Abiding For Life

Time Away

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:35:00 +0000

Right now I'm enjoying some much needed time away. I notice that I haven't blogged in over a year! My apologies to all my fans out there! I hope you appreciate the sarcasm. No ill intended, but if you visit often, here is a post to satisfy even the most crazed of fans.

I'm relaxing after an incredible journey with some amazing students and churches to Buffalo, NY to engage the community with a block party we like to call Summer Jam. Over 200 students, and three churches from Wilmington, NC joined forces and impacted the lives of churches in three separate communities. The smiles on kids faces, the people who came to Christ, the churches whose perspective changed on what they can do to better their communities, all done over a period of a week and over 14 hours of driving and tons of resources provided by God. I'm just in awe of what God has done. Buffalo will never be the same, nor will 3 churches in Wilmington, and 3 churches in Buffalo! Also check out http://www.180mission.blogspot.com for more info on the trip!

No Bags For A (Homeless) Gentleman

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 01:12:00 +0000

Tonight was bit different for me. Usually we go and feed the homeless like we've been doing for almost a year with some great saints of God who give of their time so selflessly. We show up with food and smiles and lots of love in the name of Christ and minister to the broken, to the ones whom society forgets about so often. Who would have thought there would be enough homeless in our town of Wilmington to sustain daily feedings in 4 to 5 different areas of downtown! There's such a need that perhaps I failed to see or perhaps chose not to see. That's changing now. We've been volunteering for a men's shelter called the Mercy House for almost a year now. We promised the men that we wouldn't be drive by ministers, but that'd we stay and we'd stay a long time. Helping where there was need.

Tonight was different. We brought a Thanksgiving meal. We brought clothes. We brought Bibles. We even brought shoes. As the men began going through the clothes and shoes, I'm not sure what it was, but I was overcome with the immense need I saw before me that was being met as best as possible. But was it my best? A couple walked up, grabbed the only backpack we had that night, and stuffed it with sweaters and sweatshirts to stay warm. Some one else came up, and asked for a trash bag. A trash bag. I thought, no problem. I went inside to look for one. The only one we had was the one we were using to put the food trash in. That did it! I lost it but not enough for people to notice, I walked away, weeping at the thought of not being able to provide a simple trash bag to someone in such great need.

We had food, we had clothes, we had Bibles, but no trash bag. I knew it was a simple thing. But it just struck me funny for some reason. Can we as the church provide a trash bag for the homeless? Absolutely. Next time I'll be ready. But the lesson for me tonight is perhaps one of simply looking at the needs around me, and realizing that I don't have the means to meet them all, but I can minister with what God has given me, and do it with joy rather than sadness.

I hurt for the men at the Mercy House. I know I can do more. I will continue to serve God through being there for them, and encouraging others to do the same. Happy Thanksgiving.

The Journey Is The Destination

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:15:00 +0000

The App Trail was so fun! We had a great time hiking about 10 miles on the trail. Good times.

An Atheist Named Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:20:00 +0000

How is it that someone is turned away from God after many years of nurturing and exposure to the message of hope found in Jesus Christ? Many questions may be raised at the friends or acquaintances we run into that have a a sour taste in their mouth over all things church. There's even a new term used today called "de-churched". I heard of an atheist named Jesus (his real name is changed), but the shock and questions are still just as valid. How can a person named after the Son of God not believe in the Son of God? Many in the Latina culture are named Jesus in honor of the Son of God. Could it be that we as a church have failed to convey the message of hope to those who cry out for it? Conflict, Power Struggles, Gossip. The Apostle Paul called the members of one of the most immoral churches in the New Testament "saints". Many are turned away from church because of the hypocrisy they see.

How are we to answer the "de-churched"? I believe we are to begin with a deep look into our own souls and the manner in which we are accustomed to following Jesus. Secondly I believe our inward lifestyle must radically change if those watching us on the outside are to see consistency. It's tough living two lives. Nobody's happy. Hypocrisy depletes passion and inflames critics. Humility encourages others to look inward and upward at the God who forgives and heals the broken sinner.

