Tripp Atkinson

Pastor, Speaker, Consultant

Tripp Atkinson

Accountability: A Key to Success

by

There are many abilities that become a big deal in college. For instance…

– Affordability: the reason you eat fish taco’s from a gas station.
– Flexibility: learning the art of turning a 15-minute break into a “power nap.”
– Wearability: judgement call on getting one more use out of an outfit before you HAVE to do laundry. (usually involves turning something inside out)

All joking aside, there a number of things you learn to do in college, that will set you up for success the rest of your life. Of all the many “abilities” that are useful in college, perhaps the most legit beneficial ability to incorporate into the college experience is ACCOUNTABILITY. Accountability is defined as “responsibility, liability, answerability.” It is the encouragement, support, correction and discipline provided by an intentional and meaningful relationship.

Accountability does not just happen. It is a choice, and only occurs as one willfully and vulnerably submits to another, trusting that it is for their good and God’s glory.

There are several aspect of accountability that can greatly benefit your life. I strongly encourage you to seek it out in the following three relationships:

1) Pursue a Paul (someone older to serve as a mentor)

There is a long list in Scripture of those impacted by the mentoring of the Apostle Paul. (Titus, Onesimus, Luke, and Timothy, to name a few.) This impact did not take place in a formal classroom setting, but in the context of life and ministry. Paul’s mentoring was both theoretical AND highly practical.

Who in your life is a Paul-type mentor you are pursuing? Who in your life is older and wiser that you are allowing to influence you? Mentoring is typically not best accomplished through a formal program, but as one desiring such training and mentoring pursues it.

Asking “Will you mentor me?” is probably not the best approach to a mentoring relationship. Let it happen more organically and relationally. It typically best happens as one observes, questions, learns, and imitates another. I know very few great leaders who will not invest their lives in someone they see trying to emulate their life and leadership.

How do you pursue a Paul? Look around and ask these questions:

  • Who is someone older and wiser than me that I respect?
  • Is there someone who has the character and reputation I desire?
  • Who is making the impact that I desire to make?

Pray that God will open doors for you to have relationship and favor with this person. Ask for wisdom in pursuing opportunities for proximity and influence. Then begin to watch, listen, learn, and imitate what you see in them.

2) Seek a Silas (a friend that offers true accountability)

There is absolutely nothing like a genuine friend who wants the best for you and loves you enough to be honest with you. True friends are hard on you when necessary, and stick with you no matter the circumstances. In Scripture, we see such a friendship between Silas and Paul. Silas traveled extensively with Paul, ministering and spreading the Gospel. In Acts 16:19-40, we see that he was arrested with Paul, beaten severely with Paul, and confined to the dungeon of a jail with Paul with their legs in stocks together. Silas had Paul’s back no matter what.

Notice the nature of their friendship in Acts 16:25-31,

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household.

Even in jail, they sang hymns of worship together and encouraged one another as they ministered to those around them. Do you have a friend like that? Who in your life wants God’s best for you and is committed to helping you discover and live it?

In seeking a Silas, ask the following questions:

  • Who is someone I can relate to & rely on?
  • What friend loves me enough to call me out?
  • Who wants God’s best for me no matter what?

As you identify such a friend, make time with them a priority. You may only have a friend or two like this in your lifetime. If you have one, do all you can to value that person and invest in that friendship. If you don’t have that yet, pray that God opens the door for a friendship like that.

Remember, the best way to have a friend like that, is to be a friend like that.

3) Train a Timothy (someone younger to pour into)

As much as you can benefit from a mentoring relationship with someone older and wiser than you, there is equally as much value in you being that mentor to someone younger and less-experienced than you. Who are you intentionally investing your life into as a mentor and coach?

Paul served as a “spiritual father” to Timothy. He spent time with him, taught him, equipped him, encouraged him, and help him be successful in his faith and ministry.

But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured…But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. – 2 Timothy 3:10-11, 14

Such encouragement as this only flows from an intentional investment of Paul’s life into Timothy.

But know that such a mentoring relationship does not just benefit the one being mentored. Mentoring another can benefit you in a number of ways:

  • As you teach a principle, it highlights that truth in your own heart.
  • Teaching another challenges you & creates accountability.  (1 Corinthians 9:27, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”)
  • Investing in others brings joy. (3 John 4, “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”)

As Paul mentored Timothy, he encouraged him to take all that he learned and pass that on to others as well.

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. – 2 Timothy 2:2

Mentoring in such a way exponentially multiplies your influence and impact.

 

Accountability is not always easy, but it is vital to success. When you know who you want to be and where you want to go, there is nothing like investing in relationships that can help you get there.

Today, invest in those relationships that are for your good and God’s glory.  I’m confident that is an investment that will offer a return for a lifetime!

Investment in relationships that are for your good & God’s glory are investments that will offer a return for a lifetime!

Click To Tweet

This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the podcasts of this devotional and the entire series, click here.

 

 

Identity Crisis

by

So many college students, their first 30 days on campus, experience a significant crisis… an identity crisis. With so many things changing, so many new influences, so many new people to compare yourself to and impress, it’s sometimes easy to fall into the trap of questioning your value and purpose.

Let’s remind ourselves of some truth today…

1) God has given you immeasurable value that no one or nothing can change.

Consider the words of the Psalmist, who said,

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. – Psalms 139:13-14

Have you ever considered what it means that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by the Creator of the universe? The apostle Paul reminds us,

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:10

As a “masterpiece of God,” you have been given a value that is priceless! And nothing can take that value from you.

