In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
MERRY CHRISTMAS - I LOVE YOU AND JESUS LOVES YOU MOST!~
Christmas in 50 Words
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
25 Days of christmas - Day 24: "With Us"
A Youth Ministry friend wrote this and I had to pass it along...
WITH US
By Dave Veerman
Months, weeks, hours, minutes, seconds
Years ticking away
Christmas suddenly upon us
"Seems like yesterday!"
Baking,wrapping,entertaining
Parties, pageants, tinsel, lights
Evergreens, tree, ornaments
Pressured days and shortened nights.
Relatives and friends, cards, cookies,
Pressed year-end deadlines, more
Traffic snarls, sales, mall Santas
Frantic rushing store to store.
Immersed in season's tasks and trappings
Pushing on but losing joy
Good and busy but forgetting
Immanuel was that baby boy.
Help me, Lord, to slow and wonder
At miracle unfolded here
Truthfully, in finite chaos
My Savior, Lord, and God came near
And may I sense the Spirit's urgings
Through my dwindling life on earth
Living out my faith professions
Sharing hope of Jesus' birth.
WITH US
By Dave Veerman
Months, weeks, hours, minutes, seconds
Years ticking away
Christmas suddenly upon us
"Seems like yesterday!"
Baking,wrapping,entertaining
Parties, pageants, tinsel, lights
Evergreens, tree, ornaments
Pressured days and shortened nights.
Relatives and friends, cards, cookies,
Pressed year-end deadlines, more
Traffic snarls, sales, mall Santas
Frantic rushing store to store.
Immersed in season's tasks and trappings
Pushing on but losing joy
Good and busy but forgetting
Immanuel was that baby boy.
Help me, Lord, to slow and wonder
At miracle unfolded here
Truthfully, in finite chaos
My Savior, Lord, and God came near
And may I sense the Spirit's urgings
Through my dwindling life on earth
Living out my faith professions
Sharing hope of Jesus' birth.
Friday, December 23, 2011
25 Days of Christmas - Day 23
Got this from my friends at Simply Youth Ministry and it reflects my sentiments as well...
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
we celebrate Jesus.
not because it’s a holiday.
we celebrate him because he is God.
and because his love for us is immeasurable
and unfathomable.
redemption is the ultimate picture of that love—
Jesus chose to die so that we might live with him forever.
and not in this forever.
but a forever in a world without pain, loneliness, hunger, sickness, or tears.
this Christmas, our hope and prayer is that we all might fall on our knees
and experience Jesus as our redeemer
as our Immanuel
and know his goodness
and perfect love.
Worshipping Him together with you,
The Simply Youth Ministry Team
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
we celebrate Jesus.
not because it’s a holiday.
we celebrate him because he is God.
and because his love for us is immeasurable
and unfathomable.
redemption is the ultimate picture of that love—
Jesus chose to die so that we might live with him forever.
and not in this forever.
but a forever in a world without pain, loneliness, hunger, sickness, or tears.
this Christmas, our hope and prayer is that we all might fall on our knees
and experience Jesus as our redeemer
as our Immanuel
and know his goodness
and perfect love.
Worshipping Him together with you,
The Simply Youth Ministry Team
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sharing Hope Today at the Mall!
It's easy to talk about Jesus on Sunday, in our churches or at student ministry! It's also easy to talk about Jesus at Christmas - really - it is! So.... today I'm taking students to our local mall to share the hope of Christmas with people and pray with them - yes - at the mall! Now, this is not my most comfortable way of sharing Jesus, but IS A way! And you know what's cool? If our students have not left town yet, most of them WILL come today AND eternity WILL be impacted!
One day DL Moody was approached by a lady who said, "I don't like the way you share Jesus with people. You're blunt and come over as opinionated." To which he replied, "I don't like the way I share Jesus either, what do you do?" She was silent, and sheepishly said, "I don't." To which DL Moody said, "Well, I like the way I do it better than the way you don't!"
Now, lets be sure as we share Jesus to be gracious, loving and caring - but let's DO share Him, especially at this time of year!
I've created the following survey for us to use today. Maybe you too could make time this year to share Jesus, even with strangers. You'll be blessed and eternity will be impacted! Go for it!~
➢ To you, what is Christmas about?
Family Gifts Friends
Jesus Traditions Other:
➢ Have you heard the story of Jesus?
No? Explain it to them
Yes……
➢ Do you know WHY Jesus was born?
➢ Go thru G.O.S.P.E.L.
God created us to be with Him
Our sins separate us from God
Sins can never be removed by good deeds
Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again
Everyone who trusts in Him ALONE has eternal life
Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever
Are you 100% sure if you died tonite you’d go to heaven? If I could explain how you could be sure, would that be good news?
Name ______________________
Prayer Request(s) ______________________________________________________
One day DL Moody was approached by a lady who said, "I don't like the way you share Jesus with people. You're blunt and come over as opinionated." To which he replied, "I don't like the way I share Jesus either, what do you do?" She was silent, and sheepishly said, "I don't." To which DL Moody said, "Well, I like the way I do it better than the way you don't!"
Now, lets be sure as we share Jesus to be gracious, loving and caring - but let's DO share Him, especially at this time of year!
I've created the following survey for us to use today. Maybe you too could make time this year to share Jesus, even with strangers. You'll be blessed and eternity will be impacted! Go for it!~
➢ To you, what is Christmas about?
Family Gifts Friends
Jesus Traditions Other:
➢ Have you heard the story of Jesus?
No? Explain it to them
Yes……
➢ Do you know WHY Jesus was born?
➢ Go thru G.O.S.P.E.L.
God created us to be with Him
Our sins separate us from God
Sins can never be removed by good deeds
Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again
Everyone who trusts in Him ALONE has eternal life
Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever
Are you 100% sure if you died tonite you’d go to heaven? If I could explain how you could be sure, would that be good news?
Name ______________________
Prayer Request(s) ______________________________________________________
Saturday, December 17, 2011
25 Days of Christmas - Day 17: Strange Way To Save The World
I was reminded again yesterday of the words to this song...
Strange Way To Save The World
4 Him
Sure he must have been surprised
At where this road had taken him
'Cause never in a million lives
Would he had dreamed of Bethlehem
And standing at the manger
He saw with his own eyes
The message from the angel come to life
And Joseph said...
Why me, I'm just a simple man of trade
Why Him, with all the rulers in the world
Why here inside this stable filled with hay
Why her, she's just an ordinary girl
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say
But this is such a strange way to save the world
To think of how it could have been
If Jesus had come as He deserved
There would have been no Bethlehem
No lowly shepherds at His birth
But Joseph knew the reason
Love had to reach so far
And as he held the Savior in his arms
He must have thought...
Why me, I'm just a simple man of trade
Why Him, with all the rulers in the world
Why here inside this stable filled with hay
Why her, she's just an ordinary girl
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say
But this is such a strange way to save the world
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say
But this is such a strange way to save the world
Thank You God for sending Jesus!~
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21
Strange Way To Save The World
4 Him
Sure he must have been surprised
At where this road had taken him
'Cause never in a million lives
Would he had dreamed of Bethlehem
And standing at the manger
He saw with his own eyes
The message from the angel come to life
And Joseph said...
Why me, I'm just a simple man of trade
Why Him, with all the rulers in the world
Why here inside this stable filled with hay
Why her, she's just an ordinary girl
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say
But this is such a strange way to save the world
To think of how it could have been
If Jesus had come as He deserved
There would have been no Bethlehem
No lowly shepherds at His birth
But Joseph knew the reason
Love had to reach so far
And as he held the Savior in his arms
He must have thought...
Why me, I'm just a simple man of trade
Why Him, with all the rulers in the world
Why here inside this stable filled with hay
Why her, she's just an ordinary girl
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say
But this is such a strange way to save the world
Now I'm not one to second guess what angels have to say
But this is such a strange way to save the world
Thank You God for sending Jesus!~
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21
Friday, December 16, 2011
The "W" in Christmas
A friend of mine passed this on and I thought I'd pass it on to y'all...
The "W" in Christmas:
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.
I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing,
endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.
Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the
precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of
Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting
season for a six year old.
For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production.
Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his
teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of
the presentation.
All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early,
found a spot on the cafeteria floor
and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly
scampering to their seats.
As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class,
accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legon the floor. Then, each
group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the
holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun,
commercial entertainment
songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly
taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy
mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.
Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by
one, to spell out the title of the song.
As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up
the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and
on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the
complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly,
we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the
letter "M" upside down - totally unaware
her letter "M" appeared as a "W".
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered
at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they
were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter
continued until the last letter was raised,
and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we
celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos,
there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is.
The "W" in Christmas:
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.
I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing,
endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.
Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the
precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of
Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting
season for a six year old.
For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production.
Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his
teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of
the presentation.
All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early,
found a spot on the cafeteria floor
and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly
scampering to their seats.
As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class,
accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legon the floor. Then, each
group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the
holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun,
commercial entertainment
songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly
taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy
mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads.
Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by
one, to spell out the title of the song.
As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up
the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and
on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the
complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly,
we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the
letter "M" upside down - totally unaware
her letter "M" appeared as a "W".
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered
at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they
were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter
continued until the last letter was raised,
and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we
celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos,
there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Weirdest Birthday Party Ever...
Ok - I have a son and a daughter, so I have been to my fair share of birthday parties! Pump It Up- mega inflatables in a gym, sleepovers, indoor rock climbing, X-box nights, Chuck-E-Cheese (thank you Lord we're past this age), swim parties, theater parties, a cottage "tea" (Jessica, not Drew), dive-in movies, yadda, yadda, yadda... But once a year I attend one of the weirdest birthday parties ever.
Imagine with me for a moment that you're going to a birthday party for a friend. You arrive for the party, maybe you acknowledge the guest of honor, maybe you don't, then YOU rip into THEIR gifts and then, for the rest of the party, you pretty much ignore them. Pretty weird huh? Actually, it's beyond weird, that would just be plain rude! Fast forward - It's Christmas. Who's birthday is it? Jesus. Sure, we may begin with a short prayer, or reading of the Christmas story, but then it's gifts time.....and whose gifts? Jesus'! And who opens them? WE do! And then the rest of the day is spent...... well, you get the point!
A few years back I began to become frustrated with how Jesus' birthday party was going. Now, before you write me off as a humbug guy, please note that I married into a family that LOVES Jesus, Loves Christmas, Loves Santa, etc... and so do I! I just felt like the over abundance of blessing was pulling our focus away from the reason for the season. And so, because I'm a guy, and by nature a "fixer", something had to give. So.....here are the top 3 things we have done as a family to help keep Jesus in focus at Christmastime:
1 - After Thanksgiving, we ask our son & our daughter to go thru their rooms and pick out games, toys, etc.... that they don't use much. If they're in good shape, we donate them to our local Christian Ministry. If they're in bad shape, the dumpster gets them. They're gonna be getting more things at Christmas and this allows them to learn to be givers....and it cuts down on accumulation! (By the way, dad & mom do the same)
2 - On Christmas we DO take time to read the Christmas Story together and to pray & thank God for Jesus and for all God's blessings.
