Whatcha got? Strange title. Strange way to start a blog post I admit, but it seems to be what is resonating within me. The more I dive into ministry the more I see people with wonderful gifts wondering how God could possibly use them for His purposes. As someone who loves diving into peoples lives and seeing the change happening that only God can do, I am daily reminded of how exciting it is to see people get (understand) what they got (gifts) and beginning to tap into them. The excitement that people feel as they realise that they can be used for God is such a cool experience.
An experience that I was able to have many years ago illustrates this.
In the summer of 1998 I was given the opportunity to go on a sports missions trip to the British Isles where we used sports as an opportunity to meet people and then share with them about what God has done in our lives. After one particular game of basketball I was particularly bummed out as I had a really poor game and was very annoyed with my performance. As I wore this on my face/body language one of the other ball players approached me and we talked about my attitude. He then told a story of a boy who had a very close relationship with his dad as his father attended every basketball game. The story went on to tell of how this kids father passed away before his championship game and how he was not sure if he would play in this game or not. As he considered this further he was approached by someone who gave him this thought; "Play every game for your father as it was his work that gave you this gift."
He then said to me, "Scottie, use your gift as if it's for your (Heavenly) Father who has given you the gift no matter how great or small. If you have a good game or a bad game, give your Father glory."
So my question is this... "Whatcha got and how are you using it? How are you using your gifts to give your Father glory? Don't have any gifts you say? I call false on that and say let's sit for coffee and figure out what your gifts are because the reality is that we all have something and they all have a purpose. My gifts are not your gifts and yours probably aren't mine, but we all have something.
One of our ministry locations for Boaz is seeing this happen in a small degree, but it's been an amazing thing. Some of the mom's love to cook and have a talent for finding the best deals in the grocery store. So we made the trek and they made some incredible food. Reality is that was them using their gifts to bring our Heavenly Father praise. It's an awesome experience when people see what they have as a gift and that there is a purpose for it no matter how great or small.
So once more I ask... Whatcha got cuz we don't got to do anything for God as if He needs us, but we get to use our gifts for God in changing this world as He allows us to be a part of His story.
Feel free to connect with me and message me at anytime if this strikes a chord with you and you want to tap into your gifts and be used. I'd love to help in that process.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Monday, 18 March 2013
"I've Got To Do Something..."
This is a line that I've had running through my head for a few weeks now. As I've connected with people through various ministry opportunities, I've noticed that there is a stirring in people to help out in some way. I know that sounded like a vague statement, but that is the statement I've been hearing. They see needs everywhere they look, their heart is stirred and they feel like they need to do something .
I've heard it said this way.. They have their firestorm of frustration moment or their moment of Holy discontent. It's kind of like Popeye. You remember Popeye right? That spinach eating sailor who had the incredible privilege of dating the incredibly attractive Olive Oil. Each time that Bluto would come in and try to steal away Popeye's love, he would say that classic line that stated, "That's all I can stands and I can't stands no more." Many people seem to be seeing the world around them and have that same mind set and feel the need to "do something".
This is where my heart comes in. As God has been increasing my "vision" of big picture stuff and stirring my heart for the lost and broken in our community and of the world, God has been giving me a passion to connect people with opportunities to fuel their fire. As people say, "I've just got to do something" I want to say, "Let sit down and see how this plays out for you. What is it that you want to do? What is your thing that you can't stands..."
There are needs all around us and many different ways to serve and bless those who need to be blessed. For those who feel like they just have to do something there are needs in many local churches for people to step up and be a blessing to many areas of ministry. For others there are local para church and non church opportunities to bless those in need all around our city and any community that they may be a part of. For others still there is a global need that we as super blessed and often spoiled North Americans can dive into and find areas to invest. The reality is that there is always something to be done, always areas to serve and always opportunity to change someones world.
The question is, "What is that something you've got to do?"
Don't worry, It's a question I must also ask myself.
For opportunities to serve with Boaz or otherwise connect with me and let's chat. It's a big world with lots of need and people need your help in many ways.
