Paralyzed by the past

Why do we so often let the past paralyze us?
Whether I am looking at my own life or the lives of others, so many people are held captive by their past.
I have stood behind the bars of past mistakes. I have felt the imprisonment of regrets. I have experienced the hate, anger, guilt, and shame that result from poor decisions and unpleasant experiences.
My use of the past tense does not mean that I am completely free of those things. If I am completely honest, there are still times that I struggle with my past. I have times when I look back and feel the emotional and spiritual paralysis beginning to seep back into my life.
God never intended for us to look back. I think that is the real lesson in the story of Lot’s wife in Genesis 19. Jesus actually referred to this story when he told his disciples, “Remember what happened to Lot’s wife! If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.” (Luke 17:32-33)
Throughout history, God’s desire has been that we leave our past behind and look ahead to what God has in store. He wants our lives to be more than we can imagine. His dreams are bigger than our dreams. His hopes for us far exceed what we can imagine.
The apostle Paul may have put it best when he wrote, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)
Don’t look back. Don’t be held captive by past mistakes or situations. Whether it’s choices you have made or things that have happened to you that are beyond your control, God is calling you into a better future.
This journey may not be easy and it’s nearly impossible to make the trip alone. We need each other to help us along the way. God called us into community for a purpose, and part of that purpose is to create a place of safety and encouragement where we can be there for one another.
Don’t look back.
Don’t be held captive.
Look forward to the incredible future God has in store for you.
We usually can’t see what the future holds, but when we trust God and lean on one another, we will move closer to the hope and healing that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

shine!
Jason

An alternative community

I am wrestling with something I read last night. For my grad class, I am currently reading The Missional Leader by Roxburgh and Romanuk. I came across some words that have challenged me. Maybe challenge isn't even the right word. What I read connected with my heart and mind. It touched on something I have been bothered by. It resonated with a passion that has been burning inside me for some time. It gave words to the feeling I have had for some time. Here is what they wrote:

Today, in discussion about the nature of church leadership, there is little theological wrestling with the questions of how to form or socialize a people into an alternative community. On the contrary, there is a growing emphasis on how to help seekers feel they belong in a congregation without any expectations or demands on their lives.
It is a strange twist of thinking to watch this kind of conversation. In the time of Tertullianm someone wanting to belong to the church had to go through a rigorous period of training focused on behavior (how daily life was actually lived). In other words, to belong to the new community of Jesus, a person was mentored in practicing change in habits. Today leaders talk about the need to create a safe, non-threatening, low threshold of belonging in order to draw people into the church. Note the two radically different ways in which the same language is being used. These approaches suggest contrasting sources of understanding. In the latter case and in our contemporary context, the source of this thinking in not a theologically, biblically formed imagination but the latest marking strategies that come from polls and studies about what people are looking for when they want to join a group. This is not to suggest that we not seek to welcome people into our churches. It is to point out the distinct sources of our leadership imagination today.

A little later, they wrote:

The Church entered the long period of Christendom and the focus of leadership shifted from formation of a people as a alternative society of God's future to oversight of orthodoxy, proper administration of the sacraments, and regulation of spiritualized and privatized ethical practices increasingly disconnected from any biblical or theological understanding of the ecclesia as the people of God.

I feel that in our efforts to spread the Kingdom we have lost some of the uniqueness of the Kingdom. We are called to be separate from the world. This doesn't mean we hide out and disengage from the world. Rather, it means we engage the world from a different perspective. But it seems that we have focused more on looking like the world and engaging the world on their terms instead.
Just last night I was talking with a teenager about the struggles of being a Christian teen. As I think about our conversation in the context of what I read last night, sometimes I feel like we have missed it. Instead of equipping students (and, just as importantly) their parents to develop spiritual habits and disciplines, we have focused on creating events and ministries that will appeal to today's teenagers.
Don't get me wrong. I love teenagers and spend most everyday thinking about how to reach them with the love of Jesus. But, in the words of one of my favorite college professors at Harding, "What you win them with, you win them to."
It feels like we have turned Christianity more into staying out of hell than living for heaven. For many, the question seems to have become, ""What do I need to do to get to heaven?" instead of "What does it mean to follow Jesus?"
I feel like I am beginning to ramble. There is so much going on right now in my mind as I wrestle with the words I read. God, hear my cry. Give me discernment. Where is it that you are calling God's people today as we face an unknown future? How can we move from being admirers of Jesus to committing our lives to him as his followers?

