The Launch

This last month has provided me with a backpack full of fresh messages and mind stretching presentations at conferences and gatherings across the nation. I admit that my CA trip was more for pleasure, but I was
challenged and encouraged by renewing past relationships and sharing the story of The Miracle Tour.

For those who are unfamiliar with this core passion in my life, let me give you a head’s-up. I believe in the power of God to change lives and destinies. I believe that the transition years between high school and college are crucial.

Once you hit a campus and leave the seeing eye of your parents, you are on your own to create and determine your own future. Some will stay at home and continue with local schools, but many will leave for other states and cities hoping to find their individual pathways to becoming an adult.

Along that path there will be obvious challenges and temptations, but also the opportunity to step forward into the gifts and callings God created you to excel in and represent Him in this world. Don’t waste these years. They are significant.

I do not agree with popular dogma that they are “the best years of your life.” Having lived long past college, I can genuinely say they are only the beginning of great things. They will either launch you or you will find yourself stuck in a circular world of “good ole days.” Let these years be the beginning of greatness in your lives. God is all about the launch.

One of the key ingredients in your college bag should be relationships that carry the mark of Christ. The kind of relationships that know your business and support you through the struggles, by reminding you who you really are, and what you are made of. That kind of friend is priceless and no American Express card can match their value. Make a commitment to hang-on to these foundational friends. Be real with them. You will need each other.

As you meet new friends at college don’t rush into anything too quickly. That advice may surprise you, but take your time with friendships. Learn a little about a person’s character before you give away your heart and soul. Be a good friend to others, but be discerning. Not everyone is what that appear and first impressions can be deceiving. Make sure YOU are what you say you are and live like you believe. This is your responsibility. It is also your privilege and honor.

One of the key speakers I have heard in the last month was an aged ambassador to the United States. He was small in stature and gave his speech with a broken and faint voice. I was moved to tears at the giant of a man on the stage. His life was his stature. He was a key architect of the treaty between the Soviet Union and the US’ nuclear disarmament. This was just one of his accomplishments. His point was “the power of the ought.”

“If you see injustice or suffering in the world, you ought to do something about it.” We ought to make a difference as believers and Christ followers. It is so much more than just acquiring the knowledge to know what is good, but the win is in doing it. That is where you will all step-into the launch zone. Do what you ought to do with your life. Do something great and worthy of your King. Aim high.

Speaking of Babies

My good friend is having a baby. I should add he is having 2 babies. Not literally, but certainly figuratively. He is planting a new church, baby #1. He is also expecting his first baby boy. Big story there, but it is his to share. It is all too wild to see the parallel growth going on. God 's timing on this one is pretty amazing. Ask me about who, if you haven't already guessed.
I have a pretty special delivery coming myself. Don't drop your Starbucks, it is not a baby, silly. My crib is full. I have a project I have titled The Miracle Tour. It was written over the last few months to meet a need I saw in the 15-20 year olds I have been living life amongst for the last few years. I see so much hope with an added side of anxiety in their lives. They are desiring to know where their life will be taking them. Questions, without answers, or answers without the right questions riddle their lives. "Riddle me this" is so not funny at this age.
Imagine if they could actually see themselves through the eyes of a 1st Century disciple hitting the Miracle Tour road for the very first time. Ok, I know that would be a stretch, so there is a parallel plot of a contemporary band hitting the tour trail for the first time. Between the 2 themes it becomes pretty transparent that God is in both tours and God is the plug-in for all the power and direction you need. The rest I will leave up to your imagination.
My writing partner, Karen and I, are starting the search for a publisher. If you know any that want to see this generation get caught-up in their own Miracle Tour with Jesus, let me know. I'm pretty sure we have something to offer. More on this soon. Thanks for your prayers and support. I will happily post that publishing birth announcement for you to see. Thank goodness we won't have to play any of those silly baby shower games.

The Miracle Tour: Intro
This is a story about bread. Not the kind you savor with dense, creamy butter or seasoned olive oil at a trendy restaurant during a prom date. You know the kind the waiter brings to help keep you patient while he holds your meal hostage in the kitchen. You use it to fill in those awkward moments of silence as you struggle for some sort of interesting something to say as you straighten your ridiculous bow-tie and check out the rest of the room. This is a simple bread. It is the kind of bread that gets used.

Being used has gotten a bad rap over the years. Some people will spend their whole life avoiding it. There are entire books written about how not to get used,. But this is a story about allowing yourself to be used. Along the way you will also learn a little about bread.

Bread doesn’t sound very miraculous does it? When I think about a Miracle Tour, I certainly don’t associate bread at all. Because I am a well seasoned music follower, I naturally think psychedelic painted buses in the 60’s with large banners announcing some British music tour. There is a crowd of young women screaming and running after the bus, long hair trailing in the wind, and some of their dignity too.

Ok, this story does have crowds and women, but no woman would have been seen running after a bus, even if there had been buses. The 60’s were the era of the miniskirt and these first century, bread baking ladies would have definitely been in a maxi-caftan. Not real practical for chasing anything, but possibly small minded, slow traveling goats.

This is about a culture that had no tour buses, traveled by foot, and ate a lot of bread. Probably at this point you are wondering where the excitement kicks in. This miracle tour description wouldn’t inspire a Podcast or even a post on someone’s wall today. Who cares about bread anyway, unless of course it is whole grain.

The Miracle Tour concept was a random revelation. In our world of instant fame and celebrity culture, it occurs to me that the first band of early disciples had their own, Miracle Tour. Kind of a virgin tour that eventually led them into superstardom. Yes, their fame now eclipses the Beatles and every other musician before and after them. Maybe superstar wasn’t what they were going for, but their influence has certainly made a difference in this world, a big difference. Not bad for a bunch of newbies at spiritual life.

Working with teen culture has taught me a few things. First, I clearly get that I am a relic from a past civilization, like anyone else over 30. Second, stay open to crazy new ideas. Third, I now invest heavily in gas cards. I need them. Nothing warms the heart of teenager better than a gas card. Ok, pizza comes in a close second. There is that bread thing again.

As I observe this next generation beginning their life journey into adulthood, I see one overwhelming characteristic. They are hungry. They are hungry to succeed , hungry to know, hungry to make a difference in the world they have inherited. Maybe that is why God speaks of bread so much in His word. Hunger is universal. So is God

The similarities are obvious. If you are under 20 or relatively new at following Christ , there are some great examples of what to do and what not to do in the Bible. So, for every modern day disciple this book is for you. Time to pack for your Miracle Tour.