Steven Sexton » Blog http://stevensexton.org Activate, Elevate, Cultivate. Stir up your inner leader through growth and development. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:52:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 http://stevensexton.org/feed/podcast/ Steven has been the Youth Pastor of Christian Ministries Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas for the last eleven years. He is the director of Brookhill Ranch Christian Summer Camp, High Point Leadership Camp. Steven Sexton no Steven Sexton info@stevensexton.org info@stevensexton.org (Steven Sexton) Steven Sexton Here's the Deal Leadership, Youth, Christianity, Steven, Sexton, Church, Culture, Philosophy, Here's the Deal Steven Sexton » Blog http://stevensexton.org/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/rss_image.jpg http://stevensexton.org/category/blog/ Get connected http://stevensexton.org/blog/connected/ http://stevensexton.org/blog/connected/#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:20:47 +0000 Intern http://stevensexton.org/?p=335 Just finished Camp 1 of Brookhill and it was incredible on so many levels. We had so much fun. It was like Brookhill Ranch was covered with a blanket of smiles and laughter (maybe a few sunburns too).  On Thursday night we had over 75 kids give their heart to Christ. On Friday night many of the ones that were dealing with hurt, rejection, and brokenness received life changing ministry. During the closing ceremony that ended the camp session, I couldn’t help but  to be overtaken by the CONNECTION between the counselors and the campers.  What makes this CONNECTION?  What makes a camper say goodbye to their counselor and have tears streaming down their cheek?  The answer is Love!

That’s right, it isn’t the activities, jokes, or the fun schedule. It’s love.  Later that night I was driving to get some dinner with the fam, fam, I couldn’t help but to think how impact-full love really is.  Love breaks barriers, heals hearts, and encourages people to try again.  Yet with our fast paced lives seldom do we make the time to really connect with people.  If love is what draws people, helps people, and shows people Christ, then maybe it should be something we give more purposefully.  My encouragement to you is this:  Get connected!  Who are the people around you that God has set in your path to love?  How can you make a difference in their life?  As believers we house the love of God.  This love is not superficial or based on performance. It is based  on God’s decision to give His only Son to die for our sins.  The world needs to see His love in operation through us.  That is the real difference maker.  But the only way to give this love is to get connected into people’s lives.  Today, take a moment and make a plan to love and connect with those that God has put in your way.  And maybe there will come a time, when tears will stream down a face because of the impact you have made in their life.  Till next time….Steven

]]> http://stevensexton.org/blog/connected/feed/ 5 Will it matter? http://stevensexton.org/blog/matter/ http://stevensexton.org/blog/matter/#comments Sun, 18 Apr 2010 14:18:48 +0000 Intern http://stevensexton.org/?p=314 Just got done with Life Growing weekend.  The speakers were amazing, the ministry was phenomenal, and healing went forth.  Also, I’m stoked about all the new friendship that I made!  But as I sit in my office, the morning after, I can’t help but the wonder who will be the one to take the messages and build on them.   If we are going to take back this nation and evangelize the world then believers must rise up.  We can’t expect culture to like the message, even Jesus had resistance.  When Jesus was engaged in ministry there were many who didn’t believe, but that never stopped Him from finding the ones who where ready to make a change.  Don’t let the screams of the rebellious cause you to miss the ones who will get His message. We must delete the thought that church is the place where the lost hear about Jesus, BECAUSE IT ISN’T!  The lost needs to hear about Jesus from you!  It’s only after conversion that church is beneficial.  Because then you “go to get, not just to sit!!!”  All over the world weekend retreats, conferences, and camps are taking place….my thought today is “Will it matter?”  My hope is that it is the surge we need to get active!  Have a great week!

]]> http://stevensexton.org/blog/matter/feed/ 1 Be the one http://stevensexton.org/blog/be-the-one/ http://stevensexton.org/blog/be-the-one/#comments Sun, 11 Apr 2010 01:13:18 +0000 Steven http://stevensexton.org/blog/be-the-one/ Just in case you haven’t heard, I’ve been very busy the last 7 months working on a new book. It’s due out June 1st. Please be praying! I know God is going to change many lives through this book. The title is “Be the One.” The purpose of this book it to inform a generation of young people that God wants to use them to make a difference in the world. It’s time for the church to make a stand that changes the spiritual condition of this generation.
It’s our moment, let’s “Be the One” to promote His Kingdom!
I’m on Chapter 6 and have two more to go! Let’s change the world!!!

