Once they settled into their rooms, they enjoyed a supper of goulash or mac and cheese. At 7:30 the service began, about 280 young people worshiped along with the talented worship band lead by Pastor Matt Howlett, and including Steve and Carla Clarke, Pastor Crystal Patey, Pastor Justin Parsons, Jon Collins, and Josh Parameter.
Once their hearts had been prepared through the worship Pastor Matt Joy took us on a journey to ancient Babylon to the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar speaking vividly on Daniel 3 [read Daniel 3 here]. He asked the jr. high students how we can find ourselves on the same path as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, when faced with an ‘all in’ or ‘all out’ scenario, knowing that serving God and being 'all in' meant being 'toast' in the furnace, regardless if God showed up to deliver them, or not!
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego proclaimed; “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (v. 17-18).
We need to get past thinking, 'God I'll serve you as long as...'
King 'Nebbie' (as Pastor Matt affectionately nicknamed him) furious with their attitude commanded that they be thrown into the furnace and turned up the 'heat' making the fire hot hot hot. Only moments later her was shocked to see not only the three men he was punishing walking around safely in the flames, but also a fourth that he did not recognize. He could do nothing less then to let his heart be changed, exclaiming that there is “no other God can save in this way” (v.29).
‘We are not invincible’ we tend live as close to sin as possible, attempting to justify our actions by stating that the Bible doesn't speak specifically about our actions (the ‘grey area’), Pastor Matt suggested that our attempt to justify ourselves is simply proof that the Holy Spirit is convicting us. He asked why we place ourselves in situations we know that we are weak in.
He challenged the youth to step into the shoes of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, knowing that the only way out is to submit to God’s will.
Pastor Matt implored the youth to acknowledge that there will be some costs to going 'all in'. He warned; 'don't let it be a flippant decision.' It won't always be easy.
He reminded them that “the 'son' will shine.” Just as much as God is appalled by sin, He is attracted to faithfulness. Because of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s faithfulness King Nebbie commanded that his entire kingdom bow to God. All because three men, went 'all in'.
'God's plan is to shine through you!’ His plan for the province, your friends, family, classmates, school, is to shine through you, to be no less miraculous or no less glorified today than He was in Babylon.
Pastor Matt asked that knees would bow to God and go counter to the culture they live in. And there are only two options, ‘all in’ (regardless of the consequences or surroundings) or ‘all out.’
He proclaimed this the first day of the rest of our lives, launching into a journey with God.
A room of youth accepted his rejected complacency. Committing or recommitting themselves to God.
They prayed the words to the song; “Arm’s Open Wide”
"My whole life is yours, I give it all. Surrendered to your name, and forever I will pray, have your way, have your way."
Continue to pray as our young people encounter God on this Journey.
Stay tuned for Day 2!
Crystal-Lynn
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