Local Rebelutionaries

Thoughts from Francis Thompson

2009-08-30T12:34:00.001-07:00

(In case you're wondering who Francis Thompson is, he was a poet who lived during the late 1800's/early 1900's. I read him in literature this week and thought he was really powerful. This is excerpts from his poem "The Hound of Heaven.")

I fled Him, down the nights and down the days;
I fled Him, down the arches of the years;
I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways
Of my own mind, and in the mist of tears
I hid from Him...
(For, though I knew His love Who followed
Yet I was sore adread [i.e. very worried]
Lest, having Him, I must have naught besides).
Nigh and nigh [near and nearer] draws the chase,
With unperturbed pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy
And past those noised feet,
A Voice comes yet more fleet
"Lo, naught [nothing] contents thee, who content'st not [is not contented in] Me."
Naked I wait thy Love's uplifted stroke!
My harness piece by piece Thou hast hewn from me,
And smitten me to my knee;
I am defenseless utterly.
Ah! Must Thou char the wood ere Thou canst limn [can write] with it?
Such is, what is to be?
The pulp so bitter, how shall taste the rind?
That Voice is round me like a bursting sea:
"Whom wilt thou find to love ignoble thee,
Save Me, save only Me?
All which I took from thee I did but take,
Not for thy harms [not to hurt you],
But just that thou might seek it in My arms.
All which thy childish mistake
Fancies as lost, I have stored for thee at home:
Rise, clasp My hand, and come!"
Is my gloom after all,
Shade of His hand, outstreached caressingly?
"Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest,
I am He Whom thou seekest!"

Apologies for its length and old English (though this is only a sampling), but I thought it was neat.

Something new to talk about.

2009-07-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

Sooo, not too long ago, an online friend of mine was talking to me about comfort zones. We both are members on the Rebelution forums and she wanted to post a thread on this. I helped her a little bit with the questions, though she gets most of the credit. I thought it would be cool to talk about it on my blog. I'd like to hear what others have to say on this. =) Sam, hope you don't mind that I do this!!

Lately I've been thinking about how we, as Rebelutionaries, can miss opportunities that we may not even be looking for. If you're not constantly attempting to stretch yourself, how are you going to grow- spiritually, or personally? Andrew John Harrison makes a good point: "It is only when your leave you comfort zone that you run into your limits."

We have to push ourselves to try new things and step away from the familiar. In doing that we will continue to grow, and learn to do even greater things for God in the future. Because how can you ever realize your limits, if you don't even try to reach them? Meriamwebster.com defines a comfort zone as "The level at which one functions with ease and familiarity."

So, my questions to you are:

-Have you ever turned down an opportunity, and then regretted it, simply because it was out of your comfort zone?

-Have you done anything recently that was out of your comfort zone? Were you able to tell the difference of whether it was a positive, God honoring challenge vs. something you did just for the sake of it?

-Have you ever found yourself feeling uncomfortable, because you were in a situation that you should never have be comfortable with in the first place (i.e. something inappropriate or not honoring God)?
How have you judged between positive vs. negative opportunities to step out of your comfort zone?

-What did you learn from it, and how can you apply that in the future?

-Do you have any suggestions for other Rebelutionaries, should they encounter a similar situation as you?

- Can you think of any Bible verses that talk about comfort zones?

DHT chapter 5 questions

2009-07-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

“Life is full of scary things,” write Alex and Brett. Most of us can relate! The problem comes when we let fear or discomfort limit what we attempt or dream for our lives. Most teens are afraid to speak in public, try something new, go somewhere new, or meet new people. Interestingly, all these experience usually turn out positively—or at least give us the most interesting stories. If we’re willing to act in spite of fear, risk failure when necessary, and trust God, our lives will change radically for the better. And we’ll accomplish more than we ever could have imagined.

1) Would you say that fear of failure or discomfort affects you (a) not at all, (b) a little, (c) often, or (d) all the time? Talk about your answer.

2) Identify the areas in your life where you try hardest to stay in your “cozy little routines.” In each case, what negative outcome are you most afraid of? What very positive outcome might come about if you took that first scary step despite your fears?

3) Most of us associate words like faith and courage with positive feelings. But Alex and Brett write that many who choose to act out of faith or courage actually experience intensely negative feelings, such as fear, uncertainty,
worry, and doubt. If you have ever made a courageous choice but felt terrible while you were making it, talk about it. What happened? What did you learn?

4) Why might God be able to accomplish more through us when we act in spite of our weaknesses rather than out of our confidence or strength?

5) “Our story started with a simple step into the unknown,” Seth Willard says in this chapter. “But by God’s grace, our story has only just begun.” As you were reading this chapter, did any thoughts come to mind about a step into the unknown you should or could be taking? If so, what is it?

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!

2009-07-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

I got this email from Kate Jakubisin today:

Hello Everyone,

My dad talked with Dean this afternoon and wanted to update you on the current situation in Guadalupe and request prayer for the protection of Rancho3m. Dean said the drug wars moved into Guadalupe, two incidents have recently occurred. The first is the owner of the small store close to the Ranch [we went there several times to buy coke] was kidnapped and ransomed for $20,000. Although the money was paid he was murdered leaving behind a wife and three kids. The second incident was the kidnapping of a drugstore owner in the town of Guadalupe. He was ransomed also. After he was beaten they released him. Because of this, the next group, the Sov. Grace Church of Chesapeake, VA, canceled their trip. Thankfully the Cov Life groups were able to go to the Rancho and return home safely. They were able to dry-in the building for the baby home and are planning on sending a group of 40 men back in October to complete the job. Please pray for the violence to end so that the groups (Cov Life and Apex) planned to come in October will be able to.

Please be praying for the protection of the kids and staff at Rancho3m. Dean requested that we especially pray for protection of the staff and kids the week of July 27-August 3 as the Staff leaves for a week long retreat and the kids will be gone on their summer break, some will go home to their families.

Also, Dean said Alan is doing well, please keep praying for him.

-Kate Jakubisin
"I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future"

PLEASE pray for Rancho3M, Dean and his family, the children at the Ranch, the staff members and the people in the surrounding community. This is a very scary and dangerous time right now so all of your prayers help! Thank you so much!

Just plain AWESOME!

2009-07-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some incredible pictures of the universe that point to the AWESOMENESS of our Almighty God!!

Psalm 19:1-4 ~ The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

DHT Chapter 4 questions

2009-07-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

This chapter starts with the story of Ray, a teen party guy who hasn’t grown up, and isn’t sure he wants to. He’s choosing fun now over the future he says he wants. He’s heading toward what the authors call “a failure to launch.” Why? Because the teen years are like a diving board that, if we land on the right spot, will launch us into our best possible future. If we miss (or don’t even jump), we risk never launching. Most of us know a Ray—a “kidult”—who still hasn’t launched at twenty-five, thirty, or even older. The authors then identify five categories of hard things that promise to deliver high-impact results now and later if we do them.

1) Do you know a “kidult” like Ray? Describe his or her life. Do you think there’s anything that anyone could say to this “Ray” that would motivate him or her to change direction? If so, what? If not, why not?

2) The authors write, “What each of us will become later in life largely depends on what we become now.” Do you agree or disagree? What might a mature adult who knows you well say you are becoming?

3) The “strict training” Alex and Brett talk about doesn’t sound appealing at first. But what might be some payoffs from that kind of discipline in your life now, and your dreams for your future?

4) Which of the five hard things that the authors list motivates you the most? Why?

5) What are some of the hard things you’ve already done in your life? What were the results? What would you say you learned through these experiences?

So...how's it going?

2009-07-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't had an accountability post in a while. How are you all doing? What have your struggles been recently? How can we be holding you accountable and praying for you? I'd particularlly like to hear from my past regulars: Mark, Melly, Cara and Kasey(aka Mee). I'd also like to hear from a few of you who I think read, but don't post very often...this may include: Wesley, Hannah and Morgan. :)

Love you all!
Emily

DHT Chapter 3 questions

2009-07-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

An elephant is an incredibly powerful beast that can be restrained by a piece of twine. (No kidding.) And that powerful animal just might be you, say Alex and Brett. Why? Because teens today buy into “the Myth of Adolescence.” That myth is an assumption that the teen years can’t add up to much and are meant to be spent as some sort of vacation from responsibility. Unfortunately, those low expectations end up trapping and limiting teens for no good reason. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Even the word teenager, the authors point out, is a recent invention. We can choose to live by higher standards. We can leave childish ways behind and grow up. We can decide to do hard things. That, say the twins, is where the Rebelution starts.

1) Have you ever visited a zoo, seen beautiful and powerful animals caged by glass or bars, and felt that something was terribly wrong? If so, talk about it. Why do you think some teens might identify with a wild but caged bird or animal?

2) Do you think that harmless-sounding lies about the teen years could be holding back both you and other teens you know? Talk about it.

3) What was your reaction to the stories of George, David, and Clarissa (pages 31-32)? Have you ever thought you could accomplish a lot more than you are now?

4) What do your parents expect you to do at home in an average week? Do you deliver? Be honest. How much time and effort does it take to do what’s asked of you? Do you think your parents require too much or too little?

