This is my last day of work in the month of July. I find myself today pumped for next week and spending time with God, serving along side 56+ students and watching God do amazing things in the hearts of those students and leaders. I am especially pumped for the first timers as well as the ones who have been before and seeing them step up and leading. I am sad that a few students have chosen to not come and clamped down on what God will do in them next week. I will be praying extra hard for them all next week.
Today I want to step aside from my daily walk and share something that speaks so much volume to me. I wish I wrote it but it is so me ... I might as well have because it is so much in tune with who I am and where my heart is. Pastor Craig from LifeChurch.tv shares this as if I spoke it to him. I am almost finished with his book IT and have enjoyed it big time and have learned a lot from it.
Your passion for Christ is contagious. Ask God to increase your heart for those without Christ. He WILL. God will send someone - he may even send you a bunch of someones. Whom you will care about. Yoru love for them will increase. When that happens, you get it, and its almost impossible to turn off. Your prayer life increases. You're looking for opportunities to shift conversations toward spiritual things. You're ever aware that you're representing Christ. When you have IT, people tend to want IT. Your passion for Christ is contagious.
Being a leader in my church, my ministry reflects who I am and I am so flippin pumped for next week and seeing hearts change, people give their lives to Christ, worshipping God with people I love so much and pour everything I have into..... My rock group kids- Kyle, Zach and Morgan ... I am so blessed to be part of your lives as well as many other close students that I get to walk with. Ya'll break my heart, keep me up at night and next week - I get to watch and be a part of God doing something that only He can do. I will be there to share, experience, pray with you and lead in the best of my abilities but more importantly - I get a front row seat. Come home changed loved ones...... just let it happen.
When you believe that God has called you to do something, you have to feel the fear in it and then do it anyway. I'm afraid a lot of the times - afraid of messing everything up, afraid to fail, afraid to say the wrong things, afraid to hurt someone - but I do it anyways because with all my heart - I know God has called me where I am today.
Be contagious ........ spread the love that God has put in your heart and share it with your world.
Thirst Camp 2010 ---- a week of change.
REVIVE US LORD!!!!
Lonnie~
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Every lonely heart fnids their one true love - and there's no more goodbye and no more not enough.
These are words from Steven Curtis Chapman. They are on my heart this morning as I lean in and seek Gods heart. Its as if Christ is saying - "This is my heart. This is what I get excited about, to see families trust me this much, to tryst me with the unknowns."
Today marks another week that has passed in Kate's therapy. She has 3-4 more weeks left and once again. No Letter. Carol and I are at that place where we are shut out and the past year was a waste of time, money, effort, passion, full of tears and heart break. BUT - there has been much that has been learned. God has shown us so much in this past year - even if things didnt turn out the way we had hoped and prayed for. God has had his hands all this. So what have we gained? We have gained that understanding that God is in control. The past year in our walk with him has brought us closer because we have had to trust him more. We have had to seek Him for answers and He has put people in our lives that have STUCK with us throug it all. Tough times and the good times. This past year has shown me that love is hard sometimes but worth loving through the tough times. It has shown me forgiveness each and every day no matter what.
Just last night, I prayed with one of my closest kids, I forgive and I don't even know what its about - I dont care - I love you that much. Its loving people with Gods heart and not my own.
Yeah, stinks not hearing from Kate with everything that we have been through but its ok. She needs to focus on some things and Carol and I may not be part of that equation right now.
This brings me to Philippians 3:7-11 today:
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
The past year was not a failure. It was such a tough year on me, Carol, Kyle, my rock group family, church family and friends. But through it all, it is not a loss. For we have gained so much more through Christ. When we find ourselves in a desperate place where we respond to God in a different way than our normal way - then our lives become an act of worship. Our hearts become one and we see life with Christ's eyes.
Looking ahead because of the experiences and changed hearts, there will be others to pour into. Because learning how to trust God with the unknown is exactly where he wants us to be.