Blessings all,
~Scottie~
I've heard it said this way.. They have their firestorm of frustration moment or their moment of Holy discontent. It's kind of like Popeye. You remember Popeye right? That spinach eating sailor who had the incredible privilege of dating the incredibly attractive Olive Oil. Each time that Bluto would come in and try to steal away Popeye's love, he would say that classic line that stated, "That's all I can stands and I can't stands no more." Many people seem to be seeing the world around them and have that same mind set and feel the need to "do something".
This is where my heart comes in. As God has been increasing my "vision" of big picture stuff and stirring my heart for the lost and broken in our community and of the world, God has been giving me a passion to connect people with opportunities to fuel their fire. As people say, "I've just got to do something" I want to say, "Let sit down and see how this plays out for you. What is it that you want to do? What is your thing that you can't stands..."
There are needs all around us and many different ways to serve and bless those who need to be blessed. For those who feel like they just have to do something there are needs in many local churches for people to step up and be a blessing to many areas of ministry. For others there are local para church and non church opportunities to bless those in need all around our city and any community that they may be a part of. For others still there is a global need that we as super blessed and often spoiled North Americans can dive into and find areas to invest. The reality is that there is always something to be done, always areas to serve and always opportunity to change someones world.
The question is, "What is that something you've got to do?"
Don't worry, It's a question I must also ask myself.
For opportunities to serve with Boaz or otherwise connect with me and let's chat. It's a big world with lots of need and people need your help in many ways.
Blessings all,
~Scottie~
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Life Updatey-ness... (Life of Leighton)
So not a whole lot to post about, but as it's been a while I figured it was time for an update for the 2 people who read this blog. Ok, maybe 3. Ok fine, there is also lots going on... Pitter patter, let's get at 'er...
Over Christmas I had the incredible opportunity to ask for the hand of a beautiful lady that I am crazy about and she said yes. On June 22nd Miss Alisha Horsman and I will begin our lives together as husband and wife and my life will never be the same. I go from a single dude that has his son every other weekend to a married guy with 2 full time girls in my home, also with two guys that I expect to have on a part time, but hopefully frequent basis as well. Full House episode much??? For those that know me you know that for me to say that I can't wait for this is a major understatement. Never a dull moment is about to take on a whole new meaning.
Another update that is happening in the Life of Leighton is that I'm feeling God is expecting me to "STEP UP" regarding my role with BOAZ. A couple areas that I'm feeling lead to do this through potentially leading and directing the Mentoring Program which includes overseeing the current mentor/mentee relationships and the administration of that while also recruiting and training new potential mentors.
Another area of increase I am feeling is in the area of running sports camps for the children that we are blessed to work with. Some of these camps will be run by me and other Boaz volunteers. Other camps will need to be lead by others. To more fully dive into this I will need to dedicate more time into program planning and starting to take some steps in that direction. Also included in my vision of the sports ministry is raising funds and collecting equipment so that our families can more fully have their children participate in local sports programs with no restrictions.
It's also been given to me to be dreaming and overseeing the ministries of our Hawkins/Neville location.
So again to say that 2013 is a year full of incredible potential is a major understatement, but I am very excited to really dive in and see what God has in store for me. It's a process to learn to ignore the voices of practicality and attempt to FULLY serve as Jesus would have me serve, but it's where my heart truly is fulfilled. Funny how obedience to HIS plan will do that eh?
Here's how I need your help. If I am to more fully dive into these incredible avenues of ministry with BOAZ (especially with a family on the way) I need a big increase in my support raising. Currently I am expected to raise $400 monthly and Boaz pays me in faith trusting that I'll raise it. So far I have met that goal, but have been challenged to step out into the increase that God desires to provide for me in this ministry.
So here is my challenge I have been presented with by our director.
20 people @ $100/month = $2000/month in support for my increased opportunities with Boaz ministries. Can you do this?
Will you allow God to increase your faith by diving into this ministry this way. Some people are called to dive in on the ground level and believe that God will provide the finances. Some people are called to give and support and trust that God will provide in their obedience. To be honest this is a very stretching thing for me to ask for, but I just want to be obedient. Will you join me?
