24

Just finished Season 5. Watched the last three discs today...that's twelve episodes in a row, a new record for me. My head is fried. Anyway if I ever got to meet Keifer I would give him a big hug and thank him for the 120 hours on excitement he has brought into my life. Looking forward to Season 6 starting on Sky in three weeks. Should be just as awesome as the last five. Thanks to Glen for lending me the box set, it shall be returned within 36 hours of borrowing, how's that for a return service.

Christmas Carols

On Friday night Dromore Youth for Christ had their first ever Carol Service. When Cheryl and I planned it we thought it would be cool to combine tradition and contemporary, so we based the service on the nine carols and lessons but mixed in new worship songs with ancient carols, chucked in some drama and kids for good measure and we ended up having an amazing night. Around 200 people from the town came along and we raised almost £800 into the bargain. God is good. Just wanted to thank all the guys who worked so hard in the run up to the event and on the day. The Worship Band Sebomai, the Base Crew and the Base Kids. You were all amazing.

Tagged

Thanks to Pete Martin for tagging me and making me give you some useless information about myself...so here goes, 5 things you probably don't know about me

1. I used to be a really fit, athletic rugby player who played Ulster Schools Rugby, captained my school 1st XV and even got paid to play at Instonians RFC. I retired from serious rugby to play with my true colours and currently play for Grosvenor Rugby Club
2. I became a Christian in Crossroads Church in Dundonald when I was 17
3. I love watching TV and my favourite shows are CSI, The Unit, E-ring and 24
4. I am shy
5. I love deep sea fishing but don't get to do it much due to the lack of deep sea in Dromore.

Food tasting

I woke up with a class verse on my heart this morning...

Psalm 34:8 says

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Lovely thought, seems as though it is ok to take God slowly, feel your way, see what you think, if you sample him, you will probably want the whole thing. You will see that he is good.

A lot like me sometimes

Two goats, frisking gayly on the rocky steeps of a mountain valley, chanced to meet, one on each side of a deep chasm through which poured a mighty mountain torrent. The trunk of a fallen tree formed the only means of crossing the chasm, and on this not even two squirrels could have passed each other in safety. The narrow path would have made the bravest tremble. Not so our Goats. Their pride would not permit either to stand aside for the other.
One set her foot on the log. The other did likewise. In the middle they met horn to horn. Neither would give way, and so they both fell, to be swept away by the roaring torrent below.

Waking up

Man I am finding it hard to get out of bed these mornings. Rebecca and I must hit the snooze button like five times. It seems that every time we hit snooze the harder it is to actually get out of bed. The mornings are cold, dark, damp and I guess most people are struggling to get into their lives and jobs at this time of year. I know I am. I have been trying to find a remedy, because I don't want the winter months to just happen, God is still with us and for us and in us and so each day has potential. I have tried practical things, going to bed earlier, having my quiet time in the morning. I have tried crazy things like cold showers and loud music in my cd alarm clock. None of it is working. I need some new idea. Does anyone have any inspiration on how to get up early in these winter mornings and be excited about the day ahead? I would love some help on this one.

Just home from Drop In

I decided not to go to rugby tonight but to head along to The Base and do a bit at Drop In. It was just like the old days when Andy and I would run our that ministry. The place was bunged with kids, playing pool, playstation and table tennis, eating toast and chips and making lots of noise. It was amazing. New kids that I had never seen, old ones that have been around forever. It was cool to watch the ministry team tonight. Many of them have become Christians through drop in and are now there reaching out to kids who were just like them. I was in the kitchen tonight chatting to one girl who was making toast for the kids and it was just like God was doing a voice over in my head saying check this out Steve, six months ago she was lost, without me, and now she is my child and she is serving me and my children. That I guess has become my heart, reaching young people, training them, releasing them, watching them, coaching them. Tonight I was thanking God for reminding me of what He can do through relationships.

