Regardless of the year, youth ministry will always take a considerable amount of time and preparation, that is, if you’re looking to do something significant. When I started in ministry, the focus was all about the events. I found myself doing an event just to do one.  Even though relationships were built, I didn’t really have a clear picture for the purpose of each event. My messages were out of desperation (and much prayer) as I would cram for youth service. I apologize to those early in my youth ministry…but we did have a lot of fun! We were just having a party, and everyone was invited. (more…)

People have a fixation with crazy. So much so artists write songs about “let’s get crazy”, “crazy”, and if the song (you drive me)…CRAZY by Britney Spear just popped in your head.. Yep…you just proved my point. Sometimes we use the word crazy as a way of describing something unbelievable. Like a great catch, score, or game in which we respond with, (more…)

Just got done with Life Growing weekend.  The speakers were amazing, the ministry was phenomenal, and healing went forth.  Also, I’m stoked about all the new friendship that I made!  But as I sit in my office, the morning after, I can’t help but the wonder who will be the one to take the messages and build on them.   If we are going to take back this nation and evangelize the world then believers must rise up.  We can’t expect culture to like the message, even Jesus had resistance.  When Jesus was engaged in ministry there were many who didn’t believe, but that never stopped Him from finding the ones who where ready to make a change.  Don’t let the screams of the rebellious cause you to miss the ones who will get His message. (more…)

Just in case you haven’t heard, I’ve been very busy the last 7 months working on a new book. It’s due out June 1st. Please be praying! I know God is going to change many lives through this book. The title is “Be the One.” The purpose of this book it to inform a generation of young people that God wants to use them to make a difference in the world. It’s time for the church to make a stand that changes the spiritual condition of this generation.
It’s our moment, let’s “Be the One” to promote His Kingdom!
I’m on Chapter 6 and have two more to go! Let’s change the world!!!

Have you very tried to plant something with the hopes that it would grow?  Yeah, me too!   A few years back I want to widen my front yard by removing some trees and putting down some grass seed so the kids could have more room to play.  I rented a dozer, brought in some top soil, got my rake out and went to work.  I worked for a solid week an everyday I’d wake up excepting by efforts to pay off.  Finally about two weeks went by and not much was happening.  I was starting to vent.  Why?  Why me?  What about my effort?  I started quoting scripture and doing research, only to find out that I had not been watering the seed.  I know how stupid, right?  Now I never professed to be a botanist, and I had to fight a little embarrassment because I knew plants needed water, I just didn’t think about it.

Many times this happens in our walk with Christ.  We just don’t think about it.  However, if you’ve made the profession of faith it’s your responsibility to grow.   You need to “add the water” of the word to grow your spiritual seed.  Cultivating your relationship with the Lord should be the most important event, task, and desire you have, only then will you have something worth giving.  All of God’s gifts, characteristics, and attributes are to insure a life of victory.  This victory is for you to share with others.   In Matt 19, Jesus gives us a huge assignment to teach and train others to follow Him!  In other words: cultivate, add the water and watch it grow!    This culture is thirsty for something real and it’s time for the Holy Ghosts filled believers to produce!

Focus point:  Where do I need to “add the water” and help cultivate something great for God?

In my current place in life I’m over run with toys that require batteries.  It seems like every time I turn around there’s another birthday, holiday, or special event.  It’s so entertaining to watch my kid’s faces as they open a present to see this super looking toy, so colorful and shiny.  It’s like the toy is screaming “PLAY WITH ME!”  But no matter how cool it looks, without batteries it can never live up to what it’s designed to be.  The batteries are the source that ACTIVATES the toy to reach its full potential.

The same is true with our spiritual life.  There’s no way we can live up to our potential without God as our source. It doesn’t matter how bright and shiny you look, or how great your talents are, you’ll never measure up without HIM.  God is the Activator!  Everything comes alive when you really know God.   He wants to ACTIVATE your spirit to: long for him, grow in him, and believe Him.   Why? Because there are so many crazy truths God is waiting to share with you.

Focus Point: Activate motionless Christianity by making God your source.

I’m in the middle of Brookhill Ranches Camp #7 and we had some serious rain.  It is so exciting because when it rains at camp we get really creative and have tons of fun.  However, I could see the disappointment on the faces of the first time campers as the rain started to fall, unsure what was going to happen.  They were concerned about the rain messing up plans. With all of this running through my head, my mind wasn’t on the fact that it was raining; my focus was on making our situation the most fun, enjoyable, and unforgettable.  The rain did hold up some activities but it didn’t stop the fun.  Everybody was laughing and having a great time.  So today, take a lesson from camp… No matter what life throws your way, it’s your decision on how to interpret it. You can see rain as a miserable unfortunate event in your life that just messed up your plans, or you can get creative, work through what was dealt, and make it as enjoyable as it can be.   Who knows, maybe something better will come about?  Listen, God can still work “in the midst of rain” if you let Him. All God is looking for is an avenue.   James 1:2-4 says that it’s our attitude and perseverance that can bring maturity to our life.  Don’t get discouraged because your plans didn’t work out; trust the Lord and lean on Him.  He is our strength in times of weakness.  Don’t get caught up in what didn’t happen, change your perspective because great things can happen “in the midst of rain.”  Have a great day!