3 - Then, because we we're getting so much stuff, a few years back we made a "$1 for $1" commitment. For every dollar we spend on Christmas gifts, we give a dollar to Jesus - after all it IS His birthday. So if I buy a $20 gift, another $20 gets put away for Jesus. This has done two great things for us. First, it has cut down on how much we spend, because it's always double. Second, it has allowed us to bless so many others with so much! On Christmas Eve, all that $ for Jesus is put in his stocking (yes, we hang a stocking for JESUS on our fireplace) and we open His up first - and it's usually between $500-$700!~ Then our family decides who Jesus wants us to bless with these funds: missionaries, financially hurting families, ministries, etc... It's always AWESOME and it's a favorite part of our Christmas!~
I hope these ideas will spur you and your family on as well in helping turn the Weirdest Birthday Party into a Par-Tay that's less weirder AND has eternal implications!~
Imagine with me for a moment that you're going to a birthday party for a friend. You arrive for the party, maybe you acknowledge the guest of honor, maybe you don't, then YOU rip into THEIR gifts and then, for the rest of the party, you pretty much ignore them. Pretty weird huh? Actually, it's beyond weird, that would just be plain rude! Fast forward - It's Christmas. Who's birthday is it? Jesus. Sure, we may begin with a short prayer, or reading of the Christmas story, but then it's gifts time.....and whose gifts? Jesus'! And who opens them? WE do! And then the rest of the day is spent...... well, you get the point!
A few years back I began to become frustrated with how Jesus' birthday party was going. Now, before you write me off as a humbug guy, please note that I married into a family that LOVES Jesus, Loves Christmas, Loves Santa, etc... and so do I! I just felt like the over abundance of blessing was pulling our focus away from the reason for the season. And so, because I'm a guy, and by nature a "fixer", something had to give. So.....here are the top 3 things we have done as a family to help keep Jesus in focus at Christmastime:
1 - After Thanksgiving, we ask our son & our daughter to go thru their rooms and pick out games, toys, etc.... that they don't use much. If they're in good shape, we donate them to our local Christian Ministry. If they're in bad shape, the dumpster gets them. They're gonna be getting more things at Christmas and this allows them to learn to be givers....and it cuts down on accumulation! (By the way, dad & mom do the same)
2 - On Christmas we DO take time to read the Christmas Story together and to pray & thank God for Jesus and for all God's blessings.
3 - Then, because we we're getting so much stuff, a few years back we made a "$1 for $1" commitment. For every dollar we spend on Christmas gifts, we give a dollar to Jesus - after all it IS His birthday. So if I buy a $20 gift, another $20 gets put away for Jesus. This has done two great things for us. First, it has cut down on how much we spend, because it's always double. Second, it has allowed us to bless so many others with so much! On Christmas Eve, all that $ for Jesus is put in his stocking (yes, we hang a stocking for JESUS on our fireplace) and we open His up first - and it's usually between $500-$700!~ Then our family decides who Jesus wants us to bless with these funds: missionaries, financially hurting families, ministries, etc... It's always AWESOME and it's a favorite part of our Christmas!~
I hope these ideas will spur you and your family on as well in helping turn the Weirdest Birthday Party into a Par-Tay that's less weirder AND has eternal implications!~
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Fractured Christmas Carols
FRACTURED CHRISTMAS CAROLS
No one can fracture a Christmas carol better than a kid. Sing along with
these new takes on old favorites:
* Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly
* We three kings of porridge and tar
* On the first day of Christmas my tulip gave to me
* Later on we'll perspire, as we dream by the fire.
* He's makin' a list, chicken and rice.
* Noel. Noel, Barney's the king of Israel.
* With the jelly toast proclaim
* Olive, the other reindeer.
* Frosty the Snowman is a ferret elf, I say
* Sleep in heavenly peas
* In the meadow we can build a snowman, Then pretend that he is
sparse and brown
* You'll go down in listerine
* Oh, what fun it is to ride with one horse, soap and hay
* Come, froggy faithful
* You'll tell Carol, "Be a skunk, I require"
* Good tidings we bring to you and your kid
No one can fracture a Christmas carol better than a kid. Sing along with
these new takes on old favorites:
* Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly
* We three kings of porridge and tar
* On the first day of Christmas my tulip gave to me
* Later on we'll perspire, as we dream by the fire.
* He's makin' a list, chicken and rice.
* Noel. Noel, Barney's the king of Israel.
* With the jelly toast proclaim
* Olive, the other reindeer.
* Frosty the Snowman is a ferret elf, I say
* Sleep in heavenly peas
* In the meadow we can build a snowman, Then pretend that he is
sparse and brown
* You'll go down in listerine
* Oh, what fun it is to ride with one horse, soap and hay
* Come, froggy faithful
* You'll tell Carol, "Be a skunk, I require"
* Good tidings we bring to you and your kid
Thursday, December 8, 2011
A Soldier's Christmas Poem
In honor of those who serve in our military, and yesterday being the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor...
A Soldier's Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
my daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
in perfect contentment, or so it would seem.
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
and I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
to the window that danced with a warm fire's light
then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night"
"Its my duty to stand at the front of the line,
that separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red white and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home,
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat,
I can carry the weight of killing another
or lay down my life with my sisters and brothers
who stand at the front against any and all,
to insure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone.
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
to know you remember we fought and we bled
is payment enough, and with that we will trust.
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.
By Michael Marks
A Soldier's Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
my daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
in perfect contentment, or so it would seem.
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
and I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts,
to the window that danced with a warm fire's light
then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night"
"Its my duty to stand at the front of the line,
that separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red white and blue... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home,
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat,
I can carry the weight of killing another
or lay down my life with my sisters and brothers
who stand at the front against any and all,
to insure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone.
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
to know you remember we fought and we bled
is payment enough, and with that we will trust.
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.
By Michael Marks
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Birthday Present Ideas for Jesus!
Here are some birthday present ideas to keep Jesus the focus this season.....it is HIS birthday!~
Christmas Present Ideas for Jesus!
• Visit hospital patients who can’t go home for the holidays. Bring gifts, cookies, etc…and share the Gospel.
• Give a days wages, $ you saved, etc… to Star of Hope, Salvation Army, a missionary, etc…
• Volunteer time/service at your church – cleaning, repairing, etc…
• Buy socks & blankets and take them to the homeless with some food.
• Visit those unable to get out & about, in nursing homes, jail, etc…
• When eating at restaurants, ask the waiter/waitress how you can pray for them.
• Invite friends over for a Christmas party – have games, snacks & a
speaker who will share the Christmas story about Jesus.
• Write letters of encouragement to those who need a “written hug.”
• Wrap gifts up for Jesus (commitments, $ for needy, goals, etc…) – open them first!
• Include Gospel tracts when you pay your bills, when you drive thru fast food places, when you give gifts, etc…
• Sing Christmas Carols at stores, in your neighborhoods, etc…
• Don’t let people be “home alone” on Christmas. Invite them to part of your celebration.
• Help the elderly/widows with a meal, yard work, etc…
• Ask local stores if you can wrap gifts, help carry out packages, etc…. all All for FREE!!!
• Create a birthday card for Jesus. Write in it what you would tell Him if you could hand it to Him in person.
• Have a Birthday Party for Jesus or a pinata’ for kids in the neighborhood.
• Take your family to a stinky old barn on Christmas morning and read thru the Christmas story.
• Get some families together and buy a bunch of NEW cloths, toys, etc.. and have a FREE garage sale in a poorer neighborhood.
• Not much $ - Make a “kind deeds” Christmas book & give it to your
Parents. Coupons for “I’ll cook dinner”, “I’ll do the laundry”, “free kid-sitting”, etc…
• Take a homeless person to lunch.
• Have a Christmas cookie exchange – and a speaker to share the Gospel.
• Go to the mall, Look for lonely people sitting on a bench and talk to them about Christmas.
• Invite a neighbor, friend or family member to Christmas Eve service.
• Pay for the persons food behind you in the drive thru.
• REMEMBER JESUS EACH & EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR!!!
• GIVE & LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR HIM!!!
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of
the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.”
Matthew 25:40
Christmas Present Ideas for Jesus!
• Visit hospital patients who can’t go home for the holidays. Bring gifts, cookies, etc…and share the Gospel.
• Give a days wages, $ you saved, etc… to Star of Hope, Salvation Army, a missionary, etc…
• Volunteer time/service at your church – cleaning, repairing, etc…
• Buy socks & blankets and take them to the homeless with some food.
• Visit those unable to get out & about, in nursing homes, jail, etc…
• When eating at restaurants, ask the waiter/waitress how you can pray for them.
• Invite friends over for a Christmas party – have games, snacks & a
speaker who will share the Christmas story about Jesus.
• Write letters of encouragement to those who need a “written hug.”
• Wrap gifts up for Jesus (commitments, $ for needy, goals, etc…) – open them first!
• Include Gospel tracts when you pay your bills, when you drive thru fast food places, when you give gifts, etc…
• Sing Christmas Carols at stores, in your neighborhoods, etc…
• Don’t let people be “home alone” on Christmas. Invite them to part of your celebration.
• Help the elderly/widows with a meal, yard work, etc…
• Ask local stores if you can wrap gifts, help carry out packages, etc…. all All for FREE!!!
• Create a birthday card for Jesus. Write in it what you would tell Him if you could hand it to Him in person.
• Have a Birthday Party for Jesus or a pinata’ for kids in the neighborhood.
• Take your family to a stinky old barn on Christmas morning and read thru the Christmas story.
• Get some families together and buy a bunch of NEW cloths, toys, etc.. and have a FREE garage sale in a poorer neighborhood.
• Not much $ - Make a “kind deeds” Christmas book & give it to your
Parents. Coupons for “I’ll cook dinner”, “I’ll do the laundry”, “free kid-sitting”, etc…
• Take a homeless person to lunch.
• Have a Christmas cookie exchange – and a speaker to share the Gospel.
• Go to the mall, Look for lonely people sitting on a bench and talk to them about Christmas.
• Invite a neighbor, friend or family member to Christmas Eve service.
• Pay for the persons food behind you in the drive thru.
• REMEMBER JESUS EACH & EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR!!!
• GIVE & LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR HIM!!!
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of
the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.”
Matthew 25:40
Monday, August 29, 2011
Making Jesus Known Among 2 Elders...
Tonite I had the privilege of having Elder Maughon & Elder Yu (yes, my mormon friends) come by again and discuss Jesus, God and the Bible. We've had a couple of discussions before, but this one was different. I invited them in and was reminded by my daughter Jessica to offer them a drink. She obviously noticed the sweat rolling off them from their bike ride here. They GLADLY accepted (102 degrees) the Gatorade as we sat down.