5) Have you ever found yourself behaving very differently—and accomplishing a lot more—simply because someone expected you to? Describe the experience.

The balance between doing hard things and just plain busyness

2009-07-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I was telling Cara about this the other day, but I have been thinking much about this and thought I would post on it.

I started this summer off so determined not to waste my summer that I am starting to do just the opposite. I think I have taken on too much. Where now, instead of doing a few things well, I'm doing many things and not doing them the best I could. bottom line: Busyness does not equal fruitfulness

As I read an article by CJ Mahaney today, he said:

Busyness does not mean I am diligent
Busyness does not mean I am faithful
Busyness does not mean I am fruitful

If I'm 'busy', but whatever I'm busy with is not fruitful, then I am wasting my time.

For example. I have not been faithful to reply to the DHT questions. I have been faithful to read the chapters and post the questions. I but I basically read the chapter and then checked it off my list of things to do for the week. So, I haven't really benefited from the study and there hasn't been any fruit.

I think I am going through too many books right now. I'm trying to read throuhg 9 different books(several of them are some type of group study) and instead of growing through these things, it's turning into a very non-productive and unfruitful thing.

If you can't already tell, I'm the type of girl that wants to do everything and wants to be involved in everything. I want to take everything and I want to make everything work. I want to grow spiritually. But, I'm slowly learning that doing a 'hard thing' is not always being busy and being involved in everything. I'm learning that doing a hard thing is to discern when I should participate in something and when I'm just going through the motions with another thing I signed up for or took on.

There is a difference in between doing hard things and just doing too much.

So, I'm going to be praying on what God wants me to focus on. I may have to narrow a few things down, or maybe just push something off until the future. If I don't, I don't think I'm going to be serving God like I could be. I want to to be balanced for the rest of this summer and throught this upcoming school year. As it's only going to get fuller with work and school.

I will continue to post the weekly DHT study questions, but I'm starting to feel led to drop that study for now so I can pursue excellence in other things. I will restart my weekly accountablity posts, as long as someone is growing from them.

Lastly, I would like to see if any of you have thoughts on this topic. Have any of you had this same struggle? How did you narrow things down? After you narrowed things down to what you felt more led to do, did you see more growth? Does anyone have any verses to share that reminds them of this topic?

I apperciate your thoughts and I hope you all undertstand,
Emily Joy

Anybody home?

2009-07-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

If you read this blog regularly (at least once a month) please comment on this post. Just an "I'm here" would work. There's nothing wrong with a small group, but it would be nice to know who's benefiting from this blog (I know I have).

If you have a minute, answer these questions (I know, more questions! But it would be helpful to know, I think):
1. Which have encouraged you most/been most helpful - the weekly accountability, book studies, or "random" posts?
2. Would you be willing to post occasionally, with prayer requests, praises, comments on sermons, or something similar?
(or)
3. Do you feel like you are too busy to be able to keep up with a blog like this?

Thanks!

DHT Chapter 2 questions

2009-06-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Sorry for not replying to the last set of questions yet! I hope to do those soon, when a have some time to go through them Here are the questions for Chapter 2:

In this chapter, Alex and Brett tell the story of their journey from being bored teens to being Supreme Court interns, campaign workers, and blog hosts. But before they had new experiences they had new ideas—big ideas like:
• Our generation is getting robbed!
• There has to be more to the teen years than goofing off.
• Ordinary teens can make a big difference in the world.
• Young people can handle big responsibilities.
• With big dreams come big challenges.
• What teens working together can accomplish is amazing!
They close the chapter by inviting readers to join them in an uprising “against a cultural
mind-set that twists the purpose and potential of the teen years and threatens to cripple our generation.”

1) Looking back, do you see a season, a book, or an event that changed what you believe or how you live? If so, talk about it. How are you different
now?

2) One teen told Alex and Brett, “Everyone I know at school is shackled by low expectations.” Could you say the same thing? If so, talk about why.

3)Have you ever found yourself responsible for a task that seemed too big for you to succeed at? If so, what happened? Did that experience turn out to be a bad thing or a good thing in your life?

4) Did you identify with the story of shy Heidi Bentley (pages 19-22)? If so, talk about it.

5) History shows that youth movements against God-established authority have generally not amounted to much. How do the authors set their message apart from such movements?

DHT questions for chapter one

2009-06-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

“We believe our generation is ready to rethink what teens are capable of doing and becoming.” With that statement, the authors set the stage for a discussion about doing things differently. Then they identify the unique angle of Do Hard Things: instead of being a book where adults tell teens how to change, it’s a conversation
among teens who are ready to lead the way. Alex and Brett talk briefly about their background and reasons for writing the book. They want teens to rebel against low expectations and reclaim the full potential of their teen years.

1)As you read the inside flaps of the book and the first chapter, how did you react to the authors’ talk about change, hard things, and “rebelution”?

2) Usually we try to look to older (hopefully wiser) people for life advice. Do you see any risks when teenagers—in this case, two nineteen year olds—try to persuade other young people to change how they think? On the other hand, what might be some advantages to the authors’ age?

3)“We don’t think ‘average teenagers’ exist,” write the twins. Do you feel average? If so, why? Does that ever feel like a good thing? If not, what is it that makes you feel not average?

4) The fictional Dundress monks were well intentioned but unhappy Christians who believed that more misery must mean more holiness. Have you ever thought that? Where do you think that kind of thinking comes from?

5) In what ways do you think popular culture misrepresents what the teen years are for? Can you think of one thing that would change if you and your friends believed—really believed—that low expectations were ripping
you off?

Mexico!

2009-06-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

I, along with 35 others, leave for Mexico in just a few hours...I've got so many emotions going through me right now its insane! I don't know what I'm feeling exactly...apprehensive, excited, anxious, joyful, prayerful, nervous, happy, unsure...I'm just a bundle of nerves lol, some good, some not so good...but I know that God will be faithful to keep me safe, and to use me for his divine purpose this week.
Please pray for us this week if you think about it:
1. That God would use us in any way that He wants (and that I would have a good attitude about it!)
2. That God would keep us safe and healthy (and that I wouldn't be(too)homesick)
3. The plane would not crash (!!!!!!!!!!)
4. Our luggage would not be lost (yes, I'm paranoid)
5. That I will be able to speak clearly and interpret (currently I understand more than I speak...pray I won't get frustrated if I cannot understand things)

Please pray for the entire E-team and not just me...The Bakitas(3), Cables(2), Davis'(3), DeCostes(2), Grafs(4), Herlihys(2), Jakubisins(4), Stephanie Jilek, Jones'(3), Me, Morales'(2), Morrisons(2), Pearsons(2), Juan Perez, Mike Seaver, Shedore(3)

Anyway, I should probably try to sleep since I will get my first experience with jet lag later today. We will probably get to the Ranch after 11pm tonight. Also, I'm not sure if my phone will be working or not but please feel free to text me! I would love to hear from you guys! Love you all and I will see you on Sunday the 28th(or sometime soon after that!)!

Don't let them despise you

2009-06-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

I found this on the Rebelution blog. Check it out and answer these questions in a comment or in a blog post!

Piper shares seven negative characteristics of youth — disrespect, rebellion, self-absorption, cliquishness, conformity to peer pressure, indifference to serious issues, and a fixation on fun as the only thing that satisfies. Are any of these qualities pronounced in your life?
Piper makes it clear that we must not be indifferent to what adults think, but neither should we see adult opinions as supreme. Which of these two errors is a greater temptation for you?
Ultimately, we must look to God’s standards to guide our behavior. Are you growing (by grace through faith) in obedience to God’s standards “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity?”

I'm going to answer in a comment sometime soon :-)

Emily

2009-06-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Glad we have at least a little interest in a study of Do Hard Things again. I'm looking forward to it. I hope everyone feels welcomed to jump in at any time! The more the better!!

I'll plan on posting questions every weekend(Fri, Sat. or Sun.). You all can read through Chapter one this week and the questions for chapter one will be coming next weekend.

Let me know if you have any better ideas or suggestions on how to handle this.

Also, anyway I can be praying for you all?

Emily

Anyone interested?

2009-06-09T10:29:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

I had an idea for this summer. I know the Do Hard Things conference was over a year ago and I have to say that 'Do Hard Things' message is starting to fade for me. I can't say that I am still as passionate about this as I originally was. I still love the Rebelution and all, but I haven't been as involved and motivated as I used to be.

Anyways, I thought is would be neat to do a weekly online study of the Do Hard things books. I think it might be a nice refresher for everyone. I read the book over a year ago and haven't really picked it up since. Would anyone else be interested in going through the book with me? I was thinking that we could go through one chapter a week and go through the questions for that chapter.

If there is interest, then I will start posting questions next week! Let me know what you all think!

Emily

Making use of this summer

2009-06-04T17:32:00.000-07:00

Recently I have really been thinking of how I can make best use of my summer. I really want to accomplish something this summer. So, after much thought, I think I have come up with something that would really help me grow. I want to read as many theological books as I can to challenge me, strengthen my faith and deepen my knowledge. I also want to focus more and devote more time to studying my Bible.

