Is what we do important? I dont mean to ask if what we do is significant or interesting or cool. Is what I (or you or your gf or bf or, idk, your bff rose) do important? If it is then we should, by all means, pour all our hearts into it. We should let it consume our conscious moments and drive our dreams. We should shuffle our schedules to have more time to do that thing which we have realized is truly important. We should spend the money we work so hard to earn on that very important thing. We should convince our friends and families that it is the most worthy and valuable thing we could possibly do. We should invite them to join us, but if they refuse, it shouldnt deter us from continuing. When we face ridicule and persecution for doing that most important thing, we should set our face as a flint; determined to carry on.
If what we do is not important, we shouldnt.
Ok, so this begs the question: what do we do? I cant answer that for anyone but me, and I dont like the answer very much. Reason being that what I do is largely unimportant. Gandhi said: what we are doing may seem insignificant, but it is most important that we do it. I like to pretend that what I do is significant and that people are very concerned that I do it. When, in fact, much of what I do is not. I would like people to see me as important and my work monumental. But that's the fallen side of me. The Christ in me (who, btw, is working very hard to be seen) doesnt care the people see me or my work as important or monumental. He cares that they see Himself in me. They can only do that as I spend time with them and love them and care for them. Who "they" and "them" is should be a different musing altogether. Let's suffice it to say that for now, I want for God to change me. That doesnt sound like its going to be very comfortable, but I'm ok with that.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
World Car Show, Addison, Texas
Why is it that when you know you can sleep in the next day, you tend to stay up to all hours of the night, thus ruining the benefit of extra sleep? I'd be Tammy Greene has a good answer to that question! Well, I find myself there tonight. We are meeting up at 12:30 tomorrow for breakfast at IHOP so we could stay up late tonight.
The card games are now over, the boys are snoring softly and I've exhausted all the useless websites on the internet, so here I sit; not ready for sleep.
We have tackled a pretty interesting topic this week so far in the form of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 'big three' of Jewish faith. Jews and Muslims alike point back to Abraham as the father of their existence (to a degree anyway). Looking at the heritage that was passed from one to the next, and even further considering Joseph, we see that God was able to use some faulty character in order to accomplish His purposes. Deceit seemed to be a character fault passed down from one generation to the next. (If you arent familiar with the story, you'll need to read it to get that one.) But one constant in each of those is the favor of God rested on each, so His faithfulness was able to see things through.
Things are so very the same today. It is not the great character and nobility of any of us that accomplishes greatness on God's behalf, it is His own faithful character. I have been amazed at the conversations these kids have had this week. People like Ramona, the Niccoli gentlemen, Kelsey, the massage lady all have their own stories and you need to ask about them the next time you see one of the students that went on this trip. They'll tell you that God is busy setting up appointments for us to share His fame.
The card games are now over, the boys are snoring softly and I've exhausted all the useless websites on the internet, so here I sit; not ready for sleep.
We have tackled a pretty interesting topic this week so far in the form of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 'big three' of Jewish faith. Jews and Muslims alike point back to Abraham as the father of their existence (to a degree anyway). Looking at the heritage that was passed from one to the next, and even further considering Joseph, we see that God was able to use some faulty character in order to accomplish His purposes. Deceit seemed to be a character fault passed down from one generation to the next. (If you arent familiar with the story, you'll need to read it to get that one.) But one constant in each of those is the favor of God rested on each, so His faithfulness was able to see things through.
Things are so very the same today. It is not the great character and nobility of any of us that accomplishes greatness on God's behalf, it is His own faithful character. I have been amazed at the conversations these kids have had this week. People like Ramona, the Niccoli gentlemen, Kelsey, the massage lady all have their own stories and you need to ask about them the next time you see one of the students that went on this trip. They'll tell you that God is busy setting up appointments for us to share His fame.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Passion
For various reasons I havent told anyone about this yet, and even though I should prolly post it in my All in the Family blog, its more serious than what I usually put there so here goes.
Each Thursday morning at Rusk Intermediate School (4th and 5th grade) is CSI which is a clever acronym for Christian students something or other. I was invited to attend this past week to answer any questions that might come up during the discussion. I wasnt aware that my oldest son, Bryce, was leading that discussion.
About 45-50 of students came into the science lab for the meeting. Bryce read several verses from Romans that turned out to be the Roman road. He explained what each meant and that God's purpose was to provide salvation for us. It was good
The impact part of the time I spent at RIS was realizing the passion with which Bryce speaks about the things of God. I have heard him speak to his peers many times about this or that report he was giving for this or that project. I have heard him speak to his peers twice when he was talking to them about God's plan for their lives. The difference is amazing. He is well spoken and organized with any topic, but what the Spirit of God does in him when he is sharing from Scripture is different from any other time. He has an incredible burden for his friends to walk with God. He sees God's Word as ultimately important. I'm sure they exist, but I've never known a 10 year old with that kind of spiritual depth.
Melo and I see him growing up so fast that its almost alarming. She says she wants him to be her little boy always but my take on it is this: God has incredible plans for him and watching that unfold will be amazing. He is growing up too fast, but as he grows, so does his passion for the things of God.
Each Thursday morning at Rusk Intermediate School (4th and 5th grade) is CSI which is a clever acronym for Christian students something or other. I was invited to attend this past week to answer any questions that might come up during the discussion. I wasnt aware that my oldest son, Bryce, was leading that discussion.