I am aware of my heart, yet at times I am shocked by it's depths to turn away from God. My own hypocrisy...has it turned others away? The times when I am weak, needing strength from the Savior, I pray that the Amazing Grace of Jesus that has provided atonement and forgiveness will forever move me closer to conformity to the life of Jesus. As the Apostle John has written, "I must decrease, He must increase." So goes the battle against living lives for Jesus so that others may see hope and salvation, versus putting to death the works of the flesh, which those not of the faith label hypocrisy. It's not hypocrisy, it's simply one beggar leading another beggar to the Bread of Life.

The Blend

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:30:00 +0000

Check out a post by our pastor about his vision for the Blend!

The Blend

Check It Out!

The Letter

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:05:00 +0000

The Following is from a guest blogger, Makayla Roberts, one of our students in our ministry. Hope you like it!

Dear Child,

Why are you so afraid? You hear me call you, but instead turn up the radio to tune me out. You see my face, but close your eyes. You feel my love, but push it away . I know all about what you did last year. You think forgiveness isn't even possible, that it doesn't even exist. If only you knew The Truth. You're letting your past make your future my love. My Son gave you the chance to start over, even before you were born, when he took your shame on the cross. Speaking of Him, he talks to Me about you all the time. He really loves You. He was right there beside you when you messed up, with His hand on your shoulder. I was also. You can start over. Right now. You're slate has been wiped clean, your trash thrown away. Just come to Me! Not tomorrow, not in a few years, but now. I can fill you with a love you never thought was possible. I can give you an inexpressible joy. I can make you feel beautiful, without ever having to try. I promise you it will be
the best decision of your life. Will you take me up on My offer?

Forever Yours,

God

P.S. I'm here 24/7 if you ever need anyone to talk to.

He Won't Let You Go

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Tue, 11 May 2010 02:10:00 +0000

May this song encourage you!

Mercy House Miracle

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 01:56:00 +0000

The unexpected surprise of compassion came to men who were hungry on a Friday evening where tens of thousands were several blocks away taking in the offerings of Azalea Festival foods. We came as we've done for the past several months to give the men a hot meal, a word of encouragement, a prayer for hope in the midst of current struggles, and a consistent "we're coming back next time" mentality. Did the smells of the bratwurst and funnel cakes reach the Mercy House? The irony was not lost on them I'm sure.

A certain gentleman came upon the meal line to receive some spaghetti and meatballs, the meal prepared for the night. He took the plate, smiled, and made a few comments to the students who were compassionate towards him. He also mentioned he needed to move his truck. I thought nothing of it and said sure, we'll move the tables for you. The last thing he said as he walked away from the tables was I've been selling Christian t-shirts all day. I was curious as to his connection with the Mercy House, perhaps there was none, no matter, we would feed whoever walked up and needed a meal.

As the truck drove by the tables we had moved, the man rolled down his window, reached toward me and said, "here". I saw he was trying to tip us, so I politely declined and said you keep it man. He continued to insist, so I took the folded bills and put them in my pocket, and carried on with the feeding. After we had closed down for the evening, I pulled out the tip, and it was an amazing act of generosity. It was a miracle. Funds were tight with the ministry as it stood, and a complete stranger who we gave a meal to, simply was recklessly generous. It was the Mercy House Miracle.

Floating Axe Heads and Daring Escapes

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:07:00 +0000

Today we examined a passage in 2 Kings about a floating axe head. Yep. You read that right. An axe head floated to the top of the water. The point? God cares for us tremendously, from our smallest needs to our life crises. The guy who lost a borrowed axe head wanted it back, so Elisha threw in a stick and it floated to the top. A true miracle. God cares.

The photo here is another example of God caring, specifically, for me and others who escaped the accident on I-40 that took the life of the individual beneath the half car under the trailer. I and a friend of mine were scouting out a mountain to hike, and along the way, escaped death, or rather God wanted us to continue our lives here. Essentially, it wasn't our time yet. And I'm grateful.

The scene was surreal, and the crash plays over and over in my head. I swerved like the Daytona 500 and for those of you who know my driving skills, that was no small feat. The white car you see, actually crossed my path at a 90 degree angle, in the 2nd lane from the left. That's how I close came to becoming involved in the accident. I saw the truck swerve and the car disintegrate in font of me all in a matter of moments.

I couldn't speak for a few moments as we traveled alone on the road with an 8 mile back up behind us either way on the interstate. My friend and I simply recounted the Providence of God upon our lives.

