Rise and Shine

So... the early bird gets the worm. I'll settle for a bowl of cereal or perhaps some eggs and bacon. At least that's what I've said for the longest time. It seems everyone I talk to who has a consistent daily quite time with God, does so at the crack of dawn (or earlier)!

My argument has always been I function on Vampire time. I have always possessed the most energy in the evening. The times I did the early morning thing it would only take 1 late night and BANG, I'm sleeping in again and going back to my preferred schedule. I would get up at 7:00 (high school students would have to get up earlier than me!) and still be able to have at least a 1/2 hour of time to read and pray. But then out of nowhere my son became mobile. It happened just a little over 2 months ago. Poor little dude can't get up when he falls, but he can get around as long as he's up.

While reading I would here him running around and screaming and in that moment I wanted to just be with him. I would call whatever time I had spent reading and praying, be it 25, 15, or occassionally 5 minutes, as "good enough" for the day. After all I would inevitably have God moments throughout the day.

Well for me the well began running a little dry. Not concrete, but not fresh water either. So I made the decision to join the early bird club and get up at 5:??. It's quite a feeling to look out your window and see that no one else is awake in your neighborhood, no lights are on. It really gives you a feeling that it is just you and God.

I then go down to the basement and spend some time with God. I can't say I feel perky when I get up yet, but I am excited to actually have some time to think, pray, journal, read, and reflect. I feel the water's rising in the well.

So when is your quiet time? God is available 24x7 not only in the wee hours of morning, but when are you available. If you're like me, good intentions to read in the evening fell victim to catching up with my TIVO shows. Morning became a necessity.

Lightning Crashes

Sunday, June 24 - I was greeted by a tear filled student who asked if he could talk to me. We’ll call him Sam. He asked if God could speak through nature. I was baffled because wrapped in this 15 year old shell is one of the most critical thinkers I have experienced in student ministry. I’ve entered into countless conversations with him regarding the origin of evil, God’s sovereignty, is God involved in the world, why do the Eagles always lose. Yet this student seems remarkably open to God.

We grabbed a spot to sit on the side of the building and he began to share about his recent experience. He was hanging out with a friend and touched on a conversation about God, shortly after the conversation the other guy threw down his cigarette. The moment it hit the ground Sam shouted BOOM just joking around. Immediately following the joke lightning struck and thunder boomed simultaneously in less than 100 yards away.

What many would consider a random chance coincidence, Sam was convinced was an encounter with God. What I loved about the timing of our conversation is that it occurred one day before we left for the CIY (Christ In Youth) Conference. I asked him, “What are you doing this week?”

He replied with the typical… “I don’t know.” I then told him he needed to go on our trip even if we had to pick up the tab. He agreed and decided to join us.

Sam the Skeptic continued his spiritual journey the entire week. Sam decided to be baptized and give his life to God while on that trip. Sam, who was primarily concerned about himself prior to the trip, was crying and praying over students who needed God’s touch. Sam who struggled with the message about Christ stood up declaring an interest in entering vocational ministry.

Time will tell what will come of Sam’s life but one thing is for certain. God used a lightning bolt to grab his attention.

What has God used to jar you recently? What was your response?

If Only

Need… What a funny concept. What do we really NEED? What do we NEED to have an awesome youth ministry? What do we NEED to have a great marriage? What do we NEED to have fulfillment in life? Beneath every NEED there is the potential of an excuse lurking below the surface. You can identify this with the “if only” statements. If only we had more staff. If only we had committed volunteers. If only my spouse understood me. If only Rita’s Water Ice was fat free.

This week I was at the PCTC (Pennsylvania Christian Teen Convention) planning session for 2008 and we were invited to attend an “optional” prayer meeting from 9:30 to 10:00. Truth being told, I had been doing a lot of praying that day. Tuesday was the day Ben, our Student Ministry Arts Intern, was going to give his decision as to whether he was going to come on full time or not. I had also been praying for friends of mine who have been going through a terrible situation. I honestly didn’t want to go to that room, but inside I knew I needed to be a part of that moment.

As I sat down to pray I felt restless so I decided to read the book of Philippians. When I came to Philippians 4 I was struck by verse 6 in the NLT. Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. It continues… If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. It was then I came face to face with the question, “What do I really NEED?” I decided to go before the Creator of the Universe and tell Him what I NEEDED. It radically changed my prayer. I found myself saying I think I NEED. It was easy to thank Him for all He has done. This simple exercise brought me peace and strengthened my faith.

NOW WHAT?
1. Create a list of the things that you think you NEED?
2. Pray through that list saying, “God I NEED…”
3. Spend time thanking God for what He has done.