Children’s Ministry and by proxy Student Ministry has always had to move with the generations. One of the greatest disservices a church can do is to view these incredible ages as nothing more than “child care” and put a school mentality on it and call it good. There are churches and leaders out there that still cling to this idea for any number of reasons – but I’m here to say that they’re wrong. Not just maybe or perhaps but without question – they’re wrong.

And so when churches face a changing generation they need people within the staff and ministry circles that look out beyond the next week or two. A group of people that see the impending culture shift, the growing difference in age maturities and the reality of the challenges ahead. You need those people to stare all those things in the face and grin maniacally. And then punch it in the mouth. You need the crazy, the calm, the loving, the passionate, the unstoppable and the undeniable. Those that look at Jesus as not just our God but our Father, our Abba and our redeemer who has a special place in his heart for kids of all ages.

And that’s where the need for a preteen ministry begins. 5th graders are tired of being in kids church. They’ve had enough of the kids worship. They’re hanging out in the back cracking jokes and laughing at the odd hair color of the costumed worship leader. That or they’re staring at the ceiling wondering if God is punishing them for something because this is torture. They’re ready to start learning some grown up songs with some twists. Their hunger for a taste of deeper theology is growing. They know this Jesus guy and his stories but what about the beyond? What about Him and them?

6th graders are just as ready. They’re going to the library, hanging out with friends and starting to get a taste of what middle school looks likes. It’s a bit terrifying to them but they’re ready to be free to decide who they are – whatever that means. If that means knee high stripped socks (true story) with pink hair and some of the most clashy clothes Goodwill has to offer (another true story) – so be it! It that means they have to suddenly start paying attention to what they wear and how that sorts out their standing in the totem pole of success at their school – so be it. Into this mass of insanity comes The Church and Jesus – who they know. Somehow we have to find a way to speak Him into their lives and the competing interests that pull their eyes, hearts and souls.

Preteen ministry is not a in-between ministry or a band aid. It is just as important as the foundational element of elementary ministry and a integral part of the stairs that lead to student ministry. It should never be viewed as anything but – because for the two years they stay with us the moments and chances are multiple and massive.

Three years ago I was given the opportunity to debut the new preteen ministry at our church. Three years later the entire preteen movement has grown exponentially. There’s a yearly conference in April. There’s a growing community on Facebook, Twitter and beyond. The idea that we should be meeting God’s preteens where they are and pointing them right back to The Father – is so much bigger now. Our understanding of discipleship and how to lead and direct our students to Christ – is getting better each go around.

So in three years God’s made something out of what for the longest time people thought was nothing more than an in-between point of being a kid and a teenager. A generations of students now will hunger greater for their relationship with Christ and also fight harder to remain in Him beyond just Sunday morning.

And that can only bring God more honor and glory – which is exactly where we should always be going every day. Are you doing this in you life? Are you doing this in other’s lives? Are you serving as a mentor or encourager to someone younger than you?

Are you ministering? If you’re not – get on it. God directs us in The Great Commission to get off our duffs and punch something out there in the mouth. So – get out there. I did it for three years on a Sunday morning with some of the greatest fellow volunteers. And I’m forever changed because of it.

Will you allow yourself to be forever changed?

Which is why I love today’s devotional. It’s a fairly simple tale that helps me remember that I shouldn’t want to be all those things in order to feel better about myself – or how I read His Word. His name was Absalom and he was the son of King David. The verse referenced is 2 Samuel 15:3-6.

The idea here is that Absalom promotes himself and builds up his image with the people of the kingdom into something that wasn’t his to have. The key quote here regarding Absalom is that he, “…stole the hearts of everyone in Israel.” Absalom’s selfishness was the cause of his sin – his want to be the next big thing. It’s a cautious reminder – and there are a plentiful bushel of warnings in God’s Word – about promoting ourselves above Him and the plan He has for our life. I’ve come to understand pieces of God and me over the years – by no means am I anywhere close to figuring it out – but I’ve learned that I’m not the most important kid on the block. I am second to Him. We were created to point to Christ and spread the glory, praise and honor across the globe.

