It's Time to Get out of the Boat

I remember growing up and going to my grandparents home where they live on a lake. There were many times my cousins and I would take the boat out in the middle of the lake, drop anchor and go swimming. I was always the one who didn’t want to get in the water because I was afraid it was going to be too cold. I’m sure that there are many of you out there that can relate.

There were times that I never got in the water, there were times that I was thrown in the water and then there were times that I got the courage to finally get out of the boat and into the water. You see, it takes faith to jump into that water. I have to trust that it really isn’t cold which is what my cousins always said and sure enough it was freezing. However, I would not have known that if I didn’t get out of that boat.

I’m reminded of the story of Peter in Matthew 14:22-31 when the disciples were all on a boat and a storm came about. Off in the distance appeared Jesus. While he was walking towards the boat the disciples were in a panic for 2 reasons. One, the storm was getting stronger and two, Jesus appeared to them looking like a ghost.

We hear a lot of messages about Peter “being of little faith.” However, I believe the opposite is true. It says in Matthew 14:28 “"Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water." What we fail to recognize is that Peter was the only one to get out of the boat. I mean, he is the only person other than Jesus to actually walk on water. If he never requested that of Jesus, he would have never been able to do the miraculous.

My question that I pose to you today is what is keeping you from getting off of your boat? Is it fear? I heard this once “We need to learn to accept fear as the price of growth”. Is it insecurities, hurt? What is it? Once you determine what that is, you need to stand firm, be bold and press through because on the other side, greatness and breakthrough awaits you.

Hayden

Slushies, Freeze Pops, Burgers & Dogs, and Cannonballs

Nothing cools the heat of the summer like a dip in the pool or lake.  Nothing refreshes you on the inside better than an ice cold slushy or freeze pop.  And nothing satisfies your hunger after being out in the sun all day than a nice burger or hot dog on the grill! (Man, my mouth is watering as I type).

With summer in full swing, it is important to be intentional with what events you schedule in attempt to connect with students and make it easy for them to come to your youth service.

We are by no means experts, but I thought I would share a few things that we do over the summer to meet students on their level:

1. House Parties: This is exactly what it sounds like, a party at someone’s house.  Students love to hang out where the crowd is at in the summer, so why not create your own crowd. It works best to find a house that has a pool or is on a lake.  This is a great “non churchy” environment to invite unbelievers to that might not be down with Jesus yet, but will totally cannonball in your pool!  Advertise the party and make sure you provide some food and you’re in for a hit!  We usually charge $2-$3 per student to cover the food and supplies cost, but free always works the best if it is in your budget.

2. Slushies and Freeze Pops: Nothing makes a student happier than a freeze pop or slushy on a hot day.  Try renting a slushy machine from a local vendor or go to Sam’s Club and buy freeze pops in the bulk and give them out before and/or after service.  Students will love it!

3. Grill Meat When You Can: Students go crazy over hamburgers and hotdogs!  If you are able to, provide grilled food at your summer events or house parties.  Find a faithful volunteer or two who love to grill and turn them loose to be “lean, mean, grilling machines.” (Raising your own cattle or pigs might me cost effective too…just kidding…but seriously.)

These are not the only things you can do in the summer, but give one or two of them a try and watch students have a blast!

Eric

God-Fearing

Have you, like me, ever asked the question, “Why am I supposed to fear the Lord?” I mean, He is good, kind, loving, gentle, comforting, giver of good things, ect.. Why are we to fear Him? This just doesn’t make sense.

As I continue to grow in my personal walk with Him I have been getting more and more revelation on this concept. The Bible says in Psalm 25:14 “The Lord confides in those who fear Him: He makes His covenant known to them”. The word confide means to tell (something) in confidence, to give as a responsibility or put into another's care; entrust, to disclose private matters in confidence.

I don’t know about you, but growing up I always loved to be in the know about stuff that others didn’t know. It made me feel older, responsible, and mature enough to handle it. When I was in the know, it gave me ownership in whatever that piece of information was.

I find that the more I have fear or reverence for the Lord, the easier it is to hear His voice and follow His leading. I feel that I am entrusted with more from Him and I can tell you, there is something that feels so good when somebody can count on you or entrust you with something. My fear and reverence for the Lord gives me ownership in my relationship with Him. It helps me not take Him for granted and allow our relationship to become mundane or dry.

So today, I pose you this question: In your life right now, can you say that you have a fear or reverence for the Lord? Here is how you can know the answer. How is your spiritual life? How have you been in your battle with sin or addiction? Are you more on the victor side or the defeated side? How much have you been entrusted with lately?





Hayden