Come As You Are...
Listen to the Message...
Lead Me To The Cross, Part 2
Come As You Are, Jay Higham Recorded on Sunday, April 16th, 2017 (Easter Sunday) At Hickory United E.P Church
As you think about the wonderful reality of being able to come to Jesus as you are, take a few minutes to listen and watch, Come As You Are, as performed by David Crowder.
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 It's the Best Kept Secret Part One I started a teaching series last week called, It's the Best Kept Secret. This week, I want to share this series as a study, so I am going back through the material and reshaping it as a daily study. My hope is that as you think about your relationship with Jesus Christ, you might also consider how you live for him. So I hope this helps you as you chase after Jesus. What does it look like to live a balanced healthy life, a life that passionately chases after the things of God? What does it look like to live a life of worship? How does one grow as a disciple? And when it comes to ministry, how do you serve those around you? Like many church leaders, I was drawn to the idea that there was some miraculous method or model to inspire and accomplish growth. I wanted to see growth in both my personal spiritual life and growth in my ministry. So I read books, a lot of books. And I went to seminars, a lot of seminars. And I hoped, boy did I hope that I would find the secret that I though some many already knew.  I read books like... - The Purpose Driven Youth Ministry, Doug Fields… - Sustainable Youth Ministry, Mark DeVries… - Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Church, Rick Chrome... - The Purpose Driven Church, Rick Warren… - Leading with Love, Alexander Strauch… - Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders… - Evangelism Explosion, D James Kennedy… - Radical, David Platt… - Multiply, Francis Chan… - The Church Planter, Darrin Patrick… - The Irresistible Church, Wayne Cordeiro… - Simple Church, Thom S Rainer and Eric Geiger… - 7 Practices of Effective Ministry, Andy Stanley, Reggie Joinier, Lane Jones… - Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, Mark Dever… - The Power of a Whisper, Bill Hybels… - The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson… - Verticle Church, James MacDonald… Now these aren’t books that I’ve just read. These are books that I have studied, dissected and pondered over. I was amazed by the stories that told of tremendous growth and ministry. Stories of how churches jumped from a handful of worshipers to the gathering of thousands celebrating together in weekly worship. With each book, I kept looking for some secret ingredient, a model or structure, a particular strategy or look, a common tread that ran through each church or growth story, something that would spark the growth in what I was doing. And after years of looking and studying, I think it’s safe to say, I found it. But to my surprise, I didn’t find it in any of these books. Despite all the experience, know-how, stories, methods, and models, the answer to my deep quest for understand the church and church growth wasn’t found in any of the books I read. In fact, it all comes down to not a method or a model, not even a strategy or a vision statement. It comes down to what we see happening in the early church as it is shared in Acts 2:42-47. So let's look at Acts 2:42-47.  Acts 2:42-47 English Standard Version (ESV) The Fellowship of the Believers 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (ESV) We see something special in the early church. Something that if we look close enough, we too will see. Growth doesn't comes because of a model or a method or a strategy. Growth comes as we pursue three things.  Worship. Discipleship. Ministry To Think About...Worship. Discipleship. Ministry. How would you define these terms based simply on what you understand as you consider the concept of WORSHIP, DISCIPLESHIP and MINISTRY. Print out the .pdf using the link below and answer the simple questions provided and keep them with your bible. See you tomorrow. 
I saw this video in my Facebook feed this morning. Because the title had millennials in it, I had to watch it. Being a GenX'er, and a pastor who has worked with and continues to work with students who now fall into the millennial age bracket, and the next generation, I am always interested in what's being said about the generational breakdowns.
Simon Sinek is an author, speaker, and consultant who writes on leadership and management. (Wikipedia bio) His websites, SimonSinek.com and StartwithWhy.com, are chalked full of tips, how-tos, tools, and resources for leadership and management, including his books, Start With Why, and New York Times and Wall Street Journal best seller, Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t..
What struck me about the video was his assessment of the Millennials. Simon suggests four characteristics that millennials deal with; "failed" parenting, technology, impatience, and environment. Please take a few minutes to watch the video below.
So, is this true of all Millennials? Or is this a glimpse of a larger problem that has infected society with a deeper cultural issue?
As I watched Simon describe his four characteristics of parenting, technology, impatience, and environment, I found myself agreeing with his assement. The realities are "failed" parenting, increasing use of and addiction to technology, lack of patience, and the lack of conifidence in social and corporate settings are trends that we have seen in our student ministries and community families for a number of years now. But is it just the Millennials?
