moments before… GODencounters Tennessee/Georgia

the staff assembled this morning. it’s the 2nd year of having a GODencounters here in Tennessee/Georgia (we are technically at Southern Adventist University). we added a few new people to the team and are waiting on a few others to come (volunteers from out-of-town and even out-of-state) but most of us met this morning for our first staff worship.

some of us spoke of our young adult friends, or those that have been mentioned to us, who need an encounter with the Living GOD. then some became vulnerable and spoke of the difficult times that have recently weighed heavy upon the soul.

it became real to me in that moment…

WE are in need of a fresh encounter with the Living GOD!

After reading Jeremiah 24:7 – “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart,” as well as some other texts, we began to pray. I must admit that, at first, I did not feel like praying. But then it happened. Something took over me, something I call the Holy Spirit. I was impressed that I must pray, I must seek God, I must return to God… because although all of life’s chaos and busyness and brokenness, GOD has given me a heart to know Him! GOD, the Supreme Ruler of the universe. GOD, the Almighty Lord of lords and King of kings. GOD, who is from everlasting and to everlasting. GOD, who is the Father of all compassion. Yes… this GOD has given me a heart to know Him! What a terrible and beautiful gift – a heart from GOD, to know Him and not my own ways. I’m broken in His grace and restored in His mercy. He loves me that much that He would see my sin-stained selfish heart and say, “No, that won’t do. Here, take this one instead… with it you will know Me, and when you know Me, it is salvation!” (John 17:3 reference)

So because of this new heart GOD has given me, it allowed me to pray. It inspired me to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy in time of need. There I was. There we were… encroaching into the throne room of GOD through prayer – seeking to encounter this LIVING GOD.

It is just moments before our first GODencounters gathering for the week – only a few hours to go… and it’s becoming clear that this time and this place and this Divinely-saturated space has been set apart by GOD Himself… so He may give people hearts to know Him, so He may be their Lord and they will be His people, returning to GOD will all their heart.

Life After Graduation…

Looking for a discipleship guide for your young adults? Eager to deepen the devotion of new generations to Jesus?  GODencounters may be just what you are looking for.

GODencounters: Pursuing a 24/7 Experience of Jesus offers new generations a holy invitation to live life in His presence.  It is raw and honest about this life, offering real experiences and real encouragement from other GODfollowers.  Young adults are not the only ones who will be transformed.  I highly recommend GODencounters!
- James Black, Director,
North American Division Youth & Young Adult Ministries [YPAC]

GODencounters: Pursuing a 24/7 Experience of Jesus explores the heart of a young adult movement recklessly living for GOD’s renown. Authors Lynell LaMountain, Shayna Bailey, and A. Allan Martin, anchor an eclectic constellation of heartfelt entries which share an honest hunger to live in GOD’s presence continually.  Just released by Pacific Press, GODencounters is now available online or at your local Adventist Book Center.

As you read GODencounters, you realize that, there is a story in each of us written on the pages of our lives, in the ink of experience. You sense that your story is a GODstory and that He has been with you all the while, leading you into a deeper place in His heart. As you read the shared everyday stories of everyday people, who have found a deeper sense of faith and life in GOD, you begin to see your own life connected to theirs. GODencounters: Pursuing a 24/7 Experience of Jesus is for anyone who is longing for more than just a routine experience of GOD. It’s for those are not afraid to take faith steps into new encounters with the living GOD.
- Eddie Hypolite, Associate Director,
South England Conference Youth Ministries [United Kingdom]

Available for bulk orders and special pricing, GODencounters, makes a great graduation or baptismal gift.  It is a provocative discipleship study guide for individuals and young adult groups.  Use it as a spiritual conversation starter with new generations, especially those who have left their faith or have yet to meet Jesus.  Pick up GODencounters today, http://www.adventistbookcenter.com/GODencounters

Stained Glass’ Edgy Hollywood Blvd in PDVD15

Poignant and provocative, the Stained Glass documentary, Hollywood Blvd., can be found among the constellation of media on the Pastor’s DVD, Volume 15.  Raw candor and honest dialogue help this episode tell a faith journey story that is sharp, cutting, and brazenly sincere.

The group discussion questions that follow the clip allow for personalized process and open the door to meaningful conversation about what subjective definitions of church draw and repel us.

Hollywood Blvd. is worthy of more than a tour stop snapshot glance.  Stay a while, and get the full feel.