shine!
Jason

Camp out

Last night I enjoyed another camp out with my son.
You might think I am crazy to have a camp out in March in Michigan, but it's not exactly what you think.
From time to time, we will pull the cushion off the futon in our guest room and put it out in front of the the fireplace in the living room. Then we turn on the fireplace, which serves as our "campfire." Matthew and I lay there and pray together, talk for a bit, and then drift off to dreamland.
These are some of the moments that I will cherish the most as my little boy grows up. There will come a day when this may not be so fun and cool. However, I am hoping that one day they will transform into camp outs where we can sit around a real campfire and talk about more profound aspects of life.
Every moment is precious and I know I don't always make enough time for my family. But I know that little things like these "camp outs" will be more important than any investment I can make in a retirement account.
If you have children, be sure to make time for moments like this. Unlike money in a bank account, they are investments that can never be taken away. They are the down payment on your future relationship with your children. Don't trade them in for the cheap substitutes of money, power, prestige, and possessions. Make time for the most important things and you will be richer than you could ever imagine.

shine!
Jason

Illuminate thank you's

Illuminate 2009 was a great weekend! We had over 250 students and adults registered for the event as well as a number of special guests who were a part of the weekend. Students from here at Rochester and around the region joined together for times of worship and teaching. In addition, there were several breakout sessions that included a variety of topics and learning styles. We had comedy and a very entertaining concert.
Don McLaughlin, from the North Atlanta Church of Christ, was our keynote speaker who brought the word of God to life in a powerful way. He also stayed and spoke on Sunday morning.
Sean Algaier, from the Jenks Church in Oklahoma, lead us in worship on Friday night and taught a parents/teens class on Sunday morning.
Our own Chris Lindsey led worship on Saturday as well as coordinating everything that happened during our worship times.
Ambassadors, from Ohio Valley University, provided dramas that enhanced the message of the weekend. They also led several breakout sessions.
Hoss Ridgeway provided a lot of laughs through his comedy and led two breakout sessions.
Pat Pugh, from Cincinnati Urban Ministry Outreach, led several breakout sessions.
Randy Hendrickson, from Parkersburg, West Virginia, shared his story in a breakout session.
John Reuben performed a great concert on Saturday night.
In addition to all of those guests, there was an army of people from here at the Rochester Church that made Illuminate happen. I want to thank each and every one of them for their time and energy to make this event possible. Without them, Illuminate would not have been possible:

KITCHEN
Scott Vasseur
Sue Vasseur
Gary Osborn
Dawn Osborn
Jim Lytle
Heidi Lytle
Paul Patrico
Michelle Patrico
Rick Hillman
Paul Shinsky
Barb Huey
Tracy DuBaere
Karen Demsich
Nora Muntz
Lisa Patrico
Jeanie King
Patti Jenema
Carolyn Palmer
Amber White
Dave Turner

SECURITY
Kerry DuBaere
Josh DuBaere
Jerry Ward
Reggie Hansen
Dave Palmer
Joey Kesler
Kevin Stewart
Duncan Mead
Gary Turner
Keith Huey
Bob Stewart
Allen Meinhard
Joe Demsich
Jim Lytle
Elijah Blake
Keith Huey

REGISTRATION & HOUSING
Laura Stewart
Barb Huey
Carolyn Palmer
Lisa Patrico
Heidi Lytle
Debi Gibbs

BREAK OUT SESSION REGISTRATION
Michelle Steckel
Betty Turner
Patti Jenema

GUEST HOSPITALITY
Katie Dear
Dana Spivy
Jenny Hoggatt

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Gary Anspach
Jon Knutson
Dave Cassilly
Matt Brown
Woody Woodward

SET-UP/CLEAN-UP
Kevin O'Sullivan
Rick Hillman
Debi Gibbs
Joey Kesler
Trudy Kesler

SICK ROOM
Tammy Ward

VIDEOGRAPHY
Lee Higginbottom

PRAISE TEAM
Chris Lindsey
Vicki Lindsey
Jeremy King
Veronica King
John Knutson
Holly Knutson
Steve Corp
Brenden Davison

PRAISE TEAM BAND
Chris Lindsey
Sean Algaier
Andy Robinson
Neil Graney
Teresa Graney
Ben Ayers
Aaron Mize

