Today marks day four of the missions trip to Phoenix, Arizona...
Craziness....
As I sit in the room with a few of the students on this trip, I am currently hearing arguments regarding who has smellier feet, who ate the gum, and I just pulled a mutilated baby doll out of a kiddie pool.
The VBS kids that we are working with are pretty awesome, but pretty energetic. We've run into a few problems. Unplugged two toilets (which overflowed and leaked downstairs), sent one VBS kid home. And Mr. McHale just found the doll's head under his mattress....awesome.
But I seriously love the trip God's let me go on.
He has taught me to be humble. To serve. To love.
Mostly, he has taught me to just relax and trust that He will work everything out. We were not at all prepared for the first day of VBS, but God made it work....through the amazing members of our youth group.
But seriously, despite all of the things that we've had to do on this trip so far, God has kept us pretty much on top of things. I'm learning to place my absolute trust in Him, because He is always working and always knows whats going on. Even when nobody else does...
Especially when no one else does.
God's encouraging me through the growth in these students as well. I've seen them open up and really discuss how God has been teaching them. It's awesome to see how they are letting God work in their lives. He's been working in my life too.
Yesterday, while I was working with one of the VBS kids, I thought about how much work we are putting into this camp. Then I thought about how much work God invests in us. I mean, God literally spends each and every day shaping and molding us to be the ultimate servants for Him.
What's more, is that everyday I wake up, God loves me. I picture God holding a meeting with His gang and saying; "Alright people, how can we make Brian love me more today?" Seriously, the guy upstairs absolutely loves me.
And you.
I think He has a special heart for children...including the older children known as the WF Youth Group. I feel so blessed to be a part of this ministry. To be a part of these kids spiritual development. To be a part of their lives. Sure, I may not be the greatest youth leader (my students will definitely testify to that), but God still uses me for this special project.
I apologize for the absolute randomness of this blog....it really goes everywhere and doesnt' really say a whole lot. I suppose that's what happens when one forces a blog.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Airplanes and iPods
Authors, pastors, and speakers alike all seem to have great stories from their airplane trips. I am currently en route to Phoenix, Arizona on a high school missions trip as a leader. I decided it was time I pretended to be cool and write an airplane blog. I figured I would give it a shot hoping that while I sit here something inspiring might hit me.
…Nothing.
The only thing I’ve noticed on this trip besides the guy watching Dark Knight across the aisle (too bad he stopped right before the best part), and the old man who just spilled drink all over himself, is the amazing amount of iPod headphones I’ve seen.
From this simple observation I’ve deduced two things:
I should buy stock in Apple and start to cash in on this phenomenon.
And I concluded that this is why community seems to be so difficult sometimes. Ever since we entered the terminal (after the insane security check point with 25 students), the headphones have been in and all the air drumming, foot tapping, and head bobbing that goes with it hasn't stopped.
The great thing is that a lot of the students still conversed and bonded through the headphones, but it makes one wonder how much attention we pay to the outside world. Sure they hear each others’ words, but are they really listening?
As many may know, I love my iPod and walk around campus with it quite often. It’s great because I get to listen to music, but it serves a dual purpose. With an iPod in, I don’t have to be friendly. I don’t have to talk to people. And I don’t look like a loser when eating by myself in the cafeteria.
My iPod has become my security blanket.
Sure, I still talk to people while I’m listening (like waitresses, clerks, and other iPod-ians), but I’m really only listening to the iPod. It becomes a bit difficult to listen to really important things…like God, when I close myself into this nice little “me cocoon” and shut out the world.
So how does the iPod change a person? They become this empty shell, void of communication, walking through their day. It’s amazing how much difference those little white ear-buds can make.
Well, that’s enough of this high-altitude post…Dark Knight has started back up….
…Nothing.
The only thing I’ve noticed on this trip besides the guy watching Dark Knight across the aisle (too bad he stopped right before the best part), and the old man who just spilled drink all over himself, is the amazing amount of iPod headphones I’ve seen.