Out of the ashes
Beauty will rise
and we will dance among the ruins
We will see it with our own eyes
Out of these ashes
Beauty will rise
For we know joy is
coming in the morning
Tough things happen and through love we will get through them.
Lonnie~
These are words from Steven Curtis Chapman. They are on my heart this morning as I lean in and seek Gods heart. Its as if Christ is saying - "This is my heart. This is what I get excited about, to see families trust me this much, to tryst me with the unknowns."
Today marks another week that has passed in Kate's therapy. She has 3-4 more weeks left and once again. No Letter. Carol and I are at that place where we are shut out and the past year was a waste of time, money, effort, passion, full of tears and heart break. BUT - there has been much that has been learned. God has shown us so much in this past year - even if things didnt turn out the way we had hoped and prayed for. God has had his hands all this. So what have we gained? We have gained that understanding that God is in control. The past year in our walk with him has brought us closer because we have had to trust him more. We have had to seek Him for answers and He has put people in our lives that have STUCK with us throug it all. Tough times and the good times. This past year has shown me that love is hard sometimes but worth loving through the tough times. It has shown me forgiveness each and every day no matter what.
Just last night, I prayed with one of my closest kids, I forgive and I don't even know what its about - I dont care - I love you that much. Its loving people with Gods heart and not my own.
Yeah, stinks not hearing from Kate with everything that we have been through but its ok. She needs to focus on some things and Carol and I may not be part of that equation right now.
This brings me to Philippians 3:7-11 today:
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
The past year was not a failure. It was such a tough year on me, Carol, Kyle, my rock group family, church family and friends. But through it all, it is not a loss. For we have gained so much more through Christ. When we find ourselves in a desperate place where we respond to God in a different way than our normal way - then our lives become an act of worship. Our hearts become one and we see life with Christ's eyes.
Looking ahead because of the experiences and changed hearts, there will be others to pour into. Because learning how to trust God with the unknown is exactly where he wants us to be.
Out of the ashes
Beauty will rise
and we will dance among the ruins
We will see it with our own eyes
Out of these ashes
Beauty will rise
For we know joy is
coming in the morning
Tough things happen and through love we will get through them.
Lonnie~
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
I have been struggling with today's passage for some reason. I have been thinking about it since early morning. I will share it and maybe it will speak to you in a powerful way.
Acts 4:24-31
When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord,"they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit the mouth of your servant, our father David: "WHy do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The Kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed one. Indeed Herod and Pontius Polate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire again your holy servant Jesus, who you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Today there is a shortage of men in the church. It is almost impossible to be godly and lead your family. It is almost impossible to be godly and lead your children. Satan has a strangle hold on our families but he also has taken out the leaders of our families - the men. I read in a magazine the other day that world wide there are 11-13 million more women than men that claim to be Christians. Men spend an average of 37 more minutes a day doing leisure stuff than women. At age 42, women start to outnumber men in America... and that is just in society. Imagine that ratio in the church today. I am saddened that most men give up their walk or pursuit of God because they feel they cant relate to anything about Jesus. Jesus was no frilly, weak and over emotional Opra kind of guy. He was powerful, a king, strong and full of fire and passion when he walked the earth. He challenged the way of life in all people he came across. He challenged government and the rulers of his day. He had 12 that he poured into and lived with for the 3 years of his ministry. He was a tough dude and by no means a weak individual. He spoke when he wasnt supposed to and healed when he wasnt supposed to. He crossed paths with people every day who wanted to kill him and he went anyway. How many of us would do that today?He challenged everyone he came into contact with. I would say that took some courage. I think that is what is missing from today's men. Courage to lead their families, lead and get involved in our children, to rise up at work, and to follow Jesus. For sure for me, following Jesus is the hardest thing I have ever done. Ministry does not have a day off or a moment of rest. There is always a challenge taking place and something pulling for attention. Leading is something I am learning and I still have a lot to learn.