A few weeks back they had given me a Book of Mormon to read, and I promised them I would. I told them I had read some, but I hadn't read the entire thing yet (but I will). They then asked if I had any questions. I told them I was reading in Alma 7 and came to verse 10 which describes Jesus being born in Jerusalem. They said yes. I then showed them where the Bible says he was born in Bethlehem. They looked to their cross references and directed us to Luke 2:4...which also said Bethlehem, to which they said, "hmmm." (I could tell people were praying at this point!) Then Elder Maughon proceeded to say how Alma was written long before, they would have known the region of Jerusalem but not "Bethlehem." To which I replied, what about the prophet Micah (5:2). He wrote years before as well and specifically mentioned Jesus coming from Bethlehem. And again there was a "hmmm..."
So then they asked what I thought of the book of Mormon. So I asked for some clarification of what I had read on mormon.org. "The Book of Mormon, the Bible, The Doctrines and The Pearl of Great Price are the guides you live by correct - all of which are on the same level of authority?" Yes they said. Then I asked about how to be saved, because mormon.org says its by faith in Jesus + works. They agreed. That's when I shared how Bible believing people differed and I shared the Gospel with them and how it is by grace thru faith we are saved, not works - Ephesians 2:8-9. They brought up James and his writings on works but I pointed out that Paul in Ephesians in dealing with salvation and James is dealing with sanctification, NOT salvation. I think they had never heard that before!
We had some really open discussions, more open than I've ever had with the mormons I've shared with over the years AND they asked if they could come back again. We exchanged digits and then I asked one more question, one I ask myself all the time: "What if you're wrong?" If I'm wrong and you're right, then I may have enough works to get a shot at things, but I had better step it up! But if the Gospel I'm sharing with you is true, then you have to believe or face eternal consequences. They waited a minute and asked if next time they could share how the book of Mormon makes them feel.
Sure. Question avoided, but door open for more opportunities.
I like these two guys, we gave them another Gatorade and asked them (ok, so it wasn't my last question) how they usually get treated at doors. They were sooo grateful to not be blown off and ignored. Thanks Lord for this privilege. Please show them, and me, and everyone reading this, YOUR truth, and give faith to believe in YOU - The Way, The Truth and The Life!~
And thanks too for my daughter Jessica, who just loves people, has compassion on them and who sat around the corner listening to everything!~
A few weeks back they had given me a Book of Mormon to read, and I promised them I would. I told them I had read some, but I hadn't read the entire thing yet (but I will). They then asked if I had any questions. I told them I was reading in Alma 7 and came to verse 10 which describes Jesus being born in Jerusalem. They said yes. I then showed them where the Bible says he was born in Bethlehem. They looked to their cross references and directed us to Luke 2:4...which also said Bethlehem, to which they said, "hmmm." (I could tell people were praying at this point!) Then Elder Maughon proceeded to say how Alma was written long before, they would have known the region of Jerusalem but not "Bethlehem." To which I replied, what about the prophet Micah (5:2). He wrote years before as well and specifically mentioned Jesus coming from Bethlehem. And again there was a "hmmm..."
So then they asked what I thought of the book of Mormon. So I asked for some clarification of what I had read on mormon.org. "The Book of Mormon, the Bible, The Doctrines and The Pearl of Great Price are the guides you live by correct - all of which are on the same level of authority?" Yes they said. Then I asked about how to be saved, because mormon.org says its by faith in Jesus + works. They agreed. That's when I shared how Bible believing people differed and I shared the Gospel with them and how it is by grace thru faith we are saved, not works - Ephesians 2:8-9. They brought up James and his writings on works but I pointed out that Paul in Ephesians in dealing with salvation and James is dealing with sanctification, NOT salvation. I think they had never heard that before!
We had some really open discussions, more open than I've ever had with the mormons I've shared with over the years AND they asked if they could come back again. We exchanged digits and then I asked one more question, one I ask myself all the time: "What if you're wrong?" If I'm wrong and you're right, then I may have enough works to get a shot at things, but I had better step it up! But if the Gospel I'm sharing with you is true, then you have to believe or face eternal consequences. They waited a minute and asked if next time they could share how the book of Mormon makes them feel.
Sure. Question avoided, but door open for more opportunities.
I like these two guys, we gave them another Gatorade and asked them (ok, so it wasn't my last question) how they usually get treated at doors. They were sooo grateful to not be blown off and ignored. Thanks Lord for this privilege. Please show them, and me, and everyone reading this, YOUR truth, and give faith to believe in YOU - The Way, The Truth and The Life!~
And thanks too for my daughter Jessica, who just loves people, has compassion on them and who sat around the corner listening to everything!~
Monday, August 22, 2011
B2S BASH Sunday Afternoon: Making Jesus Known
Knowing Jesus was never meant to be some kind of "secret" we keep to ourselves. He is meant to be shared with everyone - there's enough of Him to go around!~
Zane spent Sunday afternoon helping us and encouraging us to "make Jesus known." Wayne Kerr did another stupendous job of leading us to the feet of Jesus and then Zane took it from there.
He began with this statement: "I am crazy enough to believe God can use YOU students to change the world!" But, here's the key: It's dangerous, it may cost you something and you have to be ALL IN! There's no half way in living for Jesus.
Only thru taking risks for Jesus will you be able to experience life "2 the Full!"
Only by seeking the approval of God over the approval of others will you experience life "2 the Full!"
Then Zane reminded us that each of Jesus' 12 disciples were killed for their faith in Jesus. Oh yeah, except for John.....he was "just" boiled in oil and lived thru it!~ Ouch.
Sacrifices must be made.
Luke 4:40-44: Preach the message of the Gospel!
John 20:21: As the Father sent me, so I send you! We are being sent on a mission!
Philemon 6: Be active in sharing your faith!
Matthew 28:19-20: This is THE Cause of all causes!
Risk. Sacrifice. Cost. Out of this world benefits.
Jesus came to give you life and that life 2 the Full!
Are you ALL IN?
In the words of Po in Kung Fu Panda 2:
"I'm not freakin' out, I'm freakin' IN!"
Zane, Me & Wayne...
TOTALLY GRATEFUL for ALL those who supplied snacks, provided prizes, gave money, served, etc...... Philippians 1:3-6 expresses my feelings toward each of you and your investment in the lives of students!~ Totally worth it!!! You won't be disappointed in eternity!
Knowing Jesus & Making Him Known - Let's all be a part of this until our time is up!~
Zane spent Sunday afternoon helping us and encouraging us to "make Jesus known." Wayne Kerr did another stupendous job of leading us to the feet of Jesus and then Zane took it from there.
He began with this statement: "I am crazy enough to believe God can use YOU students to change the world!" But, here's the key: It's dangerous, it may cost you something and you have to be ALL IN! There's no half way in living for Jesus.
Only thru taking risks for Jesus will you be able to experience life "2 the Full!"
Only by seeking the approval of God over the approval of others will you experience life "2 the Full!"
Then Zane reminded us that each of Jesus' 12 disciples were killed for their faith in Jesus. Oh yeah, except for John.....he was "just" boiled in oil and lived thru it!~ Ouch.
Sacrifices must be made.
Luke 4:40-44: Preach the message of the Gospel!
John 20:21: As the Father sent me, so I send you! We are being sent on a mission!
Philemon 6: Be active in sharing your faith!
Matthew 28:19-20: This is THE Cause of all causes!
Risk. Sacrifice. Cost. Out of this world benefits.
Jesus came to give you life and that life 2 the Full!
Are you ALL IN?
In the words of Po in Kung Fu Panda 2:
"I'm not freakin' out, I'm freakin' IN!"
Zane, Me & Wayne...
TOTALLY GRATEFUL for ALL those who supplied snacks, provided prizes, gave money, served, etc...... Philippians 1:3-6 expresses my feelings toward each of you and your investment in the lives of students!~ Totally worth it!!! You won't be disappointed in eternity!
Knowing Jesus & Making Him Known - Let's all be a part of this until our time is up!~
B2S BASH Sunday Morning: Living Water Outreach
Sunday morning ended up being mainly Redeemer students & their friends who were about to experience amazing blessing from God.
Zane told a hilarious story about sharing his faith on a ski chair lift - hey, they can't go anywhere!~ And how every time he has shared his faith on a lift, the lift has stopped - to give him more time - whoah!~!~ He also encouraged us that God is always with us.
Then he spoke of three ways God empowers us:
1 - Thru the GOSPEL message: Romans 1:16
Doesn't matter who throws the grenade, the power is in the grenade, not the tosser! Same is true of the Gospel! Then he took us thru an acronym to help us tell God's story (see below).
2 - Thru the Powerful Tool of PRAYER: Matthew 10:19
God in heaven hears us......and acts - totally amazing thought!
3 - Thru His SPIRIT: Ephesians 1:13-14
GOD lives in me - whoah!~ The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me!
So, we got trained, and now it was time to hit the streets of Parkway Oaks (my neighborhood)! To do what? To offer a bottled of water to people and ask them what we could pray for. If they were not home, we left them with a bottle and this:
God’s Story…
THIRSTY?
Please enjoy this FREE bottled water!
We’ve been a part of a back 2 school BASH this weekend learning God’s amazing story and how HE offers living water to all who thirst! We hope you will read & believe the story on the back!
dare2share.org
The students from:
Trinity Baptist, Holy Apostles, Katy Community Fellowship, Redeemer
For more info contact Mr Bill bfreund@redeemercommunity.org
This was an INCREDIBLE experience we WILL do again! There are soooooo many hurting people who just want to know someone cares. So we prayed with over 30 people and gave out over 150 bottles of water!~
I praise God for his answered prayers for these precious people!~
Zane told a hilarious story about sharing his faith on a ski chair lift - hey, they can't go anywhere!~ And how every time he has shared his faith on a lift, the lift has stopped - to give him more time - whoah!~!~ He also encouraged us that God is always with us.
Then he spoke of three ways God empowers us:
1 - Thru the GOSPEL message: Romans 1:16
Doesn't matter who throws the grenade, the power is in the grenade, not the tosser! Same is true of the Gospel! Then he took us thru an acronym to help us tell God's story (see below).
2 - Thru the Powerful Tool of PRAYER: Matthew 10:19
God in heaven hears us......and acts - totally amazing thought!
3 - Thru His SPIRIT: Ephesians 1:13-14
GOD lives in me - whoah!~ The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me!
So, we got trained, and now it was time to hit the streets of Parkway Oaks (my neighborhood)! To do what? To offer a bottled of water to people and ask them what we could pray for. If they were not home, we left them with a bottle and this:
God’s Story…
THIRSTY?
Please enjoy this FREE bottled water!