First 10 people to be willing to explore this and join me I will take to Second Cup and buy coffee and share the vision of what God is doing in the Life of Leighton as well as how your support helps increase the ministry of Boaz in specific ways.
Please pray and thank you in advance for believing in Gods calling in my life.
Connect with me anytime and I'd love to share coffee/life/stories with you...
Blessings,
Scottie
Over Christmas I had the incredible opportunity to ask for the hand of a beautiful lady that I am crazy about and she said yes. On June 22nd Miss Alisha Horsman and I will begin our lives together as husband and wife and my life will never be the same. I go from a single dude that has his son every other weekend to a married guy with 2 full time girls in my home, also with two guys that I expect to have on a part time, but hopefully frequent basis as well. Full House episode much??? For those that know me you know that for me to say that I can't wait for this is a major understatement. Never a dull moment is about to take on a whole new meaning.
Another update that is happening in the Life of Leighton is that I'm feeling God is expecting me to "STEP UP" regarding my role with BOAZ. A couple areas that I'm feeling lead to do this through potentially leading and directing the Mentoring Program which includes overseeing the current mentor/mentee relationships and the administration of that while also recruiting and training new potential mentors.
Another area of increase I am feeling is in the area of running sports camps for the children that we are blessed to work with. Some of these camps will be run by me and other Boaz volunteers. Other camps will need to be lead by others. To more fully dive into this I will need to dedicate more time into program planning and starting to take some steps in that direction. Also included in my vision of the sports ministry is raising funds and collecting equipment so that our families can more fully have their children participate in local sports programs with no restrictions.
It's also been given to me to be dreaming and overseeing the ministries of our Hawkins/Neville location.
So again to say that 2013 is a year full of incredible potential is a major understatement, but I am very excited to really dive in and see what God has in store for me. It's a process to learn to ignore the voices of practicality and attempt to FULLY serve as Jesus would have me serve, but it's where my heart truly is fulfilled. Funny how obedience to HIS plan will do that eh?
Here's how I need your help. If I am to more fully dive into these incredible avenues of ministry with BOAZ (especially with a family on the way) I need a big increase in my support raising. Currently I am expected to raise $400 monthly and Boaz pays me in faith trusting that I'll raise it. So far I have met that goal, but have been challenged to step out into the increase that God desires to provide for me in this ministry.
So here is my challenge I have been presented with by our director.
20 people @ $100/month = $2000/month in support for my increased opportunities with Boaz ministries. Can you do this?
Will you allow God to increase your faith by diving into this ministry this way. Some people are called to dive in on the ground level and believe that God will provide the finances. Some people are called to give and support and trust that God will provide in their obedience. To be honest this is a very stretching thing for me to ask for, but I just want to be obedient. Will you join me?
First 10 people to be willing to explore this and join me I will take to Second Cup and buy coffee and share the vision of what God is doing in the Life of Leighton as well as how your support helps increase the ministry of Boaz in specific ways.
Please pray and thank you in advance for believing in Gods calling in my life.
Connect with me anytime and I'd love to share coffee/life/stories with you...
Blessings,
Scottie
Monday, 24 September 2012
Sweet spot...
Hey all. I recognize that it's been a while since I've posted. Definitely not for lack of desire because I've had this one on the brain for over a month now. It's a fairly simple thought, but it's taken on new life and proven itself over and over each new week that passes by.
I've called it sweet spot and of course that is a term that comes from my sports nerdiness. This concept applies for most every sport, but the two in particular that I want to focus on are basketball and baseball. The sweet spot in baseball typically means that spot on the baseball bat where when it is hit you get the best performance and most impactful hit off of the bat. Often times if the ball hits a few inches higher or lower on the bat a vibration goes through the bat that makes the hit not nearly as hard and it really does not feel good on the hands. In basketball if we find a sweet spot it typically means that there is a particular place on the court that we find where we seem to be able to hit our shots at a much higher percentage than other places on the court and our confidence in shooting from this area is much greater than other places.
