42-Second Sermons #11: You Are Awesome
(April 26, 2014)
Welcome to Volume 2 of 42-second Sermons.
Listen, guys. Ever since middle school, I've dealt with self-esteem/body image issues. It never goes away forever for everybody, BUT whenever it strikes, you need to know this: Do not compare yourself to people, or actors, or models. Do not be so hard on yourself. You are uniquely you. What you offer to the world and your friends is something that nobody else can, because you are you.
And only you can be you. And you are awesome. And if you were not here, everyone who knows you would miss you, and it everyone's Life would be at least a little bit different because of it. You make a difference; even if you don't think so.
You're awesome. Know that. Keep being you.
Love you guys.
Welcome to Volume 2 of 42-second Sermons.
Listen, guys. Ever since middle school, I've dealt with self-esteem/body image issues. It never goes away forever for everybody, BUT whenever it strikes, you need to know this: Do not compare yourself to people, or actors, or models. Do not be so hard on yourself. You are uniquely you. What you offer to the world and your friends is something that nobody else can, because you are you.
And only you can be you. And you are awesome. And if you were not here, everyone who knows you would miss you, and it everyone's Life would be at least a little bit different because of it. You make a difference; even if you don't think so.
You're awesome. Know that. Keep being you.
Love you guys.
42-Second Sermons #12: What You Say
(May 16, 2014)
Guys, we live in the Bible Belt, immersed in Jesus, and everyone calls themselves a Christian, and way too many don't ACT anything like one.
Everything you say and do in person, on the internet, and on your phone, can be seen by anyone and everyone. Your words and actions are a testimony to your character. If you call yourself a Christian, you are putting a responsibility on yourself to live up to it, and you are being watched closely by EVERY. ONE. And you either represent well, or horribly. You either bring glory to His name, or drag it in the mud. You either give people a reason to like Christianity, or even more reason to hate it. In-case you didn't know, the world doesn't like us.
I talked about Love and Humility in #10, but this is about what you say and how you react to what people say to you and about you, which, needs to be handled with patience and love. There are way too many people out there, especially in the Bible Belt, who call themselves Christians, then act like anything but.
Love you guys. Don't make the same mistake(s) I did.
Guys, we live in the Bible Belt, immersed in Jesus, and everyone calls themselves a Christian, and way too many don't ACT anything like one.
Everything you say and do in person, on the internet, and on your phone, can be seen by anyone and everyone. Your words and actions are a testimony to your character. If you call yourself a Christian, you are putting a responsibility on yourself to live up to it, and you are being watched closely by EVERY. ONE. And you either represent well, or horribly. You either bring glory to His name, or drag it in the mud. You either give people a reason to like Christianity, or even more reason to hate it. In-case you didn't know, the world doesn't like us.
I talked about Love and Humility in #10, but this is about what you say and how you react to what people say to you and about you, which, needs to be handled with patience and love. There are way too many people out there, especially in the Bible Belt, who call themselves Christians, then act like anything but.
Love you guys. Don't make the same mistake(s) I did.
42-Second Sermons #13: Camp Highs/Jesus Trips
(June 29, 2014)
Yes, that is my cat Simba behind me.
So, guys, I remember ever since middle school all the way up until Orange Beach in 2010 my last summer I was in the Youth, there would be a camp or a Disciple Now or a Wednesday night that set me on fire for God, or made me think I was, then after a week or two I was back to my normal self and all the cliques in the Youth continued, and it felt like a big waste. It made me feel stupid.
However, a big part of that was simply that I did not have a good spiritual Life; didn't have much of any relationship with the Lord, didn't Pray all that much, or read my Bible on my own, so all the fuzzy feelings had no substance to them, and it just burned out.
Camps can change people's Lives. Everything you hear and learn at a camp or a DNOW/Crave is just as True as it always was; it's a matter of taking it seriously and actually applying it to your Life in your Walk with the Lord.
BUT if a camp doesn't change your Life, you don't need to feel bad. Take it for what it was. It's a good experience that, if anything, broke some barriers and brought you a little closer to your friends and people in the Youth who there are normally pointless social barriers around. I reiterate, I had no idea what I was doing with myself until I was 22, so you really don't need to feel bad if you don't have it all figured out.
Love you guys. Don't make the same mistake(s) I did.
Yes, that is my cat Simba behind me.