]]> http://stevensexton.org/blog/be-the-one/feed/ 1 Cultivate http://stevensexton.org/blog/cultivate/ http://stevensexton.org/blog/cultivate/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:07:37 +0000 Jesse http://stevensexton.org/?p=288 Have you very tried to plant something with the hopes that it would grow?  Yeah, me too!   A few years back I want to widen my front yard by removing some trees and putting down some grass seed so the kids could have more room to play.  I rented a dozer, brought in some top soil, got my rake out and went to work.  I worked for a solid week an everyday I’d wake up excepting by efforts to pay off.  Finally about two weeks went by and not much was happening.  I was starting to vent.  Why?  Why me?  What about my effort?  I started quoting scripture and doing research, only to find out that I had not been watering the seed.  I know how stupid, right?  Now I never professed to be a botanist, and I had to fight a little embarrassment because I knew plants needed water, I just didn’t think about it.

Many times this happens in our walk with Christ.  We just don’t think about it.  However, if you’ve made the profession of faith it’s your responsibility to grow.   You need to “add the water” of the word to grow your spiritual seed.  Cultivating your relationship with the Lord should be the most important event, task, and desire you have, only then will you have something worth giving.  All of God’s gifts, characteristics, and attributes are to insure a life of victory.  This victory is for you to share with others.   In Matt 19, Jesus gives us a huge assignment to teach and train others to follow Him!  In other words: cultivate, add the water and watch it grow!    This culture is thirsty for something real and it’s time for the Holy Ghosts filled believers to produce!

Focus point:  Where do I need to “add the water” and help cultivate something great for God?

]]> http://stevensexton.org/blog/cultivate/feed/ 1 Elevate http://stevensexton.org/blog/elevate/ http://stevensexton.org/blog/elevate/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:49:19 +0000 Jesse http://stevensexton.org/?p=267 I love watching the NFL especially when the Cowboys are winning.  As I watch with excitement,  it is clear to me that the player’s abilities are on an elevated level.  Back in the day, I played some Jr. High ball and it was nothing worth watching.  I remember going out to practice and across the campus was the senior football team.  They looked like giants to this little seventh grade boy who weighed all of 95 lbs. When you think about it, there are so many levels of the game.  There’s pee wee, jr. high, high school, college, and the NFL.  All are football, but there’ a big difference in ability, productivity, and understanding.

Our Christian life has many levels as well. In fact, the bible says that “deep calls unto deep,” meaning you can get as much of God as you want.  Too many believers settle for a limited understand of God. God loves it when people get focused enough to elevate their commitment to Him.  This week don’t keep playing in the pee wee league of faith it’s time to grow, produce and elevate to the next level believer.   There’s no doubt athletes who play in the NFL are committed to the game.  How committed are you to becoming a better follower of Christ?

Focus point:  Elevate your game to a greater level than the current Christianity you practice.

]]> http://stevensexton.org/blog/elevate/feed/ 0 Activate http://stevensexton.org/blog/activate/ http://stevensexton.org/blog/activate/#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:39:11 +0000 Jesse http://stevensexton.org/?p=263 In my current place in life I’m over run with toys that require batteries.  It seems like every time I turn around there’s another birthday, holiday, or special event.  It’s so entertaining to watch my kid’s faces as they open a present to see this super looking toy, so colorful and shiny.  It’s like the toy is screaming “PLAY WITH ME!”  But no matter how cool it looks, without batteries it can never live up to what it’s designed to be.  The batteries are the source that ACTIVATES the toy to reach its full potential.

The same is true with our spiritual life.  There’s no way we can live up to our potential without God as our source. It doesn’t matter how bright and shiny you look, or how great your talents are, you’ll never measure up without HIM.  God is the Activator!  Everything comes alive when you really know God.   He wants to ACTIVATE your spirit to: long for him, grow in him, and believe Him.   Why? Because there are so many crazy truths God is waiting to share with you.

