Do Your Best and Forget The Rest

If you have ever seen this pet commercial you have felt bad for these animals. They work on our emotions and it makes me want to buy them all. If you didn't feel bad when you watched it I will have a special prayer blog for you later. These and other commercials like it make you feel that you aren't doing enough in your life to help others in need. I know your busy and that your life is chaotic. You have just enough time to work, spend time with family, sleep, serve at church, and sleep more. I want you to know that it's OK. You can't do everything! There is only 24 hours in a day, as Tony Horton says, "Do your best and forget the rest!"

You can't do everything, but you can do something. In your busy day, you will come into contact with many that need your help (on the job doesn't count). You can't help them all, but pick one and serve them. In Acts 3 Peter and John are going to worship in the temple and there begging is a crippled man. Peter tells the man that he had no money but then in the name of Christ healed the man. Peter didn't heal the man and give him money, because he couldn't. He did what he could. In the same way as you go through your day you may not be able to do it all, but you can share the love of Christ. Whether its going to your hospital and clearing out the sick, or putting up someone's grocery cart for them. When you notice someone in the office is a little down and out, take time to talk to them about life and not work. Show those around you Christ with your words and actions. You can't do everything, but you can do something.

Faith That Defines You

I hate the doctor and the dentist. Just the smell of their waiting room makes me scour the room for a place to hide or for someone who looks like me so they take him instead of me. I hate how you never really know what they are going to do until you go back into one of the patient rooms. However, I have devised a plan to not go to the doctor, a full proof can't touch this kind of plan. Ready?....I use my faith in God as an excuse not to go to the doctor. It sounds so Christiany, and those around me think I'm a Christian with 'strong faith' when they hear me say it, too.

I know what your thinking, "That's the most amazing idea ever, I can't believe I didn't think of that!" Because that's how faith works right? It's something we talk about to get others to see how we want to be perceived, right? Faith is just a facade to cover our own insecurities, right?

Over the last month God's been stretching my faith in Him and my faithfulness to Him. For those that know me you know that my wife and I are expecting our first baby in March (a little girl, Amiah, who is going to look and act way better than your daughter). With this event I'm getting another job so my wife can just relax and be pregnant (It's what we want, I'm not a sexist). I have found absolutely nothing in our area, and guess what it messes with my faith in God. I want to believe that He is my provider, but it's difficult when I don't see it. However, I know from past experiences with others and myself that God is faithful and just. He may not handle business the way I want to (working in an Apple store) but it will be His timing because His Will is preparing me for what He wants for me in the future.

Which brings me to my next confession, lately my faithfulness to God has been tested. There have been dark days and I wonder if pursuing God's Will is worth it, but then I remember that I'm called to serve not to be served. By being faithful to God I don't mean just acting like a Christian, but obeying Him fully. I want any job that pays full time but maybe that's not what God wants for me. Obeying God is not a pick and choose kind of life, it's giving my whole life to Him. I want the job that He wants me to have.

Faith shouldn't be an excuse for the way we live. It must be the one thing that defines us. When all Hell is breaking lose, but your faith in God grows, people who see this happen will be confused and want that type of peace and reassurance. My faith must be my rock so that no matter what happens in the house that's built on it, my foundation is always solid. Psalms 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." I don't want to put my faith in man, because we always screw it up. I want a faith that defines my life, not gives excuses to why I live the way I do.

Have you ever used your faith as an excuse? Comment about it.

Do You Shock People?

A thought came to me the other day. I was thinking about what happens to people when they discover I'm a minister, because I'm young and look more like a youth than a youth pastor, people are sometimes shocked. As I thought about this I realized that I'm fine with people being shocked that I'm a minister. Personally I want to shock them and show them that ministers, like everyone else, shouldn't be held to a mold to live up to. I agree that ministers live at a higher standard, but should all Christians? 1 Peter 2:9 says that we are a royal priesthood. So really we are all ministers in one way or another; living our lives in a way that draws people to Christ.

You see I don't care if people are shocked that I'm a minister, but what worries me is what happens when people are shocked that I'm a Christian? This is what scares me. I go through my life and when people see me all they see is a "good" person, not someone who is on fire for Christ and wants people to know Him. I have to confess, lately I've just strived to be a "good" person. And I've come to a conclusion about Christians that are just "good" people....this life sucks. There is no true fulfillment in life for a Christian that just wants to be Mr./Mrs. Goody-Toe-Shoes. People will know that they can count on you and trust you, but that's it.