I think Simon is on point with his assessments, but I believe it's more than just a millennial issue. For instance, as a parent to parents, I would strongly suggest that we consider our roles as parents. I believe that there has been some break down in fulfilling our responsibility to parent our kids. I think it's time that we stop coddling our kids and instead begin preparing them for the realities of life; relationships, careers, success, failure, and soforth. To continue to deprive them of these realities is only going to prolong the problems we see already developing in our society.
Let's rethink our decisions when it comes to the availability of technology. Yes, I am one that deeply believes in the value of technology, but as a tool for life and not as a way of life. Having 3 teens with smart phones and tablets, I am all to aware of the dangers of unlimited access. To enhanse the problem even more, 3 of our 5 have been given laptops from the school for their studies. That would be great if the district had a more comprehensive plan for the technology, but the reality is, they now have a new device to watch videos, check social media, and surf the web with. And let's be honest, not only are they doing it at home, but their doing it at school as well. But it's not just parenting and technology. As a youth worker to youth workers, if you served students between 2000 and 2015, we are just as quilty as the parents. Because for many of us, we have created a student ministry bubble within our churches that has supported the same kind of harmful thinking. We have catered to our students in creating attractional, entertaining, and consumer driven ministry models that have separated an entire generation from the the large body of the church. Over the last 20 years, we have become super influencial with our students. Students listen to what we say. They watch what we do. And they make life changing decisions based on the influence we've had on their beliefs, principals, practices, life styles, and purposes. I'll talk more about this in an upcoming blog series I am researching and preparing for about student ministry and the church. Look of it starting in 2017. We have created the problem.
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Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Student Ministry Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, a vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence.
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This year Christmas fell on a Sunday, so for the first time in my ministry career, I was blessed to preach on Christmas Day. It was an amazing service with close to 160 coming out to join us in worship and celebration! I wanted to share the sermon here with you with the hopes that it will encourage you.
Last weekend, the church staff and the pre-school staff got together for our staff Christmas party. And one of the traditions we share is that we have a White Elephant gift exchange. Everyone brings in a wrapped gift, we draw numbers, then we pick and open the gifts in numerical order. Now the twist in the game is that if someone opens something that you like, on your turn, you can steal it. I know, not very Christian-like, but it can really be a lot of fun. So this year, once again, we held our white elephant gift exchange. There were gifts of various sizes and wrappings. But there was one gift that was significantly larger than any of the other gifts.
Sometime around the third or fourth round one of the party-goers, make a clear and shameless break for the big box. I believe the comment was made, Go big, or go home!
Well…
The wrapping paper was torn off. The tape holding the box closed was cut, and we’re all wondering, What could there be in such a big box? I mean, really, there could be just about anything in the box. It was a big box. And so your mind just goes crazy thinking, waiting, wondering.
So with all eyes trained on the box, the flap is pulled back, and then we heard it, “OH, NO!!!”
Sometime around the third or fourth round one of the party-goers, make a clear and shameless break for the big box. I believe the comment was made, Go big, or go home!
Well…
The wrapping paper was torn off. The tape holding the box closed was cut, and we’re all wondering, What could there be in such a big box? I mean, really, there could be just about anything in the box. It was a big box. And so your mind just goes crazy thinking, waiting, wondering.
So with all eyes trained on the box, the flap is pulled back, and then we heard it, “OH, NO!!!”
| Hangers. Old Wooden Hangers. The box was filled with them. Various sizes. Some with clips to hang pants or a skirt, some without. Well, the room exploded with laughter. Maybe something you had to be there to see, but there’s a lesson or two in this for us. 1. It’s true, bigger isn’t always better and, 2. sometimes when you go BIG, you go home with a large box full of hangers. |  |
Some of the BEST gifts
come in the SMALLEST packages
Do You Believe that?
Some of us might already know this to be true, especially if you’re someone who receives jewelry at Christmas time. I remember early on in my relationship with Amy, we would spend Christmas with Amy’s family. We would sit and practice their tradition of opening gifts and when we were done, Amy’s dad would surprise Amy’s mom with a little package that contained some kind of shiny-something.
But here’s my question, do we believe that the best gift that’s ever come, has come in the smallest package.
Some of us might already know this to be true, especially if you’re someone who receives jewelry at Christmas time. I remember early on in my relationship with Amy, we would spend Christmas with Amy’s family. We would sit and practice their tradition of opening gifts and when we were done, Amy’s dad would surprise Amy’s mom with a little package that contained some kind of shiny-something.
But here’s my question, do we believe that the best gift that’s ever come, has come in the smallest package.