Beloved

God you are bigger

God you are bigger than every fear that comes to cripple me
You are bigger than everything that comes against me
You are bigger than all the worries that threaten to crush me
You are bigger than every dream that comes to distract me
You are bigger than every temptation that tries to pull me down
You are bigger than my failings, bigger than my successes, bigger than me.

No wonder David could say "The eternal God is my refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms"

I love you God for being so big, especially when I recognise how small I am

Stressed out

Tonight I finally realised just how stressed out I have got. I flipped the lid over the silliest thing. I cracked up, screamed at myself, freaked out and ended up in the shower trying to calm down. After five minutes alone with God is the shower I found myself laughing at just how stupid I am. I have been so busy ignoring the big things in my life that the little things have been filling up the gaps and now they have no where to go. The result...the freak out. I guess it's time to address some of those big things that are the real cause of my stress that are really getting me down. Tonight I am praising God for drawing close to me in brokenness and for also giving me the most amazing, patient, caring wife who just always knows the right way to react to me, knows the right things to say and has the ability to see what is really going on with me even when I don't know myself.

I love Friday afternoons

It's Friday afternoon and I am all alone in my office. It is bliss. Heading to City Church tonight to hear Pete Greig. I am really looking forward to hearing stories of God and faith. I could do with a dose of faith myself.

It's been a weird week. I spent four days on retreat with my staff and yesterday and today I have been flat out looking at fundraising...not so exciting. I am looking forward to Christmas. It's only three weeks. It's gonna be great to get some quality time with Rebecca and to eat lots of quality food.

Gonna spend time working on my distant learning course this afternoon. I am just thre assignments away from completing my Cert in Christian Ministry and Mission but the next two assignments are on Social Involvement and Pastoral Care both of which I know nothing about!

On Retreat

Currently on a four day retreat with thew Staff Team from Dromore Youth for Christ. We are trying to mix together four days of spiritual formation, fun, friendship and memories. So far so good. I have introduced these young people to an ancient form of entertainment...board games and then also to one of favourite past times, playing Buzz on the PS2.

It has been so cool just to hang out together, eat good food...I had my first stir fry! It has been class to go for walks, read my book, listen to music and watch movies.

If you are trying to think of a good stocking filler for someone for Christmas, I reccommend, Yahtzee, it's become something of an addiction on our retreat to the extent where team members keep sneaking off to play it by themselves on their free time.

In awe

I went to The Mandate yesterday. I was plesently surprised to meet with God. I didn't really want to be there and I tried to get out of it but when I eventually got home at bed time last night I was glad I went. I am not really big on conferences because they tend to give you a boost, a kick up the back side, get you all fired up, send you out and about a month later you are back to square one. The other thing that happens is I get a little depressed at large gatherings. My thought process goes a little like this...wow 2000 men, imagine if 2000 men started living flat out for Jesus this country would be transformed, then it comes, like a big bang...the reality check...never gonna happen.

Yesterday though was different. Let me explain why.

Paul Reid from CFC. I have never heard Paul teach before, but I have gotta say I was and am in awe of this man of God. I am not one for heroes or having favourites but I was just blown away by every word that Pastor Paul preached. I could have sat under his ministry for a long time. He did something I haven't seen done before in a gathering like that. He taught the Gospel. He got 2000 Christian men around him and he taught the simple message of the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Grace of God. It was fresh, it was foundational, it was spiritually formational. It was almost as if God was saying Paul, I'm going to knock everything down, then you relay the foundation.

A day later and a church service older and a sunday dinner on down the line and I am excited that those simple truths that Paul taught yesterday are still burning deep in my soul.

The goal of yesterday we were told was the unlocking of Grace in the souls of men...gotta say

job well done.

Sky+

Over the past few weeks I have been enjoying the privilege of having Sky+ It is amazing. I just love that I can watch what I want when I want. Ministry life means I get very little time to relax or just watch TV, now when I get an hour to unwind or a night off I can actually watch my favourite programmes, CSI, CSI NY, CSI Miami, NCIS, The Unit, Cold Case, Law and Order and I even watch a few programmes on the God Channels. I am a fan of Phil Baker and Riverside Church. They are currently teaching a series called, Think for a change, about Christians using their brains. It's great.

