I'm only Human

Have you ever heard someone say "I'm only human"? Why is this always a negative response? 

It usually means this....  

• make a mistake... ‘I’m only human’.
• can’t achieve something... “I’m only human”.
• lose control... “I’m only human”.

I believe that as a Christian when I say "I'm only Human". In a condescending way I say "Well... what do you expect, I'm not God". 

As if being God is the most common expectation that people have for you. Like God himself is waiting for you to do his job.

Regardless of your thoughts on humanity we all fall into this mindset. It can feel therapeutic to excuse yourself from high expectations.

I'm not talking about the time you told your wife she gained weight before actually thinking about how she would interpret that. I'm talking about the stuff you know you shouldn't do and therefor play the proverbial "get out of jail free card". I'm only human.  

This phrase is starting to make less sense to me then ever before. There is a difference between sin and humanity. They can be separated. They have been separated. I believe that Jesus came to teach us and display this very fact in his life, death, and resurrection. When it comes to sin why does our humanity get all the blame? Sometimes we can tire of being human. If you're like me you get tired of making mistakes. You get even more exhausted when keep repeating the same mistakes over... and over... and over again.   

It's hard to be human... especially when you don't have a good understanding of what it means to be human. Being human is not an excuse to be sinful. It's a blessing of life that is extremely good! God created it that way and Jesus came to teach us through his humanity, his teachings, and his sacrifice, that being human is not the problem. It's actually the solution.

A new way to be human

Jesus' prayer in the garden shows me that being human means to make sacrifices even when they hurt.

“Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me."

Jesus' relationship with God the Father shows me that being human means to trust God and live a life of obedience.

"Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 

Jesus giving the Apostles the power to heal people teaches me that being human means to tap into God's immeasurable amount of power and strength.

"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Jesus sitting on the throne in Heaven means that God places a crown on his perfect relationship with humanity. A relationship only possible by the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.

"And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children."

If you find yourself in that place where you think "I'm only human" try exploring the humanity of Jesus Christ. He will show you a road of sacrifice taken by choice. A reality only possible by faith in God. A door that's never closed but full of possibilities. My challenge is that you explore a new way to be human.

Moved with compassion

This morning at church an 8^th grade girl came up to me while I was playing a game of pool. She asked me if I could talk to her when I had a chance. I took that very seriously because in the middle school world they never ask. They just talk. At least after they warm up to you. Parents would be embarrassed if they knew what their tweens have disclosed to me in random conversations. But this student asked first. This was her way of telling me that she has something very important to discuss. I got the vibe that she didn’t want to make it seem obvious to the other students. So I finished my game of pool and I went directly downstairs to her usual hangout spot in the computer room.

I pulled up a chair next to “Tanya” (not her real name) and she started to tell me about a friend of hers. Her friend always gets harassed at school for being overweight. Other kids call her names and draw mean pictures of her on the inside of their textbooks. She told me that her friend would cry when they would talk about it. Tanya had this look in her eye like she was about to tear up just telling me about it. So then came a question youth pastors dream about hearing a student ask. She asked me what Jesus wanted her to do to help her friend understand how much He loves her. WOW, now that’s a major win in middle school ministry. I had been rehearsing this conversation for years. While prepping for messages, during small groups, and while planning for every service project my hope is that students would start to ask this question “What does Jesus want me to do about this”. So let me share how I navigated this conversation with Tanya and hopefully when you are having these types of conversations this will come in handy. 

Affirmation is key. Students at this age are just starting to take compassion to the next level. Most of the time compassion is experienced but it’s never lead to action. All parents and youth workers need to start identifying these moments in our student’s lives. It actually starts earlier than middle school but we have a hard time noticing because they can’t articulate it that well at all. Compassion is shrugged off to an extent. Sometimes kids cry because of compassion and we don’t even know it because we are not tuned in to their hearts enough. During the middle school years you can really tell who has been encouraged to be compassionate and who has been conditioned to think it’s weak. So the first thing I did was affirm her compassionate heart as something Jesus is very, very, pleased with. It may make her sad, just like it does me, but it’s a very good thing to feel for those in pain. Always affirm your students and identify the Spirit’s work in their lives no matter how big or small.

Celebrate. After I told her how she felt was normal and good I said thank you. I told her the truth. Most students Tanya’s age don’t understand compassion because it makes them sad and they think that’s weak. Remind students that compassion is essential for following Jesus. I thanked her for being brave enough to ask me what Jesus wants her to do.

The challenge to follow Jesus. These conversations are cool because students actually care about what you’re going to tell them. Always challenge them to keep working out what Jesus has put on their hearts. For example, I shared a few different ways Tanya could respond to her friend. I also shared some information on “verbal bullying” which students, and unfortunately teachers, tend to look over in school because it appears that nobody is really getting hurt. I crushed that lie as soon as I could. Always challenge them to keep following Jesus, whatever the cost, because it's the only way to really meet the deepest needs of those around us. 