So, my questions to you all is: Do you have any suggestions for good reads? Do you have any favorite theological books or any favorite authors? Any other suggestions on what I could do this summer that would be challenging and/or create spiritual growth? Does anyone else have plans for the summer? Anyway I can be praying for you and any goals or thing you might have going on this summer?

Thanks guys and girls =)
Emily

2009-05-31T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Wow, yesterday was a special day for a few of you. Congrats Mark, Kasey and Melly =D

How's everyone doing with their resolutions? How can we all be praying for you? Does anyone feel like they're not being held accountable enough?

Emily

2009-05-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! How can I be praying for you this week?

God's Generousity and Kindness

2009-05-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

I thought this story might encourage you all.

As I looked into college at UNCC, I knew that tuition was higher than I could work for to save up in such a short amount of time. My mom and I filled out financial aid papers. The amount of money one gets from FAFSA is dependent upon one's parents' income. Since my parents weren't sure the final tax returns, they thought I wouldn't get as much as we hoped. However, GOD has provided ALL the money needed this first year of school at UNCC!! In fact, He not only provided the minimum amount, but He has also given me more that I can put towards next year! I was worried about how I would be able to pay for college, but God has shown me He's got everything planned out!
So if there is something you need provision for, just trust God that He will provide in His time because He always will!
I'm so thankful that we have such an awesome God! Praise Him!

Deus semper fidelis,
*Mel

2009-05-10T12:50:00.001-07:00

So, friends, how was your week? I realize that more than half of the Local Rebelutionary posters are either about to graduate or already have. Let me encourage you in something. Earlier this year, Chelsey was saying how she doesn't post a lot because she wants to see the high schoolers posting and would like to see the seniors hand it down to the younger teens. Well, here's what I wanted to say about that.....

This whole 'Rebelution' doesn't stop when you graduate. I think it's a life long mindset, but also, even if it was just for teens, we all are still teens. And some of our elders will still have low expectations for us. All I'm saying is that, I think it's just as much for college students as it is for high schoolers and if all you graduates leave the blog, not many people will be left. Please don't not post because you don't think this is for you anymore.

I'm not trying to say college life isn't different. I know it is. I know a lot of you all are entering into a different stage of life. But, maybe instead of 'laying low' you could take this as an opportunity to be an example to younger teens and take on a leadership role here. In encourging and possibly even sharing your wisdom with us, as older more experienced teens :-)

Anyhow, all that said, how's everyone doing? I feel like this is a busy time for most, with finals and trying to finish up school. Then graduations and work. And of course life in general. I'm going to be praying for everyone in this regard this week. But, is there any specific ways I can be praying for you all? Also, how's everyone doing with their resolutions?

Love you all!
Emily

2009-05-02T17:45:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Sorry for the delay in posting....let's just say it's been a busy week :)

How have your weeks been? How can we be praying for you this week? What have been your struggles and how have you been encouraged this past week?

Um, I don't have much of an update....my week has been the same as last week. I've just been so busy with work and school. I'm very ready for summer :) But anyhow, I guess you all could pray for peace and persistence while I try to finish up for the summer :)

See you in the morning!
Emily

This week

2009-04-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

I'm going to suggest that everyone refer to last week's post and reply to what I said there. Just because no one has replied this week...except for Melly that replied today :-)

Oh, and for a quick update for myself. Since I got a job this week, my life has really pick up it's pace...and I thought I was busy before hand!! Well, being busy doesn't allow me time to get off track, so it actually is rather helpful to me. And I've been really encouraged this week and it's been awesome to me how I've been so captivated by God. Like really, He has totally consumed my mind recently and that is such an exciting feeling.

Love you all,

2009-04-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

How did your week go? I've been praying for all of you, but I apologize for not commenting/replying after some of you commented over the past few weeks. It's just one of those things that I read, but then don't get a chance to reply the moment I read it and then I end up forgetting to reply later on. Anyways, sorry about that.

How have you been encouraged this week? Did Mr. Connelly's message on Easter Sunday effect you at all over this week? I found it to be a great reminder of all the joy I should have about God and all the good things He has done for me. And, I guess it's really been an encouragement to always look for joy and pursue it, rather then waiting for something to happen that makes me 'happy' for a moment(that isn't really true joy). You may be wondering what this has to do with doing hard things and our 'resolutions'. But here is how I think of it. If we have joy about what God HAS done and about what we know He WILL do, then it will have a ripple effect and effect us in every area of life. Make sense? :-)

Anyhow, please share how I can pray for you this week!

My week was different. I didn't have any school this week because of spring break, but I feel like I really, really needed that and I'm really ready now to take on another week of school. I feel very refreshed, as I have spent a lot of my break doing thing outside and active rather than wasting my time on the computer. And, after taking a computer fast, I really feel encouraged about that. All this said, with everything that I have done differently this week and because I've been quite busy, even though I'm on break, I didn't get a chance to do a few school related things I was hoping to get done this week. So please pray I can get caught up on that, but also pray that I continue to feel refreshed and encouraged as I go back 'to school' this coming week, and am reminded of all the joy I have in Christ =)

Love you all,
Emily

Thank you!

2009-04-17T06:44:00.001-07:00

Hey guys, I just wanted to thank you again for being so faithful! This blog has come a really long way from when we started. I was thinking about when my caregroup challenged me to start it and invite all the teens at church who were either at the conference or involved with the Rebelution in any way to come and post their thoughts, Do Hard Things stories and favorite "dead people" to the blog...it is such an evidence of God's grace to have so many of you involved and how much we've grown together! From time to time its always good to go back and review DO HARD THINGS together, I know that for me at least, right now the concepts of that book are exactly what I need to get me through this time of life...so keep growing together and praying together! Love you guys!!!

I didn't forget!

2009-04-11T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's still Saturday ;-) So everyone....how are you doing? I'm going to copy and paste part of a post for several weeks ago:

So Mee...how have you done with your time management? Do you feel like you've made good use of it? And have you been leaning on God to help give you the strength you need?

Mark, how have done with reading your Bible everyday? Do you feel like you've been growing in your walk with the Lord? Have you been investing in your friends like you would like to? Do you feel like you're able to keep up with everything, even when you're busy?

Melly. I haven't heard from you in a few weeks....Do you feel like you're still deepening your walk with the Lord? How have you done this week with your time management? Have you been wise with God's time? Have you been working towards more Biblical fellowship with your friends and Christ-centered discussion?

Cara...Are there any particular things that I can be praying about for you? Or do you have any thing you'd like to share about how your week has been?

Hm...well, about myself, I'm about the same as last week. Still growing in my time management. I'm really looking forward to my spring break this coming week. I have realized the past month or two that the computer is a big distraction in my life and has really been not helping me and has not been a very fruitful use of time for me. These past few weeks, I've been trying to spend less time on the computer and more time doing something fruitful...like working on school or reading my Bible. This week, I'm going to fast from the computer for a day. It's really impossible for me to do during a school week, as I have a lot of school on the comp., so this will be a good opportunity. I hope that will help me realize how much more I could be doing everyday and hopefully remind me that I don't really need the computer :-)

Love you all. He is Risen! =D
Emily

...

2009-04-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, just wanted to encourage you to continue in the Lord in the next few years, I've been trying to lay low for a bit to see if you guys would continue to post and keep one another accountable and a great thanks to all of you who have been involved! Emily, thank you for asking each week about everyone and how they've been doing spiritually, its been a real encouragement to see this every week! Thanks for praying for me and the M28 people, we had a great time, I think 4 people got saved at Rekindle or because of Rekindle and 5 people were baptized. Our time there was filled with amazing worship, great Gospel centered messages, ton of fun and amazing friends...thanks again for praying! Love you guys! Keep loving God and each other!

2009-04-03T17:10:00.001-07:00

Hey Friends! How did your week go? How did you feel God's grace this week? What was a struggle for you?

For myself, if I did nothing else well, I have at least been consistent in reading my Bible every single day. But, I am so happy to say that something has changed and I don't have the same report as every other week. For the past few months, I have really been struggling in a particular area of school, where I was constantly procrastinating and avoiding it. This week, by the grace of God, He finally broke me and I was finally truthful with myself. It's amazing how much more free I feel when I no longer feel the weight of that. Anyhow, I of course will always have struggles, but I was very, very encouraged by that. And not until right now(as I'm typing this) have I realized that my prayer request was answered from last week. So, I thank you all so much for your prayers!

Please tell me how I can be praying for you this week. I really want to hear from you all, but even if none of you reply, I'll keep posting weekly and praying for you all =]

Love you all,
Emily

2009-03-27T10:57:00.001-07:00

Hi my friends!

This is going to be quick today, as I got to get off in just a minute. But, I wanted to check in and see how everyone's week went? I realize it's only been about 4 days since the last post though. What ways can we be praying for you?

I feel just about the same as I did last time I posted. Over all, I feel like it went pretty well, but there were still some struggles with using my time wisely. I'm starting to get frustrated with myself since I keep haven't the same 'update' in this area every week. I'm always doing 'ok', but I don't want it to be that way. It's a sin I want to kill, but I don't want to take the steps to kill it. So please pray that I can really change this bad habit with God's help over the coming weeks...and that next time, there really will be a change!

Hopefully I'll see all of you tonight :-)
Emily

AHHH...I'm sorry!

