the countdown begins: 3 days until we leave for NCYM

Yesterday I wrote briefly about why we are going to NCYM. Two reasons, 1. to be recharged and 2., to hear from God. While we are there amongst our colleagues and friends in youth ministry we feel like family. If there is a word to describe just how NCYM compares to other major youth ministry conferences, I think it would be family. I love what Group is doing and offers, and was blown away by the NYWC that Youth Specialties put on in Austin, TX a year ago or so. Hands down, Youth Specialties is the big leagues. At NCYM, I am continually blown away by the community focus. We come as wounded brothers and sisters, and join others as family. We sing together, we laugh together, we shed tears together, we eat together, and we heal together. I look forward to NCYM because of the love and concern that is poured out on our behalf.

Reflections from NCYM last year: a cup of coffee with a friend

One of the highlights last year in Colorado Springs was sitting down with Dr. Fraze and catching up with a friend over a cup of coffee. I got to share what was on my heart over the course of a year of youth ministry and we talked about youth ministry and life, and frustrations. I took a youth ministry course with Fraze back on 2005, it was incredible. It was hands down the best course I’ve taken at LCU. Thanks brother.

But, for me it was more than a cup of coffee. It was about sharing what was on my heart with an older, trusted mentor and friend. I needed some guidance and direction, and a pair of ears to unload on. That’s what friends are for.

Embarrassing moments:

It must be in my blood, to embarrass myself. I did it a couple of years ago when I met Jeff Walling in an elevator, and last year I was rambling on about how cool it was to be on an elevator with Randy Harris, aka, the man in black. With my wife beside me, and not paying attention to who was behind me, I went and on and on about how cool Randy Harris was, and his class, and his teaching, about how I wanted to shake his hand, etc. I noticed my wife speed up, and I couldn’t figure out why she was walking fast, and once we turned a corner, she told me that my hero was behind us all the way down the hall way. I hope he didn’t think I was stalking him.

But seriously, another reason we go to NCYM, is to sit at the feet of Dr. Harris. It is well worth the trip.

Snowballs to the face:

I don’t know how Atlanta fares with snow but Colorado Springs was great. An impromptu snowball fight with my family landed me in deep trouble, when a time of play turned into snowball right in my wife’s kisser. I tried not to laugh, and I don’t know what was more troubling, the fact that I was the one responsible for the direct hit on my wife’s nose or that I laughed afterwards. I am forbidden to play with snow ever again.

the countdown begins: 4 days

I know Christmas is behind us. I am counting down the days until my wife load our van and head to Atlanta for NCYM, the National Conference on Youth Ministries. We attended our first conference back in January of 2004. I had been in youth ministry all of four months, and our church let us go to NCYM. It was amazing. Since that first time to the conference, the week in January when we get away is a time of recharging. This year is extra special to us. We weren’t going to be able to go at all, and actually canceled our hotel room for the week and resigned ourself to wait until 2009. But, then the closer the final registration deadline approached the more uneasy I became with the thought of not going. So, through the generosity of some dear friends, Dec. 31, we are planning on rolling out of town and stopping in Memphis and then on to Atlanta. We will be traveling some 925 miles plus to the conference with our three daughters. Thank God for HSM 2, and Barbie movies!

We are coming to Atlanta, because more than ever our batteries are depleted. It has been a tough year for us emotionally, spiritually, and materially. We are coming to see what God has in store for us. I am in need of healing, and need to be reminded of my calling. I know other guys and gals wrestle with their calling, this year has been all about trying to hear the calling. I am worried that either my ears are clogged, or I am God-deaf. I need this conference this year.

In years past, God has done some remarkable things in and through the conference. Will this year be any different? I pray no!

Christmas reflection: # 6 the day after Christmas

Now that the presents have been unwrapped and gift paper thrown away, and preparations are underway to begin taking down all the holiday decorations, now is the time to celebrate. See, it’s great that we move enthusiastically towards Christmas day with great expectations, but Christmas begins today and the days that follow. We rejoice, along with the angels and the shepherds at the birth of the one placed in the manger, but we must now continue to unwrap this gift and allow his Presence in our lives be the greatest present to us and to our communities.

Gadgets and toys are great, and sometime over the next month the newness will wear off. For followers of Jesus, the Incarnation moves us closer to Calvary. To a time when we see God giving generously again, giving himself in our place.  God became a man and made his dwelling among us to free us from captivity from the powers of this world. The glitz and glimmer of commercialism blind many of us to the true meaning of the season, may we pray fervently to have eyes to see and ears to hear. I have had to learn and relearn this lesson over and over; its not about what you get that’s important, but it is all about giving to others. We are blessed when we give and as we live out the Incarnation of Jesus, we are called to continue to give to our neighbors, to our families.  We are most like God when we give. Really the lesson we learn through all of this is that it doesn’t matter what the calendar says, every day is an opportunity to bless someone else. What will you give today?

