More Orange Please

Today's session started out with a tribute to Thriller which was pretty cool.

Joel Mamby and Craig Jutila spoke briefly, but the main speaker today was Craig Groeschel. He asked a question to begin his talk which was "What do you think success is in leading the next generation?" Culture says success is raising well rounded, well educated, happy kids. When in reality we are called to unleash single minded, Christ centered, biblically anchored world changers.

Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

Psalm 71:18

I really enjoyed him sharing more about Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Stating that we need to enlist supporting voices - others that will come alongside us as parents imparting spiritual wisdom. 

He stated that we need to raise the expectations of the next generation. We have a generation that we aren't asking much of today and most have been raised to feel entitled. He asked how many 11 year olds think they can be a mentor? Those that are told that they can! This generation needs to know that their church believes in them.

We need to keep it real. Incorporate talking about God in all that you do. God is not a part of our lives. He is everything! Going to church is not what we do. It is who we are. We are the church! Christianity is not something we do. It is who we are.