Recently I was speaking with a local business owner. I asked him how the business was going and he replied, saying that he was examining his cost/results ratio. Even I could understand the importance of a cost/results ratio. If it cost me $5 to make a product, and I sold it for $4.50, I soon would be out of business! This is not a recipe for success! As I reflected on this "miracle of math," I thought how much the benefits of being a Christian far exceed the cost. In fact, did you know that discipleship has been designed by God with our BEST interests at heart? Contrary to popular belief, discipleship was not designed to help God by training another minion or two in the ways of the Jedi, but actually it was designed to help us! Hear this: God does not need our help; we need His!
Discipleship is our opportunity to tap the infinite resources of God. It is our chance to give our lives to significance, rather than mediocrity. If you feel like your faith is stuck in a rut; stagnant with the constant toll of following Jesus, WAKE UP! It is vital to the Christian that they grasp this idea: following God is not us helping God, but God helping us. Now, following God seems like less of a drag, doesn't it?
However, Jesus also warns us to "count the cost" and weigh it well if we choose to become true disciples of him. And my friends: it will cost you something. It will cost us our lives. But the results, I assure you, are so much more glorious than the cost, that any of us would be a fool to turn down such an offer. Luke 14, one of my favorite passages in the Bible, in verse one, Jesus is being watched by the Pharisees as he teaches on the cost of discipleship. There is a truth in that verse we need to consider: those who appose us Christians are constantly watching us. We are ALL ambassadors of something! Will you understand that you need to be an ambassador of Christ in every situation this next week?
When that co-worker gets on your nerves: ambassador.
When that teacher springs a last second exam: ambassador.
When your children or grandchildren blow you off: ambassador.
When your spouse doesn't clean up their mess again: ambassador.
The true disciple lives according to principle, not circumstance. A disciples is one who in every area of his or her life determines from the Bible what is right, and lives it consistently, therefore being an ambassador of Christ. If it's time to trade in that old car that is leaking oil, and you take it down to the dealer, and they look you in the eye and ask, "is there anything wrong?" you have a chance to live by circumstance ("no! nothing at all!") or by principle ("it leaks oil..."). You know, God's commands are never arbitrary: they are designed for our best interests! They are designed to help, not hinder.
In closing, ponder this: Jesus came to have us live our lives backwards.
The key to being first is being last.
The key to living is dying.
The key to being free is being Christ's slave.
The key to getting is giving.
The key to being a leader is being a servant.
The key to being exalted is to live a life characterized by humility.
Everybody wants to live, but NOBODY seems to want to die. We all want freedom, but none of us want to be a slave. You get the picture...there are no shortcuts in following God. In no way can a person get without giving or truly live without dying. Accept that. Understand who has extended the invitation to come and die, and then truly live. Be desperate for God to be the center of your life. And then follow Jesus like it is the only thing that matters. Probably because it is!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
What To Do When Worship Has Gone Wrong
I love the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal that takes place on Mount Carmel. If you need a refresher here it is: Eight kings later after Solomon’s kingship, Israel is a split kingdom who has become polytheistic: worshiping Yahweh, plus a myriad of other created-gods. The one single prophet of Yahweh – Elijah, calls out King Ahab and the 450 prophets of Baal, and challenges them to a showdown. Elijah and the prophets of Baal each separately prepare an altar on which they are going to attempt to sacrifice a bull as a burnt offering. The catch is, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to not light the fire themselves, but to pray to their god to light the fire instead, acting as a test of how ‘real’ Baal is. 1 Kings 18 tells the story of the prophets of Baal crying out to their god from morning until noon, even slashing their own clothes and making themselves bleed in an attempt to capture the attention of Baal. By the time noon roles around, Elijah starts trash talking by encouraging the prophets of Baal to shout louder, saying perhaps Baal is deep in sleep or “busy” (which is actually a Hebrew word translated sometimes as ‘using the bathroom!’).
