During the end of February I went to CIY Believe with our middle school students. That weekend was an awesome weekend of ministry and being able to worship God with those students. During that weekend I was introduced to a new song, which is very simple...but yet very encouraging and moving.
"Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me" is part of the chorus. The song is titled "One Thing Remains". That song spoke volumes to me that weekend. Then this weekend I found it again as we purchased the new Passion Band CD titled "White Flag". I have listened to this song multiple times since buying the CD. The song is a constant reminder of how satisfying, encouraging, encompassing God's love is to us.
Throughout our lives we find ourselves in different seasons. We go through different struggles, trials, triumphs etc...with those different things our moods tend to change, we feel different. Through this song I am reminded, encouraged to know that no matter where we are, God's love still remains. To quote the song His love is "higher than the mountains that I face, Stronger than the power of the grave, Constant in the trail and the change" How exciting is that???
God's love is bigger and greater than anything you will or can experience. It never changes, it never fails. Next time you feel down, next time you feel the struggles of life, remember "One Thing Remains". We have a God who loves us, we have a God who is bigger than anything else, we have a God who has paid our debt. With all of that, how can we not run to Him? How can you not praise Him?
I pray that today, this week, this month, this year you realize that one thing remains. What are you doing with God's love??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TItyYhfwClM
serving Him
patrick
Monday, March 26, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Brotherhood...
Over the last couple months I have had the opportunity to meet with a group of 3 other guys for lunch every Wednesday. We talk about life, jobs and God and a book. We decided to read a book (now don't laugh or judge this book by it's title)God's Gift to Women.This book is designed to encourage guys in their walk and to be the men God created us to be. Each week I am encouraged when I leave our Wednesday lunch.
This book talks about "the brotherhood of men" and how it has an effect on guys and as guys we don't want to let other guys feel like we aren't real men. Today at our lunch was some great discussions on this. As I was driving back to the office I thought how thankful I am for these guys I eat lunch with on a weekly basis. They are a great brotherhood.
I firmly believe that God has placed these guys in my life to help me be a better man. To be a better dad. They have encouraged me to be a better child of God. I am thankful for the brotherhood of them. They have truly influenced me in more ways than I can imagine.
What is your brotherhood? Who do you surround yourself with? What do you fill your time with. I am thankful for my brotherhood of 3, but I am more thankful for the family of God. The encouragement and support that each has given, is immeasurable. Now it's time to take the inspiration, encouragement we receive and pass it on...go, find your brotherhood.
serving HIM,
patrick
This book talks about "the brotherhood of men" and how it has an effect on guys and as guys we don't want to let other guys feel like we aren't real men. Today at our lunch was some great discussions on this. As I was driving back to the office I thought how thankful I am for these guys I eat lunch with on a weekly basis. They are a great brotherhood.
I firmly believe that God has placed these guys in my life to help me be a better man. To be a better dad. They have encouraged me to be a better child of God. I am thankful for the brotherhood of them. They have truly influenced me in more ways than I can imagine.
What is your brotherhood? Who do you surround yourself with? What do you fill your time with. I am thankful for my brotherhood of 3, but I am more thankful for the family of God. The encouragement and support that each has given, is immeasurable. Now it's time to take the inspiration, encouragement we receive and pass it on...go, find your brotherhood.
serving HIM,
patrick
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Another Challenge
I am approaching the end of my first 30 day challenge. February 16th was the last day I drank pop. My first challenge may seem small or miniscule to some, but it started off being really challenging to me. Now it doesn't seem like much to have not been drinking pop. I have enjoyed the challenge and the people who have helped keep me accoutable. I have saved some money while eating out and maybe even lost a few pounds, while becoming a little more healthier. Now I am ready for my next challenge.
For the next month I want to take on two, but completely different challenges. One is personal and the other is a physical one. Starting this Saturday and for the next 30 days I would like to journal every day. I want to journal my toughts, things I did, scriptures I read, what I read from books etc. I want to do this to help me make the most of time at whatever I am doing, hoping to be more efficient. Also to be able to look back and see what consumes my time and what I see myself doing.
My second challenge I mentioned was more of a physical challenge. January 2011 I started running (which was a shock to some people including me!). I also ran my first 2 5k during that year. I did set a goal to be under 30 minutes for both races. The first race I just missed my goal, but the second one I finished under 30 minutes!! My next challenge is to constantly have lower than a 10 minute mile. My last run (March 14)I averaged 11:32 on a mile. So by April 17 my goal is to have cut more than 1:33 off my mile time.
Both of these challenges will be something that takes focus and determination from me. I am hoping by doing these I will be healthier physically, spiritually, emotionally and other areas too. I encourage you to think of something to challenge yourself for the next 30 days. I would also welcome any encouragement and accountability during my next challenge.
striving to be better, striving for Him:
patrick
For the next month I want to take on two, but completely different challenges. One is personal and the other is a physical one. Starting this Saturday and for the next 30 days I would like to journal every day. I want to journal my toughts, things I did, scriptures I read, what I read from books etc. I want to do this to help me make the most of time at whatever I am doing, hoping to be more efficient. Also to be able to look back and see what consumes my time and what I see myself doing.