Focus Point: Activate motionless Christianity by making God your source.

]]> http://stevensexton.org/blog/activate/feed/ 2 A Thankful Heart http://stevensexton.org/blog/thankful-heart/ http://stevensexton.org/blog/thankful-heart/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:17:18 +0000 Jesse http://stevensexton.org/?p=229 We just had a week in Honduras, and as we were flying back to Houston it was very clear to me how blessed I am. We live in a very fast-paced world full of deadlines, packed calendars, and quick text messages that keep us moving for what reason? It might be to accomplish more, to feel like we have a purpose, to fight off the numbing shackles of boredom, or maybe all of the above. Yes, we are to be good stewards with our time, and accomplishment is a sign of success—or is it? The Bible says that “a man can gain the whole world and lose his soul,” (Luke 9:25). See, by the world’s standards you can amass a huge empire, have power and prestige, but by God’s standards still have nothing. This blog is not to throw a coup into your daily schedule. It’s just to remind you of the most important thing…your relationship with God. Many times we are “doing” so much for God that He has our hands but not our hearts.

When is the last time you thanked Him for all that He has done in your life. I’m not talking about a quick obligatory thank you. I’m talking about a deep overlook of how good God has been in your life. That, my friend, is a thankful heart; that is the praise He longs to hear. While in Honduras we stopped at the city dump. There were over 250 people—men, women, and children. They were there rummaging through the waste hoping to find something of value. Listen, you may not have all the answers you’re looking for, and you may not have all you want or need, but I’m so grateful my family is not fighting off other families for someone else’s trash. Go ahead look at the trash in your kitchen; what you throw away, someone else fights for. Today, relax the amped up schedule of self-imposed achievement and just look around and give Him an authentic thank you. He has been there for you and never left you. This week let’s have a thankful heart.

]]> http://stevensexton.org/blog/thankful-heart/feed/ 1 Church on the Rock-Twenties Church http://stevensexton.org/blog/church-rocktwenties-church/ http://stevensexton.org/blog/church-rocktwenties-church/#comments Sun, 09 Aug 2009 04:02:07 +0000 Jesse http://stevensexton.org/?p=225 www.churchontherock.org/aplacefor20s.html

]]> http://stevensexton.org/blog/church-rocktwenties-church/feed/ 0 In the midst of rain http://stevensexton.org/blog/mist-rain-lesson-camp/ http://stevensexton.org/blog/mist-rain-lesson-camp/#comments Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:42:32 +0000 Jesse http://stevensexton.org/?p=205 I’m in the middle of Brookhill Ranches Camp #7 and we had some serious rain.  It is so exciting because when it rains at camp we get really creative and have tons of fun.  However, I could see the disappointment on the faces of the first time campers as the rain started to fall, unsure what was going to happen.  They were concerned about the rain messing up plans. With all of this running through my head, my mind wasn’t on the fact that it was raining; my focus was on making our situation the most fun, enjoyable, and unforgettable.  The rain did hold up some activities but it didn’t stop the fun.  Everybody was laughing and having a great time.  So today, take a lesson from camp… No matter what life throws your way, it’s your decision on how to interpret it. You can see rain as a miserable unfortunate event in your life that just messed up your plans, or you can get creative, work through what was dealt, and make it as enjoyable as it can be.   Who knows, maybe something better will come about?  Listen, God can still work “in the midst of rain” if you let Him. All God is looking for is an avenue.   James 1:2-4 says that it’s our attitude and perseverance that can bring maturity to our life.  Don’t get discouraged because your plans didn’t work out; trust the Lord and lean on Him.  He is our strength in times of weakness.  Don’t get caught up in what didn’t happen, change your perspective because great things can happen “in the midst of rain.”  Have a great day!