Singing Rodents, Christmas Eve, and God

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:02:00 +0000

I took my son to see a movie involving singing furry rodents this Christmas Eve. Before all of the familiarities of Christmas Eve and the Holiday season were about to happen, my son and I took a break to watch the Chipmunk movie. I received a call in the middle of the movie, and I let it go to voicemail. It was a good friend who was calling, so I checked the voicemail quickly just to be sure everything was ok.

Everything was not ok.

My friend had called with some sad news, and with some pleas for urgent prayer and hope for their loved one who had become ill suddenly. Hospice was going to be called in, and the person asked that I pray for them and that God's will would be done in this situation.

I wanted to get up and call immediately, but my son was really enjoying the movie, and he had talked about it literally for a month. I prayed that nothing serious would happen at least until I got out with my son, so I could call and console my friend. Thankfully nothing happened, and I was able to pray over the phone for my friend and their situation.

The lesson here is ministry never stops. People never stop hurting or having problems. The question remains is how much of our lives are we willing to give up to be able to walk with someone if but for a moment.

I feel like my choice to "remain" or abide, if you will, with my son shows the struggle we all face in ministering to those around us. It's living life for God and being available for His purposes that teach us all to be more aware of needs around us.

Aware of Suffering

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:46:00 +0000

In recent days God has made me ever so aware of suffering around me. Whether it's in my own life or in the lives of my friends, acquaintances, or people I just meet on the street, God is revealing to me a greater picture of life that I'm so open to right now.

Walking through church, saying hi to new and old faces, elicited deep responses. The friendly and meaningful "hi" doesn't always get a deep response. I'm always eager to listen to people's stories, but this seemed different. Many who opened up after the casual passing "hi" gave me a moment of pause. They simply gushed their story to me. It doesn't always happen, but then again, these times are uncommon also. Lives were broken, painful stories of broken families, struggles with grief over the loss of loved ones, struggles with strongholds, the stories didn't seem to stop.

Taking kids to feed the homeless, collecting bags of groceries for the needy, listening to a friend who deeply hurts. Seeing prayer boards posted for the lives of the young seemingly snatched from this world too soon...The stories haven't stopped. Our lives never do. The struggles we face never do. The struggles and suffering people go through doesn't stop.

When this pattern continued throughout the week I knew God was speaking to me something new in the sense of a lesson or truth I needed to learn.

The lesson I'm learning so far...never stop caring. No matter your situation, caring for others, taking time to notice and appreciate the person. Stopping, gazing intently and compassionately into their eyes to see their loss or struggle...that's what I'm learning.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

I've Seen It All

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:22:00 +0000

Finding Jake

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:59:00 +0000

Sometimes God just whacks you upside the head and shows you how your perspective on life is screwed up. Then he gently realigns your perspective. My perspective changed in a massive way tonight at our son's school carnival.

Imagine having an illness that only 12 other boys had, and you are the only survivor thus far. His name is Jake, a name dear to me although we call our son Jacob. Our son Jacob wrote out a prayer for Jake, and we made a donation to help. His friends and family are raising funds to help pay for medical bills for the chemo and radiation treatment Jake, a third grader, must courageously endure. Pray for his family. Pray for Wilmington to embrace this family. Order pizza from Dominoe's this weekend from 17th St., and mention Jake's journey, and 15% goes to the family. Here's a bit of Jake's story,

Jakob was first diagnosed with medulloblastoma in Dec of 2004 a month before his 4th birthday. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor, 6 weeks of radiation and a year and a half of chemo. He finished Chemo in the spring of 2006. Since then we have been living a wonderful life with our son in remission. Three weeks ago as we left the Humane Society with a new addition to our family we notice Jake's eye was turning in. We called Dr. Blatt our oncologist from Chapel Hill as soon as we walked in the door. She sent us for an MRI. We were informed that Jake has two new brain tumors. We were stunned. This Dec it would have been 5 years since our first diagnoses. We were sure we were done with this and this cancer was not coming back. These two tumors can not be remove base on their location so we are undergoing Chemo. When the chemo shrinks the tumors ,hopefully until they are all gone or until they are very small we will go for high dose chemo and stem cell transplant. I would like to Thank all of our friends for the incredible support we have recieved. We could not do this without everyone. To all of our friends at Holly Tree we love you!!! Thanks for making Jake feel so special.