I sometimes get a big head – and when it happens I just want to throw myself into a deep hole and never come out. I’m ashamed that I thought I somehow knew better, was better or was that thing I tried to portray. It’s a constant battle and consistently under construction.

The key section of tonight’s devotional that sticks with me is under the “PRAY” section. It says this – “Spend time inviting God to remind you that he loves you just the way you are, that you cannot earn his approval. Welcome God to show you your true identity as His child, an identity that is defined not by what you do but by who you are and to whom you belong.”

Boom goes the dynamite.

Tonight’s devotional is from 2 Samuel 7:18-29 and it’s content is King David talking to God about these things that have happened to bring him to this point – and in his conversation with The Big Guy David relates his understanding of the ‘Why’ as it concerns the promise to God’s people and the long term effect of bringing praise and honor to God from all corners of the Globe.

It’s a fascinating verse to read – and that’s the extent of my writing on today’s devotional. I’m going to go and dig into this chunk of verses with a highlighter and a critical mind. I’d encourage you to do so as well.

I use the term “marinate your brain” more than I probably should – but it’s exactly what I mean. Letting your brain soak in His Words for a good long while. Stir in the juices of contemplation, consternation and compassion – and let it sit for awhile longer. Take in the words, the phrases and the meaning of it all on a deeper level.

There’s reading The Bible and then there’s chomping down on it like a voracious and starved Lion on the hunt that won’t be satisfied until it tastes the depths of His Words for Us.

And yet David does not seize the day (or the spear) and instead replies that he would not dare kill God’s anointed. He proclaims that Saul will either die in his bed, by God’s Hand or in battle but he will not be the one to do such a thing.

It’s a heavy concept to wrap our head around – the idea that David would have the wherewithal to resist the opportunity to kill the tormentor. Not just that but that he would have the depth of faith to give it up to God and His plan for Saul – this speaks volumes. It also is a direct challenge to us and the drama we allow to fill our lives. In the devotional book it challenges me to, “…think of the people you consider your enemies. Pray for them and ask God to help you honor them, even though doing so may seem impossible. Seek out intentional opportunities to honor those who dishonor you and to value the lives of those who do not value you.”

To say that today’s devotional is a whopper would be understating it. There’s much to chew on here, more to marinate on in the brain and plenty to stew in the heart about. So, grab a chunk off and see what you come up with. Faith in Christ is never stronger than when pushed, prodded and poked with a stick.

Tonight’s devotional is from 1 Samuel 17:31-40. It’s the classic story of David and Goliath in which King Saul puts the momentous armor on the little boy and watches as he shrugs it off. This same boy will come to haunt the old man after this moment because God has chosen David to be the next King. The path he takes to becoming King is one of the most incredible stories in itself and it is a telling one that leaves Saul and his son dead at the end.

I have my favorite parts of this story. The imagery of David ripping apart Lions, Tigers and Bears (oh my!) in defense of his sheep is a powerful one. In imagining it tonight I turned my thoughts to Jesus and His Love for us – and how he would tear through the legions of Hell in defense of His Beloved Bride. It was a heartening reminder to me of the greatness of Jesus and how little I remember the depth, width and intensity of His Love for us.

The other part is a recent addition to my list and it comes tonight. It is Saul’s reaction to David’s impassioned speech about his actions protecting his flock and how God protected him then. David emphatically says that God Alive will deliver him from the Giant Goliath. Saul’s reaction? In the “NIV” it’s, “Go, and The Lord be with you.” In “The Message” it’s put plainly – “Go. And God help you!”

David’s absolute faith in his fate and his complete lack of worry leveled me tonight. In reading through the notes in my devotional it spotlights the idea of making the choice to move, “…the attention of our anxious hearts away from the waves and direct it to the One who walks on them.”

