I just finished reading Psalm 91. What an incredible chapter, filled with so many timeless and timely promises from God. The verses in this famous chapter ring true in the life of everyone who has clinged to God when all they had to cling to, was God. C.S Lewis said that "he who has God and everything else has nothing more than he who has God alone." In other words, if all we have is God, could this really be enough? Is God all that we need?
Scripture is filled with so many instances of average people who had there backs against the wall, and in dire circumstances and God came through. He delivered. It's not just evident in the bible, but all through human history, God's been showing His greatness, His power and how all sufficient He really is. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" (verse one). George Meuller knew that God was enough. This great man was not only a pastor but an orphan advocate. Every year, Meuller (who lived in the early 1800's), clothed, fed and and taught over 2,000 orphans. Stories are told of times when Meuller had his back against the wall, and there was no food to care for these orphans, and God miraculaously provided. Bread showed up on his doorstep. Milk or money showed up on his kitchen counter. There were times when Meuller ahd nothing but God and His promises. George Meuller knew what it meant to have God and God alone.
When we make God our hiding place, we have in Him everything that we need. Peter knew this too. Remember when He was on the water. All He had was the Christ to cling to. The only hand He had was the hand of Jesus. The woman caught in adultery knew this. When she was criticized and mocked by the crowds, the only one who loved her unconditionally was Jesus. The forgiveness that she longed for and the clean heart that she craved only came from God. The interaction with Jesus was all that she needed to take away the shame and guilt that had invaded her life and captivated her thinking. I could go on and on with stories of real people who only had God, and it was enough.
So, could God really be enough for me? Is He really? Verse four gives some awesome imagery, when it says, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." Just as feathers on a bird provide warmth, security and protection, God wants to be that for us. He wants to be our protection. He wants to be our security. He wants us to trust Him for His provisions. He's everything we need. If He was enough for George, Peter and that woman caught in adulter, He's enough for me. And listen to this: He's enough for you too. Regardless of circumstance...you gotta' believe it. Sometimes all you may have is God. Remember, it's enough. Nothing more and nothing less. It's enough!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Redemption in Action
The city of Warren where I live is a depressed area. The local economy is summed up in its unemployment rate which is over 18%. People have lost jobs, benefits, and their homes as the Warren area has consistently been one of the most affordable housing markets in the United States (in this case, not a great bragging point). People struggle with depression in Warren, their is plenty of crime, lots of drugs and Warren has one of the highest divorce rates in the United States. Pretty sad. Extremely depressing.
Periodically, I'll find a story of someone who is trying to bring about some redemption in midst of our hurting and depressed city. I recently read in our local paper the story of a local pastor who has undertaken a neighborhood improvement project that city officials in Warren are hoping will spill into other areas of our city.
This local pastor created a non-profit organization that he is using to purchase vacant houses and repair them to be rented. All of the houses purchased thus far are in close proximity to the church that he pastors and it's in a dilapidated and worn down area in our city. So far, this local pastor has invested around $100,000 to purchase these five different homes with the purpose of renovation and breathing hope back into his neighborhood.
This is redemption in action. God calls us to lose our tendency to complain and instead be people (like this pastor) who bring redemption to an arena of life that is hopeless. God calls us to be innovative, creative and daring in bringing redemption to a family or even a crisis in a city. Whether its purchasing a home for renovation purposes, or taking in a foster child, or cleaning up a local park, God wants us to redeem the very things that have been taken from our communities. God is calling us to be people who bring redemption into their churches, their neighborhoods, their work places and to their cities...just like the pastor in Warren.
Redemption...what will you redeem?
Periodically, I'll find a story of someone who is trying to bring about some redemption in midst of our hurting and depressed city. I recently read in our local paper the story of a local pastor who has undertaken a neighborhood improvement project that city officials in Warren are hoping will spill into other areas of our city.
This local pastor created a non-profit organization that he is using to purchase vacant houses and repair them to be rented. All of the houses purchased thus far are in close proximity to the church that he pastors and it's in a dilapidated and worn down area in our city. So far, this local pastor has invested around $100,000 to purchase these five different homes with the purpose of renovation and breathing hope back into his neighborhood.
This is redemption in action. God calls us to lose our tendency to complain and instead be people (like this pastor) who bring redemption to an arena of life that is hopeless. God calls us to be innovative, creative and daring in bringing redemption to a family or even a crisis in a city. Whether its purchasing a home for renovation purposes, or taking in a foster child, or cleaning up a local park, God wants us to redeem the very things that have been taken from our communities. God is calling us to be people who bring redemption into their churches, their neighborhoods, their work places and to their cities...just like the pastor in Warren.