I like to illustrate this point by pulling a $20 bill out of my wallet and asking who wants it. Of course, if I’m giving away $20, most would want it. (You never really understand the value of $20 until you get to college. Am I right?!) I then like to wrinkle up the money and ask again who wants it. Even after stepping on it, getting it dirty, and sneezing on it, the response to those who still want the money seldom changes. Why do people still want a $20 bill that is dirty, wrinkled, flawed, and even broken? Because no matter the condition or abuse it has endured, the $20 bill still has value!

If I did the same illustration with a piece of notebook paper, I doubt anyone would want it. But it’s different with money because a power with proper authority (U.S. Mint) has taken a piece of paper, has made it special, and has assigned a particular value to it that cannot be changed.

That is what God has done with us. He has made us his “masterpiece” and has demonstrated our priceless value by giving his very Son, Jesus, to die for us so that we could have life in and with him. (Romans 5:8)

If the Creator of the Universe loves you with such an unconditional love and has uniquely made and gifted you, why would you ever allow any attention from a guy or girl, any comparison to anyone else, or any opinions of anyone to take your eyes off of the priceless value given to you by God??

2) You were created by God to fulfill His purposes.

Most of our identity issues are related to a foundation problem. You were created for God’s purpose, you were not created so God could help you with your purpose. Getting this backwards has caused many people to build their lives on the wrong foundation.

But for us, there is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. – 1 Corinthians 8:6

For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. – Colossians 1:16-17

We were made for God. Forgetting this simple truth leads to much frustration and identity issues.

If I tried to use my toaster oven to make a smoothy or my blender to make toast, what would happen? Right, I would have a hot mess! Well that’s exactly what happens when we try to use our lives for purposes other than that for which they were created.

It’s important to remember… a successful life is not a life that’s measured by comparing your life to what others have done, a successful life is measured by comparing your life to what you are supposed to do.

Well, what am I suppose to do?? So how do I live His purposes??

In discovering your purpose, start with what you KNOW is God’s purpose for you.

2 Foundational Commands from which our purpose flows

Great Commandment: Jesus is clear about what matters most to Him in Matthew 22:36-40. When asked “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied:

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Great Commission: In his final moments on earth, Jesus reminds his followers of his authority, gives them  a mission of huge significance, and promises to help them accomplish his purposes.

Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ – Matthew 28:18-20

This mission is our mission. The apostle Paul reiterates the significance of this mission and purpose in 2 Corinthians 5:20,

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

God has given you priceless value, and he wants to use you for his purposes. There is really no greater identity and no higher calling than what God has given you.

So today, remember this… In Jesus (nothing else) we discover our priceless value and divine purpose.

The 140:
In Jesus (nothing else) we discover our priceless value & divine purpose.

Click To Tweet

We are praying for you as you live in that wonderful truth today!!

This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Who can you encourage today by sending them this devo?)

The Truth

by

Last week we talked about the identity crisis that so many college students face their first 30 days on campus. Today we want to talk about another crisis…a crisis of faith.

This crisis is rooted in the exact same thing a crisis of identity is – believing lies when life gets tough or your conditions change. It’s a given in life that circumstances will change and life will get unpredictably crazy. But in the midst of the craziness of life, don’t forget this truth:

Your circumstances in life will change, but God never changes!

God is God, no matter what & God’s truth is truth, no matter what.

In a culture where you are being told that everyone can hold their own truth and moral relativism and pluralism is being promoted as the norm, we need followers of Christ who hold to the truth, who stand, and who do the right thing no matter what.

Tolerance. Compromise. Co-exist.  These are words your generation hears a whole lot. You are told to find middle ground. But none of these messages change that fact that truth is truth, and truth never changes.

Today, I want to remind you of someone in the Old Testament who not only lived in a tolerance-driven society, but he stood for his faith in God NO MATTER WHAT. The story of Elijah can be read in 1 Kings 18.

A little background…

Ahab was the King over part of Israel. He was married to Queen Jezebel, who worshiped a false god named Baal. Over time, Ahab began to be more and more influenced by his wife to compromise his faith. Ahab built a temple and altars to Baal to appease his wife. And eventually Ahab, an Israelite, began to worship the false god of Baal! (Ahab slowly turned his back on the Creator of the universe, to please people by worshiping something created by people.)

The Israelites followed their King, and turned their backs on God to worship Baal also. God would not tolerate their disloyalty, so God sent the prophet Elijah to tell King Ahab that there would not be any rain, and not even any dew, until Elijah called for it. After many weeks, the plants began to wither and die. After many months, the drought dried up the streams and rivers. The lack of food and water caused animals to die, and soon death became imminent for the people. This drought lasted over three years. Finally, it was time for a decision…

Decision Time.

In 1 Kings 18:17, Elijah and King Ahab meet, and Elijah tells him, “Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mt. Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” So these 850 false prophets meet Elijah on the top of Mt. Carmel, and Elijah asks them an important question…

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.

This is such an important question, because truth demands a choice. Elijah made them choose, but he also showed them what it looked like to choose.

Showdown on Mt. Carmel.

Elijah tells them to build an altar and put a bull on each altar. Elijah then states, “Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire – he is God.”

So the prophets of Baal prepare their bull and shouted “Baal, answer us!” Verse 26 tells us, “But there was no response; no one answered.” They continued to call out all day into the evening, “But there was no response; no one answered.” (Vs. 29)

You know, what happened here still rings true today. No idol (“Any person, pleasure, or possession that is more important than your relationship to God.”) will ever have an answer!

Whatever it is that you are putting your trust in and giving your affection to other than God, don’t expect them to have an answer.

Idols never have an answer. (They are cheap imitations of God’s best.)
God always has an answer!

 

So Elijah called everyone to come in closer, and he repaired the altar of the Lord. He had the people pour 12 large jars of water on the bull and even around the altar. Elijah then prays that everyone would see God exalted and Elijah as only a servant of God. Then the miracle happened. “Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.” (Vs. 38)

What incredible faith Elijah had. Outnumbered 850 to 1, Elijah created a scenario in which only God could be honored.