In life it would seem that I've found my sweet spot and it is my desire that (like the bat) my life would make the biggest impact and (like in basketball) I would be able to walk confidently daily as God seemingly opens door after door to bless and meet the needs of those that the ministries of Boaz comes in contact with. It is incredible that we seem to be continuing to say, "Look what God did" as we strive to serve and meet the "felt needs" of others with the knowlege that as we meet those needs the hearts of many will be softened to the amazing, life changing truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This hit a whole new level of awesome for me this past weekend as I was able to see my son participate in Boaz ministry. He calls himself "Jr. Staff" and I love having him be a part of what I do with this. This weekend past we were able to spend some time with an amazing little guy (8) who it appears does not have a lot of friends and our ministry has been given many opportunities to provide for this family. As my son (8) and this guy began to hang out there was zero awkwardness of meeting someone new and they played football (catching and kicking) for over and hour and could have gone all day. As we drove to McDonald's Vaughn was thrilled that he got to see Johnny again and said, "I call dibs on sitting next to Johnny!!!" How this crybaby (me) kept it together is still a mystery to me.
As we got home that night I told Vaughn how proud of him I was and how impacting his friendship to this new friend was for so many reasons. Vaughn's response was simply, "I like him. He's cool. I want his number so we can play more." Simple. Just the night before my son said to me, "People don't love Jesus? Impossible!" This football and McDonalds day gave me such a great opportunity to show Vaughn just how much he showed his new friend and his family the love of Jesus by simply being in their world.
So yeah, this is my sweet spot as God increases His heart in me for these amazing people I come in contact with weekly and now I see my son becoming (maybe unknowingly) a missionary of love to the city around him... many of which don't know/love Jesus... He (Vaughn) will change that I'm sure. To say I am blessed and grateful would be a gross understatement.
I do want to quickly ask you to conider something though. I've been challenged to step up with my support raising to make this ministry more effective for myself and those I come in contact with. My current goal is $1200 over the next 3 months and I have $330 committed to me. That leaves me with $870 to raise over those months. Would you consider being a part of that? Some of you who read this could do that in one shot and some can contribute in part. All support is greatly appreciated as it increases my ability to dive in and give all I have to this ministry. Reality is this. If I need approx $900 then all I need is 10 people to say they will give 30 dollars a month and the goal is reached. (can of pop or coffee/day.. I know.. shouldn't mess with coffee)
If God so lays it on peoples heart to bless beyond that, fantastic, but that is my goal for now. Will you be a part of this? Contact (facebook, twitter, 999-1355 or s.leighton2@gmail.com) me if you want to do this and I will gladly help you help myself and this amazing ministry where God is blessing many, including myself. So much be done in this "sweet spot". Please consider joining my team. See what I did there??? :)
I've called it sweet spot and of course that is a term that comes from my sports nerdiness. This concept applies for most every sport, but the two in particular that I want to focus on are basketball and baseball. The sweet spot in baseball typically means that spot on the baseball bat where when it is hit you get the best performance and most impactful hit off of the bat. Often times if the ball hits a few inches higher or lower on the bat a vibration goes through the bat that makes the hit not nearly as hard and it really does not feel good on the hands. In basketball if we find a sweet spot it typically means that there is a particular place on the court that we find where we seem to be able to hit our shots at a much higher percentage than other places on the court and our confidence in shooting from this area is much greater than other places.
In life it would seem that I've found my sweet spot and it is my desire that (like the bat) my life would make the biggest impact and (like in basketball) I would be able to walk confidently daily as God seemingly opens door after door to bless and meet the needs of those that the ministries of Boaz comes in contact with. It is incredible that we seem to be continuing to say, "Look what God did" as we strive to serve and meet the "felt needs" of others with the knowlege that as we meet those needs the hearts of many will be softened to the amazing, life changing truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This hit a whole new level of awesome for me this past weekend as I was able to see my son participate in Boaz ministry. He calls himself "Jr. Staff" and I love having him be a part of what I do with this. This weekend past we were able to spend some time with an amazing little guy (8) who it appears does not have a lot of friends and our ministry has been given many opportunities to provide for this family. As my son (8) and this guy began to hang out there was zero awkwardness of meeting someone new and they played football (catching and kicking) for over and hour and could have gone all day. As we drove to McDonald's Vaughn was thrilled that he got to see Johnny again and said, "I call dibs on sitting next to Johnny!!!" How this crybaby (me) kept it together is still a mystery to me.