I’m a worrier. I’m big into carrying stress, fears and everything else for myself and others. Tonight reading this gave me a good ole’ fashioned Gibbs slap to the back of the head. I’ll leave you with what the devotional suggests to do. “Look at Him and say, ‘Lord have mercy.’ Say it again an again not anxiously but with the confidence that He is very close to you and will put your soul to rest.” The words come from Priest and Author Henri Nouwen.

And so that is my challenge today and through the weekend. Lord, have mercy.

Have mercy.

It is an epic and legendary ending to a story that began in Judges 13 with his mother and father being visited by an Angel of the Lord.  A story with a heartbreaking arc that ends in bloodshed and the loss of the title character.  But it does not alienate God or change God.  It reflects the choice God made in responding to Samson’s request with a “Yes” and allowing him to avenge against those that destroyed him.

God is certainly fascinating.

It’s something I’ve been recently challenged on with our young adults pastor just finished up pushing through the OT subject.  It is a revealing and troubling thing when you have to start thinking critically about things most of us would rather not talk about or even deign to accept as the reality of our Faith.  I always come back to the quote about Aslan from “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” when one of the animals answers a question about The Great Lion being safe by saying,

“Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

Our faith is never safe.  It is a rocking rolling adventure without end.  If anyone tells you different, slap ‘em with a fish.  Or whatever animal or vegetable you may have on hand.

And so when I look to Samson’s story it’s not a safe story.  It’s a messy story.  It’s violent, filled with stories of women behaving badly, men behaving badly and in the end the ultimate moment of answering to God for it all – the final curtain with Samson in the middle.  And it all started quietly enough with a man named Manoah and his wife who remains nameless.  Manoah’s wife has a visit from an Angel of God telling her despite her curse in not being able to have children she will indeed have a son and he’s going to save the world like Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and James Bond.  Perhaps not in that order, but you get the gist.

The part that I love about this entire thing is that when his unnamed wife tells him the story Manoah takes a step in talking to God.  He asks for more information and details.  God sends the Angel back but Manoah doesn’t realize it’s an angel until (in typical Angel fashion) the Angel of God ascends into heaven through the blazing flames of a sacrifice the man and his wife built.

They fell with their faces to the ground and Manoah loses his mind figuring fire, brimstone and lightening are coming for them because they’ve seen God.  His wife counsels them that God accepted their sacrifice as they talked to Him.  They will have a son named Samson.

It all starts here in Judges chapter 13.  Samson is born, grows up blessed by God and soon begins to feel the stirrings of the Spirit of the Lord.  There’s plenty more of the story but the part I focused on tonight was when they talked with the Angel and by proxy – God.  Manoah’s speaks plainly and simply to the Angel – something we can learn in our conversations with God.  It doesn’t have to sound High and Mighty with big words and practiced sayings.  It can simply be, “Dear God – I’m having/have had/going to have a helluva day.”  And take it from there.

I like the challenge of talking to him face down and I’ll be giving it a whirl this week.  How do you pray?  What do you find helpful in drawing you closer to God?

Until tomorrow – To God be the Glory, the Honor and The Praise in all things.

The biblical basis for my devotional tonight was out of Judges in chapter 7 where Gideon is tasked with destroying an enemy of the Israelites.  But God doesn’t do anything halfway or simple.  He’s got a plan with this impending showdown and it’s going to be a prime example thousands of years later on a late Monday night in Littleton, CO.  God has many senses and one of them is Humor.  And Irony.  Tonight those two collided.

Gideon starts out with a gazillion men (ok, that’s a big stretch but go with me) and he’s ready to pummel the enemy into the ground.  And yet God can see where this will end up.  He says that if he allows the gazillion men to take on the Midian army, the nation of Israel would boast against him and take credit for a battle that was not won without God’s influence and power.  So God whittles the gazillions down several times until just three hundred men stand ready.  The rest of the story is equally brilliant as the buildup suggests when the Midian army turns on each other in the midst of their camp and starts killing each other.  The power of God is shown in a incredibly brutal fashion.  The violence in this passage (and honestly much of the Old Testament) requires that Christians reconcile God’s track record in the Old Testament versus the New Testament.  It also asks that as people of Faith we have to realize the track record is incredibly consistent across both sides of The Bible.  This is entire blog post on it’s own so I’m going to move on.

