Blog My Sojourn Live

I have spent some nights watching some great Olympic hockey.  Great teams, great individuals, great games for sure.  Always interesting for me to watch the puck drop in hockey and see—literally see who wants the puck more—who wants the games.  I can easily tell from the first minute who wants it more—it is usually the first to the puck.

I watched the Women’s USA team lose tonight—and I could tell—the women were struggling.  They had the passion, they had the will, but the Canadian girls had more want, more, more, and more—and the Canadian girls won!

How bout my relationship with Christ?  How bad do I want it?  How much is it worth to me to go for Gold in my relationship with Christ?  Is that possible?  Is it possible for me to chase after Christ like that?  If so, is it possible for me to talk to students about that kind of desire?  Is that fair?  Is that right?

I think so.  I really think that it is good to Seek after the Lord with all I have. I think that the generation I work with struggles with “passion” towards their God, their relationship with Christ, their passion for making their relationship Everything period.

Have I always chased after God?  Have I always made Him the center of my life?  Have I treated Him as a kind of “no big deal”?  Absolutely yes!  I have learned from my apathy.  I have seen first hand the destruction it caused me—the bottom line—just making Him a thing to do—not a relationship—just what you do—all be it half hearted. 

So, what to do?  I say in order for me to talk to students about “being the first to the puck” that I must be the first to the puck.  If I want students to chase after God with all their heart—then I must lead the way.

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” 

Psalm 42.1

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”   Matt. 6.33

Help me Father to run after you with all I have got.

Help me to be the first to the Puck!  So that students can see the benefit of seeking after you.

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“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”   Jer. 29.11-13

I will be missing a weekend I along with the Next Gen staff have awaited for a few months.  I was supposed to be headed to Chicago to a “Simply Youth” Conference.  Due to the fact that I have missed several of Cooper’s hockey games in his team’s quest for a State playoff—I felt it was best to stay back—let the team go to Chicago so that I could go watch Coop play hockey.

I thought about it for sometime.  Plans were made, reservations made, opportunity to take my staff around my great city.  Should I stay or should I go?  What are my priorities?  What does God say about this?  I felt in my heart that it was important for me to stay and for the team to go. 

So?  Well, I am kind of bumming, but just last night I heard that my next door neighbor from West Chester had lost his father last night and that the viewing would be this Saturday before we head to Columbus for the hockey game.

Now, we love our old neighbors—we shared many years together (8 years).  My wife would sleep over at their house 1 time per week during the first few months when the triplets were born.  We laughed, we cried when we left, we trusted one another, we shared food, shared tools, shared help.  Could this be?   Could it really be that important to have agreed not to go to Chicago just to stay back and go to a viewing?  

Well—Yes!  Absolutely yes.  I live a supernatural life in a relationship with a supernatural God that has a plan for my life.  I believe that this is one of those times where God is saying—“Continue to live out My Son.  Continue to love your friends.” 

So, as I continue to seek God—daily… I have learned to seek Him even when it means I am connected to Him just by my words of Help, show me, lead me—I am seeking Him.  He is leading and I am staying back for the right reasons—this I know.

Thank you Father,

Thank you for your leading.

Thank you’re your plan.

I will seek you more and more—

Because I need you everyday.

Big time

Amen

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O.k., so I didn’t blog about all the nights in the MAC— I ran out of time.  It was absolutely an awesome week—every night was absolutely HUGE. 

Then the Revolt 4 day weekend with the High School ministry—was sensational—God visited us that weekend—Benny and the Jetts rocked, studied John 17, had a couple of seminars for students to grab—and had so much fun in the snow—amazing.

Then I spoke at Fairhaven this past weekend—It was fun—It was important, I am honored to be part of such a great church and staff.

During all that—Cooper was playing hockey to get to the state finals— traveling back and forth to Columbus—being able to see some of the games—and others—well I was too busy—hmmm—too busy?  Is that o.k.?

For me—the fact that I missed some of Cooper’s games, the fact that I didn’t take a few of my Friday’s off—the fact that I can’t remember a parts of the past few weeks—is that too busy?  I don’t think so.  I really feel blessed to be able to enjoy my job, my family, the ministry, all the stuff do—I love doing period.  I live this life with everything out there—why?  Because I believe that I must put everything on the line everyday—oh sure—when I need down time—my body, my mind tells me to go get it!  So I do!