Christmas reflection # 5: Christmas trees

Trees are mentioned  throughout the Bible. As a matter of fact, as the story of redemptions begins to unfold, there are two prominent trees in Genesis. The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knolwedge of Good and Evil. We know already know how this plays out. How Adam and Eve are instructed to eat from any tree except these two. We know how they are tempted and lead astray and eventually banned from the paradise God had made. We remember that the Tree of Life is heavily guarded just in case, these two humans decide they want to live forever.

Besides these two trees at the beginning of the Story, there are other trees mentioned throughout Scripture. In the Bible, there word “trees” is mentioned 127 times.  Also, the word, “tree,” is mentioned some 277 times.There are fig trees, olive trees, myrtle trees, seed-bearing trees, withering trees, great trees, stately trees, palm trees, and a tree of the curse (Dt. 21-23), etc. As a matter of fact, one of the trees that you won’t find mentioned in Scripture is the Christmas tree. But, I want to go out on a limb (pun intended) here and suggest, that the Christmas tree is a part of the Story. Think about how we use Christmas trees…we decorate them, put a star on top, or an angel, place gifts under the tree. The Christmas tree becomes a sign of the season. God had a Christmas tree in mind. The cross is God’s Christmas tree. Only there, you won’t find garland, or cute little santa claus’s hanging from the tree. God’s decorative artistry includes his Son, battered and bruised. Nails to pin his hands and feet to the body of the tree. A sign is place above his head, annoucning, his title and a crown of thorns to grace his head. Sweat and blood blow flow freely from the man hanging there on the cross. While this is not the cute little image of Christmas that we usually are accustomed to, I believe this is the image of Christmas we need to be prepaing for and need to allow to become part of the Christmas story.

See, the tree of the curse (see above) becomes the tree of life for all of us who have come to God’s Christmas tree sin-soaked and weary and placed our hope in a crucifed man from Nazareth. While we celebrate the giving of gifts and we stuff ourselves with fudge, and hot chocolate, we must allow for the cross to be a part of the Christmas stroy. The Advent is the beginning of the story of the cross. It is the stroy of redemption. Have you found your place in the story?

Merry Christmas!

Christmas reflection # 4

I don’t like the way to story unfolds. I just don’t. I wouldn’t have written it that way. In Luke 2, the Emperor calls a census and heads of households have to relocate to their hometowns to register with the government. John makes a big deal about the pre-existence of Jesus. Mark begins his gospel story with a conflation of OT quotes. Matthew begins with a genealogy and Luke begins with an elderly couple unable to have children. Luke and Matthew both tells us of the greatness of this child that Mary is carrying. His name is to be Jesus, he is the Son of God. It is after all, great news of joy for all people. The Roman world was used to proclamations of good news, at the birth days of the Emperors or at news of great military victories. So, the gospel writers borrowing terms from their own culture, announce the good news of God’s coming. But, his arrival is anything but glorious. Jesus, the king of Kings, the Immanuel is wrapped in cloths and placed in a manger. I don’t like it.

Shepherds are the first to pay homage. Do, they fully understand what they are witnessing. Here is a young couple having traveled from back water Nazareth to Bethlehem, and they aren’t able to find a proper setting for the night, let alone the birth of a child. As far as we know, Joseph plays the part of mid-wife and now shepherds arrive to see what the Lord had announced was going to turn their world upside down. If I had the pen in the story, there would be a grand castle and a royal guard, surrounding the newborn king. There would be a contingent of soldiers preparing for battle, and shepherds, who wants shepherds at the waiting room?

I am glad that the pen wasn’t in my hands. I say I don’t like the story. I am only partially telling the truth. I don’t like the way to story is written, because it’s not the way I would write it. I don’t like story because it isn’t powerful or meaningful or one of the most life changing moments in all of human history. I don’t like the story because many miss the significance of the birth of Jesus. The shepherds were told that his birth would good news for all people. Rich and poor alike would share in the blessing of this new birth. There is no need for a detachment of guards or angels to keep people away. Even from his birth, Jesus was accessible to the overlooked and looked down upon. Jesu’ birth is the turning point, it is a time of joy and change. I don’t like the story because I can’t read it and not be moved to want to be different. I love the story and how it is for all of us. It is not just a nice tale, it is an invitation to something bigger than ourselves.