It's time that we make a decision to shock people! Not when they find out that we are Christians but that we live our lives so sold out for Christ that it messes people up. That when they see us showing Christ's love and letting them know that's what we are doing that it radically changes their views on life and their destiny. I want to shock the crap out of people when they see me (attempt) to live a life in complete obedience to Christ and that everything I do will draw people to him.

The question is, "Do you shock people?" The answer to this question is determined by your life and the choices you make. Are you shocking people as you pursue Christ or by claiming to know Christ but living as if He never existed?

B90X

Welcome to the most intense Spiritual shape up of your life. As we travel through the Bible over the next 90 days I promise you this if you stick to it and complete it God will speak to you like never before through His word. We will see a flow in theme throughout the Bible, because it's not just a bunch of stories thrown together. They weave in and out and create a masterpiece. Join in and lets get Spiritually Fit!!!

Click to download the B90X PDF

Different Types of Tweeps

If you Tweet you have realized that there are different types of tweeps who tweet on twitter. This post is going to give insight into the different types of people who tweet. Apart from those of us who think we are normal tweeps there are the few that have issues, these are just a few.

1. Addictive Tweep
These are the ones who tell everything, and I mean everything. From when they wake up to when they sleep. If you ever want to know where they are or what they are eating, just look at their profile. You can identify these tweeps because normally they are the ones with the automatic location update in their tweets.

2. Binge Tweeter
These are the ones you never see much on twitter. Maybe they aren't online much or whatever, but when they are they normally send out 3-5 tweets back-to-back and then they are gone like a phantom. They are only around to give you an update of life, but then leave until the next time they tweet binge.

3. The Phantom Tweep
These are the ones who jumped on board the Twitter train because it became popular, and then never tweeted. They have an account, but when you look at their profile and it says its been 6 months or longer since a tweet, they're a phantom.

4. The Announcer
These are the ones who use their profile for one thing, publicity. All they do is promote something. I didn't follow you to find out when the BBQ Plate Dinner was, I followed you to see what you do all day.

5. Mr. Wisdom
These are the ones who give you little quips of encouragement throughout the day. You know that if you are having a slow day you can read their tweets and it will be a pick-me-up to get through the day.

I hope you've enjoyed what I've observed in Twitterverse. I know that at some point we are all one of these tweeps, but no one would ever admit to it. So enjoy trying not to be obvious as you are one of these five.

We Can Learn From Francis Chan

This past week I was able to attend Exponential 2010 in Orlando, FL. The last session was hearing Francis Chan speak. For those that do not know, last Sunday he resigned from his church, Cornerstone Church. He didn't resign because he had a moral failure or took money. He was cocky/prideful either. He is leaving because he feels God calling him to step out. This is amazing to me, because in my memory this is the first time a mega-church pastor has left his/her church when it was doing well, and it not be because he/she fell into sin. Francis Chan has finished well. Not because he pastored a big church, but because he has been obedient and is leaving obediently.

This knowledge is the source of this confession. I desire to finish well, no matter what that looks like. I want to complete the task that God has for me. More than having a lot of people in service or in ministry, I want to hear my Lord say "Well Done" when it's all said and done. Seeing Francis Chan complete this encourages me that I can too. I can finish what God has started. I can stay obedient to the call He put on my life. I can be an obedient son and fulfill my purpose in Christ.

I challenge you as the reader to learn about Francis Chan's journey and let it mess your life up. God will not keep you where you are just because everything is going great, He may ask you to leave. In Acts 8 God commanded Philip to leave his successful ministry and ended up ministering to an Ethiopian eunuch. We must remain obedient to where God has us and where God will take us. Follow Christ no matter where He leads you, and make your goal not have big numbers but hearing your Savior say, "Well Done."

What's Ministry Really Like

This is one for the geniuses in the world who wonder about what ministry is like. Ministry is tough. I'm a youth pastor and its tough and frustrating and stressful. It keeps me up late at night thinking and pondering on sermon series, meetings, people I need to meet with or call. I have meetings I need to have growing out my whazo and its almost impossible to have them when everyone will be there. Ministry is hard, its no wonder so many ministers have short or no hair (THEY PULL IT ALL OUT!!).

However I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. I love what God has called me to, I love where God has called me. There is nothing like sitting in the back of a sanctuary and watch students lead. Its amazing when I see students praying for one another, coming up to me and letting me know they have a word from God they would like to share during service. It makes every headache, sleepless night, meeting worth it!