We’ve been a part of a back 2 school BASH this weekend learning God’s amazing story and how HE offers living water to all who thirst! We hope you will read & believe the story on the back!
dare2share.org
The students from:
Trinity Baptist, Holy Apostles, Katy Community Fellowship, Redeemer
For more info contact Mr Bill bfreund@redeemercommunity.org
This was an INCREDIBLE experience we WILL do again! There are soooooo many hurting people who just want to know someone cares. So we prayed with over 30 people and gave out over 150 bottles of water!~
I praise God for his answered prayers for these precious people!~
B2S BASH Saturday Night: "Knowing Jesus"
Ok, so this past summer (yeah, it's gone, school stated today) our student ministry at Redeemer went through an amazing experience called Gospel Journey Maui - a sorta' spiritual reality series. So when the prospect of having cast member Zane Black come speak for BASH became a reality, the students were stoked! (Ok, I was too) Combine that with getting local rockin' music guy Wayne Kerr to lead worship (Yes, Wayne & Zane) - it was, thru much prayer, fixin' to be a life-changing weekend! And that it was!~ AND it was totally great to have Trinity Baptist, Holy Apostles and Katy Community Fellowship students join us for this work of God as well!~
Saturday night, students came, brought friends and played numerous, ridiculous games: Cheeseball face, noodle hockey, 9 square in-the-air, batting chicken nuggets, licking & sticking lifesavers on faces, cageball relays and, of course, Ultimater (ultimate frisbee but with a Mater - from Cars - pillow)! Yeah, it definitely broke the ice for excitement!
Then Wayne Kerr got us singin', jumpin' and worshipin' for Jesus! He is amazing and has mad skills in leading students to the throne of God!
The Zane spoke to the students. He shared his testimony of how all his life he went to the extreme - snowboarding, surfing, etc... and busted a lot of bones in the process! How he looked to booze, drugs, girls, etc... to find fulfillment, but it only satisfied for a short time. And how Jesus grabbed his life and that only thru HIM can we live life "2 the Full." John 10:10
He showed us a little package of staples (from a head injury) that he keeps in his Bible to remind him that the christian life is dangerous, it might cost us something. Then he challenged us with this question: What if being a believer in Jesus is dangerous, but the payoff is worth it?!~
Zane reminded us that sin is fun! If it wasn't, we wouldn't do it. That's what Hebrews 11:25 is getting at, but it only lasts a short time. Then he spoke of how Solomon (wisest guy e-v-e-r) gave sin a shot (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11) but it was meaningless, didn't fulfill.
Then a buddy invited Zane to church and he was challenged to read 15 minutes a day and get thru the Bible in a year. So he took the challenge The more Zane read, the more he realized that Jesus came to give life NOW, not just in heaven later! John 17:3 says eternal life is all about Knowing Jesus! In the words of Zane, "That day, Jesus began a work I've never recovered from."
As a result of Zane's testimony & message, Saturday night at BASH, 2 students indicated the same! And 17 others indicated they wanted to start living life "2 the Full." Cool God Stuff!~
Saturday night, students came, brought friends and played numerous, ridiculous games: Cheeseball face, noodle hockey, 9 square in-the-air, batting chicken nuggets, licking & sticking lifesavers on faces, cageball relays and, of course, Ultimater (ultimate frisbee but with a Mater - from Cars - pillow)! Yeah, it definitely broke the ice for excitement!
Then Wayne Kerr got us singin', jumpin' and worshipin' for Jesus! He is amazing and has mad skills in leading students to the throne of God!
The Zane spoke to the students. He shared his testimony of how all his life he went to the extreme - snowboarding, surfing, etc... and busted a lot of bones in the process! How he looked to booze, drugs, girls, etc... to find fulfillment, but it only satisfied for a short time. And how Jesus grabbed his life and that only thru HIM can we live life "2 the Full." John 10:10
He showed us a little package of staples (from a head injury) that he keeps in his Bible to remind him that the christian life is dangerous, it might cost us something. Then he challenged us with this question: What if being a believer in Jesus is dangerous, but the payoff is worth it?!~
Zane reminded us that sin is fun! If it wasn't, we wouldn't do it. That's what Hebrews 11:25 is getting at, but it only lasts a short time. Then he spoke of how Solomon (wisest guy e-v-e-r) gave sin a shot (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11) but it was meaningless, didn't fulfill.
Then a buddy invited Zane to church and he was challenged to read 15 minutes a day and get thru the Bible in a year. So he took the challenge The more Zane read, the more he realized that Jesus came to give life NOW, not just in heaven later! John 17:3 says eternal life is all about Knowing Jesus! In the words of Zane, "That day, Jesus began a work I've never recovered from."
As a result of Zane's testimony & message, Saturday night at BASH, 2 students indicated the same! And 17 others indicated they wanted to start living life "2 the Full." Cool God Stuff!~
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Students Have Left The Building...
Last night we had "Attend & Encourage Another Student Ministry" night.
Yes - you heard me! Yes - we told students we weren't gonna meet and we sent them to other ministries in Katy! And yes, the questions have come in: What? Why? Don't we pay our own student pastor to have ministries for our students? What if they teach something we don't believe? What if they like another ministry better? Yadda, yadda, yadda....
This idea actually came up last summer and our leadership students loved it! So why have a night like this? I can think of several reasons:
- Students need to see the greater body of Christ in action! It's easy to get caught up in your own "student ministry world" and lose sight that there are other ministries that are not only doing a great job but, like iron sharpens iron, we can learn from and collaborate with. I've worked hard for years to see ministries in Katy encourage each other and work together. These ministries care for students and have the Gospel down!
- Students can forget what it is like to be the "visitor." It's easy to get comfortable week after week with the same friends - even ones you bring. But whenever you come into a new place, a new environment, a different structure, it can be awkward and a bit scary. One student who went to the ministry I showed up to last night grabbed me by the sleeve and begged, "Please stick close to me Mr Bill!" I was amazed because only 2 months ago SHE was the visitor to our student ministry! I want students to know this feeling because it can make them more sensitive to students who visit our ministry.
- It can help students take ownership. Want students more involved in your student ministry? Send 'em elsewhere and have them come back with ideas to make yours better. They can, they do and it works!
- It creates faith-building teaching opportunities. What if they attend another ministry where they heard false teaching? Great! I'm not sending them elsewhere every week. The weeks they are in our ministry I guarantee they get Bible truth and that will help them discern truth from error. And even if this happens, you do what every parent does when their son or daughter asks a question. You discuss it together. Doing this helps students take ownership of their own faith which is a must, in my mind, before they leave high school.
- Students usually come back with a greater appreciation of their own student ministry. I heard this from most all of the students after last night. Now - our students know I have no desire for our ministry to become any type of "club", but I do want them to have a place in the body of Christ where they feel a belonging, because, sadly, for some, this is the only place where they feel that.
So, I don't feel threatened a bit by sending my students to visit some of the great ministries in our town. As a called minister of God, I want to give my students the best and work hard to do so. And if our ministries aren't the best (and you have to define best) - then shame on us, let's get them there! But if for whatever reason, a student (and/or their family) finds a better fit where they can worship, love & serve Jesus - I am totally cool with that!
Ok, I said a lot. And for now, I still have a job :)
Yes - you heard me! Yes - we told students we weren't gonna meet and we sent them to other ministries in Katy! And yes, the questions have come in: What? Why? Don't we pay our own student pastor to have ministries for our students? What if they teach something we don't believe? What if they like another ministry better? Yadda, yadda, yadda....
This idea actually came up last summer and our leadership students loved it! So why have a night like this? I can think of several reasons:
- Students need to see the greater body of Christ in action! It's easy to get caught up in your own "student ministry world" and lose sight that there are other ministries that are not only doing a great job but, like iron sharpens iron, we can learn from and collaborate with. I've worked hard for years to see ministries in Katy encourage each other and work together. These ministries care for students and have the Gospel down!
- Students can forget what it is like to be the "visitor." It's easy to get comfortable week after week with the same friends - even ones you bring. But whenever you come into a new place, a new environment, a different structure, it can be awkward and a bit scary. One student who went to the ministry I showed up to last night grabbed me by the sleeve and begged, "Please stick close to me Mr Bill!" I was amazed because only 2 months ago SHE was the visitor to our student ministry! I want students to know this feeling because it can make them more sensitive to students who visit our ministry.
- It can help students take ownership. Want students more involved in your student ministry? Send 'em elsewhere and have them come back with ideas to make yours better. They can, they do and it works!
- It creates faith-building teaching opportunities. What if they attend another ministry where they heard false teaching? Great! I'm not sending them elsewhere every week. The weeks they are in our ministry I guarantee they get Bible truth and that will help them discern truth from error. And even if this happens, you do what every parent does when their son or daughter asks a question. You discuss it together. Doing this helps students take ownership of their own faith which is a must, in my mind, before they leave high school.
- Students usually come back with a greater appreciation of their own student ministry. I heard this from most all of the students after last night. Now - our students know I have no desire for our ministry to become any type of "club", but I do want them to have a place in the body of Christ where they feel a belonging, because, sadly, for some, this is the only place where they feel that.
So, I don't feel threatened a bit by sending my students to visit some of the great ministries in our town. As a called minister of God, I want to give my students the best and work hard to do so. And if our ministries aren't the best (and you have to define best) - then shame on us, let's get them there! But if for whatever reason, a student (and/or their family) finds a better fit where they can worship, love & serve Jesus - I am totally cool with that!
Ok, I said a lot. And for now, I still have a job :)
Monday, April 18, 2011
Palm Sunday Takers...
Here is a pic of some of the students who took the palm challenge...
Pray for them this week...
Palm Sunday Article
Palm Sunday Article
Friday, April 15, 2011
Palm Sunday
“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” – Matthew 21:8-9
This Sunday is Palm Sunday – a pretty historically significant day in the life of Jesus! On the Sunday before his upcoming Friday crucifixion, Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. The crowds knew He was coming, they had heard of all He had been doing, so they laid palm branches down as a sign of worship and were screaming “Hosanna” which means save us.
They wanted Jesus to save them from Roman rule but He had something far greater in mind. He had come to restore their relationship with His Dad – a relationship that we too lost because of our sin. Tragically, many of those yelling “save us” on this day, were the same people just a few days later yelling “crucify him.” Why is it that often we seem to be content with lesser, when God wants to give us better?
Jesus was killed in our place, to remove our sin, to restore our relationship with Him and to offer us our place in heaven for eternity with Him and his Father. And He offers this to ALL who simply trust in Him!~ I was twenty one when someone first shared this with me and I believed & received! How about you? Have your ever put your trust & faith in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sin and the hope of eternal life? You can right now, right where you are, by simply telling God what is on your heart: “I’m not perfect, I’ve sinned. You God are perfect and must punish sin. But I believe Jesus took the punishment I deserved and today I am trusting in Him alone to remove my sin and make me right with You!” The moment you believe this you begin a journey with God that starts now and lasts forever!
SO WHAT?!
Since October of 1982 when I put my trust in Jesus, God has put a desire in my heart to both Know Him and Make Him Known. If today is your first day as a new believer, He will give you that desire as well. If you’re already a believer, God wants us share this great news with as many as we can so they too can be brought into this amazing relationship with Jesus!
