract and money and fame ahead of her - The shark took that from her. Her question was to why does God let bad things happen?
With Dennis Quad, Helen Hunt, Carrie Underwood in the movie - Hollywood put some effort into making this movie prime time -much like Blind Side - even though I think this will be even a bigger movie. I am excited that more movies are coming out like this. Not so much as pushing church down non church faces during a movie but just a kind and gentle faith based and lean back on feel good type of movie. If you are part of a church background and walking with Jesus is a major part of your life -you can feel the faith and trust in the movie. Bethany and her family stuck together no matter what and even during those first days... they took things one day at a time and trusted God in each of those moments. The one part that really shook me was when the dad had made Bethany a modified surfboard after she had tried but given up on her dreams, Bethany finally came to her dad and said, "Dad, I need your help". Dad smiled and showed up big time in her situation, in her problem, in the solution and in her life.
I can so relate to that. Just today I had a close student, my daughter in many ways, call me and say. "Lonnie, I need your help with something, do you have time?" - That so does my heart good. YES I have TIME!! You make time for what is important and in doing so, you not only show that person you mean what you say... You do it.
Compassion can make us do amazing things.
All through the movie - Jeremiah 29:11 was mentioned. Even as her dreams were gone, life as she knew it in those moments were over. There was another stage and platform that God was setting Bethany up for. She didnt know it, couldn't see it just yet but even through a loss of an arm, even through the loss of what seemed SO important with surfing - God moved her to another place. Another experience. Another stepping stone to experience His love and compassion so that she can do that same thing for others. She inspired millions of others who have lost a limb to continue to live life and live life though a little different - to do life with passion and love. Christ is her message through her suffering and setbacks. The family never shook from their faith and God provided for them in all their needs.
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Verse 12 is amazing as well and follows up verse 11 perfectly. That is for another time though but my perspective in Jeremiah not only in the movie but also in my own life - gives me courage and strength to follow and listen for Gods calling. Even though we may be down, things may be hard, things seem totally impossible from where we are. God may just be setting us up for greatness. The job you just lost may indeed be a point in your life that you have been set free and now can start a business, go back to school, venture into another line of work. That boyfriend that just broke up with you has given you freedom now to hang back out with your friends that you ditched because of his controling personality. Friends, We never know what might be over the next wave in life. I love that quote from the movie. We just never know what GOOD may be just beyond what we can see. Keep the faith, keep the vision and let God continue to pour into your heart. Dont lose heart loved ones, God is near.
A+ on the movie Sony - great job taking a good solid message to the public and a great movie to strengthen the family as a whole.
Bethany - You are inspiring and a hero to many. Keep shining .... and keep that compassionate heart blazing on fire for Gods people.
Lonnie~
Last night Carol and I had date night which has been on the plans now for a few weeks. We headed into south Charlotte - fancy side of town- and got something to eat. Gift card - free meal. After we went and seen the new movie premier - Soul Surfer - free tickets. So Free movie. I like that kind of date - Carol only cost me $6 and I would have got out of that if she just didn't HAVE to have the popcorn.
Anyways, I wanted to talk a little about the movie. Give you some of my thoughts on it. I love being on the Youth Pastor list to be invited and give feedback to these types of movies that seem to be gaining steam in Hollywood. The long arm of Sony has put this movie out - You can see the trailer here - http://www.soutsurferthemovie.com/ or the real life story at http://www.heartofasoulsurfer.com
This movie is about the life of Bethany Hamilton. She if you don't know, was the young up and rising surfing star from Hawaii who had her arm bitten off by a shark. Her faith being a solid foundation in her journey during her life, kept her moving and pressing forward during these hard and difficult times. With her surfing career over, so she thought, she searched for Gods purpose in her life. 13 years old and a surfing contract and money and fame ahead of her - The shark took that from her. Her question was to why does God let bad things happen?
With Dennis Quad, Helen Hunt, Carrie Underwood in the movie - Hollywood put some effort into making this movie prime time -much like Blind Side - even though I think this will be even a bigger movie. I am excited that more movies are coming out like this. Not so much as pushing church down non church faces during a movie but just a kind and gentle faith based and lean back on feel good type of movie. If you are part of a church background and walking with Jesus is a major part of your life -you can feel the faith and trust in the movie. Bethany and her family stuck together no matter what and even during those first days... they took things one day at a time and trusted God in each of those moments. The one part that really shook me was when the dad had made Bethany a modified surfboard after she had tried but given up on her dreams, Bethany finally came to her dad and said, "Dad, I need your help". Dad smiled and showed up big time in her situation, in her problem, in the solution and in her life.
I can so relate to that. Just today I had a close student, my daughter in many ways, call me and say. "Lonnie, I need your help with something, do you have time?" - That so does my heart good. YES I have TIME!! You make time for what is important and in doing so, you not only show that person you mean what you say... You do it.
Compassion can make us do amazing things.
All through the movie - Jeremiah 29:11 was mentioned. Even as her dreams were gone, life as she knew it in those moments were over. There was another stage and platform that God was setting Bethany up for. She didnt know it, couldn't see it just yet but even through a loss of an arm, even through the loss of what seemed SO important with surfing - God moved her to another place. Another experience. Another stepping stone to experience His love and compassion so that she can do that same thing for others. She inspired millions of others who have lost a limb to continue to live life and live life though a little different - to do life with passion and love. Christ is her message through her suffering and setbacks. The family never shook from their faith and God provided for them in all their needs.
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Verse 12 is amazing as well and follows up verse 11 perfectly. That is for another time though but my perspective in Jeremiah not only in the movie but also in my own life - gives me courage and strength to follow and listen for Gods calling. Even though we may be down, things may be hard, things seem totally impossible from where we are. God may just be setting us up for greatness. The job you just lost may indeed be a point in your life that you have been set free and now can start a business, go back to school, venture into another line of work. That boyfriend that just broke up with you has given you freedom now to hang back out with your friends that you ditched because of his controling personality. Friends, We never know what might be over the next wave in life. I love that quote from the movie. We just never know what GOOD may be just beyond what we can see. Keep the faith, keep the vision and let God continue to pour into your heart. Dont lose heart loved ones, God is near.