BREAK-OUT SESSION TEACHERS
Patrick Mead
Brian Bowers
Robert Martin
Sara Barton
Scott Ockerman
Shaun Hover
Adam Hill
Adam Hacias
Katy Hacias
David Watts
David Rotberg
Krystal Rotberg
Ty Warczinsky
Brandi Warczinsky
Joe Howard
Chris Lindsey

SPONSORS
Rochester College
Ohio Valley University
York College
Harding University
Great Lakes Christian College

STAGE PREPARATION
Jodie Anspach
Vicki Lindsey

BABYSITTERS FOR VOLUNTEERS
Kerri O'Connor
Allyson Huey
Melody Hastings
Sarah Ageno
Meghan Palmer

PEOPLE WHO HOUSED (approx. 100) GUESTS
Russel & Karen Wilkinson
Bob & Sheila Sparks
Jerry & Tammy Ward
Bob & Laura Stewart
Gayle Flanigan
Duane and Pat Harrison
Bill & Paula Flowers
Todd & Patti Jenema
Mark & Linda Dear
Jeff & Mollie Debandt
Tom & Sara Hayman
Dave Cassilly
Jerry & Julie Parks
Scott & Renee Tekely
Dave & Karen Benedict
Gary & Dawn Osborn
Rick & Merry Hastings
Fred & Lisa Hartman
Keith & Barb Huey

EVERYWHERE
Trudy Kesler
Michelle Steckel
Jason Steckel

Once again, I want to thank everyone who was a part of the weekend. I hope I have not forgotten anyone’s name here, because I really appreciate all of you. Let me end this article with a comment from one of the youth ministers who was here for Illuminate:
“Illuminate was AMAZING! It is quickly becoming my favorite event of the year. Everyone involved did a great job. John Reuben was, as expected, excellent. Well, I am running out of synonyms for really good.”

shine!
Jason

Illuminate videos

Here are the Illuminate 2009 highlight video and Illuminate 2010 teaser video...

Illuminate 2009 Closing Highlights from Lee Higginbottom on Vimeo


Illuminate 2010 Promo - DRIVE from Lee Higginbottom on Vimeo

shine!
Jason

The day after

Well, it's the end of amazing weekend. I will have much more to say tomorrow, but I have to take a minute to thank the wonderful people of the Rochester Church. Over 100 people volunteered to make Illuminate happen. When I did the math, I estimated that over 1,500 hours of work went into making Illuminate a success. Wow!
Over the last several months, I have probably put about 75 hours of time into Illuminate 2009. People ask me how I made Illuminate happen. It wasn't me all that much. There were another 1,425 hours of time put in by an army of people. I only contributed 5% of the time put into this event. The other 95% came from others who brought a variety of talents and abilities to the table.
Most of all, I want to thank God for being present in an amazing way! I was reminded once again this weekend of the power of God and the value of community. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully this weekend through the hearts, minds, and bodies of scores of people at the Rochester Church. I am blessed to be part of such an incredible church family.

shine!
Jason

Two more days!

It's hard to believe that we are a little more than 48 hours from the kick-off of Illuminate 2009! The stage is being decorated, final plans are being made, and people are hard at work.
I am asking for everyone's prayers over the next couple of days. Pray specifically for the following people:

Don McLaughlin, who will be our main speaker
Chris Lindsey and Sean Algaier, who will be leading us in worship
Ambassadors as they present messages through drama
Hoss Ridgeway as he makes us laugh through his comedy
Ignite session leaders, including: Patrick Mead, Pat Pugh, Shaun Hover, a mission team, Randy Hendrickson and Scott Ockerman, Sara Barton, Ambassadors, and Hoss
The dozens of volunteers who are giving up hundreds of hours this week (and some for the last several weeks)
The hundreds of students, parents, and youth workers who will be converging on Rochester Church this weekend

Thank you for praying!!! Pray that God moves in very powerful ways this weekend and that people are set free from the things that bind them.

shine!
Jason

Steelers Draft

And now something fun...