Jake, we are praying for you and your family!

You can follow Jake's Journey at CaringBridge, and sign up, and search for Jake Hatton. Please donate directly to family, as they will not receive funds through CaringBridge directly.

Camping Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:18:00 +0000

Can't wait for a cool time with my son! We're going camping soon! Our first time with the Cub Scout Pack! It's going to be an awesome experience! Will write more soon when we take the trip!

Caswell Rewind Video 2009!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Caswell 2009 from derik100 on Vimeo.

Wind In The Face...Blue Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:21:00 +0000

It's been a dream of my wife to own a convertible, namely an electric blue, Mazda Miata MX-5 if I may be specific. So on a whim, we ventured out for a test drive of sorts, torturing ourselves to no end knowing we were entertaining a wild fantasy. The car only has room for two, a selfish thought to say the least, as somehow one of us would be left out of the zoom zoom experience if our only son wanted to come along for the ride.

As our son was in school, on a cloudy day, the ragtop came down, and we sped away down the interstate throwing caution to the wind--ok we're not THAT adventurous...but the little car had some kick! Paddle shifters, a gentle hum of the engine and a 70+ mph (I won't go into details) wind on I-40 greeted two adults wanting so much to be kids if but for a moment in time.

The joy ride soon came to an end and as reality set back in, we rode away in our paid-for car (not the Miata, our PAID FOR car--the used one, old faithful-never let us down car) with a smirk of child-like glee that perhaps we had just gotten away with the cookie from the cookie jar.

We picked up our son and asked him how his day was...he was none the wiser to our foray into the wild blue yonder...a blue Miata in her dreams.

Flood My LIfe

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:44:00 +0000

There's been several floods this week. It flooded today in Wilmington in more ways than one. Parts of College Road were under several inches of water. And parts of the road I've traveled on and many of my close friends have traveled on are under several inches of...well floods of different sorts.

This week and the last have been challenging for several friends of mine. They're taking things well. They've been reminded of life and all it's joys. A newborn baby, a father who passed from one life to the next, a wife who suddenly became ill and is now miraculously better...Standing up under a flood of seemingly incomprehensible news, both sad and joyful. My friends have done well. Christ is their strength. It's so evident in their lives and their responses. Life comes like a flood sometimes.

Can we ever get enough of God? On one level, yes. When we encounter Christ and he abides within us, we become his. We receive the Holy Spirit as a future guarantee of greater things to come. (Eph 1:13). On another level, we are encouraged to constantly seek God, to continually grow, to tap into the fire hydrant of God's love and character. (Eph 3:14-19). The flood of suffering and joy are a part of the process God takes us all through.

My friend recently prayed, "He must increase, I must decrease." (John 3:30) That made me ask, "So there is more of God for my life?" Yes. There is more of God for the one who seeks passionately the Creator God. God doesn't change. We only get closer to him so that we might become more and more overwhelmed with his glory.

The floods of life often surprise us. Yet in them all, God's glory and character are revealed. I'm so aware of God flooding my week as I see others go through a flood. It's encouraging to see them stand and stand strong. Hopefully you'll see others go through times of flooding and have a chance to stand with them also. God's there in their midst. He brings the flood. But He also brings Himself.

Tax Free

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:04:00 +0000

This past weekend we made the round of stores and bought some much needed items for our growing, rambunctious, wide-eyed little boy. It was a small but welcome relief from regular "prices." It reminds me of a passage in Isaiah 55, and speaks of what Christ offers us, without price:

55:1 “Come, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
hear, that your soul may live;
and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
my steadfast, sure love for David.

May we fill up on the living water that Christ offers to all, which cost us nothing, and cost God his Son.

Handed A Baby Though A Window

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 19:12:00 +0000

I'll never forget it. Driving down the interstate with friends to sit with a student in a hospital several hours away, I came upon an accident that just happened moments earlier. I slowed down my vehicle as fast and safely as possible, only to discover the family was still in the over turned van, windows shattered, would be good samaritans frantic in their efforts to help. It was like I was thrust into the accident scene itself. It still replays so slowly in my mind, First Aid kit in hand, with no idea how any of it would help the chaos. There were immediate shouts to get the babies out. Prayers for wisdom rushing through my head. God what do I do!? More than one baby? One was terrifying, more than one was hard to bare if they weren't rescued soon. I joined with several other men, the smell of gasoline pierced my nostrils, not knowing when things were going to go up, in rolling the van right side up.

