And I have.

In fact, they’ve modeled to me what it means to walk by faith.

My dad is one who never gives up.

I’ve seen him persevere through trials.

And right now he’s going through another one…and it hurts me to see him hurt.

So, in honor of my parents, I dedicate this post. I call it 10 responses to have when God abandons you (or 10 responses when in the desert). Obviously, we know God never abandons His children, but sometimes it feels like it.

Maybe right now you’re in a desert, just like my dad. Remember these 10 and practice them today, even though God may seem to be silent.

1. Believe in God’s promises. Psalm 106:12a …Then they believed His words
2. Sing His praise. Psalm 106:12b …They sang His praise.
3. Remember what He has done for me. Psalm 106:13a …They quickly forgot His works
4. Seek His counsel. Psalm 106:13b …They did not wait for His counsel.
5. Do not give in to sinful desires. Psalm 106:14 …But craved intensely in the wilderness, And  tempted God in the desert.
6. Do not envy others. Psalm 106:16 …When they became envious of Moses in  the camp, And of Aaron, the holy one of the LORD.
7. Do not turn to familiar idols. Psalm 106:19 …At Horeb they made a calf and worshipped  an idol cast from metal.
8. Do not despise the place God has me in. Psalm106:24a …Then they despised the pleasant land.
9. Do not grumble. Psalm 106:25a …They grumbled in their tents.
10. Obey the Lord. Psalm 106:25b …They did not listen to the voice of the  LORD.

What’s another response you suggest when in the desert?

Want to empower your students for courageous and contagious faith?

My friend Terry Linhart, Ph. D.,  is about to release a great new resource titled Evangelism Remixed (co-authored by Dave Rahn).

Terry is the Dean of  the School of Religion and Philosophy at Bethel College.

 He’s also the Director of Youth Ministries Program and the Associate Professor of Youth Ministry.

Evangelism Remixed reminds you of the importance of helping students develop their faith to the point where they naturally influence others for Christ in their everyday lives.

This practical book offers principles that will enable you to evaluate your ministry’s evangelism effectiveness and provides step-by-step tools to help you put the concepts into real-life practice.

If you know someone in youth ministry be sure to grab them a copy. Evangelism Remixed is published by Zondervan/Youth Specialties and releases July 1.

My talk centered on a chapter from The Fine Line, called Thy Kingdom Come. If you got the book, then check out pg. 194 in order to understand why I’d pass out pink Baskin-Robbins spoons when talking about the Kingdom. Thanks Mark for the pic. If you’ve heard me give the talk on embodying the kingdom, then shoot me a pic with your pink spoon and I’ll post it.

Adjunct Professor Mark Artrip, is leading a youth module this weekend at  our church for the Youth Ministry Major’s at Grace College. I will be teaching a session on the strengths of Topical Preaching. Although I support Exegetical Preaching as well below is some of my Biblical Support for Topical Teaching:

Topical Teaching

I.                    Biblical Examples of Topical Teaching

A.     Jesus did it. (Luke 24:27)

B.     The Psalmist did it. (Psalm 78)

C.     Peter did it. (Acts 2:14-36)

D.     Stephen did it. (Acts 7:2-53 )

E.      Philip did it. (Acts 8:35)

F.      Paul did it. (Acts 26:22; 28:23)

II.                 Cultural Examples of Topical Teaching

A.     Used to solve a cultural/theological problem. (Acts 15:7-21)

B.     Used to build a bridge with a godless culture. (Acts 17:22-32)