The Ides of March

Today is the Ides of March. This day is probably most famous as the day that the Roman Emperor, Julius Caesar, was assassinated.
On this day in 44 BC, the Roman Senate tricked Caesar and killed him. While there is some dispute among historians about Julius Caesar’s last words, many believe that his last words may have been, “Et tu, Brute?” This phrase means, “You too, Brutus?” or “Even you, Brutus?”
Marcus Junius Brutus was a Roman Senator who Caesar had brought into his inner circle of associates. However, he was convinced by other senators to join the assassination plot against Caesar and was there for the killing of the Roman leader.
It was less than a century later that another man was betrayed by someone in his inner circle. We know this man as Judas Iscariot.
Judas was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He was chosen by Jesus as a member of his inner circle, his closest associates. Judas was even made treasurer of the group.
In spite of his close relationship with Jesus and the rest of the Twelve, he chose to betray Jesus. Ironically, it was with a kiss that he completed the betrayal.
I wonder if Jesus knew what would happen a few laters when he spoke these words in the Sermon on the Mount…
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.” (Matthew 5:43-47)
Regardless of whether or not he knew at the time he spoke these words, Jesus lived them. Even as he was hanging on the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:24)
Whether it was Jesus befriending Judas even as he prepared to betray him or his prayer for those who had crucified him, Jesus lived what he preached until he breathed his last death.
On the anniversary of the betrayal of an ancient emperor, let’s take a minute to reflect on Jesus’ words and actions. Imagine how different our world would be if we could live like that. How would things be different if we truly loved our enemies and prayed for those who persecute us? Maybe that’s the recipe for true peace.

shine!
Jason

Who do you want to be?

Who do you want to be?
Who do you want us to be?
These are the two questions I posed Wednesday night as we kicked off our small group time.
I am firmly convinced that how we answer these two questions will significantly impact where we go as individuals and a community.
Please slowly read and reflect on the Bible passages below…
But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you….For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Romans 8:9-11,14)
Don’t you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? (1 Corinthians 6:15)
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ…All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.
(1 Corinthians 12:12,27)
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
If we are truly Christ-followers, we must realize that the world does not revolve around us. Rather, we are called to be a part of a community, a body of believers. That requires us to consider others in all that we do. In addition, we must live a life that seeks to improve the health of the entire body.
For some of us, this means it’s time to stop “playing church.” In other words, church is not an activity in your planner or something you do when you feel like it. Church, the body, is who you are. It is your identity.
For others, it might mean it’s time to remove any spiritual cancer that is hurting you and maybe even those around you. Is there a habit or attitude you need to get rid of?
God has created us and called us to be part of a bigger plan. We are created in the image of God so that we can live out God’s dream in this world. That means we need to seriously consider the questions “who do you want to be?” and “who do you want us to be?” Those are the questions that should shape and direct every aspect of our lives.

shine!
Jason

Youth Dialogue Day - Middle School Edition

Today I was able to make some really cool new friends. I was invited to be a part of a Youth Dialogue Day. Basically, it's a day where students gather to share their opinions and ideas surrounding certain issues today's students face.
I was really impressed by many of the insights students shared. While middle school students have not changed much since I was there 25 years ago (wow, I feel old all of a sudden), some of the issues they are faced with have changed significantly.
There are pressures and choices that very few of my peers had to deal with. The conditions and culture have become more hectic than ever. The stress and anxiety are at levels I can't imagine. But in the midst of all of that, I met some students today who had some great thoughts about what they deal with on a daily basis.
One of the things that I heard a number of students share is that they wish their parents were more involved in their lives. I don't think that necessarily means they want parents who don't give them space and tend to stick their noses in everything. But there definitely seems to be a desire for parents to be more engaged.
Today we live in a culture where times have changed. It seems as though there are more two-income households than ever. I realize that some families need two incomes, but in other families it is more desire than need. A second income to live in a bigger house and drive nicer cars is not a need.
Every family is different and every situation is unique. However, I believe our society has often gotten our priorities out of order and missed the bigger picture. If you could get students to be honest, I believe that many of them would give up some material possessions in order to have parents who had time to listen to them.
One of the things I have become more and more aware of is the feeling of desertion and loneliness that many teenagers feel today. For many of these students that starts at home. They may come home to an empty house where there isn't a adult there until later in the evening. For others, it might result from being at school until five or six in the evening, running to another event, and getting home just in time for homework and bed. For others it might come from everyone in the family having a television in their room, so everyone can watch what they want in solitude. We have allowed our culture and our entertainment-focused society to drive wedges in the middle of our most crucial relationships.
While teenagers want their freedom and want to discover who they are, I am convinced that they will actually feel more free to explore the question of who they are when they know home is a place of safety and community. When they know their parents will actually take time to listen - not just instruct and give orders - teenagers will be more willing to ask questions and share their struggles.
Don't expect teenagers to tell you everything. They are seeking their own life and their own identity. But when we provide an environment where they know we are there, willing to listen and willing to make time for them, the results can be priceless. That's the kind of investment that lasts long after the things we thought were so important are in a landfill or in the rearview mirror of life

shine!
Jason

Role Models

Click on this link to read a great article about athletes and role models. This really touched me, so I wanted to share it with others.

