Hello Everyone:
If you walked into the youth room at my church, you will see a red bucket with a sign that says "BAD MOUTH BUCKET (BMB)" and if you were to pick that bucket up you would hear change. The change that you hear will, hopefully, not just be monetary but in the way the teens speak at all times, not just at the church. It is my hope and prayer that one day we can totally do away with the BMB but for now it is helping to bring in funds for the youth department and I am grateful. For the parents that have teens in Unleashed Fire Youth Ministry and are reading this blog do not worry the "BAD MOUTH BUCKET" is NOT what you think it is, I PROMISE. I have talked to pastor about this and he is "all for it". Let me take this moment and reassure all of you out there that we do not talk in a way that will bring reproach, dishonor or even sin into the church. I would NEVER allow that and it is in the youth guidelines that using foul or inappropriate language is an automatic BV (bon voyage) from the youth room for a specified and, in some cases, lengthy amount of time.
I will probably discuss this in a later blog and may even put the youth guidelines in a blog so all of the new parents know what is expected from their teen. (If you would like a copy of the guidelines please let me know and I can get them to you.) However I understand and know that God is beginning to send in teens that have never been churched and there will be some instances when something is said and we, myself and pastor, will address those on a case by case basis. The teens that have been in "church" and have been a part of this youth ministry know what is right and expected of them and I have no doubt in my mind that they understand what is expected of them and they will be an example.
Now... back to the BMB. The BMB is something that the teens/your kids have to pay a quarter for saying something that is not nice to someone else in the youth ministry. There are two teens that I am mentoring that have asked to pay .50 cents and due to me being the youth pastor I have to pay .75 cents for every time something is said that is not uplifting or encouraging. That scripture comes to mind; to whom much is given much is required so that is why I have asked the other two teens as well as myself to pay more than the other teens. If it is something that you would even like to incorporate into your daily living at your home I believe that it would just reinforce what I am trying to accomplish. I want visitor's to feel welcomed and honored when they attend our church and come back to youth class. I want the teens to come back and if we can show them love in our speech then I believe that will go along way in helping more families base their decision to come back to ALT. It's been said we are a church that loves how awesome would it be to also have the kind of speech that "loves" regardless of everything?
The BMB is something that was started due to taking joking way too far and not really knowing how to stop it, for the teens and myself, I came up with a "fundraiser/object lesson". When it started it was a way to help us recognize when we are speaking in a way that could be misconstrued and hurt someones feelings. I came across a scripture this weekend when I was studying for my lesson on "Being Salt" (more on this in a later blog) found in Colossians 4:6, it reads this way in THE MESSAGE Bible "Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out." When I came across that scripture it was as if I was slapped in the face with an "Ah Ha" moment.
I love a God inspired "ah-ha" moment because they are designed to bring you new revelation on things. I can say that this scripture has begun to revolutionize how I speak on a daily basis. I have made it my endeavor to have "speech that is worthy of Christ" and I want to live my life to the best of my ability out of Colossians 4:6.
How is your "speech" does it bring honor to others and to God or is it self-serving and self-indulgent. I know for me I used to use sarcasm and joking to hide the fact that there are things in my life and about myself that I am insecure about I would use sarcasm and "wit" to "deflect" attention off of me. If you are reading this and I have EVER been too sarcastic or said something to you without thinking then I apologize and I am making it my life's goal to be gracious in my speech and bring the best out in others. Sometimes there have been some disconnects between my brain and my mouth and for that I am truly sorry.
I pray that you have read this blog this far and I ask that you find it in your heart to forgive me as I become a better person, spouse, father, and most of all become the best servant of the Lord I can be.
Thank You for reading I appreciate all of you and your teens.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
What Have You Done For Him To Change Your Life?
Hello All:
I just realized this is my first entry for the new year! I am so excited for what I feel God as in store for me in 2011. Towards the end of last year I was reminded by my wife, Misty, of a prophetic word that was given to me by Pastor Stanley Jack in 2004 at CitiChurch in Mansfield, OH. He told me that in 7 years we, my family and I, would want for nothing. As Misty and I began to think about that we realized that this is the start of that 7th year that God was talking about. I began to get excited with anticipation as I thought about what, you will want for nothing, entailed. I have learned by now not to try to figure out God and so I just decided to "roll with it."