After hours of asking Baal to light the altar on fire, the prophets give up and Elijah takes his turn. But Elijah doesn’t just pray to Yahweh; first, he asks the servants to dig a moat around his altar and soak the wood and the bull with water that make up the altar. In case you failed 1st grade science, water does not light on fire! With the prophets of Baal looking on in disbelief, Elijah prays to Yahweh, and the Bible tells us that a fire so fierce fell from heaven that it not only burned up the sacrifice, but it consumed all the water as well! Take a second to think about that: God did the impossible! As the 21st century prophet Adel once said, he, “set fire to the rain!”
In verse 21, Elijah challenges all the prophets of Baal with a simple question that proved to not be all that simple. The text says, “Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing in response.
Elijah’s conviction was this: if we are going to label ourselves as followers of God, and continue to worship other “gods” that we create in our own lives, Elijah wants us to get off the fence. Pick one. Either follow God, or follow whatever other petty god you want to create for yourself; but do NOT worship both. Our God is a jealous God! Our other gods could be things like that big promotion, a new car, the latest fashion, a video game, iPod, cell phone, popularity, or anything else that we as sinful humans place on the throne of our lives. Elijah makes it clear: choose what you will worship.
Mark Driscoll says in his new book Who Do You Think You Are? that we were not created to worship, but were created as worshippers. The subtle distinction is that we don’t choose when we worship and when we don’t: we are always giving worship to something. What will you worship? The One True God or the temptations of this world that tug on our hearts? The battle has been won. Will you resolve to rest in that truth? What will you worship?
After hours of asking Baal to light the altar on fire, the prophets give up and Elijah takes his turn. But Elijah doesn’t just pray to Yahweh; first, he asks the servants to dig a moat around his altar and soak the wood and the bull with water that make up the altar. In case you failed 1st grade science, water does not light on fire! With the prophets of Baal looking on in disbelief, Elijah prays to Yahweh, and the Bible tells us that a fire so fierce fell from heaven that it not only burned up the sacrifice, but it consumed all the water as well! Take a second to think about that: God did the impossible! As the 21st century prophet Adel once said, he, “set fire to the rain!”
In verse 21, Elijah challenges all the prophets of Baal with a simple question that proved to not be all that simple. The text says, “Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing in response.
Elijah’s conviction was this: if we are going to label ourselves as followers of God, and continue to worship other “gods” that we create in our own lives, Elijah wants us to get off the fence. Pick one. Either follow God, or follow whatever other petty god you want to create for yourself; but do NOT worship both. Our God is a jealous God! Our other gods could be things like that big promotion, a new car, the latest fashion, a video game, iPod, cell phone, popularity, or anything else that we as sinful humans place on the throne of our lives. Elijah makes it clear: choose what you will worship.
Mark Driscoll says in his new book Who Do You Think You Are? that we were not created to worship, but were created as worshippers. The subtle distinction is that we don’t choose when we worship and when we don’t: we are always giving worship to something. What will you worship? The One True God or the temptations of this world that tug on our hearts? The battle has been won. Will you resolve to rest in that truth? What will you worship?
Thursday, February 28, 2013
An Open Letter to Anybody Over 40 In The Church
Back in April of 2012, I wrote An Open Letter to the 20-30 Year Olds Leaving the Church. The relative popularity of that blog came to my attention when my wife, who works for Youth Specialties tweeted out a link to it, and then asked me to check my blog traffic. So here we are...
Recently, a popular blog at Marc5Solas led many people in Christendom to the conclusion that the church is kryptonite to many post-high school young people. They are simply running away in droves, according to most research, including what I cite in my own blog post linked above.
That's where you come in. Yes, you. Were you born in 1975 or earlier? This one's for you!
I urge you to please view this as a tongue-in-cheek appeal to those who are older than us "20-30 somethings." Hear the spirit of this post. If it angers you, you read it the wrong way. If it gives you warm fuzzies, you also have read it the wrong way.
As a Christ-following committed member to Christ's Church I first and foremost urge you to do something that will be painstakingly scary for you: trust us.