A+ on the movie Sony - great job taking a good solid message to the public and a great movie to strengthen the family as a whole.
Bethany - You are inspiring and a hero to many. Keep shining .... and keep that compassionate heart blazing on fire for Gods people.
Lonnie~
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
I just want to talk from the hip today. I hope thats ok - you can turn back now or forever keep your comments. :)
This past Sunday at Rock Group - Our evening family small group that meets for Bible study on Sunday evenings, we broke a rule that we have in place concerning food. Yes food is ok at times and during special things like celebrating birthdays or having a cook out or even getting together for movie night. Sunday was special since it has been awhile since we were all together and having some new families in the house - we wanted it to be a good kick off to another season together as family. Not only did we do a message that evening but I got to speak and lead in front of both adults and their kids together. Its always special to do that and it really is nice having everyone around.
Well see there in the food pile, which there was a LOT of food, was all these bags of chips. Tortilla chips, BBQ potato chips, regular chips and the dreaded Frito's Corn chips which is a story on its own for another time. But also these Doritos that I had never seen before. Excited to bring them into work and share with the guys here, we had a sample taste earlier this morning right before lunch. What seemed like a great idea to make Doritos that are cheeseburger flavor, everyone loves cheeseburgers right? - turned into a not so good idea after only a few chips. Yes I agree totally they taste like cheeseburgers but why really? Why not have them taste like regular doritos? Why the change in taste as to perceive you were eating a cheeseburger? Its just not real. Its just not right to have something taste like something else.
It has me thinking about student ministry today and I am flushing out my thoughts on this. You are probably thinking doritos and students ministry - what?
Well most teens are at that place where life is just confusing. They change like underwear - often right? Hope so .... they get an idea in mind and by lunch its totally forgotten. They have different circles of friends, all confusing and full of drama. Socially they are all over the place trying to be a grown up in one moment and a child in the next. Decisions are often times lead by - WHat on earth were you thinking? - only to come to realize thats the part they didnt do. THINK.
Their development is all over the place and all of that comes from their home life, school setting and even the TV shows they watch. Spiritually - I see them from being concrete in their faith and souled out for Christ and then floundering in the ways of the world all in the same day or even before lunch time. Its hard sometimes to pick out the Christian and the non believer because of their choice of words or actions are basically the same.
They are trying to find the real true taste of who they are. Those who are not grounded in the faith of Christ and really know the foundation of who they are change with the seasons and come and go like the wind. All these fake flavors according to what life has placed them in really does a person some long term damage in defining their character.
Being fake and something you are not will eventually hurt you in the long run. It will eventually be exposed and the real fragile you behind the mask will be exposed. Thats the hurt place and often times those who are in this place have a hard time to break free of this deceived place they have built around them.
Be who you are and be real. Quit trying to be something you are not. The one thing about this coming generation is the fact that they know a faker when they see one. I dont know how or why but I honestly believe they have a 7th sense in smelling a fake person. They know when someone is spending time with them and loves them for who they are or just having to babysit them and who dont even like them. You want to have real meaningful relationships in your life its time to quit tasting like something you are not. Its time to quit smelling like something you are not. Its time to stop appearing something you are not.
From our move on Sundays to only middle school students it has allowed me to see a little closer into their lives. The past I have been with both middle and high school students and they are far different from each other. Those beginning teen years comes with body odor smells that would knock a bear out if attacking, zits that appear out of nowhere over lunch time, feet are size 11 and they are only 5 foot 1 (you would think that would be good for balance) and hair that starts growing in places never seen before. Middle school years are tough - I personally hated this time frame in my own life - but they can also be the best years if you are true to who you really are and have been grounded in the foundation of being real and knowing who Christ says you are and not what others say you are.
Being real comes when you define who you are and then pick your friends. Not picking your friends and then letting them define you. Its about making a list of the qualities of the opposite sex (wow how did that happen?) that you find good and something you wont settle for less when that person sends you a text to ask you out. "Whatever that means in middle school." - Its about standing firm in your beliefs and knowing the bounderies set forth by mom and dad and respecting them. Its about learning how to tell people "NO" when they pressure you to do something that you know is wrong and outside of your personal bounderies.
Stand up and be real...... dont be something you are not.
Inspite of all this craziness, laziness, sometimes poor decisions and a faith that shines bright in one moment and not at all in the next - there is hope.
I see so much potential in this next generation. I see so much compassion for missions and serving the people in the big world even as technology and advances in social aspects make the world smaller. Haiti one year ago had one of the worlds worst earthquakes and people poured in to help, to donate money, to send missionaries and doctors to help the sick and hurting. This is a mission minded generation. I have seen a small glimpse of this during our service weeks in our student ministry and during thirst camps and on Sunday when we serve a meal to homeless shelter families. These pimple faced, emotionally scattered students have a heart that gives this world HOPE.
I am praying and seeing Hope as these students rise up to challenge others in their faith to help the poor and to feed the hungry. To have hope in their schools with YCI programs and attending church and youth groups. I see these 13 and 14 year old student who in a few years will be leading worship and preaching the message of Christ in their own way by leading a student youth group in their schools and in their churches and in their friends. I see them making a huge impact in changing lives years and years down the road because they didnt bail out on their faith before they learned to drive. I see the hope as they get out of the drivethrough of life and be honest with themselves, demand that REAL flavor of life from others.
Be real loved ones and never short change what God is doing in your life for something that is of the now and what feels and tastes good but is really something totally different and deceiving.
When we have given them all we have, spoke until we dont have anything else to say - then its time to SHOW THEM. You will know when that moment comes and its then, we have to do what we are saying for them to do and lead the way.
There are great things in you that you havent even discovered yet. Keep the faith loved ones and pressing towards the goal.
If you are reading this .... I BELIEVE IN YOU.
Cheering you on from the balcony of life...... never losing HOPE.