Here is my challenge for us all: Rather than palm branches reminding us of what Jesus did for us, how about using the palm of our hand?! Think of 3 friends today who don’t know Jesus yet and lets write their names on our hands. Then lets ask the Lord, as we look at those names this week on our hands, to remind us that they are crying out “save us”. And then, lets ask God to give us the opportunity to talk to them about Jesus this week!
What an opportunity, what a worthy cause.
Live THE Cause!
This Sunday is Palm Sunday – a pretty historically significant day in the life of Jesus! On the Sunday before his upcoming Friday crucifixion, Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. The crowds knew He was coming, they had heard of all He had been doing, so they laid palm branches down as a sign of worship and were screaming “Hosanna” which means save us.
They wanted Jesus to save them from Roman rule but He had something far greater in mind. He had come to restore their relationship with His Dad – a relationship that we too lost because of our sin. Tragically, many of those yelling “save us” on this day, were the same people just a few days later yelling “crucify him.” Why is it that often we seem to be content with lesser, when God wants to give us better?
Jesus was killed in our place, to remove our sin, to restore our relationship with Him and to offer us our place in heaven for eternity with Him and his Father. And He offers this to ALL who simply trust in Him!~ I was twenty one when someone first shared this with me and I believed & received! How about you? Have your ever put your trust & faith in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sin and the hope of eternal life? You can right now, right where you are, by simply telling God what is on your heart: “I’m not perfect, I’ve sinned. You God are perfect and must punish sin. But I believe Jesus took the punishment I deserved and today I am trusting in Him alone to remove my sin and make me right with You!” The moment you believe this you begin a journey with God that starts now and lasts forever!
SO WHAT?!
Since October of 1982 when I put my trust in Jesus, God has put a desire in my heart to both Know Him and Make Him Known. If today is your first day as a new believer, He will give you that desire as well. If you’re already a believer, God wants us share this great news with as many as we can so they too can be brought into this amazing relationship with Jesus!
Here is my challenge for us all: Rather than palm branches reminding us of what Jesus did for us, how about using the palm of our hand?! Think of 3 friends today who don’t know Jesus yet and lets write their names on our hands. Then lets ask the Lord, as we look at those names this week on our hands, to remind us that they are crying out “save us”. And then, lets ask God to give us the opportunity to talk to them about Jesus this week!
What an opportunity, what a worthy cause.
Live THE Cause!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Unleashed-Unashamed-Unlimited!
Last night was amazing! When you UNleash students to be UNashamed of Jesus, what God can do is UNlimited!
This April is "Outreach" month in our student ministry and so for this first week we invited students to a night of sharing their faith.......with strangers! I do this fairly regularly, so not the first invite, but for whatever reason (prayer I believe), last night was special.
20 of us met at La Centerra in Katy at 6:00pm. I handed out some surveys about God, some tracts & some pencils, we prayed and off we went, nervously in twos & threes to share the LOVE OF GOD with people. I took a young man with me who has been coming the past month to our student ministry who's got some issues with God, and his family. It was great to get repeatedly shot down at first as we tried to talk with people - Ha! But it was also cool because as we walked and talked, I saw him smile for the first time! Later on he joined a group led by one of our student leaders and hung out with them. So here we all were, just walking around and trying to make Jesus known. By the way, this is not my favorite WAY of witnessing - it's risky (I've been escorted out of many a mall), it's scary and it's uncomfortable for everyone. But is A WAY. A lady who was watching DL Moody do evangelism once told him she didn't like the way he was sharing Christ - that he was too blunt and brash. His reply? "I don't like the way I do it either! What do you do?" Sheepishly she replied, "I don't.", to which he said, "I like the way I do it better than the way you don't!" So hey, I'm proud of those who showed up - scared or not!
After an hour or so we met back at our home to share and to pray for those we had spoken too. This was when Cool God Stuff started happening! A hispanic student shared how she didn't want to come but that one of the other students called her and talked her into it. She went around with a group, not saying much, until they met a Gabriella, a Spanish speaking lady. This student was able to share the good news of Jesus with her! And at the end, this lady was able to tell our student that his was just what she needed to hear and thanked her for sharing Jesus with her! A couple of guys spent the entire time just hanging out with Jason, a UPS guy who wanted to discuss his beliefs about Jesus with them. Two other young men got to talk with Will who even asked for prayer about buying a house. There were these three junior high girls - 2 atheists & a baptist (sounds like a joke in the making) who I think ALL of us got to share Jesus with at some point - Ha! One of our students brought an atheist friend with him as he went around sharing Jesus! He also took that student and another, got them food, and shared Jesus with them - kuddos! And the students kept going on & on & on sharing about who they were making Jesus known too!
Then it was time to pray. It was awesome to hear students who were talking to people about Jesus now talking to Jesus about people! And such heartfelt prayers! In the middle of it I heard a voice I didn't recognize, so..... I "cheated and peeked"! One of the students who has been attending the past couple months was praying - for the first time! Thank you Lord! Afterwards I went up to talk with her and before I said anything she hugged me and said "I was sooooo nervous to pray!" Total God moment for her!
All of this to say, when God is doing cool stuff, just get out of the way! We "planned" this outreach month long ago, but maybe GOD intended it before the creation of the world!~ I truly believe eternity was affected last night, both in salvation and in edification. It certainly mattered to Kevin, Will, Reed, Chris, Gabriella, Jason, Tim, the JH gals and everyone who Knows Jesus and Makes Him Known!
Finally, I had to "encourage" students to go home, but before I did, I shared something a pastor friend told me this week. He said he began asking God to BOTHER him. I was like, there is no way I'm praying that! But ever since then God has been bothering ME! (grrrrr) So, since I don't like going alone, I challenged all of us there to take the 48 hour challenge of sharing Jesus with someone who needs Him! AND that God would bother us until we do! How about You? I pray God bothers you & I with the things that bother HIM!
Philemon 6
This April is "Outreach" month in our student ministry and so for this first week we invited students to a night of sharing their faith.......with strangers! I do this fairly regularly, so not the first invite, but for whatever reason (prayer I believe), last night was special.
20 of us met at La Centerra in Katy at 6:00pm. I handed out some surveys about God, some tracts & some pencils, we prayed and off we went, nervously in twos & threes to share the LOVE OF GOD with people. I took a young man with me who has been coming the past month to our student ministry who's got some issues with God, and his family. It was great to get repeatedly shot down at first as we tried to talk with people - Ha! But it was also cool because as we walked and talked, I saw him smile for the first time! Later on he joined a group led by one of our student leaders and hung out with them. So here we all were, just walking around and trying to make Jesus known. By the way, this is not my favorite WAY of witnessing - it's risky (I've been escorted out of many a mall), it's scary and it's uncomfortable for everyone. But is A WAY. A lady who was watching DL Moody do evangelism once told him she didn't like the way he was sharing Christ - that he was too blunt and brash. His reply? "I don't like the way I do it either! What do you do?" Sheepishly she replied, "I don't.", to which he said, "I like the way I do it better than the way you don't!" So hey, I'm proud of those who showed up - scared or not!
After an hour or so we met back at our home to share and to pray for those we had spoken too. This was when Cool God Stuff started happening! A hispanic student shared how she didn't want to come but that one of the other students called her and talked her into it. She went around with a group, not saying much, until they met a Gabriella, a Spanish speaking lady. This student was able to share the good news of Jesus with her! And at the end, this lady was able to tell our student that his was just what she needed to hear and thanked her for sharing Jesus with her! A couple of guys spent the entire time just hanging out with Jason, a UPS guy who wanted to discuss his beliefs about Jesus with them. Two other young men got to talk with Will who even asked for prayer about buying a house. There were these three junior high girls - 2 atheists & a baptist (sounds like a joke in the making) who I think ALL of us got to share Jesus with at some point - Ha! One of our students brought an atheist friend with him as he went around sharing Jesus! He also took that student and another, got them food, and shared Jesus with them - kuddos! And the students kept going on & on & on sharing about who they were making Jesus known too!
Then it was time to pray. It was awesome to hear students who were talking to people about Jesus now talking to Jesus about people! And such heartfelt prayers! In the middle of it I heard a voice I didn't recognize, so..... I "cheated and peeked"! One of the students who has been attending the past couple months was praying - for the first time! Thank you Lord! Afterwards I went up to talk with her and before I said anything she hugged me and said "I was sooooo nervous to pray!" Total God moment for her!
All of this to say, when God is doing cool stuff, just get out of the way! We "planned" this outreach month long ago, but maybe GOD intended it before the creation of the world!~ I truly believe eternity was affected last night, both in salvation and in edification. It certainly mattered to Kevin, Will, Reed, Chris, Gabriella, Jason, Tim, the JH gals and everyone who Knows Jesus and Makes Him Known!
Finally, I had to "encourage" students to go home, but before I did, I shared something a pastor friend told me this week. He said he began asking God to BOTHER him. I was like, there is no way I'm praying that! But ever since then God has been bothering ME! (grrrrr) So, since I don't like going alone, I challenged all of us there to take the 48 hour challenge of sharing Jesus with someone who needs Him! AND that God would bother us until we do! How about You? I pray God bothers you & I with the things that bother HIM!
Philemon 6
Thursday, March 31, 2011
This is the Surgery Day the Lord Has Made...
I'm gonna rejoice and be glad in it!
Ok, I'm about to head to foot surgery and this verse is my devo for the day...
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Maybe God has something BIGGER in my than just my surgery?!~
We'll see.....
#livethecause
Ok, I'm about to head to foot surgery and this verse is my devo for the day...
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Maybe God has something BIGGER in my than just my surgery?!~
We'll see.....
#livethecause
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Mr Bill's Having Surgery - Ohhhh Noooooo!
Hey Gang -
I'd appreciate your prayers as I am having a "bunionectomy" Thursday morning at 6:30am.
(Memorial Herman Surgical Center on Kingsland in Katy)
Not too detailed, but here's the scoop:
They've got to cut off a chuck of bone growth next to my toe and put a screw in. (guess I'm screwed at airport security). It's outpatient surgery, takes about an hour and a half, then I'm horizontal for two days, then in a boot thingy for 10 days, and not suppose to be able to do anything rigorous for 6-8 weeks. (they've got to be kidding) This will be the first time since arriving in Katy in 1990 that I will have to sit still this long and it may kill me!~
Here's my TOP 5 PRAYER REQUESTS:
- For me to see beyond the surgery. Maybe God grew me a bunion so I could be a witness to those working on me.......just sayin'
- That God would move in Dr Jacobs hands (the surgeon) to do exactly what needs to be done.
- That the recovery would be swift and I'd be back to abnormal as soon as possible :)
- For Jean as she deals with an inactive husband and all the extra work around our home
- For finances to pay for this thing
Thanks tons - I appreciate it!
Hizkid...
I'd appreciate your prayers as I am having a "bunionectomy" Thursday morning at 6:30am.