I miss those late evening discussions over dinner with some of my close guy friends. I remember once sitting at our local Mexican place with one of my then close buddies and a 10 year old girl came over to the table and said hello. She introduced me to her dad as her Childrens pastor. It was such an honor and very early on in my ministry walk. I could have been sitting there with a bunch of guys cutting up, pounding beers, and acting foolish like some men do when they get together. It for sure was a wake up call and a calling on my heart to always live out my faith. I miss having some guy friends in my life. Godly men to lean on, to ask questions and to have access to speak truth with. We need each other as men, leaders in our families and in our friends.
Imagine praying and the place where you are meeting shaking afterwards... that would be something. We are not meant to walk this life alone. We are meant to have other brothers and sisters who we are doing life with. Community ..... with the missing of front porches in our homes these days - they help create islands of neighbors instead of invites to neighbors. Our garage doors open and close only as we pull in and out. Trapped in our very own homes - alone.
I will close with this today as this has been on my heart for 2 days now -
The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more in life there is to celebrate. Those with IT celebrate IT together. It being Christ. It being the love and passion in life that takes over all meaning to what it really means to live. Christ is worth living for and giving everything to.
Lonnie~
Acts 4:24-31
When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord,"they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit the mouth of your servant, our father David: "WHy do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The Kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed one. Indeed Herod and Pontius Polate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire again your holy servant Jesus, who you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Today there is a shortage of men in the church. It is almost impossible to be godly and lead your family. It is almost impossible to be godly and lead your children. Satan has a strangle hold on our families but he also has taken out the leaders of our families - the men. I read in a magazine the other day that world wide there are 11-13 million more women than men that claim to be Christians. Men spend an average of 37 more minutes a day doing leisure stuff than women. At age 42, women start to outnumber men in America... and that is just in society. Imagine that ratio in the church today. I am saddened that most men give up their walk or pursuit of God because they feel they cant relate to anything about Jesus. Jesus was no frilly, weak and over emotional Opra kind of guy. He was powerful, a king, strong and full of fire and passion when he walked the earth. He challenged the way of life in all people he came across. He challenged government and the rulers of his day. He had 12 that he poured into and lived with for the 3 years of his ministry. He was a tough dude and by no means a weak individual. He spoke when he wasnt supposed to and healed when he wasnt supposed to. He crossed paths with people every day who wanted to kill him and he went anyway. How many of us would do that today?He challenged everyone he came into contact with. I would say that took some courage. I think that is what is missing from today's men. Courage to lead their families, lead and get involved in our children, to rise up at work, and to follow Jesus. For sure for me, following Jesus is the hardest thing I have ever done. Ministry does not have a day off or a moment of rest. There is always a challenge taking place and something pulling for attention. Leading is something I am learning and I still have a lot to learn.
I miss those late evening discussions over dinner with some of my close guy friends. I remember once sitting at our local Mexican place with one of my then close buddies and a 10 year old girl came over to the table and said hello. She introduced me to her dad as her Childrens pastor. It was such an honor and very early on in my ministry walk. I could have been sitting there with a bunch of guys cutting up, pounding beers, and acting foolish like some men do when they get together. It for sure was a wake up call and a calling on my heart to always live out my faith. I miss having some guy friends in my life. Godly men to lean on, to ask questions and to have access to speak truth with. We need each other as men, leaders in our families and in our friends.
Imagine praying and the place where you are meeting shaking afterwards... that would be something. We are not meant to walk this life alone. We are meant to have other brothers and sisters who we are doing life with. Community ..... with the missing of front porches in our homes these days - they help create islands of neighbors instead of invites to neighbors. Our garage doors open and close only as we pull in and out. Trapped in our very own homes - alone.
I will close with this today as this has been on my heart for 2 days now -
The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more in life there is to celebrate. Those with IT celebrate IT together. It being Christ. It being the love and passion in life that takes over all meaning to what it really means to live. Christ is worth living for and giving everything to.
Lonnie~
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Today I am in Jeremiah 1:4-8.
The Call of Jeremiah
The word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Ah. Sovereign Lord," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child". But the Lord said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. DO not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord.