About 45-50 of students came into the science lab for the meeting. Bryce read several verses from Romans that turned out to be the Roman road. He explained what each meant and that God's purpose was to provide salvation for us. It was good
The impact part of the time I spent at RIS was realizing the passion with which Bryce speaks about the things of God. I have heard him speak to his peers many times about this or that report he was giving for this or that project. I have heard him speak to his peers twice when he was talking to them about God's plan for their lives. The difference is amazing. He is well spoken and organized with any topic, but what the Spirit of God does in him when he is sharing from Scripture is different from any other time. He has an incredible burden for his friends to walk with God. He sees God's Word as ultimately important. I'm sure they exist, but I've never known a 10 year old with that kind of spiritual depth.
Melo and I see him growing up so fast that its almost alarming. She says she wants him to be her little boy always but my take on it is this: God has incredible plans for him and watching that unfold will be amazing. He is growing up too fast, but as he grows, so does his passion for the things of God.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
The Empty Tomb
The Empty Tomb
The darkness of Jesus' death was like no other. We cant imagine what it is like to have seen Him, eaten with Him, and lived by His side. How horrible that darkness must have been for those who loved Him dearly.
As they came to the tomb that morning, the knowledge that He was no longer there only caused the darkness to suffocate them even more. They couldnt yet understand the resurrection. All they could see was that His body was missing. Now their mourning would even be cheated.
'His sheep hear his voice and recognize His voice and He knows them by name'. When Jesus said "Mary" she immediately came out of the darkness. And oh, what a great light she saw. Jesus wasnt missing, He was resurrected from the dead!
The empty tomb isnt a symbol of what is lost, but of what is gained: Everlasting life for those who put their trust in Him.
The darkness of Jesus' death was like no other. We cant imagine what it is like to have seen Him, eaten with Him, and lived by His side. How horrible that darkness must have been for those who loved Him dearly.
As they came to the tomb that morning, the knowledge that He was no longer there only caused the darkness to suffocate them even more. They couldnt yet understand the resurrection. All they could see was that His body was missing. Now their mourning would even be cheated.
'His sheep hear his voice and recognize His voice and He knows them by name'. When Jesus said "Mary" she immediately came out of the darkness. And oh, what a great light she saw. Jesus wasnt missing, He was resurrected from the dead!
The empty tomb isnt a symbol of what is lost, but of what is gained: Everlasting life for those who put their trust in Him.
Sent from my Windows Mobile® phone.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
So Collin has set us up with a myspace page. www.myspace.com/fbcyouthministry
I blogged a little bit there this morning but prolly wont very often. If you have something you'd like to put there, just email it to me or Collin and we will add it.
I'm really looking forward to our time at Spring Break Retreat! We have gotten to the point on retreats that we just try to spend time unwinding. I know this semester has been hectic and draining, so we will have plenty of down time. There will be some indepth bible studies during the mornings and worship in the evenings, but afternoon will be free time to explore and play then nights will be some outdoor group activities. You know what that's code for.
Lake Tomahawk is a really scenic spot. It is more developed than last year's spring break spot, so it has more recreational stuff to offer. If you wanna check it out online, go to www.laketomahawk.org then open the about us link then campus map. There's not much else there, but its something.
So tell your parents you wanna go and we'll have a great time together!
I blogged a little bit there this morning but prolly wont very often. If you have something you'd like to put there, just email it to me or Collin and we will add it.
I'm really looking forward to our time at Spring Break Retreat! We have gotten to the point on retreats that we just try to spend time unwinding. I know this semester has been hectic and draining, so we will have plenty of down time. There will be some indepth bible studies during the mornings and worship in the evenings, but afternoon will be free time to explore and play then nights will be some outdoor group activities. You know what that's code for.
Lake Tomahawk is a really scenic spot. It is more developed than last year's spring break spot, so it has more recreational stuff to offer. If you wanna check it out online, go to www.laketomahawk.org then open the about us link then campus map. There's not much else there, but its something.
So tell your parents you wanna go and we'll have a great time together!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Therapy
Today was most interesting. I woke up about 7:30 absolutely worn out from the dream I had last night. It was one of those dreams where you are chasing around after something you can't find and when you wake up, it feels as though a beating was administered in your sleep. But things began to look up as Melo went and got donuts for us.
At church I realized that I was wearing navy blue pants, not the black ones I distinctly remember getting out of my closet. I had the black socks, shoes and belt, but navy pants. Many of you were present for the debacle I made of the announcement concerning "Valentine's Day" next weekend, and as things continued on a downward spiral, I noticed at lunch that my pants had been unzipped all morning. Thank goodness for choir robes!
That's a pretty rough start according to most standards. However, the great thing about being part of this particular church is that as I was sharing about my mission trip, it occurred to me that I was surrounded by people who love the Lord and love me and were interested in what my life had been like that week in Guatemala. Sharing with you the things God revealed to me was nothing short of therapy that washed all the sheepish embarrassment down the drain. Thank you for being my church and letting me be your Minister to Students!
In Christ,
Jason
At church I realized that I was wearing navy blue pants, not the black ones I distinctly remember getting out of my closet. I had the black socks, shoes and belt, but navy pants. Many of you were present for the debacle I made of the announcement concerning "Valentine's Day" next weekend, and as things continued on a downward spiral, I noticed at lunch that my pants had been unzipped all morning. Thank goodness for choir robes!
That's a pretty rough start according to most standards. However, the great thing about being part of this particular church is that as I was sharing about my mission trip, it occurred to me that I was surrounded by people who love the Lord and love me and were interested in what my life had been like that week in Guatemala. Sharing with you the things God revealed to me was nothing short of therapy that washed all the sheepish embarrassment down the drain. Thank you for being my church and letting me be your Minister to Students!
In Christ,
Jason
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
