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2012-01-26T11:10:00.000-06:00

Four Years Later

Jasper Speaks:

Today is the fourth anniversary of my mother's death. My heart is heavy today. I just attended the funeral of a loving saint from our church as well. I kept thinking throughout the service that death is a natural part of life. That doesn't make it better really. Still, I know my mother is in Heaven and that her years of pain are gone. The hole she left behind is deep and can never be filled. Maybe some of this is harder because today is the day my dad is being moves to a new facility as his Alzheimer's gets worse. Hard times makes me miss Mom more. I am just thankful for the 38 years of my life I got to share with her.She was an amazing woman and the influence she had on my life continues on.

2012-01-20T11:33:00.001-06:00

His Way

Jasper Speaks:

As I sat in seminary class this morning and heard the prayer requests of my fellow students, a common theme emerged. Overwhelmingly the request that was most heard was, "I need to know God's Will". I think many people in the pews would think that those at this stage in theological education wouldn't struggle with something so base as just knowing what God wants for his or her life. The truth is we all struggle with this. How do we find out His will? Scripture addresses this on many occasions. One of the most quoted is Proverbs 3:5-6 :

   Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
      And lean not on your own understanding;
  In all your ways acknowledge Him,
      And He shall direct your paths. (NKJV)

Sounds easy enough. But how do we do this? Trusting with all your heart doesn't mean not questioning God sometimes. It does mean that you trust with all your being that God has your best interest at heart. Sure there are times that this is harder than others but deep within you, you trust Him.

I think the next step is a natural out pour of the first. We have to acknowledge Him. We need to acknowledge the trust we have in Him. I think that means we need to share with others the faith that we have. We have to acknowledge that God is trustworthy. We have to acknowledge that we are putting that trust in Him.

We also have to acknowledge him by improving our relationship with him. We do this through a consistent time with him. We need to return to His Word every day. We also need to speak to Him. We need to converse with the Lord frequently. If we are those who believe in God's attribute of omnipresence, shouldn't we talk to him? Think about how we would seldom sit in a room with another person and not speak to him or her. We acknowledge his or her presence with us. The same is true with God. He is there with us always. So, isn't true that we need to acknowledge His presence often? 1 Thessalonians says that we should pray without ceasing. Acknowledging God means that you keep the conversation with Him going throughout the day. He longs for that conversation with us. I would go as far to say that it is difficult to ever know God's will if we are not frequently acknowledging Him.

I also believe that when we are trusting and acknowledging Him, He gives us the power in our souls to say, "Let's do it your way, Lord." With full trust of God comes a movement in our spirit that says, "God, I want you to have your way in my life". That's what God was telling me as we were praying together in class this morning. As our prayers were being lifted up a hymn from my childhood became my prayer and I want to share that song with you:

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
      Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
     While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Here is the story behind that song:

In 1902, Adelaide A. Pollard, a Bible teacher and hymn writer, was hoping to go to Africa as a missionary but found herself unable to raise the needed funds to make the journey. Greatly discouraged, she attended a prayer service one evening and as she sat there, she overheard an elderly woman say "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord, just have your own way with our lives." The elderly woman inspired Pollard and she contemplated the story of the potter from Jeremiah 18:3 and, upon her return home that evening, wrote all four stanzas before retiring for the night

As you trust in the Lord today, acknowledge Him. Let Him have His way in your life today.

2012-01-13T17:24:00.000-06:00

The Devil Made Me Do It!

Jasper Speaks

The other night I was reading our evening Bible devotion to Jackson. It was the story of Adam and Eve’s fall in the Garden of Eden. Jackson had of course heard this story before so when we got to the part where the serpent was tempting Eve, he got worked up as he knew where this was going. I didn’t have to tell him who the bad guy was. He knew what the serpent was doing was going to end in a bad way. When we were done he asked, “Daddy, why did they eat the fruit?” That question is one that has haunted humanity. Why? Why did they fall? Why with all the beauty of the garden did they choose to do the one thing God told them they couldn’t do? Why give up everything that was in front of them, to see what more there might be?

Temptation is a powerful thing. Satan has been using it from the very beginning. It is what he does. He is very good at it. I often tell the students that it is like someone who spends their lives working at an M&M factory. Their job is to put the Ms on the candy. If that is the only thing they did for 40 years you have got to think they would be pretty good at it. Satan has been tempting humans since the dawn of our existence. It is what he does. He is very good at it. He knows the words to say. He knows the moments to strike. He is the expert tempter.

Temptation is not where sin lies. Sin is in action. We are all tempted. Jesus was even tempted by Satan and as we know he was without sin, temptation alone cannot be sinful. It is where temptation leads us that is where our concern lies.

Temptation is opportunity. A choice lies before us. Will we fail or will we triumph? Temptation is not something we necessarily need to dread. Resisting temptation and overcoming Satan can be a great growth moment in our spiritual lives. Easier said than done? Yes. But God makes a promise to us in our temptation in 1 Corinthians. He says:

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

What Satan wants you to believe is that the place where you are tempted is yours alone. He wants you to believe that no one else has ever been where you are. That quite simply is a lie and nothing more. The things with which you struggle are not new. They are things that are common to us all. Maybe they manifest themselves in different ways but the temptation is the same. In the end, we are tempted to be selfish. We are tempted to find what pleases us most. Satan is so good at tempting because his fall came from the same temptation he gives us. He was selfish and wanted more for himself. He longs for you and me to be just as

selfish as he was when he fell from Heaven.

Jesus came and told us that we need to be living for others. We need to focus on other people’s needs above our own. This message is the exact opposite of the message Satan tempts us with. For me the most promising part of 1 Corinthians 10:13 is that God is faithful and won’t tempt us more than we can bear. He will make a way of escape every time. That is so reassuring to me. When I am tempted, God has already made a way for me to escape it. I simply have to choose that way of escape. For Adam and Eve it was to walk away and eat from any other tree in the Garden. It comes to us in many different ways. That is the power in the promise.

Temptation will come. Sometimes it will seem to be more than you can take. God’s Word tells us that is a lie. Temptation is an opportunity to grow. The next time you are tempted remember that God has promised a way of escape for you. Look for it. Take the opportunity to allow the temptation to be a time of growth rather than failure. God is faithful. Let Him be in your life by fleeing temptation through His loving way of escape.

2012-01-06T10:13:00.000-06:00

Resolutions

Jasper Speaks:

As we enter into a New Year we will soon be hearing people ask the familiar question, “What is your New Year Resolution?” That question always make me cringe a bit. There are so many things I can think I need to resolve to do or not do. If I sat down and wrote out each of these things I could probably fill a notebook. It would certainly take a long time to list out all the ways I could be different.

In the past, like many of you I am sure, I have resolved to eat less, exercise more, watch less television, and have a day of rest each week, among a plethora of other good intentions. I may start strong on January 1 but by February 1, most of my good intentions have remained just that --- intentions.

The New Year always seems to bring renewed hope. It is like we get a fresh start as the calendar changes from December to January. With the full rotation of the Earth, comes a chance to begin again. Unfortunately, what we often find is that the same things that plagued us on December 30^th are still plaguing us on January 2^nd. Our struggles are still there hounding us. Our bills are not suddenly reduced back to zero. Our illnesses do not magically go away. The New Year brings hope but it does not always bring change.

As Christians, however, we have a greater hope. We can embrace the hope of second chances and new beginnings. The best part is we do not have to wait for a New Year to experience them. Lamentations 3:22-24 tells us that we receive new beginnings more than just once a year. It says:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."

We don’t need to wait to make a resolution at the changing of a calendar. Our new beginnings come with each day. Every day provides an opportunity to allow the Lord to show himself in our lives in a new way. Even when our lives seem darkest, he remains the only light we need. He comes in many ways, offering a new mercy to us every day.

This year I challenge you to only resolve one thing --- seek out God’s new mercies every morning. Test Him and see that if you truly put you hope in His mercies, they are endless. Make your resolution for 2012 to become someone who changes your heart by holding strong to the steadfast love and mercy of our Heavenly Father and appreciating it every day.

Resolutions are not all bad but the hope we can have in the Lord to be our portion, provider and Father is not something that will cease when we are not faithful. His new and glorious mercies will follow you through this year and for the years to come.

Therefore, I ask, “What is your New Year’s Resolution?”

2012-01-06T10:11:00.000-06:00

Hard or Impossible?

Jasper Speaks:

Do you ever feel like living the Christian life is just plain hard? I would say that if you have never felt that way, you are not really living out your faith.

The truth is living the Christian life isn’t hard ---it is IMPOSSIBLE! We can’t do it on our own. We have to stop working and striving to do things and let Jesus live the life for us. A verse that sticks out to me when I think about this is Galatians 2:20. It says: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”. Not only do I think that this verse tells us to live a life that is surrendered to God’s plan and not our own, I think it tells us to let God take care of everything in our lives. I think it tells us to lean on God during times that are hard.

How do we do that? Everyday you face challenges and you have to react to them. Maybe your friends or family don’t understand your faith. Maybe you are going through a time of loneliness. Maybe you feel like there is so much going on in your life that you can not keep up. Maybe you just feel like the day to day struggles in your life are too much to bear. Let Christ do the living then.

I think the first thing you need to do in order to let Christ do the living is give yourself a relationship check up. Think about your relationship with Christ. How vital is it? Are you really taking time to spend in His word? Are you communicating with Him about your life regularly? Are you living out the life that the Bible requires of you?

Spending time with God is essential to letting Him live for you. Reading His word (the Bible) is a daily reminder of all He has done for us and the promises He makes to us. I love the passage in The Message version of the Bible in Lamentations 3 that says:

“I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed. I remember it all—oh, how well I remember— the feeling of hitting the bottom. But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!”

So, each day you can sit down with God’s Word and find new things that will remind you that God is in control and wants to live the life for you! I talked a little about that last month when we were reminded that the New Year isn’t a magic change. If you live your life believing that God is going to do something new every day, and get excited about that, then it will become easier to let Christ do the living. His plan is real and it is for your best and dying to our own wants gives way to allowing Him to work in us.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says simply, “Pray continually”. Being in communication with God throughout your day will greatly increase your ability to let Him do the living for you. If you are approaching a difficult time, pray. Sounds simple but it is amazing the way God can change your attitude or give you courage if you just take a moment and ask Him to help. Prayer is vital in the struggle to let go and let God live for you.

Finally, how you live out your life everyday is essential in the battle to let God live for you. In short --- practice what you preach. St. Francis of Assisi may have stated this best when he said, “Preach the gospel everywhere. Use words when necessary”. Put action to what you believe. Stand firm in your commitments. It may not always be easy but step three is made more simple when you have step one (Spending time with God) and Step Two (prayer) down.

Hard times will come and for many of us, they are here everyday. Still, God says, “Don’t sweat it. Let me take control”. I am praying that you would let God do that in your life!

2011-12-21T10:42:00.002-06:00

2011-11-10T10:17:00.000-06:00

Teach Your Children Well

Jasper Speaks:

What is the most quoted passage of Scripture in history? If you are like me your first guess might be John 3:16. I am flooded with pictures of football games with a giant poster in the endzone being raised by a man in a rainbow wig. But John 3:16 is not the correct answer. The answer may actually surprise you. It is Deuteronomy 6:4-9. It reads:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”

It may be a surprise that this passage is the one that is most quoted. However, in the home of every Orthodox Jewish family this passage is repeated morning and evening. This passage is recited at Bar Mitzvahs as Jewish boys ceremoniously enter manhood.

It is important enough that it is the passage Jesus recited when asked what was the greatest of all commandments.

This passage is referred to as the Shema. The word Shema can be translated “witness”. God instructs parents in this passage to make witness to their children of the doctrine of one God and how we honor Him. The imagery of the signs being on their hands was to remind the children of Israel to remember the Lord in the work of their hands. Binding them as frontlets between their eyes reminded them to keep their minds pure from ungodly thoughts and images. By placing them on the doorpost, they were declaring God as the Lord of their home.

Christian parents today have a responsibility to live the principles of the Shema in front of their children. A concern in our churches is that it seems that many students are leaving the church when they leave high school. It is staggering the numbers of students who seem to abandon their faith at this time. Depending on the studies the numbers can be anywhere from 60-90%. There is one thing that seems to make a large difference in these numbers however --- parents.

Recent studies have shown that there is a 300% increase in the chance of students staying in church when there are faith conversations on a regular basis in the home.¹ Parents are key to the discipleship process. The Lord clearly commands parents to impress the teachings of His Word on their children. Many parents struggle with how to best do this. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Remember that discipleship begins in the home.

Start the spiritual conversations that children need to remain in the faith. Even when your child seems uninterested, the Spirit is at work. God promises that his word will not return to him void. Share your own faith story with your children. Discuss meaningful passages of Scripture with them. Find spiritual lessons in the every day happenings in your home and talk about them with your children.

2. Remember Children often spell love T-I-M-E.

Spend time with your children. Show them the love of Christ by reminding them that they are a priority in your life. Put down the remote. Leave work at work more. Discuss your child’s day with them and as those discussions flow point out areas where your child could grow spiritually through greater faith, prayer or time in God’s Word.

3. Just Live It

Remember that your own life is your best discipleship tool. Your child sees the real you. How are you living out your faith day to day? Do they see you in God’s Word on a regular basis? Do they hear you speak of trusting God in all circumstances? Do they see your life marked with the joy of the Lord? You may think that you do not know how to model the Christian life because your parents never modeled it for you. That kind of thinking is what Satan wants you to believe. Instead, you must trade the sin of the past for God’s plan for today. You can make a generational difference by simply living for the Lord in front of your children. Do not fear it. Embrace it. Start this Godly lifestyle today.

The church is a great resource for discipleship for families. However, there is only so much the church can do to help. God reminds us in the Shema that discipleship begins at home. Remember the Lord has given you your children as a trust. Investing in them spiritually is the most important thing you can do. Teach your children well and when they are old, they will not depart from it.

¹Jim Burns, Christian author, speaking at the Reinvent Conference, Louisville, Kentucky November 4, 2011

2011-11-10T10:13:00.001-06:00

I Must Be Old Because I Keep Shaking My Head and Saying "This Generation ..."

Jasper Speaks:

At first this article made me mad. Then it just made me sad. I am so sad that this generation doesn't seem to understand consequences. It doesn't seem to have real, solid values. This man KNEW that boys were being harmed and did NOTHING. He is not a hero no matter what his "winning record" says. Football games have no significance in life. Zero. Only eternal differences really matter. I applaud Penn State on their decision to fire this man and not take the easy way out and just let him retire. It makes me sad that college students there don't understand anything about the justice being served.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=pf-forde_paterno_firing_prompts_chaos111011

rivals.yahoo.com

2011-10-27T15:01:00.001-05:00

Student Surgeons or Student Researchers?

Jasper Speaks:

Much has been said and written about living life on mission. Searching the all knowing website, Wikipedia, I found this definition of "Missional Living":

Christian term that describes a missionary lifestyle; adopting the posture, thinking, behaviors, and practices of a missionary in order to engage others with the gospel message.

The more I think about this in student ministry, I think about a doctor's training. As they go through the process they learn in detail about everything regarding the human body and how it functions. When it is done some become doctors who get their hands dirty in the lives of patients as surgeons and their hard work saves their lives. Others go into research. They continue to know a lot about things but never really use their knowledge to heal. I want my students to be surgeons not researchers. I think the American church is full of researchers who may even have the best intentions as they go to church every Sunday and learn. I want my students to get their hands dirty in the lives of people God has put around them. I think a continued emphasis on living life on mission helps point them toward that.

I am not saying that research isn't important. I believe that research can enable us to change the world. However, as I shepherd the flock of students with whom God has entrusted me, I want to develop students who take their research and use it in practical ways. I want surgeons, not researchers.

Here is a great video overview of the concepts of a missional church. it is pretty basic but if you don't know about or don't understand the foundational truths of the missional church movement, this should help:

2011-10-20T11:10:00.001-05:00

PURE PRAISE - Week Three - Worship is Conversion

Jasper Speaks:

I am learning a lot about worship in our latest study, Pure Praise. Here is what we talked about last night:

We are in week three of a series we are calling Pure Praise. We are looking into God’s Word to see what it says about worship. We’ve talked about how worship is a lot more than singing. The first week we said that worship is knowing God. We said that in order to really worship Him, you have to know Him.

Last week Jeff talked about worship being praising God.

Tonight I want to talk to you about where worship comes from. How it can be real and not inauthentic. Last week Jeff talked about how praise is an outward thing. How people see it when you are doing it and that is really true. Praise is the outward response to what God is doing. Tonight I want to build off what Jeff said last week and help you see how to prepare yourself for real, true worship what should come from your worship.

