How often do you get to say that you were able to worship God underneath the stars in the middle of the desert in Texas? If you're me...you can only say you have done it once.
This past weekend, I was able to take 11 of my students and two of my adults (1 parent) on a 5.5 hour journey into the heart of the Permian Basin. We left as close to 8:00 as we could...about 8:10...and made our way through west Texas. We arrived in Midland and went straight to First United Methodist Church of Midland. FUMC Midland is very nice and their staff are very hospitable. As a youth group, we had the whole basement to ourselves. They had a game room, as well as Sunday School rooms which doubled as our bedrooms for the two nights.
After getting settled and looking around for things to do...we pulled out the sandwich stuff and made sandwiches for lunch. We figured we would save a little money by doing this, and it seemed to work out quite nicely. Once we were fed, we began to pack the van with our equipment for the day. Chairs and coolers.
After fighting our way through traffic we made our way to the spot we would call "Home Base" for the concert. Bands were already playing and people were already getting crazy. A couple of my students and I went to the front of the concert area, and rocked out with Kutless. That is a very talented and down to earth group. That was alot of fun. They were my favorite band the whole weekend.
The rest of the day was good and fun, but nothing really stood out to me to talk about.
The next day was pretty similar to the Friday until Chris Tomlin came out to lead us in Worship. I though that was amazing. Here he is, pretty famous for writing songs to worship God, and here we were being lead in worship. Not just listening to a concert. This concept is not new to me, however, it was just a fantastic experience. God was truly present there.
Being out and exposed to the elements of the desert, I believe I got a piece of how wonderful and spectacular God is. How, Indescribable, and incredible he is. I know that I desire to fall to my knees and humbly proclaim that He is Amazing God.
I am very happy that I got to spend another weekend with my students. I have some pretty crazy kids...but I loved every minute of it.
So until, another time, and another place...Don't forget to look up in to the stars and look into the eyes of God and worship Him. All weight will be lifted off of your shoulders and God will carry you home.
In the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit,
Amen
B-Rog
Monday, August 10, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Church Under The Bridge
Church Under the Bridge
This past weekend, I and 4 other people from our church drove an hour and a half to Austin, Texas where we were able to take part in a ministry outreach program known as “Church Under the Bridge (C.U.B.).” Out of those of us who went, there were two of us that had never experienced C.U.B. before. For me, this trip was way out of my comfort zone.
When we arrived at the park and ride area underneath the Interstate 35 bridge between 6th and 7th streets, I was amazed to see the amount of people that were gathering. Some were very helpful in telling us where to go for the service and others kept to themselves. One of the ladies noticed our big white van with the words “Fredericksburg United Methodist Church” on the side and assumed we were there for the service. So she, very kindly, pointed us in the direction of where we were supposed to go. I didn’t know much about this lady, but she looked older and very acquainted with the area.
We finally parked the van and proceeded to put our stuff away in the van, and at this point, I am feeling a little nervous. I had to jump back in the van to get something out, and did so quickly. However, when I jumped out of the van, the key (which was in my pocket) fell out into the seat. Not knowing that it fell out, I locked the doors and walked away. As we began to move further away from the van, I check my pockets one more time, and realized I did not have the key to the van in my possession. Normally this would freak me out, but for some reason, I stayed calm and we continued on our way. We had to call “Pop-A-Lock” to come down and open the van, which took all of 30 seconds.
After the van was taken care of, we were able to continue working. When we met up with the worship leaders, they prayed over our group and sent us to our stations. Eli and I went to the prayer tent, and Michelle, Misael and Cody went to the serving line to hand out drinks. While I was in the prayer tent, I had some amazing experiences. It’s not every day that I am able to pray over people. To see people being blessed and being comforted by the words that God had placed in my mouth to say was pretty spectacular. This experience, even though mostly good, is something that I don’t think I could do on a regular basis. I know that God has it placed on my heart to feed his sheep.