You know how the devil works, the moment we remembered that prophetic word it seemed as though all Hell had been released over my family and I. But I have decided, like Peter in Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Peter was writing knowing full well that he was about to endure tremendous tribulation but he was saying that none of these things would move him from believing. I have decided that very same thing, I do not care how it looks now because I know that this is my year that my family and I will want for nothing.
Last year I really felt as though God had spoken to me that it was going to be a Banner Year, I may have written about this previously. I was with Pastor Jerry at a revival and as I was praying at the altar the words "BANNER YEAR" came out of my spirit. I could not escape that phrase, it was always on my mind. Last year, 2010, God did some amazing things but I still felt as though I did not experience my banner year like I felt I was going to. So the other day travelling home from work I was praying and I said "God I don't understand, you told me that 2010 would be my banner year but I don't feel as though that happened." I then felt in my spirit like God said "But what did you do for me to cause that banner year to occur in your life." It almost took my breath away because I was not expecting that kind of a response.
But as I began to think about it I had to be honest with myself and God and admit that I really did not change A LOT of things in order for that Banner Year to happen. But I have decided that 2011 will be a year of "No Regrets" and I will pursue and be on a journey to go deeper, farther & higher than I ever have. The bus is leaving...
WANNA COME?!?!?
I just realized this is my first entry for the new year! I am so excited for what I feel God as in store for me in 2011. Towards the end of last year I was reminded by my wife, Misty, of a prophetic word that was given to me by Pastor Stanley Jack in 2004 at CitiChurch in Mansfield, OH. He told me that in 7 years we, my family and I, would want for nothing. As Misty and I began to think about that we realized that this is the start of that 7th year that God was talking about. I began to get excited with anticipation as I thought about what, you will want for nothing, entailed. I have learned by now not to try to figure out God and so I just decided to "roll with it."
You know how the devil works, the moment we remembered that prophetic word it seemed as though all Hell had been released over my family and I. But I have decided, like Peter in Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Peter was writing knowing full well that he was about to endure tremendous tribulation but he was saying that none of these things would move him from believing. I have decided that very same thing, I do not care how it looks now because I know that this is my year that my family and I will want for nothing.
Last year I really felt as though God had spoken to me that it was going to be a Banner Year, I may have written about this previously. I was with Pastor Jerry at a revival and as I was praying at the altar the words "BANNER YEAR" came out of my spirit. I could not escape that phrase, it was always on my mind. Last year, 2010, God did some amazing things but I still felt as though I did not experience my banner year like I felt I was going to. So the other day travelling home from work I was praying and I said "God I don't understand, you told me that 2010 would be my banner year but I don't feel as though that happened." I then felt in my spirit like God said "But what did you do for me to cause that banner year to occur in your life." It almost took my breath away because I was not expecting that kind of a response.
But as I began to think about it I had to be honest with myself and God and admit that I really did not change A LOT of things in order for that Banner Year to happen. But I have decided that 2011 will be a year of "No Regrets" and I will pursue and be on a journey to go deeper, farther & higher than I ever have. The bus is leaving...
WANNA COME?!?!?
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Reflecting On 2010 & Looking Forward To 2011
Is anyone else out there amazed that in 2 days 2010 will end and we will step into a new year? A year full of promises, hope, faith and for all of "uncharted waters."
As we approach 2011 allow me to encourage you to make 2011 an incredible year. I am so anxious to close out a rough 2010 (although there were definitely some high points) and step into 2011. I am excited to see what God is going to do in my life and through my life.
On Sunday January 2nd we are starting a 21 day fast at our church as well as starting our journey of reading the Bible all the way through. I have already completed reading the Bible but I am looking forward to walking through it with the teens I pastor as well as with my wife.
The Bible declares "If my people which are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14) I do not know about you but there are definitely areas in my life I need to humble myself in so that God can come and heal those areas.
If you would like to join us on this journey of walking a deeper faith, come on in there's room for you!!
Let me challenge you to do what ever it takes to make 2011 your best year yet. Step out and begin to dream bigger, love deeper and walk closer than you ever have.
