We all have different beliefs, that's fine. We are all free to believe what we want. However, I draw the line at open attacks. This is an attack. Question:
If Christians are accused of "forcing" their beliefs on you when they say "I don't agree with (insert controversial topic)", what then is this billboard?
If the answer given is "free speech" then please accept the title of "Hypocrite".
Super pumped... STILL! Where should I begin? I'd been counting down the months, weeks and days until this retreat. My first retreat with this group- Transitions: Young Adult Ministry- from Brooklyn Tabernacle. The meetings I'd attended prior were awesome so I came EXPECTANT, not of them but of God. Let me tell you, HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT! ON MISSION was held in Glen Spey, NY at Lake Champion.
The Opening Rally
We received the fire starter aka the first "ON MISSION Moment" from Pastor Rafael Castillo entitled "Shake but Don't Break". Oooo weeee, can I say that again? Oooooo weeeee! Just a snippet from my notes:
Sometimes when we are in the dark we forget what God told us in the light. God doesn't lie, so His promise IS His promise! ... You have to FEED THE FIRE...
*you'll have to email me at: silvertongued1blog@gmail.com if you want more*
ON MISSION Moment:
There's something different about today, the presence of God is felt- strongly. Mark 5. The very presence of Jesus stepping onto land let all that was not of God know it was time to go because they (it) was NOT welcomed there. Does the presence of God in our lives show? Does it cause atmospheric change (make things happen for the good)? We are challenged to leave our comfort zones... Go On Mission!
Message:
Pastor Josh Kimes from Hillsong NYC hit us hard with a message entitled "More Than Meets the Eye". Check out Nehemiah 2:17-20. So much more goes in to rebuilding a wall, a city, a relationship, a life, a career, a ministry than recognizing the ruin and stacking mere 'bricks'. Confidence needs to be rebuilt but it is not the confidence in self, it is the confidence in God. Three OUTSTANDING points were given for staying ON MISSION...
*More? email me: silvertongued1blog@gmail.com*
ON MISSION Moment:
When you feel like you are not equipped, just know that The Lord is equipped! Just obey. (1 Samuel 15:22)
When we thought our spirits could not get lifted any higher, go any deeper, praise any harder, learn anymore Pastor Tim Ross came on the scene to challenge us to GET OUR WEIGHT UP!
His message was entitled "Strength Under Pressure". Whaaaaat?!!!!! *insert high pitch* Proverbs 24:10 says:
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
Mind blown! Then he took it further and discussed Philippians 4 verse 13, you know you know it, the verse we have ALL quoted and misunderstood at least once. Here's the clue to understanding it, read it in context. Verses 10 through 13 go together. Paul was speaking of having experienced times of suffering, having joy, being dead broke and having abundance- it was within any of those situations he had learned that it was Jesus Christ who enabled him to be successful through it all. Yes, I said success, because success is not to be measured only by financial means but by achievement of desired outcome. In Paul's case, he had success because his life remained to preach the gospel and souls were saved. SUCCESS! So now that you know the context, can you recite the verse with the same conviction? I hope so :)
The Last Session
Pastor Todd Crews, whose wife Nicole and baby boy are super beautiful by the way, wrapped us up with "Gather, Scatter & Spread". By now my voice was almost shot but that didn't stop me from shouting and cheering. He countered our self-made excuses of boredom in and with the church or Christianity all together with charging us to be ON MISSION or stay in boredom. There is NO boredom in Christ Jesus, the boredom comes from us confining ourselves to four walls or as he creatively put it the "Holy Huddle". What in the world is the "Holy Huddle"? Ha, I'm glad you asked. Take for instance a NFL game (my favorite sport, yes yes Go Giants!), the team calls a time out, they gather to discuss plays and revamp strategy- break! They're out on the field- the game is about to begin or so you think but just then they call another time out and they do this consistently WITHOUT EVER GETTING IN THE GAME! How frustrating and boring right? Well that's what makes us bored in our Christian lives, we're in the huddle and never get in the actual game to carry out the plays!
I can tell you this, I've strapped on my helmet, knee and shoulder pads, I got my cleats and I am ready to get in the game. Like Pastor Ross said, I gotta get my weight up too, if not I will crumble like a shortbread cookie. So God is my personal trainer and I got my gear (Ephesians 6:10-17).
