Story. The theme of BigStuf 2014.
In the opening session, the MC had a pop up story book where images were projected onto it. Each image was from a story, biblical and not, explaining that we are all part of a story, but what story? Are we trying to be a part of GOD's awesome story for our lives, or are we just trying to get God to be a part of OUR story when it's convenient? In all honesty, we would all probably say we fall into the latter situation. We live our lives trying to make our own story and then try to ask God to bless every decision we make. But, what if, we stopped trying to run our own lives and create our own story and instead decided that God could lead our story, that He could play the main role. What if? Would it change your life? I'm betting it would.
Jesus told stories, referred to as parables in the Bible. He told them because stories matter. Stories are relatable. Stories can emphasize a point. This is exactly how Jesus used them in the New Testament. And, God uses them to encourage us. Being a part of God's story can be very beneficial to not only you, but those around you. Starting to live a life that God plans instead of one that you plan can have an impact on those around you, it may be small and go unnoticed, but God can use you if you just let him write your story.
The speaker, Jon Acuff, went on to say it's difficult though. It's difficult for us to want to be a part of God's story for 3 reasons:
1) We worry about what others will think. (I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God. I am His.)
2) We think being a part of God's story will be boring. (Story of the prodigal son shows that God throws parties--come on, it doesn't get much more exciting than that.)
3) Sometimes we trade the whole ocean for a swimming pool. (Meaning that we are content with a swimming pool but theres a dune blocking our view of what we could have-the whole ocean.)
That was session one on our first night and, man, did Jon Acuff bring it. The first message was powerful and I feel like God used it to speak to some hearts already.
This morning, we had our second session which was about knowing your Hero. Batman, of course. No, but really it was about leaning about "I Am" and trying to decipher what that really means. It's an all-encompassing term meaning God is all and will be all. And God wants to use us in his story whether we feel qualified for it or not, whether we feel ready or not. God wants to use us. The fact that we are God's. The fact that I am, "I Am's". That is why we are qualified and ready whether we think we are or not. We are God's and he will be with us.
So, that brings us to tonight. I'm writing this before we go into our second session for the day. Pray for the students and that they would be willing to see what God has to say this week. And, pray for the adults. We just want to be able to be here for the students and be able to guide them. Sometimes I don't feel qualified for this. Ha, sound familiar? Apparently, I'm learning lessons this week too. I'll keep updating every day this week to keep you all updated. Thanks for reading.
Oh, also, we made it to round 2 of the 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Woot woot!
In the opening session, the MC had a pop up story book where images were projected onto it. Each image was from a story, biblical and not, explaining that we are all part of a story, but what story? Are we trying to be a part of GOD's awesome story for our lives, or are we just trying to get God to be a part of OUR story when it's convenient? In all honesty, we would all probably say we fall into the latter situation. We live our lives trying to make our own story and then try to ask God to bless every decision we make. But, what if, we stopped trying to run our own lives and create our own story and instead decided that God could lead our story, that He could play the main role. What if? Would it change your life? I'm betting it would.
Jesus told stories, referred to as parables in the Bible. He told them because stories matter. Stories are relatable. Stories can emphasize a point. This is exactly how Jesus used them in the New Testament. And, God uses them to encourage us. Being a part of God's story can be very beneficial to not only you, but those around you. Starting to live a life that God plans instead of one that you plan can have an impact on those around you, it may be small and go unnoticed, but God can use you if you just let him write your story.
The speaker, Jon Acuff, went on to say it's difficult though. It's difficult for us to want to be a part of God's story for 3 reasons:
1) We worry about what others will think. (I am fearfully and wonderfully made by God. I am His.)
2) We think being a part of God's story will be boring. (Story of the prodigal son shows that God throws parties--come on, it doesn't get much more exciting than that.)
3) Sometimes we trade the whole ocean for a swimming pool. (Meaning that we are content with a swimming pool but theres a dune blocking our view of what we could have-the whole ocean.)
That was session one on our first night and, man, did Jon Acuff bring it. The first message was powerful and I feel like God used it to speak to some hearts already.
This morning, we had our second session which was about knowing your Hero. Batman, of course. No, but really it was about leaning about "I Am" and trying to decipher what that really means. It's an all-encompassing term meaning God is all and will be all. And God wants to use us in his story whether we feel qualified for it or not, whether we feel ready or not. God wants to use us. The fact that we are God's. The fact that I am, "I Am's". That is why we are qualified and ready whether we think we are or not. We are God's and he will be with us.
So, that brings us to tonight. I'm writing this before we go into our second session for the day. Pray for the students and that they would be willing to see what God has to say this week. And, pray for the adults. We just want to be able to be here for the students and be able to guide them. Sometimes I don't feel qualified for this. Ha, sound familiar? Apparently, I'm learning lessons this week too. I'll keep updating every day this week to keep you all updated. Thanks for reading.
Oh, also, we made it to round 2 of the 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Woot woot!