shine!
Jason

Discipline

For many of us, our spiritual life consists of periodic “mountaintop” experiences dropped in the middle of a life of spiritual mediocrity. We might attend a great youth rally, seminar, retreat, or other event and be pumped up and excited. But within a few days – or weeks at best – we return to our routines.
This isn’t just a spiritual phenomenon. Think about the days, weeks, and months following September 11, 2001. While we were focused on what happened that fateful Tuesday morning for some time, eventually, most people’s lives returned to normal and what happened became less and less of a daily reality.
Think about marriage. A young couple looks each other in the eyes and love is in the air. But within a few months the stress of bills, a pregnancy, and life together can make the honeymoon seem like a vague memory.
Whether it’s a need to remain vigilant in a war, maintain romance in a marriage, or stay connected to God, it takes real work to go beyond the rush of the moment.
Spiritual disciplines are a significant way to maintain our connection with God. It isn’t difficult to connect with God during a time when you are away from everyday life at a special event. The real test comes at a time when life returns to “normal.”
Spiritual disciplines provide a method of making space for God, even in the midst of a hectic, busy schedule.
God has emphasized the importance of this space since the beginning of time. When He created the earth, God rested on the seventh day. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Genesis 2:2-3)
I firmly believe that God didn’t rest on that day because He was tired. Rather, He was setting an example for Creation. We need rest. We need space. We are not designed to run 24/7, seven days a week.
Whether it’s fasting, prayer, meditation, silence, confession, or a host of other spiritual disciplines, God created us as beings who need time to recharge. Fasting can cleanse our bodies and our minds. Prayer draws us closer in relationship to God. Meditation provides room for God’s word to speak to us. Silence allows us to hear the quiet, still voice of God. Confession gives us room to admit our shortcomings and deal with them.
Spiritual disciplines practiced on a regular basis are not just something we do because we are “good Christians.” They are exercises that make us better people. They give us the room to develop spiritually and allow God to form us into His image.

shine!
Jason

Can you hear me now?

This past weekend, twenty-three students and a handful of adults went up to Michigan Christian Youth Camp for a retreat. Our theme was “Can You Hear Me Now?” and we focused on hearing God’s voice. Adam Hill presented our lessons and challenged us through his words and a few activities. Chris Lindsey led us in worship. I also want to thank Deanna Butka, Katie Dear, Keith Huey, and Michelle Steckel for spending the weekend with us. I will let some of the students tell you more about the retreat…

When I came to this retreat, I knew that I already believed in Jesus and made the commitment to follow him. But I realized that the way I was living for Him wasn’t exactly the way He wanted me to. I learned that I’d been believing in Him, but not acting on that. I’m going to try to act like I should and follow Jesus instead of just believing in Him.

God has spoken to me in ways I couldn’t even imagine before this weekend. I was lost and now I am found. Before now I never heard His call. I never heard His voice and now I do…I’ve learned no matter how many mistakes I have made I will always be surrounded by His joy, His mercy, grace, and love.

This weekend has changed my whole perspective of God. He’s not just a figure to worship. He’s now…something more tangible and real. This weekend, He showed Himself, a light, a small candle flame in the darkness that grew brighter and brighter…I feel like I can actually hear Him now. Before, He was just a murmur, a small dim light in the darkness. Now…it’s completely opposite. His quiet whisper is now as loud as the booming thunder.

This weekend, I became more spiritually aware. I feel more in tune with God, and more ready to hear His voice and do what He wants me to do.

God has shown me that prayer is not just thinking about stuff, it’s connecting with God. God has taught me that silence is very important.

This weekend the main thing I learned is how many distractions are in my life, and most importantly, how to deal with those distractions, get rid of them, and enter a new stage of my relationship with God.

God showed me that even though it is dark sometimes, there is always hope and light.

This weekend showed me that to follow God’s will you have to hear Him, but to hear Him, you have to listen first.

This was the first time I shared my addictions with a large group and I feel renewed after, because I knew people would be praying for me.

Even though silence is scary, it is needed. I need to stop and listen to what God is telling me instead of going with what I think it best.