Redemption...what will you redeem?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Micro-Credit Solution
Six months ago I came across a book at Borders entitled, "Banker to the Poor". The title of the book caught my attention so I picked it up to read. I'm glad that I did. The book taught me about micro-credit and how it is being used in the poorest countries of the world to eradicate poverty. Following my reading of this book, I've been doing more reading on this "micro-loan" industry and to say the least, I'm very intrigued with it.
In a nutshell, micro-credit is something that started in the 1970's with a man from Bangladesh starting the Grameen Bank (with only $27.00 in his pocket) and seeking to lend money to the poorest people in the world. The money is lent at a low-interest rate and strives to give poor people capital that in turn brings revenue which ultimately brings hope to the very people who found themselves stuck in poverty. Mircro-loans can help start businesses, purchase material or supplies for businesses or for education purposes. These loans are small-scale loans ranging from 25.00 to $250 per loan, and are typically paid back on a bi-weekly basis or monthly basis to a collector or officer that works with the organization.
It's an intriguing model because it empowers the individual to work and earn money that in turn pays back the loan amount. Interesting enough, the Grameen bank has a 98% return rate and every year millions of dollars are loaned to individuals in some of the poorest countries of the world.
I've continued in reading and studying up on "micro-credit" and looked at other reputable organizations that do this here in the United States. The vision amongst these organizations is driven by the desire to see hope given to the world's poorest people. Instead of giving a hand-out, miocro-credit lending strives to equip and then empower the individual so that they can become productive and responsible workers who can sustain an income and in turn provide for themselves and their family.
What a vision this is. As I see the works of Opportunity International (www.opportunityinternational.org) and Hope International (www.hopeinternational.org), and other non-profit organizations I see a movment of concerned and caring citizens who want to put an end to injustices in our world through the empowerment of the world's poorest people (those living on less than a $1.00 a day).
When I returned from my first trip to Africa in 2006, I told God that I would do more do correct the injustices that take place on that great continent. I told God that I would use more of my time, energy and resources to bring hope and solutions to those people stuck in poverty and those who are suffering from malnutrition and other preventable diseases. If this is your heart...keep reading. If you have a desire to rescure, to empower and to be used by God to bring hope to the poorest people in our world...keep on reading.
Over the course of the next year, I want to bring awareness to world poverty and specifically how micro-credit can be a part of the solution to this world-wide problem. If you have very few resources, but you'd be willing to contribute a small amount, please let me know. If you (like me) are a little intigued with the micro-lending revolution that is happening in some of the world's poorest countries, let me know. I'd like to fan this flame in your heart. Over the course of the next several months, I'll be sharing some specific ways that you can get involved in creating and making micro-loans to the poor of our world. If this excites you, and you have a desire to be a part of this (or if you simply want some more information on micro lending)...I'd like to know about this. Email me today at parmitage@northmarchurch.com and join me in this adventure!
Go Make a Difference with your life!!!
In a nutshell, micro-credit is something that started in the 1970's with a man from Bangladesh starting the Grameen Bank (with only $27.00 in his pocket) and seeking to lend money to the poorest people in the world. The money is lent at a low-interest rate and strives to give poor people capital that in turn brings revenue which ultimately brings hope to the very people who found themselves stuck in poverty. Mircro-loans can help start businesses, purchase material or supplies for businesses or for education purposes. These loans are small-scale loans ranging from 25.00 to $250 per loan, and are typically paid back on a bi-weekly basis or monthly basis to a collector or officer that works with the organization.
It's an intriguing model because it empowers the individual to work and earn money that in turn pays back the loan amount. Interesting enough, the Grameen bank has a 98% return rate and every year millions of dollars are loaned to individuals in some of the poorest countries of the world.
I've continued in reading and studying up on "micro-credit" and looked at other reputable organizations that do this here in the United States. The vision amongst these organizations is driven by the desire to see hope given to the world's poorest people. Instead of giving a hand-out, miocro-credit lending strives to equip and then empower the individual so that they can become productive and responsible workers who can sustain an income and in turn provide for themselves and their family.
What a vision this is. As I see the works of Opportunity International (www.opportunityinternational.org) and Hope International (www.hopeinternational.org), and other non-profit organizations I see a movment of concerned and caring citizens who want to put an end to injustices in our world through the empowerment of the world's poorest people (those living on less than a $1.00 a day).
When I returned from my first trip to Africa in 2006, I told God that I would do more do correct the injustices that take place on that great continent. I told God that I would use more of my time, energy and resources to bring hope and solutions to those people stuck in poverty and those who are suffering from malnutrition and other preventable diseases. If this is your heart...keep reading. If you have a desire to rescure, to empower and to be used by God to bring hope to the poorest people in our world...keep on reading.