Today's young adults are some of the most highly educated and widely read in the history of the world. I can flunk out of high school, and still figure out who won the French and Indian War in less than 2 minutes. And I can do it from my cell phone. Do you know what that is? Believe it or not, I can also send a piece of mail through a wire to anywhere in the world instantly. Actually, I don't even need a wire anymore. Eat that, postal service! I can read up on dualism, biology, chemistry, evolution, philosophy, psychology, reason, the Crusades, and whatever other miscellaneous information I want, whenever I want, from wherever I want. I don't read books, and I don't need the yellow pages. I own an iPad: yea, a television, computer, and video game consol all packed into one 1.46 pound picture frame. I podcast whatever I want my brain to soak up, or I just ask Siri to find the answer for me. I take pictures of my food and post it on instagram because I can. I use #hashtags. I update my Facebook status 20 times a day and that keeps me connected to the people I love most.
These are foreign concepts to you. While you rewind your VHS tape of Billy Graham, I am downloading the best sermons from the top theologians and leaders in the country. I know how to figure things out, because I went to high school in the digital age. I did my college presentations on PowerPoint, and got to use a calculator in college and high school. Jealous much with your slide rule? I know you think we think we know it all. But the reality is, we don't have to know it all: because we can find answers faster than ever before.
And do you know what this means?
We need answers. Because we are searching all by ourselves most of the time.
We no longer attend church to be indoctrinated, confirmed, and **presto** saved. We already have our own doctrine, that we learned by reading some blog when we were supposed to be doing our econ homework. We are walking into every conversation that matters, not asking questions, but ready to answer questions.
You wouldn't take a knife to a gun fight, would you?
Engage us in conversations, and instead of trying to convince us we are wrong and you are right, listen. All we want is to be heard. Unfortunately, when you hear something you don't like (perhaps the prior paragraphs?) you instantly turn into defense mode. My generation won't put up with defense. We will walk away. We don't want to be judged for our skinny jeans, mohawk, fauxhawk, or walking everywhere with ear buds in. We want to just be a part of the body of Christ.
Here are 5 easy steps even you can take to insure that your grand-children's church will still exist when they are your age.
1) As Our Elders, Be Defined By Humility And Grace.
Tread softly with your words, because you tread on the dreams of the next generation. Age no longer gives you instant respect in the world anymore: you must earn it by demonstrating how you "love your neighbor as yourself." Show us that you are willing to love anybody, even those different from you, and we will give you our undivided attention. Except if our favorite TV show is on. Then you're sunk.
2) Know That Social Media Is Not Going Away. Ever. Embrace it.
I'm sorry you didn't get a Christmas card in the mail this year. You should have checked your Facebook, or the blog, for a bazillion photos of me and my family. You probably could have even found out that we got a new dog, bought a boat, changed careers, and celebrated our 7th anniversary in Tahoe for a long weekend. Sorry; did I forget to mention that to you at Thanksgiving? You actually will be surprised by how connected you stay and feel, just by looking at a computer screen for fifteen minutes each day. You will know everything about my generation! This is mostly because we are still figuring out how to not post everything that happens in and around our lives. #firstworldproblems
3) Take The Lead In Inviting Us In.
Churches are far too often designed for the comfort of those who make the country club membership list. If you want us to be a part of your church, you need to not just announce a church membership class on Sundays and expect us to come swarming. Give me one measly reason why I should actually "join" your church?! Because from where I'm sitting, by not joining I make it easier for me to slip out the back door when I get bored, frustrated, or both. This way your membership numbers don't get tarnished! I want to be a part of a family who shares life and truth together. Do you? Show me!
4) Give Me Something Worth Going To.
We love conferences. And seminars, webcasts, blogs, podcasts, online videos, home-cut worship CD's, and other "special" things. We don't so much like church. We love Jesus. Not church. Church is normal. We like the extra-ordinary stuff. Are you making sure there are classes for young parents and newlyweds on finances, communication, and more? Is there a Bible study or support group for single parents? Does your church host one marriage conference and/or retreat each year? Is it affordable or even free? Can I get help with my taxes? And what about my electric bill? I need childcare for free, too. And I need it from somebody I feel comfortable trusting my 2 year old with. Can I donate to your church online? How about from your church's app? Can I friend your staff on Facebook and send them messages after hours? Is your newsletter available online? Wait, you still have newsletters? Can I buy the worship band's album on itunes so I can play it throughout the week? Are you bringing any noteworthy guest speakers this quarter to talk on hot topics like abortion, homosexuality, science, leadership, discipleship, or evangelism? We love that stuff. Hook us up. Oh, and even though church is normal, that better be pretty darn sharp too. It's your first impression: may as well make it one worth remembering.