As we got home that night I told Vaughn how proud of him I was and how impacting his friendship to this new friend was for so many reasons. Vaughn's response was simply, "I like him. He's cool. I want his number so we can play more." Simple. Just the night before my son said to me, "People don't love Jesus? Impossible!" This football and McDonalds day gave me such a great opportunity to show Vaughn just how much he showed his new friend and his family the love of Jesus by simply being in their world.
So yeah, this is my sweet spot as God increases His heart in me for these amazing people I come in contact with weekly and now I see my son becoming (maybe unknowingly) a missionary of love to the city around him... many of which don't know/love Jesus... He (Vaughn) will change that I'm sure. To say I am blessed and grateful would be a gross understatement.
I do want to quickly ask you to conider something though. I've been challenged to step up with my support raising to make this ministry more effective for myself and those I come in contact with. My current goal is $1200 over the next 3 months and I have $330 committed to me. That leaves me with $870 to raise over those months. Would you consider being a part of that? Some of you who read this could do that in one shot and some can contribute in part. All support is greatly appreciated as it increases my ability to dive in and give all I have to this ministry. Reality is this. If I need approx $900 then all I need is 10 people to say they will give 30 dollars a month and the goal is reached. (can of pop or coffee/day.. I know.. shouldn't mess with coffee)
If God so lays it on peoples heart to bless beyond that, fantastic, but that is my goal for now. Will you be a part of this? Contact (facebook, twitter, 999-1355 or s.leighton2@gmail.com) me if you want to do this and I will gladly help you help myself and this amazing ministry where God is blessing many, including myself. So much be done in this "sweet spot". Please consider joining my team. See what I did there??? :)
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Give me Faith (an Update)
(Apologies for the run on paragraph. Not sure how to fix this.)
This may not be a real deep, thought provoking blog, but I at least wanted to give as many people as possible and that are interested chance to catch up in the roller coaster that is my life. By the way, despite the occasional terrifying moments, I really do like roller coasters. Guess I am a sucker for punishment or I love the rush of the unboring, you never know what is next life. Somedays I ask God, "Why can't I hae a normal, boring life?" and He reminds me that with Him, truly serving Him there is no such thing as a normal, boring life.
So here is where Scottie is at as of August 23rd, 2012.
I am still the part time youth pastor of an amazing group of young people at Morning Gate Church and that is a good thing. I love these teens more and more every time I get to spend time with them. We had our mid week meeting last night and we played sports, danced and prayed together. Despite only having 8 show up last night we "prayed" together. I never know what to expect when we do our prayer time, but last night the 8 youth in front of me really prayed for each other. As the final amen was said we were all shocked to look at the clock and realize that it was 50 minutes later. Whoa!!! Awesome... I am AMPED to dive into the Fall with this amazing group of young people and see where God takes us and how He uses us/THEM in impacting our city, their schools and where ever else He wants His light to shine.
In other news for those who do not know, I have quit my human services job and am diving into a faith based ministry in the city. www.boazministries.com
Yup, faith based, doesn't pay, I have to raise support... All of the above. I've heard the comments about I should have done it this way or that way, but my reality is this; God told me to move and I did what I felt He wanted me to do even though it didn't financially make sense. Do I see the complete financial picture of how all this is going to play out? Not even close, but I am trusting that the one who called me to this ministry is more than able to provide. Can you help? Absolutely. I am in need of a monthly support team to help me fully invest in this ministry and in the lives I come into contact with. You can be a part of that and I would love it if you would be. I need one time givers and all time prayers. Reality is that God is moving in this ministry and lives are being changed. As I've been able to dive in, I see relationships changing, being built and practical needs being met. I've lead kids who are unchurched in sessions of unhindered, raw times of worships. I was able to share at teen camp this past Monday and 10-15 young people recomitted their lives or made 1st time decisions for Christ. Things are happening. Get on board!