2009-03-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

AHHH...I'm sorry! Please forgive me. I was sick part of this past week and it just threw me off. And, it totally slipped my mind.

Anyhow, how was your week last week? What were your struggles? Or actually, how did you feel strengthened by Christ? Where you dependent on Him and His strength?

This past week I have felt really encouraged....for a few reasons. A month or two ago, our family started doing a weekly 'Bible study' and that has been awesome. Besides church, it's the highlight of my week. It is almost like a 'mid-week refresher'. Because of that and the accountability that comes along with that, I feel like I've been much more encouraged in all of my struggles. Anyhow, I have been much more diligent with my Bible reading. I will not allow myself to go to bed each night until I have read my Bible and had some time with the Lord....so I feel like I am really growing in my walk with the Lord there. Also, I can't really say how I've been with school because our family had the flu most of the week, so we didn't really have a 'normal school week'. But, I think in some cases I was wise with my time and others maybe not so much....

Have an awesome week. Stay strong,
Emily

2009-03-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

To mix it up this week, I would like each of you to tell me(and the rest of us) how we can be praying for you this coming week. I of course am always praying for you all, but it might help if you told us how exactly we can be praying. Also, try to tell me/us how you've felt encouraged this week and if anything has particularly encouraged you as well.

I would like continued prayer for my time management. God has really helps me overcome a lot of stuff this week with managing my time. But I could still grow a lot there. I have been greatly encouraged by reading my Bible daily. It's really neat how much it can bless me every day and that really motivates me to spend more time reading and praying.

Also, thank you few who have been faithful to post/comment on here despite your busy lives. I really want to encourage some of you others to post or even just comment sometime. Jesus instructs us to encourage one another and I think this is a great outlet to do so. Even something as small as posting a verse to share can really bless someone =)

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Love you all! See you tomorrow!
Emily

Answered Prayer Request!!

2009-03-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I am very thankful to God for His provision. He has given my dad a job! My dad starts work this Monday. God is faithful!!
Thank you all for praying! We really appreciate it.

In Christ,
*Mel

Neat opportunity!

2009-03-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

I saw this on the Rebelution blog! I thought some people may be interested in contributing!! I thought it would be a cool experience..... =)

2009-03-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

Hi my friends!

How did you week go? I feel like this question is getting cliche, but there really is no other way to ask it without addressing you personally. Oh, maybe I'll do that!

Alright, so Mee, I will start with you. How have you done with your time management? Do you feel like you've made good use of it? And have you been leaning on God to help give you the strength you need?

Mark, I haven't heard from you in a few weeks. I'm assuming you're quite busy with work and school. How have done with reading your Bible everyday? How do you feel like you've done in growing in your walk with the Lord? Have you been investing in your friends like you would like to?

Melly. Do you feel like you're still deepening your walk with the Lord? How have you done this week with your time management? Have you been wise with God's time? Have you been working towards more Biblical fellowship with your friends and Christ-centered discussion?

Cara...I don't believe that you ever defined a particular resolution or goal for this year. But you have been faithful to post! Are there any particular things that I can be praying about for you? Or do you have any thing you'd like to share about how your week has been?

I believe that's all of you that have been posting. Also, I'm continuing to pray for you, Chelsey and everyone else getting ready to go to Rekindle! And Melly, still praying for your dad's job situation! Any other general prayer requests?

Oh, I almost forgot to let you all know how my week has been. I've been faithful to spend time reading my Bible daily, which I believe has greatly encouraged me this week. Time management wise, this is still a struggle for me. I have had a very busy week, so I've had trouble getting all my school done. But, yes, I still have not always been wise with my time, unfortunately. =/

Love each of you. Stay strong!
Emily

Another Prayer Request

2009-03-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

I just wanted to ask if you all could pray for my dad to get a job really soon. We are on a very tight budget, but thanks be to God we are not in debt.
My dad has a job that looks like it's going to open up, so just pray that it will go through and that he'll get hired within the next couple weeks.
Thank you in advance. We know God will provide because He always has.
"Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." Psalm 34:9-10
And Luke 12:22-32.

In Christ,
*Mel

Prayer Request

2009-03-02T19:54:00.001-08:00

Hey all, sorry I have not been faithful to post lately...life has been crazy lately and I've been struggling with the past few weeks with being patient through a tough circumstance and having faith that God will work it all out in His timing.

But thats not my prayer request (although feel free to pray for that too :P) my prayer request is for Rekindle. 95 (give or take) college students are leaving Sunday at 12:30 from the church for a week in Laguna Beach Florida. We'll be diving into the Gospel all week and you can just pray for a safe trip, a great time, new friendships, a greater love and passion for God and that we'll each be able to meet with God while we're down there.

Thanks guys!!!!!

2009-02-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

Hi my friends!

First off, thanks Mark for making that last post. It was super awesome and I have felt the exact same way. But I know that you already know this =)

How has everyone's week gone? What have been your struggles? What have you been encouraged in?

For myself, this week has not been perfect, but God really ignited in me a huge passion for Him this week. And that is such an incredible feeling. I have read my Bible everyday, sometimes for hours at a time, and that also is really encouraging too. Time management wise, I've been pretty good, but not great. I definitely know my weaknesses and I know how to over come them. I just have to apply that. And since I'm lazy and sinful, that can be difficult to apply and overcome.

So, yes...I think that's it. Love you all and praying for you!

Obviously a Christian....

2009-02-25T17:31:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, I know it's been a while since I posted. I recently had a surge of emotions and thoughts in regards to Christianity and my personal faith. After expressing these thoughts and emotions, someone encouraged me to post all of them on here for you guys to read and think about. So without any more preamble, here goes. (and please remember, this is all in regards to my own personal faith, I don't assume to tell you about your faith)

I'm tired of being a by-the-books Christian. I'm tired of being stereotypical. I don't want to read my Bible every day out of a sense of guilt. I don't want to pray because I'm supposed to, or because it will do me good, or because that's what Christians do. I don't want to try to hide my faith in front of people who might think I'm not cool because I'm a Christian.

I want to live every day in the knowledge that I am a horrible blight upon the universe, and God sent his only son, a PERFECT son, to die for me! I want to be completely overwhelmed by the grace and mercy of God, and I want joy to overflow out of me and infect all the people around me! I want to be a contagious Christian! I don't want to tell someone, "Hey I'm a Christian" and have them be surprised or think, "Really? He doesn't act like it..." I want to spend 5 minutes with a complete stranger and have it be completely obvious to them at the end of the 5 minutes that I am a Christian!

Without God I am nothing! There is NOTHING at all in me that can save me from Hell! I don't want to just call myself a Christian, I want to live it! I want it to be obvious to the world that I have put all my faith in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior! I want to be crazy about Christianity!

I pray Lord that you would fill me with an overflowing joy and happiness! I pray that other people will see me and be motivated to put their faith in You! Every day I want to wake up and praise your name every minute for the rest of the day! Hallelujah!

It's time to stop blending in.

It's time to start standing out.

2009-02-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! How was your week? What where the tough things for you? Where did you feel God's grace this week?

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

This verse has been a great reminder to me this week. It reminds me that I'm weak and can't do a thing without God's help! My week, has been really good though. God has worked wonders in my discipline and trust in Him. So, I have really felt His grace there. But there is always the constant pull of what I want to do. But thankfully, God has helped me fight that!

Love you guys!

Hi everyone!

2009-02-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

So...how has your week gone?

I want to encourage all of you to post on here sometime! We have over 20 members, but very few every comment or post. You don't have to post something profound or long; but even if you have a verse to share or something like that....then I would encourage you to post it!

Back to the resolutions....My week has been kind of average I guess. But 'average' is not enough compared to God. I have done the worst in my time management. I feel like it's a constant battle for me. I'm not to terribly discouraged as much as I'm upset at myself for not being more disciplined in my life. *sigh* Well, just keep praying for me :) I'm praying for all of you!

On another note, I have a prayer request. Some of you may read the Rebelution blog.....well, if you do, then you probably have read about this. But, there is a boy named Tyler Farver who is a rebelutionary in Texas, I believe. He has helped Alex and Brett with the past 2 year's conferences. Anyhow, about a month ago, he got in a very bad ATV accident and he was in very serious condition. He's slowly getting better, but is still going through quite a lot. Everytime he improves, something else in his body starts acting up.

So, this said, it would be awesome if everyone could be praying for him. You can also send him a letter or card if you want! I know he needs the prayer and would also be so blessed to recieve a letter to let him know people are praying for him! Here is the link to the blog post on the Rebelution about him: http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2009/02/urgent-pray-for-tyler-farver/ It contains his address, as well as a lot more details about him.

I don't know this boy personally, but God has really placed him on my heart to pray for him. And I thought the more prayers the better :-)

Alright that's all! Have a great rest of the weekend!

How was your week?

2009-02-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

Hey Rebelutionaries =)

I'm really sorry about not posting yesterday. I'm going to say that from now on, I'm going to make a post on Friday OR Saturday. Because Friday seems to be the busiest day of my week.

So...how has your week gone? I've been praying daily for you all :)

My week has had some awesome days and others that were pretty tough. But I'm pretty encouraged about everything =)

Love you guys!
Emily

So...how was this week?