5) Create A Legacy Worth Wanting
Unfortunately, too many older adults have presented themselves as something my generation wants nothing to do with. Your legacy is that of a jaded, impatient, easily-disturbed, frustrated old fart who likes hymns, WWJD neck ties, black coffee (but certainly not in the sanctuary!), church potlucks to show off your macaroni salad, and church to start at 6 AM. No 20 or 30 something in their right mind wants any part in those things. Don't get me wrong, we like certain hymns (or praise choruses!), love ties (just not too tight!), coffee is necessary, and we love home cooked meals. But certainly, we like them on our terms. Unfortunately, it is your job to find a middle ground on that stuff, because if you don't at least try and meet us half way, we are out. Or at least that's what the numbers say.
--
So seriously, we want to be a part of this beautiful Bride of Christ. Stop pushing us out the door. We may stick around a little bit longer than you think.
Recently, a popular blog at Marc5Solas led many people in Christendom to the conclusion that the church is kryptonite to many post-high school young people. They are simply running away in droves, according to most research, including what I cite in my own blog post linked above.
That's where you come in. Yes, you. Were you born in 1975 or earlier? This one's for you!
I urge you to please view this as a tongue-in-cheek appeal to those who are older than us "20-30 somethings." Hear the spirit of this post. If it angers you, you read it the wrong way. If it gives you warm fuzzies, you also have read it the wrong way.
As a Christ-following committed member to Christ's Church I first and foremost urge you to do something that will be painstakingly scary for you: trust us.
Today's young adults are some of the most highly educated and widely read in the history of the world. I can flunk out of high school, and still figure out who won the French and Indian War in less than 2 minutes. And I can do it from my cell phone. Do you know what that is? Believe it or not, I can also send a piece of mail through a wire to anywhere in the world instantly. Actually, I don't even need a wire anymore. Eat that, postal service! I can read up on dualism, biology, chemistry, evolution, philosophy, psychology, reason, the Crusades, and whatever other miscellaneous information I want, whenever I want, from wherever I want. I don't read books, and I don't need the yellow pages. I own an iPad: yea, a television, computer, and video game consol all packed into one 1.46 pound picture frame. I podcast whatever I want my brain to soak up, or I just ask Siri to find the answer for me. I take pictures of my food and post it on instagram because I can. I use #hashtags. I update my Facebook status 20 times a day and that keeps me connected to the people I love most.
These are foreign concepts to you. While you rewind your VHS tape of Billy Graham, I am downloading the best sermons from the top theologians and leaders in the country. I know how to figure things out, because I went to high school in the digital age. I did my college presentations on PowerPoint, and got to use a calculator in college and high school. Jealous much with your slide rule? I know you think we think we know it all. But the reality is, we don't have to know it all: because we can find answers faster than ever before.
And do you know what this means?
We need answers. Because we are searching all by ourselves most of the time.
We no longer attend church to be indoctrinated, confirmed, and **presto** saved. We already have our own doctrine, that we learned by reading some blog when we were supposed to be doing our econ homework. We are walking into every conversation that matters, not asking questions, but ready to answer questions.
You wouldn't take a knife to a gun fight, would you?
Engage us in conversations, and instead of trying to convince us we are wrong and you are right, listen. All we want is to be heard. Unfortunately, when you hear something you don't like (perhaps the prior paragraphs?) you instantly turn into defense mode. My generation won't put up with defense. We will walk away. We don't want to be judged for our skinny jeans, mohawk, fauxhawk, or walking everywhere with ear buds in. We want to just be a part of the body of Christ.
Here are 5 easy steps even you can take to insure that your grand-children's church will still exist when they are your age.
1) As Our Elders, Be Defined By Humility And Grace.
Tread softly with your words, because you tread on the dreams of the next generation. Age no longer gives you instant respect in the world anymore: you must earn it by demonstrating how you "love your neighbor as yourself." Show us that you are willing to love anybody, even those different from you, and we will give you our undivided attention. Except if our favorite TV show is on. Then you're sunk.
2) Know That Social Media Is Not Going Away. Ever. Embrace it.