A lot of these people that we minister to are hurting. In fact, the majority are. However, when they are prayed for, or someone takes the time to talk with them and be with them, even for a short while, the love of Christ transforms them and gives them hope for a future.
Matthew 25: 40
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
God is amazing! Christ has Risen! Let’s share what that means and how exciting that is with the rest of the world!!!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Writing
Well, it has been a total of 5 weeks since I have started on this journey known as full time youth ministry. My mother would argue with me and say that I have been doing youth ministry for years now, and to some extent she may be right. However, until the 14th of June, 2009, I have never been paid for it...at least in monetary value.
I have been sitting here for the last 15 minutes listening to some music (Idina Menzel - Just a calming and soothing voice) trying to figure out what I want to write about. I hate times like this. My heart for some reason wants to write something, but my mind just can't push the words out. I feel as though my heart is full of amazing ideas and thoughts (interesting concept; the heart having thoughts...) but I am conflicted. So I figured I would just start writing things down, and figured something would come out.
It is hard to believe that it has been 5 weeks. God has blessed me with some great students. Not to mention, there are some amazing people that work here with me at the church. They are very encouraging and thoughtful.
Last week was the best week so far. I got to go to U.M.A.R.M.Y. It was an interesting experience. Having never been to a U.M.A.R.M.Y. I wasn't sure what to expect. God was definitely present there during the week. I will be honest, I was somewhat frustrated with some of the logistics, as well as I wasn't on a work team, but I know that I was right where I was supposed to be for the week. I worked on program staff and we got to go to all the job sites and see the kids in action. As far as I'm concerned that is one of the best jobs in camp.
We get to plan how worship will look as well as just hang out with the kids. That was the major focus for me this week. It was so awesome to be able to spend some time with my guys and girls. I learned so much about ministry this last week. (I know mom..."I told you so.")
Ministry is so much more about relationships than anything else. If you think about it, that is what God wants with us; a relationship. He doesn't care about how much we do or don't know. I think the most amazing thing about God is He is so mysterious and wonderful. He has everything under control and just wants us to Love Him and Love each other. It's so simple and yet God is so complicated. So much so, it hurts to think about it sometimes. Other times it's just plain funny.
God amazes me with His ability to take a situation and make it something that we can learn from. Not to mention if we just let go of our pride and our selfishness things just so happen to work themselves out. Now, that doesn't mean it's all up to chance. What I mean by that is God just wants to know that we are fully invested in our relationship with Him.
So the point I am trying to convey is that God is FANTASTIC! Better yet....GOD IS!
Just remember that I love you because God loves me. With out God, there is no love, and without Love there is no life.
IN CHRIST!
B-ROG
I have been sitting here for the last 15 minutes listening to some music (Idina Menzel - Just a calming and soothing voice) trying to figure out what I want to write about. I hate times like this. My heart for some reason wants to write something, but my mind just can't push the words out. I feel as though my heart is full of amazing ideas and thoughts (interesting concept; the heart having thoughts...) but I am conflicted. So I figured I would just start writing things down, and figured something would come out.
It is hard to believe that it has been 5 weeks. God has blessed me with some great students. Not to mention, there are some amazing people that work here with me at the church. They are very encouraging and thoughtful.
Last week was the best week so far. I got to go to U.M.A.R.M.Y. It was an interesting experience. Having never been to a U.M.A.R.M.Y. I wasn't sure what to expect. God was definitely present there during the week. I will be honest, I was somewhat frustrated with some of the logistics, as well as I wasn't on a work team, but I know that I was right where I was supposed to be for the week. I worked on program staff and we got to go to all the job sites and see the kids in action. As far as I'm concerned that is one of the best jobs in camp.
We get to plan how worship will look as well as just hang out with the kids. That was the major focus for me this week. It was so awesome to be able to spend some time with my guys and girls. I learned so much about ministry this last week. (I know mom..."I told you so.")