Anyway I thought I would stick up a picture I snapped from the roof of Castlecourt. It reflects my mood today as I think about change, about direction about the journey. It's deep, as we would say in Dromore.

Come here you

Been putting together the programme for The Gathering and I had a little bit of an encounter with God. I found this awesome video clip about God waiting for us and calling us to meet with him, first I thought wow this would be great for him and her oh and him and then I heard the whisper...and for you. God is calling me today. I am gonna get as much tied up as possible and then after lunch go and spend some time in the Base prayer room. I want to get close to Jesus today and hear something from his heart to listen to his intimate words of life and to remind myself that Man cannot live by bread alone

Interesting retreat

Was away with the staff of YFCNI on retreat at the end of last week. It was a weird experience. It was almost undefinable as to whether it was good, great, excellent or boring. Honestly I am still unpacking the whole thing trying to figure out when and where and if we met with God and what on earth was He saying. This is a really positive thing and so I guess even the journey suggests the answer.

I was however glad to get back on Friday and preach at The Gathering. It was a really cool night with a real community atmosphere. I taught on John 3 and Spiritual Rebirth. It is fascinating to approach John 3 looking for God rather than a pre-millenial, pre-tribulation, westernised, evangelical approach to the concept of being 'born again'

Anyhow I am taking this morning at home to do the ironing and cleaning etc and heading into work this afternoon. Looking forward to the next couple of weeks and some quality time with my staff on retreat next week.

Retreat time!

It's the YFCNI Staff Retreat this week. Myself, Cheryl and all the rest of the YFCNI team head to White Park Bay for some quality time together. I am really looking forward to getting away and getting some time with the Lord and with the guys. I am excited to see how the Base Interns get on with Cheryl and I out of the picture. So anyway I wont be able to blog for a few days. Blessings

Wipe out

Yesterday I wiped out. I was up early, feeling good and then about 10am my body just started freaking out, dizziness, headache, back ache and of course vomitting...mmm, I like! I was so sick I couldn't even watch tv (which is so annoying because i got SKY this week), I had to cancel speaking at The Gathering and go to bed. I spent the whole day getting up and down to be sick and lying on the bathroom floor thinking the world was going to end. Anyway I got up this morning and after a good nights sleep I feel much better. Still got a flu but at least I can see straight! The human body blows my mind how it has the capacity to fix itself. I guess for me that is a big God thing.

Going the Distance

Oh my goodness, this man knows me better than I know myself. That is what I thought when I started reading this book.

This book is going to be one of those books that changes everything about my life. It is as if someone has peeled back my head and jumped into my soul and started to tell me who I am, why I do what I do, why I feel what I feel and how to deal with the stuff that a life in ministry does to you. The book is about, well this is the blurb... Going the Distance

"Unfortunately, a growing number of Christian ministers don't seem to possess that staying power. 44% of all pastors who have been involved in ministry for more than 15 years suffer from 'burn out', or mental breakdown or serious illness. And that doesn't include those who fail to continue in active ministry for other reasons, such as immorality or loss of faith.

Going The Distance is about making sure you're not one of those statistics. Drawing on decades of biblical reflection and experience, Peter Brain explains how to keep fit mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually for the long-haul"

Anyway this book has been written for people like me, people who want to live for God but who recognise they need help to do it.

What a difference a day makes

I have been off work for a day and it has done me good. I have not really done anything but still I feel better. I have enjoyed the space, the time to think, reflect and just enjoy doing the ironing, washing the car, play the PS2 and flaff around. I am gonna grab my Bible now and go for a quiet time with JC. Blessings

Getting my head together

My head is all over the place. I feel like I have been in a boxing match and I am dazed. I need the bell to ring so that I can sit in the corner and have a wee break. My thoughts are like disco lights, raving around my head, never staying focused on any one thing. I guess its time to get my head back in the game buf first I need a time to focus, to catch a vision, to assess the objectives.

