Why I Need Jesus

I was supposed to teach a lesson at youth group tonight about the crucifixion. I had all of my studying done, my scriptures picked out, and my discussion questions ready to go. Then, snow hit and I canceled youth group. God does things like this for many reasons, but I think that West Michigan can thank me for the snow day. I needed a refresher on the meaning of the cross. I lied to one of my friends about something that didn’t even matter. Why? Because I was selfish and irresponsible. It’s easier to avoid the truth and the consequences of that truth. Afterward, the Holy Spirit got ahold of me. I was uber convicted, and even after confessing my sin to God I couldn’t get it out of mind. I ended up coming clean to my friend, which wasn’t as hard once I actually said it.

What hit me in the midst of all of this is that Christ died for that lie. Even if that was the only time I had ever sinned, I would be going straight to hell if left to my own actions. Instead, He lived the perfect life that I couldn’t live. He died the death that I should have died. I am depraved, God is holy, and only Jesus can bridge the gap. As I read in Leadership magazine, the best way to have a powerful message is for the speaker to be transformed by the message. If you know Jesus, you have already been transformed by Him. Your message, the Gospel, is the most powerful and most joyous news. I praise God that He reminds me even through my own sinfulness that Jesus loves me, that His blood has washed me clean. “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

In Awe of the Incarnation

Studying for my next youth group message has truly opened my eyes to what I often take for granted, the incarnation. I’m so used to the concept that the God of the universe became human that I forget to stop and think about it. But, what is bland about an all-powerful Creator deciding to step into human history and dwell among us? Not only was He here to be around us, but He was here to be one of us. He ate and drank and pooped and had friends and was hurt. As Hebrews 2:18 says, He was tempted (without sinning), so He can help those who are tempted. What a comforting, mind-blowing thought. Jesus doesn’t just love us, He gets us. Jesus understands. He’s been where we are, and He can help us through it. I think I understand what pastors mean when they say that they tend to preach what they need to hear.

Youth Groups and the Trend of “Bleh”

As I will be in charge of leading youth group in the six week adsence of my church’s youth director, I have been looking into various articles regarding various youth group issues. The more I read, the more I see how much emphasis goes into things that don’t really matter. Today, the measure of a youth group leader depends on who can plan the most wild, crazy, and disguisting activities. Certainly, this isn’t true in some youth groups, but there’s a ton of people out there who buy into this philosophy of making youth group full of “bleh.” Sure, it’s important for teens to have a reason to go to youth group, but I don’t think it’s the game selection that will really make youth group relevant. As the leader most likely to be in charge of games, I like the pressure that such a thought takes off of me. Teens need Jesus, just like everybody else needs Jesus. The question, then, is how do you show them Jesus, not how do you get them to drink Coke out of a dirty sock covered can. As the leader most likely to do all of the speaking for the next six weeks, I’m feeling some pressure. However, at least this task can change lives. Drinking Coke through a sock can only turn stomachs.

Christmas Poem 2007

Meaning

A baby lies under the stars
Wrapped in swaddling clothes
Yet is the greatest King of kings
The name that all will know

Our Savior took on human flesh
Became a lowly man
He lived a perfect, sinless life
He died and rose again

Now, many celebrate His birth
With spending, wanting more
Some never deign to think upon
The gift Christ had in store

They sing aloud His wondrous name
Without a heart of praise
Though angels came to honor Him
On that bright, glorious day

On Christmas, some may scrounge for food
While others feast for hours
But Jesus can make all hearts rich
And fill them with His power

As we look back to celebrate
The coming of our Lord
Remember what He came to do
The gift Christ had in store