Worship begins INSIDE

True worship comes from within us Worship is a heart issue. To genuinely worship God, I believe your heart haws to be right with God. Last week Jeff talked about how praise comes from the overflow of the heart. I believe that worship begins inside us. Look with me at what Psalm 51 says:

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels,
and they will return to you. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;
then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. Psalm 51:10-13

In order for us to worship God in spirit and in truth like we talked about two weeks ago, we have to make sure that we are right inside. We have to be equipped to worship.

Before we can really worship we have to prepare ourselves. If praise is really the overflow of our hearts then our hearts need to be right to worship. Once that happens we can take the steps of worship. Worship on its own is so much more than praise. It should move us to change. Worship is conversion.

As I thought about what that might look like I was drawn to one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Isaiah chapter 6. I think as we look at Isaiah’s experience here we will see path of preparing our hearts for real worship.

Isaiah is possibly the most famous Old Testament prophets. His book is 66 chapters long like the Bible is 66 books long. The first five chapters of Isaiah deal with a vision God gave Isaiah about Judah and Israel and God’s judgment.

Then we get to chapter 6 and Isaiah and he records the extraordinary experience he had. To understand this chapter we have to recognize Isaiah’s state of mind. His friend (and probably cousin) the King, Uzziah had died and Isaiah was mourning. Isaiah is reaching out to God in his time of mourning. In the midst of this hard time God speaks into his life and changes it.

I like to call this the “C” chapter. I think we see Isaiah’s heart being prepared for worship in a series of happenings that all start with the letter C.

Fist is the act of:

CONSECRATION

It was in the year King Uzziah diedthat I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. They were calling out to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!” Their voices shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire building was filled with smoke. Isaiah 6:1-4

The dictionary says that to consecrate means to to make or declare sacred; set apart or dedicate to the service of a deity:

And that is what happens here.

The seraphim cry out Holy holy holy!

Isaiah realizes God is different. He consecrates.God is greater. Holy different. Our worship begins with recognizing that.

So the first C is Consecration the next is

CONVICTION

Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed … Isaiah 6:5a

When we see how different God is we immediately see how sinful we are.

We are separated from God.

We see that more when God is consecrated. When we worship God starts to shine his flashlight on our hearts and we see where we fall short.

Once we have consecrated God and seen how different he is and our sin is made known to us this requires a response on our part. That response is:

CONFESSION

… for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Isaiah 6:5b

Isaiah consecrated God and immediately saw his own sin. But he didn’t just see his sin he responded to being in God’s presence. He saw his own sin and confessed it. If you want to really worship God in spirit and truth you need to confess the sin in your life before him. You need to get things right with God. I would even go as far as to say if you are in a worship service and you are singing and you are consecrating God and you are convicted of your sin before him (as should happen most of the time of our worship) you should stop right then and there and confess. Why? Because that sin is going to keep you from truth. Sin is the opposite of worship. You have to confess it to really be able to let yourself worship God with your whole spirit.

Sin is the exact opposite of worship. Worship is about God, sin is all about us. Really worshiping in Spirit and Truth cannot happen if you have unconfessed sin on your heart.

Then God does something in the worship. The next C is for

CLEANSING

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.” Isaiah 6:6-7

When you consecrate, are convicted and confess, God is going to cleanse.

Why did the seraphim put the coal on Isaiah’s lips? That was where his confesses sin was.

God will go to exactly what you confess. He will cleanse it.

Once you are cleansed you are at a point where you can worship God unhindered. It is at that time that you can achieve the last step of worship

CALL
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8

Isaiah came to the temple that day because he needed God. When we are worshipping him we are saying God I need you. Is Consecrated, was convicted, confessed, God cleansed him and then --- then he was able to hear God’s call. Worship is about giving back to God but it is when we are iving back to him that he can move the most in our lives. It is when he gives back to us. Is worshipped and God spoke.

You should expect to hear God’s call every time you worship.

This shouldn’t be a one time thing. You see

Worship is LIVING CONVERSION

Let’s go back to where we started in Psalm 51.

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering.
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:16-17

God doesn’t want our works

God wants our real worship

In order to really worship we have to have all thse Cs.

When we have them, God will not reject us. He will speak to us. Then our real act of worship continues when we answer the call to consecrated holy living.

2011-10-17T22:39:00.001-05:00

Life is Hard

Jasper Speaks:

Life is Hard … But God is Good

Life is hard but God is good. This phrase has been running through my mind of late. I have had a difficult few weeks and I keep telling myself that even in the darkest hours, God is good.

When was the last time you really contemplated the goodness of God? We are so blessed. I heard someone say the other day, “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday”. It made me think. I have much for which to be thankful. I have an amazing wife. I have a wonderful son. My extended family loves me. I have close friends.I have a caring church family. I get to spend every day “working” in a job that is my passion. I have a nice home. I have two cars. I have not gone hungry. I realize that I don’t thank God enough for what I have.

God’s Word speaks of the goodness of God often. I think that God understands that we all have difficult times. Our sinful nature enables us to be selfish and look at our current circumstances and neglect all God has done for us. So, God, in his infinite wisdom, reminds us of His goodness when we open His Word. Even in the times we feel abandoned, God’s goodness still surrounds us. Psalm 31 says:

Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

God knew life would be hard. Sin complicates everything. It keeps our focus off God and all he has given us. Still, in our darkest hour, God does not leave us alone. His goodness still prevails. We may not understand why He allows the darkness to over shadow us but we can have confidence that His goodness will continue to shine down. Part of the goodness of God is that He promises that all things will work to our good. Life deals us so many difficult times but God is greater than our difficulties. Satan’s lies are defeated when we stop dwelling on the darkness and begin to return to a list of the things for which we are thankful to God in His goodness.

If you are dealing with a difficult time, I challenge you to sit down and list the ways that you see God’s goodness at work in your life. It will change your perspective. It will defeat the enemy as he tries to deceive you into believing God has left you all alone. Life is hard but God is good. May we all remember that even in our toughest times.

2011-10-10T22:09:00.003-05:00

Top Five Things to Help Build Student Ministry Unity
A huge struggle in student ministry is unity. How do we take a group of students who seem to be totally different from one another and ...

2011-09-22T16:24:00.000-05:00

INSIDERS

Jasper Speaks:

I am completely convinced that God has not called us to be out of this world. He has called us to be insiders who are changing the world. Here is a video we made for our latest Reality Check Series called Chosen Generation. We spent all of September 2011 studying 1 Peter 2:9 piece by piece as we prepared for The Lifebook Movement we are taking up later this month. After the video I have placed my notes from week two of Chosen Generation that discusses the idea of being an insider.

Chosen Generation
Week Two
You Are An Insider

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9

We talked about how we are CG RP HN. We are God’s ambassadors to earth to tell about the love of Christ and God’s redemptive plan. Tonight we are going to rest on the next phrase HOSP. Ithink everyone likes to be told they are special. Nobody wants to be ordinary. We want to be special and in a good way. You know sometimes I may look at you and say you’re special. But its all in the tone. Specail may mean something different to you but in God’s definition we mean, chosen, royal and holy. So if you are special then

God has SPECIAL PLANS for you

Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols. O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. Psalm 46:4-5

I completely believe that God has given all Christians a special plan. He has told us that we are special to him and that he has great plans. In fact the psalmist writes here that those plans are too numerous to count. His plan for each of us is unique and special for us.

So if God has a special plan for you when does it start?

God’s plan for you is about RIGHT NOW

I want to take you back to the Old Testament. We begin our study in the Old Testament. We ask, How did Israel relate to the unbelieving world? We soon discover that Israel was God's message, His vehicle of communication to the rest of the nations. Their message was in their uniqueness, as they lived by the civil, ceremonial, and moral laws God had given them through Moses.' They were not to mix with their neighbors in marriage or take on their customs because such a mixture would blur God's image.' The plan was not to send Israel into the world to reach the nations. Rather, He planted her in the world to attract the nations. That plan worked as long as Israel was faithful.

Esther:

If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

Now times have changed but I believe that God still puts us in certain places for such a time as this?

ME WWII – why wasn’t I born then? Because in the grand scheme of God’s plan I was born for such a time as this. I had a purpose for the right now.

Remember I said that in the OT God place Israel in a place of being God’s messsage to the world. The New Testament opens on a very different note. Israel had fallen into dishonor in the eyes of the nations. Yet Jesus came as a member of this discredited people. He offered Himself to them, but they rejected Him. What we often fail to understand was that He came to the Jews, confined His ministry to them for the sake of the nations of the world.4 God's purpose for His people was not to restore their national splendor so that the world would again be attracted to them. Rather, He focused on the few, capitalized on their heritage, revealed to them who He was, and scattered them into the world.' The fruit of this scattering was a new people: the church. There is a basic difference in strategy for God's people of the Old Testament and His people of the New. Rather than the come and see of the Old, it is now go to and live among. You live among the world today:

You are an INSIDER

What planet are we on? There is a basic difference in strategy for God's people of the Old Testament and His people of the New. Rather than the come and see of the Old, it is now go to and live among. It is as critical now as it was in Old Testament times that we live holy lives. Ungodly living will destroy us and our credibility just as surely now as it did then. But we are to live our lives among the lost rather than separated from them. God's people today are a people sent; we are to go to and live among. So a basic difference between the calling of God's people in the Old and New Testaments is that the arrows have been turned around. Where it was once come and see, it is now "go to and proclaim. It seems we are having difficulty getting out of the Old Testament and into the New in understanding what we're to be about. One of the key players in this New Testament strategy is the "insider." An interesting description of this person is found in 1 Corinthians 7. The first-century Christians of Corinth had been converted out of paganism. But as they struggled their way out of their grave clothes, Paul had to help them get untangled. They constantly fought losing battles with worldliness, giving in to jealousy and quarrels among themselves. They bickered over which of their leaders was the greatest: Paul, Apollos, or Peter. The Corinthian believers tolerated an incestuous relationship in their midst, while others among them questioned whether even married believers should have sexual relations. They had a hard time getting away from idolatrous practices and temptations to sexual immorality. They took each other to court. And in spite of all of their weaknesses, Paul had to warn them repeatedly against their arrogance and boasting. Incredibly, some even doubted Paul's motives in going to them, wondering if he wasn't in it for the money!

In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul is writing to the church where there are a lot of questions about how Chrisitans are supposed to act. What are we supposed to do. There was lying and stealing and sexual immrality in the church at Corinth and they wrote him. You know what? Paul didn’t say run away from the world. Go hide. He said something very different. Let’s see what that was:

Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches.For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments. Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you. Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you—but if you get a chance to be free, take it. And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world. Each of you, dear brothers and sisters,should remain as you were when God first called you. 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

He didn’t say, now you are a Christian change everything about your enviroment but he said remain where you are.

I thnk you are an insider and God’s plan is for right now and that

You are an INSIDER for a reason

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west. I will say to the north and south, ‘Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth. Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them. Isaiah 43:5-7

What does that verse say the reason we are here is? Yes to glorify God. Now how does that work into the fact that we are insiders? Well we are God’s own special people. We are inside and if we are insiders that mean we are in the midsts of others and they can see us. They are watching us.

Glorifying God means revealing something about Him so that people can see Him more clearly. Jesus told His Father, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.... I have revealed you to those whom you gave me."" In the same way, God intends that through us, non-Christians will see Him and believe. He intends that those who do believe will be inspired to know Him better as they see His person reflected in us. So we are called to reveal God to believers and unbelievers alike in the context of our families, friendships, and jobs. This is precisely what Jesus was getting at when He said, "You are the salt of the earth ... you are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand.... Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.""

CONDUCTOR – Feels the music – Orchestra watches

I think we need to go back to the idea of really being IN THE WORLD.

God placed you INSIDE the world

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2

A lot of times we use this passage as a rally call to stay out of the world but God doesn’t say that. I love this translation because it reminds us what we were just talking about. It say we need to leay every part of our life down like an offering before God. It says we need to show our relationship with him. It doesn’t say get out of the world at all. It does say concentrate on glorifying God in the world. Don’t let the things of the world sway you to do the wrong things. Be salt and light.

Paul wasn’t the only one who said that we should stay in the world. Jesus said the same thing in the last prayer he prayed for us on earth:

I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. John 17:15-18

Whoa! Did Jesus say he was sending us INTO THE WORLD? He did! We aren’t supposed to hide ourseleves away. We are supposed to be IN THE WORLD. Jesus prayed for our protection but I love that part I had you mark. HE SENT US INTO THE WORLD. There is no Biblical support for living away from the world. There is HUGE biblical support for not being like the world.

We often interpret it to mean we are to have nothing to do with the people who live ungodly lives. A distinction needs to be made here. We are instructed to "have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness."The distinction is between the unbelieving person and his deeds. We are instructed to love the unbeliever. We are told to be wise in our relationships with unbelievers so that we can make the most of every opportunity.15 Keeping ourselves pure is not really a matter of our physical proximity to evil. It is a matter of our minds being conformed to God and His Word. Jesus prayed to His Father concerning His disciples, "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.... Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."" Jesus was the original insider. He came and lived among us. Sinners gathered around Him. His purpose for His disciples was that they too should serve as insiders. He sent them into the world in the same way that His Father sent Him. So it is with us as well. We need to live as insiders in the same manner that Jesus did.

So what does God want you to do?

God wants you to answer the CHALLENGE

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:36-38

LIFEBOOK

We are not of the world, but our designated position is in the world. Our safety from evil is not a matter of withdrawing but of protecting our minds through Christ and His Word. If we are to move beyond just being present as insiders to the place where we become involved in people's lives to help them become followers of Christ, we're going to need help. We will need to team up with others who can fill in the gaps for us.

We all, Christian and non-Christian alike, live in the same environment. It is where we who believe are called to serve as insiders. This constitutes both a problem and an opportunity. It is a problem to the extent that living itself can consume us. Our hands can be more than full just coping with our own private chaos. But this same chaos becomes an opportunity as we learn to survive. By learning to apply biblical wisdom and to rely on spiritual resources, we can live balanced, meaningful lives in the midst of it all. When this happens, the gospel starts to look increasingly attractive to those who are watching. We need to be salt and light. So if you are going to take up the Lifebook challenge, you need to be prepared to be leading a life that is God glorifying every day.

2011-09-14T09:55:00.000-05:00

Ghana Was Amazing

Jasper Speaks:

God taught me so very much while in West Africa. The trip was more than I could have imagined. God taught me about seed planting in a way I had never understood before. My advice to all Christians is --- GET OUT OF THE COUNTRY! Serve God abroad. Here is the video we shared with our church about our trip.

2011-09-02T22:05:00.000-05:00

The Dash

Jasper Speaks

Recently I visited my grandmother’s grave. She passed away in 1995 and I don’t think I have been back to her grave since about a year after that. The other day I was drawn back to her final earthly resting place. I struggled to find her headstone in the midsts of so many. I remembered a landmark that her grave was near but there were so many stones it took me about ten minutes to locate hers.

When I found it, I looked down and was flooded with memories. I remembered that my grandmother was a devoted, godly woman. She served him with her whole being and loved him with her whole heart. She reflected Christ in all she said and did. I know I was blessed to have her example. I recalled my last words to her at the hospital the night before she went to be with her Lord. I took her hand in mine and simply said, “Thank you for showing me Jesus”.

I stood there for a moment and could hear her sweet voice in my mind. I was overwhelmed with gratefulness for her legacy. As I looked around the cemetary it was a certain reminder of what is left of us all when our lives come to an end. I looked back to her grave and began to wonder about my own legacy. I noticed something on her headstone. It read Rosalie E. Baugh November 1909 - January 1996. She had never had much of material things in this life. In 1909, her birth didn’t make headlines. In 1996, neither did her death. What struck me was that even more important than the 1909 or the 1996 was the -. The dash in the middle of those dates was what was most important in my Grandmother’s life. What she did in those years between birth and death is what remains. She instilled a fear and love of God in her children, grandchildren, other family and friends. I am a product of the great use of her “dash”.

The Bible says in Psalm 90, “Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow; indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away.” Life is fleeting. I want to make the most of mine. I want to be sure that people know that Christ is the most important thing in my life. I want to leave a godly legacy. That day at the cemetary, I started to ponder how I can do that.

Christ said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come”.

I think leaving a godly legacy means that I need to bring good news to the poor. I need to tell those who are separated from God about His redemptive plan that can restore them to a right relationship with the creator. I need to not only tell others that God loves them but I need to show them. I need to be a walking example that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. Like Jesus, I need to help people see that they matter to God. I need to take the gift of life with which God has blessed me and bless others. I need to put action to my words. I need to make my dash matter.