No jargon please. At this point in the conversation you have to trust the Holy Spirit to give you the right words to say. Make sure you give them advice they can put into practice and not youth pastor jargon. "Pray about it" is probably only valid 25% of the time we use it. Put your 20-40 hours a week of prayer, study, planning, training, and understanding teens to good use. Ok, so I know we can’t realistically put ALL of our time there but you know what I mean.

Anyway, I love watching these God moments unfold before my eyes. I hope this is helpful to you and that you enjoyed reading my blog. Please help me by continuing the conversation on middle school ministry by leaving comments below. Thanks!

Please leave a message after the beep Part 2

In the Gospel of Mark chapter 5 we read two stories. In one story we read that Jesus heals a demon-possessed man and in the other story we read that Jesus heals a woman and raises a girl from the dead. Both stories have something in common. After Jesus does something incredible he gives people instructions on what they should do. The instructions are if they should share what he has done with others or not.

At the beginning of chapter 5 we read that Jesus travels from the northwest side of the lake to the east side of the lake. The difference in locations here is key. The place that Jesus is at in the beginning of chapter 5 is somewhere in the region of Galilee. We don’t know for sure but we know they traveled to the other side and ended up in the region of the Gerasenes. Also known as the Decapolis. This is a region full of people that were not Jewish.

In the first story he casts out thousands of demons from one man and tells the man to go share this news with everyone. “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” Jesus is telling this man, who has just been given his life back, to go share it with his people. In this story he is in the Decapolis, a non-Jewish region. 

In the second story he tells everyone that saw him raise a girl from the dead to keep quiet about it. He tells them not to go tell this message to anyone else. In this story he is back in a Jewish region.

So why does Jesus tell the non-Jewish man to tell everyone he knows about him but he instructs the Jewish people to keep quiet?

I believe Jesus does this because the heart condition of the people sharing his message matters. 

The Jews would have taken what Jesus did and their hearts would have turned it into something its not. The Pharisees would probably want to kill him for making them look bad. The people would want to follow him because he can raise the dead. I wonder if the Jews in that room would have kept it a secret and thought about what it means for Jesus to actually be the Messiah, would it be possible that what they witnessed may have had a bigger impact on their hearts? Jesus is not about fame and power in the way most Jewish leaders were. This paints a brand new picture of the Messiah for those particular witnesses. He probably wanted this message to grow in their hearts before the thorns of the Pharisees choked it out in public.

On the other hand Jesus tells the demon-possessed man to share what happened with everyone. There was probably very little in this man’s heart that believed in a Messiah. Or at least he didn’t believe in the Jewish Messiah. The Jewish Messiah would have been exclusive but Jesus wasn't. On that day the demon-possessed man received a message from Jesus that was life changing. He probably thought to himself “my life was like hell but this man has given me a new life”. This is the kind of news that Jesus loves to spread. This is the message of the Gospel, the good news.

The condition of our heart matters when we share the message of Jesus Christ. Let’s never forget that none of us are worthy of the message of Jesus Christ. Not one person who ever lived can claim the message of God’s love like his son. We can only claim the message of life through the redemption of our messed up stories. We don’t deserve it. When our hearts accept the grace of Jesus Christ rather than trying to claim ownership of it we become messengers of His good news.

Is this not the message you want to leave with people? I sure do. 

Please leave a message after the beep

Before I left my last job all of my co-workers put together a gift for me. Each of them rolled up two small pieces of paper and tied them in twine. Then they placed them in an empty wine bottle. Like the ones you picture people stranded out at sea using to send out message's for help. One of the pieces of paper had something encouraging written on it, like something I did or said that they really appreciated. The other piece had something funny written on it, like a memory of me doing something embarrassing that gave everyone a good laugh. The messages in that bottle were very uplifting. I will never forget that amazing group of people I had the privilege of working with. 

When I was young someone close to me would be verbally abusive. She would tell me that I was a mistake. She would always yell at me for random things and I couldn’t figure out why. I felt like she always looked at me as an inconvenience. Like someone took a huge stamp with the word screw-up on it and put in on my forehead. She made me feel like it was hard to love a child like me. She left me with a message I wish I could forget.

One of my current co-workers always talks about health food. She was just explaining to me how to make this really healthy wrap filled with carrots, broccoli, and cabbage. I know, it sounds so yummy right? :) She loves it when you can make something really healthy and it tastes better than the stuff that’s not so healthy. I think she has been trying to send me these subliminal messages about how I need to start eating healthy or my life is going to be miserable. She laughs when I tell her I go to subway. It's funny because she is always coming in with these crazy foods I've never heard of for lunch. Sometimes they smell a little strange but I would be lying if I didn't say they usually tasted pretty good. It's undeniable that Julie loves to eat healthy because it shows through the way she lives. She is always sending a message of physical health and living well. 