Here’s what we know…
Joseph and Mary have made their way to Bethlehem because of the need to register for tax purposes.
While in Bethlehem, Mary, heavy with child, has delivered.
The angels have proclaimed.
The shepherds have visited.
The wise guys are on their way.
While in Bethlehem, Mary, heavy with child, has delivered.
The angels have proclaimed.
The shepherds have visited.
The wise guys are on their way.
But beyond that, what we don’t know is, who else might know what has just happened. In fact it’s possible that the only ones who know what just happened, are those who know what just happened. The rest of the city, while packed with travelers, are likely completely unaware of the events of the previous night. And while the owner of the stable might be aware of a baby being born, is he, or anyone else aware of the significance of this particular birth?
In some ways, we might find ourselves in s similar place, asking similar questions. We know the story. We know what Mary and Joseph were told. We know that Jesus was born. We know what the angels said of him. We know that the shepherd and wise men came.
But do we know what this means? Are we fully aware of the significance of the birth? And…do we believe it? I mean, do we really really believe it?
As I think about the significance of this morning, this season, the reason we remember and celebrate Christmas, I think of these verses in John 1.
In some ways, we might find ourselves in s similar place, asking similar questions. We know the story. We know what Mary and Joseph were told. We know that Jesus was born. We know what the angels said of him. We know that the shepherd and wise men came.
But do we know what this means? Are we fully aware of the significance of the birth? And…do we believe it? I mean, do we really really believe it?
As I think about the significance of this morning, this season, the reason we remember and celebrate Christmas, I think of these verses in John 1.
John 1:1-14 ESV
| The Word Became Flesh 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. |
John, the Apostle, one of the 12, known as the Beloved Disciple, or the Disciple whom Jesus loved, writes his letter, his Gospel, to offer proof that Jesus is who he says he was. And right here in the introduction, within these first couple of verses, he begins by telling his readers that Jesus was the Son of God.
In the beginning was the Word…Jesus. He was with God, he WAS God. He was there at the start of everything, with God, and through him, Jesus, all things were made, and nothing was made without him.
John says, Jesus is God.
But it’s more than that. John tells us that in him, the Word, Jesus, there is LIFE, as in LIFE. Not that he simply was alive, but that in Jesus was the ability to create and sustain life. More importantly, the ability to give life. And this life-giver is the LIGHT to which all men are to live by.
So what we have here is this grand declaration of who Jesus is.
In the beginning was the Word…Jesus. He was with God, he WAS God. He was there at the start of everything, with God, and through him, Jesus, all things were made, and nothing was made without him.
John says, Jesus is God.
But it’s more than that. John tells us that in him, the Word, Jesus, there is LIFE, as in LIFE. Not that he simply was alive, but that in Jesus was the ability to create and sustain life. More importantly, the ability to give life. And this life-giver is the LIGHT to which all men are to live by.
So what we have here is this grand declaration of who Jesus is.
Now why is it that we time to consider this?
Because of what we celebrate this morning.
| The angel, Gabriel, said it to Mary, in Luke 1:30-33. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary asks, “How?” Verse 35. 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. The angel of the Lord goes to Joseph. Matthew 1:20-21. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Then to the shepherds the Angel says. Luke 2:10-11. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. |
You see, to Mary, she would give birth to the Son of God. To Joseph, this baby would save his people from their sins. And to the shepherds, a Savior, the Messiah, the Christ.
Today we celebrate no ordinary baby, nor some ordinary birth. Today we celebrate God, coming to earth with the purpose of rescuing us.
Look back with me to John 1, verse 14. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..."
The Word became flesh.
He was just like us.
Today we celebrate no ordinary baby, nor some ordinary birth. Today we celebrate God, coming to earth with the purpose of rescuing us.
Look back with me to John 1, verse 14. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..."
The Word became flesh.
- God took on Flesh.
- Skin and bone. A heart. Lungs. Stomach. Intestines. A Liver. A brain.
- His body core tempt was 98.6˚.
- He would cry, get hungry and grow tired.
- He would laugh and make jokes.
- He would eat and drink and spend time with friends.
- And he would feel the hurt of hate and the pain of death.
He was just like us.
And he came to dwell among us. The language here paints the picture of not just a visit, but that he came to live, to take up residence with us. He was the kid down the street, Mary and Joseph’s boy. He was the teenager that you’d high to cut your grass or rake your leaves or shovel your driveway and walk. Is the neighbor that would help you move that heavy piece of furnisher that you hate to move.
He became one of us.
He became one of us.
God come down to man.
Better, God became man.
