Goodbye Summer '10

Tashona, Bonnie & myself at camp

I have officially been doing (paid) ministry work for 2 years now. And this past summer was the first in which I was able to begin sculpting. Not doing what others had done, not going where others want to go; but a fully functional summer youth program that fits a new style. It's been quite a ride, really.

I have now:
(1) planned and executed a mission trip
(2) literally watched teens experience God
(3) fallen in love
(4) screamed at the top of my lungs at church people, in the church building, at a church gathering
(5) established a "missional" mindset within our group
(6) and have grown closer to the One who gave me this job.

We began with camp for our 4th - 6th graders. I co-taught with Jesse on "Going, even when you may not want to." (Jonah) Nearly having kids puke on you because of the stink bait object lesson, really opened my eyes!

Uplifting, inspirational fellowship with our 7th - 12th graders at camp followed. This camp blew even me away. Who knew I would have the opportunity to form such close friends with the other leaders!? Also getting to spend the week with one of my closest friends!

Mission Trip. Rule #1: No cell phones. We conducted an extravagant VBS in New Mexico, and bonded well with the kids at the Children's Home, but there are much lessons to be learned... by me.

Our summer closed with Summer Blockbuster (our version on VBS - just way more experiential) We had less kidos this year, maybe because of the extremely late date, but nonetheless, an amazing week. I have now over came the name of "Captain Marvel" (vbs 07) and have adapted the alias "Sir Bradley." I'm okay with that.

We introduced a Summer Reading Program this year for our community elementary kids. Smashing success because of great teachers! Hot Summer Movie Nights, sporting events, end-of-summer blowout, July 4th thingy.... it's been a looong summer, so I think I'll take a break for a week then prepare for the Legacy Concert.

So here is my fear: Why did I use the word "I" so much? What if all these activities were for my glory? Could I have planned them because I wanted them, not considering the participants? If so, they were in vain. I need God present in all that I do. Without Him, my works are pointless and a waste of mine and His time. So, my prayer is:

for God to be present in ALL I do, so that what I do is for His glory.

God answered another question

Here is something that's been on my mind recently:

I've been wondering why God would inspire the dictation of lists of genealogies and dates. My Bible reading has now taken me into the deeps of the OT; not the fun brain teasers like Proverbs or scantly clad Song of Solomon, but Deuteraut.... Deauterana.... Deut. Boring! I'm sorry for even mentioning this, but I'm really looking for my "devotional high."

However, I do believe that every catalog of names in Scripture is there for a purpose. The Holy Spirit does not waste words. God didn't inspire "filler" to beef up the Bible! But as God does so often, just as I began to question His motives, He hits me with a practical life lesson. Thus, my blog for today:

David's Mighty Men

A VBS my youth group will be assisting with in NM is studying the story of David's Mighty Men; specifically 2 Samuel 23.

David longed for a refreshing drink of water from his hometown of Bethlehem. Three of his "mighty men" brave the dangerous journey to bring some to him. When David receives it, he pours it out.

All in all, this story can be quite depressing, and difficult when trying to teach. Josheb, Eleazar and Shammah are the men that fetch said pale of water. These names we'll only cross once again in the Bible, then never again. But here is where God decided to get crafty; as we read, we see that these three men were not commanded to get the water, but they did it out of loyalty and friendship. This act was done out of love for their king.

Are there similarities there with how we worship?
Our worship to the Lord should not be performed as a duty, but as an act of devotion because we love our King. True worship will involve time and effort and sacrifice, and sometimes the overcoming of great barriers that are thrown in our path by the enemy of our souls. Have you ever noticed how many obstacles and diversions seem to present themselves when you would like to spend some time worshiping the Lord? Sometimes the man-made barriers of tradition and ritual must be overcome.

The fact that God keeps a detailed record of the names and exploits of David's fighting men has got to be significant. It shows us that God records our personal service, too. If God kept track and applauded David's mighty soldiers by name, how much more does he keep track and reward the faithful servants of David's greater Son!

my prayer: focus on GOD, not what others see