I wish my faith was always that big!

Why do you think our faith is sometimes so small? Perhaps because it’s difficult to trust someone you don’t know well.

2 Truths

Consider these two truths…

  1. The more you know God, the more you trust God.
  2. The more you know truth, the easier it is to spot a lie.

When conditions change, when the cost is great, when the crowd is doing something else… are you going to choose what is easy or what is right? Are you going to build your life on the unchanging truth of God or on a changing lie?

The whole reason we developed the Grounded for Life plan for students is centered around this idea. Our theme verse is Jeremiah 17:8,

“They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”

That is our prayer for you – that you have deep roots and are unwavering in your commitment to God, no matter what.

Notice the effects of such faith, “When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord – he is God! The Lord – he is God!’” God always honors commitment to him and commitment to His truth.

So today, hold to the One that is truth and thank Him that although life in college will get crazy, He will NEVER change! Find peace as you live in that truth today!

Your circumstances in life will change, but God never changes. God is God no matter what & God’s truth is truth no matter what.

Click To Tweet

 

This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Who can you encourage today by sending them this devo?)

Freedom!

by

One of the biggest things I hear students say they look forward to in college is FREEDOM! (No more bedtime, no more curfew, no more opinions about what they wear, etc.)

BTW, Most college students quickly learn that with great freedom, comes great responsibility. But treated responsibly, freedom can be a wonderful thing!

Unfortunately, many college students do not enjoy that freedom responsibly and what they find is the very expressions of “freedom” have the reverse affect. They set out looking for freedom, but become enslaved to what they choose to do with that freedom. For example, many students have embraced drugs or alcohol as an expression of freedom and have become alcoholics, drug attics, or made life-altering decisions while under the influence. The very thing that they did in the name of freedom, ended up stealing abundant life from them. This idea is true for things not as severe as drugs or alcohol as well. Some students enjoy the attention they get from others when they dress a certain way or post certain pictures. In celebrating the freedom to do this, they end up becoming enslaved to a need for likes or attention.

Whatever it is, the reality is that God does not want us to be ensalved to anyone or anything. He wants us to experience freedom in a way that honors him. And he wants us to experience a full and satisfying life. Such a life is only found in abiding in Christ.

I want to share three important reminders to you today from a story about one of Jesus’ best friends.

John 11 – Story of Lazarus

Jesus receives word one day that his good friend Lazarus (the brother of Mary & Martha) is sick. Jesus responds in vs. 4 by saying, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Scripture points out in the very next verse, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” Jesus had a great love for these friends of his. That is why the next verse seems a little odd. “So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.” (vs. 6)

What!? If Jesus loved Lazarus, why would he stay where he was two more days??? Well, we later learn that Jesus wanted to do a far bigger miracle than they were asking for…

In the following verses we see three truths that every college student needs to grasp:

• There is nothing too dead for Jesus.

Vs. 17, “On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.” Lazarus wasn’t just dead. He was dead dead. In fact, when Jesus reached the tomb they were worried about the stench of what was inside. The fourth day was significant, because Jewish tradition believed that the spirit hovered over the body for 3 days. After three days, they were completely gone.

If you ever feel like you or someone else is too gone for God to save or Jesus to heal, that is a lie. Someone once told me “no matter how many steps you take away from God, it only takes one to get back to him.” That step is a step of surrender and obedience.

How awesome it is to think that no matter our condition, Jesus is able to give life.

• Jesus came to give life.

In vs. 38 we see, “Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. ‘Take away the stone,’ he said.” Jesus then blew their minds when he called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” When Jesus called him, “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.”

Can you imagine the response when everyone sees a mummy come walking out of the tomb??!

At the beginning of this story, the disciples were expecting Jesus to heal a sick man, but Jesus wanted to demonstrate that he can raise a dead man and bring life to that which had none. The sisters were wanting a healing. Jesus wanted a resurrection. That’s what Jesus does. He heals. He gives life!

John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that
they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Jesus died so that we can experience life. Life eternal in heaven for everyone who puts their faith in Him, and life abundant on this earth for all who abide in Him.

• Jesus came to set free.

We see that Lazarus emerged from the tomb wrapped in the death clothes of a mummy.  Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (vs. 44)

Jesus not only wants to give life, but free from all former evidence of death.

John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

Jesus doesn’t set us free to remain in bondage to anyone or anything. Jesus came to set free!

Notice this…

It’s important to go back note the shortest verse in Scripture in the context of this story. Most of us know the verse, but don’t know the context of it. John 11:35 says, “Jesus wept.” Why did Jesus weep?

Jesus wept because those he loved wept. Jesus loves us with a perfect and unlimited love and cares deeply when we hurt. I believe Jesus also wept because although his friends believed he could heal a sick man, they failed to see that He could and wanted to do immeasurably more than they even thought to ask.

Do you believe that God wants to do more in your life than you may even think to ask? Are you feeling distant and away from God? Do you ever feel like you’ve done something so bad, that Jesus can’t bring healing? Is there anything (a past mistake, an addiction, an attitude) that is robbing you of life?

If so, let me encourage you today to walk in the freedom of Jesus, the one who not only wants to give you life, but completely free you from all that would keep you from experiencing abundant life in Him!

The 140:

Jesus not only wants to give you life, but completely free you from all that would keep you from experiencing abundant life in Him.

Click To Tweet

 

This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Who can you encourage today by sending them this devo?)

Big God, Big Faith!

by

As excited as you may be about then new college experience, there are probably some things you are missing about home right now. (home-cooked food, laundry, a private bathroom, etc.)