My prayer is not only for my own legacy but for yours as well. I pray that each of us will take a long moment to contemplate our dash. I pray that we will be men and women whose legacy will be that we reflected Christ; that we told the captives that they can be free; that we loved the unlovable and showed them their worth in Christ; that we helped others see the one hope we all can have.

I am praying that my dash matters. I am praying that my dash is full of difference. I pray that my dash will hold my legacy and that my legacy will honor my God. I am praying yours will too.

2011-09-01T17:31:00.005-05:00

Notes

Jasper Speaks:

I have a box in my office. It is one of those picture boxes where you can store tons of printed pictures if you are more organized than I. In my box are notes. Not notes from classes or reminders to myself to buy an anniversary present for my wife. They are notes from people, mostly students or parents of students that I have been given through the years. When I am feeling like I am not making much of a difference, I pull this out and am reminded of the privilege of impact that God has let me have.

This week I got a 2011 version of a note, a text message from a college student. It said:

"I just wanted to thank you for being such a great Christian example. It's encouraging to watch you on your walk with God."

It was a pretty simple message but one that encouraged me to keep on. So, I encourage you to get a note box of your own. On those days you are asking yourself, "Why do I keep doing this" you will be reminded that God is using you, one heart at a time.

2011-08-18T10:44:00.000-05:00

Send Out A Prayer Today

Jasper Speaks:

Just saw this on Twitter:

Praying for FBC, Lexington, SC and the family of Shannon Greene. Student pastor who passed away in his sleep yesterday.

Here is a link to the church website:
FBC Lexington SC

Please keep this church and this family in your prayers. So sad.

2011-08-17T13:30:00.003-05:00

Three Articles for Youth Pastors

Jasper Speaks:

This week I have come across a some articles that I think youth leaders need to read. Here are the Titles and a link to each:

Why Today's Sex Education Won't Work
http://t.co/I466x4E

What Are the Top 10 Characteristics of a Healthy Youth Ministry?
http://t.co/2fGcpIX

How Higher Education Affects Lifetime Salary
http://tinyurl.com/3wlfkwz

These should spark conversation and action for leaders and parents. I felt like I should share them here.I would love to hear what you think. Leave a comment if you like.

2011-08-12T22:17:00.002-05:00

The Mother Teresa of Cairo Touched My Heart

Jasper Speaks:

I had the pleasure of attending The Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit this week. It was challenging. The speakers were great. One touched my heart and challenged me to the point that I am still trying to figure out all that God is telling me as a result. Her name is Mama Maggie Gobran and she works with the poorest children of Cairo. She was soft spoken and humble and the most challenging speaker I have heard in a long time. Here are some quotes:

We don’t choose where to be born but we choose to be sinners or saints.

We choose whether to be a nobody or a hero.

If you want to be a hero do what God wants you to do.

25 years ago I heard my “tough call.”

When God wanted to promote me, He sent me to the poorest of the poor.

Everyone who carries the fragrance of eternity has to experience the dark valley of death.

To be elegant comes from the inside.

True love is to give and forgive, to give until it hurts.

Forgiveness is not between you and another, forgiveness is between you and God. God holds our accounts.

We are forgiven much but live so little.

With God’s grace I left everything and found Him waiting for me with a crown of love.

When you die to yourself you discover the beauty and power in yourself.

Who are the poorest of the poor? The children.

Children are hungry and starving for bread but also for love and affection.

When one has nothing God becomes everything

When I touch a poor child, I touch Jesus Christ. When I listen to a poor child, I’m listening to God’s heart beating for all humanity.

We build a church in the heart of every child we reach in a country where it’s not always possible to build a church.

Silence is the secret

To be in silence is to be fully inside your own self.

It’s not easy, but there you discover the taste of eternity.

The Kingdom is within you.

The silence is the secret – the first step – to finding treasure.

There are secrets in silence.

Silence your body to listen.

Silence your tongue to listen to your thoughts.

Silence your thoughts to listen to your heart beating.

Silence your heart to listen to your spirit.

Silence your spirit to listen to His Spirit.

In silence you leave many and be with the One.

If God has chosen me, believe me when I say I’m the least of any of you here.

I am still not sure all God is telling me but I have spent two of the last four weeks of my life among the poor and God is quietly speaking to my heart.

2011-07-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

Glory in the Process

Jasper Speaks:

For years I have used the classic of Christian devotion MyUtmost For His Highest in my daily quiet time. It is a deep book that challenges me. Today, as I read, again, my old friend brought a challenge to me. This quote stood out to me today, even though I am sure I have read it before. “It is the process not the outcome that is gloryifying to God”.

This reminded me of our recent mission trip to Memphis. I love taking teens on trips. I love watching them serve and get stretched. It is a pleasure to see them discover new things about the world and themseveles.

This year we worked in the inner city of Memphis. Poverty was all around us. Violence was prevelent. For some of the teens on our trip, all of this was a very new experience. I watched as they tried to process what they were seeing. I watched as inner city children stole their hearts. After just a week, so many of our students were broken before God thanking Him for His grace in their own lives while struggling to understand why the children they had come to love live in such a world of despair.

On Friday, I sat on a seat in the church van next to one of our students. He was quiet at first as tears formed in his eyes. I put my arm around him and he began to sob. Through his tears I heard him say, “I have grown so much this week.” He had. I watched him go from shy and standoffish with the children to loving and playful. He shared Jesus bodly with them while also reminding them that he loved them as well. He was living proof of the process God brings us through. He grew a lot that week and through that process God was glorified.

You see we didn’t see any first ttime decisions on our team. That can be discouraging when you are serving on mission trips. But like our student we saw God’s process worked out in the lives of the children of Memphis. Children like MJ. MJ was a hard faced five year old. When we first met him he had a scowl on his face and didn’t want to get to close to us. God placed him on our team’s heart and day by day God’s process insued. By Friday MJ had changed. He was smiling. He was certain of two things and was quick to tell you that Jesus loves him and that we love him. He did not pray to receive Christ but God was glorified in the process of softening his heart. In that process he burdened our team’s hearts and changed us.

So often we go through life with our own agenda. We try to see an end to each phase of our lives. The important thing for us to remember as Christians is that sanctification is a process. Every growth pain, every triumph is part of a greater picture God is painting in our lives. It will not be complete until we are glorified with God in Heaven. God’s glory, however, is present in every aspect of our journey. He is glorified in the process that draws us into a deeper relationship with Him. Sometimes that causes us pain. Sometimes that gives us a joyful heart. Either way, because it is part of the process of Him making us more like He is, God is glorified in it.

I pray that the next time I search for the end of what God is doing in my life I will be reminded that the end comes in Heaven and that my duty is to discover God’s glory in the process of my own santification. I pray that I resist grumbling and questioning and embrace the work that God is doing. I pray that you will do the same. May we see the glory of God in the process.

2011-07-27T16:20:00.001-05:00

Just Before Africa

Jasper Speaks:

2011-07-15T09:55:00.001-05:00

Love Covered Sin

Lidie H. Edmunds Speaks:

"My faith has found a resting place, not in device nor creed; I trust the ever-living One, his wounds for me shall plead. I need no other argument, I need no other plea, It is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me. "

Jasper Speaks:

This is not the most well known hymn, but these words cut to the heart. I believe that even the strongest Christian can be fooled by the devil into believing that there is something we can do to earn entry into life eternal. However, God makes it perfectly clear that only by accepting His free gift of salvation can paradise be gained. Our pride often gets in the way of understanding that we can do nothing to earn such a great salvation. When we feel that we have done something great for God, He must immediately humble us so that we remember that it is by grace alone that we are successful at anything.

We need not list the wonderful things we have done for God. He is not impressed by those things. He actually loves us so much that he says, "Hush child, you don't have to convince me to love you. I loved you before you ever knew you wanted my love." There is no argument needed. All that is needed is for us to accept God's grace gift to us.

For a long time I struggled with God loving me in spite of my sin. I am not sure I ever even realized that I was not allowing myself to accept His love. I would fall and then rush to do so many right things to make up for the sins I had committed. I was picturing God holding a cosmic score sheet and though I knew better, I was trying to even the score of my deeds all the time. I was not only in bondage to my desires and pride but I was also in bondage to my lack of faith that grace was enough. I wanted to perform, to earn my place with God in eternity.

I had to step away from the behavior driven from my unbelief just as I had to step away from sins. I had to make a concious choice to let God's love and grace be sufficient for me. I had to come to the point where I lived a life driven by the fact that good deeds are not ways to earn my salvation but the means by which I am given the privilege of expressing my appreciation of that salvation. It was then, and only then, I began to understand that I would never fully fathom the awesome power of the grace of God.

"It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me."

2011-06-03T14:34:00.005-05:00

Worth The Wait

Jasper Speaks:

Let’s face it, sometimes in student ministry you feel like you are not making much of a difference. You spend hours every week investing in students and you wonder if they ever really are getting it. I know there have been times when I was ready to throw in the towel because students just seem to let what I was sharing go in one ear and out the other. It can be discouraging. It seems like we wait and wait for them to start really acting like they understand what we are trying to help them live.

I thought about that long wait last night as I sat in a high school graduation. I have been around long enough now to have seen one class go from seventh grade through their senior year. It has been a long road. I have watched students make poor relationship choices, struggle with addictions, lose family members, struggle with school, and so many other hard things. This class has been through a lot. At times I wondered if they would make it to graduation and still be serving the Lord.

I have spent many long hours doing my best to invest in these students. Through many trips to camps, mission endeavors and events they have both exceeded expectations and disappointed. In it all I tried to be an example of Christ and His love. I resisted the times I might have wanted to lay out a verbal smackdown and prayed hard before much needed confrontations. I rejoiced with them through a slew of “a-ha” spiritual moments. I stood proud as I watched them serve others.

Discipleship takes time. Sometimes I get inpatient with the process. I want students to become super Christians right away. Last night as I sat through the graduation of one of those long time students, I was overwhelmed with pride as I thought of the strong young men and women of Christ this class has become. Though not all of them are where they need to be, some have grabbed onto a Christian worldview that goes way beyond Christian catch phrases and emotional responses. They have become true Christ followers. This has happened not because of me but because of Christ. It also has not happened in my time but in his.

As I walk alongside this journey with students in ministry, God is also working on me. As I lose my focus and let the craziness that can be student ministry overtake me, I forget that God is still working on me too. Like the students, it takes me a long time to change into the man God wants me to be. I struggle. I am on a journey of completely working out my salvation. Sometimes I take tiny steps, sometimes it is giant leaps. The journey is a lifelong one. It will take a long time.

Some days I sit back and wonder deep in my heart why I keep doing this. Last night God’s whisper in my spirit reminded me why. I love students. I love to see them grow into mature believers. It takes many hours, lots of hurt, and unconditional love and acceptance to see that change in their life. It takes a long time. Last night I was overwhelmed by the phrase the Holy Spirit repeated over to me, “It’s worth the wait”.

2011-05-26T12:31:00.000-05:00

In The Shadow

Jasper Speaks:

The other day I was walking with Jackson on the church parking lot. We were on our way to a day at preschool. It was an unusual day for this spring. It was warm and very sunny. As we walked toward the church doors Jackson said, "The sun is so bright in my eyes!" Just then we turned to where my shadow was cast directly over my son. He sighed and said, "That's so much better! I like being in your shadow. The sun can't hurt me now!"

We quickly walked into the church and Jackson scurried off to his day at school. But what happened on the parking lot stuck with me. As I pondered Jackson's response to standing in my shadow, God began to speak to me. I was reminded of Psalm 17 where it says:

"Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings."

I thought about how many times the struggles of life were blaring down on me and I felt my strength sapped. I thought about the times that the difficulties of life made my spiritual vision impaired and I had difficulty seeing what was ahead of me. Then I recalled how when I sought after God, He let me rest in the shadow of His wings. It was then that I felt safe. It was then that I could clearly see. When I sought refuge in the shadow of the Almighty, I knew the problems of the world could not hurt me.

Like Jackson in my shadow, God's shadow doesn't make the searing heat of life go away, but it does comfort me and shield me from the affects of the struggles I face. I am certain of some things --- Trials and troubles will come in my life and they will impede my ability to see God's plan clearly. However, I am also certain that if I seek out God through prayer and His Word, He will protect and guide me as I rest in His shadow.

Maybe the trials of life are beating down on you like the harsh sunlight of summer. Seek refuge in the shadow of God's wings. The more difficult the circumstance, the harder you should chase after God so that you might find rest and assurance in the coolness of his shadow. The difficulties will come but as they do God is giving us a great opportunity to rest in His presence over us. I pray that we will find strength, protection and peace in the shadow of His wings.

2011-05-07T00:48:00.000-05:00

Speaking in Context

Jasper Speaks:

There seems to be much debate about the use of Jeremiah 29:11. There are many who say that the promises given there were limited to the Israelites. There are others who say that it is a universal truth. I fall on the universal truth side. Recently, a former student posted the verse on their Facebook page and was pretty much immediately scolded that she had taken the verse out of context. I say "hooey". That is a technical, theological word I learned in Seminary.:)

But seriously, I take exception to that argument. Here is why: Actually interpreting the verse in this more limited way is not great exegesis. You see the idea that the verse is meant only for the children of Israel is accepting a rather weak dispensational interpretation of the Old Testament. To assume that God's promises here are not given to the church of today as well is a bit short sighted as the verse also represents a theme that is constant in the Bible overall. The plans God has for us are good and lead to a hope and a future. Look at examples like Joseph and Job in the Old Testament and even Paul in the New Testament. To deny that there is an ultimate promise to those who love God found in this verse is not looking at the entire Bible in an exegetical, contextual way Dispensational theology although not all bad puts an undue emphasis on the role of Israel in eschatology. I believe this promise, in a proper whole Bible view, is for us today as much as it was for Israel at the time.

I think Warren Weirsbe does a good job of explaining the universal promise of Jeremiah 29 to us in his commentary entitled BE DECISIVE when he says:

" True hope is based on the revealed Word of God, not on the “dream messages” of self-appointed prophets (v. 10, NIV). God gave His people a “gracious promise” (v. 10, NIV) to deliver them, and He would keep His promise. God makes His plans for His people, and they are good plans that ultimately bring hope and peace. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid or discouraged."

Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Decisive, An Old testament study. (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1996), 123.

I realize not everyone will agree with me on this point, however I completely believe that this verse is relevant to the people of God today. In my Hermeneutics class we were always challenged to see the meaning of Scripture for the people of the time and the meaning of the same passage for the people of today. I think that the meaning of this verse cannot be overlooked as God simply promising that He has a plan that it is good and it promises an ultimate prosperous outcome limited to the exiled Israelites. I think that at the time of course those promises were for them but those same promises can be trusted for the church today as well.

Thank you as I step off my soapbox. I would like to hear your thoughts.

2011-05-05T16:16:00.003-05:00

Lessons From an Off Night of Speaking

Jasper Speaks:

So, last night I didn't feel like I was at my best delivering the message at Reality Check. There are times when you are speaking that you just feel like there is not that connection with the people with whom you are talking. That was it for me last night.

I had a hard day yesterday. I dealt with a couple of pretty intense (and strangely similar) issues that I could not get out of my head. My schedule kept me from being able to put the time I would have liked into the message God was giving me. I wasn't completely feeling well either. I was not feeling really bad but just "off" a bit. All of those factors seemed to develop into "the perfect storm" as I began the evening's message.

We talked about holiness and living life different from the world, particularly in the area of sexuality. That topic certainly should gain some interest of the students. Still, as I stood before them I felt a bit inadequate and like I wasn't really getting the truth across. I went home a little bummed. Then I remembered some things.

1. The Holy Spirit is the primary communicator, not me
I often seem to forget that the Holy Spirit is the one who is speaking to hearts when I preach. I tend to think that I have done well when the listeners seem to connect with what I am saying and seem involved in the message. I am just a vehicle. It is the Holy Spirit who is communicating God's Truth. I should never think that I can slack in preparation or use this fact as a cop out to doing well but it is reassuring that the Holy Spirit is the one who takes what I say and moves the hearts of people.

2. God promises that his word will always be alive and be active
God always has a plan each time that I speak. I don't know that plan. I may understand parts of the plan but not all of it. Some of the greatest moments in ministry for me have come as a student or adult comes up and shares something God showed them through His word that I hadn't really considered when preparing or speaking. I need to learn to rest in these words:

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens
      and stay on the ground to water the earth.
   They cause the grain to grow,
      producing seed for the farmer
      and bread for the hungry.
It is the same with my word.
      I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
   It will accomplish all I want it to,
      and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
- Isaiah 55:10-12 (New Living Translation)

3. Satan loves it when I am discouraged
This one is pretty huge. Satan wants me to feel like I am ineffective. He wants to convince me that I am not being used by God. The problem with this is that God is using me. I am making a difference in lives but as long as Satan can convince me that I am not doing much to change the world, he might convince me to give up. He loves to steal my joy. It is my choice whether or not to let him.