Today we remember and celebrate that Jesus was born, that his life on this earth began as the best gift in the smallest package; a baby, with wrinkly little toes, curled up little fingers, and a sweet button nose, and all the dependency of a new born.
Today we remember and celebrate that the gift of his life would mean life for us. That a Savior, a Messiah, the perfect sacrifice for all men would lay down his life and die, that his blood would be the complete and sufficient covering for sin.
Today we remember and celebrate that just like his first coming, he will come again. That just as the heavenly hosts appeared and declared the praises of heaven, in the twinkling of an eye, and at the trumpets blast, Jesus will come again. And for those of us who are found in him, we will be raised up into heaven to be with him for ever and ever.
Today we remember and celebrate that the gift of his life would mean life for us. That a Savior, a Messiah, the perfect sacrifice for all men would lay down his life and die, that his blood would be the complete and sufficient covering for sin.
Today we remember and celebrate that just like his first coming, he will come again. That just as the heavenly hosts appeared and declared the praises of heaven, in the twinkling of an eye, and at the trumpets blast, Jesus will come again. And for those of us who are found in him, we will be raised up into heaven to be with him for ever and ever.
So let me ask you, What are you celebrating this morning? What is it about this day that makes it any different from any other day?
Is it because there are presents to open, family to visit, or food to consume? Or is it because today, maybe more than any other day, there is this longing inside of you that says, I need to be near my Savior, my Lord, my Messiah, my Jesus! Because today is about our Savior.
Today is about Jesus.
Is it because there are presents to open, family to visit, or food to consume? Or is it because today, maybe more than any other day, there is this longing inside of you that says, I need to be near my Savior, my Lord, my Messiah, my Jesus! Because today is about our Savior.
Today is about Jesus.
 | Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Student Ministry Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, a vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence. |
A Teenage Girl and the Son of God
Awe & Wonder - A Christmas Series
Have you ever stopped to look back to your teenage years? What were those years like for you? Awkward? Difficult? Rebellious?
Were you the popular one, who everybody flocked to be around? Or were you the quiet one, more comfortable on you own? Maybe you felt more like the outsider, never quite feeling like you fit in.
Were you the popular one, who everybody flocked to be around? Or were you the quiet one, more comfortable on you own? Maybe you felt more like the outsider, never quite feeling like you fit in.
For many of us, our teenage years were more like riding a roller coaster of ups, downs and loop d’loops. Looking back, like the roller coast, those years seemed to go by too fast. In many case, we might say that we weren't really ready for those years. But we did our best and struggled through them, celebrating our wins and dealing with our mistakes.
Have you ever thought about how Mary felt about her teenage years? While we don’t know exactly how old Mary was, most traditions put her in her teenage years, those awkward and turbulent years.
We know little of Mary’s life prior to Luke chapter 1. And what we do know is even more limiting. We know that she is living in Nazareth. We know she is a virgin. (That helps with the age thing.) We know she is betrothed (or committed to be married to) a man named Joseph. And we know that she is has found favor with God.
Have you ever thought about how Mary felt about her teenage years? While we don’t know exactly how old Mary was, most traditions put her in her teenage years, those awkward and turbulent years.
We know little of Mary’s life prior to Luke chapter 1. And what we do know is even more limiting. We know that she is living in Nazareth. We know she is a virgin. (That helps with the age thing.) We know she is betrothed (or committed to be married to) a man named Joseph. And we know that she is has found favor with God.
The angel comes and drops this life changing information on Mary, not yet married, and having never been with a man, she was about to be pregnant. Not only will she be pregnant, but the life she will carry will be from God. But this isn’t like, oh, I’ve been blessed with a baby… No, this is the Son of God. Consider what the angels says.
“You will conceive in your womb and bear a son… He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31a, 32 & 33 ESV)
Now I don't know about you, but these aren’t the dreams and life goals of normal teenagers. I have worked with teenagers for years. I have a couple teenagers of my own. And I can tell you, none of them have ever said to me, boy, I sure hope I get pregnant and give birth to a son who rules over the world for ever and ever.
“You will conceive in your womb and bear a son… He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31a, 32 & 33 ESV)
Now I don't know about you, but these aren’t the dreams and life goals of normal teenagers. I have worked with teenagers for years. I have a couple teenagers of my own. And I can tell you, none of them have ever said to me, boy, I sure hope I get pregnant and give birth to a son who rules over the world for ever and ever.
And yet, here we are. Mary, perhaps just an ordinary teenager girl, is suddenly thrust into a life altering event that will not only impact her, but will change everything for everyone!