Lonnie~
This past Sunday at Rock Group - Our evening family small group that meets for Bible study on Sunday evenings, we broke a rule that we have in place concerning food. Yes food is ok at times and during special things like celebrating birthdays or having a cook out or even getting together for movie night. Sunday was special since it has been awhile since we were all together and having some new families in the house - we wanted it to be a good kick off to another season together as family. Not only did we do a message that evening but I got to speak and lead in front of both adults and their kids together. Its always special to do that and it really is nice having everyone around.
Well see there in the food pile, which there was a LOT of food, was all these bags of chips. Tortilla chips, BBQ potato chips, regular chips and the dreaded Frito's Corn chips which is a story on its own for another time. But also these Doritos that I had never seen before. Excited to bring them into work and share with the guys here, we had a sample taste earlier this morning right before lunch. What seemed like a great idea to make Doritos that are cheeseburger flavor, everyone loves cheeseburgers right? - turned into a not so good idea after only a few chips. Yes I agree totally they taste like cheeseburgers but why really? Why not have them taste like regular doritos? Why the change in taste as to perceive you were eating a cheeseburger? Its just not real. Its just not right to have something taste like something else.
It has me thinking about student ministry today and I am flushing out my thoughts on this. You are probably thinking doritos and students ministry - what?
Well most teens are at that place where life is just confusing. They change like underwear - often right? Hope so .... they get an idea in mind and by lunch its totally forgotten. They have different circles of friends, all confusing and full of drama. Socially they are all over the place trying to be a grown up in one moment and a child in the next. Decisions are often times lead by - WHat on earth were you thinking? - only to come to realize thats the part they didnt do. THINK.
Their development is all over the place and all of that comes from their home life, school setting and even the TV shows they watch. Spiritually - I see them from being concrete in their faith and souled out for Christ and then floundering in the ways of the world all in the same day or even before lunch time. Its hard sometimes to pick out the Christian and the non believer because of their choice of words or actions are basically the same.
They are trying to find the real true taste of who they are. Those who are not grounded in the faith of Christ and really know the foundation of who they are change with the seasons and come and go like the wind. All these fake flavors according to what life has placed them in really does a person some long term damage in defining their character.
Being fake and something you are not will eventually hurt you in the long run. It will eventually be exposed and the real fragile you behind the mask will be exposed. Thats the hurt place and often times those who are in this place have a hard time to break free of this deceived place they have built around them.
Be who you are and be real. Quit trying to be something you are not. The one thing about this coming generation is the fact that they know a faker when they see one. I dont know how or why but I honestly believe they have a 7th sense in smelling a fake person. They know when someone is spending time with them and loves them for who they are or just having to babysit them and who dont even like them. You want to have real meaningful relationships in your life its time to quit tasting like something you are not. Its time to quit smelling like something you are not. Its time to stop appearing something you are not.
From our move on Sundays to only middle school students it has allowed me to see a little closer into their lives. The past I have been with both middle and high school students and they are far different from each other. Those beginning teen years comes with body odor smells that would knock a bear out if attacking, zits that appear out of nowhere over lunch time, feet are size 11 and they are only 5 foot 1 (you would think that would be good for balance) and hair that starts growing in places never seen before. Middle school years are tough - I personally hated this time frame in my own life - but they can also be the best years if you are true to who you really are and have been grounded in the foundation of being real and knowing who Christ says you are and not what others say you are.
Being real comes when you define who you are and then pick your friends. Not picking your friends and then letting them define you. Its about making a list of the qualities of the opposite sex (wow how did that happen?) that you find good and something you wont settle for less when that person sends you a text to ask you out. "Whatever that means in middle school." - Its about standing firm in your beliefs and knowing the bounderies set forth by mom and dad and respecting them. Its about learning how to tell people "NO" when they pressure you to do something that you know is wrong and outside of your personal bounderies.
Stand up and be real...... dont be something you are not.
Inspite of all this craziness, laziness, sometimes poor decisions and a faith that shines bright in one moment and not at all in the next - there is hope.
I see so much potential in this next generation. I see so much compassion for missions and serving the people in the big world even as technology and advances in social aspects make the world smaller. Haiti one year ago had one of the worlds worst earthquakes and people poured in to help, to donate money, to send missionaries and doctors to help the sick and hurting. This is a mission minded generation. I have seen a small glimpse of this during our service weeks in our student ministry and during thirst camps and on Sunday when we serve a meal to homeless shelter families. These pimple faced, emotionally scattered students have a heart that gives this world HOPE.
I am praying and seeing Hope as these students rise up to challenge others in their faith to help the poor and to feed the hungry. To have hope in their schools with YCI programs and attending church and youth groups. I see these 13 and 14 year old student who in a few years will be leading worship and preaching the message of Christ in their own way by leading a student youth group in their schools and in their churches and in their friends. I see them making a huge impact in changing lives years and years down the road because they didnt bail out on their faith before they learned to drive. I see the hope as they get out of the drivethrough of life and be honest with themselves, demand that REAL flavor of life from others.
Be real loved ones and never short change what God is doing in your life for something that is of the now and what feels and tastes good but is really something totally different and deceiving.
When we have given them all we have, spoke until we dont have anything else to say - then its time to SHOW THEM. You will know when that moment comes and its then, we have to do what we are saying for them to do and lead the way.
There are great things in you that you havent even discovered yet. Keep the faith loved ones and pressing towards the goal.
If you are reading this .... I BELIEVE IN YOU.
Cheering you on from the balcony of life...... never losing HOPE.
Lonnie~
Monday, January 24, 2011
I am sitting here looking at a blank screen with a 1,000 thoughts in my mind and 100 things I could be doing instead of sitting here with a blank screen.
Yesterday was a long day. Ministry wise a very draining day. You will have those days and it really seems like a season of time that I am in right now. There are needs all around me, comments, issues, not so good decisions, people leaning and needing - the list is about as long as it has ever been. My heart is heavy as the water seems pretty muddy but I know the waters will clear and God will make a way in the lives of those around me and he will sustain me through. Sometimes we have to lean on anothers faith until we can stand on our own. The question remains personally though - do you want to?