4. It's so not about me
In the end (and the beginning and everywhere in between) the reason I am speaking at all is about God. I sometimes lose sight of that and crave human feedback and encouragement. I am still learning that I have to take myself out of the equation. God is dealing with hearts one on one --- all the hearts in the room, including mine. I have to do my best to step aside and let God work and not concern myself so much with what people think.

I hope that the next time I have a disappointing night as a communicator, God will quickly remind me of these lessons. I pray that I will continue to pursue excellence and learn to trust God to change lives.

2011-04-26T15:13:00.000-05:00

The Video Speaks:

We Will Miss Our Seniors!

2011-04-08T12:31:00.000-05:00

The Video Speaks:

Is God consuming you?

2011-03-10T22:14:00.000-06:00

Pause

Jasper Speaks:

Distractions. They are all around us. There is so much going on in our lives that it is hard to pause and seek God. So many things pull us away from our time with God. He wants to speak to us but sometimes it is so hard to hear Him above all the other noise.

Sometimes we expect Him to speak to us in amazing and unique ways. Sometimes He does. Most often He doesn’t. He speaks to us in midst of the chaos of our lives. He speaks quietly to our hearts. Pastor has been sharing with us about Elijah who didn’t hear God in the loud things but heard Him in a quiet whisper.

When Elijah paused to listen, God confirmed to him that he was not alone. His soul was restored. His belief was replenished. All because he paused to listen.

From the beginning of time God has wanted us to pause to listen to him. Adam and Eve heard it amongst the chaos they created. Even as sin entered the world the Bible says in Genesis chapter three "And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day..." God desires to walk among us and talk among us. It's more a question - not of how to hear God's voice, but will we hear Him? Will we say, "Yes, Lord!" and obey His command? Adam and Eve disobeyed the voice of God who told them not to eat of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and the rest of verse 8 says, "Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden."

Still, God spoke. In the pause between sin entering the world and Adam and Eve being banished from paradise, God made a promise. The passage goes on to say, “Then the Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly, groveling in the dust as long as you live. And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.’”

He gave a promise. God would pause the chaos of the world by sending One who would change everything. A sacrifice. An atonement for the sins and distractions we let invade our lives. God was sending a redeemer.
Isaiah was in the midst of distractions. His country was in turmoil. His relative, the king of his country had just died. He had no idea where to turn. Then he paused. He came to the temple. He came searching for hope that the real redeemer of his country will come one day and rescue his people. He came to hear God’s voice. When Isaiah paused, he heard God. When he moved away from the distractions, he heard the voice of the Lord calling to him.

700 years passed and God’s people waited for the redeemer to come. When it was time, again, He spoke in the pauses people took. First it was to a young girl in a pause of her life, God revealed that she would bring the redeemer into the world.Next it was to shepherds on a hillside. Pausing in the night and surprised by God’s message appearing before them in the Heavens. Then the redeemer called out to fishermen pausing on the sea shore. Then a tax collector sitting at his money table. Then to a religious leader pausing in the darkness of the night in search of the promised redeemer. Then to a woman, pausing to get water from a well.

Then the redeemer spoke to death itself. In a pause of life for family and friends to mourn the loss of one they loved, the redeemer called out to death and said: “Lazarus come forth!” And in this pause, even death could not drown out the redeemer’s voice.

Then came more distractions. Jubilation in the streets turned into a crowd distracted by the agenda of powerful men. Voices began to cry out for the death of the redeemer. Sin’s voice was getting louder. Evil was louder than good. No one paused. In fact, it all happened very quickly. The arrest. The illegal trial. Then the voices calling out, “CRUCIFY HIM”!

One final pause came three days later when women mouth agape, found the tomb empty. The price for our sins had been paid. This pause meant that we now know that eternal life could be ours because death had be defeated.

As we approach Easter, I pray that we are all taking time to pause on what God has done in the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. May we all remember that He fulfilled the promise to the serpent and Christ overcame sin and death. May we pause and lay aside the distractions in our lives, to allow Him to speak to us in a quiet whisper.

2011-02-16T13:26:00.001-06:00

My Niece Speaks:

My niece Elizabeth is in college. She is a great kid and I am proud of her. She challenged me today with the following quote:

"God has called me to a life that is more than the one I am living. And it may seem like insanity and it may seem like I’m doing something completely illogical, but that’s kind of the point. It didn’t make sense for Noah to build an ark in a desert, or Joseph to forgive his brothers, or for Jesus to die for no crime, God is kind of in the business of sending people out to do things that don’t make sense to us. It’s all about faith."
- My Niece Elizabeth Rains

Jasper Speaks:

I thought this was challenging and great and needed to be shared. I hope that I am living that kind of life. God does call us to live lives that don't make sense. He uses the foolishness of the world to confound the wise. As my family starts down some tricky roads, it is nice to be reminded that god's ways are not ours.

2011-02-09T23:15:00.002-06:00

Confounded By Grace

Jasper Speaks:

“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,n through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished-- he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”

Romans 3:22-26

Grace is a wonderful word. Still it is an idea that has always baffled me a bit. What is grace? Webster’s dictionary defines it as an unmerited gift divinely given to man for his sanctification or regeneration. Huh? I think an easy way of putting it is God not giving us what we deserve. We are all sinners. Yet God has chosen to give us this incredible gift of grace. He is saying, ask me into your life and I will forgive all the wrongs you have done. That is grace. But it is also getting what we don’t deserve. Of course, salvation is the ultimate example of getting what we don’t deserve. The Bible says in Romans 6:23 that, “the wages of sin is death but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

When you work at a job you earn a wage. Let’s take babysitting for example. If you are babysitting for a family you might earn $3 an hour. That is your wage. It is what you deserve for what you do. Maybe that seems like a small amount or maybe it is a large amount to you, still $3 an hour is what you earn as a wage. The Bible tells us that we have all earned death for our sin. What comes along with death? Nothing. There are no special prizes. You get death. So we deserve nothing. Still God grants us grace and he gives us things we never could earn. We get salvation and so much more. We get family. We get food. We get shelter. We get friends. We deserve nothing. The world tells us that we are deserving of things. Even television commercials encourage us to, “have it your way” and tell us “you deserve a break today”, but God’s Word is clear. We deserve nothing.

That is where grace comes in to save the day. God’s unmerited favor shines down on us and we at one are spared from what we deserve and get what we don’t deserve. It is a little mind boggling but true nonetheless. Grace is an outpouring of God’s love for us. We don’t deserve to be with him for all eternity but he loves us enough to offer that plan to us freely. Were it not for grace we would be in such trouble! God has given us SO much. We need to remember that everything we have is a gift from him --- a gift that flows from his grace. So the next time you are singing a song like “Amazing Grace”, really think about the words and thank God that we do get what we don’t deserve.

2011-01-28T11:09:00.000-06:00

Dirty Little Secret

Jasper Speaks:

So we continued our talk on temptation on Wednesday night. We talked about how we hide our temptations from others sometimes. We talked about how we make our temptations our dirty little secret. We don't want others to know.

But that is exactly what the enemy wants us to do. He wants us to hide our temptations in the shadows. If no one knows about them then we don't have to worry about people thinking less of us. After all, I am the only one who has battles with this issue, right? Wrong! The enemy knows that if you keep your dirty little secret hidden away that he can keep tempting you. He knows that if no one knows your struggle it is easier for you to fall. He wants you to believe that others will be judgmental and that no one struggles in the way that you do. This is exactly opposite of Scripture which says:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)

Nothing we come up against is new. There are people struggling in the same areas that we struggle every day. One of the ways of escape God gives us is accountability. Telling others. Sharing life. I would rather be on a 5 mile hike, dying of thirst and not sure where I am going but with a group of friends, than in a cave alone with my arm crushed under a rock not knowing if anyone could ever help me.Wouldn't you?

Don't let Satan convince you that your dirty little secret should stay that way. Find hope, forgiveness and strength in sharing your journey with others.

Here is a resource for parents. This is a great book to help you start devotions with your teens.

2011-01-26T12:32:00.000-06:00

Three Years Seems Like Yesterday and Forever Ago At The Same Time

Jasper Speaks:

Today marks three years since my mother was "promoted to glory". It is hard to believe. It is odd how your emotions change. It has only been three years but I can now speak about her without always tearing up. She meant a lot to me. I was such a "Mama's boy". Still, I know that she would be proud of the things that have occurred in my life since her death. It is hard still, not to be able to share in joys and sorrows with her.

God blessed me with Christian, loving parents. As I work with teens everyday, I am reminded that not everyone is shown such grace. So many kids hurt because of the actions of their parents. Although my parents weren't perfect, they taught me how to love and be loved. I am a better husband, father, brother and friend because of the investment they made in me.

Today, I prayed that God would remind me of the hope of being with mom for eternity. Sometimes, in grief that is hard to remember. I heard Steven Curtis Chapman say that if we really believe in eternal life our loved ones who have died in Christ are much more a part of our future than our past. I find comfort in those words today.

I miss you mom. I love you. Thanks for leading me to Christ and then showing me how to live like Him.

Donna Rains

Donna Louise (Baugh) Rains was born Thursday, August 11, 1932, and was promoted to glory on Saturday, January 26, 2008. She was joined in marriage with Allie T. Rains on February 5, 1953. Dear mother of Tom (Cathy) Rains of Quincy, Illinois, Pattie (Mike) Hanna of St. Louis, Missouri, Kathryn (Tom) Phillips of Wright City, Missouri, Darla (Fred) Shular of St. Clair, Missouri and Jasper (Kendra) Rains of Ellisville, Missouri; dear grandmother of 7 as well as 5 grandchildren who preceded her in death; dear great-grandmother of two; dear sister of Harold (Aleene) Baugh. Our dear sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend. Along with her husband, Mrs. Rains served the Grace Baptist Church in faithful ministry for 47 years and continued to be a member there until her passing. Her life affected many and she was well known as a faithful servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2011-01-21T10:35:00.000-06:00

Hooked By Temptation

Jasper Speaks:

We started a new series this week at Reality Check called Hooked. We are dealing with temptation and its effects. I get tempted. A lot. I fail sometimes. I hate that it happens but it does. There is so much of a battle we go through. There is really a war between the carnal man and the spirit man. I find myself, like Paul. thinking, "the good that I want to do I do not do and the evil I do not want to do I do". Satan is crafty. He knows our weaknesses and capitalizes on them. But there is a part that is up to me. I can be tempted and not let the temptation win. Still, I don't always do that. I give in. I fall. I screw up.

I am glad that I am not alone. I love how Paul puts the sacrifice of Christ for our sins and the encouragement to keep going in spite of temptation:

"It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different." Romans 7:23-25 (MSG)

Relying on Jesus. That's what it takes. As I am challenged by this series, I pray I will learn to do that more.

2011-01-19T22:41:00.001-06:00

2011-01-11T16:32:00.000-06:00

My Words Speak:

Jasper's Latest Wordie:

2010-12-25T16:32:00.000-06:00

Jasper Speaks:
Merry Christmas. Remember without the cross the stable is just a barn. Christ came to be our redemption. The greatest moment in history began with a child in a manger and continued through His sacrifice on the cross and will be revealed in the day of the LORD. May your Christmas be one in which Christ the Lord is exatled.

2010-12-01T12:17:00.001-06:00

One of Us

Jasper Speaks:

I love living with a four year old. He helps me look at things through a child’s eye. Everything is new and met with wide eyed wonder. It makes the holiday season even more fun. It is so neat to see Jackson get excited when he sees Christmas lights, when we put up the tree, and when we sing Christmas songs. In the eyes of a child you get to live it all over again for the first time.

All year long Jackson asks if it is Christmas yet. That gets me thinking about what my life would be like if I lived with the anxious expectation and constant reminder that Christmas is coming. I think about the biblical example of Anna and Simeon. They waited their whole lives for that first Christmas. How excited they must have been to see Jesus!

We don’t have to wait our whole lives to see Jesus. He has come. God Himself came to Earth and lived as one of us. I never can get past the idea that the creator of the universe lowered himself in that way. He came to be one of us. He didn’t have to. He could have stayed in Heaven and continued to require sacrifices for our sins. Instead, He chose to be the final sacrifice.

When I really sit and contemplate Christmas it doesn’t take me long to start thinking about Easter. That small baby, who we will celebrate in a few weeks, would go on to give His life up so that we could have life forever. The cross casts a shadow over the manger.

I want to be like Jackson. I want it to always be in my thoughts, throughout the whole year, that God became Emmanuel. He lived like me so that I could live eternally. That is a fact I need not to neglect all throughout the year. He became one of us. Amazing. I am glad that I can be reminded of what an incredible thing Christmas is through the eyes of a child.

2010-11-16T11:17:00.003-06:00

From Fuzzy To Focused

Jasper Speaks:
This is a research paper for my Foundations of Education class at Midwestern: I think there is some really good truth here that might help you in focusing your ministry.

From Fuzzy to Focused:

Developing a Process for Discipleship in Student Ministry

INTRODUCTION

Student ministry has evolved in the past three decades. A major movement from program based models to discipleship based models has changed the way ministries look at how they define success in reaching and discipling young people. In response to statistics saying as many as 64%-94% of teenagers are leaving the church when they graduate high school[1], student ministries are taking a sharp turn toward more Bible based ministry and less programs in an attempt to develop life transformation among this generation. The days of over packed schedules heavy on entertainment and light on substance are fading away in favor of programs focused on creating lifelong, fully devoted, followers of Christ. Effective student ministries cast visions strongly, evaluate regularly and implement the change needed to develop lifelong disciples for Christ.

Much has been written that would persuade those ministering to teens that there can be a packaged formula to help them reach the goal of creating disciples for Christ. Mega Church models have been applied in churches of varying sizes all over the United States. Student Pastors and volunteer youth leaders have been inundated with the latest fads and trends all with the promise of changing this generation. A clear return to Biblical principles and a focus on the spiritual health of a church’s ministry however, is the first step to seeing true transformation occur.

A New Scorecard

For years ministries have looked at attendance and giving as the primary ways to evaluate the effectiveness of their work for the Lord. These methods of grading seem short sighted. These evaluative methods only deal with the physical aspects of growth and not what the Holy Spirit is doing in the lives of people. In their book, Transformational Church, Ed Stetzer and Thom S. Ranier, encourage ministries to look to a new way of evaluating their effectiveness. A new measure of effectiveness is suggested giving more credence on how well ministries are making disciples. Where churches once focused on numbers, Stetzer and Rainer suggest that the new scorecard needs to focus on disciples. [2] The goal of our ministries is not focus on numerical and financial growth but to develop genuine Christ followers.

These same principles should be applied to student ministry. The measure of the health of a student ministry must be held to the standard of how well students grow in their relationship with Christ. Rather than just focusing on tangible results, student ministries need to look to ways to measure the intangible as well. No longer can a list of those who attend programs be an accurate view of the health of a ministry. Effective student ministries evaluate the quality of their discipleship to understand where strengths and weaknesses lie. Attendance is important, growth is a natural barometer of a healthy student ministry, but effective student ministries implement ways to measure things like the quality of worship, the building of community, the role of missions, and the rate of commitment within its students to accurately gauge the health of the student ministry.

A discipleship plan with the end result in mind is key to developing students. Student ministries must begin to ask, “What do we want our students to look like spiritually after they leave our ministry?” Evaluation of the programs they have in place to make sure they are focusing the proper time and energy into those which are most beneficial to the discipleship plan is also important.

Not only are “experts” recommending these changes, students desire more discipleship substance in the ministries in which they are involved. When Group magazine recently polled churched students across America, deeper connections, orthodoxy, and a return to systematic Bible studies were high on the list of the things that help them to grow in Christ. Programs did not make the list of helpful resources. In fact students indicated the number one distraction from their faith was busyness and hyper-activity.[3] Students are calling out for a change in how ministries disciple and if lifelong growth is an aim, the church’s response needs to be one of well thought out and effective alteration.

Where To Begin

Ministries that produce make a plan of discipleship. These ministries make their goals clear and easily maneuverable. In order to begin this plan some hard choices need to be made. A comprehensive evaluation of current programs will lead to clarity of mind in structuring a vital discipleship model. As they evaluate themselves, student ministries should decide what the desired outcome should look like when accomplished. Ministries will benefit from deciding the goal before structuring how to achieve it. It would profit ministries to decide what attributes they hope graduating students possess then discuss what programs can best foster those attributes.