I love ministry because it is tough. This way I have to depend on God for my guidance and direction. If it were easy, I would be more likely to do my own thing. I need the Word of God in my life so I can speak truth into myself and others. I need time with God in prayer so I can hear His voice so I can do/be what He has called me to do/be. I need Him, because without Him I'm steering a carriage with no horses. This is what ministry is really like, hard and painful but with God leading you its worth it. I'm reminded of Christ, He had to suffer and die to accomplish God's will.

Are we willing to suffer in ministry for God's will to be done?

What's Love Got To Do With It? EVERYTHING!

When we read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 we realize that we can do all the "Christian" things we want, but if we do not love or have love is worthless. This past weekend I spent time with Pastor Tim Lamb at Empire Pentecostal Holiness Church. It was a great time of learning and fellowship. There was one concept that God revealed to me in this weekend. Something that seems simple, but is backbreaking to develop. That's having a congregation that truly loves their leader and a leader who truly loves the people.

Pastor Tim and the Church he pastors has this. This was not an overnight process, however, Tim has pastored this church for 16 years this coming August. To see the way the congregation speaks about their pastor and vice versa moved and encouraged me. This type of love is the type that will transform lives. Many churches operate with either the pastor or congregation complaining about each other. Imagine what your community could look like if we truly loved on another. Let this be more important than having big numbers and great programs. Let's love the people that God has allowed us to lead, and let's transform our communities for Jesus Christ.

John 13:53, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

I Hope I Don't Smell Like Poo

No one listens to someone who is full of crap. I was joking to my wife the other day about how certain people have odors that are not very inviting. When we are around these people we don't hear what they have to say because all we hear is, "I need deodorant, please help me." They could be telling us a truth that will radically transform our lives, but we can't focus on their words because of their stench.

Many Christians today are in this group. We say the right things and look good but smell like poo. What am I talking about, integrity; being who you say you are and doing what you'll say you'll do (infront of others & behind the scenes). Sin that is committed in the darkness, God will bring it to light. Don't be another statistic and reason people stay away from knowing Christ. I agree with some nonbelievers saying that it would be hard being a Christian when so many Christians live opposite of what they believe. My mentality is to prove those people wrong. To show them that I am a Man of God and my life, words, choices, and thoughts prove it. I don't want to smell like poo.

It gets messy, when everyone knows what you've done/doing. You can have the most powerful Word from God ever, but if your personal life smells like poo you have a big problem. We must do our best to remain clean and pure in our lives so we can be able to proclaim the Gospel and not be ashamed. Understand that we are all human and sin, but this is directed at those who are in habitual sin and refuse to be free. I'm here to say that you will not be 100% effective in fulfilling your God-given purpose until you are clean.

I'm not getting at covering up the stench with cologne like many do. They just make excuses or blame others for their mistakes. I'm talking about owning your stench and taking a shower. Get before God and seek after Him and ask for forgiveness and let Him clean you up, and remove the stench. Get clean, smell good. Gather people around you that will tell you if you start to stink. People who will keep you on track of being the man/woman of God you've been created to be.

Throughout the rest of the day, ask yourself:

DO I SMELL LIKE POO?

Don't Be a 'Whiskey Mike'

Last Thursday a Pastor told a story about how he at times will run out of gas in his vehicle. He told about one time he ran out of gas and a police officer picked him up. The officer spoke over the radio that he had a "whiskey mike", someone who doesn't watch their gas needle, runs out, and needs assistance. These are the one's who are so focused on where they are going they forget to make sure they have what it takes to make the trip. Or they have this "I can do it later" mentality where they will have time later to get gas.

This is true for leaders as well. As leaders we need gas to go where God is calling us and to do what we are called to do. However, there are many leaders who are trying to lead without gas. We all need time to refill our tanks. We need time that's just about us and not those that we lead. Some call these times "Sabbath days" or "a little R&R", I call it common sense. If a machine can't run without refueling, why do we think we are so different. Don't be a whiskey mike, take time and recharge.

Many leaders run out of gas because they are to focused on the vision of where they are going. They accomplish and show "to-do" lists whose boss, they are constantly pursuing the call of God on their life but they feel run down and beat up. Remember that to get to where you are going as a leader you will need to stop every once in a while and refuel. Take time and relax. Cut off the phone. The computer. The e-mails. Just breathe. Without days like this you will run out of gas and end up walking down the road with a gas can beating yourself up for not paying attention to the gas needle. Some do this throughout the week, and that's good but set one day a week aside to refuel and get back at it.