(Memorial Herman Surgical Center on Kingsland in Katy)
Not too detailed, but here's the scoop:
They've got to cut off a chuck of bone growth next to my toe and put a screw in. (guess I'm screwed at airport security). It's outpatient surgery, takes about an hour and a half, then I'm horizontal for two days, then in a boot thingy for 10 days, and not suppose to be able to do anything rigorous for 6-8 weeks. (they've got to be kidding) This will be the first time since arriving in Katy in 1990 that I will have to sit still this long and it may kill me!~
Here's my TOP 5 PRAYER REQUESTS:
- For me to see beyond the surgery. Maybe God grew me a bunion so I could be a witness to those working on me.......just sayin'
- That God would move in Dr Jacobs hands (the surgeon) to do exactly what needs to be done.
- That the recovery would be swift and I'd be back to abnormal as soon as possible :)
- For Jean as she deals with an inactive husband and all the extra work around our home
- For finances to pay for this thing
Thanks tons - I appreciate it!
Hizkid...
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
SYMC - Monday Threading...
This morning's final session was an emotional one. Rick Lawrence led a beautiful "threading" lesson where we took the pieces of yarn that we all cut the previous day and tied them back together - illustrating how God mends our brokenness. Then each of us tied our knotted yarns with the people next to us until everyone in the entire place was "connected." Then we passed them all forward and there was this HUGE ball of threaded together yarn. God has a way of turning our little things (just my yarn) into big things. What a great reminder that JESUS is the thread that binds us all together amidst even our brokenness - wow!
Then Tommy, one of the skit guys grabbed us with a heart wrenching skit as well on influence.
Finally, Doug Fields closed us out. He said, "When you go to camp, the campers never want it to end and the leaders can't wait for it to end." Yet, as leader for this "camp", he didn't want it to end. He spoke from 1 Kings 19 where there is all this loud stuff happening & how God wasn't in it, but then there was a whisper and God WAS in that! You see, the problem with leaving is the danger of going back to the busy "noise" that drowns out the still small voice of God! God's Spirit has threaded a message this weekend and the danger is to go back to being a Martha! Then, the artwork that had been formed all weekend long began to spin around. Doug then said, "Behind the tapestry of our threaded lives is this one thing......and there it was a Threaded JESUS! Very impactful!
So as I look back on this amazing weekend, here is what I come away with:
- I am SO glad to be connected with my AWESOME God and so many AMAZING friends!
- I Don't need a prayer strategy, prayer IS the strategy!
- Keep it all about JESUS - culture may have a bigger budget, but we have a bigger Producer!
- It's the little things that God has a way of making big things!
Lord, today I'm back in Katy, the place You've called me to be me in. Thanks for this incredible and undeserving privilege. Please help me to Know Jesus and Make Him Known - Faithfully, Passionately, Sacrificially. And, without allowing life's noise to drown out His still small voice, help me to daily be a part of small things!
SYMC is a Small Thing, that helps us reconnect with the Big Thing, thru Whom we can do All Things! Cool God Stuph!!!
Then Tommy, one of the skit guys grabbed us with a heart wrenching skit as well on influence.
Finally, Doug Fields closed us out. He said, "When you go to camp, the campers never want it to end and the leaders can't wait for it to end." Yet, as leader for this "camp", he didn't want it to end. He spoke from 1 Kings 19 where there is all this loud stuff happening & how God wasn't in it, but then there was a whisper and God WAS in that! You see, the problem with leaving is the danger of going back to the busy "noise" that drowns out the still small voice of God! God's Spirit has threaded a message this weekend and the danger is to go back to being a Martha! Then, the artwork that had been formed all weekend long began to spin around. Doug then said, "Behind the tapestry of our threaded lives is this one thing......and there it was a Threaded JESUS! Very impactful!
So as I look back on this amazing weekend, here is what I come away with:
- I am SO glad to be connected with my AWESOME God and so many AMAZING friends!
- I Don't need a prayer strategy, prayer IS the strategy!
- Keep it all about JESUS - culture may have a bigger budget, but we have a bigger Producer!
- It's the little things that God has a way of making big things!
Lord, today I'm back in Katy, the place You've called me to be me in. Thanks for this incredible and undeserving privilege. Please help me to Know Jesus and Make Him Known - Faithfully, Passionately, Sacrificially. And, without allowing life's noise to drown out His still small voice, help me to daily be a part of small things!
SYMC is a Small Thing, that helps us reconnect with the Big Thing, thru Whom we can do All Things! Cool God Stuph!!!
Monday, March 7, 2011
SYMC - Sunday
Sunday was totally another full day of relationships, re-energizing and relentlessness!
Rick Lawrence kicked off the morning with a "threading" exercise that reminded us of our longing for rescue from our Lord. I'll have to say, the whole strawberry thing was a bit out there for me but I caught the point (I think): Focus on God in the midst of whatever circumstances for HE is the treasure in the midst of life's journey.
We then sat in on "Kid Unique - Helping Students Discover Their True Value & Identity" taught by Dan Webster. Got some good pointers on how to direct students toward God's calling on their vocation.
After that we grabbed McD's and chatted with our "Couple in Ministry" connect group - which daily we LOVED!
Then in the afternoon, we sat in on Jason Lamb & Greg Stier from Dare 2 Share & got evangelatized again! ALWAYS GREAT STUFF and look forward to living it and infecting students as well!
Went to dinner with Katy peeps - Marcus & Delaine Evans and scarfed down some rockin' pizza at Giordano's! So grateful to Know Jesus & Make Him KNown together in Katy with guys like Marcus!
Evening session kicked off with a very heartfelt skit guys, worship from Shane & Shane and a message from Glenn Packiam on the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God has come TO us so that the Kingdom can come THRU us to the world. We are not blessed because of external circumstance but because of eternal implications! And if Jesus really IS our King, then let's live like it - good words!
So....this morning means packing up, saying temporary goodbyes and a send off that God will give Doug to give to us.....
I'll let you know later what that was!
Rick Lawrence kicked off the morning with a "threading" exercise that reminded us of our longing for rescue from our Lord. I'll have to say, the whole strawberry thing was a bit out there for me but I caught the point (I think): Focus on God in the midst of whatever circumstances for HE is the treasure in the midst of life's journey.
We then sat in on "Kid Unique - Helping Students Discover Their True Value & Identity" taught by Dan Webster. Got some good pointers on how to direct students toward God's calling on their vocation.
After that we grabbed McD's and chatted with our "Couple in Ministry" connect group - which daily we LOVED!
Then in the afternoon, we sat in on Jason Lamb & Greg Stier from Dare 2 Share & got evangelatized again! ALWAYS GREAT STUFF and look forward to living it and infecting students as well!
Went to dinner with Katy peeps - Marcus & Delaine Evans and scarfed down some rockin' pizza at Giordano's! So grateful to Know Jesus & Make Him KNown together in Katy with guys like Marcus!
Evening session kicked off with a very heartfelt skit guys, worship from Shane & Shane and a message from Glenn Packiam on the Kingdom. The Kingdom of God has come TO us so that the Kingdom can come THRU us to the world. We are not blessed because of external circumstance but because of eternal implications! And if Jesus really IS our King, then let's live like it - good words!
So....this morning means packing up, saying temporary goodbyes and a send off that God will give Doug to give to us.....
I'll let you know later what that was!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
SYMC - Saturday Stuph...
Yesterday was a full day of great learning, great challenge, great change and great friends! It's been sweeeeeet to hook up with Katy friends Marcus, Delaine & Joe, as well as IT (Inside Track) peeps! Thanks Jesus!
Kicked the day off with General Session #2. Rick Lawrence led a worshipful experience where one-by-one, 66 of us came out and held up a big sign of how Jesus is seen in each book of the Bible. We were joking back stage about what book we'd get and placing bets and who would get Song of Solomon......yep, I got to be Song of Solomon
Then we got to hear from the heart of Luis Giglio. He spoke of how what kind of culture we are cultivating with students and how we need to be careful not to cultivate cynicism and immaturity, but rather a JESUS culture. The reason Lady Gaga's song "Born This Way" became the fastest downloaded song in history (1.2 million in 1st week) is because it preaches a message of love & acceptance that students are dying to receive! We can give 'em better - JESUS! We were challenged out of Revelation 1 to cultivate:
Humility: Whenever we cone into the presence of God we get right-sized real quick!
Honor: The more a student feels honored, the more they will honor others and they are dying to be honored! Circumstances are no excuse for cynicism.
Jesus: We can get so off on tangents, we must cultivate a Jesus-centered culture in our churches and student ministries.
CARPE DIEM - SEIZE THE DAY!
Then we sat in on Derwin Gray's (evangelism linebacker) track "Equipping a Great ComMISSION Student Ministry" - Great stuff to see how our Theology & Ecclesiology is meant to drive our calling. Identity, Mission & Power were the themes that challenged me.
Had a great "Couples in Ministry" lunch with Darren & Katie Sutton from Corpus - sharing ideas & struggles.
Then we sat in on Walt Mueller's "Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture" which gave ideas to get students talking about their world and evaluating their own choices.
A handful of us then met with Greg Stier, Jason Lamb, Debbie Bresna and the rest of the Dare 2 Share gang to brainstorm some future possibilities. I'd tell you more but they'd have to shoot me :)
Finished the day with General Session #3. Skit Guys Rock......just sayin'..... Also got to hear from Ruth Haley Barton who spoke to our SOUL! Using the life of Moses, she spoke on silence & solitude and that intersession is part of our job description. And that the promised land for us as believers is the nearness of God! Cool God Stuff - All of it!
Looking forward to craking it up again today...
Kicked the day off with General Session #2. Rick Lawrence led a worshipful experience where one-by-one, 66 of us came out and held up a big sign of how Jesus is seen in each book of the Bible. We were joking back stage about what book we'd get and placing bets and who would get Song of Solomon......yep, I got to be Song of Solomon
Then we got to hear from the heart of Luis Giglio. He spoke of how what kind of culture we are cultivating with students and how we need to be careful not to cultivate cynicism and immaturity, but rather a JESUS culture. The reason Lady Gaga's song "Born This Way" became the fastest downloaded song in history (1.2 million in 1st week) is because it preaches a message of love & acceptance that students are dying to receive! We can give 'em better - JESUS! We were challenged out of Revelation 1 to cultivate:
Humility: Whenever we cone into the presence of God we get right-sized real quick!
Honor: The more a student feels honored, the more they will honor others and they are dying to be honored! Circumstances are no excuse for cynicism.
Jesus: We can get so off on tangents, we must cultivate a Jesus-centered culture in our churches and student ministries.
CARPE DIEM - SEIZE THE DAY!
Then we sat in on Derwin Gray's (evangelism linebacker) track "Equipping a Great ComMISSION Student Ministry" - Great stuff to see how our Theology & Ecclesiology is meant to drive our calling. Identity, Mission & Power were the themes that challenged me.
Had a great "Couples in Ministry" lunch with Darren & Katie Sutton from Corpus - sharing ideas & struggles.
Then we sat in on Walt Mueller's "Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture" which gave ideas to get students talking about their world and evaluating their own choices.