So, guys, I remember ever since middle school all the way up until Orange Beach in 2010 my last summer I was in the Youth, there would be a camp or a Disciple Now or a Wednesday night that set me on fire for God, or made me think I was, then after a week or two I was back to my normal self and all the cliques in the Youth continued, and it felt like a big waste. It made me feel stupid.
However, a big part of that was simply that I did not have a good spiritual Life; didn't have much of any relationship with the Lord, didn't Pray all that much, or read my Bible on my own, so all the fuzzy feelings had no substance to them, and it just burned out.
Camps can change people's Lives. Everything you hear and learn at a camp or a DNOW/Crave is just as True as it always was; it's a matter of taking it seriously and actually applying it to your Life in your Walk with the Lord.
BUT if a camp doesn't change your Life, you don't need to feel bad. Take it for what it was. It's a good experience that, if anything, broke some barriers and brought you a little closer to your friends and people in the Youth who there are normally pointless social barriers around. I reiterate, I had no idea what I was doing with myself until I was 22, so you really don't need to feel bad if you don't have it all figured out.
Love you guys. Don't make the same mistake(s) I did.
42-Second Sermons #14: The Truth About The Golden Rule
(July 6, 2014)
Being a Christian is about accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and by growing in your Spiritual Life and relationship with God, the Golden Rule only naturally follows as a RESULT of being a Christian, but does not MAKE you a Christian.
One thing - but not a main thing - that confounded me when I went through my Tribulation period of doubting, questioning, and searching for answers, was the fact that my famous atheist friend I've told you about told me that Confucious said the "Golden Rule" before Jesus. I have come to understand that that doesn't matter. Truth is Truth, no matter who says it. Christianity is not defined by the Golden Rule.
1. Jesus did not invent the Golden Rule.
2. Non-Christians follow the Golden Rule.
3. Following the Golden Rule does not mean you're a Christian, nor does it save you.
Look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Rule
and you can see countless examples of the Golden Rule throughout all of history.
Love you guys. Think critically. Use your mind. Ask questions. Read some books.
Being a Christian is about accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and by growing in your Spiritual Life and relationship with God, the Golden Rule only naturally follows as a RESULT of being a Christian, but does not MAKE you a Christian.
One thing - but not a main thing - that confounded me when I went through my Tribulation period of doubting, questioning, and searching for answers, was the fact that my famous atheist friend I've told you about told me that Confucious said the "Golden Rule" before Jesus. I have come to understand that that doesn't matter. Truth is Truth, no matter who says it. Christianity is not defined by the Golden Rule.
1. Jesus did not invent the Golden Rule.
2. Non-Christians follow the Golden Rule.
3. Following the Golden Rule does not mean you're a Christian, nor does it save you.
Look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Golden_Rule
and you can see countless examples of the Golden Rule throughout all of history.
Love you guys. Think critically. Use your mind. Ask questions. Read some books.
42-Second Sermons #15: Don't Miss Out - Church Family
(July 20, 2014)
(First; that is a dryer sheet tucked into the back of my shirt. They somewhat repel mosquitoes, and as you may or may not be able to tell watching this, I was getting swarmed by them.)
Hey, guys. I've been at Colonial Hills since I was 5 years old. I cannot express how much I've loved being here for every minute of it. Every Disciple Now, ever Sunday, every Wednesday night, every mystery trip, and every camp I've gone on - which is only 3, but still - I wouldn't change it for anything.
But don't get me wrong. I've been gone and back. I fell away a lot during my junior and senior year of high school, and for basically all of 2012, largely due to working at Carmike.
I just really want to encourage you guys to not miss out. I sorely regret all of my non-involvement, and I don't want anybody making the same mistake. You're only young once, and every passed up opportunity is gone forever.
Romans 12:10 - "Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other." - That's the kind of family you get at Colonial Hills. Trust me.
Love you guys. Don't make the same mistake(s) I did.
(First; that is a dryer sheet tucked into the back of my shirt. They somewhat repel mosquitoes, and as you may or may not be able to tell watching this, I was getting swarmed by them.)
Hey, guys. I've been at Colonial Hills since I was 5 years old. I cannot express how much I've loved being here for every minute of it. Every Disciple Now, ever Sunday, every Wednesday night, every mystery trip, and every camp I've gone on - which is only 3, but still - I wouldn't change it for anything.
But don't get me wrong. I've been gone and back. I fell away a lot during my junior and senior year of high school, and for basically all of 2012, largely due to working at Carmike.
