Blog Cheater

I can't believe that I am actually going to blog this big of a quote. It seems like cheating, but then again...this quote blows me away. Read it a few times and let it sink in...I'll wait.

"True Christian experience must always include a genuine encounter with God. Without this, religion is but a shadow, a reflection of reality, a cheap copy of the original once enjoyed by someone else of whom we have heard.
The spiritual giants of old were men who at some time became acutely aware of the real presence of God and maintained that consciousness the rest of their lives. The first encounter may have been one of terror...Usually this fear soon lost its content of terror and changed after a while to delightsome awe, to level off finally into a reverent sense of complete nearness to God. The essential point is THEY EXPERIENCED GOD. " -A.W. Tozer

That blows my mind. I want to be one of those people who gets up in the morning and experiences God. Not so I can be some spiritual giant...but so when I am gone from this world and I'm spending every waking minute with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, people will say about me: "He experienced God...and he taught me to do the same."

Sorry that this is so heavy...but I know you can handle it. What do you want people saying about you once you are gone?

SG

Cool thought. (At least I think it is)

I love my wife. I'm not just posting this so she will read it. I love her a lot. She's a great mom and a great wife. I think she is beautiful. I wouldn't trade her. That's all for today.

SG

More Pictures of SYATP

Check out more pictures of Sunday's amazing event here.

Missing what you don't have.

Our phone at home has been out since yesterday at 3pm. It's been a rather interesting experience. Besides the lousy customer service offered by Sprint (the guy actually asked us if we were interested in switching our long distance when we called to report that they were not even providing us with phone service because of an outage) I learned last night that I have become very "dependent" on the internet and staying connected. I was a little disappointed by my anxiety level every time I went by our office and tried to log on. (yes we are still on dial-up...we are practicing the spiritual discipline of simplicity...and we're cheap!) Have I let this connectedness get in the way of God and I? How did the pioneers connect with God without biblegateway.com to look up verses? Last night was good for me. No computer...no internet...just my journal and Gods word. Now that I think about it...I hope our phone is out more often...kind of.

Scott

His Podcast

I sometimes forget that God is always (and I don't use that word often) trying to tell me something. He is constantly broadcasting to me. Jesus puts it like this as he's talking to God:

"I have made your very being known to them(you and I)-- Who you are and what you do-- And continue to make it known, so that your love for me might be in them (you and I) exactly as I am in them." John 17:26 (The Message)

Have you heard from Him lately? I know it is hard sometimes, but he is talking and we must slow down to hear what he has to say. Sometimes I forget and sometimes I'm just lazy. But I have found when I make time for him, he shows up in a big way. Have you listened to His podcast lately...if not, why not?

Fellow Struggler,
Scott

Warm Good Morning

I don't like coffee. But I am learning to find great comfort in a warm cup of chai. I can see how people get hooked on the coffee thing. Here's a warm cup of something for you this morning. I'll write more later.
SG

See You AFTER The Pole

See You AFTER The Pole

This is amazing! Thanks for the pictures Stevan!

See you AFTER the Pole

I can't believe what I witnessed tonight. The worship service that I just came from was amazing. Seeing 500+ students gathered together for the same reason (to give praise to God) blew me away. It is an image that I will not soon forget. Not to mention the energy and excitement. Then there was the fact that these were middle school and high students...many teaching and leading us adults in worship. What an amazing time. I can't tell you how much I appreciate my new group of friends. The youth leaders that gathered there tonight on the stage are men chasing after God, and they want every student to do the same. Thank you guys for making tonight happen.

I'm going to single out two people. One is Stevan Sheets (Warsaw Wesleyan youth pastor). Stevan believed in this night and in me from the beginning. Stevan, thanks for sticking your neck out for me, our ministry, this night and the kingdom. I owe you big! The cool thing is, you don't even see it like that. (Stevan posted a few pictures of tonight, here)
Secondly, thank you Abe. You are an amazing worship leader. It was awesome seeing you use your gift tonight...as you led over 500 students in worship. Thank you also for your constant friendship and encouragement. It is a privilege to serve with you.
Students...I can't wait to see what God does with your offering of praise. I can only hope that the "Lord will add to our numbers daily those who are being saved." Get ready: "...the tide is coming in, here it is..."