My second challenge I mentioned was more of a physical challenge. January 2011 I started running (which was a shock to some people including me!). I also ran my first 2 5k during that year. I did set a goal to be under 30 minutes for both races. The first race I just missed my goal, but the second one I finished under 30 minutes!! My next challenge is to constantly have lower than a 10 minute mile. My last run (March 14)I averaged 11:32 on a mile. So by April 17 my goal is to have cut more than 1:33 off my mile time.
Both of these challenges will be something that takes focus and determination from me. I am hoping by doing these I will be healthier physically, spiritually, emotionally and other areas too. I encourage you to think of something to challenge yourself for the next 30 days. I would also welcome any encouragement and accountability during my next challenge.
striving to be better, striving for Him:
patrick
Monday, February 20, 2012
Do You Have Any...
Habits or routines? It seems people are always trying to break habits or start routines. Recently I started a 30 day challenge with a friend of mine. I have decided for the next 30 days I will not drink any pop for my challenge. For those who know me, this is a big deal. 3 days into this has not been as bad or tough as I thought it would be.
Another routine we have as a family is on Sunday nights. We have started reading over Anderson's Sunday School/church lesson book he brings home. It is so cool to hear him say things from what they learned or what we say from the stories. The kicker was the other night when he prayed for his cousins after "Skyping" with them.
What type of things would you like to get rid of has a habit? What kind of routines would you like to get in? I'm sure there are things you are thinking of, do you have any?
His Love,
patrick
Another routine we have as a family is on Sunday nights. We have started reading over Anderson's Sunday School/church lesson book he brings home. It is so cool to hear him say things from what they learned or what we say from the stories. The kicker was the other night when he prayed for his cousins after "Skyping" with them.
What type of things would you like to get rid of has a habit? What kind of routines would you like to get in? I'm sure there are things you are thinking of, do you have any?
His Love,
patrick
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Where's Your Honor?
What type of things do you honor? Do you honor committments you make? Do you honor others? Do you honor God? Do you honor things that God honors? All through the month of February we are talking about honor with our elementary kids on Sunday mornings.
During this month we are having an "honor code", Romans 12:10 - "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
The whole series is based on David's life. He is such a compelling person throughout scripture. Obviously when teaching elementary kids you don't hit every asepct in great detail of his life. However the first 2 weeks we have looked at situations that people of all age need to understand.
First, when God sent Samuel to see Jesse and annoit one of his sons to be the next king, no one expected David to be the one (did anyone expect Butler to make back to back NCAA championship games?. We get so wrapped up in what a person looks like, what they do, where they come from. That is how we decide to treat them with honor or not. In this story in 1Samuel we learn that God is more interested in the heart of a person than their outside apperance.
Second week we looked at how jealous King Saul become of David with everything surrounding him and all his abilities. He seemed to really despise David. The one person who should have been jealous because David was going to be the next king instead of him, was Saul's son Jonathan. Instead Jonathan and David had a friendship that made them inseperable. Jonathan and Saul had two differen ways of looking at this idea of honoring someone.
When it comes to honoring how do you honor things, people and even God? Do you look at the outside and what they look like and where they come from and decide if they are worthy enough to honor? Do you look at their heart and see how they are on the inside? Do you treat people like Jonathan or King Saul?
It's important that we show people how important they really are. We are all God's creation. God looks at us all the same way, why should you look or treat others differently than that? What's your honor code?
His Love,
patrick
During this month we are having an "honor code", Romans 12:10 - "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."
The whole series is based on David's life. He is such a compelling person throughout scripture. Obviously when teaching elementary kids you don't hit every asepct in great detail of his life. However the first 2 weeks we have looked at situations that people of all age need to understand.
First, when God sent Samuel to see Jesse and annoit one of his sons to be the next king, no one expected David to be the one (did anyone expect Butler to make back to back NCAA championship games?. We get so wrapped up in what a person looks like, what they do, where they come from. That is how we decide to treat them with honor or not. In this story in 1Samuel we learn that God is more interested in the heart of a person than their outside apperance.
Second week we looked at how jealous King Saul become of David with everything surrounding him and all his abilities. He seemed to really despise David. The one person who should have been jealous because David was going to be the next king instead of him, was Saul's son Jonathan. Instead Jonathan and David had a friendship that made them inseperable. Jonathan and Saul had two differen ways of looking at this idea of honoring someone.
When it comes to honoring how do you honor things, people and even God? Do you look at the outside and what they look like and where they come from and decide if they are worthy enough to honor? Do you look at their heart and see how they are on the inside? Do you treat people like Jonathan or King Saul?
It's important that we show people how important they really are. We are all God's creation. God looks at us all the same way, why should you look or treat others differently than that? What's your honor code?
His Love,
patrick
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Miracles, Miraculous To You?
During the month of January our Sunday night lesson series in our student ministry was on 4 miracles of Jesus life. There are a lot of miracles, some eye popping miracles that we could have studied. This lesson series was focused on four of the most instructive miracles in Jesus ministry. This series titled "He Did What" was created by Doug Fields (a youth ministry guru), so I need to give credit where credit is due. These miracles had an impact at the time they happened, plus a lasting impact for us today.
