Author: Wick

So a few of our times together at IYC gave me some things to think about.  One right out of the gate was our evening session from Monday night, with Miles McPherson.  I hadn’t really heard of Mr.McPherson before that night, so if you love him…bear with me.  I’m new here.

He began by telling how he used to be a professional sports player of some kind, and now has grown a church from nothing to being an incredibly blessed congregation of 12,000 people.  As an example of their greatness, he dropped the fact that they donated 600 community service hours as a church last year.  I stink at math, but that comes out to less than 3 minutes per person a year.  It’s sad to think that might actually be a high number.

He talked about authentic worship briefly, and boldly declared that the only way to truly worship freely was to stand with both arms raised high in the air.  Waist level wasn’t cuttin’ it.  He even had all the teens stand and perform the action (without even saying “Simon Says”), to prove his point.  It was hard to hear much after this, but thankfully I continued to listen.

Because he brought out some good points from Daniel 3, and the story of the guys with 3 funny names, who ended up in the fiery furnace.  If you haven’t read it…go read it now.  But you probably have, and even seen the chocolate bunny version on Veggie Tales.  The main point of his message here was to not worry about the consequences of following Jesus.  He pointed out that not even the SMELL of fire was on them, which is quite a feat.  Beyond how we worship, because that’s pretty trivial in the scheme of things….how often to we live toward others out of Love, Forgiveness, Grace, Mercy, Truth, Holiness, Life, Redemption, etc..without concern for how the world may respond?

Another thing he mentioned, simply in the peripheral of his talk, was our prayers.  He said “God is bored with our prayers.”  After being a bit offended, in the way my daughters might be if you told her I was bored with her attempts at talking with me….I connected with what he was saying.

What are most of the prayers we offer?  “God, bless this food…”  But is there anything wrong with the food?  Does it require a movement of God upon our food to do something supernatural?  How about “God, keep me safe while I sleep tonight, etc.”  Granted, sometimes we face things in the late hours, and it’s a good habit.  Along with praying for Grandma, who’s feeling a bit under the weather.  These are not bad prayers.  But for them to be the only, or even majority of the prayers we breathe on a daily basis?

These 3 men were about to be cast into a furnace so hot it killed the guards who opened it.  They were trusting in God to provide for them.  Imagine God’s excitement, compared to “God bless this pizza I’m about to eat….”

May we live in such a way, that requires us to pray for things that get God excited…

8 Teenagers, 2 adults, and 9 days together.  San Diego, California.  Pursuing Jesus, tearing down walls that compete with genuine community, and opening up to hear from God as individuals.  Pulling up our shirt sleeves and getting a bit dirty caring for God’s creation.  Putting on our swim suits and enjoying God’s creation.  Recognizing during high energy worship, and quiet solitude that we ARE God’s creation.  Connecting with others who are seeking Jesus from all over the country.  And yes, even teenagers figuring out the kinda guy or girl they may be interested in someday. 🙂

It was quite a trip, no lie.  Each teen could give you a completely different story of which part they enjoyed, or how God met/spoke/transformed their lives.  Our prayer is that this continues in the lives of those who came, and that same Spirit that is already active in our group would be even more effective as more are in tune with His Voice.

Oh, and did I mention I love teenagers?  Here’s a brief list of recent reasons:

 -They look for life.  Like a toddler learning to walk for the first time, they seek new experiences, and smile really big when they find one.

 – Their ability to make fun of each other for something, and then go off and do the exact same thing. 🙂

 – The desire to take serious things lightly, and light things seriously.

 – D.R.A.M.A., and the fact that I can look in as into a fishbowl nowadays. 🙂

 – When really tapped into….their desire/openness to the Spirit’s leading can be completely remarkable

 – . The fact that one can, surrounded by incredibly fresh salsa’s just 5 minutes from Tijuana, purchase a jar of Tostidos brand from the grocery section.

 – The surprise to learn that all 4 teenage boys are actually big fans of iCarly.  Seriously?

– That even after a long discussion about wanting to be more open with our faith, and pro-active in our prayers…when closing small group time….it was pulling teeth to get a volunteer to close us in prayer. 🙂

 – That I can see God leading each of them now and in the future…to an identity of someone who offers an infinite amount towards His Kingdom, and is being a part of it even today!!!

 – The fact that I miss spending all day with each of them already.  So glad they allow me to be a part of their lives, and thankful that God is using what we offer Him in larger ways than we can imagine! 🙂

It’s official.  An accomplishment so ridiculously pride-inducing, but at the same time only a sign post, with an arrow directing us toward even more responsibilities and work ahead.

We now have 3 little girls that can walk.  One that can run well without falling.  Two that can dance around.  Three that can dance in place.  And three, that can put one foot in front of the other, and move forward one step at a time.

And all 3, that can melt your heart – no matter what time of day or night.

There was another milestone we passed a while back that is worth mentioning – we now have 3 girls who are past the “bottle feeding” stage.  Another great illustration, which along with walking, has great sermon-illustration type possibilities.  I won’t fill an entire blog with those, because most are very obvious.  Just take a moment, and pretend you’ve just read one.  There ya’ go.

Ages 3, 2, and 1….and each one growing like crazy.