Scott

Ripples

I love these picture of Aaron. Here's the problem. They remind me that my "journey with God" has consequences. I know that's kind of a negative way to put it so let me change that. It has "ripples". As I engage with God through spiritual disciplines (silence, solitude, fasting, study, prayer, etc.) it ripples into my relationship with Aaron, Deanna, and every other relationship I have in a positive way. I have seen evidence of that over the past few weeks. Also, if I'm not engaging God regularly, that ripples too. Scary!

Ask yourself, "self, who do my ripples affect?"

God, I pray that the ripples that I am making have you at the source. Help me to engage with you today.

See you AFTER the Pole tomorrow at 7pm. Can't wait.

Desperate

Is it possible to not even know that you are desperate for God? I think that's the place I get too when my day seems to be unraveling and things seem out of control. I don't even realize that what is happening is that I am experiencing a desperateness for God. Too many times I have tried to fill that emptiness with something else other than Him. I think that is why this podcast (spiritual discipline) thing is such a big deal. When we are regularly hearing Him the times of desperateness don't seem so bad, and the first thing we reach for (usually) is God...and not something (or someone) else.

I am excited to worship as a unified body of believers this weekend at the "See you AFTER the Pole" gathering. God, blow us away with your presence!

SYATP 2005

And a good time was had by all...I think. What a cool thing to see unity taking place this morning. I can't help but think that God was smiling as students gathered at the flagpole this morning to pray for their school, leaders and fellow students. I must say, I never went to a SYATP when I was in high school. I'm quite confident that it wasn't even invented yet. (actually, there were on 13 stars on the flag when I was in high school...since everyone else is making age jokes, I thought I'd take a shot at myself) However, even if there was a SYATP, I don't think I would have had the courage or discipline to go. I was so proud of all of the students I witnessed this morning praying and asking God to heal their school. I'm sure many students forgot, or just decided to sleep in...but many of you showed up to show your fellow students (and God) how important your faith is to you. Wow, way to go. I know God smiled this morning!

Personally, I am excited about discovering more about God. My "quiet times" have been good. I am learning that I almost can't pray without writing my prayers. My brain is too active. It forces me to slow down, think, and let God guide my time. I have found the following question helps me focus my times with God:
"God, I especially feel your love for me today in the area of..."

Have a great day. See you AFTER the Pole on Sunday night...can't wait.

Overflow

I think "overflow" sounds like a great name for a band. Anyway, a friend and I were talking the other night and we were sharing about ministry and just how we were feeling. He commented that he noticed something different about me. Then it hit me. I have been active with my pursuit of God lately on a significant level. I feel great, and God is daily giving me new strength. Then I was reminded of a talk I heard by Rob Bell at the Willow Creek Teaching Conference two years ago (at least I think that's where I heard it...give me a break, I'm trying to give credit). He said, (paraphrase) "are you teaching out of the overflow of your walk with God or are you scraping off of the bottom to give away something you only once had a long time ago?" Praise God...I am beginning to experience what it looks like to have "overflow."

Fasting: This is funny. I have tried the "fasting thing" lately, and it has blown me away. I've done it before with less than "overflow" results. But this time was different. Maybe because I paired it with prayer and reading God's word...and not with watching the clock and stalking the fridge door as I waited for the precious seconds to pass until I could eat again. I think fasting is a new regular part of my life. If you are interested, ask me about it, because I'll probably never just bring it up...it's not about me, it's about Jesus.

Wow...I've never heard their music, but I just googled "overflow" and they are a band. Huh. That's all.

Worship...

Here is the latest picture from "One" last night. What an awesome gathering. Now, I can only look forward to 300-400 students gathering next Sunday (the 25th) to do the same thing. This "See you after the Pole" thing, could be the largest gathering of middle school and high school students ever assembled (just to give praise and honor to God) in this community. It's not the size that impresses me...it's the fact that God is doing something significant with you, to you and through you. This is going to be awesome.

Pace 2

1 Peter 4:1-2 "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourself with the same attitude." Last night, I read one of my journals from 1996. I had written the line, "I don't know why someone would intentionally experience suffering or brokenness." I think that is significant because over the last several years (and even more over the last few weeks) I have discovered exactly why a person intentionally experiences suffering or brokenness (i.e. Spiritual Disciplines). To draw close to God! That 1 Peter passage goes on to indicate that those who do that... have an advantage over sin (and the sinful nature). Count me in on that.
Today should be rather crazy. I'm leading C56 and heading up Summit tonight. This really gets at the "Pace" entry from below. I hope to carve out some significant time for an afternoon nap and hang time with the "little man".