Ministry is so much more about relationships than anything else. If you think about it, that is what God wants with us; a relationship. He doesn't care about how much we do or don't know. I think the most amazing thing about God is He is so mysterious and wonderful. He has everything under control and just wants us to Love Him and Love each other. It's so simple and yet God is so complicated. So much so, it hurts to think about it sometimes. Other times it's just plain funny.
God amazes me with His ability to take a situation and make it something that we can learn from. Not to mention if we just let go of our pride and our selfishness things just so happen to work themselves out. Now, that doesn't mean it's all up to chance. What I mean by that is God just wants to know that we are fully invested in our relationship with Him.
So the point I am trying to convey is that God is FANTASTIC! Better yet....GOD IS!
Just remember that I love you because God loves me. With out God, there is no love, and without Love there is no life.
IN CHRIST!
B-ROG
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Worship
wor⋅ship
–noun
1.reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred.
2.formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor and homage: They attended worship this morning.
3.adoring reverence or regard: excessive worship of business success.
4.the object of adoring reverence or regard.
5.(initial capital letter
) British. a title of honor used in addressing or mentioning certain magistrates and others of high rank or station (usually prec. by Your, His, or Her).
Here's another word Study for you. What do you think of when you hear the word Worship? When I think of worship, the idea of complete submission to God comes to mind.
I started reading a book last night entitled "To Busy Not to Pray" by Bill Hybels. I haven't read very far, but what I have read really makes sense. In the first chapter he writes about how praying to go goes against all that is human. As human beings we try so hard to "go it alone" and not put our trust in God to allow His power to flow through us. However, when we submit to His amazing power and let it flow through us, the world takes on a different shade. I believe there is a HUGE connection between the two; that is worship and prayer. The idea that a complete submission is involved in both. Like prayer, in order to worship fully we have to push our flesh aside and really allow the spirit to work within us. In order to make the connection with God we MUST die to ourselves and live in and with Christ.
A few months ago, I had a vision while I was worshiping at Life Church in Bryan, TX. It was just a normal Sunday (or so I thought). The idea of waking up early for church on Sunday has never really excited me, and this day wasn't any different (Even if church didn't start until 10:30). I strolled in at my usual time at 10:35 and made my way to my seat next to my friends who were already in the middle of worship. I remember feeling as though I was out of place and I wasn't feeling all that great about it. But I proceeded to file my way in to the middle seat. As the band played a few good songs, I remember thinking to myself: 'I want to try something different." At that moment I started to pray that God give me peace and let me just enjoy the music and worship Him at the same time. To this day, I honestly cannot tell you the name of the song that we were singing, and honestly I don't think it matters. I remember seeing a flash of light and hearing thunder almost immediately afterward. (For those of you who know me, I LOVE THUNDERSTORMS). Then it started to rain. I remember feeling wet as if I were standing in the middle of a torrential downpour in the middle of the sanctuary. And then I heard the music. All at once the sound was concentrated in one direction and so loud and pronounced I was sure people could hear us next door in the H.E.B. I remember feeling like my body was straining as if I were so excited to be where I was. This feeling was so intense I remember starting to cry. God was truly there in that place with me.
When it was over, I remember thinking: "Lets do that again!" The interesting part of that thought is, I truly believe that I will get to do that again. That was the closest view of heaven I think I have ever had and it was phenomenal. God's power and grace all wrapped in one thunderstorm of praise. HALLELUJAH!
So when you think of worship, I hope and pray to God that you get to experience what I have experienced. I hope it means more to you than just a definition and that you are truly blessed by your experience. I know that I will never forget mine.
In Christ!
B-ROG
) British. a title of honor used in addressing or mentioning certain magistrates and others of high rank or station (usually prec. by Your, His, or Her).Here's another word Study for you. What do you think of when you hear the word Worship? When I think of worship, the idea of complete submission to God comes to mind.
