Just Getting By…
There have been quite a few times in the last 3-4 years where I started thinking that my life was on auto-pilot. Due to busyness and the lack of reflection, I found myself going through the motions of life without the intentionality that gives life meaning. Even though I am a pastor, I haven’t stopped being human. By that I mean that I don’t think I’m alone in this feeling. I want to be so much more effective. I want to be a better husband. I want to help my kids be stronger in their faith and relationally connected. I want to be part of a strong church and be a vital part of that church. I want to make a difference in the families at Rolling Hills. I want, I want, I want, but when will I count the cost?
If I want to be a better husband, it will take time and a personal investment in loving my wife and personally connecting with her instead of watching another hour of TV. If I want to help my kids be stronger in their faith, I need to serve together with them and walk alongside them as God shows us the needs of the community that we can be part of meeting. And, if I want to make a difference in our families, I need to start with one at a time and get to know them, love them and be there for them. So that is what I will do, take ground, one relationship at a time.
I hope my heart is communicating more than my words. For close to 30 years I have wanted my life to count for Christ. It’s too bad that this kind of life choice must keep being made, over and over, until this temporary life is over. I guess I just forgot that somewhere along the way. But, that’s okay. I recall in Lamentations 3 it says that the unfailing love of the Lord never ends! It says that His faithfulness is great and his mercies begin afresh each day! I like that promise. I’m motivated by that promise. Instead of just getting by, I’m going to go against the norm and let each day be a new opportunity to live that promise!
Hold me accountable to this,
Pastor Mark
Getting Excited About Camp!
In less than two weeks we are going to be at the Peak and over 250 staff and students will be learning all over again what a community of Christians looks like and acts like. I’m actually in a mode of anticipation right now. I know God is going to work, but I don’t know how in particular. This year more than ever I’m hoping that the impact of our camp experience will be felt for months to come. Our adult staff who are coming are a quality group of people who want to invest their lives in the lives of each student.
This year we also are finding that a large number of families are sending students with financial and personal needs that are heart-breaking. We have used up all our designated scholarship money, but thankfully our church is able to step up and provide for those students who would not otherwise be able to come. I can think of nothing more powerful to give to than making it possible for a student to get connected to Jesus at camp.
This year we have been working with the leaders ahead of time to help them get ready to disciple our students. By having the leaders go through the small group material ahead of time, God starts to work on their hearts before camp ever starts. We have very high hopes that this will lead to more life change and more open doors of challenge and discussion.
If you want to get tuned in to what your student will be challenged with at camp, read Hebrews 11 and the first paragraph of chapter 12. This passage on the Hall of Faith (Bible people whose faith stood out and was worth mentioning) will point us to historical examples of people just like us who learned how to live out their faith in the world they were called to live in. My prayer is that God will help the kids live on the Frequency of Jesus by Faith. To do this is quite a challenge. It means to be personally engaged with Christ and the students. It means to love when it seems impossible. It means to transform our relationships, especially our friends and families. Be ready, your child will be changed when they come home!
So please pray for us! Pray that us in leadership come with purity and passion. Pray that the Spirit speaks to the students in every part of their life. Pray for lasting impact. And pray that His will be done to His glory, not ours.
Thanks for your support,
Pastor Mark
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