How bout my relationship with God?   I actually feel that He is empowering me to run full bore—I am not doing it in the flesh—I really sense God moving me—it is an awesome time right now—so much to do—so much to accomplish—so much to trust God in, and with and for. 

“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

Thank you Father

Thank you Father for pushing me—

Thank you for guiding me—

Thank you for giving me passion for the right things

Thank you—

Please speak into my heart and mind when I need to back it down.

Amen

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1 "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me;
       I was found by those who did not seek me.
       To a nation that did not call on my name,
       I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'

 2 All day long I have held out my hands
       to an obstinate people,
       who walk in ways not good,
       pursuing their own imaginations-

 3 a people who continually provoke me
       to my very face,
       offering sacrifices in gardens
       and burning incense on altars of brick;
Is.65.1-3

Hmmmmmm-- does our God really pursue?  Does God really reveal himself?  Who are the people that did not ask for Him?  Can people really find Him if they do not seek Him?  Is that still true today?

 Yes!  But, if I listen to the 'ones" that know so much about God, they have said-- "it's about the way we pursue Him that He reveals himself.  They say there are certain things-- by way to seek Him.

But that is not what He says-- 

I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me;
I was found by those who did not seek me.
To a nation that did not call on my name,
I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'

All day long I have held out my hands

to an obstinate people,
who walk in ways not good,

I find this portion to be very interesting-- even more filled with hope-- for in this life, this world, this universe-- He is continuing to say-- Here am I, here am I"

to all peoples, to all those that don't know, that don't care, that are seeking everything else-- there is hope.

Thank you God for caring

When people don't.

Thank you God for stretching out your hand to continually

Thank you God for finding me.

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Monday Night in the Mac with 82 Rents.  Yep, meeting with parents of students is always fun—cast vision, talk about the future and talk about…. Parenting.  (moving through parenting to coaching)

I believe that parenting is the greatest endeavor that I can do.  Helping parents is important to me—because—if I feel and know the value of being a parent… I estimate that “they” the parents of students in the ministry must feel the same way.

I also believe that my experience as the parent of 2 great guys has made me a “better” parent.  Not because I am so good—don’t misunderstand—no--- but because God gave me these guys.  God put in this place and I embraced parenting and have enjoyed every minute of it—hoping that I can over time help some of parents move forward in enjoying the time of Teenagedom.

After all, I really do believe that God brings situations, people, places and all that for His purposes.  So—being a parent has taught me very much about myself, my issues, my abilities and my shortcomings.  That is awesome—because—I don’t believe it’s just coincidence—nope—so me raising kids trickles down for those now part of the whole Next Gen Ministry—Parents.

It was fun tonight being with these special people—the Rents.  I hope we have a great relationship over the years to come, and I hope that we all can be about "coaching" students to become awesome followers of Christ.

Father,

Give us all the grace to get through the tough and awesome job of parenting.  Grant the parents of the Next Gen ministry the grace to go through everyday as mentors, coaches and great parents.

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Tonight was the first night of Uprising in the New MAC room.  Explain please? 

Uprising—High School time for worship, teaching, community—Spiritual grow time.

The MAC?  The new million dollar facility for Next Gen Ministry  (Middle School, High School, College/Young Adult)  of course other ministries of Fairhaven will use the room, mainly for Next Gen.

Tonight—the opening night—115 students present—with some parents checking it out—all told it was a great opening night.

But, but, why have a huge new room?  Why all the state of the art multi media?  Why have a room that holds capacity over 400?  Why not just have a room that 100 students can hang out in?  Why not have a room that students can come and hang out?

Because the purpose of the Next Gen Ministry is not inward—period.   Students that love God—have a whole world to reach.  Students that love God leave “meism” behind as they follow Christ.

So—the large room is a tool for students to bring their friends, call home and enjoy growing together in the greatest endeavor—reaching their campus, reaching their friends, being part of the movement of God through the Dayton area.

So begins a new era at Fairhaven Church! Much more to come!  I will try and journal this week everyday.  Let me know what you think.

Father,

This ministry is yours,

This building is yours,

Do your will through us and in us.

Amen

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"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
-- Matt.7.24-27

Interesting—“Anyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice…”

I think that statement is life changing.  The words of Jesus are life changing when put into practice.  Words are words—yes.  The words of Jesus—still words unless, unless one puts them into practice.   What words?  What did He say?  What is He talking about?

