The Birdhouse & Some Dialogue

The past couple of days have been very eventful. Yesterday, as I was getting ready to go into the office, I had to chase a bird out of our house. The stupid bird came in through the chimney and had taken a seat behind a chair. The interaction was something for YouTube. Everyone survived the ordeal though.
Today, I was doing my devotion and was reminded of a great truth: when we read God's word, it is an invitation to converse with the Creator of all things. In Daniel 9, we see him reading the writings of Jeremiah. What he read immediately drew him to prayer. I realized that as God speaks to us through His word, He is looking to hear from us. Here are some suggestions (most not my original) for the next time you read God's word to engage in dialogue with the Father:
1. When reading a difficult passage, ask God to give you understanding.
2. When reading Scripture that reminds you of someone's need, take time to pray for them.
3. When you come across something in Scripture that is contrary to what you previously thought, ask God to conform your beliefs to His.
4. When you read about God's faithfulness, take time to thank Him.
These are just a few ways to engage in a true conversation with Almighty God. He didn't tear the veil in the temple just to show His authority; He did it so that you and I could have discussions with Him.

The Lost Art of Encouragement

Today, I was in the office to get some things done now that camp is over. I saw that I had a voicemail on the office line. I was shocked that there was only one, but that one made my day. It was an adult volunteer who had gone on the trip with us just encouraging and thanking me for the camp. I got to thinking, "why don't we do that (encourage one another) more often?" I know that I'm not the best at telling people "thanks" after the fact. But I really wonder why the art of encouraging others seems to be one that few are participating in.
I want to encourage you to encourage someone today. It may be nothing more than writing a card or even text message to someone. If you do this, be specific with what you're thanking them for. This will brighten the darkest day.

Home Sweet Home

Finally home! Don't get me wrong, I had a great time at Student Life, but I'm at the best spot in the world: home. I get to spend the afternoon with my son, Drew. What more could I ask for? Only one thing and that's to spend some time with Naomi.
We made it through our first summer camp at FBC Birmingham, and I think it went well. I look forward to seeing the fruit of the seeds that were planted this weekend.

Student Life at the Beach Day 4

Well another summer camp is in the bag. We will be packing up and heading back to Birmingham. It was a good camp. I think that a lot was accomplished in this weekend that will help our student ministry move forward. I look forward to seeing the reaction when "home" hits. David Nasser did a great job with giving the students a way to win the victory in everyday life.
1. Hear the Word
2. Read the Word
3. Study the Word
4. Memorize the Word
5. Meditate on the Word
I love summer camps and all but I'm really looking forward to getting home to the Mrs and the little boy.

Student Life at the Beach Day 3

So today we welcomed a typical beach thunderstorm to camp. Nothing to really worry about. It rained pretty good for a little while then the sun came out with the humidity. It had been so nice, now we have sticky.
Today, we talked about an awesome subject: the glory of God. This was a good night. We heard a message that we need to hear so often: it's not about you. Many of the problems that we see in church come from people not getting what they want. Every thing that takes place on this playground called Earth happens in order to bring glory to God.
I also got to share with the students that came to camp about the future of the student ministry. They seemed to latch on to the idea of "the crossroads."

An Extra Thought From Day 2

I thought I would share something that seemed to just be carrying over in my mind from yesterday's messages at camp. Is Jesus on the top shelf of your life? While that sounds good and all, it is the wrong place. Before you pick up stones, let me explain. On a shelf there is room for many things. You could have Jesus on the top shelf of your life but there is still room for other things (even good things) like family, work, ministry, etc. This is why the Bible refers to Jesus being on the throne of our lives. There is only room for one on a throne. May God's word and the principles that come from it bless you today.

Student Life at the Beach Day 2

Today was the first full day of camp. It went pretty good with not many gliches. David Nasser talked this morning about the importance of getting into the Word. I think that people are starting to grasp onto the fact that we have to break this crazy cycle faith: spiritual high at camp, faded by October but returns at the winter retreat, but fades again. Our group talked about the narrow path and what it means to take the narrow path. Tonight after worship "Unhindered" played a praise concert. They're a band out of Atlanta. I would definitely recommend these young guys. Now comes some sleep before an early morning.

Student Life at the Beach Day 1

Well we arrived at camp safe and sound. Student Life @ the Beach in Orange Beach. The day started off good because we had everyone there, all forms filled out, all dues paid, and left within 30 minutes of announced time. When we got here we realized that our entire schedule was changed and we had 30 minutes to register, take our bags to our room, eat, and get to worship. It didn't happen. We got there one song before the message but all was good. I am really looking forward to what this weekend holds for our group.

Staff Retreat

Today and tomorrow, the staff of our church has gone away to Dallas County Alabama for a little time to get focused, relax, build relationships with one another, among other things. Today was very nice as I got to go fishing for the first time in forever. I caught about 6 bream and 3 little bass until my lure (loaned to me by our senior adult minister) was taken by a thief fish. As for the meetings, they have been awesome as we have shared our thoughts and hearts with one another. I really think that we're on the same page and headed in the right direction.

Wednesday Recap

Last night, we started our summer series "Discovering Your S.H.A.P.E." with our student ministry. This is a series from Doug Fields that I've seen and done (not knowing) for some time with other ministries. It is great. It helps the student to find out how God has wired them and how they can fulfill the purpose for which God created them. This series is a big shot in the arm for me because it follows the thought-pattern that I have that students who have a relationship with God are gifted by God to serve God... NOW. Not when they get "older", but to serve their Creator in the present. I am very excited to see how this will go this summer. If you are a leader in student ministry and looking for something that will help equip students and ignite a spark for them to start doing something, try this series. You can find it here.

This week has been interesting as my summer intern, Merritt, started to work. I'm really looking forward to his help and to pouring in some experience for him. He is looking to go into student ministry himself. I have come to believe that internships are the essential keys to developing true experience for young ministers. Some are like me and get "thrown to the wolves" right off the bat and make stupid mistakes. I know I did (taking the group to a pro wrestling event... not a good idea). If you do not have an internship program in place, that would be something that would be well worth your time in getting together. Pass along the wisdom that you have to the next generation of leaders.

Well, it's off to get the week wrapped up and help Pastor Stan move to his new house.