Thanks for reading and if I do not get a chance to write anything before NYE then have a Happy & Victorious New Year.
As we approach 2011 allow me to encourage you to make 2011 an incredible year. I am so anxious to close out a rough 2010 (although there were definitely some high points) and step into 2011. I am excited to see what God is going to do in my life and through my life.
On Sunday January 2nd we are starting a 21 day fast at our church as well as starting our journey of reading the Bible all the way through. I have already completed reading the Bible but I am looking forward to walking through it with the teens I pastor as well as with my wife.
The Bible declares "If my people which are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14) I do not know about you but there are definitely areas in my life I need to humble myself in so that God can come and heal those areas.
If you would like to join us on this journey of walking a deeper faith, come on in there's room for you!!
Let me challenge you to do what ever it takes to make 2011 your best year yet. Step out and begin to dream bigger, love deeper and walk closer than you ever have.
Thanks for reading and if I do not get a chance to write anything before NYE then have a Happy & Victorious New Year.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Taking A Stand - In The Face Of Certain Adversity
I am somewhat of a news junkie, I daily check CNN, MSNBC, Fox etc... to check and see what is going on in the world.
I was shocked yesterday when I was on CNN and read about and saw a video of the gunman that walked into a Florida School Board meeting and let all of the visitor's and women go but made the 6 men on the board stay. For those of you who have not seen this story the lone gunman, Clay Duke, was anti-government and his wife was let go from a school and he said in the video "someone is going to die in here." However this story is not about Mr. Duke this story is about the school superintendent, William Husfelt, and the stand he took on NATIONAL news with Anderson Cooper.
In the interview Cooper asked Mr. Husfelt to recount what had happened at the school board meeting. When the gunman began to shoot he was only 6 - 8 feet from the school board members. What I really want to focus on is the superintendent for a PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM told Anderson "I don't have a death wish, but I know if I died today I know where I am going and I was fine with that." Later on in the interview Mr. Husfelt told Anderson that he believed that the "Good Lord" was standing in front of him because there were two bullet holes back behind where he sat during this ordeal.
What I love about this is the fact that story is national news and the superintendent was very clear on why he believes he is still alive and I think that it is AWESOME that someone is taking a stand for the Lord especially someone as high in office as a superintendent.
If you would like to see the interview go to cnn.com and click on the video portion of the site and look for the interview entitled "You Knew Somebody Was Going To Die." It is a 9 minute video but it is great, I just pray that people will continually take a stand.
I was shocked yesterday when I was on CNN and read about and saw a video of the gunman that walked into a Florida School Board meeting and let all of the visitor's and women go but made the 6 men on the board stay. For those of you who have not seen this story the lone gunman, Clay Duke, was anti-government and his wife was let go from a school and he said in the video "someone is going to die in here." However this story is not about Mr. Duke this story is about the school superintendent, William Husfelt, and the stand he took on NATIONAL news with Anderson Cooper.
In the interview Cooper asked Mr. Husfelt to recount what had happened at the school board meeting. When the gunman began to shoot he was only 6 - 8 feet from the school board members. What I really want to focus on is the superintendent for a PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM told Anderson "I don't have a death wish, but I know if I died today I know where I am going and I was fine with that." Later on in the interview Mr. Husfelt told Anderson that he believed that the "Good Lord" was standing in front of him because there were two bullet holes back behind where he sat during this ordeal.
What I love about this is the fact that story is national news and the superintendent was very clear on why he believes he is still alive and I think that it is AWESOME that someone is taking a stand for the Lord especially someone as high in office as a superintendent.
If you would like to see the interview go to cnn.com and click on the video portion of the site and look for the interview entitled "You Knew Somebody Was Going To Die." It is a 9 minute video but it is great, I just pray that people will continually take a stand.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
How Great Thou Art
Heard this song this morning on Pandora radio and wanted to let everyone know that no matter what God is GREAT!!!!
How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed;
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come,
With shouts of acclamation,
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
"My God, how great Thou art!"
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Take some time today and thank God for his GREATNESS!!!!
How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The works Thy Hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow'r throughout
The universe displayed;
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze;
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
When Christ shall come,
With shouts of acclamation,
And take me home,
What joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim,
"My God, how great Thou art!"