Never forget that the Lord has a purpose for your life. He wants you to live with meaning and passion in all you do, grasping each and every moment to the fullest. There is a rock at Lake Adger called Frog rock and its one that sticks out of the water and when you see it from the side - looks like a giant frog. When the water level is down in the lake, the rock sticks out pretty high. Its a rock that we dive off the boat and swim to and then climb the back side of it and jump off into the water. For those who are doing so for the very first time it takes a little courage to do that. Last Friday night, me, Kyle, Zach and Emilee took our nerves into the Intimidator's front row seat and rode that coaster in the dark. It was amazing.... but it took courage to do it.
We all have it in us, this courage. Its just hard sometimes to let it out or to trust in it. So often people press this courage down in order to keep from being afraid. Most often they end up stuck where they are. They didn't stand up and lead, they didn't shout into the crowd that what was going on was wrong, they didn't get on the coaster, they didn't come to camp. There is no reason to be afraid, though healthy at times, we can put our fears into the hands of Christ because no matter what we are going through- Christ has gone ahead of us.
No reason to fear loved ones. Lord give each of us the courage to stand for you. Help us in our inability to shine your name in front of others. Help us in our actions, the words we use, our facebook posts to the world - help us honor you in all we do. Courage - give us the courage to stand for what is right and for the things of you. Amen
Monday, July 19, 2010
Busy day today so just now taking a moment to share. I was going to skip this post but I will try and get it done and off my chest because I feel its important for someone.
Carol is home safely and I am looking forward to getting off work and heading home. Its been since Thursday since she left with her girl peeps to go to the beach. (miss them too!) I have to say though, its been a good handful of days with the boys with some added fun mixed into things. Car wash on Saturday, Carowinds Friday night and church yesterday - we also watched a bunch of movies in between. Book of Eli was really good and had such an amazing turn at the end that I didnt see coming. For sure our next Rock Group movie.....
Today brings me to John 14:12-15
12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
I am thankful for this passage today due to the fact that Pastor Travis spoke on this topic yesterday in our student ministry. Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. Our greatest example to others for Christ is not in what we say - its how we act. Its how we treat others. Its in our attitudes and how we handle things when crap hits the fan. People are always watching and yes even judging because if we claim to have Christ it should show in our lives. We should stand out and be different than the rest of the world. Just because these folks are talking this way, doing this or that, dating at 12, disrespecting their parents, on the sides smoking drinking and who knows what else.... doesn't mean you have to. Society has a strong message and a strong lure to pull us all into its trap. Sin in most cases is fun and what the song and movies and the lives of our hollywood folks dont tell us is all the hurt, shame and guilt that goes on behind the scene. If we are following Christ with our hearts and doing our best to live each moment for Christ then we will be doing what Christ has called each of us to do.
That may mean you lose some friends. That may mean you wont be so popular. That may mean that people make fun of you. Living a life of Christ is living for others, caring and loving others - regardless of what is going on around us. Our governtment cannot fix what is broke in this country. God can ... and all through time - the church will stand and heal broken lives.
So many people give up on God because they want to know more about him, give him their plans and or in their minds make a deal with God ... then God doesnt do what we want to do. They walk away ...... Hey I'm not following a God who doesnt do what I want to do. That is pretty sad ... We are here for Him. He loved us first and thus we should love him back. He deserves our lives because of our sin and dont deserve another breath of air.
I am just at a place in mywalk that I desire more of the things of God. To be more of Him and less of me. Show me Lord how to reach people, not in my words but in my hands.
I got to share a little yesterday in front of the students about Thirst Camp coming up next week. We got to meet a family in need in our community and how we are going to share with this family an amazing blessing next week. A shared blessing because up front she said - This is so hard for me. I totally get that and by stepping out in faith - taking a leap in trust - God is going to show up big time in this families life. Our students, our leaders and this family will be changed. So many are not coming to camp because its hard, they dont want to, or another excuse given.... this family doesnt have many options. They need this blessing and by not coming - you are not experiencing what God is wanting to do.