From this simple observation I’ve deduced two things:
I should buy stock in Apple and start to cash in on this phenomenon.
And I concluded that this is why community seems to be so difficult sometimes. Ever since we entered the terminal (after the insane security check point with 25 students), the headphones have been in and all the air drumming, foot tapping, and head bobbing that goes with it hasn't stopped.
The great thing is that a lot of the students still conversed and bonded through the headphones, but it makes one wonder how much attention we pay to the outside world. Sure they hear each others’ words, but are they really listening?
As many may know, I love my iPod and walk around campus with it quite often. It’s great because I get to listen to music, but it serves a dual purpose. With an iPod in, I don’t have to be friendly. I don’t have to talk to people. And I don’t look like a loser when eating by myself in the cafeteria.
My iPod has become my security blanket.
Sure, I still talk to people while I’m listening (like waitresses, clerks, and other iPod-ians), but I’m really only listening to the iPod. It becomes a bit difficult to listen to really important things…like God, when I close myself into this nice little “me cocoon” and shut out the world.
So how does the iPod change a person? They become this empty shell, void of communication, walking through their day. It’s amazing how much difference those little white ear-buds can make.
Well, that’s enough of this high-altitude post…Dark Knight has started back up….
Monday, June 8, 2009
Mosquitoes
I was out slack lining today, and I wondered to myself; "Self, why are these mosquitoes here? What purpose could they possibly serve?" These pesky insects seem to be completely worthless to the human race.
Almost...
One can claim, and many of my companions do, that the reason God created mosquitoes so that we can have the wonderful Jurassic Park series. Nice. Personally, I don't really think it's worth it, because after the first one, the rest are pretty useless, but I digress.
But seriously, why did God create such a menace? My understanding of God is that everything is done according to His will. Whether He orchestrates it or allows it to happen, everything goes by our Sovereign God in heaven. So here are a few possible explanations:
It was a joke between Him and the angels....
Some guy prayed for a miracle in a time of financial crisis, so God created a need for this cat's only source of income....Bug spray....
Some of us (myself included) do a swatting dance to avoid bites which can look pretty ridiculous....and very entertaining....
I can't really even begin to speculate as to why God does what He does, I just know that He knows what He's doing, and I need to trust that. Even if it means I need to suffer my entire life just so children of America can watch dinosaurs eat people....
Almost...
One can claim, and many of my companions do, that the reason God created mosquitoes so that we can have the wonderful Jurassic Park series. Nice. Personally, I don't really think it's worth it, because after the first one, the rest are pretty useless, but I digress.
But seriously, why did God create such a menace? My understanding of God is that everything is done according to His will. Whether He orchestrates it or allows it to happen, everything goes by our Sovereign God in heaven. So here are a few possible explanations:
It was a joke between Him and the angels....
Some guy prayed for a miracle in a time of financial crisis, so God created a need for this cat's only source of income....Bug spray....
Some of us (myself included) do a swatting dance to avoid bites which can look pretty ridiculous....and very entertaining....
I can't really even begin to speculate as to why God does what He does, I just know that He knows what He's doing, and I need to trust that. Even if it means I need to suffer my entire life just so children of America can watch dinosaurs eat people....
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Prodigal Son (Part III)
The story of the Prodigal son (Luke 15) is a great passage of scripture, because it is so relevant to so many people today. How many of us take God's love and run with it? How many of us abuse the wonderful gift we have and not return the gift of love back to Christ? How many of us were lost but now found?
I know I was.
I think I still am.
The way I see it, there are two parts to the story of the Prodigal Son. The first part is where the son is basically a jerk and says; "Hey pops...gimme my inheritance so I can go party it up and find some girls!" He then proceeds to hop on his camel and ride off in search of college babes, spending as much money as he possibly can. After he's blown it all on cards and booze, an economic crisis hits.
Hoh boy...
So he comes running back to his father. (I've always wondered if the father intentionally gave him the money knowing full well that his son would come back and learn a lesson) The father accepts him with loving arms and even throws a party for him. He totally forgets about his sins and accepts him.
