The Strong Challenge - Day 10

Pray Challenge #5 - Imagine If Jesus Walked In

Imagine Jesus just walked into the room. What do you want to ask him? What do you imagine him saying? Here is some of the conversation I see...

First and foremost, Jesus why is it that we have to go through certain things? I mean I know I'm hardheaded but why do you allow hurts, pains, and struggles?

Sometimes, the best way to learn is to go through some of these situations. Think of your own children. If you did everything for them, never disciplined them, and never allowed them to discover things on their own what good are you doing?

Why do I love you so much and want to live for you, but still screw up? Not only do I not spend as much time with you as I want, but sometimes I say whatever is on my mind (even when it's mean and stupid), and I still struggle with certain things I feel like I've overcome?

It's all Adam's fault...just kidding. Jeremiah, I love you unconditionally. Yes, our relationship can be better, I'm here. You're life gets busy but re-prioritizing may have to happen at times. Yes, you still struggle, but you are sinful, I get that and I know you are working really hard to live for me, I appreciate that. But what I appreciate more is that when you do screw up, you are truly sorry and seek help from me and from others. As far as the things you say, I created you unique and the way you are. That is not an excuse to say whatever you want, but it is a reminder that you are my child.

I love you!

The Strong Challenge - Day 9

Pray Challenge #4 - Be Still

Today, I encountered one of the most difficult challenges. Many of you know that I tend to be very hyperactive. ADD still runs rapid in my mind, and seems to take effect in times of stillness and quiet. However, today I was forced to remove distractions, both physical and in my thoughts. The goal was to let God just speak. Here is what I heard.

Stay strong. I am assuring you of your calling. Times are rough right now, but the payoff will be awesome. Stay strong.

The Strong Challenge - Day 8

Pray Challenge #3 - Pray For Three Friends

Today's challenge was to find a quiet place and ask God to bring a few friends to mind. We are to spend five minutes considering each person and write down in your journal anything you think or feel about them during that time.

I've decided I'm not going to share my thoughts and prayers for these three on here but rather challenge you to take part of this challenge...if you'd like you can respond with an initial on here of the person(s) you are praying for and we will join with you in praying for them.Publish Post

The Strong Challenge - Day 7

Pray Challenge #2 - Light A Candle

Today I was challenged to first think of a hope I have...

For me, that hope is to launch Generation Church in September 2012 and specifically seeing over 100 decisions for Christ at the launch.

The challenge continues but lighting a candle and sharing that hope with God. As the flame and smoke rises we are to envision our prayer of hope rising to God.

The Strong Challenge - Day 6

Pray Challenge #1 - Write A Letter

Today's challenge is to write a letter to God that begins with, "The life I want most for myself is..." We are to finish the letter by completing this opening thought. It's okay to acknowledge mistakes you've made, but try to focus more on describing what a "good and beautiful life" would look like for you. We are to dream big, and let God in on our greatest hopes. Here we go...

God,

The life I want most for myself is to be a person of impact. I don't want to just sit by and let life pass me by. I want to take a hold of life and live it to the fullest. For me, I think this will come by being a husband that is all about Cyndi (to be honest with you, I want to make other guys jealous by the love I have for her and the way I live it for her). I desire to be a Dad that my boys not only have an awesome friendship with but can honestly say I have the best daddy in the world. I desire for them to be men that revolutionize their generation in compassionate, whole-hearted love for You!

I also want to be like David, in that everything I do is seeking after You and becoming a man after God's own heart. I think this will shake Generation Church. I also desire for the church that You've called us to start to be more than just a Sunday gathering place. I know I've messed up in the past. I know I haven't given my all at times. I know that I've failed, but God I know You are my God that gives second (and third, etc) chances. The life I want most for myself is a life that completely reflects You!

Jeremiah

The Strong Challenge - Week 2 PRAY

This week's topic of being strong is "Pray."

I love that prayer is much more than reading someone else's thoughts or feelings, but rather a communication/conversation between me and God. I have complete access and freedom to tell God my thoughts and feelings, concerns and frustrations, and needs and praises. I'm reminded that praying is designed to connect us with God on a real, intimate, and everyday basis.

This week is going to challenge the way I normally pray, but intentionally bring a fresh, and creative connection between me and God.

To hear a message on "PRAY Strong" Click HERE.

The Strong Challenge - Day 5

Play Challenge #5 - Meet Jesus At The Party

Interesting title, but today's I was challenged with spending 15 minutes reading some Scripture passages and reflecting on them, specifically looking at the character of Jesus. So here we go...

John 2:1-11

• Jesus was a family guy (vs.1)
• Jesus gives the best of everything (vs.10)

Mark 2:13-17

• Sometimes Jesus picks what we see as the most inopportune time to call a disciple (vs.14)
• Jesus made the most of every opportunity (vs.13)
• Jesus attended the best parties (vs.15)
• Jesus knew His purpose/calling and did not care what others thought as He pursued it (vs.16-17).

Luke 7:34-35

• People had some bad things to say about Jesus because of His who He hung out with and where He did ministry (vs. 34)
• BUT...Jesus lived right, set an example, and still loved on those people anyway; therefore showing wisdom (vs.35)

Final thoughts- It is not a sin to have fun, go to parties, or be around people who do not know Jesus. In fact, this is what we should be doing!

The Strong Challenge - Day 4

Play Challenge #4 - Have Fun Instead

Today's challenge is to write down a list of things we have to do today and cut one of them out. Instead invite God into that extra time, thank him for the gifts of rest and play and then relax and have some fun.

Well, really I only have one thing on my to-do list today and that is to drive to Michigan. We've been planning on going to visit some friends and spend a few days getting away. I am normally the driver anywhere we go, as Cyndi does not care to drive...especially in the major wind and rain. So, I gave her the keys and she drove the entire way!