I started reading a book last night entitled "To Busy Not to Pray" by Bill Hybels. I haven't read very far, but what I have read really makes sense. In the first chapter he writes about how praying to go goes against all that is human. As human beings we try so hard to "go it alone" and not put our trust in God to allow His power to flow through us. However, when we submit to His amazing power and let it flow through us, the world takes on a different shade. I believe there is a HUGE connection between the two; that is worship and prayer. The idea that a complete submission is involved in both. Like prayer, in order to worship fully we have to push our flesh aside and really allow the spirit to work within us. In order to make the connection with God we MUST die to ourselves and live in and with Christ.
A few months ago, I had a vision while I was worshiping at Life Church in Bryan, TX. It was just a normal Sunday (or so I thought). The idea of waking up early for church on Sunday has never really excited me, and this day wasn't any different (Even if church didn't start until 10:30). I strolled in at my usual time at 10:35 and made my way to my seat next to my friends who were already in the middle of worship. I remember feeling as though I was out of place and I wasn't feeling all that great about it. But I proceeded to file my way in to the middle seat. As the band played a few good songs, I remember thinking to myself: 'I want to try something different." At that moment I started to pray that God give me peace and let me just enjoy the music and worship Him at the same time. To this day, I honestly cannot tell you the name of the song that we were singing, and honestly I don't think it matters. I remember seeing a flash of light and hearing thunder almost immediately afterward. (For those of you who know me, I LOVE THUNDERSTORMS). Then it started to rain. I remember feeling wet as if I were standing in the middle of a torrential downpour in the middle of the sanctuary. And then I heard the music. All at once the sound was concentrated in one direction and so loud and pronounced I was sure people could hear us next door in the H.E.B. I remember feeling like my body was straining as if I were so excited to be where I was. This feeling was so intense I remember starting to cry. God was truly there in that place with me.
When it was over, I remember thinking: "Lets do that again!" The interesting part of that thought is, I truly believe that I will get to do that again. That was the closest view of heaven I think I have ever had and it was phenomenal. God's power and grace all wrapped in one thunderstorm of praise. HALLELUJAH!
So when you think of worship, I hope and pray to God that you get to experience what I have experienced. I hope it means more to you than just a definition and that you are truly blessed by your experience. I know that I will never forget mine.
In Christ!
B-ROG
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Church
What do you think of when I say the word "Church?" Does that word scare you? Does it even peak your interest? Chances are, you probably don't even think about it. I know I rarely do. If someone tells me they are going to church, it doesn't even register, and honestly it may not even register in their mind. Why is that? I think it is because "church" is something we take for granted. As "Christian Americans" we are able to go to church whenever we want, for as long as we want, and as often (or little) as we want. A lot of times I fear we don't put very much thought into it. I don't believe that is what Jesus intended.
When the early church started, it was comprised of small groups of individuals who met, broke bread and worshiped the God of Jacob. They discussed their faults and helped to keep each other accountable for their actions. They also praised God together for their blessings and gifts. Many times in the letters that Paul wrote, he made sure that those he was writing to were being held accountable for their sins and reiterated the grace and love that can only come through Christ. When they broke bread together (just like us good Methodists...lol) they not only did so for the nourishment of their bodies, but the nourishment of their souls. During the last supper, Christ made it clear that only though Him and his blood could one gain the salvation needed to be in complete communion/community with God. But Jesus didn't only talk about "breaking bread" during His last meal.
In Matthew 14: 19, Jesus is getting ready to feed the 5,000. At this point the disciples are frustrated and worried that they will not be able to feed such a large crowd. But Jesus refused to let them go hungry.
I believe this part of the Gospel is one of the first instances where the church is sent to action. Jesus not only performed a miracle, but He made it so that all of his disciples were a part of it. Jesus, from the beginning was making it clear that He wanted us involved in His plan.
The idea of Church is not just a praise band, or a choir on a stage every Sunday at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 with people "participating" in a worship service. But in all reality it is God people getting their hands dirty and making sure they world can take part in Christ's body. Christ tells us in the Great Commission:
"All authority in heaven has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28: 18-20 NIV)
Hallelujah!
