Honest. (pt III)

Nobody knows how I feel. They haven’t gone through what I’m going through. They don’t have the same concerns as me. They won’t face the same problems. They’re MADE, for life. It’s great being them.

 

Lies.

I believe this is one of the enemies cleverest lies. To make us feel like no one else can sympathise with us, or help us. Especially not other Christians. It’s a lie that leaves us feeling alone, helpless, beyond reach – and often leads us to the place of “what’s the point anyway?”. I’ve seen plenty of people walk away from God for fear of sharing theiy deepest, most genuine, valid problems and fears.

 

Don’t Get Played.

I want to tell you this. From the last few weeks, it is plain to see that, though all our circumstances and situations are slightly deifferent, so, so often, everybody faces the same problems. The same concerns. Let me say this:

1. Everyone has doubts.

2. Everyone fears being alone and not finding the right guy/girl.

3. Everyone fears their exams – difference is, some people give up and stop trying. They still fear them.

4. Everyone feels helpless and alone sometimes.

5. Everyone needs to get connected to other people.

I’ve observed we’re all going through the same stuff. Let’s keep talking, be more bold, more honest and allow us to “minister to one another in love” (or, pray and advise each other, not because we’re better but because we understand and we see God in the situation).

My own commitment is to pray for everyone more. Why? Because I’m judging everyone in their problems? Not at all. I have enough of my own! But because I love you all dearly, and want to see God move in your life – or more to the point, for you to see God moving in your life!

One more week of ‘Real Lives’. Let’s not stop talking once we’re done. Let’s keep going.

“If we claim to be without sin, [or trouble, or fear, or lonliness], we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

1 John 1:8

Honest. (pt II)

Intimacy. This is a missing ingredient in a lot of churches and youth groups. Why?

1. It’s seen as something married couples have. Not fellas.

Truth is? We were created for intimate relationships – yes including ‘that one’ relationship with that lucky guy/girl. But as lads, as girls. As groups. If we look at Jesus and the disciples, there was 13 men (inc. Jesus), who shared life together. Ate together. Had everything in common. Prayed together. Had arguments together. They had real intimacy. And the result? 11 men who changed the world. One did betray, yes – but that’s life!

2. We’ve seen lots of hurt when we’re been intimate/vulnerable.

I hate this fact. But it’s true. Often, then people who hurt us most are other Christians. But over the coming weeks, as we carry on with ‘Real Lives’, I’d love it  if we looked past the mistakes others have made – the offense, the gossip, the exclusion etc, and just were open with one another. We all need to agree though – let’s not gossip. Or judge. Or slander (or slate). Or exclude people when we find out something we don’t like about them.

This series will go one of two ways.

1 – Increase our ability to share with one another, and enable us to support and love one another.

2 – We’ll end up abusing the information that’s shared and all have a big falling out.

And it’s not up to me how it goes. I’ve decided. I want to walk oiut life with you, and know that you’re praying for me as much as I’m praying for you! It’s up to all of us. We all need to share for this to work. We also all need to care for others.

Honest.

I truly love this group of young people we have at KLC. Every single one of them is unique and making steps in God’s plan for their lives. We’ve seen loads of great initiatives started, musicians setting the pace in church and young people be the foundation of our childrens ministry. And it is great to serve and give of what God has given us. But a qeustion…

Q. I know God loves me. I know He’s for me. I know I can do great things for Him. But, am I OK? Am I doing alright? I mean really?

As a youth pastor, I know what it’s like to need to be ‘on top form’ all the time. I know sometimes the best you can present is a facade – always feeling passionate for God. But sometimes, well, life just happens. Things pass you by. Things go wrong. Something unsettles you. Despite all the prayer you have, you still struggle with some sort of sin – maybe porn, maybe gluttony, maybe jealousy. Maybe, even though you know God loves you, it’s just a struggle to believe it.

I BELIEVE CHURCH (SPECIFICALLY FOR US, LIFE) SHOULD BE A PLACE WHERE WE CAN TALK ABOUT HOW WE’RE FEELING WITHOUT FEELING JUDGED OR LIKE WE’VE LET PEOPLE DOWN.