See we perceive that we have it all together. We perceive that our walk with Christ is closer than it truly is. We perceive that your family is in a good place and finances are in order, kids are doing good in school and your son is dating the wonderful Christian cheerleader in school. From the outside everything looks fine and dandy. Inside, you are a mess. Life is crumbling and the months continue to be longer than the paychecks. Your children are not doing well in school, in fact they have made some other not so good decisions lately and you are just at the ends of your rope. You and the spouse are not seeing eye to eye and the couch for one of you is your bedrooom.
When we perceive to have it all together what we really are is deceiving those around us. We are giving them false hope, false trust and a false image of what is really taking place.
Deception can in some cases, lead to a lot of pain. People get the misunderstandings or take things out of context when they get a little closer and scratch a little deeper than the surface.
I think in many cases, the heart is the one that tells the person to push back, show people everything is ok or bigger than it really is. We give folks an image that is far different than reality and what is really going on.
If you told me after hearing the homeless man sensation, star radio voice Ted Williams was a drug addict, homeless man and not in a radio gig somewhere making good money I would have thought you were crazy. His voice perceives a person that is totally opposite of who he really is.
When we percieve ourselves as something that we truly are not - we deceive everyone around us. Some of them might even be family and our closest friends.
I often think about that in church or standing and leading in front of students - when asked for prayer requests ... they give you the blank look, they have nothing to write down, they dont have any. This is usually the farthest from the truth. If we would just take notice loved ones, and reach out a little past the surface - we will find often times a very hurting person. For whatever reasons, the person cannot come to grips to seek help, advise, wise counsel or a dear friend to show them the way. Having a Paul in your life will help keep you from being that person of deception.
When we deceive those around us - we change 3 things about us. These are 3 things as I look back in my life that my parents not so much as TOLD ME - but SHOWED ME these things.
1. Honesty
2. Character
3. Integrity
Being honest about things brings things into the light as lies and hidden secrets cant stay in the dark for long. Those things may be some hurtful struggling places in your life. It may be that you secretly take pills, eat and then purge, abuse alcohol or smoke - the list is endless and I think you get my point. Honesty is making yourself complete - removing the lies and holding yourself accountable by taking a hard look in the mirror. We often times put things under the rug and run from our secrets. We protect those secrets at all costs. Honesty opens your heart and life up for someone to help. Someone to look into and invest in you. Honesty is a starting place for that healing place to begin. Someone who is not honest - you cannot help.
Let me say that again - Someone who is not honest - You CANNOT help.
In not being honest you change your character. Your character is who you really are. Are you a follower of Christ? Well without being honest, you may be just while at church on Sunday mornings. When you make it and not sleep in or hang on to that hangover. Your character is who makes you, well you. What are you passionate about? What makes you get out of bed in the morning? Is your attitude that someone owes you something or your life is tough so I am going to make the lives of others tough as well? Maybe you deceive by perceiving all is ok and deep down your character is hurt. You have been hurt in the past and all you can do to keep going is putting that fake smile on, happy only when certain people are around - inside you are crushing your own spirit.
In your fake character you challenge your integrity. Integrity to me is an action word of your character. Its doing what you will say you will do regardless of what is going on around you. When in positions that would be harmfull or would drag you or someone else down a bad road - your integrity is the only thing that sometimes keeps you standing up. Its when faced with a challenging and difficult decision - you do the right thing regardless if its hard or difficult. You do the right thing even if it brings out in the open a friends, character and that persons honesty. You challenge what everyone else is walking away from and not saying anything.
Its stepping in when others are stepping away. The road less traveled....... Integrity defines what you are about and it shows people your character.
What you have in your heart is what eventually comes out. People will eventually see your heart by your words, your actions, your decisions and even in your deceptions. You can only hide for so long before the hurts and the pain and the struggles come out. When asking for prayer requests we all should be at a place where we raise both hands and shout if need be - because we are being honest with ourselves. If life is good right now, praise God - don't forget God. Praise him because chances are, it wont stay that way.
We should be living proof of who and what we stand for. If you are a follower of Christ, then people should know that by the words you use, your demeaner around others, your actions, the love that pours out of your heart and even that smile and energy that you have all around you in everything you do.
2 Corinthians -3:2-3 - You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 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 tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Loved ones, what are you showing others with your life? What story are they perceiving it to be about? Does it line up with who and what you say you are?
If not, it may be time to take a long hard look in the mirror - to invite a Paul into your life who can mentor you, challenge you, hold you accountable, to question the lies and dig into the secrets that bind you and hold you back from living a life full in Christ. Its letting go of those things holding you back and stepping forward into something incredible and full of power to do what God is wanting in your life to do.
I look at the emerging generation and I see so much potential, so much in the terms of making a difference in this world, I see small thinking and not giant huge God can do thinking. I see that in you as well.
Need a miracle in your life, in your marriage, in your finances, in your children and maybe even in your church - Ask God for it and then tell someone. Open a little and let that heart that God is holding in his hands show others.
Its time to stop the deception and get real, get true and bring the things in your life out of the darkness.
You are Gods letters in your story and he has the ink pen ....What is your story telling?
Fill in the words.......... ___________________.
Lonnie~
Yesterday was a long day. Ministry wise a very draining day. You will have those days and it really seems like a season of time that I am in right now. There are needs all around me, comments, issues, not so good decisions, people leaning and needing - the list is about as long as it has ever been. My heart is heavy as the water seems pretty muddy but I know the waters will clear and God will make a way in the lives of those around me and he will sustain me through. Sometimes we have to lean on anothers faith until we can stand on our own. The question remains personally though - do you want to?
See we perceive that we have it all together. We perceive that our walk with Christ is closer than it truly is. We perceive that your family is in a good place and finances are in order, kids are doing good in school and your son is dating the wonderful Christian cheerleader in school. From the outside everything looks fine and dandy. Inside, you are a mess. Life is crumbling and the months continue to be longer than the paychecks. Your children are not doing well in school, in fact they have made some other not so good decisions lately and you are just at the ends of your rope. You and the spouse are not seeing eye to eye and the couch for one of you is your bedrooom.
When we perceive to have it all together what we really are is deceiving those around us. We are giving them false hope, false trust and a false image of what is really taking place.