Effective discipleship ministries are evaluative in nature. These ministries are not afraid to look at themselves and make changes accordingly. Asking questions such as, “What events are being kept because of tradition?’ and “What are we doing because we are expected to do it?” are crucial to examining where the ministry can best begin to declutter and better disciple students. Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton explain it this way, “Most of our student ministries are known for camps, retreats, programs, choir tours, ski-trips, fund-raisers, and all-nighters. And few are known for the sweet aroma of Christ in the lives of teenagers.”[4] Effective student ministries are willing to move away from routine programs and toward intentional discipleship. Focusing on the end outcome will help to make the process of this movement clear.

Making A Clear path through the process

After the goal of the discipleship process has been determined, effective ministries begin to decide what is most important to making that goal a reality. Discipleship will never be outdated and the Bible is the seedbed of creating a vital process. Methods may change but there are certain principles that effective student ministries embrace that transcend those methods. When we understand that the process is meant to help students move from point to point on their faith journey, planning how to execute the process becomes simpler.[5] Effective student ministries understand that in order to reach the goal, students and leaders need to understand the process that leads to that goal. A successful discussion of the process keeps effective discipleship of students as its aim, the Bible at its center and lifelong disciples as its goal.

Identifying the movement involved in the discipleship process is vital. Effective student ministries realize that the process begins with a clear entry point where the spiritual water is shallow and ends where the waters are deep. Many student ministries find it helpful to produce an easy to remember mission statement that reminds students and leaders what the process is. Geiger and Borton refer to this as “sequential programming”. This type of programming moves students through the process of discipleship in small, bite size steps that build on one another.[6] Starting with a program that is nonthreatening and evangelistic in purpose, moving to intentional discipleship methods, and ending in service is an effective sequential model. It is vital that the student ministry makes it clear that there is a next step in the spiritual growth of a student and shows them the way to make it to that step.

Starting with evangelism is key. A student cannot grow spiritually without a relationship with Christ. An open and nonthreatening entry point is the best way to offer an evangelistic element in programming. Many student ministries use their mid-week programs to offer an open door to pre-Christians. At this point, follow up becomes important. Group Magazine’s interview with students found that a caring and investing ministry was highly desirable among young people.[7] Today’s students live in a world that is filled with ways to disconnect from real relationships. In this day of cell phones, internet based social media, and iPods, students desire real relationships with people who care. Responding to a student’s visit helps him or her feel that the student ministry cares about them and this feeling is often the first step towards understanding that Christ cares as well.

When students become Christians, the discipleship process truly begins. Student ministries need only to return to God’s Word for the model that needs to be implemented for effective discipleship. Geiger and Borton suggest Acts 2:42-44 stressing the importance in the discipleship process of being accepted into the community of believers, hearing solid biblical teaching, praying together with other Christians, and investing in one another.[8] Once a student has accepted Christ it is crucial that student ministries make clear how they continue the process of growth. A new believer will need to see the path clearly knowing what programs and aspects of the student ministry will best help him or her grow. Participation in a small group and regular church attendance are vital.

Effective student ministries realize that a desire to serve will become evident as the student continues in the growth process. Teaching students that their lives should be lived on mission is important.[9] Students who are taught that everyday the Lord presents them with opportunities to serve continue to grow and become reproducing Christ followers. Students also need to become aware of formal mission opportunities and see how their discipleship path makes mission the next logical step. As students who have become Christians grow through becoming part of the body they will continue to grow when they see the next step along the journey is to serve. Service opportunities help students to see that their faith is something that is active and God can use them to change lives. This knowledge is crucial to the goal of developing life long Christ followers.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ALIGNMENT IN THE PROCESS
Once the goal of the process is identified and the path of discipleship is laid out, effective student ministries begin the process of aligning staff and students around the process. Alignment is the process of building unity and support of the process. Many student ministries have not recruited leaders with this process in mind. Often in student ministries workers are recruited for their ability to breathe and willingness to put up with teenagers. When leaders are recruited for process driven ministries a need is present to find those who will invest in students with the process as a priority. A clear process can become your greatest recruiting tool.[10] Quality leaders will be impressed that there is a process and will be committed to seeing the process through.

Holding leaders accountable is also important. A regular review of your leadership team will benefit the process. Effective student ministries regularly check the health of the leadership team. A consistent evaluation of leadership helps to guarantee alignment with the process and can intervene where there may be questions about the process. Accountability is also important to the development of new programs and the

evaluation of existing ones. Ministries who ask hard questions about their programs’ place in the process are more likely to remain effective in meeting the end goal.[11]

BRINGING THE PROCESS INTO FOCUS

Over scheduling can impede the discipleship process. Ministries striving to develop lifelong Christ followers frequently review their programs and refine them to

assure that these programs are moving the ministry along the process in an effective way. Many times focus comes with some pain. When ministry is re-focused sometimes much loved programs are removed because they do not meet the vision of the discipleship process. The old program model of student ministry created an atmosphere of big events being key to discipleship. Students were encouraged to participate in large events so that they might be inspired to grow in their relationship with Christ.[12] A process driven ministry realizes that discipleship is progression of growth. Time invested on in ongoing manner is much more valued over one stop fix ups.

Geiger and Borton remind us that bringing a ministry into focus is not an easy one time task. There is rigor required but the authors argue the work is worth the time. They explain it this way:

“Fully committing to your discipleship process requires time and

            investment. Unlike events, the development of the essential programs in your
            student ministry process is not a one-time investment. When time is invested
            in the steps that facilitate movement, the results are ongoing. Energy that would
            be spent planning extra activities is poured into what is essential. Programs are
            creatively developed. Steps between programs are simplified. Leaders are trained.

None of this is possible when there is the constant pressure to perform and

produce the next big event.”[13]

Creating focus will aid the process by helping students and leaders to see in a simple way what programs exist to move from one point in the process to the next. It will help them to understand what programs lie along each point in the process. This will enable both students and leaders to understand what type of program is best for a person

to invest in where they are along the process.

A CLEAR PLAN FOR DISCIPLESHIP TEACHING

At the heart of discipleship is the teaching of God’s Word. It is important that the primary leader of the student ministry have a clear plan in mind when deciding what the ministry will teach in order to develop lifelong Christ followers. A haphazard method of teaching that is not intentional will destroy the focus of the discipleship process. It is vital that the ministry understand what essential truths that will develop disciples are. The teaching ministry of the ministry is at the center of moving towards a more focused plan of action.

To develop a teaching program that permeates a ministry’s process, leaders must commit to letting content drive the context. Relevance is important in successful process oriented ministries but it should never supersede the message ministries want students to live.[14] As a ministry evaluates its methods it must always evaluate what is being taught. When the content of teaching is biblically based and exigent, students will be challenged to live out those teachings. From entry point events to programs with students on mission, the content is the basis that drives discipleship.

Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall have identified seven principles every student should know when they graduate: Authentic Faith, Spiritual Disciplines, Moral Boundaries, Healthy Friendships, Wise Choices, Ultimate Authority and Others First.[15]

Each of these principles is grounded in Scripture. The principles can help to guide the process of effective discipleship by reinforcing Truth in the context of a student’s life. Identifying a set of principles that the leaders in a student ministry can build the discipleship process around will provide the much needed content for the context of the process.

Stanley and Hall suggest that each checkpoint be returned to at least once a year. The checkpoints can be put into a calendar year and leave room for Christmas and Thanksgiving, five “free” weeks to make way for schedule conflicts that arise and most importantly ten weeks devoted to two Bible book studies a year, choosing books that have one of the seven checkpoints as a central theme.[16] Utilizing a plan such as this insures an organization to teaching and provides a framework for discipleship.

Such a plan can be utilized as a theme at your yearly camp experience, the devotional material produced for mission endeavors and weekend discipleship retreats.

Having a plan of teaching helps adult leaders see the teaching aspect of the discipleship process more accurately. When a consistent teaching plan is used in Sunday School,

small group and large group teaching sessions it helps guide the discipleship process a ministry has developed. Teachers will know what to teach and what is next and this will equip them to spend time in study while freeing time to build relationships with students. Using a thought out teaching plan in multiple facets of ministry will make the ministry stronger.

CONCLUSION

In order to change the startling retention statistics regarding young adults and the church, effective ministries will need to implement a process with a clear vision and focus. Rather than basing success solely on attendance, effective student ministries are beginning to evaluate the growth in a student’s commitment. The evaluative process becomes clearer when a ministry has a plan for discipleship that is clear and easily maneuverable. This discipleship plan is successful when based in the content of Scripture and placed in the context of relevant ministry. This generation of students has indicated that they desire to be challenged and cared for personally. It is the responsibility of Christian student ministries to fulfill that desire and preserve the cause of Christ for future generations as well.

Bibliography

Dean, Kenda Creasy, Chap Clark, and Dave Rahn. Starting Right. Grand Rapids: Zondervan/Youth Specialties, 2001.

Geiger, Eric, and Jeff Borton. Simple Student Ministry: A Clear Process for Strategic Youth Discipleship. Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Books, 2009.

Lawrence, Rick. “Going Super Deep with Teenagers.” Group Magazine, November/December 2010/Volume 37.

Sherman, Rob. “Up to 94% of Teens Leave Church After High School.” Chicagonow.com. http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/godless-in-chicago/2009/08/up-to-94-of-christian-teens-leave-the-church-after-high-school.html (accessed October 22, 2010).

Stanley, Andy, and Stuart Hall. The Seven Checkpoints for Youth Leaders. West Monroe: Howard Books, 2001.

Stetzer, Ed, and Thom S. Rainer. Transformational Church: Creating a New Scorecard for Congregations. Nashville: B&H Books, 2010.

[1] Rob Sherman, “Up to 94% of Teens Leave Church After High School,” Chicagonow.com, http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/godless-in-chicago/2009/08/up-to-94-of-christian-teens-leave-the-church-after-high-school.html (accessed October 22, 2010).

[2] Ed Stetzer and Thom S. Rainer, Transformational Church: Creating a New Scorecard for Congregations (Nashville: B&H Books, 2010), 31.

[3] Rick Lawrence, “Going Super Deep with Teenagers,” Group Magazine, November/December

2010/Volume 37, 40-41

[4] Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton, Simple Student Ministry: A Clear Process for Strategic Youth Discipleship (Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Books, 2009), 9.

[5] Kenda Creasy Dean, Chap Clark and Dave Rahn, Starting Right (Grand Rapids: Zondervan/Youth Specialties, 2001), 390.

[6] Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton, Simple Student Ministry: A Clear Process for Strategic Youth Discipleship (Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Books, 2009), 68-69

[7] Rick Lawrence, “Going Super Deep with Teenagers,” Group Magazine, November/December 2010/Volume 37, 40-41

[8] Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton, Simple Student Ministry: A Clear Process for Strategic Youth Discipleship (Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Books, 2009), 78

[9] Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton, Simple Student Ministry: A Clear Process for Strategic Youth Discipleship (Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Books, 2009), 79

[10] Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton, Simple Student Ministry: A Clear Process for Strategic Youth Discipleship (Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Books, 2009), 90-92

[11] Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton, Simple Student Ministry: A Clear Process for Strategic Youth Discipleship (Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Books, 2009), 104

[12] Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton, Simple Student Ministry: A Clear Process for Strategic Youth Discipleship (Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Books, 2009), 114

[13] Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton, Simple Student Ministry: A Clear Process for Strategic Youth Discipleship (Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Books, 2009), 121

[14] Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall, The Seven Checkpoints for Youth Leaders (West Monroe: Howard Books, 2001), 8.

[15] Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall, The Seven Checkpoints for Youth Leaders (West Monroe: Howard Books, 2001), 10-12.

[16] Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall, The Seven Checkpoints for Youth Leaders (West Monroe: Howard Books, 2001), 216-217.

2010-11-15T16:17:00.000-06:00

The Cartoon Speaks:

You know you want to come!

2010-11-05T12:25:00.001-05:00

Jasper Speaks:

Real Life Small Groups Rock!

2010-10-18T22:49:00.002-05:00

Jasper Speaks:

Here is this week's Student Ministry Video Update:

2010-10-08T16:17:00.000-05:00

A Must Read

Jasper Speaks:

An absolute MUST READ for anyone who works with or loves teens. So sad! http://tinyurl.com/2effacd

I was literally in tears after I read this. How awful! We have got to stop this! As someone who has dedicated my life to loving students this breaks my heart in ways I cannot express. Having buried students who have chosen to end their lives, my heart aches for the loved ones left behind. Praying for these families. Some of the things I read here are unimaginable. So sad. How are we going to stop this? What is the church's answer? Please leave comments. Let's dialogue about this heartbreaking issue. We are beyond ignoring this.

2010-09-28T09:44:00.001-05:00

A Bit Of A Commercial

Jasper Speaks:

I love Logos Software. It has changed both my personal Bible study and my sermon prep. It is easy to use and it really does add so much to what I do. I use for my seminary studies as well. They are launching a full Mac version very soon. If you are a PC or a Mac person either way you need to look into getting this software. You don't have to be in ministry to reap it's benefits. It is just a great source of information. Below is a link to learn more about the Mac edition:
Logos Bible Software is giving away thousands of dollars of prizes to celebrate the launch of Logos Bible Software 4 Mac on October 1. Prizes include an iMac, a MacBook Pro, an iPad, an iPod Touch, and more than 100 other prizes!
They’re also having a special limited-time sale on their Mac and PC base packages and upgrades. Check it out!

And just for fun, here is this week's SMU video update. You probably want to watch it all the way to the end!

2010-09-22T13:49:00.001-05:00

A Guest Speaker

Jasper Speaks:

I have been trying to work on getting back into mainstream pop culture. I think it is important to stay relevant. I thought I would write about that this week but came across this article on youthministry360 and it says it well. So, I am off to listen to some Taio Cruz, Uncle Kracker and Paramore while catching up on last night's Glee and buying tickets to The A List or something like that at least.

Click HERE for the article.

2010-09-10T14:46:00.001-05:00

The Importance of Rest

Jasper Speaks:

My family and I just returned from a week long vacation in New England. We spent time with friends who feel like family in Maine. We went to the beach. We slept in. We ate good food. We laughed and talked with those we love well into the nighttime hours. It was great. It was relaxing. It recharged me.

I have been known to overwork a bit. I burn the candles at both ends (and sometimes in the middle) a lot. This can run into some serious issues for my spiritually. When I am run down my guard falls and sin becomes easier to justify. My angry inner man comes out. I get lethargic. My days in professional Christianity lead me to professional hypocrisy form time to time. If you are in ministry you may know what that is like. I think God wants us to rest.

Jesus modeled rest for us. After feeding the five thousand, surely a time of burning the candle at both ends, Jesus knew He needed to be alone and rest. Here is what the Word says about this time:

Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. (John 6:15 ESV)

Jesus knew that he needed to recharge. We do too. I think all too often we think that if we are going about God's business He will give us supernatural energy,. I think that is true. I think when we are in the throes of ministry, God gives us power to make it through. Still, I believe He wants us to slip away and recharge from time to time to avoid burnout and sin. Our rest is important.

You may not have a situation right now that lends itself to rest but I would like to give you some ideas on how to recharge:

1. Vacation Away - I don't think there is anything better than getting away from it all. Staycations seldom work for those in ministry, If you stay people find you. Getting away and spending time with your family (or friends if you are single) is crucial to recharging.

2. Unplug - Even if you can't get away for a vacation, you can take a media fast. You can turn the cell phone off, leave the laptop at work and simply step away. This can be for one night or even a week of evenings. If you feel your life is tied down by technology, step away from time to time. The voice mails, emails, and Facebook messages will wait until you plug back in. The world can continue without being in contact with you.

3. Step Away During The Day - Take a few minutes during the day and leave your office. If it is a nice day, take a walk. If weather is bad, drive to a store you enjoy and spend a half an hour window shopping. Taking a few minutes away from the stress of the day can be key to surviving times of stress.

4. Stop For Time With God - A definite need everyday. Stay charged by reading God's Word and praying not only in preparation of the week's events but for your own growth. Don't rush this time. Make it slow and meaningful. Maybe even sing a song of worship after reading and praying. You can't stay charged if you are not plugging into the ultimate source of rest for us.

There are other ways to recharge like hobbies and sports. The important thing is that you not let Satan get a foothold in your life through your working so hard and never getting the rest you need. Even God took a break after creating the world. You will not regret taking one too.

And here are some pictures from my trip to inspire you!

2010-09-01T16:10:00.000-05:00

Stop Stressing About Bringing Camp Home

Jasper Speaks:

If your group is like mine you attended a summer camp this year. You might have, like us, gone on a mission trip as well. At both of these events there was a constant call for students to "bring it back home". You have probably heard this cry at every camp and mission site you have ever attended. I agree with it in theory but as the years have gone by I wonder if the concept itself is one that can lead us to an unnecessary sense of failure.