I need a touch from my master.

Bec's Birthday

It's Rebecca's birthday today. She is 25. I can't believe it. Time goes so quickly, it only seems like yesterday when I met Rebecca for the first time, she was 16. Anyway, Rebecca, you are the love of my life, and you are still a wee cutie, even if you are really old!!!

What's Up Doc?

I made the mistake recently of working through the concept of discipleship with my mate Gareth. He is a big bible guy and studies with Precept Ministries, basically, he knows his stuff. So we spent about two months meeting, emailing, planning and intensively working through the idea of discipleship, asking the hard questions, dreaming up models and concepts of growth and following Jesus. We have tried to understand Rabbinic models of discipleship, modern models, post modern, we have searched the scriptures and gleaned from experts and we have finally come up with something that seems to work for us in Dromore Youth for Christ. It's called the DOC principle. It kind of flowed out of some teaching I did on 'what it really means to be a Christian.' It has since though become one of those things that you just know your life is going to revolve around and be bult upon. We really felt God lead us to 2 Timothy and especially 2 Timothy 2. Paul passing on his model to young timothy, he says teach others etc etc, then he hits him with the DOC principle. He says be like a Soldier (Disciplined) like an athlete (Obedient) and like a hard working farmer (Committed). We kind of figured this is at the centre of what it really means to be a follower of Christ. To be a disciplined, obedient, committed Christian...continually challenging yourself with the questions...what's up doc?

Walking

Back to work this morning! I am not sure how excited I am. As I write this I see my staff walking through the door and I think, yeh, I am a little excited. It is a privilege to teach and love and serve these kids and their heart for Jesus inspires me on.

Yesterday I thought it would be nice to go for a wee walk with the Mrs so we went to Castlewellan for a walk through the forest and round the lake. We parked just outside Leitrim and walked about 5 miles in all. It was spectacular. The sun was shining and the trees were golden. I was thinking alot about Al Emerson's teaching on Sabbath, especially the bit about joining with God in creation.

Anyway I really was inspired by the beauty around me and Becci caught a glimpse of it with her magic eye for the camera. Enjoy some of the pics

Taking it easy

It's nearly 4pm and I am just out of bed! Been having a lazy day relaxing with a few movies, the laptops and Rebecca. What I am most excited about today is that I am off work tomorrow as well. Due to only having one car sadly I cant go to rugby training tonight but I will do some extra situps and press ups to make up for it.
I am sitting looking out my study window and the trees are an amazing golden colour, the grass is blowing in the wind and green fields as far as I can see. The sun is shining and the sky is baby blue. It's a wonderful day.
It is just so good sometimes to just do nothing and then in the nothingness recognise the goodness. God is good.

Moving house

I am teaching tonight on John chapter 1: The title of my message is 'In a Galaxy Far far away' my theme is how God was logos, a concept, an idea, a power in the universe that controlled things...just like The Force in Star Wars. John said 'in the beginning was the logos' but the main thrust of my teaching is that God did not stay a distant concept disconnected from the thing that he controlled instead he became a part of it, John1 v14 says the logos became flesh (human) anyway what I really love is how Peterson puts it in The Message, I will let you enjoy the application yourself...

The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighbourhood...John 1:14 (The Message)

Bruce Milne in his commentary on John in the Bible Speaks Today Series suggests four reasons for this amazing trip through the universe, through humiliation, through creation as God joins the human race through Jesus

They are

Salvation

Affirmation

Identification

Adoration

What a great sermon that would make...it gets me in the mood for Christmas

The Gathering

Spending today working on new websites for the ministry. 3 more to go and then I can do some other random thing. Anyway I would appreciate your prayers for The Gathering on Friday. I begin a new 8 week teaching series on John's Gospel. Sebomai, the Base Worship Band also lead in worship for the first time, which is exciting. Please feel free to come along.

