duh...

So I've been averaging one post every 2-3 weeks for the past couple of months...makes me sad. But honestly...I just haven't had the time. I seem to be in an almost constant state of feeling overwhelmed. And that really makes me sad. I know that stress and busy-ness is not God's best and is not His will. It's just one of those things that I seem to be caught in, but really don't know how to get out of...anyway...

Lately I have been sensing this overwhelming need for God's people to be on their knees. I have sensed this in my small group. I have sensed it in the youth group. I have sensed it in our church and in our community. It is frighteningly easy to get so consumed in the physical world that we forget that there is a very real and very active spiritual realm where battle is constantly raging.

God has been moving and working in powerful ways in Harpeth Community Church, especially within the youth group. A few months ago, we were at the top of the mountain...amazed at what God was doing and ecstatic about what was to come. But our enemy (who I call "the punk") never goes down without a fight. And he has been doing all he can to creep in and steal what God has given.

The weight of the battle can sometimes feel unbearable. But the awesome part is that we have a Mighty Warrior who fights on behalf of his people. And if we will take up our sword (the Word) and stay connected to that Warrior, we WILL win. Jesus told us that the gates of hell would NOT overcome His church.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been feeling a push to get on my knees for the students in our youth group. And last night, I stood in front of them and confessed that I had not been doing that as I should...not even close. And I committed to them that that was going to change...immediately. There is NOTHING greater that I can do for those kids than to be praying for them - unceasingly. What a shame it would be if I spent all of my time planning events, getting Bible studies together, and organizing programs...but neglected the most important thing.

And no matter where you or who you know...there is nothing better that you can do for your friends, your family, or your church than to be on your face before God for them. NOTHING.

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14

these lyrics from the Shane and Shane song "Waging War" keep ringing in my ears...

When battle lines become unclear And the waging war is all I hear Sustain me with Your voice And the choice to walk in truth And by the Spirit That I might see this day This waging war might go away And be no more That I might see His face And hear Him say Son, welcome home The war is over