2009-01-30T05:21:00.000-08:00

How did your week go everyone? How are you coming on those goals and resolutions?

This week has been tons better for me than last week. I have been so motivated to do more and God has blessed me with a very happy mood all week =) Well, I still have had some struggles, but it just feels good to improve a bit.

I've been praying for all of you! Love you guys!

Resolutions!!

2009-01-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I'm a day late, guys! I have an absolutely busy day yesterday and never got a chance to get online to post this.

Well, how has everyone done this week? Any particular prayer requests or struggles?

This week has been really challenging for me. I don't feel like I've been a very wise steward of God's time this week. I've been very consumed with school and what I feel like doing have haven't spent very much time reading my Bible =( Well, today I feel pretty great because I spent a few hours studying God's word with my amazing friend and I've had some awesome fellowship. But I just feel like other than that, I haven't done terribly well this week. I think it's because I have leaned on my own strength, without even knowing it. So, continue to pray for me, that this coming week I'll keep my focus on God and what really matters.

Love you all!
Emily

Post #100!!!!!

2009-01-16T11:15:00.001-08:00

YAHOO! We made it to 100 posts! Great job you guys, thanks for being faithful!

How has it gone?

2009-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Philippians 4:13: 'I can do everything through him who gives me strength.'

Hey everyone! How did your week go? How are each of you keeping up with your resolutions?

I have really been praying for everyone one of you! Does anyone have anything to share that has helped them stay on track this week? Any verses, songs, etc?

This week has been pretty good for me. I feel like I've used my time a lot more wisely. Or at least I'm getting better at doing so. When I'm making good use of my time, it really makes me more happy and joyful than when I'm sitting around wasting my day away. So, for me, the joy that comes with following these resolutions is a huge motivation!

Emily

a quick reply to the previous

2009-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

It wasn't me, it was God...there is no way we would be getting hits on this blog let alone my idea for the blog...without God. Anyway, this year I want to challenge you guys to get more people involved, get more people reading the book and hooked into the movement...make it big! So once you guys graduate, you'll still have rebelutionaries in the youth group...keep the momentum going. You guys have the opportunity to spread the word! Do Hard Things! Thanks you guys! Without you, this blog would be nothing!

Over 100 Posts

2009-01-09T10:59:00.001-08:00

Today we hit 100 posts on the Local Rebelutionaries blog. Now, aside that being a pretty high number, here is the thing that I am most proud about. This blog was started on April 7, 2008, which means that we have kept it going for 9 months and 4 days. And that's pretty awesome.

Thanks for keeping it alive, everyone. I hope we can continue to make this blog as useful and god-honoring as we can.

And thanks for starting it in the first place, Chelsey.

~Mark

Resolutions

2009-01-09T06:26:00.000-08:00

So...how has everyone's week gone? Like I said I was going to, I'm posting to see how everyone has been with their resolutions? I have been praying for every one of you.

I know everyone had some different resolutions, but over all, a big common one seemed to be wiser use of our(or, more actually, God's time) and more Biblical fellowship and deeper relationships with out friends. How has everyone done in these areas? How have you done with your personal resolutions?

I know for myself, I have still really been challenged in using my time wisely, however, I am making small improvements.

another update!

2009-01-08T22:56:00.000-08:00

right after you guys started to respond to my last post to say you were praying...Krystal called me...she got back into school!!!! Thank you guys SOOOOOOOOO much!

Prayer Request(s) and Update(s)

2009-01-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, I have three prayer requests and two prayer updates.

Prayer Request 1: Tina Minnesale and her daughter
Tina is a lady I work with, she's the hiring manager and such a sweet lady. Recently she revealed to us that her daughter (I think her name is Lisa) is dying of Lou Gehrig's disease. Lou Gehrig's disease is a disorder that's also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS.

Lou Gehrig's disease damages motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons are nerve cells that control muscle movement. Upper motor neurons send messages from the brain to the spinal cord, and lower motor neurons send messages from the spinal cord to the muscles. Motor neurons are an important part of the body's neuromuscular system. The neuromuscular system enables our bodies to move and is made up of the brain, many nerves, and muscles. Things that we do every day — like breathing, walking, running, lifting stuff, and even reaching for a glass of water — are all controlled by the neuromuscular system.

Anyway, the Minnesale family desperately needs your prayers as they go through the last few weeks and days with their daughter. They also have a lot of medical bills to pay. So if you could just pray for God's grace, peace, comfort and provision through this time.

Prayer Request 2: Krystal Proctor
Krystal is another girl I work with, she's trying to get back in to school at UNCC and she's encountering several obstacles. So if you could pray that everything would be worked out and she would be accepted in, I know she'd be most grateful!

Prayer Request 3: Memommy
My sister's grandma(and my "adopted" grandma), Memommy, died in her sleep Sunday night. So if you could pray for comfort for her family and friends. The funeral is tomorrow at 1...so especially around that time.

Thanks guys!!!!!

Now for the updates

Update 1: James Worthey
Remember when I asked for prayer for Mr. James who had to make a decision regarding his job situations. Well, he feels that God is calling him back full-time at Chick-fil-A. Thanks for praying! He asked me to thank you guys, he said he really felt your prayers!

Update 2: Findlay
Findlay has completely recovered! He stopped by last night to say hi and I was able to chat with him for a little bit. He sounds like he's doing good! I haven't had time to talk to him about God again but hopefully that will come soon. All in God's timing!

Thank you guys sooooooooo much! I'm so grateful to have you guys as friends and I know you guys are so willing to pray. Thanks...Love you guys!

It's a New Year!

2009-01-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!!

I can't believe that it's 2009! That's just crazy! haha, well, anyways, I wanted to give everyone a challenge for this year. Normally, every year people make 'new year resolutions', and, a lot of times, those goals are never reached.

Well, I thought it would be neat and probably very beneficial if everyone posted at least 1 resolution that they have for this year and we all could hold each other accountable for them. With prayer, support and accountability of our friends, I think that we can make all of our goals much more attainable. So what do you think?

I'll start. I want to be wiser with my time.....I want to read more, particularly theological books and my Bible, I want to get more organized and I want to get more on the ball with school. I think my laziness greatly contributes to these areas..... Lastly, I want to, of course, grow in my walk with the Lord and be challenged this year.

Anyone else?
Emily

free copy.

2008-12-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

hey guys. i got 2 copies of Do Hard Things for Christmas, so if any of you want the extra, tell me and i'll see if i can get it to you.

What an awesome year.

2008-12-24T11:44:00.000-08:00

Wow. It's Christmas Eve. This year flew by so fast, it's still hard for me to believe that tomorrow is Christmas and in 8 days it will be the year 2009.

This was such an awesome year though. I have been blessed in so many ways I can't possibly list them all. But in an effort to show how amazing God is and how merciful his grace is, I can at least name a few :)

-My older older sister got engaged.

-My younger older sister graduated college.

-I went to Hawaii.

-I made more friends than I could of possibly thought. Seriously, I can't list all of my friends even if I had hours to do it.

And on top of all these things, I look forward to God's continued mercy and grace in 2009, with the following being some of the most anticipated things.

-I graduate high school

-I pay off my car

-My older older sister gets married

-My younger older sister goes to Great Britain

And now back to the main reason for my post today, and in fact, the main reason for everything.

Jesus Christ. The only person in the history of eternity who could act as substitute for our sins. The only son of God.

And tomorrow we get to celebrate his life and death.

Tomorrow we get to express our love for each other by exchanging gifts.

Tomorrow we remember the cross and the one who saved us from hell.

Tomorrow we praise God.

Today we praise God.

Our God is so great, his mercy is so boundless, his grace so entirely sufficient. Praise the Lord.

Well, since I can't guarantee that I will get on this blog tomorrow, I want to take this opportunity to say something-

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

~Mark

Christmas Thoughts

2008-12-22T17:08:00.001-08:00

Well, I've been kind of slow in getting into the Christmas spirit, but I am happy to say I'm there now.
I have always heard that Christmas is the time for giving rather than receiving, but I have to admit the past several years I've been more concerned with receiving. However, this year, for some odd reason, I really liked shopping for my family. I'm actually more excited about blessing them than I am about getting things. I hope they like what I got them.
But more than things, I'm more aware and focused on why we even celebrate Christmas. Jesus' birth leading to the rest of His life gives us the best present ever - salvation and a personal relationship with God. No matter how much we want to bless others, God still continues to be the Greatest Gift-Giver of all. And His gift is not only available on Christmas, but also for the rest of the year! It's actually Christmas everyday!
So there are my thoughts on Christmas...what are yours?
And MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

*Mel
Luke 2:10-11 - But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Prayer Update:Findlay

2008-12-15T20:52:00.000-08:00

Findlay stopped by Chick-fil-A tonight to give all of us some relief! He's doing fine, has a headache and a cracked rib but other than that no injuries. Praise God! I really think God is after Findlay's salvation at this point because a few days before his accident he and I were talking apologetics (Thank you Mr. Detwiler!!!) and he's got some quirky thinking which I managed to straighten some of it out to the point he's willing to listen to some messages. It is really a miracle that he is out and about walking and such...the doctors actually told his parents they weren't sure he was going to live through that first night. So pray for Findlay's continued healing and most importantly his salvation. Thanks guys!!!! You're prayer warriors!

