“Only engrossment with God can maintain perpetual spiritual enthusiasm because only God can supply everlasting novelty. In God every moment is new and nothing ever get old.” –A. W. Tozer

I have found that to be so true about God. Now some would argue that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and for that purpose this quote although poetic in nature is flawed in its theological basis. I totally understand that God is the same as he has always been and will ever be. But, I think it’s His very essence to be so glorious that infinity does not afford us the time to capture it all.

I love the John’s description of heaven “Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." Revelation 4:8 This scripture basically tells us that creatures that have always been in the presence of God, unlike us are ever blown away by His eternal Glory. They never tire of the truth, that God is infinitely glorious.

That means like Tozer wrote many years ago, there is no novelty in God. We will someday join the heavenly host singing the same song, that God is holy. It will never grow old nor will we be bored by the constant assertion of the ever-expanding reality of God amazing nature. Tens of thousands of years after our arrival, we will remain slack jawed at the very presence of God.

I love the fact that I get to live for the same glory here. My humanity keeps me from seeing the fullness of who he is, but the little glimpses I am allowed makes my soul sing. God forgive me forever imagining you as anything less. 

 I love Passion as a movement. My wife and I have been apart since 2000 and we are still closely connected to the movement. Passion is the largest gathering of college students around the world. This week we will be with over 21,000 students. The amazing thing is that this movement is not based on themes and personalities, its solely about spreading the fame of a glorious God. That is a reason to gather students! I thought I would post Passion’s 268Declaration as we prepare for Passion 2010.  

 "Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your Truth, we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and Your renown are the desire of our souls." Isaiah 26:8

 I desire to be a part of a generation that lives for the glory of Your name. (Psalm 86:11-12).  My desire is reflected in the following statements and prayers:

 A Passion To Know God Above All Things—

Because I was created by God and for His glory, I desire to make knowing and enjoying God the passionate pursuit of my life.

[God, give me a desire to know you more.]

Colossians 1:16-18, John 17:3, Revelation 3:20, Philippians 3:7-10, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Psalm 73:25-28, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 63:2-5, Isaiah 43:7

 Love For The Local Expression of His Church—

Because Christ established the Church for God's glory, I will invest the gifts He has given me in the life and mission of my local church.

[God, give me a greater love for Your Church, the Body of Christ.]

Ephesians 2:18-22,3:20,21, 4:1-13, 5:25-27, Hebrews 10:23-25, Acts 2:41-47

 Unity Among Believers That Amplifies His Name—

Because God's fame is amplified when believers love each other, I will strive for unity among all Christians on my campus.

[God, give me a desire to lift up Your name above all other names.]

John 17:20-26, John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 3, Psalm 34:3, Psalm 34:12-14, Psalm 133:1, Colossians 3:12-17, James 3:17-18

 A Desire To See Christ Celebrated Where I Live—

Because many around me are separated from God, I will share the story of Jesus where I live.  

[God, cause my life to be an unmistakable source of grace and hope to those around me.]

2 Corinthians 5:20-21, Romans 10:11-15, Isaiah 6:1-8, Matthew 5:13-16, 1 Peter 2:9-12, Philippians 2:12-16, 1 John 5:14-15, Ps 6:19-20

 Willingness To Shine The Gospel To All People—

Because God is seeking worshipers of all peoples, I will spread His fame among the nations, fully participating in His global purposes and engaging poverty and injustice in Jesus’ name.

[God, kindle in me the desire to go anywhere, at anytime, at any cost, to do anything to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.]

Psalm 86:9, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, Isaiah 49:6, Revelation 5:9-14, Matthew 28:18-20, Psalm 67,113, Acts 1:8, James 1:27, Proverbs 31:8-9, Isaiah 1:17

I love Christmas. I know for many it is just another day, but you must admit, people are often nicer and more compassionate around this time. Well, not if you are in the middle of the shopping frenzy.  My point is that this should be a special time in which we remember the greatest gift the world has ever known, and that is the birth of Jesus. Once you look past the overwhelming commercialism you might just see what is so special about this season.

I do understand that Jesus was most likely not born in December. I also grasp the fact that traditions like a Christmas tree, and a Yule log are rooted in pagan rituals.  Don’t get me started on the whole Santa Clause mythology; all these things make it hard to see power and the worth of the holiday. Then you have countless people going into debt to buy gifts that will totally forgotten by the next Christmas. Do you recall the Christmas shopping season starting after Thanksgiving? All of a sudden Christmas starts the day after Halloween, it all seems to be about the money. Looking at what this holiday has become, makes me sad.

What is Christmas supposed to be? It’s supposed to be a day in which we remember that when we were without hope, God did for us what we could not do for ourselves. Jesus came to the earth to rescue us from our impending doom. So, Almighty God, identified with our human condition. We didn’t have a God who watched us from afar, but one who understood what we were going through and cared enough to do something about it. "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us." Matt 1:23

That is Christmas. That is a reason to celebrate. We are celebrating God’s love, not store discounts, red-nosed reindeer, of jolly snowmen. Jesus is the reason for the season. Of all my non-Christian friends I have not met one person who thinks that Jesus’ birth and life was a bad thing.  So, his birth should be celebrated! I am sorry that people would make you think the holiday was about anything other then that.

Many churches invest thousands of dollars in youth and older adult ministries. Larger churches have millions to dedicate to these populations. When you look at the percentage of resources toward college/young adult ministry it’s no wonder that the young adult populations in churches all over the country are struggling. Many students simply don’t see a space for themselves in most churches.

Every church focuses on quality offerings that cater to the adult population. Youth ministry is a no brainer because if you desire to have adults you must have resources for their children. People will stay in churches they don’t enjoy because their children are satisfied. But, college students and young adults don’t often have an immediate appeal to many churches.

The reasons vary, in no particular order college students make less then $13,000 a year and are not a serious tithing base. Also, many young adults are transient in nature and will leave after 3-5 years. The last is they often don’t fit into traditional church environments because they are usually not tied to tradition.

The benefits, I believe, far outweigh the risks. That same student that learns to give from $13K will eventually carry that habit when making $60K, $80K, and $100K plus. Then if you can grab the attention of and sell a compelling vision to a transient young adult, they are more likely to put roots down. One of the most compelling reasons to me is their ability to question and change how we do church. If the church is to continue to go,` we must at least understand and know how to communicate to future generations. College students and young adults are that vital link. If the mean age of your churches population continues to rise, your church has a quickly approaching expiration date.

I recently had the opportunity to have some unscripted time with one of my key leaders. We didn’t talk about ministry or the next big task; we simply did something he enjoyed. I was reminded of why I believe in him, and developed a new level of respect to this amazing young man.

The sad thing is, that used to be the norm for me. It wasn’t strange for me to give countless hours to all my leaders. Life has somehow squeezed so tight, where now it’s become a rare occurrence. This is hard because I value those who work with me. From my student leaders on up these people have enlarged God’s kingdom, and my life over the years. Reality hits when my wife needs her time, and my son is ever looking for daddy, and my 18-year-old nephew requires attention. This leaves less time for those outside of my household.

But, leadership requires us to reach past our very real lives and invest in those we lead. Jesus is our example, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 . As a pastor or shepherd I have a responsibility to those following to create an environment where they can know and trust my voice. If I am too busy to speak directly to them, can I blame them for wondering off?