I just really want to encourage you guys to not miss out. I sorely regret all of my non-involvement, and I don't want anybody making the same mistake. You're only young once, and every passed up opportunity is gone forever.
Romans 12:10 - "Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other." - That's the kind of family you get at Colonial Hills. Trust me.
Love you guys. Don't make the same mistake(s) I did.
42-Second Sermons #16 California Edition: True Friends
(August 3, 2014)
Hey guys, I'ma tell you a little bit about what it is to be a true, Godly friend; not a fly-by-night, fair-weather, you-scratch-my-back-I'll-scratch-yours friend.
This is my friend Mark Johnson I've been friends with since 1st grade. I can't even begin to tell you all of the awesome times we've had over the last 16 years, beginning in the utopia of childhood with G.I. Joes, make believe war adventures, and the lifelong staple of video games.
I am certainly not the example in this video, but my friend who never turned his back on me even when I did him. In high school, I was a complete jerk to this guy; especially sophomore year. I hung out with a group of dudes that totally dejected and ridiculed him, and I went right along with it.
I flew out here last year for his wedding, and again out here this year, and he's been paying for all my food and junk. I don't deserve how good of a friend this guy has been to me; likewise how we don't deserve the Grace of God despite us ignoring Him and turning our back on Him.
This man, who was consistently taken for a fool by people for his entire Life, has given me more wisdom and true, Godly knowledge than most people I have ever known in my entire Life, and particularly at this very time in my vapor of a Life, was exactly and precisely what I NEEDED to hear. The Almighty Creator was no-doubt directly speaking to me through this friend of mine for 16 years. Through all of science's shortcomings, Yahweh Himself - who I have been ignoring - was grabbing my attention speaking to me through this man.
Love you guys, don't make the same mistake(s) I have.
Hey guys, I'ma tell you a little bit about what it is to be a true, Godly friend; not a fly-by-night, fair-weather, you-scratch-my-back-I'll-scratch-yours friend.
This is my friend Mark Johnson I've been friends with since 1st grade. I can't even begin to tell you all of the awesome times we've had over the last 16 years, beginning in the utopia of childhood with G.I. Joes, make believe war adventures, and the lifelong staple of video games.
I am certainly not the example in this video, but my friend who never turned his back on me even when I did him. In high school, I was a complete jerk to this guy; especially sophomore year. I hung out with a group of dudes that totally dejected and ridiculed him, and I went right along with it.
I flew out here last year for his wedding, and again out here this year, and he's been paying for all my food and junk. I don't deserve how good of a friend this guy has been to me; likewise how we don't deserve the Grace of God despite us ignoring Him and turning our back on Him.
This man, who was consistently taken for a fool by people for his entire Life, has given me more wisdom and true, Godly knowledge than most people I have ever known in my entire Life, and particularly at this very time in my vapor of a Life, was exactly and precisely what I NEEDED to hear. The Almighty Creator was no-doubt directly speaking to me through this friend of mine for 16 years. Through all of science's shortcomings, Yahweh Himself - who I have been ignoring - was grabbing my attention speaking to me through this man.
Love you guys, don't make the same mistake(s) I have.
42-Second Sermons #17: Welcome to High School
(August 23, 2014)
What's up, people? Welcome to High School.
First of all, everything I say here applies to all of you, but is particularly aimed at people entering high school, and particularly the girls, because I know what high school guys are like, and I know what public high school is like, and I'm terrified for you. Haha.
What I say here relates to what I said in sermon #11, "You Are Awesome." Every one of you is an awesome, funny, fascinating person, equally and differently in your own unique ways, as Providence designed you and shaped you. I struggled with self esteem in high school, and most people do, and I don't think I can tell you something and magically fix it, but I hope none of you have to go through what I did to finally stop being so self-conscious. Do not change yourself for anyone or try to prove yourself to anyone. Girls especially. You do not need that. And you definitely don't need to find value or validation in a guy. Believe me, there will be plenty of guys giving you attention (especially at Lee, don't be surprised if you get cat calls just walking across campus), but it is not good attention. It's not healthy attention. There are much better things to do and much more fun to be had in Life right now than dating; especially with some jerk who only likes you for your body. You're too good for that.
Now, all this being said.