Prayer Request

2008-12-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

Hey guys I've got a prayer request for you...one of my co-workers Findlay was in a pretty serious car accident last week...remember when it rained really bad? Anyway he was on the interstate and apparently he wasn't even doing the speed limit (he's reaaaally protective of his car) and since it was raining he was being extra careful...anyway, his car hydroplaned and he went up under an 18-wheeler. Findlay had a massive bleed on the brain and he also broke something (I forgot what) They sent him home and he is recovering (seems to be doing well), please pray for his complete healing and that there will be no damage to his brain.

(pictures from Findlay himself)

Thanks Guys!!!!!!

Today's message

2008-12-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

Yey! I actually get to post and not just comment after a great message :-)! A few thoughts...
~Wow! Mr. Lechner really likes reading :-). (So do I!)
~I need to remember to ask God that the "eyes of my understanding may be opened" on a frequent/daily basis. I often forget.
~God's revelation of Himself is staggering!
~Although we should all be reading good theology, also never underestimate the power of fiction, and, especially biography written in a compelling, descriptive way (what I call the "fictive method"). There is artistry in fiction that can be deeply compelling and encouraging. It is a powerful medium for good and even for learning important truths as well as nonfiction!
~Given that, I would love to see lists from people of some of their favorite fiction and nonfiction books, specifically ones that help them in their walk with Christ. To start us off, here's my lists:
(and I have all of these...maybe if we're inspired we can use these book lists to start that book club we talked about awhile ago...?)
Nonfiction (no particular order-sorry for the long list)
Knowing God (J. I. Packer)
Passion and Purity (Elisabeth Elliot) (yes, this is from a girl's perspective, but I think it's good for guys too)
Desiring God (John Piper)
L'Abri (Edith Schaeffer) (This is one of the "fictive" ones I was talking about above).
The "Case For"s series (Lee Strobel)
Stepping Heavenward (Elizabeth Prentiss)
The Legacy of Soveriegn Joy (John Piper)
And last but not least God Called a Girl (Shannon Kubiak)
Fiction (Authors)
Frank Peretti (he helped me in my walk, the rest are just fun & inspiring so far, in terms of their fiction)
C. S. Lewis
J.R.R. Tolkien

Sunday Verse

2008-11-30T15:14:00.000-08:00

This is the passage that was preached from at the sunday message today. It really spoke out to me, and I thought I would post it here for everyone to be reminded of.

Romans 5:18-6:11 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin- because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

~Mark

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T16:08:00.000-08:00

thanks·giv·ing
Pronunciation:
\thaŋ(k)s-ˈgi-viŋ also ˈthaŋ(k)s-ˌ\
Function: noun
Date: 1533
1: the act of giving thanks
2: a prayer expressing gratitude
3 a: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness b: capitalized: Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day
Function: noun
Date: 1674
a day appointed for giving thanks for divine goodness: as
a: the fourth Thursday in November observed as a legal holiday in the United States
b: the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in Canada

So is this really the meaning of thanksgiving? Is it really all about getting together with family, watching the parades, being thankful for toothpaste, eating turkey and taking long naps? maybe...or maybe its about something else...something more important than who brought the potato salad or who burned the biscuits Is Thanksgiving only supposed to be expressed on one day of the year? God deserves, requires, and commands our thanks and praise EVERY DAY...not just the 4th thursday
Check out some of these verses about thanksgiving:

Ezra 3:11
With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: "He is good; his love to Israel endures forever." And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
Psalm 69:30
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

1 Corinthians 1:4
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus
Psalm 95:2
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song

Jonah 2:9
But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD."
1 Corinthians 14:16
If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?
2 Corinthians 4:15
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God

Now, THAT is what Thanksgiving is...with that said, Happy Thanksgiving! Praise God for another day!

Prayer Request(s)

2008-11-22T21:07:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, I have 2 prayer requests although they're kindof about the same thing.
1. My manager Mr. James (greatest manager ever...the dad kind who will get mad if you do somethin stupid or pray with you when you're having a hard time) recently got a second job and by doing so cut his shifts down to two shifts a week...going from a previous five shifts a week. He feels that God has called him to this new job...but after two weeks, he thinks that it was the wrong timing. So right now he's in a position with a big decision...he really wants to come back to us but feels the need to stay at his new job because it is an "ungodly place" in his words. Pray for him in this difficult time.
2. Pray for me (selfish I know) I'm dealing with some character issues mostly at work. I'm also having a hard time dealing with Mr. James being gone and all the changes the management has made lately...hence the appearance of more character issues that need to be dealt with! (Praise God for bringing them to my attention!) Pray for patience and growth in knowing how to deal with frustrating situations and people.
Thanks you guys, I know how faithful you are in prayer! Love you guys hope you have an amazing week....I have another post coming soon.
Vaya con Dios - it means farwell in Spanish but translates literally into "Go with God" how amazing isn't it!?

Hope this link works!

2008-11-20T17:10:00.000-08:00

Okay, we kind of had a hard time with the previous links...so I hope I did it right this time. :)

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByTitle/2699_The_Appearance_of_the_Unwasted_Life_Part_1/

And Part 2:

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByTitle/2700_The_Appearance_of_the_Unwasted_Life_Part_2/

Romans 8:28

2008-11-17T19:01:00.001-08:00

That's all.

Thanks for Praying

2008-11-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, I just wanted to wrap up a prayer request I had a while ago.

As you all know, several weeks ago one of my coworkers broke her elbow and wrist while working. Thanks so much for all your prayers, and by the grace of God there is no long term injury that she will have to deal with. She has pretty much completely healed, but she still has 1 more week to go until she can use her arm for lifting objects, etc.

Thanks again!

~Mark

Don't Waste What?

2008-11-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

I was listening to John Piper's message, The Appearance of the Unwasted Life, yesterday and was personally convicted. I would highly recommend it to you. It's in two parts and you can listen to or download them by clicking here: Part 1 , Part 2. After listening to the message, please post under the general topic of '"don't waste your..." - you fill in the blank. Some suggestions for specific topics would be 'don't waste your...youth, job, money, time, talent. I think this will help us to mutually encourage each other and to 'spur each other on to love and good deeds' Heb. 10:24.

~mee

Hi all.

2008-11-13T06:10:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone. I'm Adam Davis.

Many of you may already know who I am, from the Elliotts (whom I only recently met) or the Grafs, who have been good friends of mine for a long time. I have even met a handful of you already (Morgan, Bethany, Nathan). I look forward to meeting you all someday soon. You give me the hope that maybe, just maybe, the next generation won't totally ruin the world.

Emily Elliott let me know it might be a good idea to introduce myself to those of you who don't fit into any of those categories and just plain have no idea who I am . I've never been great at introductions, but I'll do my best. I suppose the best way to go about it would be to do what I'd want someone to do if they were introduced to me. It's always nice to get the basics out of the way, so how about that first?

I'm 16 years old, and I'll be 17 on February 21. I'm in what is commonly labeled as the 11th grade. I'm 5'9", blonde hair blue eyes, blah blah blah.

I know none of that is interesting. It's all stuff that becomes immediately obvious when you meet someone in person. What always appeals to me is getting to know how people think; what makes them smile, what makes them laugh, what makes them cry, what they do when they're alone, what they're really afraid of, what they dream of. That's the kind of thing that can be hard to drag out of a person, because it's so personal. But I've always said that I'm one to put all the cards on the table, so here you are.

I smile when I am appreciated.

I laugh when a friend tells me a joke.

You would be hard-pressed to make me cry.

When I’m alone I hum music and pantomime a keyboard.

I’m really afraid of pain.

I dream of being an artist. Not being rich or famous. Just having the freedom to have my own lifestyle.

So, as an icebreaker, I’m challenging you with the same questions. What makes you smile? What makes you laugh? What makes you cry? What do you do when you’re alone? What are you afraid of? What do you dream of.

I look forward to getting to know you.

What Do I Know Of Holy?

2008-10-31T20:45:00.001-07:00

So often we think we know it all, or we think we know who God is. But we need to always keep in focus that we only know what God allows us to know. This past Wednesday, the Mission28'rs watched a message by Louie Giglio...if you haven't heard of him he is a Christian music producer most associated with Chris Tomlin. He talked about the indescribableness (and if that's not a word, it is now haha!) of God and how small we really are. Here are the links to the video, its in 5 parts and its between 45 minutes and an hour. I highly recommend that you guys take the time to watch this, you will not regret it.
Part 1

Please take the time, you will learn so much about our wonderful creator!

I found this song by Addison Road and it really plays in with Louie Giglio's message and the thought that we are much smaller than we think. Something to think on :)

What Do I Know Of Holy?
by Addison Road

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life it's name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

You guys have a great weekend!

Websites/blogs

2008-10-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

I was wondering which of you have blogs/websites. If you have one/any, could you post the URLs? (Or, if that would be unacceptable for some reason, could you tell me at church?) I am interested for two reasons: first, to get to know you all better, and second, because my writing assignment for the next few weeks is to create my own website. Therefore, those of you with experience with "actual websites" (not blogs), could you pass on any helpful tips? Thanks!
(Chelsey, is this post outside of the parameters of this blog?)

