Passionately Following Jesus
I got out of the shower and walked into the living room and this is what Gavin had on, he made his own costume with one of those sleeping bags that fold up into a pillow. My childhood costumes were a little less creative, I would make my own Superman outfit or dress up like Rambo. I guess Gavin has a few extra creative genes in him.
Join the Conversation, what was your favorite person/thing to dress up as when you were younger or now?
I removed the picture that I posted about Atheism. Apparently those who are atheist said the picture was inaccuarate to their actual beliefs, so although I do not share the views of an atheist I am removing the picture out of respect for them. After thinking about it, I could see how the picture could be viewed as devisive and that is not the intent of this blog. I desire to share the love of Christ and that is not done by being divisive or rude. I stand firm on what I believe, but felt that it was best to remove the picture so I do not portray the wrong attitude.
The Top 10 List to know you are not the most popular kid in your High School by Napolean Dynamite and David Letterman…I wish I would have had this when I was in High School…it would have saved me a lot of grief 🙂
[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=Tfpha8wszjw]
Join the Conversation: What group were you in High School? Jocks, Preps, Geeks, Goths, Heads, Other: (Name your Group)
Pastor this video is for you! (And anyone else who wants to watch it)
As I was watching it, my wife asked, “Why is he saying that to Youth Pastors, shouldn’t he be saying it to pastors?” – I agreed and now I am posting it hoping it gets in your hands. You need almost 9 minutes, but it is well worth your time! For Youth Pastors out there, you may be encouraged from this maybe a little validated in where your hearts are, your passions, and the methods and motivation by which you operate.
There are thousands of Youth Pastors who wish they could say some of these things to you or to their church. So here it is straight from Mike Yaconelli…
[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=3Lnt7ZoFrgo]
What are your thoughts? Join the conversation, I would love to know!
…Control Freak!”
It really sounds bad, but its true. I would much rather put God on a leash and be in full control of everything, rather than to be submissive to him and wait on his timing, to play by his rules, and to follow his path. Unfortunately, I have seen enough and I have learned enough in my ancient 27 years of living to know that I am out of luck, because God is in control and no matter how much I would rather him be on a leash, he will never assume that position. However, my knowledge of this does not make it easier for me, sure I have gotten better at giving up control, but I still struggle with it.
I believe God is huge on Integrity (John 1:45-48). I have been given an opportunity to speak at my church on July 6th. Now you may be reading this and think, “What’s the big deal? I speak at my church all the time!” Well, it is a big deal. I was a part of the teaching team at my former church and have been at my current church as a volunteer leader for less than two years, so #1 They don’t lay hands on any man suddenly (which is cool by me) and #2 Its been about two years since I did a message in “BIG” church, I speak with teens all the time. But, for two years God has put a passion in my heart for a particular subject a main theme for Christians and the church…its nothing new, but its what the Lord’s given to me, so in a way it is new. It focuses on the total abandonment of the people who say they are followers of the Christ. So, as I have been struggling to put all of the pieces to this message together, God has been building the message out of me. I have been living it for the past couple of weeks, and I just realized what was going on, and in the meantime learning that I have a serious problem if I am going to live out this message that is on my heart!
So there it is. Seriously ashamed. I am a control freak and it must stop! My wife would probably have a heart attack just for me admitting it. I never let her drive the family around with me in the car. I’ve always seen my dad drive and I always thought it was the gentlemen thing to do. I’ve let my wife drive me when I was very sick, but it was at those times that I could care less if I was in control. Nicki drives our boys (and Hailey) everywhere, so why is it any different when I am in the car? Because I must control. Though it is a small start, tonight when we go get dinner, I am having Nicki drive us everywhere! And when it comes to spiritual things, I realize I must give up my selfish ambitions, my understanding, my timing, and my plans to live totally abandoned to Jesus.
Join the Conversation…is there anything God is revealing to you lately?