Here is what I mean. You take a group of students to a camp or missions experience. You are praying for life change. You see them worship, pray and become broken before God. You have a sense that this experience is going to be "the one" that changes the game. You pile up the church van and head back to your city with anxious anticipation of the metamorphosis of your student ministry as a result of this one week in the summer.

But when you get home disappointment sets in. You get discouraged because you see students slipping back into pre-event habits. They are not suddenly bringing their lost friends to events. They are struggling to keep up their commitment to their quiet times. They are still engaging in gossip. You end up in your next leaders meeting feeling discouraged and lost. They didn't "bring it home". You ask, "What about that week? I thought it was "the one".

I have been there many times but as I grow more seasoned in ministry my perspective is changing. Sure, I have seen kids radically changed by camp and mission trips.That is the very reason I keep doing them. Still, I think that there is more at play here than we may always realize. I think that we put too much emphasis on these once a summer events to change our kids. Without meaning to, I think we often see these events as potential spiritual "quick fixes". But I think that mentality sets us up for failure. I think we have to remember to keep our eyes and our hearts on the big picture.

I have a student who will be a senior this year. He has been in attendance on every mission trip and nearly every camp we have offered since he was a seventh grader. "Jim" is one of those kids who I spent a lot of time praying over at events like this. I kept waiting for that one week that would forever change his life. As much as I prayed and waited, that week never came. I spent a few sleepless nights wondering if he would ever "get it" and take what he experienced in those one time events and be different.

While I was looking for that one time event to change Jim, God was doing something else. I like to think of it as "comprehensive discipleship". In Jim's life (and many other lives in our student ministry) God didn't use "the one" week to change his life. Jim is the great Christian student leader he is today because of many weeks of camps and many weeks of service with a large does of small group attendance, retreat weekends and worship opportunities thrown in for good measure.

You see, as a senior, Jim has become our leader of student leaders. God has truly changed him. He has grown to become a friend of God whose love and passion for Jesus is evident in him all the time. Never at a summer camp or mission trip did Jim have a huge "aha" moment. Instead he had a lot of little aha moments compounded through the years that developed him into a fully devoted follower of Christ. Sure he still messes up and he is far from finished in his spiritual growth, but he has proven himself to be a strong growing Christian with a heart for service and a gift of leading. This is a far cry from the seventh grader I remember nipping at the heels of the high school kids for attention. His change did not occur as the result of one event. I would venture to say that is true for most students in our ministries. It is the years of involvement that lead to change. It is the countless hours we invest in these students that God uses to create disciples not just one week events in the summer.

Now I have had full youth groups begin that life transformation as a result of participating in summer camps and mission trips, (I will never forget a heart breaking trip to inner city Raleigh, North Carolina with a bunch of rural students from Maine that changed us all), but I grow weary of trying to convince my students that one event is something that will make or break them spiritually. I think it is important for us to keep a good perspective on how camps, mission trips, conferences and retreats all fit into the larger mosaic that God is putting together in our student's lives.

I would say that rather than beating ourselves up that one time activities don't seem to radically change our ministries, we need to be patient and watch as the Lord changes our students through comprehensive discipleship. We can stand amazed as we watch how God's plan builds a student's faith not in one week but over the course of a lifetime of love and investing. Maybe your students haven't been transformed the way you expected after a summer full of well intentioned activities. My advice is wait. You might just have a Jim or two in your group who will show you that one week building on the next, will develop a greater metamorphosis than you ever expected.

This post also appeared in the Simply Youth Ministry Weekly update and Youthministry.com: http://www.youthministry.com/stop-stressing-about-bringing-camp-home

2010-08-31T12:03:00.001-05:00

Slow Fade

Jasper Speaks:

I love Casting Crowns. Their music really has ministered to me so many times. I was listening to this song in my office today and it got me thinking:

"Slow Fade"
Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

It really got me thinking about how all the little compromises in our lives add up. I was thinking about how so often we think that if we aren't "big sinning" then it is okay. I think we don't give enough credence to keeping purity a priority in every part of our lives. We think, "if I look at that or if I say this" it will be okay. I mean Jesus might not do it but it is okay if I do".

Now I know we don't necessarily have that internal monologue going all the time but we do compromise all the time. We don't consider the consequences of those little things. I think of a white shirt and a little dirt.

The shirt might be very clean but if we drop a couple of grains of dirt onto the shirt everyday eventually WE become filthy.

When we go places we shouldn't, see things we ought not to, and listen to things that do not edify us, we are throwing a little dirt on our clean (in Christ) heart. After awhile, as we continue to allow these things into our lives, our hearts will become as dirty as that shirt.

The hard part is, unfortunately our hearts are not always as easy to examine as our clothing. We don't always realize when compromise is soiling our hearts. Like the song says, it is a slow fade. The darkness seldom takes over all at once. It most often takes over one small speck of dust at a time. As we continue to allow the dirt to contaminate us, the small specks add up and our hearts are covered in dirt before we realize it.

One of the verses that often come to mind for me is 2 Timothy 2:22. The reference is easy to remember and it's Truth is worth living by:

"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart".

I used to have that verse on an index card taped to the inside cover of my Bible. Purity is so hard to guard. Our world today devalues purity of heart. As Christians we are called to live a life above the bar. The question is are we letting the little things add up until our hearts are no long pure but dark? Are we fleeing the evil desires of youth or are we slowly embracing them? Are we letting them cover our hearts slowly so that we barely detect a change?

Is it time to flee?

2010-08-30T15:46:00.000-05:00

Eat Pray Love

Jasper Speaks:

So this weekend Kendra and I had a date night which involved using free movie passes. Since you are limited in what you can see when not paying, we ended up at Eat, Pray, Love. It won out because it had the chick flick feel for her and the Julia Roberts on a screen for two hours for me. I must admit, it wasn't a very good movie. But it did get me thinking about some things God is telling me to do in my life. Here are my thoughts.

EAT
A few years back I was working out every day and eating not so much. I lost a lot of weight. I was still no bathing suit model (although I was in talks with Speedo LOL!) but I was healthier and trimmer. Over the past three years I have gained over half of that weight back. NOT GOOD. I think God is telling me to take better care of the temple he gave me. I need to go back to eating to live and not living to eat. I need to work out again. I need to stop making excuses. I need to see this as a spiritual thing in my life. I need to see that a lack of control is not what God has in mind. I am pretty sure I read that the fruit of the spirit included self control.

PRAY
I have to admit that my time with God has not been as quality as I would like it to be over the past few months. I think that He wants me to pursue Him more. I need to spend more time in prayer. I need to spend more time pouring over His Word more for self correction than for sermon preparation. I need to run after Him so that my heart stays strong in obedience and so that He can do great things in me and as a result, through me as well. I need to remember how much like cool water on a hot day my time with Him really is like for my soul. Then I need to make it happen. All the time.

LOVE
An outpouring of spending more quality time with God will be a greater love for Him. I believe when I am loving Him more, I can love my wife and son more. I can love my dad more. I can love my siblings more. I can love my friends more. I can love --- you get the picture. I think that God can teach me so much more about love and that He can help me live it out. I think he wants me to start that immediately. I think He is calling me to love even when it is hard. I must admit, I hate that a little but I know it is best for me in the end.

I am praying that God will help me in all three of these areas. I am ready for a makeover. I want to be healthy physically and spiritually. I want to be known for how much I love people. I am not sure what always distracts me from these things but I am sure God will help me do better as I eat, pray and love.

2010-08-27T11:49:00.001-05:00

Living The Life

Jasper Speaks:

So, in the spirit of sharing what God is showing me in my quiet times this week, I thought I would share this quote from My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers:

   "You may know all about the doctrine of sanctification, but are you running it out into the practical
     issues of your life? Every bit of our life, physical, moral and spiritual, is to be judged by
     the standard of the Atonement".

This caused me to think. How many of us really live out our faith all the time? I struggle from time to time with letting other things get in my way. I end up getting focused on me and not God. If we are not careful, these times can snowball and before we know it, we are in over our heads and our witness is being hampered.

This week it seems that God is really trying to teach me so much about the importance of not walking alone. I know that many of us fear transparency. We feel that admitting our struggles to someone else will make them think less of us. I admit I deeply struggle with this. Still, I can not help but think that God's Word tells me that in order to really live out my sanctification in the practical areas, I have to be surrounded by people who make sure I do what I need to do.

It seems that Christian leaders fall when they shy away from accountability. We know a lot about what it means to live the life of a Christ follower but we don't always actually reflect that. When we have others around us, it helps us to stay on track and live out that sanctification in practical ways with greater ease. Putting ourselves at a distance in our own protective bubble will only lead to Satan getting a stronger hold on us.

If we are not living the life in the practical ways, slowly we will begin to not live it in any area. Slacking off of time with God may seem minimal in the list of sins, however, that time of not connecting will fester. It will begin to chip away at us. It will lead to more frequent sinning. It will lead to more complex sin in our lives.

I am examining my own life right now. I am not sure I have the base of accountability that I need. I am a Youth Pastor and summer lends itself to be a time of a huge lack of accountability for me. Often that manifests itself in how awful August is for me spiritually. I want to have people come alongside me to help me not crash and burn. I know it is important. I am learning it is a necessity. So many times we preach the importance of submission in the practical areas of life. How often do we live it?

2010-08-25T12:18:00.003-05:00

Take It All?

Jasper Speaks:

One of the resources I use for my quiet time is a devotional abort hymns. It is not one I always go to by on days I need a bit more "inspiration" than my usual devos, I go and see what God might have for me. Today these lyrics came up:

     "Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
     take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love;
     Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee; take
     my voice and let me sing always only, for my King.
     Take my lips and let them be filled with messages for Thee; take my silver and my gold—
     not a mite would I withhold.
     Take my love—my God, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store; take myself—and I will be ever,
     only, all for Thee, ever, only, all for thee."*

Then I saw this on a friend's Twitter. "Christians don't tell lies they just go to church and sing them." ~ A.W. Tozer. Perhaps God is trying to tell me something. I mean I think that I have sung these words a lot. I wonder how many times I really meant them. I mean am I really striving to ever only be all for Jesus? Seems like there is a lot more all for me than all for thee in my life. If we live all for Jesus lives, they would be different. We would put others first. We would be humble. We wouldn't worry so much about having things. Unfortunately, we aren't ever only all for Him. too often we get caught up in all for me attitudes.

Laying everything down for Christ is hard. The Bible is full of people who started off gung-ho about serving Jesus. Matthew 8 speaks of two of these. One disciple who said I will go home with you and Jesus quickly told him that He was homeless. Another wanted to bury His father. Jesus said if he was serious he wouldn't worry about that. Two pretty huge sacrifices were challenged there. I think all too often we say, "I'll go and do whatever you want" while not REALLY meaning it.

My prayer today is that I would mean those things. I want more of Jesus in my life. I want to be strong enough to give up what I have for him without counting the cost. That may take awhile and truthfully, the reality of those words scare me. I do want Christ to be in me. I do want to be living all for Him. I can say that now but wonder what will happen if sacrifice is truly upon me.

So, I continue to pray and seek. I trust that I am growing in Christ daily. I pray that He will help me live a life where I can sing "ever only all for thee" without a hint of hypocrisy,

*Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications, 1990), 256.

2010-08-24T09:50:00.001-05:00

Accountability and Staying Clean

Jasper Speaks:
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 2 Ti 2:21.

I read this verse as part of my quiet time today. It made me think. Sin sucks. I know that is not a profound statement. Sin can cripple us. When we let sin into our lives it is like we are telling God we don't want to be used by Him. The most wonderful times in my life have come from service. I get energized by the times I can really sense God using me. Sometimes I let sin get in the way of that.

When you look at it, it does not make a lot of sense. When we sin there may be momentary pleasure but in the long run, it weakens us and makes us weary. I get tired and run down when I let sin take the reins. I find my self lackadaisical and impotent. Why then would I be drawn to it?

It goes back to our enemy and his mission statement. He wants to steal, kill and destroy. For all of time he has been convincing people that sin is attractive. He has gotten very good at what he does. He is bold in his deception. Remember that he even tempted Jesus to sin. What arrogance! That same pride is in his approach to us. He wants us to believe that sin is good. He understands that if we are not cleansed from the dishonorable that we cannot be used for the honorable. So, he does all he can to steer us off the right path.

That is where the need for others in our Christian walk comes in again. We need brothers and sisters to walk beside us. We need trusted people to speak into our lives and ask the tough questions. We need people who will not pull punches and tell us when they see sin in our lives.

I want to be a vessel for honorable use. I want God to use me to the utmost. I realize for that to happen I have to pull away from the lies of Satan and live a pure and holy life. I need to seek more accountability. As pastor that can be hard. There is the pressure that if we are transparent we could hurt God's message. I think that is why it is invaluable to have other men surround me. I seek out men who love me and have nothing to do directly with my ministry. I can be transparent. I can share my heart. Even though this is a hard thing for me, I know I must pursue it to remain holy.

Satan wants us to walk this path alone. His best lies are told in private. I pray that my path is littered with godly friends who will keep the conversation loud and strong toward holiness so that I may avoid the whispers of my enemy.

2010-08-23T16:41:00.001-05:00

We're All In This Together

Jasper Speaks:

Being a student leader can be a lonely road. We often are the misunderstood person in our church. How could anyone in their right mind ever want to spend endless hours with teenagers? Who would be willing to sacrifice sleep, good food and even sometimes comfort to pour their lives into the next generation? Even fellow staff members and church leaders can often give us that condescending, "bless your heart" look. Sometimes this lone ranger mentality affects the way we do ministry. We try to convince students on a regular basis that they need to find friendship and accountability to thrive in their walk with Christ. Many times, however, we do not make these relationships a vital part of our lives.

When I preach on the importance of relationships I am often drawn to Ecclesiastes 4:

    "I turned my head and saw yet another wisp of smoke on its way to nothingness:
    a solitary person, completely alone—no children, no family, no friends—yet working
    obsessively late into the night, compulsively greedy for more and more, never bothering
    to ask, "Why am I working like a dog, never having any fun? And who cares?"

   It's better to have a partner than go it alone.
   Share the work, share the wealth.
   And if one falls down, the other helps,
   But if there's no one to help, tough!

Two in a bed warm each other.
   Alone, you shiver all night.

By yourself you're unprotected.
   With a friend you can face the worst.
   Can you round up a third?
   A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped."

We are not ever meant to go this life alone. Still, I have felt like I am working like a dog and no one cares a lot of times. Just as our students need others along the road, we need people coming alongside us to strengthen and encourage us. I think it is all too easy to get caught up in doing what we feel God has called us to do and letting our focus narrow to a point that we do not see the need for others. I think that is exactly what the enemy wants.

Satan knows that a saint on his own is vulnerable. We have no one to share are burdens with. We have no one to hold us accountable. When we are weak there is no one to remind us of the Truth. The enemy's attacks can be strong then and he wants to kick us when we are down. This can result in discouragement at the least and major spiritual failure at the most. I really believe the enemy wants to steal our joy, kill our witness and destroy our lives. I think when we try to do ministry alone, we make his job easier.

I think as Christian leaders we need to do our best to seek out people to walk this road with us. We need to find friendship and accountability with fellow believers. Student ministry is not a solo event. In order to be successful and see a Kingdom difference, we need to establish an army of close friends to walk alongside us down the road of life.

2010-08-06T10:52:00.002-05:00

MOG WOG - MEN OF GOD WOMEN OF GOD 2010 - WOG Video

Jasper Speaks:

Mirror Barlow Girl from Jasper Rains on Vimeo.

2010-08-05T22:55:00.003-05:00

MOG WOG - Men of God Women of God - MOG Video 2010

Jasper Speaks:

The Man You Want Me To Be by Phil Joel from Kerusso Drama & Worship Ministry on Vimeo.

Will post the WOG video tomorrow. Stay tuned.

2010-08-03T11:14:00.001-05:00

Put on Love, Which Binds Them All Together in Perfect Unity: Summer 2010

Jasper Speaks:

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6

It has been an exciting summer in the student ministry. We have been busy with many things. As we reflect on the summer one word comes to mind: Unity. It organically became the theme of our summer together. It has been wonderful to witness how God has brought our group together. God has used the events of the summer to remind our students of their common purpose and their love for one another.
Each week, on Friday, throughout the summer we have gathered at the Taco Bell on McKelvey for a time of food and fellowship. Students who are new to the ministry have had a chance to get to know student ministry veterans in an unthreatening environment. As we have eaten together and played games we have been able to get to know one another better and be a witness to the staff of the restaurant. Spending quality time together has increased group unity.