One thing that many college students don’t realize they would miss about home is the security of it. As tough as high school may have seemed at the time or as ready as you once were to leave home, those days may more and more seem like times when things were easy and safe.

Some students describe the transition to college as being the first time in their lives that they have genuinely been scared…. scared about the future, scared about the responsibility, scared about the unknowns. Some are even scared about their faith being challenged or whether or not they will royally screw up in their walk with Christ.

Let me offer you some good news about fear. So much about dealing with fear is perspective. Your point of view from which you view your circumstances makes all the difference.

Here is some truth:

1) If you are a little scared… know that you are not alone.

In fact, everywhere you walk today you will pass other students who are dealing with their own fears. Some may be really good at hiding it, but it is there.

2) Fear is a tool of Satan.

Satan knows that he cannot take the salvation from those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. But he can do his best to steal their joy, their witness, their realization of God’s best for their lives. Fear often begins as a thought that can lead to intense emotions that can literally paralyze us. Fear cripples many college students and robs them of the abundant life that God intends for them, and provides for them through Christ.

3) The opposite of fear is faith.

While Satan wants us to live in fear, God wants us to live in faith. Throughout the Bible we see men and women who faced incredible circumstances and had to make a decision whether they would face them with fear or faith:

– David staring at Goliath
– Elijah, outnumbered 850 to 1 on Mt. Carmel
– Esther boldly approaching the King
– Moses standing in front of Pharaoh.
– Paul facing unimaginable hardships and persecution (and on and on)

Each had to make a choice based on truth that changed their perspective.

Paul’s perspective is no more clear than his words in Galatians 2:20,

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

You may be asking “How can Paul have this kind of faith?” Because he understood the object of his faith.

I heard Tony Evans share a story once of a businessman who had to travel to a small town for a meeting and invited his wife to come with him. His wife was excited about the trip until she learned her husband was going to be flown to the small town in a minuscule twin-engine plane. She told her husband that she decided not to go. “I’m not going on a little-bitty, twin-engine plane,” she told him. ” Her husband smiled, and said, “Honey, your faith is too small.” She responded, “No, the plane is too small.”  He really wanted his wife to go, so the businessman canceled the small plane and booked tickets with a major airline for a larger plane. His wife went with him because, as she put it, “her faith grew because the size of the plane grew.”

The object of her faith determined how much faith she decided to have.

4) The object of your faith determines how much faith you have.

Don’t be scared to put yourself in situations for the sake of God’s glory, where God is your only answer.

My friend, Dr. Jay Strack says, “The bigger your God, the smaller your obstacles.”

So how can you move beyond fear and live in faith today?
By meditating on the bigness of God and the Truth of His Word.

The Bible says that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. As you put your mind on the character of God and the good news of Jesus, you can view the obstacles you face today with perspective.

Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Overcoming fear begins in the mind. Meditate on God’s truth today. As you do, the lies of this world (the lies of Satan) will be exposed. As you focus on truth, you can walk in faith and confidence in the one who has a “good and pleasing and perfect” will for you.

And how awesome is it to know that the One who wants the best for you is the one who can do ANYTHING!

Today, find great joy and peace in abiding in the love of Christ and the truth that perfect love casts out fear! (1 John 4:18)

The 140:

The size of your faith is directly proportional to the object of your faith. Don’t be scared to trust God in BIG ways today!

Click To Tweet

 

This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Because we know you are busy, just click here & save as bookmark. You’re welcome.)

Welcome to College!

by

Welcome to college!

This is a big.. a HUGE… season in your life. Whether you are living at home or you moved off to college, you are discovering a new freedom, making new friends, having new experiences that are probably radically different than what was “normal” just a few months ago.

The college experience is truly unlike any other time in your life. Some students find that they have more freedom and time than they really know what to do with. Some students feel challenged beyond what they think they can even handle. But one thing is for sure… the experiences you have and the choices you make over the next 3-5 years will largely shape your future.

I know that the thought that the next few years can have consequences for a lifetime can be pretty scary. I mean there is so much that is unknown about the future right now. The unknown coupled with the radical changes that college brings leaves many students feeling nervous and fearful of what lies ahead. Unfortunately, the most significant factor in a student’s life – their spiritual life- is often neglected or set to the side. During this time of great change, the one thing that NEVER changes, God, is sometimes completely ignored.

While students may not plan to abandon their faith or relationship with God, many do not intentionally plan to grow in their faith and live God’s best for their lives. The purpose of these “First 30” devotionals is help you in this.

Let me remind you of two very important truths today:

1) God loves you and wants the very best for you.

Think about this. God (the creator of the universe, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords) loves you. He created you, He knows everything about you, and He loves you more than anyone else ever could. He demonstrated that love by giving very Son, Jesus, to die for you so that you could know Him and experience His best for your life…

Ephesians 3:20, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Think about that. God wants to accomplish more in and through us than we could ever imagine. What’s the prerequisite to experiencing this? “His mightly power at work within us.” Discovering and living God’s best is found only in relationship with Him and through His spirit at work in us. It’s about abiding in Him!

Here is another truth that many miss…

2) College can be an incredible time of spiritual growth and influence.

Jeremiah 17:8 describes the person who puts their hope and trust in the Lord.

“They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:8

Know that during a time of incredible changes and uncertainty that you can thrive. Like a tree with deep roots that is not bothered by changing climate, but continually producing fruit, you can thrive. How can you do this?

Again, by abiding in Christ. By relying on truth… not changing circumstances or feelings. By being intentional in pursuing and living God’s best.

We have done our best to send you off to college with an actual plan for how to be successful in this. This plan is based on the truth of God’s Word. It’s not a checklist or something you have to get exactly right. It’s simply truth that will help you discover and live God’s best.

