Over the past couple of days I've taught a class on relationships and sexual abstinence at one of the local high schools. This was one of the most peculiar class of students I've ever been around... they have been extremely quiet (even talking about sex!). The teacher warned us (myself and the lady I'm presenting with) that this class is like this, but we had no idea. It could be that it is the first class of the day and they are still half asleep. Today however, we did get more of a reaction and participation out of them.

There was one young girl, however, in the class that was talking very loud with her body language. Something that was being said was striking a cord with her, and I could tell she was really trying to show non-interest in what was being shared. Once I noticed this I was intentional to make eye contact whenever I looked her way (as I try to do with all the kids as I pan across the room). In my heart and mind I began to feel compassion for this young lady as I wondered about what she may have been through, or going through in her life. I began to pray in my heart for this young person to allow the information presented to be planted in her life.

Through out the presentation we use illustrations that call for volunteers. I was encouraged by the teacher after the class as he shared about the last volunteer we used and the shock that this person would even participate like they did. Perhaps something is being communicated even though we hadn't see reactions like we wanted.

I'm reminded about last Sunday's sermon of how little things make a big difference. My reading today took me to Galatians chapter 5, and spoke to me in this similar way. It seems that the people in the church were looking for ways to demonstrate for others their full devotion to God; or to prove that their way of following God was the better way. At the end of verse 6 Paul states, "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." As I consider this just a little further... does the love I express (or the lack thereof) serve to gauge the genuineness of my faith? Hum...

Today began with a meeting with a few other pastors in the area to plan activities through our local ministerial association. Our discussion took on a different direction than expected and we talked a great deal about what we existed to do. Then it hit me again... the familiar theme from over the past several months; "Being" rather than "Doing." "The investment of presence is what I believe we as a ministerial association can initially provide to the community", is what I told them.
So how do we accomplish this task of Being rather than Doing?... Well, number one, I think we got to get past the idea that this is just another task. My reading today took me to 1 Corinthians chapter 12. It shares of the many different gifts given by the Holy Spirit to individuals. There are differing gifts, but the same Spirit; differing ways the Holy Spirit is manifested, but all for the common good. We make up the body of Christ. All these differing gifts come together to form the Body of Christ. This is where we practice the presence of "Being."... by being the body of Christ
I had some good visits today... yesterday as well. Yesterday I spent some time with my boys and we went to see a movie together. I had a good time and I believe the boys did as well. I offered my presence of "Being" and not doing. Today I made visits with members in the congregation and there again I was merely present with them and we had good visits. I talked to my Aunt (on my Dad's side) and merely "listened" to all she had to vent... again I was present with her. Today I also stopped in to the Township Hall unexpectedly and had a good meeting with the staff as we discussed the plans for the ball fields. What made this a neat time was that I did not call ahead, but they almost seemed like they were expecting me. We had a good discussion and I believe there are several that desire to see us move forward with the project. But we are still waiting and praying.
I excited about the future God has for our Crossroads Congregation to "BE" a presence in the community.

Today was a fun time at worship. Being the 5th Sunday the service was tailored more for the kids... this means I can be a bit more silly in the things I do as I give the message (I kinda like being more silly). I had a blast teaching the kids about how little things make a big difference... I even did the Mentos and Diet Coke experiment as one of the sermon illustrations. I do pray that God's Word was shared effectively with the folks there (the kids especially).
Tonight at prayer group we read the Scripture in John, chapter 10 about Jesus being the gate and believers being the sheep. Later in this same chapter Jesus referes to himself as the 'good shepherd.' Verse 9 really stuck in my mind..., "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture."
This reminded me of my spiritual walk and the many experiences I have had throughout my Christian walk. When I received Christ as Lord of my life at the age of 24 I knew that He had saved me. God then began to work on my life by leading me to various places and people to give me what I needed at the time... preparing me for what would lie ahead. I can look back on this now and really see how the hand of God was always moving in the background... behind the scenes. God would lead me by His Holy Spirit to "pasture" for a little while here or there; and with that person or the other. He lead me to where I would grow and develop the most/best. Of course I could not usually see this at the time... Looking back I have a much clearer picture to work from.
My devotional reading took me to 1 Corinthians, chapter 2. In this chapter the Apostle Paul writes about how the Spirit will give the wisdom of God. I have come to realize that God's Wisdom will involve the Spirit leading me to places I may not like or feel comfortable with at times, in order to feed my life and have the best possible outcome.