So...Do you want to go to church? Or do you want to BE the church? It's your decision.
Amen.
When the early church started, it was comprised of small groups of individuals who met, broke bread and worshiped the God of Jacob. They discussed their faults and helped to keep each other accountable for their actions. They also praised God together for their blessings and gifts. Many times in the letters that Paul wrote, he made sure that those he was writing to were being held accountable for their sins and reiterated the grace and love that can only come through Christ. When they broke bread together (just like us good Methodists...lol) they not only did so for the nourishment of their bodies, but the nourishment of their souls. During the last supper, Christ made it clear that only though Him and his blood could one gain the salvation needed to be in complete communion/community with God. But Jesus didn't only talk about "breaking bread" during His last meal.
In Matthew 14: 19, Jesus is getting ready to feed the 5,000. At this point the disciples are frustrated and worried that they will not be able to feed such a large crowd. But Jesus refused to let them go hungry.
"And He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples and the disciples gave them to the people." (Matthew 14:19 NIV)
I believe this part of the Gospel is one of the first instances where the church is sent to action. Jesus not only performed a miracle, but He made it so that all of his disciples were a part of it. Jesus, from the beginning was making it clear that He wanted us involved in His plan.
The idea of Church is not just a praise band, or a choir on a stage every Sunday at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 with people "participating" in a worship service. But in all reality it is God people getting their hands dirty and making sure they world can take part in Christ's body. Christ tells us in the Great Commission:
"All authority in heaven has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28: 18-20 NIV)
Hallelujah!
So...Do you want to go to church? Or do you want to BE the church? It's your decision.
Amen.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Obedience
Obedience. Websters dictionary defines obedience as:
1. The act of obeying, or the state of being obedient; compliance with that which is required by authority; subjection to rightful restraint or control.
What do you think of when you hear the word obedience? When I think about it, I automatically think about cleaning my horrifically disgusting and dirty closet when my mom used to tell me to. I also think about doing the tasks assigned to me in school or in work. Usually when I think of obedience, another word that is usually attached is command. If something is commanded, in order to honor that command you obey it and follow through.
So many times I think about God's commandments and wonder if I am obeying them fully. The answer (I feel) is met with a resounding "NO." How many times do I find myself not loving my neighbor. I find myself trying so hard to prove my point to someone that I forget the tone of my voice, or I begin to talk down to that other person. This is not what Jesus had in mind when he said love your neighbor as yourself. Instead, I get so caught up in loving myself, and my "precious" point that I forget there is even another person in the room.
Why is it so hard to obey? So many times we allow our flesh to get in the way of God and His power. We try so hard to fight it. Why is that? I believe it is because WE want to be in control. Until we realize that we are not the ones in control, we will continue to get in the way of our relationship with God.
I am being challenged, and I challenge those who read this, to really try and LOVE people. Not just say it, but mean it, and do it. LOVE AS A VERB! Love is not just a feeling. Feelings are involved, but there is so much more to it than that. When we OBEY Christ's teachings and Love one another, we are sharing God with other people. How cool is that?
Today was an interesting day.
God spoke to me this past week. It was clear, and it was wonderful. They were the words I needed to hear.
"I LOVE YOU"
Wow...
There could have been no better time than this week for God to tell me that. God has blessed me with so many things. My family, my fiancee, my friends, my guinea pig...lol...but for Him to just say that to me...Wow...
I so very much enjoy being told that I am loved. It is as if God brought me a gift to show me that He loves me, and then He just straight out and told me.
I just wanted to share that.
In Christ!
B-ROG
1. The act of obeying, or the state of being obedient; compliance with that which is required by authority; subjection to rightful restraint or control.
What do you think of when you hear the word obedience? When I think about it, I automatically think about cleaning my horrifically disgusting and dirty closet when my mom used to tell me to. I also think about doing the tasks assigned to me in school or in work. Usually when I think of obedience, another word that is usually attached is command. If something is commanded, in order to honor that command you obey it and follow through.