Things you write down, things you say, and how you live your life always send messages to other people. These are just a few ways that happens. Everyday we make decisions to do things, say things, or type things that have weight in other peoples lives. 

Food for thought.

Leaving a good message is not all up to me. In my life I live for a message of love, grace, and forgiveness. I want others to have hope after being around me. Not because of what I've done but because of what Jesus Christ has done. My prayer is that when people read what I write, hear what I say, and see how I live, the message of hope in Jesus Christ is what they are lead to.

Have you ever taken the time to think through some of the messages you have left with other people?

Do you know what those messages are?

Do you know why you send those messages?

Are those the messages you want to send? Why or why not?

Death is a new beginning

In about 45 minutes I'm going to be teaching my students about death. There has been a tragic accident recently involving a good friend of mine from High School. He was on his honeymoon taking a helicopter ride with his wife and the helicopter crashed and they both died. Two other deaths that people very close to me are dealing with has inspired me to teach on this topic. The reality is that every student will have to face this issue in their lives. Eventually someone close to them will die and it will pave the way for hard questions. I hope that this lesson will teach my students that Jesus is someone they can go to when this happens.

The BIG IDEA this morning is that Jesus turns death into life. As Gungor expresses it in their new album "When death dies, all things live"

If you are a youth pastor how often do you teach on death?
I would love to know how you approach this with your students. Especially the middle school students.

Jesus... a true elder brother

I'm studying the parable of the lost son (Luke15) and it has been extremely eye opening. Most people read this parable and focus on the younger son. After doing some research and reading Timothy Keller's book "Prodigal God" I have come to the realization that Jesus is also focusing on the elder son as well.

The parable is a beautiful representation of God's unconditional love for us when looked at through the eyes of the younger son. He basically tells his Dad that he is dead to him. So he takes his life savings and runs away to party hard in Vegas. Then he hits rock bottom. After wasting all his money he starts drooling over what pigs get to eat. I bet the disillusion of the statement "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" really started to sink in at this point. I can't imagine how much he longed for what he gave up... the love of his Daddy. Thus begins the writing of his apology speech and his repayment plan so he can come home. You know how the story goes. The way the father responds to the younger brother really puts substance to 2 Peter 3:9. The God that so loved the world always patiently waits to embrace his lost son's and daughter's once again. God doesn't only celebrate the return of his children he longs for it with every ounce of himself.

Then we read that the elder son is jealous of the younger son. Some of you know exactly how it feels to be the elder brother. In our culture working really hard to earn what you receive is the norm. Nothing is free. At least that's what my parents told me. So it seems like he got screwed right? In this story the elder brother's character was meant to engage the Pharisees and Religious leaders that were listening to Jesus. They were probably upset that the elder brother was getting the shaft. In the eyes of the listeners the elder son should be rewarded for his loyalty and dedication to the father. He did what he was suppose to do.

What I learned is that both sons have something in common. They share the same experience of walking out on their father. Both of them alienate themselves from the father. Both's sons were concerned with their inheritance and the plans they had. But only one son understood his lostness and repented.

Why doesn't Jesus share the resolution for the elder son? I honestly don't know the answer to that question. Maybe Jesus left the story unfinished because he knew telling the proper ending through a teaching wouldn't be enough. Why? The story needs to become "flesh". Jesus knew that he needed to level the playing field for all the younger and elder brothers in this world. Maybe Jesus decided to show them instead of tell them. We can try as hard as we want but we can never be a true elder brother. Jesus is the only true elder brother. A true elder brother will give up anything to please the Father because he trusts in his love. As Jesus is hanging on the cross he utters his last words "It is finished".

Jesus made something very clear to me through this parable. God's grace has leveled the playing field. Everyone is invited to the party! "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus."

adding hours to your life

So here I go again. Another day and another opportunity. I'm trying to start my day off on the right foot. I learned some great stuff in my small group last night that would be great to apply as I progress throughout my day. Last night we read the Matthew 6.25-34 passage and discussed what Jesus was trying to teach his followers about worry. As I type this post I already feel the worry starting to creep up on me. The possibility that I wont have enough time to get all of my other tasks for today accomplished if I spend too much time writing this concerns me. That concern I have is not a bad thing. When those concerns start to consume me to the point that I am less productive and my hope for accomplishing those tasks starts to decrease, then I have crossed over the line from concern to worry.

So here are a few of my thoughts for this morning "concerning" my worries.

