Your Next Step Ministries

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13, 14 ESV)

Last night I spoke at Collide, the youth ministry of Beach Church. Many years ago, when I was a youth pastor, one of mentors urged me, “Preach for Life Change.” Twenty- five years later, I still think of those words when I walk onto a stage. Jesus is the only one who generates life-change, so I preach Him. If we are to change, if we are to become like Him, we must look outside of ourselves and gain a global vision. The key to transformation is looking to see where God is working in our world and to get on His team. Where is He working around you? Join Him.

Keep Moving,

Doug

(via http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Joy.html?soid=1103380029568&aid=A57cQX6lwjc)

Nate got to train with the US Surf Team in Santa Cruz, CA yesterday.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
(Genesis 50:20 ESV)

Losses and disappointments are inevitable in life. Jobs we hoped for fall through, schools we apply to turn us down, relationships fail, church isn’t heaven, and God’s presence more often than we like feels distant.

Disappointments seem to be an ever present reality this side of eternity. The question most of us want an answer to is, “Why?” A few years ago I was having lunch with a couple of friends when a question of direction arose. During that lunch, we took a few minutes to pray for each other. One of the guys prayed, “Lord give our friend what he is asking You for, unless You have something better in mind.” This simple prayer was a paradigm-shifter for me. God’s refusals, which are often delivered by circumstantial delivery systems, may not be because God just doesn’t like you, it could be that He has something better in mind.

Father, give me Your perspective.

Take Your Next Step,

Doug