God move us to a place where we see in all your power and glory. Help us put aside our plans for your plans. Help us give you our hands Lord and step in courage to move ahead and be part of what you are wanting to do through us. May you receive all the glory and praise Lord.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15"If you love me, you will obey what I command.
Help us do what you have called each of us to do. Love one another in all the ways you love us. You are our example Lord and may our hearts be open to the things of you. Change us and move us to a faith that has action. May our hands be yours and our feet guide us on your paths. May our hearts beat for the things of you. I pray all this in Your sons mighty name in Jesus.,
Amen
Can we be holy without being weird? comments welcome~
Lonnie~
Carol is home safely and I am looking forward to getting off work and heading home. Its been since Thursday since she left with her girl peeps to go to the beach. (miss them too!) I have to say though, its been a good handful of days with the boys with some added fun mixed into things. Car wash on Saturday, Carowinds Friday night and church yesterday - we also watched a bunch of movies in between. Book of Eli was really good and had such an amazing turn at the end that I didnt see coming. For sure our next Rock Group movie.....
Today brings me to John 14:12-15
12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
I am thankful for this passage today due to the fact that Pastor Travis spoke on this topic yesterday in our student ministry. Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. Our greatest example to others for Christ is not in what we say - its how we act. Its how we treat others. Its in our attitudes and how we handle things when crap hits the fan. People are always watching and yes even judging because if we claim to have Christ it should show in our lives. We should stand out and be different than the rest of the world. Just because these folks are talking this way, doing this or that, dating at 12, disrespecting their parents, on the sides smoking drinking and who knows what else.... doesn't mean you have to. Society has a strong message and a strong lure to pull us all into its trap. Sin in most cases is fun and what the song and movies and the lives of our hollywood folks dont tell us is all the hurt, shame and guilt that goes on behind the scene. If we are following Christ with our hearts and doing our best to live each moment for Christ then we will be doing what Christ has called each of us to do.
That may mean you lose some friends. That may mean you wont be so popular. That may mean that people make fun of you. Living a life of Christ is living for others, caring and loving others - regardless of what is going on around us. Our governtment cannot fix what is broke in this country. God can ... and all through time - the church will stand and heal broken lives.
So many people give up on God because they want to know more about him, give him their plans and or in their minds make a deal with God ... then God doesnt do what we want to do. They walk away ...... Hey I'm not following a God who doesnt do what I want to do. That is pretty sad ... We are here for Him. He loved us first and thus we should love him back. He deserves our lives because of our sin and dont deserve another breath of air.
I am just at a place in mywalk that I desire more of the things of God. To be more of Him and less of me. Show me Lord how to reach people, not in my words but in my hands.
I got to share a little yesterday in front of the students about Thirst Camp coming up next week. We got to meet a family in need in our community and how we are going to share with this family an amazing blessing next week. A shared blessing because up front she said - This is so hard for me. I totally get that and by stepping out in faith - taking a leap in trust - God is going to show up big time in this families life. Our students, our leaders and this family will be changed. So many are not coming to camp because its hard, they dont want to, or another excuse given.... this family doesnt have many options. They need this blessing and by not coming - you are not experiencing what God is wanting to do.
God move us to a place where we see in all your power and glory. Help us put aside our plans for your plans. Help us give you our hands Lord and step in courage to move ahead and be part of what you are wanting to do through us. May you receive all the glory and praise Lord.
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15"If you love me, you will obey what I command.
Help us do what you have called each of us to do. Love one another in all the ways you love us. You are our example Lord and may our hearts be open to the things of you. Change us and move us to a faith that has action. May our hands be yours and our feet guide us on your paths. May our hearts beat for the things of you. I pray all this in Your sons mighty name in Jesus.,
Amen
Can we be holy without being weird? comments welcome~
Lonnie~
Friday, July 16, 2010
Odd - I woke this morning with the house empty. Not that we got robbed and everything was gone but it might as well have been.... I was the only one there. Kyle stayed at Zachs and miss Carol is at the beach with the Lymans. Dang, I am not good at this... alone stuff. I guess its been a long time since I have been at this place. Carol used to travel like every week and almost all week, almost every week, I was alone but since God has placed so many close peeps in my life - alone time is just not happening. I'm cool with it I guess.