The context—

¹⁷Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

 ²¹"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²²Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' ²³Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'   
--Matt. 7.17-23

Jesus speaks of good trees bearing good fruit.  Jesus speaks about the issue of checking ones ‘influence” or what is being produced, or what is coming from a relationship with Christ—if there is one—there is good fruit…. Right?   Maybe He is saying—good fruit is impossible outside of a relationship with Christ for—^19”Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 

I remember when I tried desperately to bear good fruit.  Yes, obeying my parents, going to church, doing all the right stuff.  In truth—that could only go on for a while—then one day—I came to this conclusion—I didn’t know Him period.  I knew all about Him, but it was only He that could create good fruit from a changed heart.

Notice verse 21-23-- ²¹"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²²Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' ²³Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'   

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Rev. Pat Robertson had some interesting thoughts as to why the earthquake struck the impoverished nation:

"And you know, Kristi, something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about it.

“They were under the heel of the French, uh, you know Napoleon the 3rd and whatever, and they got together and swore a pact to the Devil.

“They said, 'We will serve you if you'll get us free from the French.'

“True story.

“And so the Devil said, 'Okay, it's a deal.’

“And, uh, they kicked the French out, you know, with Haitians revolted and got themselves free.

“But ever since they have been cursed by, by one thing after another, desperately poor.

“That island of Hispaniola is one island. It’s cut down the middle. On the one side is Haiti on the other side is the Dominican Republican.

“Dominican Republic is, is prosperous, healthy, full of resorts, etcetera.

“Haiti is in desperate poverty.

“Same island.

“They need to have and we need to pray for them a great turning to God and out of this tragedy I’m optimistic something good may come. But right now we’re helping the suffering people and the suffering is unimaginable.”

There it is—What Robertson said about the why Haiti has suffered the disastrous earthquake this past week.  I heard about this quote, I read about the quote—I had to see it for myself—and there it is.  For me personally—I thought it was probably true—but I had to see it for myself—Robertson’s speak never ceases to amaze me.

First thought—what arrogance.  Second thought—who gave Robertson the mouth piece of God?  Why does Robertson get to tell people what is going on in the spiritual realm?   Let alone the purposes of God?

The bottom line for me is this:  I know God through a personal relationship with the Savior Christ Jesus.  Do I know everything about God?  No.  I read the scriptures, I enjoy a good polemic.  Do I think or believe that I can address a whole nation about the why’s of disaster?  No.  Do I understand why bad things happen across the world, in history, time all the way to the tragedy’s that take place in all of our lives—a freak accident ultimately took my father’s life… Do I think for a minute I can explain the ways of God?  No.

Some of my friends in ministry or from some camps would say and could say that the character of God—His goings and comings, His ways, His means are all in the Scriptures, easy for people to understand.  Who He is and all about is all—All in the Scriptures.

All of God is in the Scriptures?   I don’t believe that is true.  I believe there are volumes about God in the Scripture.  I believe that without a doubt.  Is everything about God in the Scriptures?  That is the question.  I don’t believe everything about God is in the Scriptures—therefore I can’t possibly know the reasons, or the answers to the why of everything that happens in the world.  Unless, unless I believe that I know everything about God—and I don’t and quite frankly—I don’t believe anybody human does. 

I certainly don’t believe that any one person can tell what God is all—all about.  Yes, we can understand something’s to a point.  We can understand God—deduct from the Scriptures much about God—but all?  No—I don’t thinks so.  Can we deduct all about God from Scripture with certainty?  With certainty?  I don’t think so.

Certainty!  Yes certainty!  I have thought many times I knew what I was talking about.  Over the years I have come to this conclusion—I live by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  When I counsel people I try and help them in whatever issue they may...

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Leadership.  Leader is….?  Leadership is ….? 

 From afar, being a leader is desirous.  From afar, many dream of leading.  From afar, some believe they are leading.  I have been leading for many years—leading people, leading students, leading a family.  Interesting that I have never wrote a book on leadership, nor have I ever been asked to speak about being a leader.  My door isn’t being stampeded down by people to find out what my leadership is about nor am I getting calls to pontificate about my leadership.  Does that mean I am not a good leader?  Does that mean I have nothing to say about it?  Does that mean that I am not a leader?