I've seen people buy into this ministry in sooooo many ways because it is making a difference in our community and it will globally as God's people buy in. Daily I am tempted to apply for other jobs to financially make up the difference of what "I'm" not making, but each time there is an anxiety in my heart that I cannot explain, so I trust God that He will provide as He has lead me to this place though often times I don't see or understand how things will be taken care of.
So this is where I am at in this point of my life. Is it where I expected to be at the age of 34? Nope. Am I okay with this? Yup. God has been asking me some tough questions as of late and to be honest I know the right answer to them and some of them I struggle with, but again when I look at what He does daily how can I not recklessly drop my nets and "immediately" follow him? I may never buy my son the "stuff" that other kids have, but my desire is that he would look at his Dad and say, "He followed God, even if it didn't make sense to others."
Let me end with this. If while reading this something stirred in you to be a part of this ministry or come along side me in this ministry that would be amazing. Your time, prayers and financial contributions are all greatly appreciated as they increase what this amazing ministry is able to do. It is changing lives and you can be a part of it. Contact me and I would love to talk to you as to how you can be a part or if possible I would love to come and speak at your churches or other events or meetings to share about the exciting work that God is doing through Boaz Lighthouse International Ministries.
s.leighton2@gmail.com or (506)999-1355
I heard this song the other night and it quickly has become an anthem of mine.
The bridge says, "I may be weak, but Your Spirit's strong in me. My flesh may fail. My God You never will." -Give Me Faith- Elevation Worship
Lord Give me faith to do what You want no matter what I see, others say, and what circumstances dictate. Jesus above all is the hope of the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_Voi3JM8ZA
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Wow.
Pretty boring title I know, but it's all I can manage to spit out at the moment in terms of creativity. The boringness of the title certainly does not reflect the excitement level that I am feeling right now and the excitement level of today's event and today's post. All I can say is that I am in awe and what the what??? Simply blown away.
Now you are asking me to spit it out and must be wondering why if you do not already know. Most of you probably do because I am not able to keep secrets well when I get excited and to say that I am excited right now would be an understatement.
Here we go. I am blessed that I will have had opportunities to participate in 3 different ministries in our city in the near future. The newest one that is possibly happening real soon is getting on board with our local Christian radio station Joy FM. http://www.joyfm.ca/ The other is one that I have mentioned recently and am currently raising my support for and that is Boaz Ministries http://www.boazministries.com/ The third of course is my position at Morning Gate Church as their youth pastor. This has been a blessing to me and I have learned a ton. Sometimes I have had to learn some things the hard way, but the youth in this group have blessed me over and over as I've attempted to give leadership to them in this role. That being said a couple of months ago I felt lead to start talking about baptism to them as a number of them had made commitments to Christ in the last year or so. Many of them stepped up at different times and in different ways, yet all who stepped up to take this next step in their faith did it in their own way, in their own timing, doing it for themselves and not because someone else was. All in all in our youth group (which has peaked at 20 since I've come on) had 15-17 young people step up and say that this is what they wanted to do. This has boggled my mind as we also have a number in our group who have already been baptized or did not step up as they were away this summer or not there yet spiritually. I have been very much challenged in this equation to not try and figure out God's economy because I am not God so why would I try.
