150-inch plasma

You read that right, 150-inch plasma screen is now on the market for every guy to drool at. That's just amazing. Imagine all your buddies comin over to watch the big game. Talk about larger than life! WOW! SIGN ME UP....if my wife is reading this, don't worry I will keep the credit card in the pocket (Dave Ramsey would be proud!). Totally random, but I was listening to an older worship song, "In the Secret" by SonicFlood while I read about this tv. Then it dawned on me...what if people could see my life on a 150-inch plasma screen. There would be no hiding anything. Now that is a scary thought isn't it. There are prob. stuff that we all do, that we don't want to many people to know about (like I need anything else for someone to make fun of me with?!). Then the Holy Spirit started to kick in, and made me think........God sees everything you do. There are no secrets, just plan truth with Him.

And yet, He loves us no matter. Through the good, the bad, & the ugly. That's the cross, that's grace, that's......love. Wow.

I would still like that 150-inch plasma though =)

so fresh, so clean...

"Use daily for best results"

I randomly looked on the back of my soap box this morning & it actually said that! Makes since. I can remember the days that I didn't shower as often (elementary school...my form of angst against my parents) & I just got that yuck feeling but I did it anyway. Sorta like the days that I miss spending time with God in His Word. The days that I take showers, I feel refreshed & clean...so I shower daily. The days that I read the Bible, I feel refreshed & clean as well....so I read daily...truthfully I don't though. But if it were to make me refreshed & clean, why wouldn't I? Hmmm...all this theology from a soap box? God is ridiculous!

Come Back To Me...

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life.
-Matt 11:28 (NIV, Message)

What are you tired of? Coach Anderson at TCA did an incredible lesson based on this verse. It made me think....am I weary, if so what about, and why? To often we carry the truck load of stuff in our arms which makes it impossible to reach to God for help. Maybe we should all lighten our load a bit & come back to Him, at least I know I do....

10 Million Youth

10 million youth is a lot of youth! Did you know that number is only an estimate on how many die from preventable diseases? We had "World Help" come to our church last night. I thought that it would be good, but had no idea the impact it would have on my life, personally. I got a chance to eat some supper with a dozen or so kids from 9-11 years old from Asia, Africa, & the Phillipines. We laughed...ok they mainly laughed at me (it doesn't matter where ya from, I'm something to laugh at?!). They decided my name was to be Pastor Rabbit which morphed into Uncle Rabbit (they called their leaders uncles & aunts). Somehow Robbie sounded like Rabbit to them (or maybe they were Enimem fans?). We talked & I asked them the typical youthy questions, "what do you like...what do you do for fun...who picks their nose the most, etc". More than anything I learned that they each had unique life stories. Stories of abandonment, family deaths, lack of schooling, lost friends, but more importantly than all that....they had hope. Not the hope that tomorrow is going to be better, but the hope that comes from Christ...TOMORROW WILL BE BETTER, period. WoW.

They performed various songs for the community & were nothing but smiles. My wife & I sat on the front row with a handful of 412ers & were blown away. There was one girl inpartiticular that Annie & I met earlier. She was 9yrs old, from Africa. She had no family (due to the AIDS crisis). During the entire show she watched us like a hawk with big smiles between songs. After it was over, she ran into our arms & hugged us so tight. It took my breath away. She looked at me, deep into my eyes & said God bless you "uncle rabbit". Tears streamed down from my eyes (those who know me, know I don't cry often so don't say anything!).

As I type this blog today, I have to ask myself, self what are you doing today? Are you witnessing with all your might? Are you putting it all on line today? If an orphan that lost her parents in a third world country can proclaim Jesus...what excuse do I have? That cuts deep, but its a good cut because it examines my personal faith.

I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these . . . you did for me
-Matthew 25:40 NIV

It was a good walk

Before service starts, I like to take a walk outside. Leave the iPod in the office, leave the phone as well. This is my time with God to talk to Him about the night. The normal stuff (bless the service, use me, let our visitors at 412 feel welcomed, etc.) but this time I got quiet. I found an old broken bench that was just thrown out in a clearing randomly. Beside it was a small tree/shrub. I laughed & asked God what He was trying to get me to see. The more I looked at the tree the more I looked at it's frame. It didn't have all the pretty leaves. It was missing any fruit or seeds. It just had it's frame, solid branchy & still. That's when God told me something new. He told me that He wanted that out of me. That I should lose all the showy stuff & come before Him as I am. Literally strip all the "churchy" words, the pharisee approach to ministry....& come to Him bare. What a revelation. Even without all the flashy green leaves or blossoms, that tree is alive & it's roots are gaining strength. That's how God wants us to be with Him, without the flashy green leaves or pretty blossoms....just us being real with Him.

It was a good walk before service.

Am I Ready?

It's 2:15pm. The youth will begin to show up in 4 hours or less. They will be expecting to hear a powerful message that will change their life in new ways (at least that's what we youth pastors like to think anyways). I go back in time & reflect on individuals in the church that made an impact on me in various ways. I didn't realize it at the time, but they all pointed me to Christ Each showed me a different aspect of the Kingdom. 

For example: Kenn P. showed me the difference between relationship vs. religion. He continues to be a mentor, big brother, & infinite source of wisdom. Joseph showed me that you can't pray wrong. My mom taught me what it means to follow a vision. Bryan gave a sneak peak into leading a camp ministry. The Hobbs taught me that you have to be real to minister effectively. Sean showed me the importance of organization. Eastman showed me the business side of evangelism. Dr. Grimes taught me to watch MTV & VH1 to stay relevant. Kevin pointed out that student leadership is key. Mr. Sing taught me that games are a big part of any event & points are free. Kenn S. showed me that discipleship is a key component in youth ministry. Jaroy taught me to not let anyone still your joy in ministry. Dale has taught me what it means to be a volunteer. Last but not least, my beatiful wife showed me what it means to be a partner with one's vision.

Watching the clock tick away. Four & half hours till 412 starts. What will John Doe walk away from Pastor Robbie tonight? What will Jean Doe look back & say, "Robbie taught me.......". What if they don't get anything & it's just a "service". The Word of God is living, but we are the presenters..."Jesus with skin on" to people. What influence will I be making on this new generation tonight? What influence will you be making tonight? Are we ready?