A handful of us then met with Greg Stier, Jason Lamb, Debbie Bresna and the rest of the Dare 2 Share gang to brainstorm some future possibilities. I'd tell you more but they'd have to shoot me :)
Finished the day with General Session #3. Skit Guys Rock......just sayin'..... Also got to hear from Ruth Haley Barton who spoke to our SOUL! Using the life of Moses, she spoke on silence & solitude and that intersession is part of our job description. And that the promised land for us as believers is the nearness of God! Cool God Stuff - All of it!
Looking forward to craking it up again today...
Saturday, March 5, 2011
SYMC - Friday Night - The R.A.R.E. Jesus
Last night we kicked off SYMC 2011 with our first General Session. Josh & Jake did a hilarious, the skit guys were the skit guys - great as always, and Shane & Shane lead us to the throne of Jesus!
Then Doug Fields got up to engage us in the Lord. He spoke of how soooo many youth workers are feeling defeated & discouraged and how we (& students) need to hear the voice of Jesus & see Him lived out. He spoke of knowing the voice of his mom, who recently passed away.
Students need relationships: We are not calling students to commit to a building or an institution but to a BODY, a family.
Students are looking to be amazed: We are not in it to compete with the "amazement" of culture. Culture may have a bigger budget, but we have a bigger Producer!
Students are looking to do something radical: They are attracted to the radical and good news - Jesus is radical!
Students are looking for healing for their hearts: So many students and their hurting worlds today.We need this RARE Jesus:
RELATIONSHIP
AMAZING
RADICAL
EMPATHY
People in our lives may have a unique voice that we can't miss, but Jesus has a Transformational one - Don't miss it!
Cool God Stuff!!!
Then Doug Fields got up to engage us in the Lord. He spoke of how soooo many youth workers are feeling defeated & discouraged and how we (& students) need to hear the voice of Jesus & see Him lived out. He spoke of knowing the voice of his mom, who recently passed away.
Students need relationships: We are not calling students to commit to a building or an institution but to a BODY, a family.
Students are looking to be amazed: We are not in it to compete with the "amazement" of culture. Culture may have a bigger budget, but we have a bigger Producer!
Students are looking to do something radical: They are attracted to the radical and good news - Jesus is radical!
Students are looking for healing for their hearts: So many students and their hurting worlds today.We need this RARE Jesus:
RELATIONSHIP
AMAZING
RADICAL
EMPATHY
People in our lives may have a unique voice that we can't miss, but Jesus has a Transformational one - Don't miss it!
Cool God Stuff!!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
SYMC 2011 - Why I Love This!
Jean & I arrived yesterday to Chicago to attend THE best student ministry conference there is. Why do I say this? Because its a family. Because it's not a show but it's life. Because it's based on 5 Core Values that I am all about:
1 - Authenticity: So much of life is defined by what we DO, but honestly, it's really more about who we ARE - and SYM & Group get this!
2 - Jesus-Centered: I've learned in my 26+ years of working with students that the more they (& I) are connected deeply with Jesus, the more transformation takes place. And this is evident in the hearts of all those involved in this conference.
3) Deep Learning: These guys get it that one guy up front preaching doesn't engage students, but interactive, deep conversations in the scriptures does! And when humility is displayed in the midst, God does amazing things.
4) Relationships: This one has been a WOW factor for me! SYMC & Group is truly a family, not a business, not a show, but a brotherhood & sisterhood of caring comrades who want the best for everyone else. Being a part of the IT Team has Rocked! Iron has truly sharpened iron.
5) Innovation: It's always good to allow God to use the creativity HE put in us to think outside the box - and then watch & experience God do cool stuff!
So....like I said last year:
SYMC is an insightful, passionate, fun conference that reeks of substance and humility!
Looking forward to this weekend....
1 - Authenticity: So much of life is defined by what we DO, but honestly, it's really more about who we ARE - and SYM & Group get this!
2 - Jesus-Centered: I've learned in my 26+ years of working with students that the more they (& I) are connected deeply with Jesus, the more transformation takes place. And this is evident in the hearts of all those involved in this conference.
3) Deep Learning: These guys get it that one guy up front preaching doesn't engage students, but interactive, deep conversations in the scriptures does! And when humility is displayed in the midst, God does amazing things.
4) Relationships: This one has been a WOW factor for me! SYMC & Group is truly a family, not a business, not a show, but a brotherhood & sisterhood of caring comrades who want the best for everyone else. Being a part of the IT Team has Rocked! Iron has truly sharpened iron.
5) Innovation: It's always good to allow God to use the creativity HE put in us to think outside the box - and then watch & experience God do cool stuff!
So....like I said last year:
SYMC is an insightful, passionate, fun conference that reeks of substance and humility!
Looking forward to this weekend....
Sunday, January 16, 2011
2011 Church Conference - Saturday 11:00AM – Leadership & Making Wise Choices
Saturday 11:00AM
After the break, Randles finished up talking about what it takes to be a leader – character. He told the story of how he got saved. He went to an FCA because he got asked by a guy who’s character he respected. When you bleed leadership and character it will draw people to you! Often we don’t develop godly character because we have addictions: sex/porn, video games, lying, etc…. Dangerous Disciples do what they need to do to break free of addictions. They pay the price. How about you? There are no shortcuts. Don’t let things have power over me, only Jesus!
Making Good Choices: What I DO drives who I am. The price for influence is character. Character is the sum total of your good and bad choices, so we must learn to make wise choices> How do I know God’s will in making choices? 5 Sources:
1 - Is there a direct command concerning this?
90% of God’s will is the same for all of us. He talked about Newton & Keppler. The laws of God are like the laws of physics – you can’t break them, you can only illustrate them. Joshua 1:8, John 14:21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119:9-11, etc… BUT we think God will make an exception with us (i.e dating an unbeliever). Well God doesn’t make exceptions. Voting (the American way) doesn’t make things true either. Even ignorance is no excuse.
2 - God will speak to me with the voice (Holy Spirit) of conviction:
God’s Holy Spirit will convict and convince us in choices we make that are not covered by #1. There can be “bad” conviction though. The devil, peers and even my own feelings can cause false conviction. So how do you tell them apart? Well, conviction will never go against God’s Word. And the more you spend time with Jesus, the more you’ll recognize His voice.
3 – Obedience to Authorities:
God never honors rebellion but does honor obedience. He has placed MANY authorities in our lives, and unless we are being asked to sin, we are to obey them. parents, teachers, police, government, laws, etc…
4 – Checking with Godly Others:
Pastors, mentors, godly parents, families, etc… with experience and wisdom in making decisions are a great resource to go to regularly and share what decisions you are grappling with.
5 – Circumstances:
This one is only good if you keep it at the end of the list. Open doors in circumstances take wisdom but can be great opportunities for the Lord.
Saturday afternoon we had students texting, facebooking, phoning, etc…. all their friends to come to Sonic for FREE drinks and to receive a FREE ticket to a Tedashii concert that evening. It was pretty cool to see Sonic swarming with students!
Then we had some free play time and spent it together with the students from The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch. Fun times.
That evening, Tedashii rapped it out big-time! This was a worship concert you FELT as much as heard!
Lord, the conference is over, but YOUR influence and Impact is not! Transform me. Transform our students. Make us Dangerous Disciples who want to Know Jesus and Make Him Known!
After the break, Randles finished up talking about what it takes to be a leader – character. He told the story of how he got saved. He went to an FCA because he got asked by a guy who’s character he respected. When you bleed leadership and character it will draw people to you! Often we don’t develop godly character because we have addictions: sex/porn, video games, lying, etc…. Dangerous Disciples do what they need to do to break free of addictions. They pay the price. How about you? There are no shortcuts. Don’t let things have power over me, only Jesus!
Making Good Choices: What I DO drives who I am. The price for influence is character. Character is the sum total of your good and bad choices, so we must learn to make wise choices> How do I know God’s will in making choices? 5 Sources:
1 - Is there a direct command concerning this?
90% of God’s will is the same for all of us. He talked about Newton & Keppler. The laws of God are like the laws of physics – you can’t break them, you can only illustrate them. Joshua 1:8, John 14:21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 119:9-11, etc… BUT we think God will make an exception with us (i.e dating an unbeliever). Well God doesn’t make exceptions. Voting (the American way) doesn’t make things true either. Even ignorance is no excuse.
2 - God will speak to me with the voice (Holy Spirit) of conviction:
God’s Holy Spirit will convict and convince us in choices we make that are not covered by #1. There can be “bad” conviction though. The devil, peers and even my own feelings can cause false conviction. So how do you tell them apart? Well, conviction will never go against God’s Word. And the more you spend time with Jesus, the more you’ll recognize His voice.
3 – Obedience to Authorities:
God never honors rebellion but does honor obedience. He has placed MANY authorities in our lives, and unless we are being asked to sin, we are to obey them. parents, teachers, police, government, laws, etc…
4 – Checking with Godly Others:
Pastors, mentors, godly parents, families, etc… with experience and wisdom in making decisions are a great resource to go to regularly and share what decisions you are grappling with.
5 – Circumstances:
This one is only good if you keep it at the end of the list. Open doors in circumstances take wisdom but can be great opportunities for the Lord.
Saturday afternoon we had students texting, facebooking, phoning, etc…. all their friends to come to Sonic for FREE drinks and to receive a FREE ticket to a Tedashii concert that evening. It was pretty cool to see Sonic swarming with students!
Then we had some free play time and spent it together with the students from The Fellowship at Cinco Ranch. Fun times.
That evening, Tedashii rapped it out big-time! This was a worship concert you FELT as much as heard!
Lord, the conference is over, but YOUR influence and Impact is not! Transform me. Transform our students. Make us Dangerous Disciples who want to Know Jesus and Make Him Known!
2011 Church Conference - Saturday 9:00AM – Transformation
Saturday 9:00AM
Ok – So Saturday morning Randles talked about change, about transformation. He kicked it off with a series of questions and statements. Do you want a youth group or a youth ministry? Is your student ministry a working at being a holy huddle or helping students turn their schools upside down for Jesus? You’re either married or you’re not. Can’t be kinda’ married and you’re not kinda saved. You either are or you aren’t. The heart issue has to be resolved first.
He went on to remind us that our salvation in Christ was NOT FREE – it cost Jesus His life! Influence, Impact, Significance all cost and you get what you pay for. A Ferrari and a Fiesta are both cars (ok, the Fiesta is debatable) that can get you from point A to point B. But if it’s speed you’re looking for, you get what you pay for. If you want to be a dangerous disciple it’s gonna’ cost you and you’ll be as good a one as you put into it. And you have to have two relationships right: Your relationship with God and your relationship with yourself. Because when we’re unhealthy in our heart, we make unwise decisions.
Romans 12:1 – A sacrifice was a living thing, put to death to honor God. Offerings were not sacrifices. We must daily sacrifice and put to death our own desires.