So many great messages, moments and experiences it is unreal but all amazing! I tried to condense it but woooo! Seriously, if there is a message that you want to read my entire notes on (it will blow your mind!) just email me at silvertongued1@gmail.com
Did I mention that we partied like nobody's business???? "Ain't no party like a Holy Ghost party 'cause a Holy Ghost party don't... stooop!" Glow sticks, beach balls and all of that! Ziplining into the lake, tubing, swinging on a gigantic swing, canoeing, the bonfire, 'smores!... woooo I am exhausted and happy!
Leave your comments, questions, and experiences down below. I would love to read them :) Enjoy the pics!
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On Saturday I had the time of my life! No, I was not at the Beyonce concert; I went somewhere better. More than being the old "naughty girl" living what I used to believe was a "sweet dream beautiful... nightmare" I spent 4 glorious hours Coming Together with others who believe, like I do, that God Belongs in Our City. I put God's love on top.
The line up was incredible: first we got started with praise and worship lead by Amante Lacey.
The song lyrics "let our worship kiss Your face in this atmosphere"... Soul stirring. Just meditate on that for a moment. Think on how glorious it is to know that God delights in our worship, pure and simple adoration. [pause to let it sink in] Check out www.amantelacey.com
Then we got amped with HeeSun Lee! This woman right here is hilarious and talented! In her words: "I don't know if you noticed but ummm I'm Asian." I don't know if she noticed but ummm she's on point! Tracks like "Life's Too Short" (something new off of her, I'm assuming, forthcoming album *hoping hard*), "I Get In", "Cindy's Revenge" and "Breaking All the Rules"- which has become my self-proclaimed motto- had the entire audience on their feet "Breaking Stereotypes"! Oh and did I mention I got to meet her???! Humble, sweet and just plain gorgeous! You would kick yourself for not checking her out sooner, I know I did. Here's a nudge: www.inmycityrecords.com
Okay, so by now our minds were flooded with the amazingness of God. We worshipped with simplicity and solemness of heart then we jumped for joy with the realization that we are Christians and we aren't cookie cutter editions. What could possibly be next?
Christon Gray, that's what! Out came this guy looking uniquely cool. I honestly didn't know what he was going to do but I was ready! Then he opened his mouth and notes came out so beautifully they were almost visual. When he asked us to repeat lyrics after him we did, UNTIL he took it to another level! I'm telling you God can do some 'thangs' with vocal chords. I tried to follow his effortless lead but I sounded more like a dying mouse so I shut up and let him do his thing (haha). "Hit those notes my brother! Go 'head!" I shouted instead. As he shared background to songs and a beautiful heartfelt dedication to his wife and daughter we swayed and collectively said "awwww" okay so that was mainly the women in the audience, leave me alone. Just when I thought he was only a singer in between rap artists, he surprised us by doing both. Talent upon talent. You'd be wise to visit: http://collision-records.com/discography/christon-gray-body-art/
It was surprise after surprise. The next performer you may recognize from several rap battles and even some movie appearances (hint hint: 2 Fast 2 Furious where he played Jimmy). You guessed it, MC Jin! Some might have thought he lost his spark since he became a Christian, WRONG! He got even better! Come battle him now... Eh, better not, no sense melting your face. Let the Son do that. His song "Dear, Non-Believer" is something serious! Check out his album here: www.crazyloveridiculousfaith.com
By this time I was drenched in sweat, let's call it holy sweat, don't judge me haha. My feet were hurting but I kept jumping and dancing, shouting praises to God. I could barely contain the excitement that had accumulated throughout the evening and just then Andy Mineo came out!
As soon as I heard "Come you sinners poor and needy"... I KNEW what time it was but I couldn't decide whether I should keep my shoes on or off; I just knew it was about to get real! From Superhuman to The Saints to Uno Uno Seis I thought I was a rapper! Word for word, creating actions to lyrics- I was going HARD! Momma would have been so proud :) . In the midst of this splendiferous time there was worship. When Andy performed "You Will"I paused in worship to acknowledge God's worthship, His grace and mercy. When others doubt we, as children of God, have the privilege of knowing that Abba Father is more than able. (Side note: I was startled by Andy's cold water that hit me in the face and neck hahaha but I ain't mad atcha).
All in all it was an amazingly awesome-tastic event! With each performing minister (artist) praying in between their sets we were reminded of the purpose of our attendance. God belongs in our city!
It is not too late to catch this tour. It's all across the country with various artists, so catch one near you! Here's the link for info: www.GodBelongsInMyCity.com
DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS!
