My New Favorite People

I gotta say...I like people. You would think that is normal, but it seems like I know a lot of people who...for whatever reason...don't like people.

I love meeting new people, especially getting to know them. Well this past Wed night, I got to know some guys. They are now on my top list of Bros.

They are a band named "Our Hero's End." While they came and visited our Student Ministry before, I never really got to hang with these guys. This time I did and I enjoyed their company. I am always encouraged when I see young people "doing things." The guys from "OHE" were all about our students. I am also tired of seeing new indie groups acting like the next big thing! I hope they remain "grounded"and God fills up their calendar.

These guys are the real deal. Check out their Twitter or myspace.

Dave

Back In The Swing of Things

I guess it was when I turned 32 that I realized I was in a new new phase of my life. It was as if an internal light switch went off inside my body. It was telling me that I am not the same...PHYSICALLY! I am a guy... I thought to myself..."WAIT A SECOND, this can't be happening. I mean sure, I am not as muscular as I was 5 yrs ago, but I am fine physically.

I realized it after participating in a lock-in at church. It took days to get back in the swing of things.
Then I realized how important being "in the swing of things" really was.

What about our spiritual lives? Christians often talk about being in and out of seasons. Can we get "out of the swing of things?" If so, how do we get back?

1. PRAY - In Mark 1:35, we learn from the example set by Jesus. It says Jesus got up early in the morning. He wasn't kidding around. I don't know if the word "early" is in my vocabulary. It also says He went to a desolate place. He obviously didn't want to be distracted.

2. PRAISE - Psalm 147:1 says, "Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting." Many would agree that getting back in the swing of things may require doing things that would please God. Well, the psalmist in this particular passage says that it is appropriate to sing a song of praise. Actually, it says "fitting." I noticed that it doesn't tell us to give God a "shout out" when things are personally going well. It tells us it is appropriate....finish reading the chapter. Praise Him because of who He is.

3. SERVE - In Matthew 4:10, Jesus slams satan with Scripture. He used Deuteronomy 6:13, "You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve."
If you are "out" of things spiritually, now would be a good time to check your gauges. Whom are you serving? Who gets you? Your job or God. I'm not knocking hard work, but sometimes that gets us off track. Even Jesus says we can't serve two masters. We can't love God and money.

If you are hanging on and trying to get back on track, maybe you can start with one or more of these suggestions. Let us know if you have any suggestions or how we can help.

Blessings,
David