Priorities
If I prioritize my responsibilities I can gradually work at seeing them get accomplished. Not everything is going to get done today. I do have things that need done today and I know that there is something I can do to accomplish those things. Spending too much time being concerned about what the result of my task will be can cause me to worry. Everyone is afraid to fail so I shouldn't feel abnormal because of that. Being concerned is a great thing because it helps me feel more responsibility for getting my goals accomplished. Being consumed by the results can decrease my effectiveness in getting my tasks done.

Process
If I am honest with myself I will understand that I can't perfectly accomplish all my tasks today. If I truly love what I do I will never be satisfied until it is being done in the best way possible. So I will leave space in my spirit for mistakes to help me grow. If things are not perfected today there will be another chance tomorrow. I will always be able to play a part in the process of "perfecting" my tasks.

Humility
I need to be humble enough to admit when I don't know how to accomplish my tasks. If I ask questions to figure out how to do something I am struggling with I may save myself hours of trying to figure it out. If I need to learn how to do it anyway why not ask someone who knows how?

Love
I want to love my job today. Some of the things I do may not be ideal or even enjoyable but they always help me learn more about myself and what I'm made to do. I know there will always be tasks that I have to accomplish no matter how much I hate doing them. But those tasks should never be the majority of what I am spending time on. If they are then I am wasting my time because I'm in the wrong profession. I am always being shaped to love what I do and/or do what I love. I will not worry if what I am doing today isn't the perfect job for me.

"Can anyone of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" -Matt 6.27

"Therefor do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." -Matt 6.34

  

Just Play

Travis is a really great friend of mine and is in Sudan, Africa with his wife Nikki right now. They felt called to go on a trip to Sudan and help serve the people there. They have been building relationships with young kids deprived of affection, helping build shelves, teaching them how to jump rope and play American Football, reading scripture together, and challenging the youth to be at the frontline of Jesus' redemption plan for Sudan.

I am extremely inspired by these two in a couple ways. The first thing that amazes me is that they take the  mission of the church very seriously. Jesus tells us that if we fail to provide for the least of these we are failing to provide for Jesus himself. It's clear to me that they both have a heart to serve "the least of these". The second thing that blows me away is how they partner together. Marriage is supposed to unite a man and woman to become one and they do this well. Their unique combination of gifting and passions is being woven together to craft one amazing and unstoppable force for the Kingdom of Heaven.

You should read some of the blog posts from their trip. If you've never considered meeting the needs of people on a global level click here and let their stories inspire you. To be brutally honest there is nothing supernatural about this preschool teacher and life insurance salesman. Ordinary people being used for extraordinary things is not a new concept for Jesus. With every hug, kind word, nail being hammered, playful game, serious conversation, the words of Jesus become flesh through Nikki and Travis. I am extremely proud to know them.

Global Missions should be a part of the regular rhythm for those who follow Jesus. In the most recent blog post Nikki mentions something I think is very profound and hits the heart of what it looks like to be used by God in missions work. This is how she put it.

"After lunch Trav came to play with the kids in the school yard. He was teaching them American football and I was still hard at work learning Mongola. It doesn’t seem like a hard game, but when I say “Can you teach me how to play” They say “Yes“, and just play…without the explaining." 

If you feel moved with compassion to help those in need God is already preparing you. Now all you need to do is "just play". When you get confirmation in your heart there is no other option "just play". Don't waist too much time over thinking this. Get your hands dirty. Just play!

One last thing. God is asking myself and a small group of my friends to "just play". We feel God calling us to serve orphans in India. The details are still being worked out and there are a few extra complications that could be on the horizon. We would appreciate your prayers. 

I'm not a Christian but I love coming.

I'm a Middle School Youth Pastor. During one of my lessons last Spring I shared a story about a student in a youth ministry I used to lead. He was outspoken about not following Jesus. He would continue to come out to youth group and listen to me talk about God despite his strong conviction that he wasn’t a Christian. There was nothing extremely special about this story but it got the point across that night.

As I finished my lesson and the kids started to disperse to their small groups a 6th grade girl came up to me with watery eyes.

Without taking a breath she said, “IreallylikeyourstoryaboutChrisbecauseI’mnotaChristian, andmyfamilyisnotChristian, butIlovecominghere.” (exhale)

For a few moments we just looked at each other smiling. In that moment my heart was full. This is the type of environment we strive so hard to create for our Middle School students. I told her that I love having her come out and encouraged her to talk to her small group leader about what it means to be a Christian.

As she skipped away to meet up with her small group I thought to myself “Everything I have ever done in the name of Jesus is all worth it for that one student”. May you, as youth workers, be encouraged by the desire that Jesus gives us to love and serve these students.

Take off your shoes and worship with hearts full of joy, you are standing on Holy ground.