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Take some time today and thank God for his GREATNESS!!!!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Spirit Of Thanksgiving
As we approach one of my favorite times of year I wanted to take a moment and thank God for what He has done for me.
First of all I am so thankful for the family that He has allowed me to father. Last night I asked Paige what she was thankful for. She thought for a moment and said "my mommy, my daddy and my Bubby." I had tears in my eyes because even at 4 she is thankful for something that ALOT of people take for granted.
Secondly I am thankful for Pastor Jerry Laudermilk and Abundant Life Tabernacle. Pastor Jerry has made me a better person, minister and pastor.
Thirdly I am thankful for the group of teens Jesus has allowed me to pastor. We had our "biggest crowd" yet for a Sunday morning on Sunday. I know it is not about the numbers but it was encouraging to see the amount of teens that were in the class. Of the 28 teens that were in the class over 1/2 raised their hand for salvation or rededication.
Fourthly I am thankful for the heritage of my parents and my in-laws and what each set of families have taught me.
Lastly I am thankful for the men and women of God that have spoken into my life in times past
and what they have en stilled into me.
I found this pic below this was on November 21st 2010; a total of 28 in class 14 of which either rededicated their lives or made first time decisions.
First of all I am so thankful for the family that He has allowed me to father. Last night I asked Paige what she was thankful for. She thought for a moment and said "my mommy, my daddy and my Bubby." I had tears in my eyes because even at 4 she is thankful for something that ALOT of people take for granted.
Secondly I am thankful for Pastor Jerry Laudermilk and Abundant Life Tabernacle. Pastor Jerry has made me a better person, minister and pastor.
Thirdly I am thankful for the group of teens Jesus has allowed me to pastor. We had our "biggest crowd" yet for a Sunday morning on Sunday. I know it is not about the numbers but it was encouraging to see the amount of teens that were in the class. Of the 28 teens that were in the class over 1/2 raised their hand for salvation or rededication.
Fourthly I am thankful for the heritage of my parents and my in-laws and what each set of families have taught me.
Lastly I am thankful for the men and women of God that have spoken into my life in times past
and what they have en stilled into me.
I found this pic below this was on November 21st 2010; a total of 28 in class 14 of which either rededicated their lives or made first time decisions.
What are you thankful for today? Take the time and evaluate your life I am SURE you can find at least one thing to stop and THANK GOD for.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
More Updates For The Lifebook
I have been so encouraged by the response for The Lifebooks from our teens. I received the following update from a teen in my youth ministry that by all accounts should not even be serving God. She comes from a broken home, has a verbally & alcoholic father, has dealt with self injury but yet she wants so much of HIM.
This wonderful teen sent me a text yesterday and let me know that she had given away 3 books. She gave one to a fellow student that IMMEDIATELY told her she wanted one. The second one she gave out was to a young man that has had a lot of the same problems that she has experienced. Apparently he saw the book in her hand and said "Is that the book you were talking to me about?" She said "yes" he then said "Can I have one?" she said "Of Course" and he took it. The last book she gave out was placed in the girls bathroom with a simple note on it that said "Having Problems...?" This book will help and it is free! She went back into the bathroom after her last period and it was gone.
I also had 3 more teens that came to me and told me that they needed more books and she took 20 Lifebooks with her!!!
I am so excited for what this outreach is doing in the lives of the teens God has so graciously given to my care.
This wonderful teen sent me a text yesterday and let me know that she had given away 3 books. She gave one to a fellow student that IMMEDIATELY told her she wanted one. The second one she gave out was to a young man that has had a lot of the same problems that she has experienced. Apparently he saw the book in her hand and said "Is that the book you were talking to me about?" She said "yes" he then said "Can I have one?" she said "Of Course" and he took it. The last book she gave out was placed in the girls bathroom with a simple note on it that said "Having Problems...?" This book will help and it is free! She went back into the bathroom after her last period and it was gone.
I also had 3 more teens that came to me and told me that they needed more books and she took 20 Lifebooks with her!!!
I am so excited for what this outreach is doing in the lives of the teens God has so graciously given to my care.
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