1. Being open and honest allows me to stand with you.

The Bible talks a lot about being of ‘one spirit’ – acting like ‘one body’ (1 Corinthians 12, Philippians 2:2). It says we should ‘seek wise advice’ (Proverbs 12:15, 19:20) and should ‘save one another from the flames’ (Jude 22-23). All of these things involve one another. Hearing one another. Advising one another. Praying for one another.

I would rather you could tell me your problems, free of fear, so that I could pray with you, and help defend you from the enemy, than you being to intimidated by my role, and me not being able to help you.

 

2. Being open and honest about yuor stuff means you can share the load.

Similar to point one, except it means you can take the weight off your chest. When you lift weights in a gym you really want someone to ‘spot you’. This means, they stand over the weight when you benchpress and allows (if necessary) them to help you take the weight if you cannot push the weight up. What happens if you don’t have a spotter and you can’t take the weight? You end up stuck, and embarrassed! But, these kind of events cause people massive problems.

 

part two coming later on

Freedom in Christ.

This Sunday we’re kicking off our first ever Freedom in Christ for Young People course. This means that just until the Summer our Sunday morning youth work is gonna have everyone in it! For me, this has SO many good points. So, I figured I should write them out!

1. More Wisdom and Sharing

With more people, of a wider variety of ages, schools, backgrounds etc, we’re going to have an even greater opportunity to share together, see things from different angles and even learn from those who are older/younger than ourselves.

 

2. It Becomes About Everyone

It’s not just a 3D thing. It’s not an older guys thing. Nope. It’s about every one of us coming and looking at Jesus in the midst of our lives.

 

3. It’s All About Jesus

When we are willing to lay down those things that make us a little more comfortable in a group, it opens the door for us to step up, increase in our faith and get a whole lot more out of church. Just come with the mindset that we’re going to be creating a ‘safe place’ for you to step up.

 

Freedom in Christ is a great course. Thousands of people have benefitted from this. Yes, it’s ‘just a course’. But like and great, popular course it’s got God’s anointing on it. We’re going to walk together and find out what it really means to have freedom in Christ. It doesn’t mean you’ll become happy clappy! It doesn’t mean you’ll sing up louder in the worship and dance the ‘charismatic twostep’ (ask your parents). It doesn’t mean we’ll all look the same. You will be more free to be you.

I personally cannot wait. I’ve seen this course work in my own life. And now I get to share it with you. How awesome.

Bring it on!

Our Tipping Point II

Hey guys!

As I an writing this, I’m sat in a Love After Marriage session at church. Loving it! But I’m also really excited for you guys, our youth work and our calling as a group from God for our town and generation.

All I really want to say is this. For the next little while, please make Life a priority. We’re going to re-establish out identity and some really exciting things are going to happen over this year.

Come along! It is gonna be a SIGNIFICANT TIME for me, you, your life, career choices, success, and us as a group.

Love you all a lot. I CARE for you massively.

Mr Hubbard

I recently read this! I wondered how our lives and our enthusiasm for life would change if we applied this:

“Whenever you go out of doors, draw in the chin, carry the crown of the head high and fill the lungs to the utmost; drink in the sunshine; greet your friends with a smile and put soul into every handclasp. Do not fear being misunderstood and do not waste a minute thinking about your enemies. Try to fix firmly in your mind what you would like to do, and then, without veering of direction, you will move straight to the goal. Keep your mind of the great and splendid things you would like to do, and then, as the days go gliding by, you will find yourself unconsciously seizing upon the opportunities that are required for the fulfilment of your desire, just as the coral insect takes from the running tide the elements it needs.

Picture in your mind the able, earnest, useful person you desire to be, and the thought you hold is hourly transforming you into that individual… Thought is supreme. Preserve a right mental attitude – the attitude of courage, frankness and good cheer. To think rightly is to create. All things come through desire and every sincere prayer is answered. We become like that on which our hearts are fixed. Carry your chin in and the crown of your head high.”