The 4 lessons consisted of The Man Born Blind in John 9. Jesus Heals a Paralytic in Mark 2. Get Up and Walk in John 5. The Bleeding Woman in Mark 5. Like I mentioned earlier these are not the eye popping miracles from Jesus ministry like; turning the water into wine, walking on water, feeding the 5,000, raising Lazarus from the dead just to name some of them. Throughout the series and with each lesson we looked at what Jesus did with these individuals. Plus it was evident He wants to do the same with us. We may not have the needs each individual had, but we have needs that Jesus can meet.
Another thing that was continually brought up was the fact how do we view these miracles. Do we get excited when we read them, hear them or taught about them or are these stories mundane. Do the miracles just become another story or event in Jesus life. Aside from Jesus healing these individuals, these miracles took place so the power of Jesus can be seen, so God's glory could be revealed.
However you answer gives you an indication of where your relationship with Jesus is. If these miracles still speak to you, get you excited then I would venture to guess you are walking step in step with Jesus. If these stories are just that, stories and nothing more. I would guess Jesus is wanting you to draw yourself closer to Him. He is right there, waiting and wanting to use you. When you fully allow Him to lead your life you will see what type of miraculous things He will do. Don't take my word for it, take His, trust Him!
His Love,
patrick
The 4 lessons consisted of The Man Born Blind in John 9. Jesus Heals a Paralytic in Mark 2. Get Up and Walk in John 5. The Bleeding Woman in Mark 5. Like I mentioned earlier these are not the eye popping miracles from Jesus ministry like; turning the water into wine, walking on water, feeding the 5,000, raising Lazarus from the dead just to name some of them. Throughout the series and with each lesson we looked at what Jesus did with these individuals. Plus it was evident He wants to do the same with us. We may not have the needs each individual had, but we have needs that Jesus can meet.
Another thing that was continually brought up was the fact how do we view these miracles. Do we get excited when we read them, hear them or taught about them or are these stories mundane. Do the miracles just become another story or event in Jesus life. Aside from Jesus healing these individuals, these miracles took place so the power of Jesus can be seen, so God's glory could be revealed.
However you answer gives you an indication of where your relationship with Jesus is. If these miracles still speak to you, get you excited then I would venture to guess you are walking step in step with Jesus. If these stories are just that, stories and nothing more. I would guess Jesus is wanting you to draw yourself closer to Him. He is right there, waiting and wanting to use you. When you fully allow Him to lead your life you will see what type of miraculous things He will do. Don't take my word for it, take His, trust Him!
His Love,
patrick
Monday, January 16, 2012
2012 - A Brand New...
The new year is more than a few weeks in, like many people I have committed to resolutions. I have decided to continue to loose weight which I started last year at the end of January. I have reached my first goal since then. There is still more work to do, I have come up with some goals. I am taking that challenge month by month. There have been goals I have set up, a friend I am keeping accountable with too.
Another thing I would like to be more efficient with my time. Making the most of opportunities in every aspect of my life. Whether it is in ministry, with family and my time with God, exercise time. I don't want to look at a day and think, "man seriously, look at what I wasted!!".
I also want to do things to make life more simple. I have aways been a pack rat which I think drives Abby nuts. Recently I have found it refreshing to be able to simplify what is going on. Whether that means saying no to doing things, getting rid of things I don't use anymore. Anything to make the most of what is going on around life a little easier.
Another thing I would like to do is be more consistent on my blog. To say I haven't been consistent is a major understatement, in 2012 I want to blog more on what is going on here at church, student ministry, children's ministry, ministry in general and even what is going on in my life! Maybe you can help out, send a message, an email or text if I go months without blogging. My goal is to do at least one a week, so I can use your help.
Hopefully 2012 has been a good start for you and maybe you found yourself becoming a brand new person or working on new things, if so great! Continue the work on that, if not there is always right now, what are you waiting for? The time is now for a chance to have a brand new....
His Love,
patrick
Another thing I would like to be more efficient with my time. Making the most of opportunities in every aspect of my life. Whether it is in ministry, with family and my time with God, exercise time. I don't want to look at a day and think, "man seriously, look at what I wasted!!".
I also want to do things to make life more simple. I have aways been a pack rat which I think drives Abby nuts. Recently I have found it refreshing to be able to simplify what is going on. Whether that means saying no to doing things, getting rid of things I don't use anymore. Anything to make the most of what is going on around life a little easier.
Another thing I would like to do is be more consistent on my blog. To say I haven't been consistent is a major understatement, in 2012 I want to blog more on what is going on here at church, student ministry, children's ministry, ministry in general and even what is going on in my life! Maybe you can help out, send a message, an email or text if I go months without blogging. My goal is to do at least one a week, so I can use your help.
Hopefully 2012 has been a good start for you and maybe you found yourself becoming a brand new person or working on new things, if so great! Continue the work on that, if not there is always right now, what are you waiting for? The time is now for a chance to have a brand new....
His Love,
patrick
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