Over the course of the next year, I want to bring awareness to world poverty and specifically how micro-credit can be a part of the solution to this world-wide problem. If you have very few resources, but you'd be willing to contribute a small amount, please let me know. If you (like me) are a little intigued with the micro-lending revolution that is happening in some of the world's poorest countries, let me know. I'd like to fan this flame in your heart. Over the course of the next several months, I'll be sharing some specific ways that you can get involved in creating and making micro-loans to the poor of our world. If this excites you, and you have a desire to be a part of this (or if you simply want some more information on micro lending)...I'd like to know about this. Email me today at parmitage@northmarchurch.com and join me in this adventure!
Go Make a Difference with your life!!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Can Rich People Go to Heaven?
For the last several years I’ve struggled with this very question, “Can rich people go to Heaven?” This is a valid question and one that deserves a response. This question is an offensive question that makes people squirm and feel uncomfortable. Nevertheless, it’s still a good question that needs to be addressed. In Scripture, Jesus has plenty to say about Heaven and eternity, but even more about the subject of money. In fact, Jesus talks more about money than almost any other subject except the overarching themes in the bible like salvation, abiding in Christ and loving God with a pure heart.
Our world is filled with misinformed and misguided people who take a theological position in the name of convenience. For many, poverty is inconvenient so we avoid it and for the sake of convenience and comfort, we bask in the material things that this world offers. Let’s face it, it’s convenient to drop by a fast food restaurant and grab a “large heart attack to go” and it’s convenient to keep our house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s convenient to drive in a car that has heated seats and makes us feel good. Living in America, the consumer is targeted on a daily basis to live their lives in convenience and comfort. Commercials, billboards, our schools, churches and our government screams in our ears to be comfortable, even at the expense of others living uncomfortably.
Enough of my personal rant, let’s get back to this pivotal question: “Can rich people go to Heaven?” The often quoted words of Jesus in Matthew 19:24 says, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”. WOW! Did you hear what Jesus said? He said it’s hard for a wealthy man to enter the kingdom of God (Heaven). I don’t know if you have ever seen a camel go through the eye of a needle, but for me, it’s hard to believe that this is attainable. Jesus is saying, “how much harder it is for the rich man to spend eternity with God”. Why did Jesus say this? Did He really mean what He said? Does Jesus dislike personal wealth?
As I study this passage, it’s clear that Jesus is saying that since the man (rich young ruler) was trusting in his personal wealth rather than the Lord to save him, he could no more enter the kingdom (Heaven) than a camel to go through the “eye of a needle”. Jesus is essentially saying that to be “perfect” or attain eternal life, one must come to a crisis or a moment in ones life where wealth and materialism are crucified.
Did Jesus have a Self-Esteem Problem?
Did Jesus feel threatened by one’s personal wealth? Was He jealous? Did he ask his potential followers to lives of poverty and self examination because He was jealous of something that He didn’t have? No doubt about it, Jesus wasn’t rich. Although many prosperity preachers say that Jesus lived a lavish lifestyle, it’s clear in the pages of scripture that Jesus lived a life of simplicity where he placed more value on the eternal than the temporal and emphasized the discipline of giving more than he taught about receiving and personal gain.
So, why was Jesus so concerned about the personal wealth of some of his potential followers? Jesus unequivocally asked his disciples to be fully devoted to Him and His cause…anything less than this would not be tolerated. He wanted “all” of his followers. Anything less than being “fully devoted to Christ” is lukewarm and Jesus Himself said that He “would spit the lukewarm” out of His mouth (Revelation 3). Jesus wants our “heart, soul, mind and strength”. Jesus wants our affections. He wants our allegiance. He wants us to be completely dependent on Him for life, breath, health and the eternal things. Jesus wants any obstacle or interference to our intimacy with Him to be thrown off or cast aside. It’s not a self-esteem issue, but it’s jealousy for your heart and my heart. He loves us more than we can ever know. He made us for relationship…to be fully connected with Him and immersed into His flawless character. Jesus is jealous when we love “stuff” more than Himself. Jesus becomes jealous when our eye is constantly on what we wear, what we drive and who we are instead of living out the mission that He has called us to live…a mission that is complete dependency on Jesus himself and seeking to be hope and justice in the world that we live (this is the way Jesus lived).
Our world is filled with misinformed and misguided people who take a theological position in the name of convenience. For many, poverty is inconvenient so we avoid it and for the sake of convenience and comfort, we bask in the material things that this world offers. Let’s face it, it’s convenient to drop by a fast food restaurant and grab a “large heart attack to go” and it’s convenient to keep our house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s convenient to drive in a car that has heated seats and makes us feel good. Living in America, the consumer is targeted on a daily basis to live their lives in convenience and comfort. Commercials, billboards, our schools, churches and our government screams in our ears to be comfortable, even at the expense of others living uncomfortably.