Truffles and Chex mix as a Spiritual Discipline

I discovered today a piece of what I think Jesus was talking about when he talked about “the body”. I had an amazing time today with a bunch of youth leaders from town. We sat together, ate together, prayed together and shared our hearts (and some laughs) together. I think the key there was “together”. The spiritual discipline of “Fellowship” maybe. What is interesting, is that until I typed that last sentence, I was feeling like today I wasn’t doing a very good job at pursuing God. But I must say…this is the second time I have experienced “fellowship” (we don’t call it that…but do we ever?) with these other men…and in my spirit, I know God was honored (by at least most of it I think)…and fellowship was experienced. Sweet!

On a side note…don’t ever try to beat John Bryan (from New Life) at “Skee Ball”. He’s a monster. Thanks Tim for the tokens and thanks JB for lunch. I am excited about what God is doing and is going to do with a bunch of youth leaders committed to a time of encouraging words, prayer and the “breaking of bread”. (I think Gordy’s counts as breaking bread?) Huh…Acts 2 points out that when people did that same thing 2000 years ago…”the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Game on God! We stand ready should you choose to bless us in the same way!

Pace

Man...the pace of life can really get carried away. I had a great quiet time with God this morning then ran to several back-to-back appointments. I even spoke at Lakeland's chapel. Yet, God has been pretty far down on my list of "things to think about". Now, I have to run because I'm headed home. The pace of life (as American's especially) I am beginning to see again is in direct conflict I think with pursuing God consistently, passionately and (as Paul says) "without ceasing". Maybe I can have 7 minutes of great prayer time on my drive home....right now. Go.

My Little Man

Aaron and I had a blast in Winona Lake today over lunch. I love this little guy!

"But I don't want to..."

Engaging with God's playlist (spiritual disciplines) isn't something that I always want to do. That has certainly been the case over the last week as I have fought the battle in my head several times over some of the disciplines of "omission". It's really hard in this culture to deny yourself something on purpose...especially when every billboard, commercial and magazine add is screaming at you to give yourself stuff. But I am learning and am realizing that when I don't want to serve God in my head, I can ask God to give me the desire to serve Him. (Phil 2:12-13) And I am finding that more often than not...he delivers.

On a side note...I am loving journaling and I am finding that as the weather is changing, this season is an easier time of year for me to connect with God than any other. Not sure why, but it takes more effort for me in the summer and winter months.

I'm looking forward to going golfing this week. Not sure that it is a spiritual discipline...but man it's relaxing!

Worship as a Discipline

Well, as I sit here reflecting on "One" last night, I can't help but think about our worship time. Abe and the band were amazing and gave us an incredible opportunity to set time aside for God and declare to Him what He means to us. Worship is one of those things on our playlist that allows us to connect with God. Here's the proof. Saturday night I couldn't sleep. So I put on the headphones and grabbed my journal and began to listen to one of my favorite cd's. I was blown away as the worship filled my ears and began to take me back in time to several worship experiences that have blown me away. I was connecting with God. He was using the music and the words to touch my soul. I think I have just discovered part of the point of Gods playlist. The point of a playlist is for our soul and Gods heart to meet. That's what happened last night. Now, take that and go be dangerous.

God, give us all that experience again this week.

Podcast...my journey into the playlist.

This will be the official record of my spiritual journey over the next several weeks as I attempt to explore with you "God's playlist". I am excited about what He is going to teach me (and us) as we dial into what he has to say. "Game on!"

This verse sound rather "hillbilly speak" when you read this version from Eugene Peterson, but the message is cool. Only, when I stop and think about it (like I did this morning) it reveals to me that I'm not really acting like a stranger here on Earth. I think as I am examining my life, actions, and interaction with my world...I am coming to the conclusion that I really have made this world my home. That's not a fun conclusion.

"Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I'm a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions."
Ps 119:18-19

God, help me live today as if I don't live here.

p.s. Doesn't this photo just look relaxing?

Chasing

Man, it is cool to chase after God. I don't think anyone told me that as a kid. As a matter of fact, I think there were a lot of things people didn't tell me. Maybe that's why I enjoy student ministry. I get to hopefully save many students from some of the heartache that I have gone through. Anyway, I had a great time with God's word this morning. Just reading, reflecting and listening. I can't believe that I am saying this, but I am so glad I woke up at 5:30 this morning. Here is one of the cool passages I found. This is Eugene Peterson's version of Psalm 119:15.

"I ponder every morsel of wisdom from you,
I attentively watch how you've done it."

I want to do that today...and tomorrow...and the next day...