Romans 12:2 – Transformation begins in the MIND! God not only desires to save our soul but also to transform how we think! So next to getting our heart right, we must think differently
Jesus is not just Savior but Coach, Dad, Shepherd, Builder, Destroyer, etc…Jesus is saying, “Give me your mind and I’ll make you influential, I’ll cause you to live like a leader, not a goldfish with a 3 second memory.
Mark 7:14-16 – Can’t be something you’re not. At this point Randles challenged us as to what we ooze – yes, what comes out of us. It’s what comes out of us that DEFILES or DEFINES. Want to see what’s in a person? Put some pressure on them (squeeze) and see what comes out. And what comes out is a result of the regular deposits of what goes in. We must make daily deposits of God stuff! AND then how do we handle success? Does it make us cocky or humble? Take Job for example. Satan squeezed him and what oozed out? Godly character! No so his wife. Result? Job & his character is remembered and his wife’s is not – don’t even know her name! You is what you is and you are what you are and you do what you do! (Another Randle-ism!) Character matters! Even lost people recognize this! (1 Cor 13 – without love = nothing)
He explained to us that we are not defined by our prosperity or our failure – it is what it is. I am defined by who HE is and who I am In Him! The powerful, the influential, those making a difference aren’t better, they just think differently!
Romans 8:29 – Jesus didn’t die just to save me but also to make me influential, to conform me to Him!
- I know who I am
- I know who I serve
- I know where I’m going
- I’m not a victim
- And there’s a price to be paid, am I willing to pay it?!~
Winners draw winners in order to multiply the work of Christ (Matthew 6:33). Victims draw predators of whom the devil is one – roaming to and fro, seeking whom he may devour! Darkness is the absence of light and it’s a dark world when believers are AWOL, absent!
And then there were more Randle-isms: Iron sharpens iron, deep calls to deep, birds of a feather flock together. He had a 6 pack and a mullet, now had a keg and a scullet!
Ok – So Saturday morning Randles talked about change, about transformation. He kicked it off with a series of questions and statements. Do you want a youth group or a youth ministry? Is your student ministry a working at being a holy huddle or helping students turn their schools upside down for Jesus? You’re either married or you’re not. Can’t be kinda’ married and you’re not kinda saved. You either are or you aren’t. The heart issue has to be resolved first.
He went on to remind us that our salvation in Christ was NOT FREE – it cost Jesus His life! Influence, Impact, Significance all cost and you get what you pay for. A Ferrari and a Fiesta are both cars (ok, the Fiesta is debatable) that can get you from point A to point B. But if it’s speed you’re looking for, you get what you pay for. If you want to be a dangerous disciple it’s gonna’ cost you and you’ll be as good a one as you put into it. And you have to have two relationships right: Your relationship with God and your relationship with yourself. Because when we’re unhealthy in our heart, we make unwise decisions.
Romans 12:1 – A sacrifice was a living thing, put to death to honor God. Offerings were not sacrifices. We must daily sacrifice and put to death our own desires.
Romans 12:2 – Transformation begins in the MIND! God not only desires to save our soul but also to transform how we think! So next to getting our heart right, we must think differently
Jesus is not just Savior but Coach, Dad, Shepherd, Builder, Destroyer, etc…Jesus is saying, “Give me your mind and I’ll make you influential, I’ll cause you to live like a leader, not a goldfish with a 3 second memory.
Mark 7:14-16 – Can’t be something you’re not. At this point Randles challenged us as to what we ooze – yes, what comes out of us. It’s what comes out of us that DEFILES or DEFINES. Want to see what’s in a person? Put some pressure on them (squeeze) and see what comes out. And what comes out is a result of the regular deposits of what goes in. We must make daily deposits of God stuff! AND then how do we handle success? Does it make us cocky or humble? Take Job for example. Satan squeezed him and what oozed out? Godly character! No so his wife. Result? Job & his character is remembered and his wife’s is not – don’t even know her name! You is what you is and you are what you are and you do what you do! (Another Randle-ism!) Character matters! Even lost people recognize this! (1 Cor 13 – without love = nothing)
He explained to us that we are not defined by our prosperity or our failure – it is what it is. I am defined by who HE is and who I am In Him! The powerful, the influential, those making a difference aren’t better, they just think differently!
Romans 8:29 – Jesus didn’t die just to save me but also to make me influential, to conform me to Him!
- I know who I am
- I know who I serve
- I know where I’m going
- I’m not a victim
- And there’s a price to be paid, am I willing to pay it?!~
Winners draw winners in order to multiply the work of Christ (Matthew 6:33). Victims draw predators of whom the devil is one – roaming to and fro, seeking whom he may devour! Darkness is the absence of light and it’s a dark world when believers are AWOL, absent!
And then there were more Randle-isms: Iron sharpens iron, deep calls to deep, birds of a feather flock together. He had a 6 pack and a mullet, now had a keg and a scullet!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
2011 Church Conference - Friday Night: Marks of a Dangerous Disciple
Last night 8 church student ministries in Katy, Texas came together for “church” like never before. I’m not sure how many people were there since I’m not “Baptist” …..oh wait a minute……I am in a Baptist church…..so……let’s say 400, minus 20% exaggeration…..so about 320 should be pretty accurate…..hehe…..
ANYWAY, 16 year old Nina Grace did an wonderful job of leading us as we sang to God. Then came John Randles……long-haired old guys who repeatedly say “man” & “dude” rule……….…just sayin’. What he did was passionately & scripturally call believers (the church) to Dangerous Change! He spoke of how we live in a rapidly changing world: Within a few years, ¾ of the population will be under 25, 7 of 10 students don’t live with original parents, 15 million in USA are living with grandparents and that there is great spiritual interest in this generation. AND with todays technology, the potential to reach the WORLD with the GOSPEL is possible! But it won’t happen passively, the church (students especially) must step up and live dangerously. The reason Jesus was killed was because of His relationship with His Father. Jesus was dangerous and a relationship with Jesus is dangerous! It begins in the heart and causes us to think differently (Romans 12:1-2). And when we’re dangerous, people listen! (forget EF Hutton…..that was for you old guys)
Then he took us to Acts 2:39-47 and pointed out Marks of a Dangerous Disciple. It takes a spirit of:
- DESPERATION: (39-41) These people got desperate, passionate about something other than themselves. If we are to be desperate disciples, we must get off the unholy trinity of me, myself and I and get focused on Jesus & the Lost!
- DISCIPLINE: (42) Combine this with desperation and look out! Randles hammered us on doiong the “basics” well. He illustrated it by pointing out that the reason it’s hard for sports teams to repeat championships isn’t because of talent, but they relax and get away from the basics. Believers can do the same if we stop spending time with God in His Word, in prayer, in fellowship, etc…SO TRUE!
- EXPECTANCY: (43) Now I’ve read this verse over hundreds of times and never saw it this way! Again, the reason that so often the same teams play in championships is they THINK they belong there – like the Katy Tigers in football (sorry other schools – but it’s true). Disciples, disciplined followers of Jesus, need the same mindset that we CAN Know Jesus deeply and Make Him Known widely!
- UNITY: (44) Don’t confuse unity with uniformity. Students all go to different schools, that’s not gonna’ change, that would be uniformity. BUT desire for God, reaching friends for Jesus, etc… is something we can & must be unified on! And here’s the key – if we lay aside our own desires for the “team” (the church) – we may not get our way, but the whole “team” (the church) wins!
- SACRIFICE: (45) Can’t be a servant leader without this. It will mean not going to some parties, not hanging with certain peeps, etc….I loved his point – In 10 years at your high school reunion, most likely you won’t be friends with even 2 of those you graduated with! Yep. In school, friends are somewhat picked for you, but in life, YOU pick your friends, so be wise!
- SERVICE: (46) This is a biggie – Am I (are you) a giver or a taker? God so loved the world that He GAVE! Be a giver and watch how God uses you (& me) to change the world! Want to know why I know this? READ verse 47!
So, here’s the deal: Want to make a difference in life? Want to impact friends? Want to change the world? It has never happened from just HEARING stuff like this, we must DO something about it! And THAT is DANGEROUS!
Let’s be DANGEROUS for Jesus!
ANYWAY, 16 year old Nina Grace did an wonderful job of leading us as we sang to God. Then came John Randles……long-haired old guys who repeatedly say “man” & “dude” rule……….…just sayin’. What he did was passionately & scripturally call believers (the church) to Dangerous Change! He spoke of how we live in a rapidly changing world: Within a few years, ¾ of the population will be under 25, 7 of 10 students don’t live with original parents, 15 million in USA are living with grandparents and that there is great spiritual interest in this generation. AND with todays technology, the potential to reach the WORLD with the GOSPEL is possible! But it won’t happen passively, the church (students especially) must step up and live dangerously. The reason Jesus was killed was because of His relationship with His Father. Jesus was dangerous and a relationship with Jesus is dangerous! It begins in the heart and causes us to think differently (Romans 12:1-2). And when we’re dangerous, people listen! (forget EF Hutton…..that was for you old guys)
Then he took us to Acts 2:39-47 and pointed out Marks of a Dangerous Disciple. It takes a spirit of:
- DESPERATION: (39-41) These people got desperate, passionate about something other than themselves. If we are to be desperate disciples, we must get off the unholy trinity of me, myself and I and get focused on Jesus & the Lost!
- DISCIPLINE: (42) Combine this with desperation and look out! Randles hammered us on doiong the “basics” well. He illustrated it by pointing out that the reason it’s hard for sports teams to repeat championships isn’t because of talent, but they relax and get away from the basics. Believers can do the same if we stop spending time with God in His Word, in prayer, in fellowship, etc…SO TRUE!
- EXPECTANCY: (43) Now I’ve read this verse over hundreds of times and never saw it this way! Again, the reason that so often the same teams play in championships is they THINK they belong there – like the Katy Tigers in football (sorry other schools – but it’s true). Disciples, disciplined followers of Jesus, need the same mindset that we CAN Know Jesus deeply and Make Him Known widely!
- UNITY: (44) Don’t confuse unity with uniformity. Students all go to different schools, that’s not gonna’ change, that would be uniformity. BUT desire for God, reaching friends for Jesus, etc… is something we can & must be unified on! And here’s the key – if we lay aside our own desires for the “team” (the church) – we may not get our way, but the whole “team” (the church) wins!
- SACRIFICE: (45) Can’t be a servant leader without this. It will mean not going to some parties, not hanging with certain peeps, etc….I loved his point – In 10 years at your high school reunion, most likely you won’t be friends with even 2 of those you graduated with! Yep. In school, friends are somewhat picked for you, but in life, YOU pick your friends, so be wise!
- SERVICE: (46) This is a biggie – Am I (are you) a giver or a taker? God so loved the world that He GAVE! Be a giver and watch how God uses you (& me) to change the world! Want to know why I know this? READ verse 47!
So, here’s the deal: Want to make a difference in life? Want to impact friends? Want to change the world? It has never happened from just HEARING stuff like this, we must DO something about it! And THAT is DANGEROUS!
Let’s be DANGEROUS for Jesus!
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