Leadership Challenge

My friend and Pastor on Vancouver Island, Ken Castor posted this blog. I thought it was really interesting. He is studying for his Masters at Regent College, Vancouver

From Ken's Blog

Guy Saffold, an executive ministries director for Campus Crusade for Christ, is leading one of our courses this week on leadership. He's just one of those "leaders" who is "leading" me into a "leadership" quagmire right now. He challenges George Barna, who once wrote that "Leadership is the most important thing for the church." Dr. Saffold responds by offering a re-reading of Hebrews chapter 11, replacing the word "faith" with the word "leadership." It's funny. This is from the "New Leadership Translation:"

"What is leadership? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. God gave his approval to people in the days of old because of their leadership. By leadership we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did come from anything that can be seen. It was by leadership that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did... And although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us because of his leadership. It was by leadership that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying... It was by leadership that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood... It was by leadership that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land... It was by leadership that Sarah together with Abraham was able to have a child... All of these leaders died without receiving what God had promised them, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed the promises of God. It was by leadership that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him... It was by leadership that Isaac blessed his two sons, Jacob and Esau... It was by leadership that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff. And it was by leadership that Joseph, when he was about to die, confidently spoke of God's bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt... It was by leadership that Moses' parents hid him for months... It was by leadership that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be treated as the son of Pharoah's daughter... It was by leadership that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground... It was by leadership that Rahab the prostitute did not die with all the others in her city who refused to obey God... Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the leadership of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By leadership these people over threw kingdoms... All these people we have mentioned received God's approval because of their leadership... Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of leadership, let us strip off every weight that slows us down..."

AND IT GOES ON. It is funny. But then why are we so tempted to replace faith with leadership? It's clear biblically, that faith may just perhaps possibly play kind of an important role in pursuing God's plans for ministry.

(Thanks for this insight and reminder Ken, I am reminded on something my own Pastor, Phil Emerson said, "it is disobedient to ask God to show you the future, faith is simply putting your hand in his hand and letting him lead you."

Prayer

I made the mistake of reading Red Moon Rising this month. Now God has grabbed a hold of my heart and given me a passion for prayer in a way that is scaring me. He has started answering my prayers in a way that is scaring me. I don't Pete Greig (the author of Red Moon Rising) but I have a feeling I would get on with him. The guys at the Base are so passionate about prayer. We have this awesome Prayer Team (7 young guys) who meet together everyweek to intercede for Dromore, for Northern Ireland for the Kingdom.

I put them together their own ministry website this week so check it out. Leave them some prayer requests, maybe enjoy some time in the worship room.

www.praydromore.com

Back to the future

I don't know if you watched Back to the Future this weekend. It was on ITV3. What an amazing thing to do, time travel! I would love the opportunity. Last night was a bit of time travelling for me. I was back preaching in my home church, Castlereagh Gospel Hall. It was about a million light years away from Emmanuel or Mannafest, in fact it is about as traditional a church as you can get. Everyone wears suits, hats, big leather Bibles etc etc. I sold out and wore a tie! My brother was down and he gave me a bit of stick for dressing up. But I have to say despite dreading going back and being so nervous that I sweated about 3 litres of juice I really enjoyed it. It was great being back among humble people. The prayer meeting beforehand consisted of myself and 3 elders. The presence of God in the basement blew my mind. Watching these three humble giants really got to me. Years and years of ministry experience and yet they crouch low before God beseaching him for the salvation of souls. I came away from last night feeling encouraged, challenged, thankful and hopefully more humble.

Early mornings

I am not a morning person but thanks to my job and the fact that Becky and I share a car, or I scobe a lift, I have had to get into the routine of starting work every morning at 8am...yes 8am! I may well be the only person in the world in youth ministry who is sitting at his desk at that horrible time of the morning. The other thing I have noticed about my life and it's development in the last six months is the settling of a routine. I hate it but it has happened. But I have to say, it may well be one of the best things that has happened to me. I have learned the discipline of a diary (although I still overlooked one speaking engagement last week, much improved on last years five or six.) I also have time every morning to prepare for my team arriving into work. My devotional life actually exists and I have some time off work for like the first time ever. But it brings challenges to...like leaving room for God, being responsive to God's spirit and being desperate for God's power.