]]> http://stevensexton.org/blog/mist-rain-lesson-camp/feed/ 0 Moving into more http://stevensexton.org/blog/moving/ http://stevensexton.org/blog/moving/#comments Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:15:44 +0000 Steven http://stevensexton.org/?p=125 Moving into more…
Blogg 2

In a moment of reflection, I was overwhelmed with the greatness of God and how loving he has been to me.  I’m sitting around my quaint castle with not a care in the world.  Yes, I would like to have more, do more, and be more, but in this time in my life…I’m resting in the fact that God always gives my family more than enough.   Why?  Because He loves us (me).  And as a Father it’s His desire to give good gifts to all of His children.  It’s this unspeakable love that has put a desire in me to know Him more every year.  I’m going to move closer, my desire is to know the Lord on a greater level and this has been my commitment for the last couple of years.  What I’m describing is nothing more than transformation.

The change from an old nature to a new one happens the moment we accept Christ as Lord.  Of course, walking in and promoting this new nature takes a lifetime to master.  As we continue moving into more, never satisfied with our latest victory or how far we’ve come, it is then that our actions, responses, and decision making is done with the mindset of God.

How does more come?  Sometimes it comes because of personal study and time with Him, other times it happens because of adversity and challenges that cause us to focus intensely on Him for intervention.  Most of the time “more” comes for me when I choose to let him teach me in everyday life, like with my family, friends, and co-workers.  These are the times He graciously shows me what needs to be removed, inspected, and reworked, so that I can move into more. 

It’s so important for believers to continue their pursuit for more.  Don’t be satisfied with what you’ve had in the past.  Why?   Because, you’ll never grab for more if your hands are full of something else.  You were placed on this earth for a certain task, during a certain time, don’t waste it!  Get more understanding, more obedience, more anointing, more influence, and more humility.  There is no end to God and what He can show those who aren’t satisfied! 

I remember a few Christmas’ ago I had the pleasure of moving my mom to Texas,  the same exact time one year earlier I helped move my sister and her husband to California.  Both were very long and tiresome, but I was happy to help in anyway possible, that’s just what you do for family,  even if it means driving over 27 hours going 65 mph (ugh). 

A recent article I read estimated that “Americans move 11.7 times in their lifetime (Jan-Feb issue of utne, 2009).” It’s obvious that change is not that bad.  It’s just the reason behind the change that matters so much.  Most of us don’t mind moving.  In fact, some reading this article are having a tough time staying hooked up because there fighting the stir to move. You know the, I got to go or do something else feeling. 

What do you think when you hear the word “moving?”  I know it depends on why you’re moving, but stay with me, the word moving can bring about many different emotions.   On one hand, there is the excitement of a new home, new job, and meeting new people.  Maybe you’re the type, that just the mention of this word sends you into convulsions, because you immediately think about the pain of saying goodbye, the distance between friendships, and the frustration of packing (for me it’s mainly the frustration of packing). 

 A.W. Tozer the 30th century prophet said “He waits to be wanted.”  I often think about this statement realizing that God will only show Himself to the ones who seek or in other words move to know Him more.  Does your life look like a continual seeker of righteousness? Is the removal of things that would hinder your understanding of God active? Or are you just satisfied with what you have already found? 

We are entering into a new year, and with a new year comes new commitments, challenges, adversities, and victories.  All over the world a huge portion of people will verbally or silently make New Year’s resolutions; you know a goal for this next year.  What is that goal?  Maybe it’s to be a better student, be a more diligent employee, to work harder on your marriage, lose a few lbs, a commitment to have a savings account, or maybe it’s just to do more in general than the previous year.  All that sound great, but my question is where is God in the list of “more’s?”

In Gen. 22, the Bible tells the story of God wanting to move Abraham into more, but what God asked for was no small task.  God knew that if Abraham was going to move into more it would have to cost him.  What was the cost…simple… everything.  You see for Abraham his son Isaac was his everything, his son, his future, his fulfillment of prophecy, yet God wanted to see if Abraham loved the gift more than the Giver. Isaac was a gift from God to Abraham, and Abraham showed that even though the gift was very special…Nothing was more important than his faithfulness to the Lord. See, Abraham understood the best protection for Isaac was found in doing exactly what God said to do. 

What is God calling you to move or remove from your life?  No doubt it is probably something very important to you.  If we take a lesson from old “father Abraham,” we can see that if you give up what is competing for 1st place in your life, more is waiting for you.  I believe that this is the breakout year for many of you…a time to let go of some things, in order to move into better things.  Don’t be satisfied, get moving into more!
Peace,
Steven

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