I'm sorry you didn't get a Christmas card in the mail this year. You should have checked your Facebook, or the blog, for a bazillion photos of me and my family. You probably could have even found out that we got a new dog, bought a boat, changed careers, and celebrated our 7th anniversary in Tahoe for a long weekend. Sorry; did I forget to mention that to you at Thanksgiving? You actually will be surprised by how connected you stay and feel, just by looking at a computer screen for fifteen minutes each day. You will know everything about my generation! This is mostly because we are still figuring out how to not post everything that happens in and around our lives. #firstworldproblems
3) Take The Lead In Inviting Us In.
Churches are far too often designed for the comfort of those who make the country club membership list. If you want us to be a part of your church, you need to not just announce a church membership class on Sundays and expect us to come swarming. Give me one measly reason why I should actually "join" your church?! Because from where I'm sitting, by not joining I make it easier for me to slip out the back door when I get bored, frustrated, or both. This way your membership numbers don't get tarnished! I want to be a part of a family who shares life and truth together. Do you? Show me!
4) Give Me Something Worth Going To.
We love conferences. And seminars, webcasts, blogs, podcasts, online videos, home-cut worship CD's, and other "special" things. We don't so much like church. We love Jesus. Not church. Church is normal. We like the extra-ordinary stuff. Are you making sure there are classes for young parents and newlyweds on finances, communication, and more? Is there a Bible study or support group for single parents? Does your church host one marriage conference and/or retreat each year? Is it affordable or even free? Can I get help with my taxes? And what about my electric bill? I need childcare for free, too. And I need it from somebody I feel comfortable trusting my 2 year old with. Can I donate to your church online? How about from your church's app? Can I friend your staff on Facebook and send them messages after hours? Is your newsletter available online? Wait, you still have newsletters? Can I buy the worship band's album on itunes so I can play it throughout the week? Are you bringing any noteworthy guest speakers this quarter to talk on hot topics like abortion, homosexuality, science, leadership, discipleship, or evangelism? We love that stuff. Hook us up. Oh, and even though church is normal, that better be pretty darn sharp too. It's your first impression: may as well make it one worth remembering.
5) Create A Legacy Worth Wanting
Unfortunately, too many older adults have presented themselves as something my generation wants nothing to do with. Your legacy is that of a jaded, impatient, easily-disturbed, frustrated old fart who likes hymns, WWJD neck ties, black coffee (but certainly not in the sanctuary!), church potlucks to show off your macaroni salad, and church to start at 6 AM. No 20 or 30 something in their right mind wants any part in those things. Don't get me wrong, we like certain hymns (or praise choruses!), love ties (just not too tight!), coffee is necessary, and we love home cooked meals. But certainly, we like them on our terms. Unfortunately, it is your job to find a middle ground on that stuff, because if you don't at least try and meet us half way, we are out. Or at least that's what the numbers say.
--
So seriously, we want to be a part of this beautiful Bride of Christ. Stop pushing us out the door. We may stick around a little bit longer than you think.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Things I Resolve To Do In 2013
This year, I am back at Bass Lake for New Years; and that means I have time and space to write my annual (with one year removed...) blog of things I will resolve to do in 2013.
1. I resolve that I will run a 7:00 minute mile. I recently began working out, and have been pleasantly surprised by the time I have already shaved off of my mile pace. My all-time best mile time is 8:30 flat as a sophomore in high school when I was training to play baseball, so this 7:00 minute mile is going to be quite the challenge. Along with that goal, I plan to get my everyday weight to a more non-XXL 250 pounds. We'll see.
2. I resolve to take my wife on a vacation for no apparent reason. I've never gone on a vacation with just one other person until my honeymoon, which I spent years mentally preparing for. The idea of going on vacation outside of a family or group context has been a difficult idea to wrap my head around. And especially just, "to get away," and not for a special occasion or gift. This is the year to break myself into it.
3. I resolve to pray with twelve students to accept Christ. I have felt for the last month that 2013 is the year of contentment for me in ministry: last year I was extremely ambitious in my desires to grow a ministry and push myself in my career and education. 2013 is going to be a year where I just take what God entrusts to me, and give 110% to it. I will not settle for a fruitless year, however, because there is no way God would want that for me. For the twelve students God has already chosen to accept Christ this year on my watch, I will pour my all into them.