Deception can in some cases, lead to a lot of pain. People get the misunderstandings or take things out of context when they get a little closer and scratch a little deeper than the surface.
I think in many cases, the heart is the one that tells the person to push back, show people everything is ok or bigger than it really is. We give folks an image that is far different than reality and what is really going on.
If you told me after hearing the homeless man sensation, star radio voice Ted Williams was a drug addict, homeless man and not in a radio gig somewhere making good money I would have thought you were crazy. His voice perceives a person that is totally opposite of who he really is.
When we percieve ourselves as something that we truly are not - we deceive everyone around us. Some of them might even be family and our closest friends.
I often think about that in church or standing and leading in front of students - when asked for prayer requests ... they give you the blank look, they have nothing to write down, they dont have any. This is usually the farthest from the truth. If we would just take notice loved ones, and reach out a little past the surface - we will find often times a very hurting person. For whatever reasons, the person cannot come to grips to seek help, advise, wise counsel or a dear friend to show them the way. Having a Paul in your life will help keep you from being that person of deception.
When we deceive those around us - we change 3 things about us. These are 3 things as I look back in my life that my parents not so much as TOLD ME - but SHOWED ME these things.
1. Honesty
2. Character
3. Integrity
Being honest about things brings things into the light as lies and hidden secrets cant stay in the dark for long. Those things may be some hurtful struggling places in your life. It may be that you secretly take pills, eat and then purge, abuse alcohol or smoke - the list is endless and I think you get my point. Honesty is making yourself complete - removing the lies and holding yourself accountable by taking a hard look in the mirror. We often times put things under the rug and run from our secrets. We protect those secrets at all costs. Honesty opens your heart and life up for someone to help. Someone to look into and invest in you. Honesty is a starting place for that healing place to begin. Someone who is not honest - you cannot help.
Let me say that again - Someone who is not honest - You CANNOT help.
In not being honest you change your character. Your character is who you really are. Are you a follower of Christ? Well without being honest, you may be just while at church on Sunday mornings. When you make it and not sleep in or hang on to that hangover. Your character is who makes you, well you. What are you passionate about? What makes you get out of bed in the morning? Is your attitude that someone owes you something or your life is tough so I am going to make the lives of others tough as well? Maybe you deceive by perceiving all is ok and deep down your character is hurt. You have been hurt in the past and all you can do to keep going is putting that fake smile on, happy only when certain people are around - inside you are crushing your own spirit.
In your fake character you challenge your integrity. Integrity to me is an action word of your character. Its doing what you will say you will do regardless of what is going on around you. When in positions that would be harmfull or would drag you or someone else down a bad road - your integrity is the only thing that sometimes keeps you standing up. Its when faced with a challenging and difficult decision - you do the right thing regardless if its hard or difficult. You do the right thing even if it brings out in the open a friends, character and that persons honesty. You challenge what everyone else is walking away from and not saying anything.
Its stepping in when others are stepping away. The road less traveled....... Integrity defines what you are about and it shows people your character.
What you have in your heart is what eventually comes out. People will eventually see your heart by your words, your actions, your decisions and even in your deceptions. You can only hide for so long before the hurts and the pain and the struggles come out. When asking for prayer requests we all should be at a place where we raise both hands and shout if need be - because we are being honest with ourselves. If life is good right now, praise God - don't forget God. Praise him because chances are, it wont stay that way.
We should be living proof of who and what we stand for. If you are a follower of Christ, then people should know that by the words you use, your demeaner around others, your actions, the love that pours out of your heart and even that smile and energy that you have all around you in everything you do.
2 Corinthians -3:2-3 - You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 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 tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
Loved ones, what are you showing others with your life? What story are they perceiving it to be about? Does it line up with who and what you say you are?
If not, it may be time to take a long hard look in the mirror - to invite a Paul into your life who can mentor you, challenge you, hold you accountable, to question the lies and dig into the secrets that bind you and hold you back from living a life full in Christ. Its letting go of those things holding you back and stepping forward into something incredible and full of power to do what God is wanting in your life to do.
I look at the emerging generation and I see so much potential, so much in the terms of making a difference in this world, I see small thinking and not giant huge God can do thinking. I see that in you as well.
Need a miracle in your life, in your marriage, in your finances, in your children and maybe even in your church - Ask God for it and then tell someone. Open a little and let that heart that God is holding in his hands show others.
Its time to stop the deception and get real, get true and bring the things in your life out of the darkness.
You are Gods letters in your story and he has the ink pen ....What is your story telling?
Fill in the words.......... ___________________.
Lonnie~
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Sitting here this morning with a heart full. Kids have Saturday school as they are having to make up for last weeks 6inches of snowapocolyps. Yes I made up that word but its fitting. Having a cup of java and just wrestling with a few things as I think about the day ahead. Yesterday was a good day with YCI and catching up with so many great students. I love taking a little extra time to smile with them and catch up on the events in their life. It really at times lift ones spirit when you are around some great students who are aiming high in life. Though there may be bumps along the way, they are chosing the path that many dont. Often times its the harder path but one that leads to a good destination.
Last night as I sat with one of my close kids. I wanted to ask a few questions about having a person in your life that you share deep things with. Most people have a close friend in that sense that they share things with that not everyone has the privledge of knowing those deep heart felt things. As we began to talk her eyes filled with tears and the tears spoke as they unraveled what was the matter. As we stepped through this I really wanted to give her some things to hold on to. A Bible verse offering her some wisdom or comfort. I wanted something smart to say but didnt have anything. The only thing I could do was to let that pain she was sharing fill my heart and let compassion take over me. Sometimes as leaders and as parents - all we can do is be there for them. Let them experience somethings and work those things out for themselves. If they ask for advice, give it to them in a gentle and meaningful way.
Stay close, take notice and be there for hug is sometimes all you can do.
A little while later I got a text thanking me for listening and being there. As a parent, nobody wants to see their child hurting. I think back to when Kyle was little and him getting a shot at the doctors office. I wanted more than anything to take that shot for him because as the doctor gave the needle, the tears and pain that follows rips a parents heart out. That pain is real that our children have and it hurts a parents heart.