Awesome.
Here's where the part three comes in (Yeah, I didn't write a part one or two...sorry if you looked for it). I wondered today if the Prodigal Son returned to his old state of not really caring for his father. While he still greatly appreciates the forgiveness his dad gave him, he doesn't really live like it. I wondered if the son continued to abuse and be unappreciative of the gift.
So the point I'm getting at after all this talk is this...is that I feel like I'm stuck in part iii of this story. Even though I know God gave me my freedom knowing what it would do to me and our relationship...Even though I know that God lovingly accepted me back again...Even though God loves me no matter what I've done...
I still don't return the love.
I still struggle with the faith.
I still struggle to pray for more than five minutes a day...pretty sad huh?
Sure there are times when I'm really excited for what God has done for me. For what God is doing in me. And for what God is going to do for me. But most of the time I feel like I just don't care.
Why am I telling you all this? To be honest, I don't really know. Partially because I wanted to be honest with people. Partially because I wanted to let everyone know that I struggle. Partially to encourage those who may struggle with similar things, because they aren't alone.
I think it's good to struggle, because it helps us grow. When we fight certain things, we ask questions, search ourselves, and search God. In the end, we come to know ourselves, our community, and our God better than we did before.
We shouldn't be afraid to admit our struggles. Face our trials. And ask for help.
Christians aren't proud....
We're humble.
I know I was.
I think I still am.
The way I see it, there are two parts to the story of the Prodigal Son. The first part is where the son is basically a jerk and says; "Hey pops...gimme my inheritance so I can go party it up and find some girls!" He then proceeds to hop on his camel and ride off in search of college babes, spending as much money as he possibly can. After he's blown it all on cards and booze, an economic crisis hits.
Hoh boy...
So he comes running back to his father. (I've always wondered if the father intentionally gave him the money knowing full well that his son would come back and learn a lesson) The father accepts him with loving arms and even throws a party for him. He totally forgets about his sins and accepts him.
Awesome.
Here's where the part three comes in (Yeah, I didn't write a part one or two...sorry if you looked for it). I wondered today if the Prodigal Son returned to his old state of not really caring for his father. While he still greatly appreciates the forgiveness his dad gave him, he doesn't really live like it. I wondered if the son continued to abuse and be unappreciative of the gift.
So the point I'm getting at after all this talk is this...is that I feel like I'm stuck in part iii of this story. Even though I know God gave me my freedom knowing what it would do to me and our relationship...Even though I know that God lovingly accepted me back again...Even though God loves me no matter what I've done...
I still don't return the love.
I still struggle with the faith.
I still struggle to pray for more than five minutes a day...pretty sad huh?
Sure there are times when I'm really excited for what God has done for me. For what God is doing in me. And for what God is going to do for me. But most of the time I feel like I just don't care.
Why am I telling you all this? To be honest, I don't really know. Partially because I wanted to be honest with people. Partially because I wanted to let everyone know that I struggle. Partially to encourage those who may struggle with similar things, because they aren't alone.
I think it's good to struggle, because it helps us grow. When we fight certain things, we ask questions, search ourselves, and search God. In the end, we come to know ourselves, our community, and our God better than we did before.
We shouldn't be afraid to admit our struggles. Face our trials. And ask for help.
Christians aren't proud....
We're humble.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Muslim Faith
I was out in the park the other day, when I witnessed something totally inspirational. I saw two guys staring at a carpet. Then they got down on their knees and bowed. They sat up, then bowed again.
It took me a minute to realize that I was watching them pray. To Allah.
Awesome.
These guys were still in their business clothes. In a dirty alleyway behind a nasty building. Most likely, they've been harassed for their faith and practices. They probably still had things to finish up before they got home. But none of this stopped them. No, they dropped everything at work to pray to their god.
Muslims pray five times a day. Everyday. At the same time.
Period.