And so tonight I had my moment of glory.  My mentor and friend was given the chance to write a column for a Children’s Ministry magazine titled, “K! Magazine”.  The article is part of a larger overall topic of “Technology in Children’s Ministry”.  Together with my mentor and friend we put our ideas together.  I threw my nerdy geeky knowledge of social media, internets and all the fun things about those things.  She took all that with her masterful skills of writing, her incredible knowledge of ministry, kids and everything else and put it together into an article.  Tonight she gave me a few copies and I was over the moon with pride.  I was published in a magazine!  A life long dream of having my name in a glossy had been accomplished!

And then I had my devotional.  And I was like, “Aw….maaaan!”

I couldn’t take the credit for this article.  That’s a God thing.  And yes, it sounds corny but it’s God’s (meant in the truest sense) honest truth here.  Without His gifting in wisdom in understanding all these wonderful social media technologies I’d be sunk.  Without His gifting of hunger of knowledge into my cranium I’d have given up long go.  And without His amazing servant heart that beats inside my friend (and fellow author!) I would have never been given the chance to share space with her in a magazine with a shiny cover.

And so I have to step off my podium and point it all back to God and His Son Jesus.  They get all the honor, glory and praise for the accomplishment.  I’m nothing without Him.  And that’s how I came to understand Gideon in a deeper and more manifest way.  Thanks God.  Consider my Ego cross checked into the wall and elbow dropped on the ground where it should have stayed in the first place.

God’s got some funny senses.

The trouble is making sure I’m getting the most out of them by working through the Words of God, allowing the questions and prayer challenges marinate in my heart and stew in my brain.  It’s fantastic when it all goes according to plan but more often than not my day looks like a very badly written episode of “The A-Team” wherein the closing moments are pulled together using what little was left after Macgyver blew something up.  Only there’s no convenient ending to it but more or less me throwing myself into bed.  And not getting my devotionals done.

Throw in my health, weight and general stuff that’s just not where it should be and you have A Mad Monk.  Only it’s not the “good” kind of Mad Monk who’s a bit Doctor Who with ample provisions of Jesus and a sprinkle of hilarity.  It’s the bad kind of Mad.  The kind that ends up locked up in a padded room with voices in one’s head.  Or something probably much milder than that.  I wrote that sentence to allay the fears of those that read this and imagine I’ve gone insane or something.  Fair warning – I’m given to a bit of hyperbole.

And so here I am at the crossroads.  I’m thirty years old, unmarried, non-girlfriended and finding myself wondering if it’s socially acceptable to have a mid life crisis after three decades on Earth.  Survey says…no.  Pending the approval of said crisis I’ve got some work to do and lists to make.  First on that list is my quiet time with God.  Second is my weight and health.  Third is my heart and mind.  In the coming days, weeks and better part of December I’ll be putting down the foundation for what 2013 will look like for me and by proxy – this blog.

It’s going to be hard, intense, unpleasant, and generally gratifying.  I’ve not sorted how to chronicle all this delightfully entertaining character arc business quite yet but never fear randomly few readers – there will be answers.  There’s at least another blog entry or two I can add to my padded portfolio of prose.

And just so we’re clear – if you’re interested in joining me in this journey – you can.  I’ve put a Facebook page together where you can pound keyboard keys into oblivion telling me all about how this is the worst plan you’ve seen ever in the history of histories.  Because that’s what I understand the internet is about.  Or something.

Thanks for reading through the drivel.  You can use the commenting feature on this blog if you so desire.

I’ll find a unique and eccentric way to end these posts as this project is still very much under construction.  For now I’ll say good luck, Godspeed and good night.