This summer Dayo Alara and Aaron Ferguson have done a great job leading a Saturday morning Bible study small group called, Bibles and Bagels at the St. Louis Bread Company at Westport Plaza. An average of 10-12 students have gotten up early on Saturday mornings to come together and study God’s Word in this public place. I am so proud of our student leaders (there are many) who are rising up to take ownership and help to guide others spiritually. We should be proud of our juniors and seniors (and our soon to be college freshmen) who have shown the love of Jesus and a willingness to serve that has been an amazing example. Their efforts have also added to the unity of our group.

Super Summer is always a time for our students to be challenged spiritually. This year as we discussed in detail the road to salvation, it was touching to see our students praying with and for one another. As God revealed himself to each student their peers were there with arms wide open, crying and praying with and for them. What an amazing view of how the church should be. Unity was apparent.

Then came our mission trip. Our time in Pawhuska, Oklahoma was a bit different than we had planned. As is often the case, God had more to do IN us than THROUGH us. Our students willingly braved the heat to do minor construction and minister to children. There was a sense of satisfaction as students and leaders worked together to repair homes and touch hearts. The best part may have been in our evening times together when our students spoke of the love and appreciation God was giving them for one another. Each night students spoke of the admiration they had for the others in our group. Our girls commended the guys on how they displayed Christ to them by treating them as gentlemen should. The guys praised the girls for their hard work and their display of the virtues of Proverbs 31. I must admit that there were many times that a lump rose in my throat as I heard students testifying of the way they saw Christ displayed in their fellow team members. The week reminded us how blessed we are to have one another. It was a wonderful unity building time.

I am reminded of Colossians 3 that says at the heart of unity is love. It has been a pleasure to see God increase our students love for one another and the world around them this summer. As I look back on these events, I am reminded that when Christ prayed for us, just before His crucifixion in John 17. He prayed that we would be united in love. I pray it continues in our student ministry and pray that it is made manifest in our congregation. Thank you all for your prayers for us this summer and we would appreciate them continuing as we carry on what has begun. It has been a wonderful thing to watch our students live out that unity together this summer. We are looking forward to an exciting school year as we seek the Lord in continuing to build on what He has so lovingly begun this summer --- unity.

2010-07-13T13:27:00.001-05:00

Book Review - The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University by Kevin Roose

Jasper Speaks:

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The times that I thought were not as great were when he implied that things like racism and homophobia were limited to conservative Christan colleges. Brown may be progressive (although I am sure these things occur there) but I would venture to guess the situations that made him uncomfortable in these areas at Liberty happen at every school in the country. However, it was a great look at where we get it right and wrong. It was much more fair than I expected.

The book shed light on our inconsistencies. Sometimes it was hard to read about the actions of the Christians in the book but I found it refreshing that Roose also seemed taken aback by how genuine people were. A non-Christian entering this situation comes with many biases. I was happy to read that Roose allowed most of those to rest while he was on this journey. The book is thought provoking and only seems forced a few times throughout. It was a good glimpse on how people outside the Christian "bubble" view thos eof us who claim Christ as Lord. I would recommend the reading.

2010-07-01T14:42:00.000-05:00

Super Summer FLIP 2010

Jasper Speaks:

We went to Super Summer and here are the highlights:

2010-05-24T10:15:00.002-05:00

Preaching in the Big Pulpit

Jasper Speaks:

Me preaching on 5/23/2010

2010-04-26T15:58:00.002-05:00

Lessons From The Life And Death of Brandon Pyles

Jasper Speaks:

So, as many of you know, last week a former student of mine took his own life. We were all sent reeling as he was such a joyful, good hearted spirit. It very much just came out of nowhere. It was a long week as I grappled with what it all meant. I think I have realized that in many ways I will not know soon exactly what to make of it all. In fact, this side of Heaven, I probably will never know.

I process a lot of my thoughts through writing. So as I sit to put thoughts to page today I want to convey some things that I am learning in the midst of all this. I am reflecting on Brandon’s life and death and how God is teaching me things as a result. I know I did not know Brandon nearly as well as some but he was always a student who stood out to me. He made me laugh. He made teaching a bit more fun. I have said a lot over the past week that many times when someone dies we romanticize them. I try not to do that. With Brandon, the many things I have read that people have said about him were truth not romance. He really was a great encourager and a person who nearly always brought joy to people’s life. I know he did to mine. I think that makes all of this harder. I have asked so many times, “How Lord, did He get to this point”? We have all asked, “Why” more times than we could count.

As I sat in a pew surrounded by former students at Brandon’s funeral, I could feel God starting to mend our hearts. I think there was great wisdom in what Pastor Dave Greiner shared with us that day. Although we will never have the answers to all of our questions it comes down to Brandon taking his eyes off hope. He knew where real hope lies but something caused him to look away from that.

As I grapple with my own emotions about this tragedy, I lean on that hope. You see, many years ago I made a choice to follow Christ with all I have. I realized that I was a sinner and that by doing things that were against God’s perfect plan, I was separated from Him. I believed that Jesus came as God on Earth and lived and died so that I could know God and be forgiven of those sins. I knew I needed to confess those sins to him and say that I would do my best to not do those things again. I knew I needed to let Him become the boss of my life. I did all of those things kneeling by my parent’s bed. I was overcome and brought to the point of tears when I first REALLY felt the hope of Christ come over me.

But the part that is greatest to me now is the way God continues to give me hope. It wasn’t one big dose at that moment and that was all. God continues to give me hope that things will be okay. I have had a lot of difficult times since that day but somewhere inside me, I have felt the hope I have in Christ telling me that there is so much more TO this life. I felt the hope telling me that there is so much more THAN this life. I pray that we who loved Brandon will honor his memory by embracing Christ, our only real hope.

On Friday, as Brandon’s casket passed by the pew where I was sitting, my first instinct was to think, Lord, what a waste! Almost immediately I felt something in me squash that thought. I felt hope creeping back up from where it had been buried since Nick emailed me on Monday night with the news of Brandon’s death. At that moment, looking at the quilt covered casket of one of my favorite students, I know God told me that He is doing something incredible. Even through the tragedy and grief God is at work. I absolutely believe that God’s promise in Romans 8:28 is TRUE as it says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”.

The passing of Brandon Pyles brings unexplainable grief. I get that. However, I also believe that God wants to do great things in the lives of those BrandonBrandon taught me this week that God has a plan that is greater than we can imagine. The hard stuff works for our good just as much as the joyful things. I pray that we will all seek Christ and His love to not only give us hope in this difficult time but to give us hope for all that life will bring. I hope to have many conversations sharing what God has taught me through the life and death of Brandon Pyles.

2010-04-19T23:32:00.001-05:00

There is a Hope

Jasper Speaks:

I just got word that one of my favorite students from when I taught high school English ended his own life tonight. I am very sad. Brandon was a great guy. Always full of life and smiling. He was the last person you would have ever believed could have done this. He was a Christian and as always, this time brings difficult questions. My heart aches for his parents and siblings. I am praying for them and his friends whom I knew and loved. One of his close friends was the one who wrote me. I pray that God will help me speak into a few lives through this. Please pray for his family and friends. Below is an article I wrote when a former youth group student ended her life. I must admit that I am feeling so many of the same emotions now. May things like this be an ever present reminder to us that Christ in us, the hope of glory needs to be extended to a deeply hurting world.

FINDING HOPE
The following is a newsletter article I wrote when I was on staff at First Baptist Church of Lemay just outside St. Louis, Missouri. The article was written the day of the funeral of one of my former students who had committed suicide.

I buried a kid today. As I sit here trying to record my thoughts, my heart is aching. Kim was the sunshine of life. She was a beautiful girl. Her outer beauty was apparent to everyone but those who knew her saw her inner beauty as well. She had a big, broad smile that was gentle and sweet. But something went wrong. She decided that life wasn't worth the sacrifice. She decided that the day to day struggles of making it work were too difficult. She took her own life.

As I held her mother in my arms and tried to comfort her, I knew there are no words for a time like this. There is no miracle healing balm that makes the wounded whole. My feelings are an odd mixture of disbelief, deep sorrow, and guilt. Inevitably I wonder if I could have been a better youth minister. What could I have done with this child whom God entrusted to my care? What could I have done that may have helped her to find a hope in the hopelessness? Could I have prayed for her more? Could I have challenged her more? Could I have made Jesus more real to her? Could I have done something to show her that 17 years are only the beginning of life and there are so many joys to come that completely outweigh the sorrows?

There are too many questions and not enough answers. I cling ever so tightly to my favorite passage of Scripture, Jeremiah 29:11. Here God promises me that there is a future and a hope. Right now both are hard to see. Somehow God will use Kim's death for His glory. Right now, I wish she was alive and He was using her life.

As much as I hurt, I cannot help but think of her mother. A Christian for only a few years, I remember when Pat "walked down the aisle" of the little inner city church where I was serving. Her mother, who had prayed for her for years, cried. My mother, who had also prayed for her salvation, cried. And as I led music that morning, I fought back tears of joy as well. Pat faced great opposition to her Christianity at work, but she always persevered. Yesterday she could not speak due to the overwhelming grief. I worry what will become of her. I pray diligently and with all the strength I can muster that God will give her peace. I pray that He will show her, before any of the rest of us, a future and a hope.

There is so little time to make a difference. I was Kim's youth pastor for three years and then God called me to another place of service. There is little I wouldn't do now to go back and spend all the one on one time I could, training and loving a hurting girl. I know I must look to the future. I know I must learn from this tragedy. With all that I am as a minister I have to instill in the hearts of young people that God does give hope. Our lives are never without a future. God loves us. As I look into the faces of the youth I have now, I want to see hope. I find myself wanting to hold them tightly and just yell, "Never let go of Jesus!"

Kim felt that ending her life would end pain. It has only increased it for those of us left behind. Together we can help one another find the hope we will all need. The Christian life is all about hope. Faith is the evidence of things hoped for. I want to dedicate my life to sharing and growing that hope in my own life as well as the lives of all those whom God makes me a watchman. Kim may not have seen that hope but I will do all I can to make sure that no one else in my life is ever blind to the hope of the living God.

I buried a kid today. I pray that with her I buried hopelessness. I pray that I will be resurrected a different man of God. I pray that I will be a lighthouse to guide others to hope.

2010-04-09T11:48:00.000-05:00

Letters To God Review

Jasper Speaks:

I must admit that I went into this film a bit of a skeptic.The storyline just seemed a little too "Hallmark Channel" for me. I got to go to a free screening sponsored by the St. Louis Rams. That might seem odd but apparently one of the players is a strong Christian and they tied it into a Rams charity for sick kids so I suppose that makes sense. I went so I could spend time with my teens who were attending. I had a great time with them.

The movie begins with 8 year old Tyler Doherty, who is suffering from brain cancer and writing letters to God that he leaves for the postman every day. His mother is returning to work as a nurse and life is trying to continue after Tyler has undergone painful radiation treatments.

We are also introduced to the postal workers of the area (which area we never know). There is Walter the over achieving veteran postal worker who doesn't feel right taking time off; Lester the kind and gracious boss; Carl, the over eager middle and manger and Brady, the slacker Iraq ex-service man who is an alcoholic. In a not so shocking twist of fate, Brady gets assigned Walter's walking route which includes Tyler's home.

Tyler eventually is well enough to go back to school. His best friend Sam (Samantha not Samuel), is his protector and confidant. On his first day back a bully is particularly mean to him and Sam proceeds to smash the trouble maker's face in his lunch. The three wind up in the principal's office.

Brady continues to drink. He doesn't know what to do with the letters to God that Tyler continues to write. He decides to take them to a church where the pastor tells him that he doesn't believe that they came into Brady's possession by chance. The pastor prays with him. Brady keeps the letters, unopened.Through collecting the letters Brady becomes a close friend to the family and his drinking stops.

The movie continues with more exposition explaining how Tyler's cancer affects the entire neighborhood. Tyler becomes the light of many people's world and he points several characters to a relationship with Christ. The movie takes a deeply emotional turn in its falling action. It concludes by letting us know that the story is based on true events and showing us several cancer surviviors that we assume had something to do with the film's production.

I will say that this, in similar fashion to the much superior film To Save A Life released earlier this year, has upped the quality expectations for Christian movies. However, To Save A Life captured real, gritty, life and made little apologies for its realism. Letters to God does play as I feared, much like a TV movie. It is a quality TV movie but nonetheless not what you expect when you attend a theater to see a film. It's scope is small and not quite full enough for a large theater venue.

The acting is far superior to many films of this genre. Jeffery Johnson does a fine job portraying the troubled Brady who is a complex character driven by his past mistakes with his own family and the uneasy pull to become a part of this new one. He is understated in his subtext. His feelings seem real and his character is one of the best written in the film. We see his hurt and regret and can believe that it is true as he battles his past and its demons.

Robyn Lively is not as strong but turns an adequate performance as the struggling mother of a child with cancer. In her most emotional scene, one of the few in the movie that actually rings true to the doubts and grief of struggling with a terminal illness, Lively is a bit over the top and flirts with overacting. She does reign it in just as she brushes over doing the scene and making it unbelievable. You do trust her performance when it comes to the scenes where she shows love and emotion toward her sick son.

There is a surprise appearance of Ralph Waite (of The Walton's and more recently the Kevin Costner/Whitney Houston film The Bodyguard) as Sam's grandfather. He is a fine actor but the role was written in such a way that it seems a waste that someone with Waite's pedigree would play the part.

You get the sense that Tanner Maguire, who plays Tyler, is trying a bit too hard. Although, the script he has to work with makes believability hard to grasp. Tyler is written in such a way that Mcguire never really has the freedom to delve into the fears and hurts of someone struggling with cancer. He also is a bit too old to be believable as an eight year old. He often has a glossy look that I am not sure is meant to be Tyler's wandering thoughts to Heaven or Maguire's confusion on how to play a child who seems to not struggle much with the fact that he is terminally ill.

Bailee Madison is cute on 110 on a 10 point scale, playing the role of the best friend Sam. The director often uses her to make the crowd say "awww" and forget that cancer is messy. She is a fine young actress and I will admit that her final scenes and voice overs came the closest to manufacturing genuine emotion from me.

Actually the most restrained and believable performance was turned in by Michael Bolten (not the singer) who plays Tyler's older brother, Ben. We can believe that he cares for his brother and sense his genuine pain at losing first his father (in a "sudden" way that is never disclosed) and now the threat of losing his only brother as well. Bolten never seems to overdo his emotions and the writers stay away from the emotionally manipulative tone that haunts other characters in the scripting of Ben. Bolten also demonstrates a quality musical talent in a scene late in the film.

The Gospel is very plain in this movie. Those who felt that To Save A Life lacked the over the top salvation message should be amply pleased by it's presentation in Letters to God. Although I thought the restraint shown in To Save A Life was necessary for the tone of that film, I am happy that the filmmakers of Letters To God did not shy away from the road to true peace. We see lives changed by the work of Jesus and His name is credited many times.

The movie is worth your time. Perhaps it would be best viewed in your home on a more intimate format than the big screen. Still, I would urge you to suck it up and buy a ticket to see it in the theater. Hollywood needs to know that faith based films can make money. It is always pleasant to go to a movie and be entertained and not have to feel like you have somehow compromised your values by watching it. Letters to God will help get us further down the road to consistent quality Christian film making. If we continue to put quality first, we can only expect for movies with a faith message to get better. I do believe that God can (and will) use this film to further His Kingdom and in the end, I know that is what matters most.

2010-04-06T14:50:00.000-05:00

God's Call?

Jasper Speaks:

I remember when I was young in ministry, how exciting it was for me when a young person felt called to the full-time ministry. I remember championing him or her. I remember helping to find a good Bible College for a perspective pastor or missionary to attend. I remember feeling somehow that I needed to "invest" more time with in these students so they could figure out what ministry was all about. I remember being so excited. Not so much anymore.

It seems that the phrase many are called but few are chosen comes to mind. I have seen many students start on this road and go careening off of it not long after. I have seen this process leave them confused and sometimes resentful of the church. That takes the excitement out of it a bit for me.

I want students to listen closely to God's call on their lives. I think that is very important. I also think that is the point. We need to be helping students listen closely to God's call on his or her life. I think there was a time when I got so excited that a student would be interested in ministry that I might have done more harm than good. I may have moved them toward a decision that they were not equipped to make.

For me, the call is so real. I have no doubt that God has called me to a lifetime of service. I think that may skew my perceptive a bit. What I mean is that the call of God in my life is such a part of who I am that I sometimes have a hard time understanding why anybody would want to do anything else. I get excited to hear that anyone would consider doing what I do.