There are no exceptions, no exemptions, no excuses. Muslims put the entire world on hold for a few minutes five separate times a day! Some days, I don't even pray for five minutes! (Yeah, I admit it)
I want that kind of faith. I want that kind of dedication. I want that kind of church. The Muslim faith has undergone such persecution over the years, and yet they still remain consistent in prayer and lifestyle as a community. As a Christian church, we can't even unify over the carpet choice in our sanctuaries.
On a more personal level, subscribers of the Muslim faith will wake up at the butt-crack of dawn to pray. I can't even wake up 30 minutes early to do a little devotion! How absurd is that? I'm willing to bet that a large portion of Christians today pray three times a day...breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Muslims study and even memorize large portions of the Quran. How many of us even read the Bible on a daily basis? (Guilty) As the confirmation students at my church were studying the books of the Bible, I discovered that I couldn't even name them all in order! And I'm a theology major!
Muslims wear different clothes. They practice different lifestyles. They eat different foods. Their entire lives revolve around their faith. They aren't afraid to show everybody what they stand for. I'm not saying that we need to separate ourselves from the world, but I am pointing out the fact that we can't be afraid to be bold about our faith.
In his book, Don't Waste Your Life, John Piper says; "If we desire that there be no boasting except in the cross, (Galatians 6:14) then we must live near the cross-indeed we must live on the cross."
I want a life dedicated to Christ. My whole life. Every breath. Every word. Every action. Everything, for my God, Creator, and Redeemer.
I want a unified Church. One vision. One mission. A Church that supports and loves all members instead of judging and excluding.
I want a Muslim level faith.
It took me a minute to realize that I was watching them pray. To Allah.
Awesome.
These guys were still in their business clothes. In a dirty alleyway behind a nasty building. Most likely, they've been harassed for their faith and practices. They probably still had things to finish up before they got home. But none of this stopped them. No, they dropped everything at work to pray to their god.
Muslims pray five times a day. Everyday. At the same time.
Period.
There are no exceptions, no exemptions, no excuses. Muslims put the entire world on hold for a few minutes five separate times a day! Some days, I don't even pray for five minutes! (Yeah, I admit it)
I want that kind of faith. I want that kind of dedication. I want that kind of church. The Muslim faith has undergone such persecution over the years, and yet they still remain consistent in prayer and lifestyle as a community. As a Christian church, we can't even unify over the carpet choice in our sanctuaries.
On a more personal level, subscribers of the Muslim faith will wake up at the butt-crack of dawn to pray. I can't even wake up 30 minutes early to do a little devotion! How absurd is that? I'm willing to bet that a large portion of Christians today pray three times a day...breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Muslims study and even memorize large portions of the Quran. How many of us even read the Bible on a daily basis? (Guilty) As the confirmation students at my church were studying the books of the Bible, I discovered that I couldn't even name them all in order! And I'm a theology major!
Muslims wear different clothes. They practice different lifestyles. They eat different foods. Their entire lives revolve around their faith. They aren't afraid to show everybody what they stand for. I'm not saying that we need to separate ourselves from the world, but I am pointing out the fact that we can't be afraid to be bold about our faith.
In his book, Don't Waste Your Life, John Piper says; "If we desire that there be no boasting except in the cross, (Galatians 6:14) then we must live near the cross-indeed we must live on the cross."
I want a life dedicated to Christ. My whole life. Every breath. Every word. Every action. Everything, for my God, Creator, and Redeemer.
I want a unified Church. One vision. One mission. A Church that supports and loves all members instead of judging and excluding.
I want a Muslim level faith.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
I Want Some More Please
So I was talking with the lovely Lori Van Beveren during Commencement today, when she made a comment about the projector being drowned out by the sunshine. So I told her that I'd ask God to turn the sun down a few shades.
Simple enough right?
I mean God, come on, just this one little favor. And some good grades. A pay-raise. A new guitar. Oh, and a few wins for the Cubs.
I know you created me, sustain me, and forgave me. You also provided me with great friends, family, shelter, and food (I want to take this opportunity to say that it's only been 24 hours since my last caf meal, and I miss it).