Far too often in that pain, parents swoop in and rescue their children. When they make bad choices, they come in and make things all better. They tell them its not their fault or make blame on someone else. The child then never really feels the sting of their choices. They never pay the price of those decisions and in turn - they will continue to make those same choices.
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it.
This verse is key to understanding the process of knowing how to raise our children. Often times parents are just winging it and have no idea what they are doing. I admit to that at times but there has to be a foundation of principle there that doesn't change. Some of the other surface level things can be adjusted according to the situation but the bottom line is that the foundation must never change. Those foundation things are the families core values. Its the values of the family that do not change no matter the situation or even the child. Raising one child has its problems but more than one ... well lets just say that God has created us all different and what works for one often times does not work for the other. Some may be creative, quiet, outgoing, intelligent, or average. Whatever the case, they're all individuals. God does not create people on the assembly line.
They key here I am trying to make it that first part of the verse above. Train a child in the way they should go .... the key word is "WAY". This is a great word in this Proverb because it also means "road" or "path". So if we are all created differently, our path and our road will not be like anyone elses. Our job as parents is to know our childrens way, their characteristics and adjust to what is best for them to "Train them in the way they should go, so when they are old they will not turn from it."
Last week Carol and I were watching the show Nanny 911. It was a great show as this family had lost control of their 6 kids and the parents were at a loss as to what to do. After walking with this family for a day or so, the Nanny went into action. Starting with the parents and then the kids. as the Nanny explained, fix the parent and the kids will follow. As parents we have to teach, lead and make the way for our children. It doesnt work in the other direction. Our children don't need another friend, they have plenty of them at school. What they need is a leader to show them the way. They need a voice to share with them the vision ahead and a heart that follows. I have heard it said that "change a fathers heart and the first to benefit is the family."
Parents its our job to understand the differences in our children, to not compare them to each other and lump them all into a one size fits all. really focusing on those different characteristics in each of them and using them to really stand out in how we teach them, challenge them, lead them is key to our success as parents. Adapt your training according to these different characteristics all the while standing on the core values of the family. Then and only then will a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not turn from it.
Stay close, take notice and be there for a hug is sometimes all you can do.
lonnie~
Last night as I sat with one of my close kids. I wanted to ask a few questions about having a person in your life that you share deep things with. Most people have a close friend in that sense that they share things with that not everyone has the privledge of knowing those deep heart felt things. As we began to talk her eyes filled with tears and the tears spoke as they unraveled what was the matter. As we stepped through this I really wanted to give her some things to hold on to. A Bible verse offering her some wisdom or comfort. I wanted something smart to say but didnt have anything. The only thing I could do was to let that pain she was sharing fill my heart and let compassion take over me. Sometimes as leaders and as parents - all we can do is be there for them. Let them experience somethings and work those things out for themselves. If they ask for advice, give it to them in a gentle and meaningful way.
Stay close, take notice and be there for hug is sometimes all you can do.
A little while later I got a text thanking me for listening and being there. As a parent, nobody wants to see their child hurting. I think back to when Kyle was little and him getting a shot at the doctors office. I wanted more than anything to take that shot for him because as the doctor gave the needle, the tears and pain that follows rips a parents heart out. That pain is real that our children have and it hurts a parents heart.
Far too often in that pain, parents swoop in and rescue their children. When they make bad choices, they come in and make things all better. They tell them its not their fault or make blame on someone else. The child then never really feels the sting of their choices. They never pay the price of those decisions and in turn - they will continue to make those same choices.
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it.
This verse is key to understanding the process of knowing how to raise our children. Often times parents are just winging it and have no idea what they are doing. I admit to that at times but there has to be a foundation of principle there that doesn't change. Some of the other surface level things can be adjusted according to the situation but the bottom line is that the foundation must never change. Those foundation things are the families core values. Its the values of the family that do not change no matter the situation or even the child. Raising one child has its problems but more than one ... well lets just say that God has created us all different and what works for one often times does not work for the other. Some may be creative, quiet, outgoing, intelligent, or average. Whatever the case, they're all individuals. God does not create people on the assembly line.
They key here I am trying to make it that first part of the verse above. Train a child in the way they should go .... the key word is "WAY". This is a great word in this Proverb because it also means "road" or "path". So if we are all created differently, our path and our road will not be like anyone elses. Our job as parents is to know our childrens way, their characteristics and adjust to what is best for them to "Train them in the way they should go, so when they are old they will not turn from it."
Last week Carol and I were watching the show Nanny 911. It was a great show as this family had lost control of their 6 kids and the parents were at a loss as to what to do. After walking with this family for a day or so, the Nanny went into action. Starting with the parents and then the kids. as the Nanny explained, fix the parent and the kids will follow. As parents we have to teach, lead and make the way for our children. It doesnt work in the other direction. Our children don't need another friend, they have plenty of them at school. What they need is a leader to show them the way. They need a voice to share with them the vision ahead and a heart that follows. I have heard it said that "change a fathers heart and the first to benefit is the family."
Parents its our job to understand the differences in our children, to not compare them to each other and lump them all into a one size fits all. really focusing on those different characteristics in each of them and using them to really stand out in how we teach them, challenge them, lead them is key to our success as parents. Adapt your training according to these different characteristics all the while standing on the core values of the family. Then and only then will a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not turn from it.
Stay close, take notice and be there for a hug is sometimes all you can do.
lonnie~
Thursday, January 20, 2011
When we hit a hurting place in life, maybe a decision that was not wise or by accident. Its a tough season to carry ourselves through. Its during those time when life is caving in all around us and all we see is our problems and our struggles that we often times dont need a lecture or advise - you dont need reasons... we need comfort. You dont need some answers in those moments, hopefully later down the road they will come. What we really need is someone.
Jesus does not come to us with an explanation; he comes to us with his presence.
We are always seeking answers and the reasons. We all want to know why. We want for God to finally tell us what is going on ... we cry out and we beg for something to change. Living with ourselves is tough enough and picking ourselves up off the ground where we stand today is an unimaginable task for right now. Life's weight is unbearable.
