You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. Your reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9
It is amazing how God calls us to live by faith and not by sight. He asks us to step out of our comfort zones and follow Him with everything we have. When was the last time you totally stepped out of your comfort zone? All of us have comfort zones in our lives. What is yours? Think about it right.. Take just a minute and try to think of an area of your life that you like to be in control of.
BREAK OUT
Why not step out of your comfort zone today... I dare you to find something that you could do that would be totally out of the ordinary.
Leave a comment telling us what you choose to do.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Fully Alive
What did Jesus mean when he promised us life? I go back to the source and what I find is just astounding.
I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and, in the age to come, eternal life” (Luke 18:29-30).
Jesus doesn’t locate his offer to us only in some distant future, after we’ve slogged our way through our days here on earth. He talks about a life available to us in this age.
When we hear the words “eternal life,” most of us have tended to think, “a life that waits for me in eternity.” But eternal means unending, not later.
The scriptures use the term to mean you can never lose it. It’s a life that can’t be taken from you. The offer is life and that life starts now.
SO WHAT?
The glory of God is man fully alive! Now! His happiness and my happiness are tied together! My coming fully alive is what he’s committed to! That’s the offer of Christianity!
The offer is life. Make no mistake about that.
We can take hold of that life TODAY and begin experiencing life FULLY ALIVE!
I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and, in the age to come, eternal life” (Luke 18:29-30).
Jesus doesn’t locate his offer to us only in some distant future, after we’ve slogged our way through our days here on earth. He talks about a life available to us in this age.
When we hear the words “eternal life,” most of us have tended to think, “a life that waits for me in eternity.” But eternal means unending, not later.
The scriptures use the term to mean you can never lose it. It’s a life that can’t be taken from you. The offer is life and that life starts now.
SO WHAT?
The glory of God is man fully alive! Now! His happiness and my happiness are tied together! My coming fully alive is what he’s committed to! That’s the offer of Christianity!
The offer is life. Make no mistake about that.
We can take hold of that life TODAY and begin experiencing life FULLY ALIVE!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving is AMAZING!
TODAY OUR CHALLENGE TO YOU IS THIS...
DON'T JUST SAY THANK YOU.
WHEN YOU HAVE TURKEY TONIGHT FOR SUPPER, DON'T JUST SAY THANK YOU TO YOUR MOM FOR MAKING IT.
TODAY WHEN YOU THANK PEOPLE---REALLY MEAN IT, THINK ABOUT HOW THANKFUL YOU ARE FOR THEM.
GO DEEPER AND WATCH HOW PEOPLE CAN TELL A DIFFERENCE IN THE WAY YOU THANK THEM.
HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!
DON'T JUST SAY THANK YOU.
WHEN YOU HAVE TURKEY TONIGHT FOR SUPPER, DON'T JUST SAY THANK YOU TO YOUR MOM FOR MAKING IT.
TODAY WHEN YOU THANK PEOPLE---REALLY MEAN IT, THINK ABOUT HOW THANKFUL YOU ARE FOR THEM.
GO DEEPER AND WATCH HOW PEOPLE CAN TELL A DIFFERENCE IN THE WAY YOU THANK THEM.
HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
No Matter Where!
When the night is dark
and the cold enters my soul.
Where can I go?
When the road ends
When I've lost my way.
Where can I go?
"There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them."
Acts 4:12
SO WHAT?
No matter where you are at in life right now, God is wanting to come and be a part of it. If your in a place where you are experiencing a rough time in your life, ask God to come into it. Jesus isn't like most friends. When everything is going bad and all your friends are not willing to help you out, Jesus wants to help you. Your life will never be so bad that Jesus won't want to come and be with you. No matter where what is going on in your life today... Right now ask Jesus to come and be a part of it.
and the cold enters my soul.
Where can I go?
When the road ends
When I've lost my way.
Where can I go?
"There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them."
Acts 4:12
SO WHAT?
No matter where you are at in life right now, God is wanting to come and be a part of it. If your in a place where you are experiencing a rough time in your life, ask God to come into it. Jesus isn't like most friends. When everything is going bad and all your friends are not willing to help you out, Jesus wants to help you. Your life will never be so bad that Jesus won't want to come and be with you. No matter where what is going on in your life today... Right now ask Jesus to come and be a part of it.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Who Are You Pleasing?
Matthew 5:1-12
1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him,
2 and he began to teach them. 3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Jesus doesn’t say blessed are the rich for they will be famous. He doesn’t say blessed are the popular for they know how to act like the crowd. He says the opposite. He talks about being pure and merciful, about standing up for what is right and going against the crowd.
SO WHAT?
Today you can live for yourself and conform to the crowd, or you can be transformed and live out Matthew 5:1-12. One way pleases the world and the other way pleases Jesus. Who do you want to please today? How will you please them?
1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him,
2 and he began to teach them. 3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Jesus doesn’t say blessed are the rich for they will be famous. He doesn’t say blessed are the popular for they know how to act like the crowd. He says the opposite. He talks about being pure and merciful, about standing up for what is right and going against the crowd.