So today is the day. A number of our students could not make today's baptism so we planned on doing who could be done today and then we will have to plan a day for the rest. As we came into service today we had 7 for sure that wanted to be baptized with one more that I thought may show up, but I was not 100%. We began our service and it was a very encouraging crowd (in terms of size and enthusiasm) and the weather was very cooperative despite it looking like it might rain on us. We carried on in our service and Pastor Scott shared a great word before we got to the main event of baptizing our 8 young people plus a couple who came through one of our families as well as a 6 year old girl who told her Nanny and Grampy (from our church) that she wanted to be baptized. So 7 or 8 turned into 11. After we celebrated with those who planned and did not plan, but stepped out in obedience we asked if anyone else wanted to step out. One man did. What a blessing!!! (12)
We prayed and then carried on with our meal and BBQ and began to enjoy sharing a meal together as church family. While we ate it was brought to mine and others attentions that there were two more young people (brother and sister) that wanted to be baptized, but were not able to as their mother was not there and she would not have wanted to miss it. I then celebrated that we would be having more added to those who want to be baptized our next time we do a service. Shortly after this was mentioned their mother arrived and the young people decided today was their day. Amazing!!! (14) An amazing addition to this part of the story is that the mother of the brother and sister also decided that she was going to proclaim God’s place and plan in her life also this day by being baptized with her children. (15)
Also while we ate a gentleman arrived and asked some of our people what we were doing and was told we were having our church service and having a baptism. He was so surprised as he and his wife had been praying for an opportunity for her to be baptized as she was leaving the country for a time and wanted to be baptized before she left. They then asked if we could baptize her and we gladly did this. Amazing how God sets things up that are so much bigger than us and beyond our comprehension. (16)
Last but not least as we were out of the water again, one of our teens who has been a leader in our group shyly mentioned that she would like to be baptized too. She did not have a change of clothes or a towel but this did not matter to her. She knew today was her day. This was a big deal as this teen is very near and dear to our Sr. Pastor. (17)
All and all what an amazing day. We had plans and were pumped about what we thought God had in store for today. Little did we know what God was going to do was so much bigger than what we imagined. I don’t say this to brag on numbers or suggest that our success of today was about number, but every time someone steps up and says publically in this manner that they want to live for, follow and serve Jesus I have to believe that God is honored and way more pumped than we could ever be. The challenge now is this… For those who made that commitment today we must uphold them in prayer and come along side and celebrate, lift up and bless them as they continue to walk life in its good times and bad… For we know that God has big things for them yet life is still tough.. Fortunately we serve a God who is bigger than life and it’s tough moments.. ;)
What a day!!! What a God!!!
Wow…
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Faith, Fear, Facebook and Finances
Today's post is going to be one of those "post as you go" type of blogs. I have had a bunch of random thoughts running around in my head this morning and I am hoping that by the end of this they will have worked themselves into a coherant group of thoughts.
I woke up this morning and the main thought that was buzzing in my head was "Faith vs. Fear". As many (of the thousands and thousand who read this.. lol) of you know I have recently taken a step of faith in my life regarding employment. I am embarassed to say that I feel it has been a long time since I have stepped out into the realm of faith as I perhaps should have. Bills, responsibilities and safety took over my thinking and I lost a boldness that was part of who I am and was made to be. The "practical" became common place in my thinking. Not that there is a problem with practical as I believe God has given us a brain in our heads to use, but if practical gets in the way of obedience to God then it is problematic. So hear I am. Trying to seek out God as I believe He's directed me to step out. In this step I am feeling a great excitement as I reach out to some amazing people and do what I can do to bless them and be in life with them. This also excites me as I realize that if God directs there is a need for the ministry of BOAZ in any community so if God called me to move someday this career does not change. Yet as I feel all this excitement I regret to say that I feel anxiety and fear. I know I should not, but if I'm honest I do. The only thing that causes this is the big "F"... finances. Before you start throwing awesome quotes and Scripture at me, I know. :P
God is bigger... He has not given me a spirit of fear... He cares for the birds, so He cares for me... If it's the King's will, it's the King's bill... what God wants, God pays for or provides for..
I wrestle with this even as I type it. I know what I know and yet I still feel what I feel. I ask myself how this lines up. Perhaps it doesn't and I need an alignment.. again. Yet I just take the next step. I've shared with many over this past year that we need to be a people who when God asks us to step out we do it even though we don't know where our foot may land. Guess I need to live out what I speak. So again, here I am.