Through these devotionals, we want to encourage you in your faith as you hold to God’s truth found in His Word and through abiding in Him. Over the next 30 days, we want to remind you that you can not only start well, but finish well. You’ve got this!! God has the best in store for you and He wants to use you in college and beyond in ways that you can’t even imagine!!

Know that we love you and are so proud of you. We are here for you. Do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call us or text if you need ANYTHING. We can’t wait to see what God does in and through you in the days and years ahead!

My prayer for you today is the prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3…

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth

14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

 

Now go and live with purpose today, trust in God, and be amazed at what happens!

 

The 140:

Students rarely plan to fail; most simply don’t plan NOT to. Don’t rob yourself from experiencing God’s best! Discover & live it!

Click To Tweet

 

This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Because we know you are busy, just click here & save as bookmark. You’re welcome.)

Not Alone (Parenting is tough…)

by

Parenting is tough… but you don’t have to do it alone.

There is a jar that sits in my office that is filled with ping-pong balls, 168 to be exact. That is the number of hours in a week. 165 of the balls are white and 3 are orange. The white balls represent the average number of hours our students spend away from church. These are the hours spent doing the things students do. The three orange balls represent the average number of hours our students spend a week in our Student Ministries programs. (Sure we offer more, but not all students take advantage of everything offered.)

This jar sits in my office to remind me and my team at Sugar Hill Church of several important realities. We have to…

Make It Count.

The first reminder is that we must make our limited time with students count. Our programming must be excellent. Every minute must count. We cannot afford to do anything halfway or without purpose. Every time students are with us, they must be encouraged, loved, and challenged. While ministry to students should be wildly fun and highly engaging, the end goal must be to help students discover and live God’s best for their lives. This is discovered in the Bible, experienced in relationship with Jesus, & expressed in serving. We must make a BIG DEAL of the things that are really a big deal.

Make It Personal.

Everything that matters begins and ends with relationship. Packing students in a room and “wowing” them with a program makes an impression. Getting involved with their lives and loving them with a relationship makes a difference. We must go where they are. We must understand their world. We must have the relational capital to know where students are and challenge them to something greater. Authentic relationships are the currency of accountability and a catalyst of consistent growth.

Authentic relationships are the currency of accountability…

Click To Tweet

The reason small groups are such a big deal at Sugar Hill Church is that relationships matter.

Bring It Home.

Most importantly, the jar reminds me of the fact that I am not the primary spiritual influence in a student’s life. That role still belongs to parents. Like it or not, parents have the awesome responsibility of spiritually training and making disciples of their children. My most important role, then, is to partner with parents and support them in this process. I can offer parents relevant biblical teaching for their students each week. I can offer small group settings for their teenager to build authentic relationships with their peers under the mentorship of loving adults. I can offer numerous experiences monthly for their student to learn about and engage in worship, serving, and leadership.

Like it or not, parents have the awesome responsibility of spiritually training and making disciples of their children.

Click To Tweet

Although our staff works tirelessly to ensure these things are offered with excellence, the impact of such opportunities falls short if the experiences and lessons learned are not directly tied back to the home. In order for these lessons to really “take root,” they must be reinforced and practiced at home.

For this to happen effectively, we (Student Ministries staff) must continue working intentionally to know families and be aware of their needs. Parents must work on continuously being aware of opportunities we offer students, as well as what happens at our programs and events (what is being taught, how students are being challenged, what commitment their students are making, etc.). As we partner and encourage one another, we can truly be teammates in fulfilling the most important responsibility we will ever have.

Here for you…

Such a partnership between a Student Ministry and families can be so effective in offering the best possible opportunities for students to grow in Christ and make a difference for Him. Please know that we are here for you and your family and want to be the best support we can be! You never have to feel alone.

Parenting is tough.  Thank God that He never intended for us to do it alone.

*Consider this a personal invitation to check out all Sugar Hill Church offers your family. I’d love to see you on Sunday at the 9:30 or 11:00 service.  A great way to see what he have going for students is at our Family Rally dinner this Sunday evening from 5-7pm. Please hit me up for details or click here for more info.

Chasing Greatness (5 ways to turn season goals into long-term success)

by

I was recently asked to challenge the Lanier High Football Team before they set individual & team goals for their season. The challenge was to approach season goals in a way that would pay dividends far beyond the game. Here are a few suggestions…

Great coaches, educators, and team leaders realize the value of leading individuals in an exercise to set goals that will challenge and motivate the team.

Such an exercise can provide much more than a target stat or team record for which to aim. It can also provide an opportunity to evaluate some foundational issues that will maximize the opportunities ahead of you.

As you evaluate the season ahead (in sports and life), consider these 5 ways to maximize your opportunity and turn pre-season goals into long-term success:

1) BE before you DO.

Before you determine what you want to DO, establish who you want to BE.

What you do flows from who you are. A right understanding of this can keep our focus in the right place. We get it wrong when we focus on the by-product more than the source.

Smoke & Fire
What if I woke up at night to a strong odor of smoke in my house and my biggest concern was opening the windows and turning on fans to get the smell out of my house? What would you say about me? That’s right…I’m an idiot!! Why? Because my focus should not be on the smell; my focus should be on the SOURCE of the smell…fire! Smoke is simply a by-product of the fire.

We realize this simple principle when it comes to fire, but sometimes we forget to apply it to our lives.

So many athletes are more concerned with:

– recruiting exposure than improving their game.
– having a microphone than having something to say.
– wanting to be a captain than actually leading.

The by-product always flows from the source. Get the source right, and the rest will take care of itself.

Like my friend Reggie Shaw (Head Coach, Byrnes High School) says, “You’ve got to BE before you DO.”

The Name on the Front

In setting goals, not only consider your identity, but also the identity of the team for which you play.