What I have discovered though is that often in my haste, I did not give the best counsel to those sensing a call. I immediately started trying to "prepare" them for ministry. I did not really give the Holy Spirit time to work on them and help them understand what He was calling them to do. I would then mourn when I saw a student crash and burn as they began to pursue the call. I would be disappointed in them that they didn't tough it out. I would feel a sense of failure myself.

But now, when a student comes to me sensing God's call, I proceed with more trepidation. I still get excited but I want the student to take time to really consider what they are undertaking. Ministry is not easy. Ministers are held to a higher standard. There is a lot of stress and pressure. Although, I can dream of nothing else that I would rather do with my life, ministry is not for everyone.

I try to find a middle ground in my counsel. I walk beside the student encouraging them to seek out ministry options. I ask them what they thought they wanted to do before this call. I ask them if there was an event or a moment in time where they first felt this calling. I ask them to get involved in doing ministry right now. I ask them to take time and pray. I warn them not to make a hasty decision. I invite them to spend time with me doing ministry and see what day to day ministry looks like up close. I pray for them.

In my twenty years of ministry there have been many students who have come to me sensing that God may want them in full-time service. Most of them move on to other things. A few have answered that call and are working hard in ministry right now. I pray that with age has come the wisdom to remind students that God calls Christians to be godly teachers, plumbers, politicians, doctors, lawyers, stay at home moms and all the other career choices out there. I pray that God would help me to guide students through listening to His voice and help them to determine how He can use them in ministry or not.

2010-04-06T12:01:00.000-05:00

Laurie Update

Jasper Speaks:

And Laurie sees! Laurie is home. The long term issue has been her eyesight as after her hospital stay she was diagnosed as legally blind. However, she had surgery yesterday and today she is seeing clearly out of the eye that the surgery was performed on! Hallelujah! They will do the other once this one heals. What a walking miracle this girl is!

2010-04-05T15:02:00.000-05:00

Keeping It Simple

Jasper Speaks:

I have a confession to make. I used to be a Complex Youth Pastor. I was overloaded with my schedule and underloaded with things that could help me. I was becoming increasingly easily angered. I was not my laid back old self. I had no idea why.

I also was not spending enough time with my wife and son. Sometimes even the time I was spending with them lacked quality because I was so distracted by all the “important” stuff I should be doing. I was feeling guilty when ministry called me away from them. I was feeling guilty when they were calling me away from ministry. I was pretty much engulfed in guilt because I felt like I was not giving ministry or family my all.

I was trying to do a lot of ministry. I think I hoped that it would fulfill me and keep me motivated. I wanted to see our group grow both spiritually and numerically. I thought that maybe if we could keep up the pace, our students would grow because of the activity.

There was not really much wrong with our ministry that you could see from the outside. Our events had decent numbers. We were seeing kids saved. Kids were making decisions to live a greater life for Christ. So it seemed.

Then I started to hear a still, small voice ask “Is this for real”? I tried to ignore it but it kept coming back. So, I started looking at our ministry with a more critical eye. Yes, students were coming to know Christ. There was no doubt about it. But I did notice that our discipleship program was built from one big event to the next. So many of our students were feeling a movement of God at these events but would walk away from their commitments soon afterwards.

I realized that we were doing a lot of filling the calendar and not a lot of filling lives. I realized that the problem started with me. I devoted a lot of time to working in ministry but I was not doing a lot to let God work in me. Soon the still, small voice was asking, “Are you for real?”

I started examining myself. I took a hard look at why I was beginning to act the way I was. I realized I was doing ministry without letting God fill me up. I was running on empty just trying to be the ringmaster to our many programs. I repented of that. I returned to a regimen of time in God’s Word that was not all about studying for a message. I set aside more time to pray. I committed to a new accountability partner. In reality, I was once again doing what I tell students they need to do everyday. I was leaving hypocrisy behind and investing time in my own growth. The bonus was, very soon after, the angry guy left and the real me was coming back.

Then I looked at our programs. I took a deep breath and went to our student ministry leadership and said that I thought we should cut out some of the fat. I was floored when our team (of adults and students) immediately agreed. They were all tired of the complex ministry schedule we were keeping as well. How could we move from complex to simple?

We sat and discussed what we wanted students graduating from our ministry to look like spiritually. We didn’t start with how they would look in their senior year, we took the conversation farther. We asked what we would want them to look like as sophomores in college. We wanted to know what we would like to see after they had lived a year on their own away from the safe cradle of our student ministry.

We made a detailed list. We then broke it down to the most basic things. We took out phrases that were repetitive or unclear. Then we used those ideas to rephrase our purpose. We agreed on a three word statement that would define what we wanted to do. We chose Connect, Grow and Go. We wanted our students to connect to God and each other, grow in those relationships and go live the Christian life. We wanted to keep it simple.

Finally, we reexamined our programs and cut anything that could not be traced back to a specific statement in our purpose. Some of those cuts were easier than others. Still, we took a hard look and let some favorites be trimmed down or completely eliminated so that our simple purpose could be achieved. It was a tough process but the still small voice was now saying, “This just might work!”

We submitted a trimmed budget and calendar to the church. Then God moved. Students and leaders became more passionate about knowing God. They became more passionate about growing in their relationship with Him. They became more passionate about serving Him. By simplifying my spiritual life, I was able to genuinely lead others in the same. Taking care of me meant trimming the fat and letting God build muscle in my spiritual life again. I am glad he did.

2010-03-29T11:24:00.002-05:00

The Original Undercover Boss

Jasper Speaks:

So last night I was watching Undercover Boss with my lady and it was following Joel Manby, President and CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment, who owns among other things, Silver Dollar City. It was a really good episode as it featured Manby's and the company's Christian faith in a positive light. As I sat there I thought about Easter and the original "Undercover Boss".

It has always amazed me that God, who created all that exists, would love us enough to become one of us. One of the most amazing things is that He, being God after all, could have come in any way he chose. He could have come as a mighty King and benevolently ruled over His people. He could have come as a great military leader, charging His troops into battle against evil. He could have come as a celebrity with fans that were devoted to praising Him. He didn't choose any of those things. He chose to come undercover. He chose to come in simplicity. He took the idea of being with us, Emmanuel, seriously.

He was born poor and in a cold cave with animals. He lived a childhood that was so uneventful that we don't even have a record of it. Then He began a ministry where He did amazing things but didn't take a lot of credit for them. He only told certain people of His true identity, all the while working along side His band of brothers to reach out to the hurting and lonely.

Finally, when He revealed who He was, He was not met with adoration but a crowd who was fickle. One Sunday shouting, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna!" The following Friday yelling, "Crucify Him!" He died a criminal's death. He died without even a place to be buried. He died as the common man he was coming undercover to be like.

Then came the great reveal! Easter morning! He is ALIVE! Suddenly the ordinary guy image is lost. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He is the BOSS! Like the end of an episode of the reality television show, He comes in surprising everyone with his "true" identity and offers rewards that forever change us. He reveals himself and brings life changing hope to all of the "employees". He gives us forgiveness of our sins. He gives us life that will never end. After the reveal the world is never the same.

As I reflect on this Easter season, I am so glad that my boss went undercover to see my world from my perspective. He was tempted in every way but did not sin. He became one of us so that we might come to know Him. He gave up His life while undercover, so that we might have life forever. It all ended with the most dramatic reveal of all time. Oh, how glad I am that He came!

2010-03-28T12:32:00.000-05:00

Laurie Update

Jasper Speaks:

She is home and resting in her own bed! A miracle for sure! Keep praying as she recovers. Especially pray for her vision to be fully restored! Woot! Happy Palm Sunday!

2010-03-26T12:32:00.001-05:00

Mentoring Is Good

Jasper Speaks:

I have been in Student ministry for 20 years. I love it. I can seldom imagine being satisfied doing anything else. What I love about being a "veteran" is that God allows me to help and mentor younger YPs. Some of these I know through service. I was their Youth Pastor and God called them into this crazy and awesome world. Others I don't know. I also love getting the chance to share at conferences and things as well.

Recently I have been writing some for Simply Youth Ministry and Group Magazine. Recently I had the honor of being a featured blogger on Youthworker Journal's website as well. God has used these writings to bring new friends and mentees to me. Just today I got a great email from a Youth Pastor in Pennsylvania who had read my article in Group about simplifying our ministry. She needed some encouraging words and ideas. I loved giving those to her.

One thing I told her to do was to buy Simple Youth Ministry by Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton. It is an excellent book. It helped me rethink our ministry and the way we were doing it. I put that out here because if you are a Youth Pastor sturggling to make the ends meet and are looking for a way to streamline your ministries to be most effective, and are reading this blog, I would HIGHLY recommend that you read this book. It changed the way I schedule and helped us focus our ministry so much more.

Well, that is what I wanted to say. I love helping other Youth Pastors and am honored God is allowing me to do so! Have a great day all!

2010-03-25T17:52:00.000-05:00

The Latest on Laurie

Jasper Speaks:

Here is the latest update I have gotten on Laurie from Don's Facebook note. Keep praying!

PAUSE!

Snap back to reality, oh there goes gravity. (If you get that reference cool, if not...it's our secret we're not explaining it to you :-) )

Today the neurosurgeon put the kibosh on all talk of leaving anytime soon, skipping a level, or being able to relax.

Laurie is still in a place of extreme caution. She could still have a seizure or stroke causing pretty certain death. We believe that God has healed my wife and she will continue to progress, however we must be prudent with her care. Her blood pressure is being kept at a high level in order to ensure the blood vessels in her brain are open enough to protect her from the side effects of this surgery.

This is why visitors are severely limited. Her blood pressure is being held in the area of 175/100. YES that is high but it is necessary to help prevent death.

I do not want to place a dark cloud over this wonderful miracle that God has given us, however I do want to reiterate that she is NOT out of the woods until her vasospasms are gone.

Please pray for continued healing for my bride Laurie, the mother of our children.

2010-03-24T17:31:00.001-05:00

HOW TO SAVE A LIFE

THE VIDEO SPEAKS:

Here is the video we made for the end of our To Save A Life: Be The Church Sermon Series:

2010-03-24T10:16:00.003-05:00

Who Am I?

Jasper Speaks:

Sometimes there is a struggle in me. I realize it is as ancient as man himself. There are two natures. They both want me to submit to their authority. Sometimes one wins, other times it is the other who is victorious. Sometimes I switch back and forth so much that I have identity issues. I realize that the carnal man wins so often because of my own lethargy. For the spirit man to win it takes action. For the carnal man to win, I can sit and do nothing.

I think the enemy preys on me by convincing me his way is the simple way. It is great proof that status-quo is our sinful nature. It is who we are at our core. Simply put, sinning comes naturally.

I want to fight more. I want to be the man of God He can have me be. But that takes work. That takes commitment. That takes time. I want to be identified as a man of God who chases after the Lord's heart. In the deepest part of me that is my desire. It takes me really chasing. Oh, how I identify with the words of Paul in Romans 7:

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh.
For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to
carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do
not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want,
it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

So, I ask this morning, who am I? I pray that I can be a man after God's own heart.

*************************************************************************************
Laurie Update of the Day:

She has been on Facebook, studying the Bible with a friend, returning more and more to her old self every day and will probably be moved to a regular room soon. Our miracle girl just keeps on going.

2010-03-22T09:49:00.004-05:00

Not Out of The Woods Yet

Jasper Speaks:

Praying for Laurie Coldwell Prayer Request!

This week is going to be worse for Laurie as far as her recovery is concern. She will be dealing with vasospasm that will be more intense. The doctors expected this! But continue to pray for releif and healing. As soon as these stop, she will be able to move to the next step of recovery.

Please continue to pray.

For more information on Vasospasm click here.

2010-03-21T15:08:00.002-05:00

One Week Ago

Jasper Speaks:

One week ago many of us were apprehensive and sad. Our friend was very ill. The outlook was bleak. One week ago I was pricing plane tickets to Maine for a sad event. God had other plans. One week ago I said to Kendra, "Maybe God is going to do something that will knock our socks off!" I didn't realize at that moment that this was EXACTLY what he had planned. Laurie is proof that miracles still happen. Here is Donnie's update posted to Facebook last night:

Donnie Speaks:

God the Lord is my strength;
He makes my feet like the deer's;
He makes me tread on my high places.

It's 11:03. One week ago a neurosurgeon told me that my wife was probably not going to survive the night.

HA!

Today my wife had headaches all day. As soon as the medication wore off (sometimes before) she would start to feel pain. She slept most of the day due to the pain medication and she was still tired most of the time she was awake. We were told there would be good days and bad days during this next week or two of recovery...if that was a bad day I'll take it.

We still notice some issues with her speech in various ways as well as her memory. What we see is typical however and we are not alarmed or hopeless in response to her progress.

The people that God had in my life already have been a blessing to Laurie and I and we thank you for all you have done The people that God is bringing into our lives is a blessing as well and we look forward to years of community with you.

Only a week later and here we are already looking to bring her home. While this something I look forward to, I know that we should not push what we think God's plans SHOULD be. God has brought us to this point for a reason and we need to be faithful to seek Him first in all that happens.

Thank you all once again for the prayers support and the physical support as well.

2010-03-20T11:54:00.002-05:00

Today's Updates

Jasper Speaks:

Sorry that I didn't post yesterday. Here is the latest. God is still doing miracles! The first part is from Donnie's blog yesterday and then he shares some prayer requests. Let's keep praying!

Donnie Speaks:

Stress? What Stress?

From Don's Blog at http://whatsthemotivation.wordpress.com/

I have written and rewritten the first line of this post 3 times and I can not come up with a sentence that does my thought justice. On Saturday my bride of 8 years almost died. Next thing you know, she’s taking a stroll around the hospital. I am sure that God is doing amazing things both here in Southern Maine and in many other places. There are people recognizing their need for something more. There are people recognizing their need for community. There are people who are taking this opportunity to live their lives to honor our creator God in all that they do.

There are so many people who I have come in contact with this past week that I have never met and I am sure that I never would have met them had this not happened. There are people who have been drawn to the waiting room as if pulled by an unknown force. There are people who have been drawn to contact me who I haven’t seen or talked to in years. This is the work of the Holy Spirit who has been sent to minister not only to me; but to anyone who would humble themselves and realize that there is something bigger than themselves in control of everything.

I can not help but wonder how many people will end up being touched by this one occurence. In truth, I know that it will not be until Heaven that Laurie will fully see the impact that she has had on not only this community but others as well. This is where it gets tricky. We so badly want to lift up Laurie as a wonderful Mother/Wife/Person without recognizing where her help comes from. Milton Vincent says, “Outside of heaven, the power of God in its highest density is found inside the gospel.” The gospel is called the power of God in Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes and in 1 Corinthians 1:18 – For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Nothing else is called the power of God except Jesus Christ Himself in 1 Corinthians 1:24.

When we realize that we are not center of the gospel but that God’s glory is, we can truly live in the power that is promised to us. We do not live for our own glory but for the Glory of God. We realize that it is because God first loved us that we even have the opportunity to love others. 1 John 4:19 says it plainly when we read – We love because He first loved us. I want to make it clear that the only thing you’ve seen when I don’t look stressed is God. You may think I’m handling it, that I am being a wonderful husband and father but I assure you that it is because of God’s grace and mercy that I am able to continue day-to-day.

I pray that you would learn about this gospel and seek God in all you do…ALL you do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says – So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. There isn’t anything you can do any day of the week that can substitute for getting involved in Christian community and seeking God in all His glory. There also isn’t anything you can do to disqualify yourself from Christian community. We are all sinners who need a savior. We all need to hear the gospel on a daily basis both preached to our selves and from others in community.

I would love to chat with you sometime about why this is so important to me and why it is the center of my life. Let’s grab a beer sometime.

-Cheers,
Don

Prayer Requests:
-That church services all over the area would have an amazing Christ-Centered service
- That God would speak through humble witnesses of this miracle
- That Emma's ear infection would head so she can go back to school

2010-03-18T23:03:00.004-05:00

Laurie Update

Jasper Speaks:

Just to let you know, I heard today that Laurie was walking down the hall past the Waiting Room at the hospital and talking to people! God is so good! Please continue to pray for this family as they climb the high mountain of recovery!

Here is Donnie's update for today from Facebook:

So many thing to Praise the Lord for today. Laurie is up and walking, talking and healing at a speedy pace. But please continue to pray:
- Laurie would progress to the 6th floor, meaning she will be on a regular floor instead of the special care unit
- Jesus would continue to receive praise for all that is happening
- God would continue to open up doors to speak about Him
- That the Holy Spirit would continue to ministry to the family

To God be the glory!