Mary asks one question. “How? How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
It's an odd question. We’d expect something a little more objecting. Maybe we would expect Mary to slam on the brakes, looking around for the hidden, you’ve just be pranked, cameras. But no, she simply asks, How?
Now I know that we can’t read the emotions that she might have been feeling in that moment. We really have no way of knowing how she may have looked, responded, or what she did. But as I read her ultimate response in verse 38, I have to wonder, what was going on in her heart? Because in the black and white of print and page she seems so calm.
Mary asks one question. “How? How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
It's an odd question. We’d expect something a little more objecting. Maybe we would expect Mary to slam on the brakes, looking around for the hidden, you’ve just be pranked, cameras. But no, she simply asks, How?
Now I know that we can’t read the emotions that she might have been feeling in that moment. We really have no way of knowing how she may have looked, responded, or what she did. But as I read her ultimate response in verse 38, I have to wonder, what was going on in her heart? Because in the black and white of print and page she seems so calm.
She has just been told that she will carry and give birth to the Son of God, the King of kings, the Holy of holies, and here response is, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.” Wow! Really? I mean, even Moses, didn’t give in this easily. And yet, here is this teenage girl, and on the surface she seems to be saying, “Okay, God. I trust you. I will do as you say.”
But then I think, “and why not?”
Why not trust?
Why not believe?
Why not say yes?
Why not obey?
Maybe this is why God chose Mary in the first place. Maybe the reason he so highly favors her is because he knows that she will say YES!
And maybe that’s the point?
But then I think, “and why not?”
Why not trust?
Why not believe?
Why not say yes?
Why not obey?
Maybe this is why God chose Mary in the first place. Maybe the reason he so highly favors her is because he knows that she will say YES!
And maybe that’s the point?
Maybe the reason he so highly favors her is because
he knows that she will say YES!
When was the last time God asked you to do something and you said, yes?
No hesitation. No thinking. No weighing out the options. No considering how it will impact your retirement plans? Just a simply answer, Yes?
Awe and wonder is more than just being speechless in the midst of God doing something in your life. Awe and wonder is also found in the ask. At 16, I know without doubt, that God spoke a purpose into my life. 25 years later I am still doing what he called me to do. There have been times when I wanted to say no, and times when I wish I did say no. But I am always in awe and wonder as I think about just how faithful and amazing God is.
So as Christmas approaches, I think with awe at how Mary was so quick to say yes. And while I can’t even begin to know or understand what the following nine months may have been like for her, I wonder, what did her relationship with look like during that time?
Take a few minutes to consider these questions.
No hesitation. No thinking. No weighing out the options. No considering how it will impact your retirement plans? Just a simply answer, Yes?
Awe and wonder is more than just being speechless in the midst of God doing something in your life. Awe and wonder is also found in the ask. At 16, I know without doubt, that God spoke a purpose into my life. 25 years later I am still doing what he called me to do. There have been times when I wanted to say no, and times when I wish I did say no. But I am always in awe and wonder as I think about just how faithful and amazing God is.
So as Christmas approaches, I think with awe at how Mary was so quick to say yes. And while I can’t even begin to know or understand what the following nine months may have been like for her, I wonder, what did her relationship with look like during that time?
Take a few minutes to consider these questions.
| 1. What do you remember during those teenager years? How have they shaped who you are today? 2. What can you learn from Mary’s obedience to God’s plan? 3. When was the last time God asked you to do something that required you to step out in faith? What was it, and what did you do? 4. The Nativity story is filled with moments of Awe & Wonder. How are you in awe of God right now? |  |
 | Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Student Ministry Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, a YouTuber/vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence. |
Learning to Follow the Instructions
Awe & Wonder - A Christmas Series
Were you ever so excited to receive a gift that you just could wait to get it opened and begin using? You tear into it as fast as you can. You pull and shred, rip and strip. Then you hold it in your hands. But without taking any time to understand how to use the gift, you start using it, only to find out that had you taken the time to read the instruction you get more out of your gift...
I remember the Christmas I opened the Star Wars, Ewok Village. It was one of those gifts that I just had to have. Being a big Star Wars fan, the Ewok Village was the perfect playset.
I remember tearing into the box, ripping it open and yanking everything out. The problem was, some assembly required. Parts of the village had to be put together. Knots needed to be tied, stickers needed to be applied, elevators needed to be built, and instructions to be read.
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The problem was, I didn't have time for the instructions. I wanted to play. So I assembled the playset as quickly as I could. A couple stickers here, a little knot there, and well, it's looks the picture on the box, so it must be right. Well, that what I thought.