I have read many, many books on leadership.  The best book I have ever read is a book called Lead like Jesus by Ken Blanchard.  "We believe leadership happens anytime you influence the thinking, the behavior or development of another person.  You are a leader...whether at home, at work or at play."
 —Lead Like Jesus

 I am a leader because—I have to be—to my family.  I am a leader because I do ministry that demands that I lead a team.  I am a leader because—I have to be.  Does that mean I know everything about being a leader?   No way.  I am a leader because I have to be.   Does that mean I always do it right?  No way.  I am a leader because who I am.  Does that mean I am above others input into my life?  Never.

Leadership is sometimes overwhelming, sometimes beyond my comprehension, sometimes right in my lap.  Bottom line—I love it.  I enjoy it, I embrace it, I live it.  Is that arrogant?  No.  I know who I am—so a team of people makes me a better leader.  I don’t go at it alone—I have many better people around me—I love building teams of people that make what I do—so much better.

 I have some big choices, decisions to make everyday, people to lead everyday—and I feel it everyday.  So why the blog today on leadership?   Just because I can—but so those that read this—can hear a little from me—little ole me, just a person sold out on following Christ what it is like to lead the Next Gen ministry at Fairhaven Church.  A  new ministry, a new form of Student Ministry, a new model on how it is done.  And I know full well that many still see the “youth” ministry in its old form—I lead the H.S., I help out in the college and the middle school guy does his thing.  That model is not the model I am leading.  There is a new model, and the new model will have my fingerprints all over it.  From Middle school through High School,  to college/young adults.

 My fingerprints on the whole thing?  Yes.  Am I prepared to lead?  Yes.  Will I get pushback?  Yes.  Do I feel and think I know where I am going?  Yes  Will it make sense to everyone?  No.  Will I try and make everyone happy?  No.  I will cast the vision, work out the kinks as I go and dig deep, trust God, learn from great people, build a team around me of solid followers of Christ that have the freedom to disagree with me.

 Where is God in all this?  Is it just wing it?  Never.  Is it just make it work?  No.  You see I believe that God has brought me to this place for the purpose of leading the Next Gen ministry to become all that God wants it to be.  I am not a mistake.  I was not a whim.  I was not the next best person to lead this ministry.  No, I believe that God has lead me through my Psalm 40 days.  I believe that God has me here for a purpose—to lead the Next Gen ministry into the future.  God is sovereign regardless...

Tags: httpwww.leadlikejesus.com

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Have you ever watched somebody struggle with an issue?   You want so badly to help, but it seems that your words just fall on unhearing words.  You want so much to fix it.  But you know that it is theirs to fix.  Yes, that is an awful thing to watch and feel.

Even harder is when it is your own son, your heart is ripped, you feel so bad, you just want to do it for him.  Yes, that is me right now.  I am watching my son struggle with making friends on his hockey team, while going through a performance drought.  (He feels his performance is down)

Now I’m not a hockey pro, I’ve just played and watched for years.  I’m not too good anymore (older and my knees are shot)  but I understand the game, team, friends and all the stuff that he is struggling with.  I want to help so much, I want to get into his head and help him out—almost do it for him.  It seems as if he is lost and I want to help him find his way.  Know the feeling?

I have so many things running through my mind, so many ways and things to tell him.  I have tried.  But… I don’t think he wants to hear it.  Worse, I don’t think he is ready for my help.  What to do?  What should I do?

I find myself thinking about my insecurities, the things that hold me back, the times I struggled and struggle.  I know there were many that wanted to help.  My parents, my coaches, my friends all made an effort to help.  In the end—I had to go through the tough times.  I have had to find my way.  I have had to learn to trust in my relationship with the Lord, I have had to sometimes put one foot in front of the other and just keep pressing onward.

Yes, these times my son are experiencing are not fun.  It is not enjoyable.  I am praying for the Lord to protect him, to lead him, to give him the grace he needs to make it through another day.  These times as a parent are not easy, not fun, not enjoyable.  I know the truth though—believing in the answer is not easy—waiting, praying, trusting is not an easy thing to do for myself, let alone for my son.

But I believe God wants to impact him in a real way.  So—I will not try and fix, solve or bail him out—I will be there for him—with love, with honesty, care, with prayer.  I write this little diddy, not so much about my son—but from a dad, a youth pastor and one who believes that we all struggle with this stuff—life with all of it’s pains and question marks.

O father,

My prayer is for my son,

That you will lead him,

Direct him, give him all he needs to

Find his strength and care for and by you.

Amen

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