Urgent prayer request!

2008-10-13T13:34:00.001-07:00

We just got a phone call about an hour ago and heard that my grandpa(my mom's dad) just had a heart attack. Please be praying for him, the doctors caring for him and all of his family.

God the Rock

2008-10-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

I've started studying names/attributes of God in my Bible study, then writing poems about them. This one is based on the three definitions of rock: stronghold/firm foundation, to move rhythmically back and forth, and cause of coming danger. I thought you might be interested... (I'm beginning with my title, then key verse, then the poem itself).

O God my Rock
Isaiah 8:14a - He will be a sanctuary, but [also] a stone of stumbling and rock of offense.

Solid Rock on Whom I stand
All other ground is shifting sand

Never changing, always steady
Trustworthy I know and see
Refuge in the time of storm
Cleft in (the) rock that keeps me warm
Firm through all life's turmoils, strong
A place to be and to belong

Gentle Father rocks to sleep
Baby in the cradle deep
God the Father, One in Three
Using love to quiet me?
Loving One with tender care
Watches o'er His loved ones there

Impending danger! Watch! It's near!
Closer! Closer! Coming here!
God's wrath is wondrous to behold
Righteous, coming, crushing (the) bold
And all who dare to defy God
Above, or here on earthly sod

Solid Rock on Whom I stand
All other ground is shifting sand

Prayer Request

2008-10-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, I've got a prayer request for yall.

Today at work (I work at the Concord Mills Chick-Fil-A), right before we opened at around 6:30 in the morning, one of my coworkers, whose name is Leigh, fell off of a shelf in our cooler onto the cement floor. The shelf she fell off was about 3 feet high, and as she fell she hit into another low shelf. She broke both her shoulder and elbow in her left arm.

She was in surgery at around 8 this morning. If you all would be able to pray for her quick recovery and that she would not be in much pain during her recovery period, which will most likely be a few months.

Thanks guys.

~Mark

Verse of the Day

2008-10-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

Week of September 30th

Theme of the Week- Humility

October 6th- Philippians 2:1-4 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

October 7th- 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

October 8th- Matthew 23:11-12 The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

October 9th- Ephesians 4:1-3 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

October 10th- Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

thought you guys might enjoy this

2008-10-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

I got a great birthday card from my granddad today. On the outside, it says "have an adequate birthday" and the inside says "brought to you by the National Foundation of Lowered Expectations." The Harris' would just love that.

Verse of the Day

2008-09-28T17:02:00.001-07:00

Week of September 30th

Theme of the Week- Hope

September 30th- Psalms 42 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. I say to my God my Rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?" Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

October 1st- Isaiah 40:30-31 Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

October 2nd- Hebrews 6:17-20 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.

October 3rd- Romans 8:23-25 We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

October 4th- Psalm 62 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Verse of the Day

2008-09-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Week of September 21st

Theme of the Week- Worship

September 21st- 1 Chronicles 16:28-29 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength, ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

September 22nd- Psalm 95 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

September 23rd- Deuteronomy 32:3-4 I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

September 24th- 1 Chronicles 16:23-25 Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.

September 25th- Psalm 34:1 I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

September 26th- Ephesians 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

September 27th- Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Prayer request/praise report!

2008-09-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

I am writing to tell you all how excited I am about what God is doing!

First of all, let me give you some background:
As I've learned & learned more about certain topics recently, most of which are hot-button issues, I've naturally formed opinions about them. Recently, I've been wishing that I had some way of "testing" these ideas. Usually, my parents have been a good "sounding board," but I needed to see if all the proofs and ideas I found so convincing convinced anyone else. I had a few little ways of doing this, but none as great as the one God gave to me!

See, my mom's family is very diverse :-). All are Christians, but they represent about every possible political, economic, even religious opinion out there, and for a long time (as far as I know) they've basically agreed to disagree. Now, though, I've had an opportunity to "debate"/discuss via e-mail with several of them!

Hence is both my praise report and prayer request: praise, because God has filled my desire, given me an avenue to learn more about apologetics, a definite interest of mine, and deepened my relationship with my uncle, cousin and grandfather through it, and request, because I desire that my words be always "full of grace, seasoned with salt," that I may "always be ready to give a defense for the hope that is in [me], with meekness and fear." (Col. 4:6, 1 Peter 3:15)

Prayer Update!

2008-09-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

Prayer Update:

WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!!!!!!!
They just finished settlement a little while ago and we now officially own ONE house!!!!!

Thank you all so much for praying for us. It means a lot to us.

~mee

Youth Group Question

2008-09-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

Hey I know this is a little late, but I thought I would put the 3rd face-to-face question up for discussion. I was kinda surprised that they put a question this deep on the list, and I'm curious what answers you all came up with. Anyways-

Why is it important to understand sin in order to understand why belief not behavior is the essence of being a christian?

2008-09-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Week of September 14th

Theme of the Week- Trust

September 14th- Psalm 20:6-8 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

September 15th- Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

September 16th- Isaiah 25:8-9 The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. In that day they will say, "Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."

September 17th- Luke 17:10-12 Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?

September 18th- Psalm 37:1-3 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the lord; trust in him and he will do this.

September 19th- Psalm 32:10-11 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

September 20th- Proverbs 28:25-26 A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper. He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

Governor's Page Program

2008-09-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

hi.
Next week I'm going to be doing the governor's page program in Raleigh. I'm not sure what it involves, but I know that I probably won't like it at first. Please pray for me to learn to enjoy it and have a good learning experience.
thanks.

--Matt

Hard things for the week.....

2008-09-09T16:24:00.001-07:00

A while back, I remember someone(Chelsey, I think?) made a post asking everyone what their 'hard thing' was for the week. I found that really helpful to know that my friends were praying for me and that I had people to hold me accountable. So, I want to ask, what is your hard thing for this week? Are you struggling in a particular area? How can I/we pray for you?

I know that, for myself, I need to work on keeping God first and trusting in Him. As far as trusting Him....I've had a lot to think about and a lot of changes happen recently in many areas. Sometimes I find myself wishing that I wasn't in the place I'm in right now, or I find myself stressing about things that I shouldn't be stressing about. I just need to trust Him more and know that He has a plan!

Prayer Request

2008-09-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, I've got a prayer request for you all. Recently I've been struggling a lot with patience in several different areas, so if you all could pray for me about that, I would really appreciate it. Thanks guys.

~Mark

So...hi

2008-09-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, so hi again people...I've been following the blog to see if anyone would start a topic on their own and so far only Mark has been posting...so I just really want to encourage you because I know that the school year is busy and stressful...I want to encourage you to post, even if its just a few words to say you're alive! I hope you guys have a good week, I'm off to class!

Verse of the Day

2008-09-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

Week of September 7th

Theme of the Week- Patience

September 7th- Proverbs 15 A hot-tempered man, stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

September 8th- Proverbs 19 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way. Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.

September 9th- Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

September 10th- Romans 12:9-12 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

September 11th- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 Now we ask you, brothers to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

September 12th- Psalm 27 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

September 13th- Isaiah 30:18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Verse of the Day

2008-08-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

Week of August 31st

Theme of the Week- Our Words

August 31st- Ephesians 4:29-32 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

September 1st- Proverbs 18: 4, 6-8 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts.

September 2nd- Galatians 5:13-15 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out for you will be destroyed by each other.

September 3rd- Proverbs 15: 1-2, 4, 7 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.

September 4th- 2 Timothy 2:14-16 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

September 5th- Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

September 6th- James 3:5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself on fire by hell. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

Verse of the Day

2008-08-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

Week of August 24th

Following a suggestion that was given, the theme for this week is, "what God has to say about himself."

August 24th- Revelation 1:8, 1:17-18 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."

August 25th- Revelation 22:12-16 "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."

August 26th- Matthew 7:24-27 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

August 27th- Matthew 11:27-30 "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

August 28th- John 6:25-40 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

August 29th- John 14:1-4 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

August 30th- Luke 6:32-36 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners', expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

Verse of the Day

2008-08-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

Week of August 17th

Hey guys I decided to change it up a little, so from now on, each week of verses have a theme! The theme for this week is- Perseverance/Endurance

August 17th- Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

August 18th- James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever 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.

August 19th- Hebrews 10:35-39 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

August 20th- Romans 15:4-6 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

August 21st- Revelation 3:10-13 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

August 22nd- Psalm 112:1; Psalm 112:7-9 Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.

August 23rd- Hebrews 10:35-39 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

Olympic/Biblical musings

2008-08-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Last night, my mom and I were talking about how the Olympics parallel our spiritual lives and we came up with a few things I thought might interest you all:
~It's easier to start strong than to have the endurance to finish strong
~Starting behind (like Phelps in butterfly) does not necessarily mean finishing last: finishing well, like Paul did, is important. "use your last strength on your last day...be spent in His service" (paraphrase of somebody :-) )
~"Hating" father/mother/brother etc: what do you consider most important? Jesus (Olympic sports) or family? Many (synchronized divers especially) had to leave family and friends in pursuit of excellence in their sport. Are we willing to sacrifice for a greater cause?