DO NOT BE AFRAID of high school. For the first few weeks, I know it will be a big adjustment, and slightly scary, but that will go away. Trust me. High school is by far one of the best times of your entire Life. And keep in mind that it's only 4 years. It is a tiny, tiny, tiny part of your Life, but for the next 3 and a half years, you won't think it's going to end. Make the most of it.
High school is awesome. Savor every minute of it.
Love you guys. Don't make the same mistake(s) I have.
What's up, people? Welcome to High School.
First of all, everything I say here applies to all of you, but is particularly aimed at people entering high school, and particularly the girls, because I know what high school guys are like, and I know what public high school is like, and I'm terrified for you. Haha.
What I say here relates to what I said in sermon #11, "You Are Awesome." Every one of you is an awesome, funny, fascinating person, equally and differently in your own unique ways, as Providence designed you and shaped you. I struggled with self esteem in high school, and most people do, and I don't think I can tell you something and magically fix it, but I hope none of you have to go through what I did to finally stop being so self-conscious. Do not change yourself for anyone or try to prove yourself to anyone. Girls especially. You do not need that. And you definitely don't need to find value or validation in a guy. Believe me, there will be plenty of guys giving you attention (especially at Lee, don't be surprised if you get cat calls just walking across campus), but it is not good attention. It's not healthy attention. There are much better things to do and much more fun to be had in Life right now than dating; especially with some jerk who only likes you for your body. You're too good for that.
Now, all this being said.
DO NOT BE AFRAID of high school. For the first few weeks, I know it will be a big adjustment, and slightly scary, but that will go away. Trust me. High school is by far one of the best times of your entire Life. And keep in mind that it's only 4 years. It is a tiny, tiny, tiny part of your Life, but for the next 3 and a half years, you won't think it's going to end. Make the most of it.
High school is awesome. Savor every minute of it.
Love you guys. Don't make the same mistake(s) I have.
42-Second Sermons #18: Give it Up to God?
(September 26, 2014)
Hey, guys.
I'm gonna touch on what Matt Smith told us about last weekend at Disciple Now. I know you have heard the phrase "give it up to God", but what does it ACTUALLY mean? Matt did an awesome idea explaining it. One thing he said Saturday night, I'm paraphrasing, was "Jesus doesn't want us to think, 'oh, this mean I'm doing less of what I want and getting more Jesus.'" The point is that we are living our Lives to their full extent through Christ in us, fulfilling His purpose in our mission on earth. And that doesn't mean we have to stop doing things we enjoy.
My example may not be the best, but it's basically the same for any problem we have or some thing we worry about. 2.5 years ago, I had no spiritual Life; all I cared about was getting a girlfriend. As such, I ignored the advice my own Father gave me 5 years ago to go after a girl who has a heart for the Lord, who will life me up and encourage me. I dated a non-Believer because she was the only girl that looked my way. We dated for 13 months. They say to be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. That was certainly the case here. I can't begin to tell you all of the negative things that relationship did to my Life, though I will gladly tell you if you ask me.
So, I've give it up. I learned. I now could not care less about dating. The free time I do have I would rather spend it with you awesome kids, and I believe this is why that and many other things in my Life have happened to me. I am called at this time to be working with you kids and making these videos so you can learn from me what NOT to do. I've been there and done that. And this is why I end every video info with "Don't make the same mistake(s) I did."
I love you people. Don't make the same mistake(s) I did.
Hey, guys.
I'm gonna touch on what Matt Smith told us about last weekend at Disciple Now. I know you have heard the phrase "give it up to God", but what does it ACTUALLY mean? Matt did an awesome idea explaining it. One thing he said Saturday night, I'm paraphrasing, was "Jesus doesn't want us to think, 'oh, this mean I'm doing less of what I want and getting more Jesus.'" The point is that we are living our Lives to their full extent through Christ in us, fulfilling His purpose in our mission on earth. And that doesn't mean we have to stop doing things we enjoy.
My example may not be the best, but it's basically the same for any problem we have or some thing we worry about. 2.5 years ago, I had no spiritual Life; all I cared about was getting a girlfriend. As such, I ignored the advice my own Father gave me 5 years ago to go after a girl who has a heart for the Lord, who will life me up and encourage me. I dated a non-Believer because she was the only girl that looked my way. We dated for 13 months. They say to be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. That was certainly the case here. I can't begin to tell you all of the negative things that relationship did to my Life, though I will gladly tell you if you ask me.