1. I resolve that I will run a 7:00 minute mile. I recently began working out, and have been pleasantly surprised by the time I have already shaved off of my mile pace. My all-time best mile time is 8:30 flat as a sophomore in high school when I was training to play baseball, so this 7:00 minute mile is going to be quite the challenge. Along with that goal, I plan to get my everyday weight to a more non-XXL 250 pounds. We'll see.
2. I resolve to take my wife on a vacation for no apparent reason. I've never gone on a vacation with just one other person until my honeymoon, which I spent years mentally preparing for. The idea of going on vacation outside of a family or group context has been a difficult idea to wrap my head around. And especially just, "to get away," and not for a special occasion or gift. This is the year to break myself into it.
3. I resolve to pray with twelve students to accept Christ. I have felt for the last month that 2013 is the year of contentment for me in ministry: last year I was extremely ambitious in my desires to grow a ministry and push myself in my career and education. 2013 is going to be a year where I just take what God entrusts to me, and give 110% to it. I will not settle for a fruitless year, however, because there is no way God would want that for me. For the twelve students God has already chosen to accept Christ this year on my watch, I will pour my all into them.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thanks
This has been the most incredible of years in my life thus far. I have run the full spectrum of emotions. Without spending too much time in reflection, this post is mostly to say in a very succinct way, "I am thankful."
Here is a truth: it is not easy to be thankful when things don't go as planned. It is also not easy to be thankful when times are hard. But here's the bottom line: as my year has unfolded with some abrupt changes in plans and some hard times, I am sitting here now on this Thanksgiving Eve with a grateful heart. I wouldn't trade any of it.
This last year, I married the girl of my dreams. I moved into a house I now own. I passed the 50% mark in my graduate school education. I watched my best friend have his first child. I watched my brother move to Pasadena, and back to the Bay Area quicker than a singing of the 12 Days of Christmas. I went on an incredible honey moon to Jamaica. I spent two weeks in Europe with my new wife and family. Ministry had some incredible fruit.
It was a good year.
But just as it was good, this year also had it's difficulties.
My wife changed jobs. She also was hospitalized with a terrible stomach problem that just magically disappeared after weeks of tests undiagnosed. My stress levels have never been higher, trying to deal with the fact that my decisions in this world don't just affect me anymore, but also my wife's. A real deep look into my life and heart is probably not appropriate for blogs. But suffice to say, I've taken my licks this year in life in various ways and am still dusting off my shoulders from the usual amount of cracked dishes for my time bullying around in the china shop.
Here's the truth: God is still God. And God is still good. My life is blessed. I've been super encouraged this year by Paul's letters to Timothy...Timothy is a stud, but he needed help. Lots of it. His path was hard, but it held great reward. My slogan for this year seems to have been that anything worth doing is never easy. I feel like some of the most rewarding things that I've experienced this year have also come with the most grief and stress. It is like the act of exercise in some ways: a pain all over while it is happening, but ultimately, a really good thing in the long run. Such is my life.
And for that, I am thankful.
Here is a truth: it is not easy to be thankful when things don't go as planned. It is also not easy to be thankful when times are hard. But here's the bottom line: as my year has unfolded with some abrupt changes in plans and some hard times, I am sitting here now on this Thanksgiving Eve with a grateful heart. I wouldn't trade any of it.
This last year, I married the girl of my dreams. I moved into a house I now own. I passed the 50% mark in my graduate school education. I watched my best friend have his first child. I watched my brother move to Pasadena, and back to the Bay Area quicker than a singing of the 12 Days of Christmas. I went on an incredible honey moon to Jamaica. I spent two weeks in Europe with my new wife and family. Ministry had some incredible fruit.
It was a good year.
But just as it was good, this year also had it's difficulties.
My wife changed jobs. She also was hospitalized with a terrible stomach problem that just magically disappeared after weeks of tests undiagnosed. My stress levels have never been higher, trying to deal with the fact that my decisions in this world don't just affect me anymore, but also my wife's. A real deep look into my life and heart is probably not appropriate for blogs. But suffice to say, I've taken my licks this year in life in various ways and am still dusting off my shoulders from the usual amount of cracked dishes for my time bullying around in the china shop.
