Crisis in America

This was the theme of the Men's retreat on the hill this past weekend. It was about the lack of male leadership in America today (ref. Isaiah 3). The basic lessons were about what the qualities of a good leader are and some pointers on being good teachers.

The goal of being a good teacher was very simple. It was to make the simple profound and the profound simple. Wow. When I think of all the great teachers in my life (Andrew Hind, Mike Brady, Bob Warren just to name a few) I realize that they all had that quality. It is amazing how such few words can speak volumes. I hope that I am able to do that as well.

The three qualities of a good leader are; Faithful, Humble and to be able to Extract the Precious from the Worthless. Our scripture reference was in Jeremiah 15. Sometimes I think that last one can be difficult. We likened it to a sculptor. Here he starts with a block of material and in his head, he can see the finished product. He must then chip away at everything that is not of the finished product.

We also spent some time during an open discussion session to talk about old natures, new natures (the cat and the hog story) and who we are in Christ. We need to realize that there is not a battle between the sinful nature and your new nature. The old nature has been eradicated (Gal. 6:20, Rom. 7:4), it is satan that is trying to convince me the the old man is alive. Some of the men there had not heard that before.

It was very interesting to be there with this group of men. Some were new (this was my first men's retreat), some had been there many times before but God seemed to know what we all needed to hear. I continue to pray for the ministry of Bob Warren and the streams that flow from the hill.

Life on the Hill

Greetings Everyone. This is my first remote blog. Today I am blogging from the Calloway County Public Library in the bustling metropolis of Murray, KY. We are down in western kentucky at a men's retreat at the B.A.S.I.C. training facility. This has been great so far. I feel a little out of my element, though because the average age of the attenders is much higher than I am used to. It is great to be with a bunch of men who love the Lord.

Our trip down was great. I traveled with the Eby boys and we had an exciting time dodging severe thunderstorms (Little Girl, God was singing to us a lot). We then stopped at the Hutchen's Hot Pig for a large BBQ sandwich (loaded with pig tails). I think it is still with me this morning. While we were in the restaurant, a quick, but severe storm passed (with some hail). After stuffing ourselves, we finally made our way to the hill.

It was great to see old friends and meet some new and interesting people. There were people from TX, MS, LA, IL, IN, KY and AL. All in all there are about 60 men here. There would have been more, but some tornado's touched down and kept some people away. Please keep those people in your prayers. After the greetings were over we had an awesome worship session. It was just incredible to be in a room a 60+ men singing praises to him. I have never experienced anything like that before. I can only imagine what a Promise Keeper's rally might be like.

We then had a quick session in which Bob gave his testimony to those that were new. No matter how many times I have heard it, I pick up on something new everytime. Such a joy to listen to what God is doing in his life. This morning we started with prayer and had a hardy breakfast. I got to spend some time with Duane (Josh and Brady came down as well). It was good to sit and talk with one of my brothers.

I do not have my notes with me at this time, so I won't go into detail about what was said, but the general theme is on leadership and how men in 2006 have dropped the ball (similar to Isa. 3) and we need to pick it up and run with it. We spent a lot of time in Jeremiah also (when I get back to Lex. I will fill in the blanks). We had a short break and then a quick question and answer session before we broke for lunch. We will be back in Lex. tomorrow and I will try to fill in some of the blanks when I have my notes in front of me. Until then, pray for those victims of the storms and for clarity of God's word to those men that have made the trek to the hill.

Dinner with some friends.

So last nite I was invited to go have dinner with some of my favorite people. It was more than just dinner, seems Mr. H has to write a paper for one of his classes and he wanted to pick my brain about youth ministry and what we do at Tatesbrook. I was flattered. First, I was amazed that anyone would be interested in what we are doing and Second I have never really thought about what motivates my ministry.

It was very interesting for me (actually I talked, he wrote) to put all my thoughts, ideas, visions and desires down on paper. I am really excited to see how it turns out. I know that we have a formal vision, but how we have gotten to where we are has been out of God. No real formal plan. Sure, I have a vision and a desire for the youth, and I know that God is leading us, but last nite was a little retrospective look at where we started and where we are going. It was encouraging to look back and see some of the bigger picture.

I had shared with some other people about how satan tries to keep our focus off of God so he can steal you from Him (Jn 10:10). His plan is simple, he has you doubt, get discouraged, get diverted, get delayed and keeps you defeated. This week God kept telling me to watch out for satan and his plan of attack. I shared it with a few people, but realized that the message was mostly for me. I think that dinner last nite was a way for me to focus on all the blessings God has allowed me to participate in with the youth. I thank Him everyday for allowing me to be a part of the kids lives and for the chance to plant some seeds for Him.