I recently read something by Brennan Manning that really hit between the eyes to how blessed I really am. In The Ragamuffin Gospel, he writes, “We are equally privileged but unentitled beggars at the door of God’s mercy.” (Ouch!) I live most of my life in belief that I deserve this or I am worth that, but the simple fact is that I deserve zilch, zero, nothing. One of the beautiful mysteries of God is this that I deserve nothing less than rejection and death, but he pours out His love and mercy to me everyday. If a man ever walked on this earth that deserved His love and grace, it certainly is not I. The greatest gift I ever received was offered to me before I was even conceived before my ancestors ever considered their lineage; love and mercy. I so readily accept and take for granted this gift, but wondering what my life would rally look like if I could live this realization out for a mere week or even a day?
The Pittsburgh Project
I wanted to draw your attention to one of the most amazing community development organization I have ever been had the privilege to be involved with, The Pittsburgh Project. I was an adult leader that took a group of high school students with a church I attended in college. In that week I witnessed so many heart changes not just with the family my work team assisted, but also the kids I lead. The organization was so well ran and the projects that the kids are given make real impacts and life changes, not just cosmetic that fade once they are gone. I highly recommend this trip for any Youth Pastors considering Spring Break or Summer Youth Trips.
Go, serve a community one home at a time.
another man in the boat
There has been a reoccurring theme in my life for the past year and it revolves around the story of Peter getting out of the boat and walking on the ocean to Jesus (Matt 14:24-32). The story has influenced or tormented me so, that is the basis for the name of this blog, Just Jump.
Recently, I have been praying for something as clear as I what heard roughly a 9 months ago at the 3C Leadership Conference on my next step. This story of Peter stepping out of the boat started to haunt me after this conference and a message given by Dave Ferguson entitled Jump. Well it came on Sunday at The Orchard and delivered by Scott Hodge. The message was in reference to us living out the potential that God has placed in us, that He has a plan for each of our lives, and God wants us in spite of our mistakes and failings; all we need to do is ‘Just Jump’. We need only have the faith to trust God. The message came from Matthew 14:24-32 the story of Peter having enough faith to step out of boat. It wasn’t obvious or did it make sense that Peter would step out of the comfort of the boat during the storm, but he did.
It felt as though the message was written and Scott was delivering it directly to me. I know, call me deranged and narcissistic, but it definitely spoke to my spirit my inner conflict. It is really awesome how the Holy Spirit can take a singular message and deliver it directly to person like me, because I am sure there were others there that felt as I.
I secretly want to be Peter, to have the courage to climb over the rail of the boat and completely trust. I hear God calling, but I am struggling with leaving the comfort of the boat behind.