Enough of my personal rant, let’s get back to this pivotal question: “Can rich people go to Heaven?” The often quoted words of Jesus in Matthew 19:24 says, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”. WOW! Did you hear what Jesus said? He said it’s hard for a wealthy man to enter the kingdom of God (Heaven). I don’t know if you have ever seen a camel go through the eye of a needle, but for me, it’s hard to believe that this is attainable. Jesus is saying, “how much harder it is for the rich man to spend eternity with God”. Why did Jesus say this? Did He really mean what He said? Does Jesus dislike personal wealth?
As I study this passage, it’s clear that Jesus is saying that since the man (rich young ruler) was trusting in his personal wealth rather than the Lord to save him, he could no more enter the kingdom (Heaven) than a camel to go through the “eye of a needle”. Jesus is essentially saying that to be “perfect” or attain eternal life, one must come to a crisis or a moment in ones life where wealth and materialism are crucified.
Did Jesus have a Self-Esteem Problem?
Did Jesus feel threatened by one’s personal wealth? Was He jealous? Did he ask his potential followers to lives of poverty and self examination because He was jealous of something that He didn’t have? No doubt about it, Jesus wasn’t rich. Although many prosperity preachers say that Jesus lived a lavish lifestyle, it’s clear in the pages of scripture that Jesus lived a life of simplicity where he placed more value on the eternal than the temporal and emphasized the discipline of giving more than he taught about receiving and personal gain.
So, why was Jesus so concerned about the personal wealth of some of his potential followers? Jesus unequivocally asked his disciples to be fully devoted to Him and His cause…anything less than this would not be tolerated. He wanted “all” of his followers. Anything less than being “fully devoted to Christ” is lukewarm and Jesus Himself said that He “would spit the lukewarm” out of His mouth (Revelation 3). Jesus wants our “heart, soul, mind and strength”. Jesus wants our affections. He wants our allegiance. He wants us to be completely dependent on Him for life, breath, health and the eternal things. Jesus wants any obstacle or interference to our intimacy with Him to be thrown off or cast aside. It’s not a self-esteem issue, but it’s jealousy for your heart and my heart. He loves us more than we can ever know. He made us for relationship…to be fully connected with Him and immersed into His flawless character. Jesus is jealous when we love “stuff” more than Himself. Jesus becomes jealous when our eye is constantly on what we wear, what we drive and who we are instead of living out the mission that He has called us to live…a mission that is complete dependency on Jesus himself and seeking to be hope and justice in the world that we live (this is the way Jesus lived).
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
17 Ways You Can Invest $25.00 or Less and Impact a Life
Purchase flowers for nursing home residents (and then visit them)
Purchase and then plant some flowers for an elderly person
Make a one time donation (or ongoing commitment) to Compassion or World Vision to sponsor a hungry child (http://www.compassion.com/)
Make food and then serve food at the Warren Family Mission (arrange with Mission ahead of time)
Bless a Principal or a Favorite Teacher with a gift.
Buy Shoes for Children in Warren City Elementary Schools (and deliver them)
Purchase and give out bottled water at a local school’s basketball game (in the name of Jesus)
Buy Pizzas, deliver them and then spend time at Fairhaven School.
Do a spring cleaning at someone’s house.
Cut someone’s grass who is unable (or shovel their driveway).
Visit and give a gift to children staying in Trumbull Hospital.
Send a care package to one of our missionary families (http://www.northmarchurch.com/)
Donate $25.00 to Opportunity International (http://www.opportunityinternational.org/) to provide a micro-loan for an impoverished person.
Give away clothes that you no longer wear to the Warren Family Mission (and then go sort them at the mission)
Tutor Warren City School children with “Mind, Body and Soul” (a non-profit organization in Warren)
Make a donation to the Great Commission Fund (the fund that pays for Alliance missionaries)
Cook, deliver and eat a meal with a widow that lives on your street (this is true religion)
Purchase and then plant some flowers for an elderly person
Make a one time donation (or ongoing commitment) to Compassion or World Vision to sponsor a hungry child (http://www.compassion.com/)
Make food and then serve food at the Warren Family Mission (arrange with Mission ahead of time)
Bless a Principal or a Favorite Teacher with a gift.
Buy Shoes for Children in Warren City Elementary Schools (and deliver them)
Purchase and give out bottled water at a local school’s basketball game (in the name of Jesus)
Buy Pizzas, deliver them and then spend time at Fairhaven School.
Do a spring cleaning at someone’s house.