Here's the truth: God is still God. And God is still good. My life is blessed. I've been super encouraged this year by Paul's letters to Timothy...Timothy is a stud, but he needed help. Lots of it. His path was hard, but it held great reward. My slogan for this year seems to have been that anything worth doing is never easy. I feel like some of the most rewarding things that I've experienced this year have also come with the most grief and stress. It is like the act of exercise in some ways: a pain all over while it is happening, but ultimately, a really good thing in the long run. Such is my life.
And for that, I am thankful.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Why I Wish I Knew Amanda Todd
In case you haven't heard yet, Amanda Todd, a 15-year old girl from British Columbia was found dead just this week. "My story: Struggling, bullying, suicide, self harm" was the video Amanda posted on YouTube on Sept. 7 before and was
found dead in her home town of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, just
over a month later.
What an incredibly disheartening journey this young life had ended this week. She hung herself after struggling with bullying, cyber bullying, stalkers, and others gave her what she felt like was no choice.
I wish I knew Amanda. I wish I had met Amanda on campus at a local high school, or had one of my students invite her to youth group and bring her to church. I wish I had a chance to shake her hand and ask her what she does for fun.
I wish I had a chance to care for her.
When I interviewed for my job in Modesto, I said in my final interview something I've said many times: "the world of a student lacks unconditional love." What I meant by that statement is that the people who love a student the most (i.e. teachers, parents, coaches, mentors, etc.) are the ones that discipline and frankly don't mean the most to the teen. Teens long for their friends to approve of them. They long to have popularity. They long to have community that accepts them the way they are.
I wish Amanda would have had a chance to learn that there is a community that will love her. The Church.
I wish I could have told Amanda how much God loved her. I wish I could have told Amanda how the God of the universe formed her before she was born and knows how many hairs are on her head. I wish I could have told Amanda that God has a plan for her life beyond her wildest dreams.
I wish I could have been there to love this young girl the way Jesus loves her. I wish I could have told her of a love that will never fail or run out.
--
Who is the Amanda Todd in your life? Who is just barely hanging on, crying out for attention and love? Who do you need to invite into the Church? Who do you need to tell about the love of God?
Do it. Before it's too late. This is an emergency.
What an incredibly disheartening journey this young life had ended this week. She hung herself after struggling with bullying, cyber bullying, stalkers, and others gave her what she felt like was no choice.
I wish I knew Amanda. I wish I had met Amanda on campus at a local high school, or had one of my students invite her to youth group and bring her to church. I wish I had a chance to shake her hand and ask her what she does for fun.
I wish I had a chance to care for her.
When I interviewed for my job in Modesto, I said in my final interview something I've said many times: "the world of a student lacks unconditional love." What I meant by that statement is that the people who love a student the most (i.e. teachers, parents, coaches, mentors, etc.) are the ones that discipline and frankly don't mean the most to the teen. Teens long for their friends to approve of them. They long to have popularity. They long to have community that accepts them the way they are.
I wish Amanda would have had a chance to learn that there is a community that will love her. The Church.
I wish I could have told Amanda how much God loved her. I wish I could have told Amanda how the God of the universe formed her before she was born and knows how many hairs are on her head. I wish I could have told Amanda that God has a plan for her life beyond her wildest dreams.
I wish I could have been there to love this young girl the way Jesus loves her. I wish I could have told her of a love that will never fail or run out.
--
Who is the Amanda Todd in your life? Who is just barely hanging on, crying out for attention and love? Who do you need to invite into the Church? Who do you need to tell about the love of God?
Do it. Before it's too late. This is an emergency.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Why I Love Hume Lake
This week I have been in one of my favorite places on the entire planet: Hume Lake, California.
I first came to Hume for winter camp in 2005 with Creekside Community Church and quickly developed a love for ministry at 5,200 feet among the largest valley in the country: Kings Canyon. I began to commit a future to the Lord at Hume, sitting on the 4th row pew during a Saturday night chapel that would turn into a calling to full-time ministry. I have staffed camp at Hume while being on staff at three different churches. I have led five trips of my own up the hill as a Youth Pastor. I have even driven up twice just for fun and to grab an always-epic milkshake from the snack shack.