God does not reveal to us his plan then; He reveals himself. He comes to us in a warmth, when we are cold. He comes to us in a soft whisper when the noise all around us is so loud. He comes to us when we need a friend when everyone seems to have pulled away. He comes to us fellowship when we are weak, down, and alone. He comes with courage, strength and full of worship songs when we are sad. He comes in our tears that roll down our face. He comes in that broken heart for a child. He comes when we are thirsty and hungry.
He comes with us on our journey ahead. He comes when we need a hand up and not a hand out.
He comes because he is with us. He comes because we know Him and not the idea of him.
If needed he comes again and again and again and again ... no matter how many times we may fall. The only earthly scars that has ever entered heaven reach out and grab ours because of his love.
Time and time again.
Because we know him and not the idea of him. Very thankful for knowing our Lord and savior today - The secret to life is to have something bigger in it than our problems. Do not lose heart. God is near.
Jesus does not come to us with an explanation; he comes to us with his presence.
We are always seeking answers and the reasons. We all want to know why. We want for God to finally tell us what is going on ... we cry out and we beg for something to change. Living with ourselves is tough enough and picking ourselves up off the ground where we stand today is an unimaginable task for right now. Life's weight is unbearable.
God does not reveal to us his plan then; He reveals himself. He comes to us in a warmth, when we are cold. He comes to us in a soft whisper when the noise all around us is so loud. He comes to us when we need a friend when everyone seems to have pulled away. He comes to us fellowship when we are weak, down, and alone. He comes with courage, strength and full of worship songs when we are sad. He comes in our tears that roll down our face. He comes in that broken heart for a child. He comes when we are thirsty and hungry.
He comes with us on our journey ahead. He comes when we need a hand up and not a hand out.
He comes because he is with us. He comes because we know Him and not the idea of him.
If needed he comes again and again and again and again ... no matter how many times we may fall. The only earthly scars that has ever entered heaven reach out and grab ours because of his love.
Time and time again.
Because we know him and not the idea of him. Very thankful for knowing our Lord and savior today - The secret to life is to have something bigger in it than our problems. Do not lose heart. God is near.
Once again I'm awake with some things on my heart and on my mind. Maybe this will help but then maybe it wont. I do know that God knows what is on my heart and how heavy at times it gets. That heaviness takes on a new role when it gets to be at this place because it affects my thoughts and the things I think about and it also affects my actions to a certain degree. It also hits harder when things around you are closer than arms length. There is nothing like family pain - no greater hurt.
I fully enjoyed our Wed night Bible study this evening as the students got to write down questions and not put a name on those questions. Both our pastors at church were asked as many questions we could get through - there were MANY! I think I did a good job leading and kinda running the show and the next steps as we moved from eating pizza, leading game, announcements and then into the meat of the evening with answering the students questions. The thing that troubles me this evening, or this morning now as I look at the clock - work is going to hurt in a few hours but what can ya do.... the thing that troubles me is the fact that God is an idea for most people. Yes most folks believe in God or a god but one that is only an idea. I mean that by saying that God is there unless it makes me change what I am doing, what I am wanting to do or making me stop and change direction. For most if I asked the question if God was boring, I bet most would say yes.
Think about it with some student growing up in church they have heard the stories, been to the pizza parties, had their fair share of VBS and Sunday morning small group time. They know the basics of most of the big parables and stories of Christ but there life is lacking something important and that is the willingness to step a little further in faith to dig a little deeper in those stories and parables and apply them to their life. They are just stories, often times heard many times since 2nd grade. The real life application of life change and understanding from Christ is just under the surface of those stories, parables and experiences if they would just dig a little deeper.
We cannot expect our students, our friends or family member - to follow a God they do not know. I am talking a personal relationship with them. Not a facebook friend who we only know occasionally and use to build up our importance stance on bragging how many friends we have. I am talking about the handful of friends who would have your back when you need them. A friend that stick closer than family and when the world pulls away over a mistake you made, this friend steps forward and leans in to help, to listen and to love on you. We cannot stay on the surface of our friendship with Christ. He wants to know you better - well he knows everything about you but it also has to work in the other direction.
Meaning that when you are faced with a decision say, cutting, making out with your boyfriend or girlfriend, going to a friend house when you told mom you were going to the mall, when you cheat on a test, all those sly and sneaky things that we decide to do -if we have to do something that we know we shouldnt do but do so anyways - God becomes just an idea. It may be thinking that takes us to - the God idea is for someone else - I am doing this regardless of the outcome or the pain that it will bring.
Knowing God is moving our hearts and our thinking and our true meaning of making a good sound decision from just knowing him to really having a relationship with him. Trusting in him.
Far too many are stail with this idea of God in our lives maybe because we have not experienced him since summer youth camp. Maybe you see the fun your friends are having at school and you think why am I not? Maybe you feel that life begins later and when you are older, like an adult, you will then put your life in order and follow Christ. You may also be at a place where - hey mom and dad dont really put a priority on this God thing so why should I?
This God idea, I can pull that out when I need it, like a free get out of jail card. I can use it when I want to appear better than someone else. I can use it when my boyfriend wants to go to this place but I dont want to go "That Far" just yet. Maybe you just dont feel God as all working in your life.
As a student leader and as a dad, these things really break my heart. Maybe they should really to a certain degree. I think that is healthy because it will keep me searching to fill that gap of brokenness for them and patch it with the scriptures, the love God has for me and for them and through that I can share that. When I am broken, God is remolding and reshaping. He is filling in the gaps to make my heart complete.
I often think that we dont challenge our kids enough. Sure they have all kinds of pressures on them today. Much more than I did when I was there age but to the core challenges and pressures are the same from one generation to the next. Things are amplified and shine bright today and influences and media are so much more stronger today. What I struggled with at 16 they are struggling with at 14 or 13. Even with all these amplified things in their lives, the basics of knowing Christ is the same.
We cannot expect our children to know and follow God if they do not know him. We also can't expect them to follow him if they have not been taught.
We have to preach Gods word to them, through our church, through our student ministries, through our parenting - and that is not just on Sunday mornings but all the time. We have to look for those teachable moments and then step forward and do those hard things.
