King Jesus can ENJOY your prayers: —When you adore Him and His greatness —When you express your love —When you thank Him —When you bring up hard situations and declare you want His glory more than you want quick fixes —When you describe your hunger to know and do His will

The mental health crisis with girls is real. They turn pain inward—leading to depression/anxiety. Guys are also in crisis. They turn their anger outward—leading to anger/violence. -Godly dads can heal inner pain of daughters. -With sons, they can save lives and destruction.

All churches decide where to place money. All church adults decide whether to sit or engage with the young. If churches think student ministry is babysitting, resources and volunteers are limited. Student ministry now is a life-and-death issue—and worthy of vigorous support.

Ask the Teenagers: Which is the more important sentence? 1. Jesus is King over His kingdom. 2. Jesus died for my sins. Me-centered Christians would say #2. They focus on the benefits Christ brings them. But the glory of who Jesus IS—is even more glorious than what He DOES.

My wife (to the pest control guy): “Would it be OK if I said a prayer for you?” Pest control guy: “I’m having hard days, so I would welcome a prayer. My mother always prayed for me. But she died. Now, I don’t know of anyone who prays for me.” Who prays for your service workers?

Parents wanting a heart connection with teenagers: “1. Take an interest in what’s interesting to them. 2. Laugh. 3. Figure out their love language. 4. Share memorable experiences. 5. Step carefully into their hurts, fears, etc.” Spot on! From Barrett Johnson Barrett Johnson

Yesterday at FBC Archer City, I rejoiced to watch God: 1. Awaken parents to the supreme glory of the Son. 2. Move parents to become the most important spiritual leaders to their children. Many churches just pound away at #2 while ignoring #1, mystified that it never works.

If you’re re one of the pastors of a church, your Sundays can include rushing at home, long hours, difficult people, stressful conversations, etc. That’s not the Sabbath your King intends for you. So, what day will be your Sabbath (sundown to sundown)—with NO church duties?

Student ministry collapses without clear discipline guidelines and structure. Teenagers accept that discipline 99% of the time if they believe their leader loves them and has their best interest at heart. And that’s precisely why we accept Christ’s discipline of us.

You have hard times. But do the teenagers observe you—allowing those hard times to take you deeper with Jesus? “For our momentary, light distress is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure [an endless blessedness]!” (2 Cor 4:17 AMP).

My next post on X will be Monday morning, Sept 16. I am joining a group on an experience that includes a total fast from all media and technology. Not even watches. I hunger to hear the voice of King Jesus with much more clarity. I would be so grateful for prayer.

Reflections on a men’s retreat, Thurs PM - Sunday PM: 1. The freedom from all tech was cleansing. 2. New insights into the power of fathers spiritually leading their children. 3. Humbled that His Majesty would grant me such intimate yet powerful access to his holy person.

On the men’s retreat, I saw dads experiencing massive moral renovations in their lives. Why? Because speakers yelled at them? No. Rather, they came to grasp the waterfall of grace and forgiveness washing over them. Jesus-Sacrifice-Grace-Change!

Many men at church—have big holes in their hearts—from what they desperately needed—but never received from their fathers. Discipleship that does address interior pain has limited impact. Dads can spiritually lead their homes—but they need biblically sound healing first.

When I preach to lost teenagers: 1. Believe 2. Repent 3. Follow Follow = Acknowledge that King Jesus is the ruler of the universe. Then, with all your being, decide you will passionately join your King in bringing His kingdom on earth. 1 and 2 only = truncated gospel.

Loved having Richard Ross speak to our students last night. He is a blessing to RoChelle and I in so many ways.

The “sinner’s prayer” might sound more like this: “Jesus, I believe you are God and that your death on the cross paid the penalty for my sin. I deeply grieve over that sin. I turn from a life for me to a life for you. Sovereign King, all of me will obey and follow you forever.”

Old Man: “Thousands of starfish are dying on this beach. You won’t make much of a difference.” The boy picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean. Then he said, “It made a difference to that one!” The darkness is overwhelming. But each teenager we rescue matters.

Parent (to student pastor): “I’m so grateful for you. My son so looks up to you. I love the way you reinforce those things I’m teaching at home.” Student Pastor: “I love your son and I pray I make an impact. But he knows I always see you as his most important spiritual leader.”

Dr. Johnny Derouen has made a lifetime impact on a generation of student pastors Southwestern Seminary . Why were his courses so impactful? Because, as a student pastor, Christ through him had made a lifetime impact on a generation of teenagers. What he taught, he lived. Johnny Derouen