The name on the back of the jersey has got to embody the culture of the name on the front of the jersey. You have a responsibility to uphold the values and goals of the program that gives you an opportunity to play.

For example, Coach Korey Mobbs has determined that the Lanier High Longhorns are going to be about Character, Class, & Commitment in all they do. To put on a Longhorn jersey, each player must commit to represent those values both on and off the field. Make sure this is part of your goals.

 

2) Count the cost.

Determine what your goal is going to cost you. If it doesn’t cost you, it isn’t a worthy goal. Nothing great has ever been achieved without a great cost.

Your commitment and work ethic has got to match your goal.

Some people have got a $1 million goal and a 50 cent work ethic. That’s a problem. You either need to change your goal or change your roll!

If you are serious about your goal, what has to change to meet it? (5% more effort will probably not give you 60% more results.)

Nothing changes until something changes.

Some people have got a $1 million goal and a 50 cent work ethic. That’s a problem.

Click To Tweet

 

3) Take the lid off.

Don’t hinder the greatness that is in you from coming out of you.

As a coach, the hardest thing to see is wasted potential.

One thing I tell student athletes all the time is, “There is greatness in you….now go let it out!”

I constantly remind them not to put a lid on what they can achieve by:

– Making excuses. (“No excuses, no explanations.” – Tony Dungy)
– Listening to the noise of others’ expectations / opinions.
– Failing to see what they uniquely bring to the team.

You are unique and offer something to your team or organization that no one else can. Find what you offer, and give that better than anyone else. Realize your greatness and let it out!

 

4) Be Real.

Don’t pretend that you’re going to be someone on the playing field that you’re not in the classroom or in the community.

The playing field is simply a stage that shows a bigger audience who you really are.

If you are pursuing excellence in one area, but not another, then you have an identity crisis.

Faking
Social media has sold us a lie that it’s ok to change who we are based on the audience or circumstance. I know some students who are managing 3 or 4 social media accounts on the same platform. Why? Students are settling into a “Finsta” lifestyle of playing to different audiences.

How to be real
I love that Coach Mobbs is teaching his team these four ways to be R.E.A.L….

Relentlessly pursue excellence (in every area)
Exceed expectations (unmatched effort)
Always do the right thing
Live a life that matters

A life that matters
There is no better time than now to evaluate the things that matter most and make sure your priorities are in the right order. As important as sports are, they are not the most important thing in your life. Sports are not more important than Faith, family, or education.

If you look for fulfillment in sports, you will walk off the field feeling empty. Every. Single. Time. But as you understand the things that matter most and get those things in order, you can play the game with deeper significance. You can find more meaning and purpose in how you play and enjoy your sport. It starts with getting real.

 

5) We > Me.

Your biggest goals should be about the WE, not about the ME.

You shouldn’t strive to be the best ON the team before you strive to be the best FOR the team.

How are you putting the team above yourself?
In what ways are you seeking team recognition above your own exposure?
How are you adding value to your teammates?

The success of your team starts with you.

Your daily motto should be “If it’s going to BE for the WE, it’s up to ME.”

It’s not up to you to be the best player… but the best TEAMMATE.

I promise that those in the locker room with you care less about how good a player you are than how good a teammate you are.

Good teammates:
– work hard to get better individually for the good of the team.
– make those around them better.
– adapt to the changing needs of the team.
– embody the vision of the program.

It’s not up to you to be the best player… but the best TEAMMATE.

Click To Tweet

I’ve heard it said, “It’s not the team with the best players that win. It’s the players with the best team that wins.” This is true in sports, and it’s true in life.

0-0

The best part of the preseason is that everyone is 0-0. There is nothing but opportunity ahead…individual opportunity and opportunity for your team. Set goals that will push you to achieve your potential and make your team better. As you pursue such goals, I have no doubt that you will see success both on the field and in life.

Go let it out!

 

What drives you? (Identifying your personal leadership philosophy.)

by

Do you have a personal leadership philosophy? You may not have it written down, but we all have certain core beliefs and attitudes that drive our behavior.

It is a good idea for any leader to identify these core beliefs and write them down as a personal leadership philosophy. A written leadership philosophy not only easily communicates to others your core values and beliefs, but it also serves as a personal reminder for how you want to lead and what difference you want your leadership to make. It defines the why, what, who, and how of your leadership.

My Leadership Philosophy

Let me share my personal leadership philosophy with you, and then explain an easy way to think about identifying and writing yours.

I believe that identity and purpose are found in Christ alone.
I believe I am called by God to represent Christ to the world, in service & love.
I believe that God can do the impossible IN me and THROUGH me.

I have a purpose to point other to Jesus.
I have a passion to see others discover and live God’s very best for their lives.
I have a plan to empower others to change the world.

I will love people, not position.
I will lead people, not programs.
I will serve people, not praise.

I will seek to honor God in all I do.

Where To Start

The internet is full of ideas concerning how to go about developing a personal leadership philosophy, and the dozens of formulas / guides to writing one reveal that there is no universal “right” way. While many strategies focus on waxing eloquent on what leadership is, I think it is more helpful to focus on what leadership does.

Far more important than being able to talk about leadership is being able to lead in a way that makes a difference!

The most important part of developing a leadership philosophy is determining the foundation from which you lead.  Consider what a philosophy is and what it does. A philosophy begins with a foundation that guides behavior.

Philosophy: a theory or attitude held by a person or organization that acts as a guiding principle for behavior.

We all get to choose what we base our leadership on. Our leadership can come from ever-changing leadership theory (a supposition or uncertain belief) or it can be rooted in unchanging truth that leads to a settled way of thinking (attitude). 

Writing a personal leadership philosophy forces a leader to identify what guiding principles lead them as a leader.