Turns out, I wasn't so right. While most of the Ewok village "looked" like the picture on the box, it wasn't right. I had put some of the stickers in the wrongs spots. I couldn't get the net to work properly. And I actually broke one of the pieces trying to assemble it incorrectly. For as much as I was excited to have the Ewok playset, every time I played with it I was reminded of how I didn't take the time to follow the instructions. |
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Sadly, I didn't learn. Over the years there have been plenty of opportunities to slow down and follow the instructions. But my impatience, and more often stubbornness, led me to the familiar territory of regret and disappointment. If only I had followed the instructions, I would think, maybe some of this could have been avoided.
Have you ever felt that way?
Have you ever felt that way?
If only I had followed the instruction,
maybe some of this could have been avoided.
I wonder if Adam ever thought that way. While plowing the rocky fields, pulling weeds, or digging up thorns, did Adam ever say to himself, If I had only followed God's instructions, maybe...
You see, in Genesis 2, God gives the man, Adam, the instructions. Having placed Adam inthe Garden, God says, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die." ( Genesis 2:16&17 NIV) Adam was given the opportunity to eat freely from all that the Garden had to offer. Every plant, bush and tree, if it was edible or grew something edible, he could eat it. All of it was his. All of it, except for this one unique tree; the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This tree was off limits.
Unfortunately it was simply a matter of time. The evil one came along and tricked the man and he ate the fruit from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. And from that moment on, we have been living in regret because we have chosen to not follow the instructions.
You see, in Genesis 2, God gives the man, Adam, the instructions. Having placed Adam inthe Garden, God says, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die." ( Genesis 2:16&17 NIV) Adam was given the opportunity to eat freely from all that the Garden had to offer. Every plant, bush and tree, if it was edible or grew something edible, he could eat it. All of it was his. All of it, except for this one unique tree; the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This tree was off limits.
Unfortunately it was simply a matter of time. The evil one came along and tricked the man and he ate the fruit from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. And from that moment on, we have been living in regret because we have chosen to not follow the instructions.
Our hope is found in Jesus!
But it doesn't have to be that way.
We celebrate Christmas because of what Christmas means for us; HOPE! Our hope is found in Jesus! Why? Because he does for us what we can't do for ourselves! He follows the instructions, that we can't follow on our own. Jesus was perfectly obedient to his Father, right up to the end. And because he did, our mistakes that come because we have failed to follow the instruction are set right.
The Apostle Paul said it this way, "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:19 NIV)
We celebrate Christmas because of what Christmas means for us; HOPE! Our hope is found in Jesus! Why? Because he does for us what we can't do for ourselves! He follows the instructions, that we can't follow on our own. Jesus was perfectly obedient to his Father, right up to the end. And because he did, our mistakes that come because we have failed to follow the instruction are set right.
The Apostle Paul said it this way, "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:19 NIV)
These verses aren't the easiest to read. Frankly, they can be a bit confusing. But when we slow down and read them carefully, we find the incredible gift of God's forgiveness and grace! Basicly Paul's saying, Adam, when he chose to be disobedient, messed things up for everyone. Sin became a reality. That sin, which we all carry, leads to death. But Jesus, chose to be obedient. That obedience led him to willingly lie down his life, covering over the disobedience, bringing righteousness back to men.
So now when we say, I believe that Jesus died for our my sins, and I accept him into my life as my Lord and Savior, his perfect obedience makes us right in the sight of God and brings us into eternal life.
On that first Christmas morn, God gave us a gift. That gift grew up to died to give us life. Not just life for the here and now, but life that goes on for ever and ever and ever. And now, when we find ourselves rushing into circumstances without slowing down to follow the instructions, it's not death, but forgiveness and grace we meet on the other side.
As you prepare your heart this Christmas, slow down and remember. Look for times when following the instructions seemed like a waste of time and you ventured out on your own only to find that you put the stickers in the wrong spot. Remind yourself, God's grace is big enough for even that! Because that kind of grace leaves me in awe and wonder. How about you?
So now when we say, I believe that Jesus died for our my sins, and I accept him into my life as my Lord and Savior, his perfect obedience makes us right in the sight of God and brings us into eternal life.
On that first Christmas morn, God gave us a gift. That gift grew up to died to give us life. Not just life for the here and now, but life that goes on for ever and ever and ever. And now, when we find ourselves rushing into circumstances without slowing down to follow the instructions, it's not death, but forgiveness and grace we meet on the other side.