Other leaders pay attention to the gas needle, but believe that they can do it later. They say, "I'm tired and need a break, but I can do it later. Maybe next week when I don't have as much to do?" They know the importance of rest, but they believe that once they have accomplished everything that they'll have time to rest. News Flash: YOU'RE NEVER DONE!!! Our task lists never get shorter, there are always more e-mails to write, more phone calls to make, more meetings to have. The time to take a break and refuel is now. Schedule it into your week, take a day a week and recharge. Forget your responsibilities and refuel.

If we are leaders do not take time to refuel we will not only put ourselves to walking, but also those we lead. The car you're driving has passengers, your followers. If you are out of gas and have to walk, where do they go, what will they do. You are no good as a leader if you can't lead them. The only way to not let yourself become a 'Whiskey Mike'. Don't run out of gas, consistently refuel. Come to think of it, my Jeep is running low on gas right now...

I Put Ketchup on my Eggs....and Like It!!

Its true, I put ketchup on my eggs. However, I'm very specific about it. Only if they are scrambled and only at a restaurant, not at home. I'm picky and if you know me you know that when it comes to food I'm extremely picky. I only like it certain things and I'm not big on trying new food items because I think they will make my tongue curl up.

The same is true in churches today. Many churches only like ministry one way, because that's the only way they've done it. Sure its been successful but is it effective? I don't want to known as the one who doesn't try different tactics to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to be known as one who tried different things, programs, processes. Even though some will fail, I don't want to be picky in ministry. I want to preach the Gospel effectively in different ways.

On the flip side, if all you do is try different programs or processes to preach the Gospel people are likely to view you as an ADD Ministry. Because they see no consistency in your ministry, it's just you doing different stuff that never sticks. You attempt everything but gain nothing. It's not about doing the newest, hottest thing it's about knowing your people and community and reaching them for Jesus Christ to the best of your ability. Determine how the people in your community acts/lives, this should determine what you do. If you live in the country where everyone hunts and listens to Kenny Chesney it wouldn't be smart to have a hip-hop group come and minister, not many will be touched if that's not your community. If you know your people you will have a better chance of reaching them for Jesus Christ.

I love seeing stronger financed (rich) ministries minister, because they have a no holds bar mentality. At any cost they want to proclaim the Gospel. I've realized that I too can have this mentality. No I didn't win the lottery and our youth ministry doesn't even have a budget, but should that stop us? Should we wait until we have the resources to minister? NO!!! Let's change the destiny of those who live in our community for Jesus Christ. It will look different everywhere, but the same thing will occur no matter what you do or how much you have. The outcome will be men and women coming to know Jesus Christ and they will never be the same.

Don't be picky with how you do ministry like I am with food. Try new things, improve what you do. Don't try everything, just what suits you. Let's be and do what Christ has called and created us for.

As a side note this week I'm going to live this out by applying new items to Reaction Student Ministries and by trying new food. I don't know what yet, but I just hope I like it.

I'm Inadequate and I Like It!

Over the last few weeks I've come to the realization that I'm inadequate to be a leader. I've read the books, listened to leaders, and led in different areas in life. Even after a little experience and knowledge I'm not adequate to call myself a leader. However, I'm still in leadership, why? If I feel inadequate why am I still a leader?

I'm able to lead not because of my own ability but because where I am is where Christ has directed me to be. God uses inadequate people to accomplish His will a lot of the time. A quote I where I have no idea who said, "He calls the unqualified and qualifies the called." The 12 men that were Christ's key disciples were not religious leaders or the 'high and mighty' they were normal people of their day that Christ developed. I'm not adequate but Christ still uses me.

No matter your experience is in life God can use you to accomplish His will. My past is full of mistakes (drugs, rebellion, deception, distrust, etc.) and yet God still wants to use me in various roles. God wants to use you now, as you are, to accomplish His purpose. He doesn't want to wait so you can "clean up" He wants you just as you are, because that's the way He made you.

I'm inadequate and I love it because then God gets all the glory and I get a nice hand clap.

Change Your City

We all complain about where we live: bad leadership, not enough policemen, to much violence/corruption, ETC. We all see our cities getting worse and worse. What if it didn’t have to be this way, what if it could change. I believe it can, I believe you have been placed in your city to make a positive impact. One that will radically transform your community into one that people respect and appreciate. This will not go without hard word and time. I believe God created everyone for a purpose. A purpose that will take the potential that’s inside you and make it a reality. Therefore, I believe every city holds potential that hasn’t been unlocked. I believe God wants to use you to change your city. The question is will you stand up to the challenge?