I found this on sermon central and wanted to share it here:

“What Jesus Means to Me!”

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be…
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can’t understand him,
The armies can’t defeat Him,
The schools can’t explain Him, and The leaders can’t ignore Him.
Herod couldn’t kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him, and the people couldn’t hold Him!
Nero couldn’t crush Him,
Hitler couldn’t silence Him,
The New Age can’t replace Him, and talk shows can’t explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the Power of the powerful, the Ancient of days,
the Ruler of rulers, the Leader of leaders,
the Overseer of the overcomers, and the Sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this on for size…

His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me, never forsake me, never mislead me, never forget me,
never overlook me, and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every
time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven has whipped the god of this world.
So, if you’re wondering why I feel so secure, understand this . . .
He said it and that settles it!
God is in control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

I love the Lord and thank Him for all that he does in my life. Yes, I do love Jesus.
He is my source of existence and Savior. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I will be nothing. Without Him, I am nothing.
But with Him I can do all things. Philippians 4:13*

Tony Abram, What Jesus Means to me! Philippians 4:13-4:13. http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?ContributorID=&SermonID=71347

Phil. 4:1-3:an outline from last Sunday

I got to preach last Sunday, and my text was Philippians 4:1-3. Here is my outline and a story, I shared to add some humor:

You will probably recognize this fictional story that has been circulating around the world by way of e-mail:

I was walking across a bridge recently. I spied this fellow who looked like he was ready to jump off. So, I thought I’d try to stall him until the authorities showed up. “Don’t jump!” I said. “Why not?” he said. “Nobody loves me.”

“God loves you,” I said. “You believe in God, don’t you?”

“Yes, I believe in God,” he said.

“Good,” I said. “Are you Christian or Jewish?”

“Christian,” he said.

“Me, too!” I said. “Protestant or Catholic?”

“Neither,” he said.

“What then?” I said.

“Baptist,” he said.

“Me, too!” I said. “Independent Baptist or Southern Baptist?”

“Independent Baptist,” he said.

“Me, too!” I said. “New Evangelical/Moderate Independent Baptist or Conservative Independent Baptist?”

“Conservative Independent Baptist,” he said.

“Me, too!” I said. “Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Lose-Your-Salvation Armenian Conservative Independent Baptist?”

“Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist,” he said.

“Me, too!” I said. “Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Historical Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?”

“Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist,” he said.

“Me, too!” I said. “Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or For Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?”

“Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist,” he said.

“Me, too!” I said. “Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Strict Separation of Church and State Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?”

“Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist,” he said.

“Me, too!” I said. “Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Anti-Disney Boycott Pro-Choice Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?”

“Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist,” he said.

“Me, too!” I said. “KJV Only Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist or Modern Versions Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist?”

“MODERN VERSIONS Pro-Disney Boycott Pro-Life Unashamed Fundamentalist Against Women in Ministry Dispensational Premillennial Calvinistic Conservative Independent Baptist” he said.

“Auugghh!!! You heretic!” I said. And I pushed him over.

No doubt most of you have read or heard this story, and hopefully you laughed. And yet as I laugh, I realize that this fictional conversation and its outcome is repeated time after time in churches across our land and around the world. Christians seem more inclined to attack their fellow-saints than they do to evangelize the lost. Many saints have been gravely wounded by “friendly fire.” In our text, Paul deals with a rift between two of the women in the church at Philippi, women who had once contended side-by-side for the faith. Now, they are waging war against each other, and it would appear that they are seeking to gather support for themselves from others within the church. Here is an age-old problem that has plagued the people of God throughout the history of the church. Let us listen well to what Paul has to say to these two women, for surely he is speaking to us as well.

http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=1474

1. A word on conflict:

·        Conflict is unavoidable

·        Conflict can cripple churches

·        Conflict can blind Christians

·        Conflict is resolvable in the Lord

 

 2. Paul’s affection:

• My brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

 3. Paul’s concern:

·        Stand firm in the Lord

o       Military imagery

o       Recalling the previous mention of heavenly citizenship

·        Stand as one:

o       Unity was important to Paul (2:1-4)

o       Euodia and Syntyche had some disagreement

§         Weren’t living up to the meaning of their names

§         Euodia means prosperous journey

§         Syntyche means pleasant acquaintance

o       These women had labored with Paul in spreading the gospel

§         Now instead of spreading Jesus they are spreading dissension

 4. Paul’s plan:

• Agree with each other in the Lord
  • Addresses each women equally
  • A common theme throughout the letter
    • 1:14; 2:19, 24, 29; 3:1; 4:4
  • Remember the bigger picture
    • The gospel trumps our petty differences
    • Those in the church are family
      • Christ has made a difference
        • In our condition, in our character, in our thinking, and in our relationships
• Help these women
  • Asks help from a third party from “loyal yoke fellow” and Clement
  • Paul wants the church to help ease the tension
• Commends past faithfulness
• Stand on the promises:
  • Their names were written in the book of life
  • Had been Paul’s co-workers

 

5. What about us?

• Are we holding grudges?