At that moment, a baby was handed out the window, to my left. The image of seeing a 3 month old's legs unscathed by the wreckage being handed to the person beside me, as we were grunting to push the van over was surreal and refreshing to see the baby unharmed. The other child had a cut on the forehead, and he was pulled out with the childseat screaming. EMS still hadn't arrived. Adults were still in the van. I helped pull the mother out of the van, my friends were on the side of the van helping others out.

As we rolled the van over, to my horror another man was about to be crushed by the van, so 10 men pulled the van back enough for him to move. He was inside the van, trying to help the occupants out. None of us knew too much about rescue, but we knew we must get the occupants away from the potential inferno. Gasoline was everywhere.

EMS arrived, stabilized all the victims, who were removed safely at this point. One victim on the other side was only moving her head, while her body lay motionless. I prayed as hard as I knew how. God help this family!

On the way to the hospital to see a student, all of us were silent for quite some time. Knowing that we were placed there at the scene to help. We prayed for the family.

One thing all this did to me, was to realize that people need our help, and we must be willing to stop our "plans" to help. We had planned to help a friend who needed us. Instead we helped those who needed us sooner. Another thing I realized was the precious value of life. None of us know when a tire will blow or what the outcome will be. Hold your family and friends close to you. Take nothing for granted. Love God and others fiercely.

Tour De Turtle Pt. 2 and Other Firsts

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:10:00 +0000

Tour de Turtle and Other Firsts Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Just so you know, I've been riding with a good friend of mine at a neighborhood park. What has become a morning ritual for us both has created a number of firsts of sorts for my son.

My little guy is learning to ride the bicycle. He's a late bloomer for that particular skill as many of his friends already know how to ride. But that's OK. I explained to my son that in the mornings after a long bike ride, my friend and I took a break on a bridge overlooking a reservoir. And for some reason, the turtles flocked to an an area just beneath our long shadows cast by the morning sun. So we just stared for a while, and then I had the brilliant idea to feed them. It worked. They came in droves. And I shared with my son that Daddy and his friend were feeding the turtles.

He would have no such thing. He HAD to feed the turtles. But he couldn't ride his bike. So I made a deal with him, being the compassionate and merciful specimen of fatherhood that I am. If he could ride his bike to the reservoir from our home, he could feed the turtles. So off we went. At times he whined, cried and threw tantrums along the way, saying he couldn't go on anymore and bike riding was just too hard. I knew better. As I pushed and he pedaled for what seemed like miles in the warm sun, he gradually began to depend less on my guiding hand, and more on his ability to ride. When we got to the park, he rode triumphantly by himself through the gates.

After much hi-fiving, we went to the bridge, threw down some food...but no turtles. What seemed like a letdown paled in comparison to the tremendous accomplishment just had. So no big deal. My son then proceeded to ride back much of the way on his own, towards home, and as he pulled into the driveway by himself in his glorious moment of victory, his mom also pulled in from work, eyes wide open, and so proud of what her son had just done! Very cool moment indeed in the Davis household. More firsts coming up. Check back for what happened next!

The Jesus Knock

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:54:00 +0000

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20

So many times this passage gets used for come to Jesus moments. I've seen this used in many youth meetings and camps and conventions. While the intent is pure, I believe the interpretation is somewhat off. Jesus was saying this to a group of believers. Not unbelievers. So that means...

Jesus was knocking on the door of the church, where he should have already been inside. In a sense, Jesus was not there within the church at Laodicea. Jesus was saying, "Hey, I'm supposed to be represented by you, I'm supposed to be living through you!" "Invite me in and I will have true fellowship, true relationship, true communion with you!"

What do some churches do when they hear the Jesus Knock? They'd better tremble and seek the community of Christ once again. Note that this is NOT just about a group, but about an individual believer's response to being indifferent and non-impactful in their Christian walks. Lukewarm Christians equal lukewarm churches.

