A Scene From The Cross

"I Am Thirsty" (John 19:28) Jesus is a man, He is still human, and He was thirsty. So He announces it, I Am Thirsty and a Roman Guard lifts a Vinegar Soaked Sponge up to His lips. I have always read that and thought to myself that was an act of kindness and mercy in the midst of some horrific stuff, but I was reading a commentator that brought a very interesting perspective to all of this. He said these were the same Romans who just tortured Him and Crucified Him in such a way that He wouldn't die quickly, but His death would linger out for a significant period of time. It's not like these individuals are going to have a change of heart and say "Oh your thirsty, you want a little drink?" He said more than likely what was happening was this. In the ancient world, when it came to public restrooms, they didn't have stalls like we do today where you went in the private. You basically just kind of lined up outside the areas where people would go to the bathroom, and when they were done there were areas where you could dip you hands in water, to sort of clean yourself. Slaves realized that they could take a sponge, dip it in water, put it on a stick, and they could make a few cents by cleaning up for you after you were done. So that could have been what was happening. More than likely what was going on at the crucifixion was this. They took a sponge that had been used basically as toilet paper, and the way they would clean these sponges, is that they would put vinegar on them, so the sponge could remain usable longer, they would hold it up and it was basically like holding toilet paper up to his mouth. In fact when you look at the original language in Mathew 27:48, the tenses used basically show that this attempt to quote "give Him a drink," was either unsuccessful, or it was repeated again and again. So here is Jesus in this incredibly vulnerable moment, who thirsts, and more than likely what's happening, they are sticking toilet paper up in His mouth. And Jesus thirsted, so that we wouldn't have to. He suffered and struggled so that we could be forgiven.

Life Update

Hey Ya'll, it been a while, but I figured I would give an update. Yes, to answer a question often asked. I have resigned as a youth pastor. It is still tough to leave youth ministry because watching people every Wednesday night get stoked about Jesus is priceless. But I am excited about the future. I am humbled to announce that my family, and a couple other families are Launching a Church In St Cloud Minnesota. We have been praying about this for some time and we feel it is time to go forward. Yes, we were hoping that we could move to an area with palm trees, and warm all year round. It didn't turn out that way, and I would have to loose about 40 pounds before I go someplace like that. It is a giant leap of faith for us, but a leap that is going to bring many into a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. The area is amazing because there are already amazing churches in St Cloud and we are excited to join them in the mission of leading people in the St Cloud area to Jesus. Pray for us, Seriously! When we join together in prayer, amazing things can happen. That is the break down as of right now. I will be blogging more on this as we move closer to our first service. Love you all!

WOW! Today Was A Challenge

In short, today was one of the most crazy days of this year. I found myself frustrated, angry at times, quiet and thinking AHHH! And believing that God is going to do something amazing in my life all at the same time. Some would say this would qualify as a horrible day. I want to take it a step further and say "I think it was a day of learning, because I found some true colors I am not fond of." In short, I have some things I need check in my life, and check them right away. So, tonight after I write this, I am going to find my own little special place for a while, and work to change some of the true colors that I feel are harmful for the long haul.

A Thought From Kevin

Tuck in your shirt! Take off your hat! Clean up your language! Stop running with that crowd! Don't come back until you look better! These are such uplifting statements aren't they? This blog could potentially tick off some of you reading this, but I write this with a very humble heart, and deepest conviction. I think that the church is often know for what we are against instead of what we stand for. This potentially turns people away from actually giving Jesus an opportunity to be apart of their daily living. John 3:16 contain the words "WHOSOEVER believes Him." I know that this is a no brainer, but that covers every single person on the face of the planet, it is not reserved for a certain people group. (thank God) 2 Corinthians 12:9 contain the words "my GRACE is sufficient for you." Who's grace? GODS GRACE! Here is the point, we as human beings need to consistently remind ourselves that God's Grace looks a whole lot different than the grace we as people give each other. So if you are reading this, and you have been turned off by "church people" because of man made grace, and hurtful phrases, I want to apologize on behalf of the church. God's Grace is all you need. If you are one that abuses the grace of God and condenses it into man made phrases, please repent, and begin to let people experience the true grace of God. Our sole purpose is to intentionally lead people closer to Jesus.

Relationship?

It's the 8th day of the new decade! We have all sat down and aligned our new goals and vision for the future. I established great goals for my family, my physical (tough)..ok (in tough shape) physique, my future business adventure, my finances, and my friendships. These are all great things to re - calibrate year to year. But what about your relationship with God? I would say that is the most important aspect of our year to year operation. I read a verse the other day that broke my heart and made me think. Here it is - Mathew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

Our relationship with God is by far, the most important thing we should capitalize on daily. I have botched this so many times, and believe me, I still don't have it down to a science. Relationship is something that takes time, sacrifice, determination, and energy. This year I want to know God better than I ever have before, that is my main goal for this decade.

Ahhh I Am Parched!

So, I was driving down the road the other day with a friend. He looked at me and this is what he said: "Dude we should get some water, I'm parched." It's so funny how the most common phrases can trigger a thought that flys at you from left field. Here is thought that hit me. How spiritually parched am I? If I have not been drinking soul water, that explains why I feel so spiritually de - hydrated. I can take this a step further and say, maybe that is why my soul stinks sometimes. I have developed a spiritual case of cottonmouth, and it is giving off a nasty odor to God, Family, Friends, and to the world. So, how did I quench my spiritually parched soul? Today, I have taken a little time to read some scripture, and meditate on how God is so good and full of Amazing Grace. Take a little Time Today and quench your thirst!

Ichabod or Emmanuel?

In just a few short days we are going to be entering a brand new Decade! Can you believe that 10 years has already blown by? Over the last ten years here is what I have done with the time God blessed me with -

Started a Church
Got married
Had Children
Met amazing people
Led 100's of teenagers to Christ
Led the best youth church of the decade
And gained 40 pounds!

Now that was a great decade! But all of that is in the past and a brand new decade is arriving! So with that I want to say, Don't let the next Decade be labeled an Ichabod Decade! The bible defines the name Ichabod as "The Glory Has Departed!" That's a terrible name to label the next decade of life. Don't live life like the Glory Has Departed, how depressing! Rather, let's look at the name we will give this next Decade.

Emmanuel! Or, "God With Us!" If God is with us, then the next Decade of Family, Life and Ministry are going to be better than expected. Yes, we will encounter tough situations, but that's just life. Live this next Decade with and Emmanuel mindset. God is with us. I look forward to hearing what God is doing in and through you over this next amazing decade!