Start A Fire

The song that we've just started singing the last few weeks is my own personal prayer for not only myself, but also for our youth group.

Start A Fire
Start a fire in me,
Let the flames run free,
Burn away the dross,
Holy fire of God

Let it begin, let it be new,
Let me be used for Your sake,
Bringing glory to Your Name.
I can live knowing that You
Reside in my heart.
Oh Lord, You are the fire.

When something's on fire, people watch it. I remember when I was young and the house around the corner caught on fire, the whole neighborhood went and just watched it burn. It was crazy to watch.
Remember the fires a couple years back? The sparks would jump from house to house and entire neighborhoods went up in flames. Now when it's someone's home burning, it's a tragedy. But when it's us - when you look at it spiritually, it's a whole other thing.

I want my spiritual life to be like that. On fire. Something that people can see right away, even from a distance. You shouldn't have to be one of my close personal friends to see my passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want the flames to run free in my life. I want that to spread from me to others. I want to see the flames in the kids in our youth group. I want to see it spreading from person to person.

It has to start somewhere. I'm praying that it truly is starting in me. It has to start in us personally. Then it can spread. I'm praying that individual kids in our youth group become so passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ that everyone around them can see it, and that it spreads.

Read the lyrics of the song again. Then, the next time we sing it. Don't just sing the words - let them be your own personal prayer to God for your life.

You can get "Start A Fire" on iTunes. My favorite version of the song is on the album "Window to the Inner Court" by Shane Everett. While you're at it, just get the whole album. I just can't stop listening to this album.
("Start a Fire" by Darrin Sasser and Jason Harrison - copyright 1998 Shadow Rock Music)

The 50

So I'm very encouraged after last night. I'm still done with all the games and lunacy, but I think we're ready to really start moving forward. 50 people came forward and signed their name to the "SIX33 Fellowship." See my previous blog (below) for what that is.

So what now? Where to? What's the plan? Well it's simple:

Seek God First.

That's it. Nothing fancy or complicated. Just seek God first.

Here's our new "purpose statement" for the SIX33 HSM:
"Our desire is to be passionate about seeking God first in everything. 24.7.365"

So the challenge to the 50 is to let it begin now. Give God complete control of every area of your life.
"Read the Word and put to test the things you've heard until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken."

We're moving forward.
I'm done.
The question is - are you coming with us?

P.S. - Music you need to get: First is "Clear the Stage" by Ross King. It's a song on his Album titled "And All the Decorations Too." Next, get Shane Everett's new Album "Window to the Inner Court." They're both available on iTunes. If you can't get them that way, talk to me and I can get you a copy of them.

The SIX33 Fellowship

I'm done with the fooling around.
I'm done with the distractions.
I'm done with the games.
I'm done with the double-lives.
I'm done with the passion-less worship.
I'm done with the lack of focus.
I'm done.

We're moving forward. We're stepping it up. No more messing around.

I’m a part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed.
I am a Follower of The Way. I have the power of God behind me.
The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line.
The decision has been made. I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
My past is forgotten, my present makes sense, my future is decided.
I’m done living without passion, walking by sight, making worthless plans, having smooth knees, talking about nothing, and having no true focus.

I do not need prosperity, position, promotions, or popularity.
I don't have to be first, the best, praised, or rewarded.
I now live in His presence, learn by faith, love with patience, lift others in prayer, and labor in His power.

My pace is set, my path is His path, my goal is passion for His name, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, my focus is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, beat down, lured away, turned back, or delayed. I will not flinch when I am called to sacrifice, hesitate when things get tough, negotiate with the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I will go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until everybody knows, and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.." (Romans 1:16)

Read Jeremiah 29:11 - we're praying for God to move!
Hebrews 12:1-3 - We're going to focus on Jesus.

Because I'm done!


* This is our version of "The Fellowship of the Unashamed." It was written by a pastor shortly before he was martyred. I've "tweaked" it a bit to fit who we are and where we're going.

The new face of SIX33

So...
Let's see where this ride will take us.
It's been an interesting journey so far.
Ross King, in his song "Clear the Stage" writes:
"clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze
if that's the measure you must take to crush the idols
jerk the pews and all the decorations too
until the congregation's few then have revival
tell your friends that this is where the party ends
until you're broken for your sins you can't be social
seek the Lord and wait for what He has in store
and know that great is your reward so just be hopeful"
I had a great conversation with a couple of the youth in my youth group while we were in Las Vegas. There are some radical changes coming. We're moving toward being more focused and being deeply passionate about what we're doing (and why).

We've cleared the stage and have new sound and lights already. Hmm... I know that the song is speaking more figuratively than literally, but we're definitely on this path. We also got rid of the old plastic chairs in favor of the new cushy ones. We're definitely on our way.
Now as for the congregation being "few..." I want to see group passionate about knowing and seeking God. If it ends up being just a few of us to start with so be it. But that's where we're going on this path.
And we're going to seek the Lord and see what He's got for us.
Pray.
Pray.
Pray.

Let's just pray and see where God takes us.
(and of course, there will be queso along the way from time to time...)