This weekend has helped me in sooo many ways. I am so busy and just have a lot going on in my life right now, and a lot of stress. It gave me the break I needed and really helped me. I felt like Adam was talking right to me; it was amazing. I love Chris and his worship; it uplifted me a lot. This weekend was absolutely perfect for me; it touched me in so many ways.

Ironically, it is in the absence of noise that God’ voice is clearest, and it is not meant to be merely an occasional luxury, but an every day practice.

It was a much needed weekend for me to refocus, and more importantly, realize how much God loves me, and knowing that He wants us, and can use us, wherever we are on our journey.

It was a great weekend. I was so impressed by our students and how seriously they answered every challenge placed before them. Thank you to everyone who was a part of the retreat!

shine!
Jason

Don't miss the call

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said the following: “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
We have been created in the image of God to reflect the glory and character of God into a world covered by darkness. Christianity is not a private thing to only be practiced at church. This is a lifestyle. It is a way of living. That is why the church was called “The Way” in the first century. It was not something people did. It was who they are.
Consider what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth as well as his “sons in the faith,” Timothy and Titus:
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1)
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
Encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:6-8)
We are not Christians solely and primarily for our own benefit. We are called to be a part of a larger community where we seek to live as Christ-followers in every aspect of our lives.
One of the most troubling trends I have seen in my decade or so of youth ministry is the way that older Christian teens seem to neglect their call to mature in their faith at a time when they are positioned to have significant impact.
Whether it’s the example they set for their peers or the way that younger teens and children look up to them, older teenagers have power and influence that they often fail to realize. This is a great opportunity not only to grow as individuals; it is a great time to contribute to the larger Christian community.
My prayer is that instead of buying into the lie where culture teaches older teens to become more self-absorbed, Christian teenagers would hear the call and live a life where they are the light that shines in the midst of a dark world.

shine!
Jason

A great diet

I read about this great new diet plan the other day. For breakfast, you could have four pop tarts and a cereal breakfast bar. Chocolate milk is your drink. Lunch consisted of a can of ravioli, some Doritos or potato chips, and a candy bar, with pop for your drink. Dinner is the best. You eat all the pizza you want along with ice cream. The best part is that this diet requires no exercise. You can sit on the couch with a bag of chips all night long. You are guaranteed to lose 2-5 pounds a week.
How many of you really believe me?
If most of us actually ate this way expecting to lose weight, people would think we are crazy.
As crazy as that sounds, many Christians are doing this very thing spiritually and expecting to become a stronger, more dedicated follower of Jesus.
They might start their morning out listening to music that glorifies violence, the objectification of women, greed, or other ungodly desires or actions. Then they go to work or school and engage in conversations that are filled with gossip, hateful words, pride, and more. They jump on the Internet and look at images that make women sexual objects instead of daughters of God. Or they might go to social networking pages where they create profiles that are at best, flirty, often laced with sexual overtones or pictures that do the same.
The day is not done yet. Now it’s time to listen to some more music. This music might reinforce the fact that life is hopeless or that life is not complete without a boyfriend or girlfriend. Then it’s time to sit in front of the television and watch a few shows whose messages say that premarital sex seldom has consequences, treating your parents with disrespect is a funny thing, and morals and integrity are optional.
It’s almost bedtime now, so there is time to chat online or text message. (Which has probably been going on most of the day.) Again we find gossip and slander. But this time it’s even more dangerous because the friend might be texting the very person being gossiped about. There could be a dozen interrelated text conversations going on where no one knows the whole story.
Wait. Forgot about Bible reading. Well, it’s late and time for bed. That can wait for tomorrow. Plus, I’ll hear about God in church on Sunday. (If I’m not too busy talking and texting during worship and class.)
The apostle Paul wrote, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. (1 Timothy 4:8-10)
Unless we’re willing to train for godliness it will never happen. Maybe it’s time to take a long look at what kind of “training” you are doing now and see if it’s time for a new spiritual fitness plan.

shine!
Jason

A new birth

I love days like this one! One of our students was baptized by her dad. What a great moment!