Cut someone’s grass who is unable (or shovel their driveway).
Visit and give a gift to children staying in Trumbull Hospital.
Send a care package to one of our missionary families (http://www.northmarchurch.com/)
Donate $25.00 to Opportunity International (http://www.opportunityinternational.org/) to provide a micro-loan for an impoverished person.
Give away clothes that you no longer wear to the Warren Family Mission (and then go sort them at the mission)
Tutor Warren City School children with “Mind, Body and Soul” (a non-profit organization in Warren)
Make a donation to the Great Commission Fund (the fund that pays for Alliance missionaries)
Cook, deliver and eat a meal with a widow that lives on your street (this is true religion)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
FOR PARENTS ONLY (the most important connection)
Let’s face it. Probably the most important connection you can make on behalf of your teenager is to introduce them to God, His plan and His incredible love for their lives. Parents often try so hard to ensure that their student is successful in the social arena by launching them into school functions and activities and keeping them “occupied”. Students think that success is defined by their involvement in “activities” instead of being defined by what they stand for, or better yet, “who they are”.
Teenagers are busier today more than ever, and they thrive on a busy schedule. Many students that I interact with have very little margin in their lives and have commitments from dawn to dusk. Although these students are busy, are they necessarily connected to God? Is their time in their schedule to learn what it means to be a Christ-follower and to become better acquainted with the “ways of God”?
Here are five action steps that I feel every family needs to incorporate into their family (including my own) if we truly want to see the connection made between God and our children:
#1. EAT WITH YOUR FAMILY regularly. Make this a priority, and you’ll be thankful. Eating together for 30-45 minutes will allow your family to talk with each other, listen to each other and ultimately learn more about each other. If you don’t have time to eat together, either you or your family is way too busy.
#2. MAKE CHURCH LIFE APART OF THEIR ACTIVITIES. Get your student involved at North-Mar Church (or any church that preaches the Bible). We have an active student ministry (www.northmarchurch.com) that is ready to compliment and reinforce what you are already trying to teach your student. Make room in the spring and fall for a retreat or a mission’s trip…and get them there on Wednesday or Thursday nights. The truth is this: Students who are not actively involved in a church youth group are “less likely” to follow God.
#3. SAY THE WORDS, “I LOVE YOU” OFTEN. In your marriage and in your parenting, these three words should be flowing out of our mouths constantly. Teenagers need to hear these words from both parents (every single day). Hug your family often, and verbally tell them that you’re absolutely crazy about them. This type of language will create a security in teenagers, knowing that they have a mom and a dad who loves them. More than anything else in life, teenagers want someone to love them.
#4. MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS KNOW WHAT YOUR FAMILY VALUES ARE. Make sure you let your family know what you’re all about. Have “family convictions” and hold fast to them. Teenagers today WANT convictions and rules. Just remember this: “Rules without relationship leads to rebellion” (#3 and #4 go hand in hand). Use the Bible and the character of Jesus to determine what your values should look like.
#5. STAY IN AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY with other Christ-followers. Develop meaningful friendships with other parents and people who can provide support for you and mentoring for your children. Intentionally surround your teenager with friends (their own age) who love God. Be open with people. Don’t be afraid to admit failure to friends. Small groups are the best way to incorporate authentic community into your life.
Go love God, and passionately love your kids…this is our #1 calling!!!
Teenagers are busier today more than ever, and they thrive on a busy schedule. Many students that I interact with have very little margin in their lives and have commitments from dawn to dusk. Although these students are busy, are they necessarily connected to God? Is their time in their schedule to learn what it means to be a Christ-follower and to become better acquainted with the “ways of God”?
Here are five action steps that I feel every family needs to incorporate into their family (including my own) if we truly want to see the connection made between God and our children:
#1. EAT WITH YOUR FAMILY regularly. Make this a priority, and you’ll be thankful. Eating together for 30-45 minutes will allow your family to talk with each other, listen to each other and ultimately learn more about each other. If you don’t have time to eat together, either you or your family is way too busy.
#2. MAKE CHURCH LIFE APART OF THEIR ACTIVITIES. Get your student involved at North-Mar Church (or any church that preaches the Bible). We have an active student ministry (www.northmarchurch.com) that is ready to compliment and reinforce what you are already trying to teach your student. Make room in the spring and fall for a retreat or a mission’s trip…and get them there on Wednesday or Thursday nights. The truth is this: Students who are not actively involved in a church youth group are “less likely” to follow God.
#3. SAY THE WORDS, “I LOVE YOU” OFTEN. In your marriage and in your parenting, these three words should be flowing out of our mouths constantly. Teenagers need to hear these words from both parents (every single day). Hug your family often, and verbally tell them that you’re absolutely crazy about them. This type of language will create a security in teenagers, knowing that they have a mom and a dad who loves them. More than anything else in life, teenagers want someone to love them.