So many times I think about God's commandments and wonder if I am obeying them fully. The answer (I feel) is met with a resounding "NO." How many times do I find myself not loving my neighbor. I find myself trying so hard to prove my point to someone that I forget the tone of my voice, or I begin to talk down to that other person. This is not what Jesus had in mind when he said love your neighbor as yourself. Instead, I get so caught up in loving myself, and my "precious" point that I forget there is even another person in the room.
Why is it so hard to obey? So many times we allow our flesh to get in the way of God and His power. We try so hard to fight it. Why is that? I believe it is because WE want to be in control. Until we realize that we are not the ones in control, we will continue to get in the way of our relationship with God.
I am being challenged, and I challenge those who read this, to really try and LOVE people. Not just say it, but mean it, and do it. LOVE AS A VERB! Love is not just a feeling. Feelings are involved, but there is so much more to it than that. When we OBEY Christ's teachings and Love one another, we are sharing God with other people. How cool is that?
LOVE!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today was an interesting day.
God spoke to me this past week. It was clear, and it was wonderful. They were the words I needed to hear.
"I LOVE YOU"
Wow...
There could have been no better time than this week for God to tell me that. God has blessed me with so many things. My family, my fiancee, my friends, my guinea pig...lol...but for Him to just say that to me...Wow...
I so very much enjoy being told that I am loved. It is as if God brought me a gift to show me that He loves me, and then He just straight out and told me.
I just wanted to share that.
In Christ!
B-ROG
Monday, May 11, 2009
First Post
Well...Here is my first post on the blog. It has been such a long time since I have had a blog such as this. I used to use Live Journal back in the day, and it was always nice to go back and read how life was when you wrote those. It is so amazing to think back on all those ideas that were coursing through my head. There were days of joy and days of sadness, as well as anger in the form of a good rant, all the while not being sure if you always wanted people to read what I was writing down. But for some reason, I did it. A LOT. I am not really sure what caused me to want to start writing in a blog again, but I do know that Jason Fry had something to do with it. I have been reading his blogs and it is interesting to see the thoughts of a pastor, other than my dad. We (for the most part) knew what went on at the church. There was always Someone complaining about this, or complaining about that. But it was always good to hear when something went right. When someone realized that it wasn't about them, but instead it is about JESUS!
I am not really sure what to think about this move to Fredericksburg. I am so very excited, and yet I am scared and nervous as well. I truly want to be the best example I can be for the youth. I sometimes wonder why God really wants me to go. I feel like I don't deserve such an honor as leading a group of young people to Christ and making sure that they are fed spiritually and connected to the vine. I pray that God will give me patience and courage to ride out the tough times. I know they are coming. It is not going to be an easy task. But someone once told me that God won't give us more than we can handle.
On a more personal level, I have found so many friends here in College Station. I will miss them dearly. I will especially miss Miranda for the time that we will be apart. We only have about 10 months left until we get married. I CAN'T WAIT! I love her so very much. I know that God wants us together and He will give us the strength to push through these last few months and be victorious!
I would like to leave now with a bible verse.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
In Christ!
B-ROG
I am not really sure what to think about this move to Fredericksburg. I am so very excited, and yet I am scared and nervous as well. I truly want to be the best example I can be for the youth. I sometimes wonder why God really wants me to go. I feel like I don't deserve such an honor as leading a group of young people to Christ and making sure that they are fed spiritually and connected to the vine. I pray that God will give me patience and courage to ride out the tough times. I know they are coming. It is not going to be an easy task. But someone once told me that God won't give us more than we can handle.
On a more personal level, I have found so many friends here in College Station. I will miss them dearly. I will especially miss Miranda for the time that we will be apart. We only have about 10 months left until we get married. I CAN'T WAIT! I love her so very much. I know that God wants us together and He will give us the strength to push through these last few months and be victorious!
I would like to leave now with a bible verse.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
In Christ!
B-ROG
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