So, I promise, after these things, I won't ask for anything more.
I got to thinking, how ungrateful of me! More importantly, how insulting to God! He must get so ridiculously tired of all these petty requests for earthly things. He probably gets even more tired of answering them and listening intently to each and every single prayer I pray to Him.
Nope.
I realized that God NEVER gets tired of hearing my requests, my prayers, or my concerns. When I ask for God's help, He gets SO excited. I saw an episode of Reba the other day where her teenage daughter asked her for help with boys. She almost lost control from her excitement! I'm not a parent, but I'm assuming most parents love it when their kids ask for help.
That's because they love us more than they love themselves, and cherish every opportunity to shower us with that love.
Our Father is the same way.
By no means am I saying that we should ask God for everything like new cars, guitars, and other neat stuff, but I am saying that we should never be ashamed to bring our honest requests to God, because He loves hearing and answering them!
God loves us more than Himself, and He loves to talk with us and hear our problems. Our needs. Our concerns. He loves to help us and He loves to love us.
In the Sermon on The Mount, Jesus says:
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Matthew 7:7-11
Now....about those Cubs....
Simple enough right?
I mean God, come on, just this one little favor. And some good grades. A pay-raise. A new guitar. Oh, and a few wins for the Cubs.
I know you created me, sustain me, and forgave me. You also provided me with great friends, family, shelter, and food (I want to take this opportunity to say that it's only been 24 hours since my last caf meal, and I miss it).
So, I promise, after these things, I won't ask for anything more.
I got to thinking, how ungrateful of me! More importantly, how insulting to God! He must get so ridiculously tired of all these petty requests for earthly things. He probably gets even more tired of answering them and listening intently to each and every single prayer I pray to Him.
Nope.
I realized that God NEVER gets tired of hearing my requests, my prayers, or my concerns. When I ask for God's help, He gets SO excited. I saw an episode of Reba the other day where her teenage daughter asked her for help with boys. She almost lost control from her excitement! I'm not a parent, but I'm assuming most parents love it when their kids ask for help.
That's because they love us more than they love themselves, and cherish every opportunity to shower us with that love.
Our Father is the same way.
By no means am I saying that we should ask God for everything like new cars, guitars, and other neat stuff, but I am saying that we should never be ashamed to bring our honest requests to God, because He loves hearing and answering them!
God loves us more than Himself, and He loves to talk with us and hear our problems. Our needs. Our concerns. He loves to help us and He loves to love us.
In the Sermon on The Mount, Jesus says:
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Matthew 7:7-11
Now....about those Cubs....
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Pharisee Pride
So the pharisees were these people who spent the vast majority of their time studying the scriptures and ministering to the people. They were the cat's meow back in the day...and they knew it. They loved to show off their knowledge to the "common people." They loved to condemn people and judge them for their misunderstandings of scripture. They especially loved to quote rules and regulations. They used their position to make others feel inferior.
These were the ministers of the day.
Fast forward some 2000 years to the life of another man training to become a theologian and minister of the word. He's almost finished with his formal training to work for a church as a youth pastor and worship leader. (That's right folks, another selfish blog about myself)
A modern day pharisee.
I've 'studied' the Bible for my entire life, not to a very extensive level, but I've been on a relatively consistent journey towards a better understanding of God. Now, I'm facing graduation and the real world. I've become known as the "theology major" to my friends. People know me for my field of study.
It's because I'm awesome.
No really, you should probably listen to everything I say and take notes, because I study theology, so I must be right when it comes to the Bible. In fact, I'm such a good theologian, that I've got everything else figured out in my life as well, so don't question me! I'm an expert in everything!
However, since I'm a soon-to-be pastor of sorts, I will do you the favor of judging you and tell you where you're screwing up your life. I'll telling you how your worship should be. How your life should be. How you should act. I will spur a theological debate just so I can prove you wrong while showing off my intelligence. I can even quote scripture to make you feel small and sinful.
