He Sang It Over You

I had a very interesting conversation with two young ladies about them wanting to face their pasts today. Afterward I was driving in my car listening to Open Your Eyes by Snow Patrol. In a moment of inspiration I sensed Jesus singing this song over them. I have added my emphasis to the song in italics.

Open Your Eyes - Snow Patrol
(My Emphasis Added)

(Her Prayer)
All this feels strange and untrue
And I won't waste a minute without you
My bones ache, my skin feels cold
And I'm getting so tired and so old

The anger swells in my guts
And I won't feel these slices and cuts

(His Answer)
I want so much to open your eyes
'Cause I need you to look into mine

Tell me that you'll open your eyes [x4]

Get up, get out, get away from these liars
'Cause they don't get your soul or your fire
Take my hand, knot your fingers through mine
And we'll walk from this dark room for the last time

Every minute from this minute now
We can do what we like anywhere
I want so much to open your eyes
'Cause I need you to look into mine

Tell me that you'll open your eyes [x8]

(Her Response)
All this feels strange and untrue
And I won't waste a minute without you

Where's Waldo?

What would you do if you found him?

Our team and our students have gotten into the habit of looking for Jesus in our daily lives. We have become Watchmen and Watchwomen (see Isaiah 62). We are always watching for him, asking him, "Where are you?" Sometimes we see him, sometimes we hear his voice, sometimes we get a picture in our minds eye. Often the sighting/answer is unexpected...

One young lady was having a particularly difficult week. As she was walking along, listening to her ipod (loud enough so that she couldn't hear her on thoughts) she began to sob. At a certain point she heard someone say, "look up!" When she looked up she saw Jesus, in the flesh, standing at the bus stop. In shock, she looked around and when she turned back to the bus stop he was gone.

At a our last event before school ended, two young ladies saw Jesus sitting on the stairs in the room and a young man saw angels in the room. That night was the highlights of the year as many young people asked for prayer and prayed for each other.

While at the Coldplay concert a few weeks ago I was enjoying my favorite song and singing at the top of my lungs. I asked Jesus where he was at that moment and I instantly heard, "In the front row" and was filled with a great sense of joy and awe.

One young man, saw Jesus in a nightmare he was having. When Jesus rescued him and took his place in the nightmare, he brook down and gave his life to him.

One young lady, who's been struggling with the break up of her family and mad at God for it, was walking in the park. She looked up and saw Jesus in the trees. He hugged her with the willow branches.

Just a reminder that Jesus can't be found in the tomb--he's alive not dead! Don't be surprised when stops by for a visit!

Txt Msg Jesus

I am currently on vacation in Saskatchewan, so my only contact with teens has been limited to a few text messages. Tonight Jesus showed up in an incredible conversation with a young lady who's home life is less than desirable.

Girl - My dad found out about my missing ipod

Me - How is he handling it?

Girl - He's so mad. He yelled and now he's in his quiet stage... He'll come back and well for some more and eventually punish me...

Me - Does he ever get physical?

Girl - No he doesn't get physical. My stepdad did but my dad doesn't.

Me - My heart breaks for you

Girl - I hate it when he's mad and I'm stuck in my room... with my mom i could always get out. He won't let me.

Girl - And i just heard him pop open another fucking beer... Ugh tonight is going to suck.

Girl - It's times like these i need to remember it's been way worse before... but it still sucks.

Me - Jesus is in your room with you! I know it.

Girl - I hope so because i need him

Me - Ask him where he is. See what he says or reveals.

Girl - I think He's with my dad in the living room. I think his heart breaks for him. Because he's so lost and cannot see. I doubt he ever will

Me - Ask Jesus what he thinks

Girl - But I'm only human. I know Jesus thinks differently... and yes i know He's human too... but i can't change my mind on that.

Me - I'm not asking you to change your mind only to ask His opinion.

Girl - Jesus believes he can heal anybody. I think you can only heal those who are willing. And (my dad) will never be willing. He thinks he's perfect.

Girl - Deep down i know He's (Jesus) always right... trust is just one of those things i struggle with but i'm trying

Me - Jesus can work with that. Look what he's done with you so far.

Me - You said Jesus can only heal those who are willing. I think you're right. So maybe your prayer should be "soften his heart"

Girl - My prayer for my dad is amazing grace (as in the song) for he is blind and i just want him to see

What's Your Status?

If you want to know what's really going on in a teenagers life, I suggest you check facebook. I have come to realize that young people are more honest with their facebook status than in real life. Often I learn of a break-up or new relationship first on facebook. Often the first hint of depression, stress or suicide shows up in their facebook status.

So I thought it would be encouraging for you to read some real life unedited facebook statuses from the last few months. Each of the 4 young people who posted these has met Jesus within the last 6 months.

...God.. I'm tired

...I meet someone today, who's just loves me no matter what

...just saw jesus fly by in the form of a butterfly in the midst of all the chaos

...Jesus, right now it's really hard, and it's driving me INSANE that I have no idea what you're doing. I'm scared, and I'm hurt, and I'm feeling kind of down right now, but Jesus, I trust you.

...got to watch Jesus work a miracle in her life and in a good friend's tonight

...And carmen chilled with jesus today.

..."Looking back, I realize that God was desperately searching for me. I used to wonder why my soul ached and God wouldn't do anything about it. Now I know that it was that very pain that drove me to God. Life without God is starvation of the soul. I thought for a while that God could meet my needs and stop my soul cravings. Now I know that isn't the case. My soul doesn't crave something from God; my soul craves God."

...--She praises the Lord-- ♥ -- Jesus, i love you man. Thanks for sticking by me through all my screw ups, and no matter what, I know we'll get through it.

...had the most perfect moment in his life at derbey reach it was like it was built for him and thanks GOD for the perfect moment :)

...thanks again :) and thank u god also cause u are so great

...And if you come from under that water, then there's fresh air. Just breathe baby, God's got a blessing to spare. Yes i know the process is so much stress, but its the progress that feels the best.

...baptized!