Had our weekly interview this morning with Kate's counselor's and she is doing well. She is taking more of a leadership role in her group and is adjusting more to her surroundings. I have to write another letter by Sunday evening. Thats always a hard on my heart for sure. Got to get prayed up for that.
Today I find myself in Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
For the last week now Kate has been saying she needs her glasses. Odd thing is, I don't remember her wearing glasses this past year at all. I do know that if I did not have my contacts or my glasses - life all around me would be just a big blurrrrr. I am talking giant blur. I can't see anything unless its so close to my face, it might as well hit me. That has me thinking today. this vision and the scripture above about growing weary. I posted yesterday on facebook that the real treasure in student ministry is when a student comes and says "Thank you". I have a few !thank you~ kids in my life. They say it often and it shows how much they appreciate what I am doing, the investment I make into their lives and all that. Some though, you might have to say it first or mom/dad pops in and says - what do you say? or they thank me. Its not about those words though because regardless I am making an impact for God in their lives and His praise and his glory is what I am after. I think about what it would be like trying to do that with impaired vision. Not being able to see God clearly, I think some of my selfish ways would get in between and possibly put me in harms way.
I had a conversation with a parent this morning and after some encouraging words that I shared about their child that following Christ, your personal ministry, never has time off. It never has a break - you can go on vacation, you can spend time away, you can shut the TV off, you can even send your kids away for the weekend - some send their wives away for the weekend - JK Carol - but you can never shut off ministry. You can't shut off your walk with Christ if He is the focal point of your life. I look around me at some of the students, on facebook they are making sometimes rude comments, they talk with their friends about topics that present themselves differently than when they are around mom or dad or an adult. Students using foul language and posting pictures of themselves hoping to take the internet down with comments. There are so many distractions like texting, internet and tv - that it keeps us out of focus and gives us no time to focus in on God. He wants a little of your full attention. When was the last time something or someone had your full attention for more than 5 minutes?
Our daily vision might look a little like this. Our time is spent in the details of our day. Deadlines, to do lists, errands etc... they take a lot of time and focus. We get so caught up in the todolist that we lose our directin and sense of the God who loves us. We make detours in our day. We set out to do something or these 3 things and low and behold the day comes to a close and we didn't get to them. We get held up at Lowes Foods because we ran into someone we havent seen in awhile. Out to eat and the next table over is someone we know and lunch takes longer. Cell phone rings and there is another thing we need to get done today. We get off plan, off road and off schedule. How did I get all the way over here? We often lose our way and can no longer see God in our lives. Duties each day - make the coffee, breakfast, get the kids to school, work, dinner, homework, play time with the kids, bedtime and then sleep. Living life in the motions. Its what we do every day and we get to a point where each day is the same ol same ol. Hump day was invented to remind us we live for the weekends! We should live each day as if it was our last. Live in the moments... and treasure them no matter what. Impaired vision of God when we live that way. Look at your life right now. Struggling with something? Circumstances got you down? Discouraged or maybe someone is just taking all the energy out of you? Those things seem big and God is small. Vision impaired when our God is small and our things in life are big.
My prayer today is to always have someone around me to help me magnify the Lord. As I type this, there are text messages coming in from a close student and we are discussing and reading this scripture. Awesome..... glorifying God together. Its not that we see God bigger but that we see Him for His true size. May it move your soul and quicken your pulse today focusing on God. Stay in the race loved ones, focus on the prize and do not grow weary and lose heart. Focus on what will matter 100 years from now, endure what you are going through, learn from it and grow through it. These things wont matter 100 years from now.... Look up while on your knees ... it keeps you from looking down on people just as Christ lowered himself to serve and put others before himself.