#4. MAKE SURE YOUR KIDS KNOW WHAT YOUR FAMILY VALUES ARE. Make sure you let your family know what you’re all about. Have “family convictions” and hold fast to them. Teenagers today WANT convictions and rules. Just remember this: “Rules without relationship leads to rebellion” (#3 and #4 go hand in hand). Use the Bible and the character of Jesus to determine what your values should look like.
#5. STAY IN AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY with other Christ-followers. Develop meaningful friendships with other parents and people who can provide support for you and mentoring for your children. Intentionally surround your teenager with friends (their own age) who love God. Be open with people. Don’t be afraid to admit failure to friends. Small groups are the best way to incorporate authentic community into your life.
Go love God, and passionately love your kids…this is our #1 calling!!!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Do Teenagers Really Need God?
OK, so the title got your attention and you’re wondering what right I have to ask such an audacious question. Before you rule out reading this article, let me say that I believe with all of my heart that teenagers have a real need for God in their life. They need God’s friendship, God’s power, God’s encouragement, and God’s comfort in their daily lives. There’s no question about it, we’re living in an era where teenagers who live life apart from God and His truth truly are hopeless.
The truth is that the reality that teenagers need God and how their lives are lived out in their families, their schools and their churches are at complete opposites…and at times they really don’t have a need for God. Teenagers today have everything they could ever want. Long gone are the days where most teenagers have to work to buy their first car, let alone their clothes, their food, their video game stations), and their cell phones (with unlimited texting). Teenagers today receive a lot of handouts. Consequences for their actions are unheard of, and how dare we make our teenagers feel uncomfortable in a social setting. Giving everything to teenagers that they want isn’t encouraging students to have a “dependence” on God and a constant need in their life for His help.
I recently was at a gathering of junior high students and I was astonished at how many of them had their own cell phones (yes, 6th grade students were texting at this event). To be honest, I was bothered, irritated and curious as to why a junior high student has a need for a cell phone. Are they and their family so busy that the child has to have their own cell phones? I proceeded to ask several of these students who was paying the cell phone bill, and they told me that “mom and dad” were. How is paying for a junior high students cell phone encouraging them to “need God”? The more we give our children and the more needs they have that are met, the less likely they are to need God in their daily lives.
I recently was in one of our area high schools, and I was amazed at the amount of vehicles in the student parking lot. Some of these vehicles were brand new and nicer than most of the cars in the teacher parking lot. What ever happened to five or six year old cars with a few problems that teenagers inherit as their first car, and are responsible for maintaining these cars. Just because a family has the financial means to buy a reputable and classy car, is it necessarily the best for the teenager? How does it encourage students in their daily need for a higher power to direct them in their lives? Can’t they get along with a used car just as much as them have a new or close to new car?
Teenagers have very little needs (materially speaking) in their lives today. Their cars are nicer, they have all the latest gadgets, a lot of things are handed out to them, they have very little ownership in their possessions, and this translates to their interaction with the God of the universe. They have very little need for God and His activity in their lives. Everything is taken care of. Clothes on their backs, cars to drive, TV’s and computers in their rooms, any sport they want to play is granted, dance lessons, piano lessons, iPOD’s, and discretionary money often given to them by parents to spend as they see fit.
As a youth pastor, I’m serious about students developing a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. In order for this to take place, their needs to be “gaps” or “needs” in their lives. When a teenager has everything they could ever want, is this necessarily right? Sometimes depriving a student from life’s luxuries produces dependence on other people and ultimately on God Himself (this is ultimately the message of the New Testament…living in community with people and with God).
Mandy and I have two small children, but when Logan (our oldest) is old enough to get his driver’s license, his first car will be a used car (not a jalopy, rather just a used car). He won’t have all the gadgets, and he’s going to have to have some ownership in some of his material possessions. This flows out of our desire for Logan to see that he needs God to meet His needs (materially, socially, emotionally, and spiritually). If mom and dad meet all of his material needs, where in the world will Logan sense in his own life that He needs God? We have a passion to see that Logan recognizes that God is the “giver of all good things” and that everything that He needs can be found in God Himself…not his parents, or his church, or his school’s athletic program, or his car or even his iPOD, but God Himself.
We’re living in a successful world, and each of us craves for success in every facet of our lives. I recently came across this great statement: “The greatest danger that success brings, aside from arrogance, is the fear to lose what has been gained.” May we who love teenagers and want the best for their lives (parents, coaches, youth leaders, community leaders) encourage students to have a “loose grip” on their earthly possessions, and encourage them at times to do without certain gadgets or material things. Moving in this direction will create a generation that is “content” with what they have, and encourage in their lives a need for God.