A Simple Approach

Instead of basing your leadership on uncertain beliefs or the latest leadership buzz words, consider this simple (but more sure) approach to a philosophy of leadership:

TRUTH >>> ATTITUDE >>> ACTION (BEHAVIOR)

Reflect on these three key elements and take some time to answer the developmental questions on each one…

TRUTH:
“the state of being the case: fact”

Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount by telling a story about two guys who went out and built houses. One built his house on a shifting foundation and the other built his house on a solid foundation. When inevitable storms hit, only the house built on a solid foundation stood. To build your life or leadership on anything other than God’s unchanging truth is to lead from a place of instability and uncertainty. Define what core biblical truths you want to shape your leadership and actions. Identify at lease 2-3 truths, and try to keep them as succinct as possible.

– What 2-4 foundational biblical truths do you want to shape your leadership and your actions?


ATTITUDE:
“a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.”

A leader who builds their life and leadership on unchanging truth can have a confident and settled mindset (attitude). They can have a certainty in purpose, passion, and vision. For the follower of Jesus, the goal should be to have the same attitude as that of Christ. (Philippians 2:5)  What do you want to communicate about your mindset, based on the core truths that drive your leadership?  This is a great place to say something about your purpose, passion, and vision.

– Based on the truths you identified, what is your settled way of thinking about your purpose?
– What passion do you want to drive your behavior?
– What influence do you want to have / what difference do you want to make?


ACTION (Behavior):
“the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others.”

The impact of truth on one’s attitude is reflected in behavior. The end goal of leadership is action, both personally and through influencing others to action. Leadership that is not actionable is not influential.  Effective leaders have the same mindset as the apostle Peter when he encourages his readers to “prepare your minds for action…” (1 Peter 1:13). What will be the focus of your action? What can others expect of your behavior as it relates to the core truths from which you lead?

– Based on truth & attitude, how do you want to act towards others?

 

One Last Challenge…

Now that you have identified these important elements, I have one last challenge. Take everything you have written and condense it down into one brief summary statement. Yes, I know this can be tough. But if someone asked you to describe your leadership philosophy or approach in one sentence, what would it be? (Again, try to keep it at 25 words or less.)

SUMMARY STATEMENT:

– If you had to reduce your entire personal leadership philosophy to one statement, what would it be?

 

Here is how my personal leadership philosophy breaks down based on the elements defined above:

TRUTH
I believe that identity and purpose are found in Christ alone.
I believe I am called by God to represent Christ to the world, in service & love.
I believe that God can do the impossible IN me and THROUGH me.

ATTITUDE
I have a purpose to point other to Jesus.
I have a passion to see others discover and live God’s very best for their lives.
I have a plan to empower others to change the world.

ACTION (Behavior)
I will love people, not position.
I will lead people, not programs.
I will serve people, not praise.

SUMMARY
I will seek to honor God in all I do.

 

Please don’t see my leadership philosophy as the “right” way to write one.  (Remember, there is not one right way and mine is unlike every “right” way I’ve seen described.)  But this statement serves as a great reminder to me of what I really value and from what foundational truth I want to lead. 

I’m confident that taking the time to identify and write your personal leadership philosophy will prove to be helpful in communicating to others and reminding yourself of why and how you lead.

Helpful Tips:

  • Don’t be overwhelmed by the goal of reducing a lot of things you value into a concise document. Start the process. It’s OK if the document evolves over time as you live with it and continue to hone it. Just start somewhere. The process of developing a written philosophy may be more important than the finished product.
  • Once you have a written leadership philosophy, put it somewhere you can see it daily. Mine is on my bathroom mirror. Begin each day by considering why, what, and how you will lead today.

 

If these thoughts on writing a personal leadership philosophy are helpful, please feel free to share.  Also, to have future blogs send directly to your email, feel free to subscribe by clicking HERE and entering your email address on the right.  (Don’t worry, if my blogs become lame, you can unsubscribe at any time.  I promise I will not be offended, and we can still be friends.) 

Your 5 Best Ministries

by

I see people all the time searching feverishly to find their perfect place of service. Some people refer to this as their “best ministry.” Maybe the Worship Team audition didn’t go as planned (you’re not sure why – you sound GREAT in the shower) and your one night on Tech Team ended with the fire alarm going off. Perhaps you are discouraged and thinking you may never find your “best ministry.”

It is certainly great to understand your giftedness, abilities, and passions, and use them to serve the local church. Unfortunately, in this search, people sometimes miss their best ministries right in front of them.

Check out these five things that could actually be your best ministries…and be sure not to miss the last point!

– Friendship

What?! Friendship is a ministry? Yep.

Think about it:
Has there ever been a time you felt alone and someone unexpectedly befriended you?
How did that make you feel? What did that do for you?

The Bible describes the beauty and value of friendships…

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” – Proverbs 27:17

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” – Ecclesiastes 10:9-10

We were created to live in community, so healthy friendships is something we all crave…even the people that pretend to want everyone to leave them alone. Because of this, simply befriending someone could be a life-changing experience for them!

While it is great to have a few close friends that can be your source of strength, encouragement, and accountability, let’s not miss the opportunity to have meaningful relationships with a lot of friends. Don’t miss the opportunity to change someone’s life by reaching out to them.

Consider the implications of reaching out to someone, according to Matthew 25:37-40,

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”

So as we reach out to others, God is honored.

Can we agree that befriending someone is something easy and meaningful we can do?

– Prayer

Prayer is not only the single greatest untapped power that is available to every Christ-follower, but it is also an incredible ministry. Have you ever had someone tell you they were praying for you, and you believed them? How did that make you feel? I bet you felt incredibly loved and valued that someone took the time to petition the Creator of the Universe on your behalf.

And you know what else? Prayer makes a difference.