As you prepare your heart this Christmas, slow down and remember. Look for times when following the instructions seemed like a waste of time and you ventured out on your own only to find that you put the stickers in the wrong spot. Remind yourself, God's grace is big enough for even that! Because that kind of grace leaves me in awe and wonder. How about you?
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Questions:
1. When was a time when you didn't follow the instructions? 2. What lesson(s) did you learn? And how have those lessons changed you? 3. Jesus lived and died for you, to give you hope and life. What does that mean for you? 4. How does it leave you in AWE & WONDER? |
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Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Student Ministry Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, a YouTuber/vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence.
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I was planning to share this post a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to add my support for the upcoming National Youth Workers Convention, by sharing news and promos that the NYWC planning team has been posting. Now with the National Youth Workers Convention just around the corner, it's time to get excited about the convention! So keep an eye out for a short series of blog posts that share news from NYWC, and some of my thoughts on the upcoming convention.
In this first post, Youth Specialties published this video a couple of weeks ago, sharing a few fun things you can do or check out while in Cincinnati, OH! Check it out!
In this first post, Youth Specialties published this video a couple of weeks ago, sharing a few fun things you can do or check out while in Cincinnati, OH! Check it out!
Thanks to YS, and the city host team for sharing some of the things that make
Cincinnati a great place to visit.
Cincinnati a great place to visit.
There is still time to register and join us for this years, National Youth Workers Convention! Myself, along with a couple thousand friends will be participating in the 4 day convention taking place in Cincinnati, OH. Come learn, experience, and be renewed.
Click on the ARISE graphic below to visit the official National Youth Workers Convention website for all the details, lists of speakers, seminars and exhibitors, registration, hotel, and other news! And we'll see you in Cincinnati!
- jay
Click on the ARISE graphic below to visit the official National Youth Workers Convention website for all the details, lists of speakers, seminars and exhibitors, registration, hotel, and other news! And we'll see you in Cincinnati!
- jay
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Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Student Ministry Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, an avid YouTuber/vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training with youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence.
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If the video doesn't appear above, click on the link to watch on my YouTube channel.
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Jay Higham is a 25 year veteran of student ministry; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Youth Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 little girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, and speaker. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and sharing with other youth workers. Visit the family blog at, www.TheHighamFamily.com!
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We're printing t-shirts again!
Yes, I design and print t-shirts. I've been doing it for years. And I am hoping to print some t-shirts for you!
When I started out in student ministry, I wanted to make sure my students had great t-shirts. Whether it was a retreat, or an activity, or just something happening that we wanted to give out t-shirts for, I ordered t-shirts for everything. Because I dabbled with graphic art, I would often design my own graphics. I would then find someone who could take my design and apply it to a t-shirt. I've used both silk screener and heat transfer.
During those early years a built a relationship with a local printer who used heat transfer. The transfer process provided our group with great looking, long lasting t-shirts at a fraction of the price of silk screening. But I quick came to the realization that I could do what he was doing and cut out the middle man. So I did.
For the next couple of years I worked to acquire my own press, while developing a new relationship with a thermal printer. It didn't take long to to get started. By designing and printing my own t-shirts, I was able to provide our student ministry with shirts at cost, saving money a long the way.
Yes, I design and print t-shirts. I've been doing it for years. And I am hoping to print some t-shirts for you!
When I started out in student ministry, I wanted to make sure my students had great t-shirts. Whether it was a retreat, or an activity, or just something happening that we wanted to give out t-shirts for, I ordered t-shirts for everything. Because I dabbled with graphic art, I would often design my own graphics. I would then find someone who could take my design and apply it to a t-shirt. I've used both silk screener and heat transfer.
During those early years a built a relationship with a local printer who used heat transfer. The transfer process provided our group with great looking, long lasting t-shirts at a fraction of the price of silk screening. But I quick came to the realization that I could do what he was doing and cut out the middle man. So I did.
For the next couple of years I worked to acquire my own press, while developing a new relationship with a thermal printer. It didn't take long to to get started. By designing and printing my own t-shirts, I was able to provide our student ministry with shirts at cost, saving money a long the way.
| I shared what I was doing with some other youth workers. Wanting to save some money, they asked if I could do a few shirts for them. With that came the idea, help youth workers save money while providing great look shirts at great prices! So that's what I started doing. The heat transfer process has greatly improved over the years. Today's technology allows for vibrant, multi-colored prints that wear better and longer then some silk screened products. AND, it's cheaper! |  |
We are open for business!