I love this place.
And now, more than ever, I love it for more reasons. I have always known that Hume has an incredible influence on the spiritual life of students. I've experienced that, literally, every single time I have ascended the hill. From late night cabin conversations, to counseling after a student prays to accept Christ, to baptizing students in the Lake...Hume has always been a place where God has His way. No wall stays standing between the Holy Spirit and a student for too long while here.
And now, I officially love Hume for another reason. Me.
For the second time, I have been able to grab a few ministry buddies and ride up the hill this week for a Youth Worker's Retreat. And it has been fabulous.
I have never dealt with stress in my life like I have this last year. For a variety of circumstances, I have found myself running on empty more often than not. I have always been a 100% guy: never ever giving less than everything to everything in my life. And lately, I've felt like it just hasn't been there to give. Whether it is being short with my wife (oops!), only going half-throttle on a paper for school and just squeezing by, or spending my time at work worrying about what the future holds (or doesn't hold?), I haven't been my usual self. I haven't been on fire. I haven't been me.
And Hume was exactly what I needed.
In no less than 48 hours, I have re-fallen in love with the Word of God. I have a freshness about ministry. I have a confidence again. I see God moving in my life and it is scary, while also encouraging. These last two days, God has really been teaching me to rest in the light. That influences everything I touch in my life. I feel challenged to worry less, and to carry less of a burden to do everything perfectly. I'm going to let things happen. I'm going to be a contagious Christian going home, just letting my love for God rub off on the people around me. I'm not going to let red tape stop me from loving students and their families and teaching them who Jesus is and what He wants to do in their lives.
I needed these few days away. I love my life again, and quite frankly, I'm ready to go home and live a life that is full and busy, but that doesn't drain me every second either.
I'm ready. Thanks Hume.
I first came to Hume for winter camp in 2005 with Creekside Community Church and quickly developed a love for ministry at 5,200 feet among the largest valley in the country: Kings Canyon. I began to commit a future to the Lord at Hume, sitting on the 4th row pew during a Saturday night chapel that would turn into a calling to full-time ministry. I have staffed camp at Hume while being on staff at three different churches. I have led five trips of my own up the hill as a Youth Pastor. I have even driven up twice just for fun and to grab an always-epic milkshake from the snack shack.
I love this place.
And now, more than ever, I love it for more reasons. I have always known that Hume has an incredible influence on the spiritual life of students. I've experienced that, literally, every single time I have ascended the hill. From late night cabin conversations, to counseling after a student prays to accept Christ, to baptizing students in the Lake...Hume has always been a place where God has His way. No wall stays standing between the Holy Spirit and a student for too long while here.
And now, I officially love Hume for another reason. Me.
For the second time, I have been able to grab a few ministry buddies and ride up the hill this week for a Youth Worker's Retreat. And it has been fabulous.
I have never dealt with stress in my life like I have this last year. For a variety of circumstances, I have found myself running on empty more often than not. I have always been a 100% guy: never ever giving less than everything to everything in my life. And lately, I've felt like it just hasn't been there to give. Whether it is being short with my wife (oops!), only going half-throttle on a paper for school and just squeezing by, or spending my time at work worrying about what the future holds (or doesn't hold?), I haven't been my usual self. I haven't been on fire. I haven't been me.
And Hume was exactly what I needed.
In no less than 48 hours, I have re-fallen in love with the Word of God. I have a freshness about ministry. I have a confidence again. I see God moving in my life and it is scary, while also encouraging. These last two days, God has really been teaching me to rest in the light. That influences everything I touch in my life. I feel challenged to worry less, and to carry less of a burden to do everything perfectly. I'm going to let things happen. I'm going to be a contagious Christian going home, just letting my love for God rub off on the people around me. I'm not going to let red tape stop me from loving students and their families and teaching them who Jesus is and what He wants to do in their lives.
I needed these few days away. I love my life again, and quite frankly, I'm ready to go home and live a life that is full and busy, but that doesn't drain me every second either.
I'm ready. Thanks Hume.
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