Now, this thought is not "on topic," but I thought it was neat that the message this morning was on justice, and I've been musing, or perhaps marveling would be a better word, on how God became "both just and justifier" (Romans ?). An easy to pass over phrase, yet it is amazing if you think about it for long enough.

This School Year

2008-08-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you've noticed but things have gotten kind of slow around here lately...with school just around the corner I know it will be harder than ever to keep writing faithfully, so before we let it slow down, I have a question for you...what are you most looking forward to you this school year? How do you want to grow this year? What specific areas can we pray for each other this coming school year as some of us face the new and unknown? Lets try to be faithful to pray for one another and to update as much as we can. I pray this school year will grow us all towards a better understanding of the Gospel and to a closer relationship with God and parents!!

Verse of the Day

2008-08-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

Week of August 10th

August 10th- Isaiah 65:17-20 "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more. Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth; he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.

August 11th- Luke 12:32-34 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

August 12th- 1 Peter 1:17-21 Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

August 13th- Revelation 4:8-11 "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

August 14th- 2 Timothy 1:8-10 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

August 15th- 1 John 5:1-5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

August 16th- Revelation 5:6-11 Then I saw a lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and then twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

Verse of the Day

2008-08-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Week of August 3rd

August 3rd- 1 John 5:24-29 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out- those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.

August 4th- Isaiah 60:19-22 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Then will all your people be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor. The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.

August 5th- John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

August 6th- Psalm 119:89-96 Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statues. To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.

August 7th- Romans 8:12-17 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation- but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs- heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

August 8th- John 6:35-40 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me,. and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

August 9th- John 14:15-21 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

Just stop & Think

2008-07-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

This is a link to a pretty amazing video. I just watched it. I haven't checked out the rest of the sight yet but Im sure thats pretty amazing too.

http://www.juststopandthink.com/movieextras.php

Test Results!

2008-07-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

OK, I took the placement test yesterday morning, and I was mostly (I know, got to work on that) trusting God.
Thanks for all your prayers. They helped a lot, even though I failed. I'M JUST KIDDING!! I did pass!! Thank you, Lord!!!
Just goes to show that prayer really works. I can give you guys some of the credit, so give yourselves a pat on the back. :)
However, I have to give God ALL the credit. (okay, that doesn't make sense! I'll assume you all know what I'm talking about)
So yeah, it's great. Now, I just need God to open up some classes for me to take.
Thanks again you guys!

*Mel

Verse of the Day

2008-07-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Week of July 27th

July 27th- John 12:27-32 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."

July 28th- James 4:7-12 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify hour hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you- who are you to judge your neighbor?

July 29th- Psalm 37:5-8 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret- it leads only to evil.

July 30th- 1 Peter 1:3-9 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade- kept in heaven for your, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

July 31st- Proverbs 8:12-21 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion. To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, bestowing wealth on those who love me and making their treasuries full.

August 1st- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

August 2nd- 1 Peter 5:6-11 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Update on Prayer

2008-07-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

Well, God's plans definitely overrule mine (that's a good thing, by the way). I wasn't able to take the placement test this past Thursday due to CPCC's computer system, so we planned it for today. But my mom forgot, so it looks like tomorrow is THE day!
I'm not as anxious as before, but my trust in God could certainly grow.
Thank you all for praying. I appreciate you guys sooo much!!
I know God will give me peace and confidence so that I can do my best (as long as my brain gears function 100%, haha).

*Mel

Prayer

2008-07-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

I know it seems like a small thing, but for me, it's important. Would you guys please pray for me? I'm going to take the CPCC placement test tomorrow, and I really need to pass the math section. I am not a big fan of math, and the test will have college math type problems.
I need to pass because I am pursuing veterinary school, and I could really start getting the pre-requisites out the way, math being an important one for this field.
Please pray for peace, a clear mind, and for my math memory to kick in quickly. :)
Thanks ahead of time for your prayers.

In Christ.
*Mel

New Band!

2008-07-22T08:22:00.001-07:00

Hey everybody! For anybody who is looking for some really good music, I've found this new band called Worth Dying For. Their lyrics are completely amazing! They just came out with their CD Worth Dying For this year...so check them out!

here are their lyrics to he song "Revolution":
Lord I'll say these words out loud
And from my heart
I love You more than life itself
But that's not all
You're the Savior of my life
You're the One that I lift high
You're the only one who can save this world today
Today will be the day I give it back to You
Today will be the start of a revolution
We are the sound of a revolution
We won't back down, 'til a revolution
Today, today, today, today

Seriously guys, check it out! You can check out the rest of their lyrics HERE.

I also just want to thank you guys for taking ownership of the blog...I don't know if you've noticed but we have almost 50 posts...thats really cool! So thanks so much guys for sharing your thoughts! Keep it up!

Verse of the Day

2008-07-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Week of July 20th

July 20th- 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, "Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name."

July 21st- Psalms 103:1-6 Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

July 22nd- Matthew 25:31-36 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

July 23rd- Matthew 25:37-40 Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

July 24th- Matthew 25:41-43 Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

July 25th- Matthew 25:44-46 They will also answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

July 26th- Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Library?

2008-07-16T10:59:00.000-07:00

Since I love books, I've had a lifelong dream of having a church library. I think having a library would be helpful because I would like to read a lot more books than I can buy myself, because it would be a good way to get to know some of you better :-), and because I think it would be fun to have a project to work on with other teens. Recently, Kailey and I have talked about the idea, and she thinks it would be neat, but I would also appreciate some input from a larger group. Assuming others support the idea after prayer, here's a plan I've thought about:

Several of us form the core team, and commit to being the workforce to staff/get the library going (perhaps organizing existing space to make room, organizing books, check-in/check-out procedure, etc)
We make a plan of how the library might work (funding, how to get books, space, etc)
We submit the plan to the pastors
If the pastors approve, we start working on it, possibly recruiting from the larger youth group if we need more help

On the logistics front, I imagine we could build up a good store of books by making the "joining fee" the donation of at least one book, new or gently used. I'm hoping space could be garnered by rearranging existing storage spaces, possibly emptying one.

Anyway, all that to say, would you be willing to think about this and post a response? Any questions or ideas would be welcome.

Quiet Times

2008-07-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever in your quiet times just found a verse that really stuck out to you? What do you do with it??? When I find a verse like that, sometimes I try to write my own mini commentary, just to help me explore the verse and really think it through and try to figure out why it stood out. Have any of you ever tried this? I'm going to post one that I did a while ago...the verse is really something to think about. But tell me, what do you do with these kind of verses? How do you search through them? What do you do to understand them better?

Jeremiah 17:9 – ESV – The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9 – NIV – The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
One verse, two versions, same meaning. Desperately sick? Beyond cure?! How hopeless does that seem? As we look back in time and remember things we’ve said or done, this verse makes sense… "I can’t believe I said that to her! I must have some kind of evil or twisted thinking!" No…not evil or twisted thinking but a desperately sick heart that is beyond cure.
So does this mean that we can just give up? "My heart is beyond cure…its useless to keep fighting when there can be no cure…right?" No way! Just because there isn’t a cure doesn’t mean that our condition can’t improve. Just like in the medical world, there are many diseases that are incurable but with the proper care and medicine, the condition will get better and sometimes even disappear…that doesn’t mean that the disease is gone…its just being held back by a stronger force.
So what is our stronger force…our medicine? The only thing that can help us is prayer and diving into the word, reading your Bible daily as if it were a life-saving pill. That’s what it is in effect…a life saving and life altering pill. We could not have come this far without it…think about it, becoming a Christian was our first dose of healing ointment. And every new day that we draw breath and every time we meet with God in prayer is proper care for our desperately sick heart.
So think of it this way…I have a desperately sick heart that is beyond cure, I’m waiting for a transplant that I can only get when I go to heaven. I have to do regular check-ups and sometimes even surgery to help keep my heart healthy. Prayer is my proper care; the Bible is my medicine. With that combination, there IS hope.
Lamentations 3:20-24 "My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!"
So we have our prescription and we have our medicine. Let us not fail to take it faithfully until the day when God calls us home for our new heart. Faithfully read your Bible and meet with God everyday, this is the only medicine that can help. Yes our hearts are desperately sick with sin and worldliness and pride and yes it is beyond cure BUT with the right medicine and the proper care, we can fight this battle!

Verse of the Day

2008-07-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

Week of July 13th

July 15th- 1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world- the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does- comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 24-25 See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us- even eternal life.

July 16th- 1 Corinthians 1:18-15 For the message is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

July 17th- Hebrews 12:7-11 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

July 18th- Psalm 136 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. Who made the great lights- His love endures forever. The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. The moon and stars to govern the night: His love endures forever. To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, His love endures forever. And brought Israel out from among them, His love endures forever. With a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever. To him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever. And brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. But swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever. To him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever. Who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. And killed mighty kings- His love endures forever. Sihon king of the Amorites, His love endures forever. And Og king of Bashan- His love endures forever. And gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever. An inheritance to his servant Israel; His love endures forever. To the One who remembered us in our low estate, His love endures forever. And freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever. And who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

July 19th- 1 Peter 4:12-16 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.