Good Words to Great Leaders

Psalm 121:1  "I look up to the mountains  -  does my help come from there?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (NLT)

A few weeks ago, I participated in what will probably be my final week of summer camp. It is time for the younger generation, who has a closer connection to the mind and heart of kids, to take the reins of leadership. I am going to miss my duties as preacher, teacher, musician, life coach, counselor, bus driver, and clown.  I will especially miss the moments on the front porch talking into the early morning hours with teenagers who are struggling to understand life. I'll miss the wonderful nights of worship and campfires where we have seen hundreds come to know Christ.  I'll miss the beautiful sounds of childhood laughter as friends spend quality time together, and the late night rap sessions with other counselors...in the kitchen. (You knew there would have to be food involved in my sorrow somewhere!)

To the new leaders, your responsibility now becomes much greater.  You must set the standards of quality ministry for which this week has always been known. And that standard will never be higher than the life you live during the other 51 weeks of your year.  You are not the shining stars, the talented wonders, the magnificent teachers; rather you are the builders of young lives, the encouragers of future dreams, the strengtheners of youthful faith, the menders of childhood mistakes, performing your calling while standing on the solid foundation of the Word of God.  

For many of your kids, this week is the only spiritual encounter they have during the year.  Always be aware of and ready to listen to their hurts, their dreams, wishes, desires and hopes.  To you, their words may sound trite and unrealistic.  But remember, as Bryant has always said, "It's not about you...it's all about the kids and their future with Jesus.   Never forget that you were once a kid looking for something yourself.  My generation assisted you.  So help your kids to find what you now possess.   Always point them to Someone a little higher up.  They are looking for what you have found. 

Love you all,
Buddy

Handling Adversity

This week's devotional comes from Mrs. Terry Ford of the Little Rock OFWB Church in Lucama, NC.  

Do not be afraid of sudden panic or of the storm that strikes the wicked; for the Lord will be your confidence.  Proverbs 3:25-26.

My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.  James 1:2

Having Trouble – On the surface it may seem like a contradiction to be happy when we are in trouble.  Why would we be happy when things aren’t going our way?  God understands this.  But He also wants us to begin to see things from his perspective.  In the Bible, we read the story of Paul and Silas, who were beaten and thrown into prison.  Rather than get depressed, they threw a party.  While singing songs of joy, an earthquake loosened their chains and threw open the prison door.  Moments later, the prison guard was on his knees before them asking them how to get what they had.  What did they have?  They had God’s eternal perspective on their temporary troubles.

God shows undeserved kindness to everyone…You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm.  I Peter 5:10.