I am so thankful for her and her heart to give me a break. I had a blast just relaxing in the back seat with the boys. God thank you so much for my family, they are truly the greatest gifts I've ever been given. Micaiah and I watched a couple of movies, sang songs, and just talked...oh and made funny faces at JD.

What a great day!

The Strong Challenge - Day 3

Play Challenge #3 - Rest From Worry

Today's challenge was to spend a whole day free from the burden of worry. I can say that I think this was accomplished.

Spent the day shopping with Cyndi (which normally sends me in to a state of worrisome behavior) but I remained calm cool and collected. We've been saving some money for today for awhile and so relaxing and enjoying the day prevented me from worrying about financial stress.

I also spent the evening swimming with my 4 month old as well as 3 of my greatest friends, my wife, my friend John & his wife Jamie!

All in all allowing God to take my worries, my stress, and my cares is liberating!!

The Strong Challenge - Day 2

Play Challenge #2 - Be Grateful

Today's challenge is to make a list of at least ten things for which I'm grateful and to write a one-line thank you note to God for each of these things.

1. My wife, Cyndi - God, you've not only blessed my with my best friend & soul mate, but the greatest woman I've ever known. She is the most incredible mother, the greatest encourager, and toughest challenger. Thank you!
2. My son, Micaiah - God, thank you for giving me the most energetic, and compassionate little boy who has changed my life. I'm learning more and more about your love because of you giving him (and JD) to me.
3. My son, Josiah - God, thank you for pushing me to love deeper by giving me Josiah. His soft personality that melts my heart and is teaching me to be patient in all things is not only a gift from you but a challenge from you to be the dad, teacher, pastor, and man that you want me to be for him (and Micaiah).
4. My Mom & Dad - God, these two have taught me so much about being a parent and about loving you. Thank you for the perfect parents for my life, even in imperfect circumstances.
5. My Friends - You've given me some of the greatest friends in the world, that not only challenge and encourage me, but also love me unconditionally, even when I'm not the greatest friend.
6. My siblings - Mallory & Zachary are two of the greatest people that you've given me the privilege of being their big brother. I know I was not the greatest growing up, but thank you for allowing me to lead by example, to love, and now to have two of the greatest growing friendships with both of them...I also want to thank you for Daniel, Crysta & Randis the greatest in-law siblings that anyone could have.
7. My calling - God you've given me a huge responsibility and a lot of trust in building up Generation Church. Not only am I completely overwhelmed at times, but I cannot do this without you!
8. My pastor - You know how I've struggled finding someone that would really pour into my life and help me be the pastor you've called me to be, the husband you've chosen me to be, and the daddy you've created me to be and you've provided the man for the job. Thank you for my pastor who lives out your calling, lives what he teaches, and loves unconditionally.
9. My home/neighborhood - The place you've allowed us to live and given us to use is absolutely amazing. You have given us neighbors who are great friends, and you've allowed us to live in a house that can accommodate our family, our church, and grow with us in the process.
10. My favorite NFL football team - okay, I know this one is silly, but seriously God thank you for the awesome season that the Detroit Lions are having so far.

James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

The Strong Challenge - Day 1

Play Challenge #1 - Sleep In

The challenge that I accomplished today was to sleep in. The challenge was simple: pick a night to sleep in as long as we possibly could. Why? Matthew 11:28, reminds us that in Jesus we find our rest. Sleep is a reminder to lean into God's love, and to remember that He's more interested in our trust than our to-do lists.

So, last night, I turned the alarm clock/my cell phone off and made sure I had no plans all day. It was difficult task as I knew that I should get up at a certain time to get the boys ready for the day, accomplish my tasks, etc. To be honest, I didn't even think I would make it past 8am as we have a 4 month old and a 2 year old that have no concept of sleeping in.

8am came and went...9am did too. It was 10am before anyone of us really started stirring. Although it was difficult to do, it was one of the most restful nights I've had in a really long time. I'm beginning to really like this play challenge.

The Strong Challenge - Week 1 PLAY

This week we are encountering the discipline of "Play."

We discovered through the main teaching on Sunday that Play Pleases God...
because play pleases God...

• I am Helped to Live Better
• I am Reminded of God's Purpose (Genesis 2:9)
• I am Purged of Unhealthiness (Nehemiah 8:10)
• I am Put in my Place (Ecclesiastes 9:7; Genesis 2:2)

I am reminded of a couple of quotes that stood out to me this Sunday:

• "You won't be so desperate for acceptance if you're made strong by a full life outside of that one vocational arena. But if you think you don't matter outside your vocation, if you've neglected your relationship with your spouse and kids, if you have no pleasurable pursuits outside your work,then you can't bear to rock the boat at work because work is all you have. (You're) addicted to pleasing people because you've let your life become too small." - Gary Thomas Pure Pleasure
• "If we don't enjoy life properly, than we are setting ourselves up to indulge in life improperly." - Charlie Fehrman, Lead Pastor The Pointe Community Church

Stay tuned for our "play" challenges this week.

The Strong Challenge

Currently our sending church, as well as our small group is participating in a church wide campaign (along with other Hoosiers & Buckeyes, over 50,000+ people are participating in this) called the Strong Challenge. What this is, is a daily challenge that encourages each participant to make space for God. The challenges are focused on building relationship, and the more our relationship with God grows and the stronger we become.

One of the things I've decided to do during this process is to journal, through my blog, my experiences, my thoughts, and my challenges. Openly, honestly, and real. My desire is to grow stronger in my pursuit of a deeper relationship with God and those around me.

Here we go...