Romans 8

I'm trying to memorize all of Romans 8 during Lent. Hold me accountable.

I love verse 6 - the mind CONTROLLED by sinful man is death, but the mind CONTROLLED by the Spirit is LIFE AND PEACE.

That's crazy talk. And I love.

Also, verse 12 - therefore, brothers, we have an OBLIGATION, but it is NOT to the sinful nature, to live according to it.

Shapow and I love you
Wayne
James 1:22

I wanna open a coffee shop

Anyone with me? The proposal went in 3 weeks ago so I'm excited/curious/anxious to hear what's next. It would be a combo coffee shop/student facility, kind of like Batterson's church - a for real coffee shop with a place for students to just be. I would love to have a place where a high school kid could do their homework, a place I could have middle schoolers come by to play video games, where Meg and our girls had a place to do their study. A place where we could hang on a Friday night after a football game. A home for a 20-somethings service. A way to make an extra batch of food for our homeless friends. Mmmmm..

You have any thoughts?

Much love
Wayne
James 1:22

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

I talk too much

I sometimes wonder if I need to stop teaching so much. I love it, might even be OK at it, but sometimes I think I do it because I think I've got something great to say...and boy, I do NOT.

God, that Galatians 6:14 would be the cry of my heart.

I'm heading to Florida for a few days which is going to be great - even preaching at River Cross this Sunday. Again, I'm crazy excited, but I pray that He becomes greater, and that I become less (John 3:30).

Much love
Wayne
James 1:22

Man Tour

Incredible. I've never been a part of an event/camp where I was more aware of people praying for us and for me. I don't really understand prayer, I must admit, but I love it, and I know that God hears the prayers of His people. So, if you prayed for us/me, thank you so much.

There were so many great things and I could talk or write about it for days, but here are a few quick hits:
- Sam, a dude I've gotten to know thru Young Life, was great to get to know better and see grow in Jesus
- Brenner, a 7th grader from across the street from me, came and I saw him grow and connect with Jesus and some of our dudes
- The hike was awesome - 8ish miles of beautiful woods and waterfalls and views
- Wrestle Mania
- Wartching Chip and Dave lead as dads; such Christ-like servants who did anything that was needed, never looking for praise or thanks but just glad to be there
- Hutch is an incredible communicator, teacher, and example of Christ. He's a brother and partner in crime that I will hopefully know and serve with for life
- Ace is about as good a friend as I could ever hope for, and to have that kind of friend as a co-leader is such a blessing. The boys went crazy with excitement when they found that he was going to go with them to the water park - I can't describe what that feels like to me to have a leader like that
- I love skiing and Massanutten was way better than I expected
- God is active in our dudes and it's a privilege to be allowed to be a part of that

Much love
Wayne
James 1:22

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Rescue is Coming

I don't know if you've heard David Crowder's song 'Rescue is Coming' of the Remedy album, but you should go listen to it right now.

I think this is a great banner for what I'm trying to tell kids who don't know Jesus. Whatever your current circumstance, whatever crap is happening to you and around you, whoever or whatever is controlling your life - Rescue is coming.

Wayne
James 1:22

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Why I can't sleep at night

Mobile Blogging from here.

I'm confident the Lord is sovereign and in control and that He is the one who will bring about fruit in the ministry Hes called me too (Ephesians 2:10 rings as true today as it did when I first read it 8 years ago). So why don't I sleep? Because these kids are my flock, my responsibility to watch over and care for and chase the wolves and bears away. Because I am convinced that when I sin, it affects them. Because I love them so much it kills me when they are led astray or do something stupid. So what to do?

- Be more satisfied in God - have a joy like Jesus' (John 15:11) that shows!
- Remember that the hardest part of my job is remembering it's not my job (my friend, brother, partner in crime Jon Brewin told me that 3 years ago and I can't shake it cause he's right)
- Remain in Him
- Trust Him
- Pursue kids and show them love, even when they don't deserve it or show me love
- Pray and pray and pray

Ahhh, Philippians 4:7..

Wayne
James 1:22

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Loss

I don't know why, but God called home a little friend of mine today, Warren Stone. Warren was born just a few days ago, one of twins of Meade and Mary-Elizabeth Stone. They are an amazing couple who I love dearly and who have been great friends for the past year and a half. I can't begin to comprehend their loss, empathize with their pain, or even know any words to comfort or encourage them. I know God has a plan, I just wish I knew what it was - or, rather, I wish He would let Meade and Mary Elizabeth know.. I have to admit that I'm not a fan of this part of my faith at all, that I'm/we're supposed to learn things through tragedy; but I know it's going to be a time when we must lean on the Rock we know is in control, even in this, the worst of times.

He gives and takes away, but my heart will choose to say, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Please pray for the Stones, pray that they will know the Peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), that they will have opportunities to share their faith in Jesus through this trial, and that John (their other twin) will get better - soon - and will bring joy to a family that needs good news right now.

Much love
Wayne
James 1:22