“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

The Hebrew word for “Be still” literally means “let go of your grip.”

Cease striving at the level of human effort.

Be still and let go of your own understanding.
Be still and let go of your own human effort.
Be still and let go of your desire to control what others think of you.
Be still and let go of your need to control outcomes.

Be still.

Be still and be reminded that you are finite.  God is infinite.

Be still and let God be God in the most intimate places of your life which, in the end, is the only thing that will change anything.

This simple question posed by American pastor Robert Schuller may help inspire us to try to accomplish our goals. Taking fear out of the equation, what are your biggest dreams?

The question is similar to asking or considering what you would do if you only had a few months left to live. In its simplicity, the quote helps us focus on our priorities or tune into what we may most want in life.

What is success?

It’s a question I’m wrestling with at the moment, what does success look like in youth ministry, what does success look like as a husband, what does success look like as a dad, what does success look like as a friend, and so on.

What’s your perspective?

Blessed are the poor in spirit
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

Blessed are those who mourn
for they shall be comforted

Blessed are the meek
for they will inherit the earth

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness
for they will be filled

Blessed are the merciful
for they shall receive mercy

Blessed are the pure of heart
for they will see God

Blessed are the peacemakers
for they will be called children of God

Blessed are those who are persecuted for rigtheousness’ sake
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

I’ve been wrestling with these challenging words from Jesus, what would happen if only a few percent of the Christians in the UK lived these words out 100%?

On Tuesday I turned 28 years old.  I thought I’d share 28 things I wish someone would have told me when I was 20. (They probably did, but I wasn’t paying attention.):

1. Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint.
2. Jesus cares more about young people and the church than you do.
3. Youth ministry is just one important ministry in the church – there are others.
4. You can’t please everyone … so why try?
5. People will criticise you. Just get used to it.
6. Three months from now, you won’t even remember most of the things that are bothering you today.
7. You can’t do it all. Stop trying.
8. God called you because He is good, not because you are.
9. Become close friends with other youth leaders in your town (as many as you can).
10. Your ministry isn’t your god. God is your God.
11. You know how to give and how to minister to others. If you don’t learn how to receive, you’ll burn out and/or die.
12. Studying for talks and sermons doesn’t replace your personal time with God and in His word.
13. Believe in people that others overlook.
14. If you’re going to reach people that others aren’t, you’ll have to do things that others won’t.
15. Your integrity matters more than you can imagine.
16. Be careful what you say. You’re being watched (and recorded).
17. Don’t return emails when you’re angry.
18. Only read emails a couple of times a day – don’t be a master to emails.
19. Turn your emails off on your day off – focus on you and your family.
20. Check to make sure your microphone is turned off before you use the toilet. Double-check.
21. Compliment, encourage, and build up your staff and volunteers.
22. Hand write thank you notes.
23. Don’t criticize others’ ministries.  Yours isn’t nearly as perfect as you think it is.
24. Take care of yourself. Eat right. Rest. Exercise. Take time off. No one else can do that for you.
25. If you don’t take much time off, it’s because you’re proud, and you think you’re more necessary than you really are.
26. Don’t just delegate responsibility. Delegate authority.
27. Laugh frequently.
28. People will leave your church. People you love and trust will leave your church. Don’t take it personally.