Making A Difference!

My husband & I had the awesome opportunity to go to the Casting Crowns, “Come To The Well Tour,” Saturday night.  I love going to concerts because it always seems to inspire me in some way.  The lead singer for Casting Crowns happens to be a Youth Pastor as well.  He has such an amazing heart for young people and for youth leaders.  During the intermission of the concert we had a chance to meet Mark Hall and listen to some great tips he gave for Youth Pastors.  Since my husband & I are Youth Pastors, we were all ears at what Mark had to say!  Two things he said impacted me the most.  A lot of times when you are speaking to youth or adults on a weekly basis you study the Bible to get a message to speak and you fail to spend time in the Bible to get more of God for yourself.  This made me realize that if I am not spending time with God to build myself up, then how can I really be effective at reaching anyone else.  This goes for all of us, you don’t have to be a youth leader, or a speaker to minister to someone.  But, unless you are spending time in the Word of God for yourself, not to put a message together, but simply to learn what God has for YOU that day, then we are missing a huge part of the puzzle.  The Word of God is life to our spirit.  If you are feeling dry and weary, ask yourself if you have been spending time in God’s Word for yourself.  His Word is refreshing, like a cold glass of water on a hot summer day.   I love what the Bible says:

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”  Matthew 5:6

When we are hungry and thirsty for God’s Word – He will fill us and we will overflow onto other people!  When you are filled, you can effectively help other people.  If you are running on empty, how can you go anywhere?  So, fill yourself up today on God’s Word.  Get refreshed, then go bless someone else!  You were made to make a difference.

The other thing that impacted me from Mark Hall’s talk had to do with building relationships/disciples for Christ.  If you truly want to make an impact on someone, you have to invest time into their life.  Think about the people who have made a difference in your life, the mentors you’ve had… you probably spent time with them.  Relationships are so vital.  We have to build them, work on them and cultivate them, like a garden.  If you want a plant to grow and live, you have to feed it, water it, give it sunshine and love.  You can’t buy a plant and set it in a corner and never give it water and expect it to live.  The same is true with the people in our lives.  If you want your relationships to grow and live you have to invest your time, water if you will.  We are truly making a difference in this world when we can help someone else be all they can be!   Be hope to someone who is broken.  I challenge you today to make a difference in someone’s life.  Make an investment in someone and make a difference! 

If you are a Youth Pastor or work with young people check out the Casting Crowns website for free resources at www.castingcrowns.com

Check out Royal Tailor’s song, “Make A Move” at www.royaltailoronline.com  This song says it best! We truly were made to make a difference.