Are we living up to our calling?

Christmas Lights: Christmas reflection # 3

I love Christmas lights. My little girls do too. There is a park in Chickasha, Ok that has hundred and hundreds of lights. My little girls love it. I guess, with out a doubt, Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love the music, cookies, trees, decorations, and of course presents. But, the lights have always fascinated me. Wednesday night in class, I decorated a couple of students with Christmas lights, sent the rest of the kids outside to observe a nearby house decorated to the max and then asked our kids to observe and report what they noticed about the decorations and where they were located. One of the young men in my class, noticed that the lights were along the path. I will come back to that in moment. I also asked my kids in class if we were to wear Christmas lights? Of course the answer is no. But, just like Christmas lights along the path, we too are called to illuminate the way to Jesus.

—————–

8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see–I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14 ”Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:8-20 (NRSV)

———————-

 1  In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 ’And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.Matt 2:1-12 (NRSV)

——————–

As we read both of these stories, I asked the kids if there was anything similar in both stories. Of course being in a youth group, the answers ranged, but here are the “answers” I was fishing for: Light and Jesus. There are other similarities, but for what I was trying to get across that was it.

I asked the kids what stars do. Again, a wide range of answers, but the best answers were: to give light, and for navigation. I also asked them consider what the glory of the Lord was that was mentioned in Luke 2. They talked about the magnificence of God, his radiance, his majesty.

My challenge was to note the way the wise men were lead to the house where Jesus was. The star illuminated the path to Jesus. The angels that appeared to the shepherds at night in Luke 2 must have illuminated the dark countryside and with the glory of God shining around them, they too were given a path to follow to Jesus.

We are called to be Christmas Lights today. Doing what the star did for the wise men, illuminating the path to Jesus so others can behold the babe in the manger. Our task as Christmas Lights is to shine the light on the path to Jesus not just in November and December but all year long. So, may we like Paul wrote in Philippians 2, “shine like stars in the universe…” to help others see Jesus.

the attack of the black hole

From the Washington Post:

A black hole attacks a neighboring galaxy in space. Read the story here:

Christmas reflection: genealogy

I was reading the beginning of Matthew this morning, and was reminded of the rich history of the Biblical narrative has Matthew recounts the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1. From Abraham onward, the story of Israel progresses, through the wilderness in the exodus, to the Promised Land and the time of the kings and then through the exiles and back to Jerusalem again. I get the sense as I read Matthew 1 that the people of Israel were an expectant people. Their history was unlike the histories of other nations. The lesson from Matthew 1 is that God is through writing the story yet. God begins a new chapter in the unfolding story by visiting a teen peasant girl. What scandal?! A woman pledged to be married shows up pregnant. It is bad for her family, bad for her community and bad for supposed future husband. But, Joseph loves Mary. Notice how Matthew portrays him, “Because Joseph was a righteous man and did want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly” (Matthew 1:19). Joseph was a righteous man. He didn’t want to bring any further disgrace to his betrothed, so he planned to divorce her quietly. I am sure he was heart broken as he went to bed. His plans for the future diminished because the one he loved turned up pregnant. Joseph, wanted to marry, raise a family and love his wife. I am sure his mind was made up when he closed his eyes, a quiet divorce was best. That was until God changed the ending of the story. Instead of divorce, an angel appears to Joseph and lets him on the plan that God has inaugurated in Mary’s womb. The baby she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit. He was to be named Jesus, and we hear the distant echo of Isaiah as he declared that a virgin would give birth to a son, and his name would be, “God with us.”

That is the message of the genealogy, God is with us. Through the varied names and different stories that each name represents, God was with his people. Now, as the story continues, God would still be with his people. Also, the message of the genealogy is that God will go anywhere, anytime, in any place to save anyone. The name Mary’s son would bear means, “the Lord saves.”

shameless plug

Last night NBC debuted a new show, Clash of the Choirs. Normally, I wouldn’t bother mentioning reality television, except, I know one of the choir members in Blake Shelton’s choir. One of the choir members, is married to one of the girls that used to be in my youth group. So, if you watch tv, and want to do me a favor, vote for Blake Shelton’s choir.