The words of the last Elbert Hubbard. Wouldn’t say I agree with everything, but I think a lot of this attitude would indeed transform us!

Our Tipping Point.

Hey everyone.

I have an odd feeling about 2012. We’re at our ‘tipping point’. Spiritually. In terms of doing what has called us to do. A tipping point is defined as “the critical point in an evolving situation that leads to a new and irreversible development”. With every tipping point, things either ‘evolve’ or stagnate/collapse. Stagnate means “ceasing to run or flow”.

Young people, parents, leaders, everyone. I feel like we’re on a see-saw over a ravine. At the moment we’re balancing towards the “stay in the desert” side. But we’re almost over the ‘tipping point’ that would take us to the promised land – the things God has for us if we’ll tip over the edge and go for it.

It won’t be easy. It might be uncomfortable. But in my experience, journeying the way God wants us is never easy, but it is best. Jeremiah 29:11 promises that He has plans for our good and not for our harm. But it might be scary along the away. There might even be giants in the land (see Numbers 13).

Enough for now. You know. I. Think. I. Need. To. Preach. On. This. Any takers?

2012 is gonna be good. Let’s have both faith and be active. Give our plans to the Lord and let him breathe on them (Proverbs 16:3). Let’s make our plans and allow Him to guide our every step (Proverbs 16:9). Let’s be excitied and passionate about God and what He’s called us to and see what he will do (Psalm 37:4-6).

Have an amazing day. Let your faith well up inside you.

Doubts

On Friday 27th January we’re having a “Questions Night” – where you can ask WHATEVER question you would like to us leaders relating to God and faith – evangelism, why do we do…, other religions, science etc.

Please let me encourage you to ASK US ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU CAN. We won’t necessarily answer all of them, but we’ll do our best. Having questions and doubts are a normal part of walking with Jesus. Let me be plain.

But some Christians see doubts and “sin” or a terrible thing. Fortunately, I’m your youth pastor, and I know that our doubts are a part of developing and strengthening our faith in Christ. Questions Night is there for you to anonymously ask these questions, about your doubts if you want in a safe place.

Ask away. Let’s tackle these things together! tom x

 

How to ask: Write out a question on a Friday night, text Tom, email tnicholson@klc.org.uk or get in touch via Facebook or Twitter!

the Christmas one

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

I can’t say I’ve ever been a massive fan of carols. Especially not Silent Night. But this year, one line caught me – “With the dawn of redeeming grace”.

I know Christmas is a time for family, good food, cheesy film repeats etc. But let’s not ever forget that the reason we celebrate Christmas, is because it was the dawning of a new era for all of us – the dawning of our “redeeming grace”, our Saviour, the one who took us from darkness in to light. And He came in such “meek and mild” circumstances.

Give a few minutes to remember what Jesus did, and thank Him. Redeem your Christmas! Make it about Him.

Do Battle

I don’t know about you, but I so often forget that our life is a battle. That our victories only come through fighting. That the things we believe God for don’t just fall in to our laps. I touched on “fighting” for things at Life a couple of week ago. Now I think it’s time to turn up the heat!

I read recently of a father who taught his son (who is now a pastor) the following when he was in secondary school – “If you think you’re about to get beaten up, throw the first punch and don’t stop swinging until you’ve won.” Now obviously you don’t need to apply this to bullies at school! I mean this in reference to our lives.

When you can feel doubt creeping up behind you, don’t sit at wait for the suckerpunch, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the truth. Bust open your Bible, and let the truth of the Word sink in to you.

When you feel like giving up and just doing what everyone says rather than fulfil your God-given dreams, get around someone who will strengthen you – and wait on God. Read some testimonies of God’s goodness, and don’t stop until you’ve won that battle.

So often I learn the most in the midst of battles and fights. I can’t always say I’ve won, but I can always say I’m alive and ready to go again. And the best part – the Lord is my strength. He will be yours too – just choose right now to ‘throw the first punch’.