“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” – 1 John 5:14

Consider the reality of that. God. Hears. Us. God wants us to pray to him and he hears us. Scripture urges us to use this privilege to pray for others.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” – 1 Timothy 2:1

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.” – James 5:16-18

So prayer is powerful. Praying is something you can do. And praying for others really does make a difference.

What types of prayers should we pray for others? Would you say praying for others is something meaningful you can do?

– Invitation

We all love to be invited to things. Invitations communicate that you are wanted, valued, and appreciated. Did you know that a simple invitation can be life-changing? Consider this:

Nearly 90% of new church attenders come to church because of a personal invitation from a friend.

I could tell you story after story of students whose lives have been change as the result of a simple invitation. How easy is it to invite someone to church, a movie, or a small group!? Your invitation could make all the difference in the world to them.

Just recently I baptized an incredible high school student who told me her life was changed by an invitation to a Wednesday night Gathering at Sugar Hill Church. She had never been to church in her life and she came that night and felt such love and acceptance, that she came back the next week. She has been coming every week since for the past year. (More of her story later…)

An invitation to church is pretty easy. There are other life-changing invitations we can make that include an invitation to explore faith more, to trust Christ, or to be bold in living one’s faith.

What are some life-changing invitations you can make this week? Would you say that giving a personal invitation to someone is something you can do?

– Conversation

How many conversations do you have a day? What percentage of those would you consider to be “meaningful” (about more than just sports, weather, gossip, etc.)? Consider how many “good friends” you have that you never have meaningful conversations with. (Why is that?)

In a world where “communication” is largely texts and tweets, people hunger to be heard and to have meaningful conversation. In a society of soundbite communication, people long to be understood.

Here is the problem with that… we were created to live in community where we can know others and where we can be known. This is why a simple meaningful conversation with someone could be life-changing for them.

What could make a conversation meaningful?

– Simply asking questions following an event or small group.
– Continuing a serious conversation.
– Bringing up spiritual matters.
– Asking someone their thoughts on things that matter most in life.

Remember the student that was invited by a friend to church and felt so accepted that she came back? Over the following weeks her friends would have conversations with her about what she was hearing and learning at church. These friends (for the first time) were having meaningful conversations about faith, God, and life. Several months after she first came, this girl trusted Jesus, was baptized, and is growing so much in her faith! A year later, she is leading worship and is making an incredible difference for Christ.

It began with an invitation followed by conversation.

How can you have a conversation this week that could be life-changing for a friend?  Would you say that having meaningful conversations is actually possible?

– Disciple-Making

I know what you may be thinking, “Wait a second…making-disciples? All of the other things were pretty easy, but I can’t make disciples.” Well before you stop reading, check out this NEWSFLASH:

If you are doing the above things with intentionality, you already ARE doing disciple-making things.

It’s true.

Perhaps this is hard for you to believe because you have these ideas that “disciple-making” is reserved for the spiritually elite. For so long, I used to think that making disciples sounded like really hard work and required the following:

– Seminary degree.
– Thick, like really thick Bible.
– A fancy journal (not from Walmart, but from Lifeway or something).
– Commentary set (from a dead guy with weird last name).
– Deluxe hi lighter set.

Well, contrary to perfectly staged social media posts, discipleship is not limited to an artsy landscape that includes coffee, books, thick Bibles, highlighters and a fake leather-bound journal.

Now it may include those things, and certainly some of those elements are very important (Bible = very important, hi lighters = just fun.), but that is not the SOLE picture of discipleship.

Jesus repeatedly gave us great examples of discipleship in how he related to others. Throughout his ministry, we see Jesus:

– Reach out to others (befriend)
– Meet their physical needs
– Engage in meaningful conversation focused on truth
– Invite them to walk with him.
– Model for them a life that honors God.

I’ve got news for you… if you can intentionally build relationships, pray, invite, engage in meaningful conversations, and walk with others, you can make disciples!!!

Let’s get over our fear of making disciples and be about the greatest mission that Jesus gave each of us in Matthew 28:18-20,

“‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” – Jesus

And as you are about the work of doing these things, don’t miss the incredible promise Jesus gave us,

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

That’s great news!  Consider this:

Perhaps your “best ministries” happen moment by moment as you simply live in the reality that Jesus has not only called called you, but also empowered you to change the world as you abide in him.

Maybe disciple-making is not something to be feared, but something that happens organically as you intentionally live in this reality.

Perhaps you have been dabbling in your best ministries without even realizing it.

And perhaps these best ministries, empowered by Jesus, might just change the world!

Have fun today living that out.

 

*I really appreciate all those who take the time to read this blog.  If you like it, please share.  You can get content delivered directly to your inbox by clicking HERE and entering your email address in the subscription box.  (You can totally opt out at any time if my blog becomes lame.)  Thanks!

_______________________________

Group discussion starters:

– Friendship

How many friends do you have?
Has there ever been a time you felt alone?
Have you ever had someone unexpectedly befriend you? How did this make you feel?

– Prayer

How often do you pray?
What do you mostly pray about?
How have you felt when someone told you that they were praying for you?

What types of prayers should we pray for others?

– Invitation

How many of you like being invited to things?
What’s the greatest thing you’ve ever been invited to be a part of?
How did you feel when you were invited?

What are some life-changing invitations you can make this week? (Church, camp, etc)
What are some creative ways you can invite others to these opportunities?

– Conversation

How many conversations do you have a day?
What percentage of you conversations a day would you consider to be “meaningful” (about more than just sports, weather, gossip, etc.)?

How can you have a conversation this week that could be life-changing for a friend?

– Discipleship

What do you think that “making disciples” looks like?
How hard do you think this may be?

What is the great news (and promise) from Jesus regarding making disciples?