In September 2015, we returned to full-time student ministry. But the return came with a significant cut in our salary. Now, in order to stay in full-time ministry, we have to supplement our income. One way we are looking to do that is by printing t-shirts!
 | Starting this spring/summer, my son and I are teaming up to launch a new t-shirt printing business! We're now taking orders from youth workers, sports teams, churches, small businesses, and community groups! Whether you need 15 or 150, or even 1500, we can handle just about any t-shirt order. Our goal is to provide groups with quality t-shirts that look great and wear well. We can help with design and creativity, or we can use your drawings and graphics. And the pricing? That's easy we charge only $1.00 over cost per t-shirt. No art fees. No screen fees. That's $1 over cost per t-shirt. That keeps your t-shirt pricing low and budget friendly. |
Apparel options? Take a look! We work with some of the biggest names in t-shirts and printable apparel.
And what about selection? Well, we have a selection! From t-shirts to sweatshirts to work wear to sports wear, we have a huge selection of apparel options for you to consider!
 Tees, Sweats, Hoodies, and Jackets Casual Wear & Work Wear |  For women Team Uniforms |
SPORTS TEAMS
Basketball, Baseball, Bowling, Cheerleaders, Football, Gymnastics, Intramural Teams,
Little League, School Sports, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball
CLUBS
Youth Groups, Boys and Girls Clubs, Car Clubs, Churches, Country Clubs, Kawanis Clubs,
Lions Clubs, Marching Band, Motorcycle clubs, School Clubs, Scouts, Ski Clubs
BUSINESSES
Car Dealers, Cycling Shops, Fire Depts., Freight, Gift Shops, Hotels/Motels, Lawn Maintenance,
Military, Musical Groups, Restaurants, Retailers, Home Improvement, Unions, Utilities
Basketball, Baseball, Bowling, Cheerleaders, Football, Gymnastics, Intramural Teams,
Little League, School Sports, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball
CLUBS
Youth Groups, Boys and Girls Clubs, Car Clubs, Churches, Country Clubs, Kawanis Clubs,
Lions Clubs, Marching Band, Motorcycle clubs, School Clubs, Scouts, Ski Clubs
BUSINESSES
Car Dealers, Cycling Shops, Fire Depts., Freight, Gift Shops, Hotels/Motels, Lawn Maintenance,
Military, Musical Groups, Restaurants, Retailers, Home Improvement, Unions, Utilities
Let us help you with your next t-shirt order! As you can see, we can do a lot! And we'd like to help you with your next order! Simply contact us and we will get started!
- jay
- jay
 | Jay Higham is a 25 year veteran of student ministry; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Youth Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 little girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, and speaker. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and sharing with other youth workers. Visit the family blog at, www.TheHighamFamily.com! |
So...lately I've been into trying new games with our students. Over the last couple of weeks, we've been working on introducing our students to some new, and fun, games. Today, I want to share one that I saw on social media.
First, credit to YouthMinistryIdeas.us, who shared a post from @epikosfuse and @pastor_tank on their Instagram account (@youthministryideas). A short video of the game was shared. They called it, Head Shoulders, Cup. We called it, The New Cup Game.
The game is simple.
Pair your students up and give each pair a cup. With the students facing each other, place the cup on the floor between them.
The game is simple.
Pair your students up and give each pair a cup. With the students facing each other, place the cup on the floor between them.
Call out a series of commands such as head, shoulders, knees, etc. Students touch the parts that are called. I started slow for the first couple of rounds. Once the students got the hang of the game, I started to speed things up a bit.
Here's the fun. At the end of your commands call, CUP. The student who grabs the cup, wins! We played the best two out of three rounds. Winners go on to play other winners. Keep going until you have one student standing.
To keep the students playing, we had the losing students play other losing students.
To keep the students playing, we had the losing students play other losing students.
This is a super easy game that needs very little set up. Just grab some cups and you're good to go.
If you us plastic cups like Solo or Dixie, be sure to keep a few on hand. After a few rounds, the cups will be destroyed and needing replacement.
This is a great game for small or larger groups and can be played just about anywhere.
Enjoy!
- jay
*Photo credit to Dave N.
If you us plastic cups like Solo or Dixie, be sure to keep a few on hand. After a few rounds, the cups will be destroyed and needing replacement.
This is a great game for small or larger groups and can be played just about anywhere.
Enjoy!
- jay
*Photo credit to Dave N.
 | Jay Higham is a 25 year veteran of student ministry; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Youth Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 little girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, and speaker. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and sharing with other youth workers. Visit the family blog at, www.TheHighamFamily.com! |
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Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 28 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently serving as the director of family ministry at a church, located in West Virginia. Jay has been married to Amy for over 23 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence.
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