I hope I’ve stirred your thoughts and got you thinking!
The truth is that the reality that teenagers need God and how their lives are lived out in their families, their schools and their churches are at complete opposites…and at times they really don’t have a need for God. Teenagers today have everything they could ever want. Long gone are the days where most teenagers have to work to buy their first car, let alone their clothes, their food, their video game stations), and their cell phones (with unlimited texting). Teenagers today receive a lot of handouts. Consequences for their actions are unheard of, and how dare we make our teenagers feel uncomfortable in a social setting. Giving everything to teenagers that they want isn’t encouraging students to have a “dependence” on God and a constant need in their life for His help.
I recently was at a gathering of junior high students and I was astonished at how many of them had their own cell phones (yes, 6th grade students were texting at this event). To be honest, I was bothered, irritated and curious as to why a junior high student has a need for a cell phone. Are they and their family so busy that the child has to have their own cell phones? I proceeded to ask several of these students who was paying the cell phone bill, and they told me that “mom and dad” were. How is paying for a junior high students cell phone encouraging them to “need God”? The more we give our children and the more needs they have that are met, the less likely they are to need God in their daily lives.
I recently was in one of our area high schools, and I was amazed at the amount of vehicles in the student parking lot. Some of these vehicles were brand new and nicer than most of the cars in the teacher parking lot. What ever happened to five or six year old cars with a few problems that teenagers inherit as their first car, and are responsible for maintaining these cars. Just because a family has the financial means to buy a reputable and classy car, is it necessarily the best for the teenager? How does it encourage students in their daily need for a higher power to direct them in their lives? Can’t they get along with a used car just as much as them have a new or close to new car?
Teenagers have very little needs (materially speaking) in their lives today. Their cars are nicer, they have all the latest gadgets, a lot of things are handed out to them, they have very little ownership in their possessions, and this translates to their interaction with the God of the universe. They have very little need for God and His activity in their lives. Everything is taken care of. Clothes on their backs, cars to drive, TV’s and computers in their rooms, any sport they want to play is granted, dance lessons, piano lessons, iPOD’s, and discretionary money often given to them by parents to spend as they see fit.
As a youth pastor, I’m serious about students developing a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. In order for this to take place, their needs to be “gaps” or “needs” in their lives. When a teenager has everything they could ever want, is this necessarily right? Sometimes depriving a student from life’s luxuries produces dependence on other people and ultimately on God Himself (this is ultimately the message of the New Testament…living in community with people and with God).
Mandy and I have two small children, but when Logan (our oldest) is old enough to get his driver’s license, his first car will be a used car (not a jalopy, rather just a used car). He won’t have all the gadgets, and he’s going to have to have some ownership in some of his material possessions. This flows out of our desire for Logan to see that he needs God to meet His needs (materially, socially, emotionally, and spiritually). If mom and dad meet all of his material needs, where in the world will Logan sense in his own life that He needs God? We have a passion to see that Logan recognizes that God is the “giver of all good things” and that everything that He needs can be found in God Himself…not his parents, or his church, or his school’s athletic program, or his car or even his iPOD, but God Himself.
We’re living in a successful world, and each of us craves for success in every facet of our lives. I recently came across this great statement: “The greatest danger that success brings, aside from arrogance, is the fear to lose what has been gained.” May we who love teenagers and want the best for their lives (parents, coaches, youth leaders, community leaders) encourage students to have a “loose grip” on their earthly possessions, and encourage them at times to do without certain gadgets or material things. Moving in this direction will create a generation that is “content” with what they have, and encourage in their lives a need for God.
I hope I’ve stirred your thoughts and got you thinking!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Why Mandy and I Are Adopting from Africa
Part of my purpose in blogging is to write on matters pertaining to culture, spirituality and social justice. In regards to the last, I have to admit that God has really been stirring in my heart the need to be socially aware of the injustices that take place in our world. From slavery and prejudice to the sexual slave epidemic in Thailand and Vietnam, God has shown me that he detests injustices. In 2006, I took a group of high school students to Africa, and to make a long story short, God ruined my life (for the better). I thought that this would be another missions trip with a group of students but it turned out to be an experience that would rock my world. Upon my return from West Africa, I began to think about the impoverished people in our world on a daily basis. Every time I would pick up a knife and fork to eat, I would think about those who had nothing to eat. Every morning when I would get dressed, I would think about the people that I had seen who had nothing and lived on less than a $1.00 a day. It was during this time that God was calling Mandy and I to re-evaluate how we were living...and the question resonated inside me: Was their more of "us" that we could give over to "Him"?
