First Church of God

One of our D-Group leaders is sick tonight, so I get to sub in and lead middle school boys in some discussion. I walk into the room and there are paper airplanes flying everywhere. My first thought is to bring the hammer down and get these rowdy boys in line, but a still small voice whispers in my ear.

So all 8 of us are challenged to see who can design and build the sleekest, fastest, straightest, longest flying air craft. With our creations in hand we take off on a secret mission. "Follow me guys".

We quietly (as quiet as middle school boys can be) sneak down the hall, past adult classes, past the kitchen, and pile into the elevator. It opens just outside the sanctuary. We duck and crawl past the back windows into the stairwell, making our way to the balcony. Then, on our bellies, we crawl to the railing, and on the count of three, let our plains soar towards the worship team rehearsing on the stage. Each face beams with pride as planes glide to distant targets.

With 7 boys threatening to burst with laughter and excitement, we make our escape. Safely back in our room, we celebrate a victorious mission.

As I ponder how to direct our conversation around to spiritual matters, Ryan takes care of it for me… "How can you tell when you pray if it’s God or just your own thoughts?" His question becomes a 30 minute discussion about how to hear the voice of God. These kids are hungry for God; asking amazing questions and offering awesome insights.

I have been a pastor for over 20 years and yet I still learn from these boys. How cool it is to be on a journey together with these guys as we all seek to discover how to hear God's voice more clearly.

We close in a time of silence as each of us listen for the His voice. What steps can I take to make prayer a more important part of my life? We share our intentions, and I am inspired.

Lord, help us in our desire to hear Your voice. Help us to fold and shape our lives into something more aerodynamic, so we can really take off, and fly, and soar higher with You.