Kate will have her glasses tomorrow and everything around her will be in focus. Will her heart see what her eyes see. If so, then you are seeing with your heart.
Lonnie~
Had our weekly interview this morning with Kate's counselor's and she is doing well. She is taking more of a leadership role in her group and is adjusting more to her surroundings. I have to write another letter by Sunday evening. Thats always a hard on my heart for sure. Got to get prayed up for that.
Today I find myself in Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
For the last week now Kate has been saying she needs her glasses. Odd thing is, I don't remember her wearing glasses this past year at all. I do know that if I did not have my contacts or my glasses - life all around me would be just a big blurrrrr. I am talking giant blur. I can't see anything unless its so close to my face, it might as well hit me. That has me thinking today. this vision and the scripture above about growing weary. I posted yesterday on facebook that the real treasure in student ministry is when a student comes and says "Thank you". I have a few !thank you~ kids in my life. They say it often and it shows how much they appreciate what I am doing, the investment I make into their lives and all that. Some though, you might have to say it first or mom/dad pops in and says - what do you say? or they thank me. Its not about those words though because regardless I am making an impact for God in their lives and His praise and his glory is what I am after. I think about what it would be like trying to do that with impaired vision. Not being able to see God clearly, I think some of my selfish ways would get in between and possibly put me in harms way.
I had a conversation with a parent this morning and after some encouraging words that I shared about their child that following Christ, your personal ministry, never has time off. It never has a break - you can go on vacation, you can spend time away, you can shut the TV off, you can even send your kids away for the weekend - some send their wives away for the weekend - JK Carol - but you can never shut off ministry. You can't shut off your walk with Christ if He is the focal point of your life. I look around me at some of the students, on facebook they are making sometimes rude comments, they talk with their friends about topics that present themselves differently than when they are around mom or dad or an adult. Students using foul language and posting pictures of themselves hoping to take the internet down with comments. There are so many distractions like texting, internet and tv - that it keeps us out of focus and gives us no time to focus in on God. He wants a little of your full attention. When was the last time something or someone had your full attention for more than 5 minutes?
Our daily vision might look a little like this. Our time is spent in the details of our day. Deadlines, to do lists, errands etc... they take a lot of time and focus. We get so caught up in the todolist that we lose our directin and sense of the God who loves us. We make detours in our day. We set out to do something or these 3 things and low and behold the day comes to a close and we didn't get to them. We get held up at Lowes Foods because we ran into someone we havent seen in awhile. Out to eat and the next table over is someone we know and lunch takes longer. Cell phone rings and there is another thing we need to get done today. We get off plan, off road and off schedule. How did I get all the way over here? We often lose our way and can no longer see God in our lives. Duties each day - make the coffee, breakfast, get the kids to school, work, dinner, homework, play time with the kids, bedtime and then sleep. Living life in the motions. Its what we do every day and we get to a point where each day is the same ol same ol. Hump day was invented to remind us we live for the weekends! We should live each day as if it was our last. Live in the moments... and treasure them no matter what. Impaired vision of God when we live that way. Look at your life right now. Struggling with something? Circumstances got you down? Discouraged or maybe someone is just taking all the energy out of you? Those things seem big and God is small. Vision impaired when our God is small and our things in life are big.
My prayer today is to always have someone around me to help me magnify the Lord. As I type this, there are text messages coming in from a close student and we are discussing and reading this scripture. Awesome..... glorifying God together. Its not that we see God bigger but that we see Him for His true size. May it move your soul and quicken your pulse today focusing on God. Stay in the race loved ones, focus on the prize and do not grow weary and lose heart. Focus on what will matter 100 years from now, endure what you are going through, learn from it and grow through it. These things wont matter 100 years from now.... Look up while on your knees ... it keeps you from looking down on people just as Christ lowered himself to serve and put others before himself.
Kate will have her glasses tomorrow and everything around her will be in focus. Will her heart see what her eyes see. If so, then you are seeing with your heart.
