Lifegroup at Oasis this week was a great experience for our small group! It was almost like being at the fall retreat. Each of the guys willingly shared a weakness and they were genuine. This was so encouraging as the guys were willing to be vulnerable with each other in sharing an area that the Holy Spirit could work on in their lives.

NJohns

So I was talking to one of our students the other Wednesday night and I discovered the level of commitment that he makes in order to show up to church each week.  I was so impressed I wanted to share it on the blog.  This student shows up on a typical day at school at 6:30 a.m. for weight lifting, that is followed by a full day of school, which is followed by a full football practice, which is followed by a drum line practice….all ending at 9:00.  Then it’s home for some homework J.   That’s just one day of the week and the other days are very similar!  After talking a while it became real clear that in order to come to church there is some “serious commitment” being lived out.  I love it!  Way to go to all of you who are heavily involved yet you are doing your best to prioritize church.  Just this last week we had a bunch of athletes just coming from practice…proud of ya!

Our 2^nd Oasis is tonight and I can’t wait!  Jack will be taking us in our new series called “Unstoppable Force”.  If you’ve ever read the book of Acts you know how inspiring it is.  God is moving in a unique way that still shapes what we as a group do today.  As I read this book I long to see the power of God in our midst…it says they were “filled with awe”.  My prayer for tonight is that we would see God working…that we would experience His undeniable power in our lives.  It’s amazing to me how awesome and powerful our God is.

What happens when you combine pizza, burgers, football, ice cream, fire, hot tube, buffalo wings, and a bunch of students?…a good time with your Life Group!  The parties were great…they were all over the city doing a variety of things…good times!  If you missed them, no worries you’ll have more opportunities to connect with a Life Group this year. 

Life Groups are the heart of our ministry because so much cool God stuff flows from those relationships.  It takes some time to get to know your group but after a while things come together and cool stuff happens!   I’ve been in a Life Group for about 7 years now and it’s those relationships that really impact my life.  Make the investment, you’ll be glad you did.

Last night it really seemed like our ministry had a great sense of God’s presence.  I’m so grateful for that.  What a blessing to be back in action.  Here were some of the high points for me.

1. I loved the worship…that song “Revolution”… “we run to seek your face”…what a blast!  Nate, Zach, Josh, and Dana…you guys rocked it!
2. Seeing everyone again…it was really fun to reconnect with so many students…some from OGN others from clear back last semester.
3. Leaders…I don’t know that I’ve ever been a part of such a solid and seasoned leadership team.  I was thanking God this morning for the solid base of leadership we have to help students with this year.  It’s pretty exciting for us to be able to share our journey with High School students.  I know God is going to use this team.
4. The environment was alive!  Chris Parliament did a kicking job with the set.  Jeff E., Cody, and Michael did a nails jobs with running tech and lights…so proud of you guys.  The video was awesome!
5. I had the chance to walk around to the different Life Groups last night.  How fun to see offices, the gym, an old recording office, etc. full of circles of people!  There were like 115 students here last night.  That’s amazing!
6. I had a cool/unplanned moment right at the beginning of the teaching.  I felt like it was of God…I mentioned right away that “Jesus changes everything”…and as I looked the crowd I really sensed that many were really interested in that reality.  There was a sense of hunger last night.

Last night I was reminded of the journey that we are embarking on this school year.  It really is a journey…and I’m excited for it!  God we give you much thanks for our first night!