So, I've give it up. I learned. I now could not care less about dating. The free time I do have I would rather spend it with you awesome kids, and I believe this is why that and many other things in my Life have happened to me. I am called at this time to be working with you kids and making these videos so you can learn from me what NOT to do. I've been there and done that. And this is why I end every video info with "Don't make the same mistake(s) I did."
I love you people. Don't make the same mistake(s) I did.
42 Second Sermons # 19 - Don't Do What I Did
(October 19, 2014)
Listen to me, kiddies.
I know some of you may not care that much about the youth group, but I implore you to stay involved and make an effort to make the most of it. Right now, for some or most of you, you aren't thinking about when high school is over, and it doesn't seem like it will end, but the day will be here in the fun and amazingness of Senior year when all the sudden, it's over. Done. Gone. 4 years went by and you had no idea.
It's a fraction of a fraction of your lifetime, and you never get it back. Make the absolute most of it.
I only went on TWO youth camps my entire time in the youth group. That's like 2 out of about 12 that I could have gone on. I skipped a trip to Florida under Rj Holt, I skipped New Orleans trips after Katrina, I skipped our first camp in Missouri with Nate, and I skipped other chances while I was a youth leader under Russell from 2012-2013. My sophomore and junior year, I was a moron, and I spent most Wednesday night doing one of two things: 1. Playing video games. 2. Watching DOG The Bounty Hunter on A&E.
DO NOT DO WHAT I DID. BE INVOLVED WITH THE YOUTH. If I could EVER go back and do it all again, I would, and I would do it ALL.
I LOVE YOU KIDS. Make good decisions. Don't make the same mistakes I have.
Listen to me, kiddies.
I know some of you may not care that much about the youth group, but I implore you to stay involved and make an effort to make the most of it. Right now, for some or most of you, you aren't thinking about when high school is over, and it doesn't seem like it will end, but the day will be here in the fun and amazingness of Senior year when all the sudden, it's over. Done. Gone. 4 years went by and you had no idea.
It's a fraction of a fraction of your lifetime, and you never get it back. Make the absolute most of it.
I only went on TWO youth camps my entire time in the youth group. That's like 2 out of about 12 that I could have gone on. I skipped a trip to Florida under Rj Holt, I skipped New Orleans trips after Katrina, I skipped our first camp in Missouri with Nate, and I skipped other chances while I was a youth leader under Russell from 2012-2013. My sophomore and junior year, I was a moron, and I spent most Wednesday night doing one of two things: 1. Playing video games. 2. Watching DOG The Bounty Hunter on A&E.
DO NOT DO WHAT I DID. BE INVOLVED WITH THE YOUTH. If I could EVER go back and do it all again, I would, and I would do it ALL.
I LOVE YOU KIDS. Make good decisions. Don't make the same mistakes I have.
42-Second Sermons #20: Winds of Change
(November 16, 2014)
Hey, guys. Like Russell told us when he resigned, Life happens in seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun" (NIV)
Life happens in seasons; kid, middle school, high school, college, growth, doubt, questions, heartbreak; things will change all of your Life, and you have two choices:
1. Be like how I was all my Life and be stubborn and bitter about it, clinging to the past.
OR
2. Accept it as reality, get over yourself, and grow. Take it as the right time, the next season, to grow and learn from it.
I miss you guys like crazy, but it's not like I never see y'all. If you're ever seen Mrs. Doubtfire, the speech Robin Williams gives in the courtroom about his kids is basically how I feel about y'all.
I love you guys. Make good decisions.
"Do you feel the winds of change?
Soon this weight will fall away and take you to a place
Only found through these winds of change
A breeze that's new and free, new and free" - Winds of Change, Kutless
Hey, guys. Like Russell told us when he resigned, Life happens in seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun" (NIV)
Life happens in seasons; kid, middle school, high school, college, growth, doubt, questions, heartbreak; things will change all of your Life, and you have two choices:
1. Be like how I was all my Life and be stubborn and bitter about it, clinging to the past.
OR
2. Accept it as reality, get over yourself, and grow. Take it as the right time, the next season, to grow and learn from it.
I miss you guys like crazy, but it's not like I never see y'all. If you're ever seen Mrs. Doubtfire, the speech Robin Williams gives in the courtroom about his kids is basically how I feel about y'all.
I love you guys. Make good decisions.
"Do you feel the winds of change?
Soon this weight will fall away and take you to a place
Only found through these winds of change
A breeze that's new and free, new and free" - Winds of Change, Kutless