Lonnie~
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Work the new four letter word
Had a great time at LOL last night hanging with all the students as their mom and dad got to hear the vision and heartbeat of Christ through our student ministry from Pastor Travis. This kind of thing really pumps me up but I am a little down in the fact that not that many parents came, some students came without their parent(s) but I am happy that they came. Some just don't bother coming or give some excuse as to why they can't - or won't. Its that part that I struggle with. I am pouring all I have into this ministry and seeking God in terms of my own personal walk and for him to teach me how to lead these students. It is everything about who I am today. We plan, study, work hard to get the word out and answer 1000 questions and then some don't show... I guess I should focus on the ones that are plugged in and who come no matter what. I have a few students around me who are like that. They are not missing anything and God is speaking into their lives ... you can see their faith. If people don't come and keep the door shut on what God wants to do ... it sure makes it hard to follow Christ that way from the sidelines. Faith is a verb ... and it requires some action to be active and alive.
Thirst Camp is coming up and we are in high gear with plans and working out details. Pastor Travis, Kyle and I have an appointment to meet with a family who is in need and through a friends testimony who we served last year at camp - has humbly agreed to let us come this year and bless them with serving whatever it is they need us to do. I am really excited about showing this family the practical love of Jesus and I am really excited to have our students involved and getting their hands dirty for their faith. Its something that is life changing for everyone.
My study brings me to II Timothy 2:1-4 today and I will use the Message translation because it it worded so well. Hope it speaks to you ... moves you out of your seat... and puts your faith into action.
Doing Your Best for God
1-7So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!— to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain.
This so speaks to me today because of those who are chosing to not plug in. Those who don't feel like going to Thirst Camp, Sundays or whatever else. Those who just seem to be going through the motions in their faith or just using it when its convenient. Decisions are not just a one time event.... they don't change your life - they change your direction.
Jesus didn't die on the cross for us to just sit on our faith, come to church once a month maybe, not live out the vision of our local church, to sit on the sidelines, to not lead our families and children.... I must stay the course and continue moving forward. Those that stick... will be poured into. Its hard at times... harder than I ever imagined.
Thats another post though for a later time....
Stay the course Lon and "don't look back". How awesome that advise to a student earlier in the week has had such an impact on the one who gave it. (me) Hope the one who heard it is really living it like I am this week. That will be a great conversation don't you think?
"Don't look back" I have to live my faith. Who is with me?
More of Christ; less of me.
Lonnie~
Thirst Camp is coming up and we are in high gear with plans and working out details. Pastor Travis, Kyle and I have an appointment to meet with a family who is in need and through a friends testimony who we served last year at camp - has humbly agreed to let us come this year and bless them with serving whatever it is they need us to do. I am really excited about showing this family the practical love of Jesus and I am really excited to have our students involved and getting their hands dirty for their faith. Its something that is life changing for everyone.
My study brings me to II Timothy 2:1-4 today and I will use the Message translation because it it worded so well. Hope it speaks to you ... moves you out of your seat... and puts your faith into action.
Doing Your Best for God
1-7So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!— to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain.
This so speaks to me today because of those who are chosing to not plug in. Those who don't feel like going to Thirst Camp, Sundays or whatever else. Those who just seem to be going through the motions in their faith or just using it when its convenient. Decisions are not just a one time event.... they don't change your life - they change your direction.
Jesus didn't die on the cross for us to just sit on our faith, come to church once a month maybe, not live out the vision of our local church, to sit on the sidelines, to not lead our families and children.... I must stay the course and continue moving forward. Those that stick... will be poured into. Its hard at times... harder than I ever imagined.
Thats another post though for a later time....
Stay the course Lon and "don't look back". How awesome that advise to a student earlier in the week has had such an impact on the one who gave it. (me) Hope the one who heard it is really living it like I am this week. That will be a great conversation don't you think?
"Don't look back" I have to live my faith. Who is with me?
More of Christ; less of me.
Lonnie~
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