Following Christ is an everyday decision. A battle on some days with selfishness and instant on generation who want the drive through instead of the sit down and talk God. My prayer is that we, myself included, that we dont lose focus on helping people around us know Christ and move him from our personal shelves of ideas and instant satisfaction to really knowing God is with us in all things. He is at the center of our lives, in our decisions, in our choices, in our relationships - God is who he says he is in your life. Life change happens when God steps in and he takes over.
I am excited about one student who I know through a few other students. I have not had much conversation with him other that a few short words and surface level stuff. His comment on facebook was asking about change. Can a person change their life on their own?
My comment was no - no you cant because willpower is all we have and over time that becomes weak and most times we fail and really changing. I invited him to YCI on friday which is a bible study in the school system here that meets before school. He asked what that was and said he had never been. I told him I would be there and to come - I would let him know how real life change works. Not through his power or through anything he will do. Christ alone will have the power to change him, if he is willing.
I look forward to that conversation. Lord, you do what only you can do with that. Just use me to share your love for him and speak your words that you want me to say.
Idea god - to real God .... a God that changes everything.
thanks for being here this morning and praying that your heart, mind and soul fills with new idea's who God is to you.
Lonnie~
I fully enjoyed our Wed night Bible study this evening as the students got to write down questions and not put a name on those questions. Both our pastors at church were asked as many questions we could get through - there were MANY! I think I did a good job leading and kinda running the show and the next steps as we moved from eating pizza, leading game, announcements and then into the meat of the evening with answering the students questions. The thing that troubles me this evening, or this morning now as I look at the clock - work is going to hurt in a few hours but what can ya do.... the thing that troubles me is the fact that God is an idea for most people. Yes most folks believe in God or a god but one that is only an idea. I mean that by saying that God is there unless it makes me change what I am doing, what I am wanting to do or making me stop and change direction. For most if I asked the question if God was boring, I bet most would say yes.
Think about it with some student growing up in church they have heard the stories, been to the pizza parties, had their fair share of VBS and Sunday morning small group time. They know the basics of most of the big parables and stories of Christ but there life is lacking something important and that is the willingness to step a little further in faith to dig a little deeper in those stories and parables and apply them to their life. They are just stories, often times heard many times since 2nd grade. The real life application of life change and understanding from Christ is just under the surface of those stories, parables and experiences if they would just dig a little deeper.
We cannot expect our students, our friends or family member - to follow a God they do not know. I am talking a personal relationship with them. Not a facebook friend who we only know occasionally and use to build up our importance stance on bragging how many friends we have. I am talking about the handful of friends who would have your back when you need them. A friend that stick closer than family and when the world pulls away over a mistake you made, this friend steps forward and leans in to help, to listen and to love on you. We cannot stay on the surface of our friendship with Christ. He wants to know you better - well he knows everything about you but it also has to work in the other direction.
Meaning that when you are faced with a decision say, cutting, making out with your boyfriend or girlfriend, going to a friend house when you told mom you were going to the mall, when you cheat on a test, all those sly and sneaky things that we decide to do -if we have to do something that we know we shouldnt do but do so anyways - God becomes just an idea. It may be thinking that takes us to - the God idea is for someone else - I am doing this regardless of the outcome or the pain that it will bring.
Knowing God is moving our hearts and our thinking and our true meaning of making a good sound decision from just knowing him to really having a relationship with him. Trusting in him.
Far too many are stail with this idea of God in our lives maybe because we have not experienced him since summer youth camp. Maybe you see the fun your friends are having at school and you think why am I not? Maybe you feel that life begins later and when you are older, like an adult, you will then put your life in order and follow Christ. You may also be at a place where - hey mom and dad dont really put a priority on this God thing so why should I?
This God idea, I can pull that out when I need it, like a free get out of jail card. I can use it when I want to appear better than someone else. I can use it when my boyfriend wants to go to this place but I dont want to go "That Far" just yet. Maybe you just dont feel God as all working in your life.
As a student leader and as a dad, these things really break my heart. Maybe they should really to a certain degree. I think that is healthy because it will keep me searching to fill that gap of brokenness for them and patch it with the scriptures, the love God has for me and for them and through that I can share that. When I am broken, God is remolding and reshaping. He is filling in the gaps to make my heart complete.
I often think that we dont challenge our kids enough. Sure they have all kinds of pressures on them today. Much more than I did when I was there age but to the core challenges and pressures are the same from one generation to the next. Things are amplified and shine bright today and influences and media are so much more stronger today. What I struggled with at 16 they are struggling with at 14 or 13. Even with all these amplified things in their lives, the basics of knowing Christ is the same.
We cannot expect our children to know and follow God if they do not know him. We also can't expect them to follow him if they have not been taught.
We have to preach Gods word to them, through our church, through our student ministries, through our parenting - and that is not just on Sunday mornings but all the time. We have to look for those teachable moments and then step forward and do those hard things.
Following Christ is an everyday decision. A battle on some days with selfishness and instant on generation who want the drive through instead of the sit down and talk God. My prayer is that we, myself included, that we dont lose focus on helping people around us know Christ and move him from our personal shelves of ideas and instant satisfaction to really knowing God is with us in all things. He is at the center of our lives, in our decisions, in our choices, in our relationships - God is who he says he is in your life. Life change happens when God steps in and he takes over.
I am excited about one student who I know through a few other students. I have not had much conversation with him other that a few short words and surface level stuff. His comment on facebook was asking about change. Can a person change their life on their own?
My comment was no - no you cant because willpower is all we have and over time that becomes weak and most times we fail and really changing. I invited him to YCI on friday which is a bible study in the school system here that meets before school. He asked what that was and said he had never been. I told him I would be there and to come - I would let him know how real life change works. Not through his power or through anything he will do. Christ alone will have the power to change him, if he is willing.
I look forward to that conversation. Lord, you do what only you can do with that. Just use me to share your love for him and speak your words that you want me to say.
Idea god - to real God .... a God that changes everything.
thanks for being here this morning and praying that your heart, mind and soul fills with new idea's who God is to you.
Lonnie~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)