Identity

This week in our small groups we talked about identity.
What defines us?
Who determines our worth?
Where do we find our value?
Identity is such a powerful thing, especially in the life of a teenager. After a dozen years of being defined primarily by their relationship with their family, teenagers begin to seek their own identity.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of voices out there trying to tell us what our identity should be. Listen to this music. Wear these clothes. Talk a certain way. Get drunk. Lie to your parents. Have sex. Be disrespectful. The list goes on and on.
But there is only one place to find our true identity. It’s the one the Creator intended for us. Jesus said the following:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:1-4)
So what kind of fruit is that? What kind of fruit is Jesus wanting us to bear? Maybe it’s the fruit that Paul wrote about in his letter to the Galatian church:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Our true identity is not determined by what we wear or drive. It can’t be measured by where we live or how popular we are.
Our true identity is determined by what kind of person we are. Notice that we are called human beings, not human doings. What are we today and what are we becoming? That is the question that counts.
In a world that so often measures us on the outside, we have a Creator God that uses a different method. When looking for a king to lead Israel, the Lord told Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
When we can start worrying more about who we are on the inside instead of the outside, we will begin to make room for God to transform us. Then he can reveal to us our true identity and we can experience the peace that only comes from knowing Him.

shine!
Jason

Who gets the glory?

As I have been following the news over the last couple of weeks, I have been amazed at the way the new President and his administration have been downplaying expectations regarding some of their initiatives. Not that this is new. Every election cycle, politicians make promises that people want to hear. They boldly talk about their plans.
This year’s downshift seems more pronounced than any I remember in my lifetime by a President. Maybe it’s the way the media covered this election. Maybe it’s because of the intricate web of communication used during the campaign that utilized the best marketing plan I have ever witnessed by a Presidential campaign team. I am sure that the financial crisis we are in the midst of caused many to hope for a quick solution.
Regardless of the reasons, many people seemed to expect this President to step into office and almost immediately solve the crises at hand. In the midst of the campaign, the candidate seemed more than happy to use this expectation to bolster his campaign.
Today’s politicians are quite a contrast with our Savior. While politicians seek out attention and trumpet their bold dreams, Jesus was quite the opposite.
Never one to desire the spotlight, Jesus often seemed to go out of His way to avoid attention. Many times in His ministry, we see Jesus healing people and telling them not to tell anyone. He would try to sneak away from the crowds. And when He did get praise, He directed it to the Father. Consider a few of the things Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount:
"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:2)
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:5)
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:16)
Whether we are running for President or an average citizen, we can learn from the example of Christ. If we want to bring forth the Kingdom of God in this world, it can’t be about us. It’s not about making big promises or taking advantage of people’s fear or anticipation. It’s about seeking what is in the best interest of God and others while sacrificing our own glory.

shine!
Jason

The war continues...

We are at war!
I have become even more convinced of this in recent months. I am not talking about anything happening in Iraq, Afghanistan, or the Gaza Strip. I am talking about what is happening right here among us.
I have watched students who have grown up in Christian homes become entangled in behavior that would have been unthinkable for them a few years ago. I have seen students become apathetic about their faith, treating it more like a hobby or activity than a lifestyle. Some of these students have continued to appear dedicated to Jesus on Sundays and Wednesdays while the rest of the week is spent engaging the worlds passions and desires.
On the other hand, I have seen others display self-righteous attitudes that exclude all but those who appear to be “good Christians.” When those who do not know Jesus are in our midst, they seem to be unable or unwilling to engage those who Jesus calls us to seek.
In both cases I sense the undercurrent of spiritual warfare. When we as families are unwilling to focus on spiritual training or place an emphasis on Kingdom-focused living, we can expect both of these results. For some, Christianity becomes a performance to put on when we “come to church.” For others, Christianity is knowing we are right and protecting ourselves from the “sinners.”
Both of these are unhealthy and immature. If we are going to be serious about the spiritual war we find ourselves in, we must be willing to dedicate the time and energy needed to fight the good fight.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)
In World War II, everyone realized what was at stake and made sacrifices. Some went to the front lines. Others served as sergeants and generals, directing the battle. Those at home were willing to give up some of their comforts to support those who were in the heat of the battle. One of the main reasons we won that war was because everyone did their part.
Unfortunately, I believe we live in a time where many people have become comfortable and are either unwilling to sacrifice or unable to see the need to sacrifice. Although we are currently in a time of financial downturn, we are still more prosperous than most previous generations.
Until we are willing to commit ourselves to what it takes to win the war, Satan will continue to take his shots and inflict damage.
I am encouraged by some of the stories I have heard already from those who are participating in our 40 days of fasting and prayer. I sense that some among us are reclaiming territory from the evil one and engaging in the battle at hand. It’s time for all of us to arm ourselves and join the war that has already been declared against us.

shine!
Jason