My other passion

I love rugby. Next to Jesus and Rebecca it is next in line for my heart. I used to be a lot more serious.Back in the day...like ten years ago...I was an Ulster Schools player, I played Senior AIL Rugby with Instonians and even won a Senior Cup with Inst. These days however I ply my trade at Grosvenor Rugby Club in the junior ranks of Ulster rugby. A former Grosvenor pupil and 1st XV captain I count it a real privilege to represent the green and blue every Saturday. We are only a Junior Club but I have to say I am probably enjoying playing more now than I ever have. The boys at Grosvenor are awesome. There about 10-15 Christians playing at the club which is brilliant and we are all active in trying to share our faith in the midst of the madness of Rugby. We are currently top of our league with 5 wins from 5 games. Changed times for us, last year we were rubbish. You might be interested to know that our team anthem, sung heartily after a Grosvenor victory is the kids praise song: there is a flag flying high from the castle of my heart. I find myself blown away to hear a rabble of big mouth heavy drinking, no time for God rugby players singing that THE KING IS IN RESIDENCE THERE!

John Piper says Missions exist because Worship doesnt. While worship is the ultimate goal of the church, mission is the central purpose because as of yet not everyone has bowed the knee...

My prayer is that the guys I sweat and bleed with every week on a rugby pitch will become worshippers and one day truly know what it is like to have the King in residence there!

It's all quiet...

All my staff are away. Lawsy is at EQUIP at CFC, Cheryl and the interns are away training for Drama somewhere and for the first time in two days I am alone in my office. It is so peaceful and an opportunity for me to take a break from updating our child protection stuff and to simply relfect on things. I love it. I have been enjoying studying Nehemiah this week and have found so much support for ministry through this man's life and call. Today I found myself in awe of his ability to deal with conflict. Chapter 6 in the NIV is simply entitled...MORE OPPOSITION to the building of the wall. This guy has been getting it rough, taking it on the neck and just when there seems to be a breakthrough the opposition does not relent it actually intensifies... mental. Anyway I love Nehemiah's response in verse 9...it says , 'so I prayed "Lord strengthen my hands" I love that. In other words God help me work even harder. Help me go further, God despite how much this actually sucks because it is for you I want to keep going, strengthen my hands God, bring on the oppostition...bring it on. I found myself excited to read the title in the NIV just 5 or 6 verses later when it says, The Completion of The Wall. I guess God heard that simple prayer and strengthened his servant.

I found myself praying that prayer today. Lord strengthen my hands

Sunday

I love Sundays. They have become really precious to me. I guess they dont look very spiritual but the Lord knows how much I enjoy them. This morning I went to church, which was awesome...then I went with Becci and Pete to Fu Kin in Belfast for an all you can eat chinese. We then went into Belfast so Bex could take some pics for her course. Belfast was buzzing and I thought to myself interesting that Belfast in buzzing...on a Sunday. Then we all came home, tidies up are messy rooms and then proceeded to lie back and enjoy a CSI box set. The perfect way to spend a Sunday if you ask me.

I am really looking forward to this new week. Last week was tough. One of my interns has left which I am devastated about. Her ministry had such potential but at the end of the day she decided it was not for her. Having spent the last couple days processing and assessing I now need to be pro active about filling the gaps and keeping the ministry moving forward. I have a feeling God will show us the way.

But this week will face challenges no doubt. Every week does. Not once since I began my ministry in Dromore has there been a week were my phone has not gone or an email arive in my inbox and everything has to go on hold to deal with the issue at hand and yet as I look back God is always leading and guuiding and sustaining...my grace is sufficient for you sounds like a good text.

So bring on Monday morning and life in youth ministry. My prayer this week is simply that God will show me the way forward for my own ministry and life. I want help to discover the parachute moment. (Emmanuel guys will know what I mean)

Once more onto the breach...