One thing I do see happening on an increased level is some amazing conversations where fellow believers challenge me at the core of who I am. Admittedly I spend too much time on facebook and need to tone it down, but as of late God seems to be redeeming my conversations on fb and people have blessed me with their words as they challenge me with my faith, patience and other areas. For this I am grateful.
So as I end this post today I have to admit that I am a bit annoyed that I can't seem to tie it up in a neat little bow as I would like to, but here is where my heart is. I want to live in the place God wants me to... today and tomorrow and the future will be awesome when they arrive. I am praying for crazy blessings that I could never accomplish living on my own means. I want to increase the amount of people (believers and non believers) that I am in community with to bless, challenge and help come to know God better daily. I want to be an awesome man of God, dad, husband, step dad, brother, servant, and many other things as God leads me. May my legacy be that I was obedient even if I looked crazy. ;)
I want to leave this song. It's by John Waller. I've been searching through more of his music as I am getting excited about the concert that Jo is putting on in Woodstock and I found this gem. It speaks to where my heart is. Yes I have my personal dreams and desires that I would someday like to see, but ulitmately I want to do something so big in this life that if God doesn't show up I'm in trouble.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HiS-Aj2-7U
Blessings all,
I woke up this morning and the main thought that was buzzing in my head was "Faith vs. Fear". As many (of the thousands and thousand who read this.. lol) of you know I have recently taken a step of faith in my life regarding employment. I am embarassed to say that I feel it has been a long time since I have stepped out into the realm of faith as I perhaps should have. Bills, responsibilities and safety took over my thinking and I lost a boldness that was part of who I am and was made to be. The "practical" became common place in my thinking. Not that there is a problem with practical as I believe God has given us a brain in our heads to use, but if practical gets in the way of obedience to God then it is problematic. So hear I am. Trying to seek out God as I believe He's directed me to step out. In this step I am feeling a great excitement as I reach out to some amazing people and do what I can do to bless them and be in life with them. This also excites me as I realize that if God directs there is a need for the ministry of BOAZ in any community so if God called me to move someday this career does not change. Yet as I feel all this excitement I regret to say that I feel anxiety and fear. I know I should not, but if I'm honest I do. The only thing that causes this is the big "F"... finances. Before you start throwing awesome quotes and Scripture at me, I know. :P
God is bigger... He has not given me a spirit of fear... He cares for the birds, so He cares for me... If it's the King's will, it's the King's bill... what God wants, God pays for or provides for..
I wrestle with this even as I type it. I know what I know and yet I still feel what I feel. I ask myself how this lines up. Perhaps it doesn't and I need an alignment.. again. Yet I just take the next step. I've shared with many over this past year that we need to be a people who when God asks us to step out we do it even though we don't know where our foot may land. Guess I need to live out what I speak. So again, here I am.
One thing I do see happening on an increased level is some amazing conversations where fellow believers challenge me at the core of who I am. Admittedly I spend too much time on facebook and need to tone it down, but as of late God seems to be redeeming my conversations on fb and people have blessed me with their words as they challenge me with my faith, patience and other areas. For this I am grateful.
So as I end this post today I have to admit that I am a bit annoyed that I can't seem to tie it up in a neat little bow as I would like to, but here is where my heart is. I want to live in the place God wants me to... today and tomorrow and the future will be awesome when they arrive. I am praying for crazy blessings that I could never accomplish living on my own means. I want to increase the amount of people (believers and non believers) that I am in community with to bless, challenge and help come to know God better daily. I want to be an awesome man of God, dad, husband, step dad, brother, servant, and many other things as God leads me. May my legacy be that I was obedient even if I looked crazy. ;)
I want to leave this song. It's by John Waller. I've been searching through more of his music as I am getting excited about the concert that Jo is putting on in Woodstock and I found this gem. It speaks to where my heart is. Yes I have my personal dreams and desires that I would someday like to see, but ulitmately I want to do something so big in this life that if God doesn't show up I'm in trouble.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HiS-Aj2-7U
Blessings all,
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