I would say there are many in our church that are aware of the Jesus knock. We even had a guy post a picture of this on our front Church door one Sunday! I am aware of the Jesus knock. I've heard it, and I realize my heart can become quickly indifferent to the things of God. I repent of this and seek to make Him known, and to have a relationship IN Christ. It's hard to admit, but I must be real and seek healing and renewal everyday. This passage points to renewal. But it also points to God's discipline and warning.

So, have you heard the Jesus knock lately?

God's Got Your Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:18:00 +0000

This evening at 180 we had a pretty cool experience! I wanted to show you a picture
of the time we spent praying before heading out to do a "beach sweep." Seeing the sunset from this photo was a cool reminder that no matter where we are or what we do, the sun rises and sets, and in that time frame we have the hours to praise our God for his sustaining care and provision for us. We each are given the day. God's simple gift to us. Another way of looking at a sunset? God's got your back! The sunset on the backs of the students in the picture here are a reminder of that. The sun will be back around the planet in 12 hours. As we rest, and God's blessing the other half of the planet with the evidence of His glory, be mindful that he has his heart towards us 24-7. The evidence of creation doesn't end wth the sunset, but continues with the dance of the moon and the stars. (Sound poetic?) When we wake, we have the chance to praise God. The sun may set, but God's still there watching over us. A quote from Psalm 113:3:

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised."

Cutting Back

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Have you noticed that when you don't deal with weeds, they grow and grow and grow? They take over what was once usable space. They get in the way of movement even!

I recently trimmed back a few weeds in our yard, and I smiled to think of the insurmountable task of getting it all done. The weeds keep growing! So if they keep growing, why even bother to cut them back?

You might as well even say, if I get dirty all the time, why do I need to take a bath? The principle is the same: Removing that which takes away from your and others living life as God intended is a daily process.

You have to attack the weeds every day, or they'll choke out all you love about life. You have to take a bath every day, or else you'll stink so bad no one will want to come around you.

Some spiritual hacking and cleansing is in order for me. I must cut back things that don't matter, the time robbers, the money wasters, the doubt builders. I must incessantly seek to love others because it gets through the weeds of the potential for pain and regret.

What if they reject me? Hack the weeds.
What if I say the wrong thing? Hack the weeds.
But I really want to buy that! Hack the weeds.
I've got to answer that call! Hack the weeds.
This person will like me if I do this. Hack the weeds.
I don't have time to read the Bible. Hack the weeds.
I'll play with my kid later. Hack the weeds.
God you want me to do what?? I'm not ready. Hack the weeds.
This movie isn't that bad. I can handle it. Hack the weeds.
I'll just pretend that I'm ok. Hack the weeds.

"Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." John 15:2

Why Sunday School Is A Dinosaur to Youth

noreply@blogger.com (Derik Davis) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:51:00 +0000

I remember going to church as a young teen. I was a part of an exciting youth ministry at the church. I was a part of a great small group. I was a part of a great worship service at my church. The one thing that didn't click so well for me was Sunday School. I don't fault my teacher at all, but the forced nature of the class begged the question, "Why go?". I think it was a number of things, but primarily it was a structure set in place in the 1950s. Sunday School was set up so students could do their chores on the farm and then go learn to read from the Bible in School around 10:00am. One school house in the community.

Now schools educate our children differently. The Bible is far removed from the schools. Yet churches by and large, still have the structure of Sunday school. So there exists a dichotomy for the student. Learn one subject in church, learn another subject in school, never merge the two. Read the following article to make a little more sense of a recent study stating that 2 out of 3 teens are leaving the church.

Study Showing Teens Leaving Church

My thoughts about the article hit home. I teach youth Sunday School. We cover Creationism. In fact, we just taught about worldviews several weeks ago. We cover doctrine. We cover practical life issues students face. It's really more of a small group than a "Sunday School". No hokey "Jesus answers" here. But it gives me a moment of pause. Why have we hung on so much to a Sunday School structure? It may be our denomination, but other denominations have this as well. We would be wise to reexamine the evolution of the Sunday School Dinosaur. They're leaving in droves according to the research. Not in my case, but for how long? Relationships are key in making any connection with God matter. Perhaps the Sunday School has lost touch, and sequestered itself to one hour on Sunday, hoping to give out just the right nuggets to help the student survive the rest of the week. God help us.