Forgiven much

I am preaching at Real Youth Church tonight at Pete K's place, the subject...Our Forgiving God. I have spent this morning doing a mixture of cleaning my house, ironing and preparing my message. As I have read scriptures, researched on the internet, prayed, listened I have just heard and enjoyed the voice of Jesus as He says 'forgiven much!' I am forgiven much. I am too old now to buy into Christianity's constant measuring against humanity...you know...I am definately better than so and so...so I must be ok. Truth is I would be screwed were it not for the sweet love of Jesus. I think my old mate Paul called me out when he said, McCready...You were dead in your sins! I was dead!
If you Oh Lord kept a record of sins, O Lord who could stand?
BUT WITH YOU THERE IS FORGIVENESS! Psalm 130

Yeh I am forgiven much and so I recognise my huge responsibility to forgive much as well.

Alive in Christ

Checking in

Flat out but gonna blog later. Ask seek knock

Work work work...yes!

God has given me a great staff team here in Dromore Youth for Christ. They are just great. Sure there are times when I could scream at them, but I bet there are more times when they could scream at me. Recently I helped Pete make big L plates for our worship band to put on in their practice to remind them that they are just learning. I think more than anyone I could use a big L plate, maybe even a tattoo to make it permanent. I know I am just learning but I also know that I need to always be learning. Today I have been doing some study on Christian Mission and Ministry with the Open Bible Institute. The material was awesome, inspirational even worshipful as I learned and relearned the amazing Gospel and the call of the Gospel and the message of the Gospel. No wonder Paul could say I just want to know Christ and him crucified. So I have my L plates on today inspired by all the learning being done by my staff at the minute. Thanks guys for teaching me to learn.

Inspiration and perspiration

With only a few hours now before I stand to preach the Word to a thousand young people in Belfast I cant help but feel so unprepared. I have a few ideas but they are still just floating around in my head. I have lots of perspiration and not very much inspiration. I know God wants me to trust and to speak in his name and authority but humanly speaking I dont have a clue what to say. It has been one of those weeks were my staff have been very needy in terms of my time and so I have not had time to just sit at the feet of the Rabbi and get his heart. I am gonna go for a bath now and hopefully in the relaxation of the tub God will advise me on my sermon for later.

Mannafest

So tomorrow night I am preaching at Mannafest. I am so nervous at the minute I reckon I am gonnaneed to wear a nappy. It's not my first time at the big even but it has been almost two years and I am not doing a lot of preaching these days outside of Bible Teaching at The Gathering on Friday nights. God has rally laid some class scriptures on my heart but he still has not given me the message so this afternoon I am gonna send my staff home early and get some down time with the Lord of Lords. I will let you know how it goes

Forgiveness?

Check out this story, its very powerful and challenging: The Amish Mourn

Just back from the cinema. Went with Pete & Lawsy to see Children of Men. It was random. So random I cant decide whether or not is was good or if I enjoyed it or not. Regardless it was great to chill and unwind for a couple of hours.

Had my Base Ministry Leaders meet tonight to share God stories with each other. It was so amazing to see, hear and be around these guys. It really encouraged me to keep on going to keep on seeking God. This year we have around ten ministries functioning weekly and an amazing team of 16 ministry leaders. What encouraged me most was that their average age was 19. I just wish I had been as excited to serve Jesus when I was 19. Anyway at the end of today I am going to rest my weary head with this thought in my heart...God is good. Despite a difficult week, much pain and heartache praying for Lindsay, challenging encounters in ministry I finish today thanking God because He is good and tonight I am thankful that although I am a child of men I am now a child of God.

New Blog Site

Decided to try a new type of blog. I had been previously blogging on The Base Website but I ave decided to try and figure out how to run my own blog. It looks a bit boring at the minute. Neil Harrison gave me a quick tutorial but I definately need another one. But I will figure it out, might just take a while. Anyway having had a couple of weeks break from blogging I am gonna try and get back into the habit.

This is a wee pic of me and a couple of my interns hanging out in Hillsborough Forest Park