I’ve been working through a challenging book by pastor and author, David Platt. The book is titled, “Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream.” I’m not sure that I really know how to best describe it, other than explaining what has been stirring inside of me.
I was so excited! It was late October during my days as a youth pastor. All in one weekend, we had a Leadership Retreat, a Fund-Raiser Lunch and our annual Youth Harvest Party. Which also included a trip to the local Hay-Maze!
The other day I watched a sobering video clip. Author and speaker Francis Chan addressed young pastors and their pursuit to improve their craft. He noted the trend that young pastors often have a strong ability to teach, but their lives are not always displaying what they’re teaching.
I came across an old Larry Norman video. My mind immediately went to his famous song, “I Wish We’d All Been Ready”, so I searched for a couple of versions. It had been a long time since I had heard this song and I had forgotten how haunting the lyrics were.
Satan wants to destroy your deepest relationships; with your family and with Jesus. He’s a deceiver, convincing us that working is more important so that we’ll stay away from the people closest to us, and keep our focus away from God. Don’t be tricked; stop working and rest!
Youth Pastors should spend time with students. Over time, more and more students show up for youth-related events and activities. It can be difficult for a Youth Pastor to get the face-time needed to develop authentic relationships with all the students.
Do you ever see or hear something that makes you angry and feel like fighting? Not so much to fight for the sake of fighting; I’m talking about something deeper. I’m talking about fighting for someone who has been cheated in life or put down by a greater authority.
This short is from a hip-hop artist named Propaganda, titled “What Is The Gospel”. It is the most creative description of the Gospel that I have ever heard. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
It was 7:00 AM local time. A “global day of student prayer” was being held. I had the privilege of gathering with a group of students around their school flag pole.
Yesterday was my wife’s birthday and we had a great time with the family. Overall, she had a pretty enjoyable day doing some of the things she loves. And yet, as I think about how I acted yesterday, I feel convicted.
“Worship” is a verb that can be defined as “to render religious reverence and homage to.” Another definition is “to feel an adoring reverence or regard for (any person or thing).” As a Christian, what qualifies as worship?
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” (Eph. 4:28)