I'm in ministry, which means I am far more important than you. While God does love you, He probably loves me more. I've got it all figured out, that's why I am in ministry.
I am a perfect modern day pharisee.
Hypocrisy and everything.
This is the attitude that I seemed to have developed over the years, and God has called me out on it. Thankfully. I've used the theology I've learned and my positions of ministry to do the opposite of what God intended it for. I've also begun to think that I know how to do everything the right way, and others should do them the same.
Then the other day, I had an old lady come up and give me a verbal smack down because she didn't like the way I did my job.
Thankfully God doesn't speak through the violent old ladies.
I was reminded of the book of Job. After loosing almost everything, Job gets on this righteous horse and falls into this prideful mindset. God doesn't like this, so he brews up this huge storm, and opens a can on Job. He says;
"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off it's dimensions? Surely you know!"
God continues laying the smack down on Job for a few chapters and Job (after soiling himself I'm sure) repents and recognizes his sinful pride. I'm just glad that my smack down came in the form of an old woman and not too many people were around.
Fact: I'm a fallen individual.
Fact: I'm broken, blemished, and foolish.
Fact: I'm no better than anyone else, even worse than most.
Fact: I don't have it all together, in fact (haha), I don't understand quite a bit.
I'm studying theology because I don't know everything. Because I don't understand God. I'm in ministry because I want to help others in their journey. And because for some reason, God has called me to lead His people. Despite my infinite amount of imperfections, God still loves me and chooses to use me. I just need to remember that I don't have it all together.
These were the ministers of the day.
Fast forward some 2000 years to the life of another man training to become a theologian and minister of the word. He's almost finished with his formal training to work for a church as a youth pastor and worship leader. (That's right folks, another selfish blog about myself)
A modern day pharisee.
I've 'studied' the Bible for my entire life, not to a very extensive level, but I've been on a relatively consistent journey towards a better understanding of God. Now, I'm facing graduation and the real world. I've become known as the "theology major" to my friends. People know me for my field of study.
It's because I'm awesome.
No really, you should probably listen to everything I say and take notes, because I study theology, so I must be right when it comes to the Bible. In fact, I'm such a good theologian, that I've got everything else figured out in my life as well, so don't question me! I'm an expert in everything!
However, since I'm a soon-to-be pastor of sorts, I will do you the favor of judging you and tell you where you're screwing up your life. I'll telling you how your worship should be. How your life should be. How you should act. I will spur a theological debate just so I can prove you wrong while showing off my intelligence. I can even quote scripture to make you feel small and sinful.
I'm in ministry, which means I am far more important than you. While God does love you, He probably loves me more. I've got it all figured out, that's why I am in ministry.
I am a perfect modern day pharisee.
Hypocrisy and everything.
This is the attitude that I seemed to have developed over the years, and God has called me out on it. Thankfully. I've used the theology I've learned and my positions of ministry to do the opposite of what God intended it for. I've also begun to think that I know how to do everything the right way, and others should do them the same.
Then the other day, I had an old lady come up and give me a verbal smack down because she didn't like the way I did my job.
Thankfully God doesn't speak through the violent old ladies.
I was reminded of the book of Job. After loosing almost everything, Job gets on this righteous horse and falls into this prideful mindset. God doesn't like this, so he brews up this huge storm, and opens a can on Job. He says;
"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off it's dimensions? Surely you know!"
God continues laying the smack down on Job for a few chapters and Job (after soiling himself I'm sure) repents and recognizes his sinful pride. I'm just glad that my smack down came in the form of an old woman and not too many people were around.
Fact: I'm a fallen individual.
Fact: I'm broken, blemished, and foolish.
Fact: I'm no better than anyone else, even worse than most.
Fact: I don't have it all together, in fact (haha), I don't understand quite a bit.
I'm studying theology because I don't know everything. Because I don't understand God. I'm in ministry because I want to help others in their journey. And because for some reason, God has called me to lead His people. Despite my infinite amount of imperfections, God still loves me and chooses to use me. I just need to remember that I don't have it all together.
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