I knew that God was calling me to do something tangible to help solve the myriad of problems that plague the great continent of Africa. Mandy and I were already sponsoring a child with Compassion International, but we felt that He was calling us to do more. We started to talk about the idea of adopting a child from Africa. The more we dreamed and talked about this idea, the more excited we became. We talked about it frequently, prayed about it and then decided to pursue an adoption from Africa.
We both were settled on Africa and we both wanted a little boy. We then pursued a variety of organizations that would help us achieve our dream of an international adoption. We were led to a great organization that only adopts orphans, America World (www.awaa.org). So, in December of 2007 we applied to adopt a little child from Ethiopia. We were then accepted into this program and are now at the stage where we're waiting for our "referral" (when we'll receive biological and a brief medical history of our child).
The more we move ahead in this process, the more we feel close to the heart of God and His mission for our lives. Since we embarked on this journey of adopting an orphan from Ethiopia, God has taught us so much as to how He views the underprivileged, specifically the orphans in our world. Our world is filled with orphans, and Ethiopia itself has hundreds of thousands of orphans. These children have been orphaned due to the parents being unable to feed their children, or the parents have died due to AIDS. I learned that God hates suffering, and wants for His followers to be agents of change and hope to these orphans.
As I read Isaiah 1:16-17 and then James 1:27 (and numerous other passages), I was reminded that true Christianity is when we care for the lonely, the widow, and the orphan. God is serious about the orphan dilemma and the more I read Scripture and see the heart of God, the more I realize how adopting an orphan fit into God's master plan for our lives. We now see that our purpose in adopting an oprhan is to ultimately come close to the heart of God (who aches for the lonely and abandoned).
In less than three months (fingers crossed), Mandy and I will board a plane and go pick up our new baby boy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When we finally look into his eyes, the care and love that we've been given by our Lord Jesus will be given to this precious life. Isn't this what Christianity is all about...passing it on? Allowing the love of Jesus to become such a pivitol part of our lives that it starts to spread and move into the lives of other people.
Mandy and I have been called to adopt. This may or may not be your calling...but I assure you, you do have a calling. God wants you to remember His irrisistable love and bring that love into the lives of those around you. Yes, he wants you to enter the lives of other people in Jesus name. It's His mission for your life. How's that for purpose?
Go Live Life Large!!!
I knew that God was calling me to do something tangible to help solve the myriad of problems that plague the great continent of Africa. Mandy and I were already sponsoring a child with Compassion International, but we felt that He was calling us to do more. We started to talk about the idea of adopting a child from Africa. The more we dreamed and talked about this idea, the more excited we became. We talked about it frequently, prayed about it and then decided to pursue an adoption from Africa.
We both were settled on Africa and we both wanted a little boy. We then pursued a variety of organizations that would help us achieve our dream of an international adoption. We were led to a great organization that only adopts orphans, America World (www.awaa.org). So, in December of 2007 we applied to adopt a little child from Ethiopia. We were then accepted into this program and are now at the stage where we're waiting for our "referral" (when we'll receive biological and a brief medical history of our child).
The more we move ahead in this process, the more we feel close to the heart of God and His mission for our lives. Since we embarked on this journey of adopting an orphan from Ethiopia, God has taught us so much as to how He views the underprivileged, specifically the orphans in our world. Our world is filled with orphans, and Ethiopia itself has hundreds of thousands of orphans. These children have been orphaned due to the parents being unable to feed their children, or the parents have died due to AIDS. I learned that God hates suffering, and wants for His followers to be agents of change and hope to these orphans.
As I read Isaiah 1:16-17 and then James 1:27 (and numerous other passages), I was reminded that true Christianity is when we care for the lonely, the widow, and the orphan. God is serious about the orphan dilemma and the more I read Scripture and see the heart of God, the more I realize how adopting an orphan fit into God's master plan for our lives. We now see that our purpose in adopting an oprhan is to ultimately come close to the heart of God (who aches for the lonely and abandoned).
In less than three months (fingers crossed), Mandy and I will board a plane and go pick up our new baby boy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. When we finally look into his eyes, the care and love that we've been given by our Lord Jesus will be given to this precious life. Isn't this what Christianity is all about...passing it on? Allowing the love of Jesus to become such a pivitol part of our lives that it starts to spread and move into the lives of other people.
Mandy and I have been called to adopt. This may or may not be your calling...but I assure you, you do have a calling. God wants you to remember His irrisistable love and bring that love into the lives of those around you. Yes, he wants you to enter the lives of other people in Jesus name. It's His mission for your life. How's that for purpose?
Go Live Life Large!!!
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