Luke 18:27 Jesus
replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with
God.” (NIV)
God is good.
This past
weekend I had the opportunity to spend the second annual Friend Fest with
people I know and care about. Many of those who belong to the Real Life Church family showed
up and I am honored and humbled to be considered a part of this family. In
total, counting all the kids, we had 34 in attendance!
God is good.
It was only a
year ago that I didn’t have a church family. Now I am blessed with a large church
family. I would do anything for these people. They have my love. I can’t take
credit for this though. I had tried for a couple years previous to find my
place with no avail. One of my best friends and I searched and searched for a
church where we could fit in, a church that felt like we belonged. I had given
up hope as I attended the 1st Friend Fest in 2012 by myself. That is
where I ran into Jared and found out that he was a pastor. This was the beginning
work of God. The work of the grand artist has shaped this worthless lump of clay
into a man who has found his home.
God is good.
I captured
those moments from the 1st Friend Fest in 2012 with a couple journal
entries.
June 30th, 2012
It has been a wild week this week. I did get played again
and I did not react all that well to it. But the Lord did work in it and
brought forth some truth in the situation.
I ran into Jared Eckerley at Friend Fest last night and he
gave me a business card for his church. I want to go check it out on Sunday.
Maybe this could be my home. A place to begin tithing, and a place to give my
time and truly begin serving.
July 1st, 2012
It has been quite the interesting week. So much has happened
this week there is no way I could journal it all. Maybe I should try?
I’ve been faking some of my faith. Maybe not faking it but I
definitely have Jesus in my head and not in my heart. That has changed this
weekend. I recognized, well rather, I’ve
decided to stop turning a blind eye to the fact that while I say I am a
Christian I am not living as a free man.
Artist Eric Samuel Timm, a guest speaker said that 12”
separates Jesus from where we should have him to where he is. 12” is about the
distance between your head and your heart.
That’s me. Today I have read from
Proverbs 1:32 NIV
For
the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and
the complacency of fools will destroy them;
I closed out my journal entry on July 1st , 2012
with this prayer.
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for such a great weekend and for all that you do
in my life. I pray this prayer to you this morning.
I’m ready to come home.
I’m ready to stop my
mindless wandering, my waywardness. I have grown complacent in my relationship
with you. I continue to live in my sin and have been living for idols and not
you. I hear you. No more OLD STEVE. No
more old creation. I am all in. Please fill me with your spirit and lead me.
Your Servant,
Steven
God is good.
I had a front
row seat to see Him at work this past weekend. Literally, we had the front row,
center, locked down all weekend. During that time we had to defend our spots on
occasion and gently remind people that the spots we had, while empty now, were
for our peeps and when they returned they would want them back. It was during
such an encounter that I met Trevor and Beth from Ohio. They had traveled two
hours so their son, Caleb who had just beat Thyroid Cancer, could see Toby Mac
and magician Tom Coverly.
They were
occupying the front row in between sets because their son was about to be on
the main stage with magician Tom Coverly and they wanted pictures to capture
the moment. Caleb was particular fond of magic and they arrived too late to see
the full magic show on the 2nd stage but they did catch Tom as he
exited the stage. They explained their situation, how they missed his show,
Caleb’s love of magic and his recent battles. In response Tom decided to invite
Caleb onto the main stage to assist him with a magic trick. Caleb jumped at the
chance. While I talked with Trevor he also explained that they had really
wanted to set up an opportunity for their son to meet Toby Mac. He explained
that, a couple weeks prior to the show, they contacted the radio station to
find out if they could just get 5 minutes with Toby Mac. To their surprise, and
mine, they were told that it would cost $200 to set up such a meeting. Not
having the money for that, this on stage appearance assisting the magician was
more than they could have hoped for their son.
 |
| Caleb with Magician Tom Coverly |
God is good,
but the story gets better.
During the
performance I snapped some photos and recorded the event for them. Afterwards I
gave them my contact information and asked them to contact me so I could get
them the video and pictures. That next day Trevor called me and shared just how
awesome God is and how He steps in when we fail. Trevor shared with me a story
that unfolded without our knowledge. You see, after the magic trick,
this magician, who had already made Caleb’s day, took him back stage and
introduced him Toby Mac.
Caleb was
able to talk face to face with Toby Mac and share his story. Toby Mac was very
gracious and loving giving Caleb his autograph and even a hug! How cool is that
huh?
Luke 18:27 Jesus
replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with
God.” (NIV)
Where man had
failed, God stepped in and made a HUGE difference in this young man’s life.
God is
good.
So here is
the real exciting news! This same God, who blessed me with a family and this
boy with realizing a dream, wants to work the same way in your life!
So who are
you?
Are you a
person that doesn’t think God is in it for you?
Are you a
person who hasn’t given God the chance to do something in your life?
Let Him in,
He is good, He is knocking, and He loves you!
Consider
surrendering your life to Him for He does have a plan for you; one that you
couldn’t even dream of.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV
11For I know
the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call on me and
come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek me and find me
when you seek me with all your heart.
Come join us at the YMCA in Niles at 9 AM. You do not have to get your life right first. You don't have to wear special clothes. Just come as you are and see what great things God has in store for you.
Here are some pics of the family from the 2nd Annual Friend Fest 2013
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