I had the honor of giving the commencement address for the Class of 2011.  As I listened to all of their stories the final week of school activities leading up to graduation, it was inspiring to see what the Lord had done in the lives of these young people.

As a body of believers at Lighthouse, we have the privilege of being a part of the ministry Lighthouse Christian School.  It is a ministry that serves families all over the Magic Valley from many different church backgrounds…and lives are being built up, transformed, and prepared to live for the Glory of God.

I encourage you as part of Lighthouse to pray regularly for Lighthouse Christian School, for Kevin Newby, the school staff, and all of the teachers that work so passionately and diligently raising up these young lives.   I would also ask that you would encourage the teachers for their work in the ministry every chance you get…they face many uphill battles and challenges…and most of the fruits of their labors will not be seen until years into the future.

I delivered a simple message to the graduates that I wanted to briefly outline for you here.

The text was 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Be Joyful Always

I urged them to reach for joy instead of chasing happiness.  Joy is as deep as the ocean and full of movement and life.  Happiness is a shallow pool and extremely fragile.  Happiness can be found in joy, but joy is found in every season of life.  Unlike happiness that is shattered like a wine glass in the face of trials, joy is strengthened as it presses through challenging times; as it is said in James 1:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Pray Continually

I encouraged the graduates to truly make prayer a part of every day.  Prayer is one of those things that we talk a lot about, but it is easily neglected in the reality of our busy lives.  It is a critical part of our walk with the Lord and our spiritual growth.  It is a-ma-zing that we have access to the Creator of the Universe through prayer and that the Holy Spirit speaks to us in our hearts and directs our lives.

I gave them a few simple techniques to develop the gift and spiritual discipline of prayer, including using a prayer journal, prayer lists, praying though the Book of Psalms, and praying through the Lord’s Prayer.  All of these have been very helpful for me over the years to stay focused while praying.

Pastor Newbry and I joke about an advanced form of ADHD we call AD3D…which is ADHD “in your face”.  So many of us struggle with being able to avoid distractions while we pray, and all of these tools are helpful in seeking the Lord in prayer.

Give Thanks In All Circumstances

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us not to worry, but to come to God with everything in constant prayer.  It also directs us to come to Him with thanksgiving.  As a result, we will experience the peace of God beyond our comprehension.

When we are in trying times in our lives, it is important to be humble and thankful for all of the good things that the Lord has provided.  It is too easy to focus on the challenges and not acknowledge the blessings of God and His promise to work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans  8:28).

I finished my message to the students by singing a song that Pastor Greg and I wrote called “Willing”.

Our hope is that these lyrics will challenge us as a church to be willing to go where the Lord calls and do what He leads us to do….

I encourage you to read these lyrics as a prayer and seek the Lord where you are in your walk with Him right now.  Pray this bold prayer that you are willing to follow where He leads you.

“Willing”

Fadness/Houser

You say, “Come, and follow where I lead”
You say, “Go, and teach the nations about me”
And I say, “Lord, can you use a heart like mine?”
And you say, “Yes, if you trust me with your life.

I’m willing
I admit that I am scared, but I’m willing
Holy Spirit lead me there
I’m willing to go through the trials and the pain
So I’m able to bring glory to your name
To bring glory to your name, I’m willing

You say, “Die, and find your life in me”
You say, “Love, lift up the least of these”
And I say, “Yes, I know my life is not my own
And from now on until the day you bring me home”

I’m willing
I admit that I am scared, but I’m willing
Holy Spirit lead me there
I’m willing to go through the trials and the pain
So I’m able to bring glory to your name
To bring glory to your name, I’m willing

On your knees in the garden there alone
You cried out to the Father that you love
“Father please let this cup pass from my hand,
But not my will, I surrender to your plan”

I’m willing
I admit that I am scared, but I’m willing
Holy Spirit lead me there
I’m willing to face the suffering and the shame
So I’m able to bring glory to your name

Father, glorify your name, I’m willing

My wife Heidi and I recently attended a fundraising gathering for some friends in Nashville, Tennessee that are moving to Uganda next year with their two children because the Lord has called them.  It is so incredible to see their family passionately respond to God’s call on their lives.  We have been watching Him provide and shape them as they step out in faith.

What is God calling you to right now?  Are you willing?