Lock in & Go

The first time we went rappelling, I was absolutely scared out of my mind! Of course I couldn’t let anyone know it, I mean after all I was the Youth Pastor, and was the one that actually convinced the Parents of my students to sign the assumption of Death…I mean Risk form that even allowed them to come on the trip in the first place.

So I did what any self respecting, ministry minded, students first Youth Pastor would do…I volunteered to take pictures…for posterity!

The whole day, student after student stepped up, locked in, looked down and not only walked down the cliff, but actually bounded and sailed down the rock face and into the great unknown…it was the coolest thing to see nervous, timid and downright scared young people step up and face their fears and with an active understanding of what faith really is…step off and experience it first hand!

Life Change is Life Change

The more I read my Bible and follow the steps of Jesus, the more I realize that His ministry was all about restoration and expansion. Everywhere He went He preached a similar message, a message of hope and repentance to restore us to a right relationship with Him. 

I also see that He didn’t settle down in one spot. He moved around and left instructions for His followers to spread the message as well. He was about building His Kingdom, but the only difference was that His Kingdom was meant to be in the hearts of His people, and His people are all around the world. He truly had a Kingdom mentality that was meant to be expanded, not focused on one people group, in one city, one country or even one continent. 

I also notice that Jesus used various means, and methods in His delivery, yet His message remained the same. Have you ever wondered why He went with Jairus to heal His daughter when he could have just thought it and accomplished the same outcome? 

Promise...Solidified

I remember one time several years ago I was working on some things in my office getting ready to go out on one of my teaching, and preaching excursions when I heard a loud ruckus coming from down stairs.

It was really loud, and definitely had the sound of a major argument going on. Someone was displeased and didn't mind letting the other participant know about it, and quite boisterously at that!

Lots of things came to my mind then, and as I ran down the stairs to investigate the current uprising I overheard, I soon realized that one of those things that I hoped would make me stand up and confront someone was happening in my very presence, with my kids!

As, I swooped down the stairs and rounded the corner, I ran right into another royal rumble of sorts, only this time there were no chairs being thrown, only loud words and lots of tears coming from my daughter, met with a smug little smile and look of accomplishment from my son.

As I tried to intervene and find out what was happening, Serena said “Ethan didn’t keep his promise to me, he said he would do something and he didn’t”…then she said, “HE EVEN THUMB SWORE AND BENT IT!”

It's friday...

It’s Friday...but Sunday’s coming...

It’s Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s coming.

It’s Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday’s coming.