SO WHAT?
Today you can live for yourself and conform to the crowd, or you can be transformed and live out Matthew 5:1-12. One way pleases the world and the other way pleases Jesus. Who do you want to please today? How will you please them?
Monday, November 24, 2008
May You Play Your Part Well
We are now far into this Epic that every great story points to. We have reached the moment where we, too, must find our courage and rise up to recover our hearts and fight for the hearts of others. The hour is late, and much time has been wasted. Aslan is on the move; we must rally to him at the stone table. We must find Geppetto lost at sea. We must ride hard, ride to Minas Tirith and join the last great battle for Middle Earth.
Jesus calls to you to be his intimate ally once more. There are great things to be done and great sacrifices to be made. You won’t lose heart if you know what’s really going on here, where this Story is headed and what your father has promised to you.
It is a world of magic and mystery, of deep darkness and flickering starlight. It is a world where terrible things happen and wonderful things too. It is a world where goodness is pitted against evil, love against hate, order against chaos, in a great struggle where often it is hard to be sure who belongs to which side because appearances are endlessly deceptive. Yet for all its confusion and wildness, it is a world where the battle goes ultimately to the good, who live happily ever after, and where in the long run everybody, good and evil alike, becomes known by his true name . . . That is the fairy tale of the Gospel with, of course, one crucial difference from all other fairy tales, which is that the claim made for it is that it is true, that it not only happened once upon a time but has kept on happening ever since and is happening still. (Telling the Truth)
This is the gospel.
This is the Story we are living in.
May you play your part well.
John Eldredge
(Epic, 103, 104)
So What?
How would you live if you believed this to be true?
Jesus calls to you to be his intimate ally once more. There are great things to be done and great sacrifices to be made. You won’t lose heart if you know what’s really going on here, where this Story is headed and what your father has promised to you.
It is a world of magic and mystery, of deep darkness and flickering starlight. It is a world where terrible things happen and wonderful things too. It is a world where goodness is pitted against evil, love against hate, order against chaos, in a great struggle where often it is hard to be sure who belongs to which side because appearances are endlessly deceptive. Yet for all its confusion and wildness, it is a world where the battle goes ultimately to the good, who live happily ever after, and where in the long run everybody, good and evil alike, becomes known by his true name . . . That is the fairy tale of the Gospel with, of course, one crucial difference from all other fairy tales, which is that the claim made for it is that it is true, that it not only happened once upon a time but has kept on happening ever since and is happening still. (Telling the Truth)
This is the gospel.
This is the Story we are living in.
May you play your part well.
John Eldredge
(Epic, 103, 104)
So What?
How would you live if you believed this to be true?
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Break Out- Don't miss this one!
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.
Lets Break out of our comfort bubble today and do something BOLD and Rash that will shake the foundations of our world....lets ask for forgiveness today! Do you have someone that you know you need to ask forgiveness from? Someone that you snapped at, were rude or mean to, somebody that you might have ignored? Lets ask for forgiveness and not expect anything in return... we are not asking so they apologize for what they might have done because we are not worried about how they react but we are working on humility and compassion for ourselves toward others.
The hardest part of forgiveness is what happens after, you have to forgive them and then forget it in your heart so that you are not keeping a record of wrongs but only a record of love, hope, and faith! It will take practice but that is why we are BREAKING OUT!
IF you truly forgive someone it is forgotten! Walk in his power and strength today!
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.
Lets Break out of our comfort bubble today and do something BOLD and Rash that will shake the foundations of our world....lets ask for forgiveness today! Do you have someone that you know you need to ask forgiveness from? Someone that you snapped at, were rude or mean to, somebody that you might have ignored? Lets ask for forgiveness and not expect anything in return... we are not asking so they apologize for what they might have done because we are not worried about how they react but we are working on humility and compassion for ourselves toward others.
The hardest part of forgiveness is what happens after, you have to forgive them and then forget it in your heart so that you are not keeping a record of wrongs but only a record of love, hope, and faith! It will take practice but that is why we are BREAKING OUT!
IF you truly forgive someone it is forgotten! Walk in his power and strength today!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Break In-REFLECTION!
One thing God is teaching me at the moment is to stop during my chaotic days and appreciate all he has done for me and around me. So lets take a few minutes today, reflect and journal on how far he has brought us over the past few months. Think about where you were last year at this time, spiritually, socially, physically, and mentally. How about at the beginning of this summer or school year?
Now right down in your journal some goals in each of the areas (spiritual-with God, socially-goals to be a better friend and family member, physical-being more active, and mental-learning and growing). Having goals helps us grasp where we are going and allows us to better measure where we have been!
Now right down in your journal some goals in each of the areas (spiritual-with God, socially-goals to be a better friend and family member, physical-being more active, and mental-learning and growing). Having goals helps us grasp where we are going and allows us to better measure where we have been!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Who Are You Pleasing?
Matthew 5:1-12
1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him,
2 and he began to teach them. 3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Jesus doesn’t say blessed are the rich for they will be famous. He doesn’t say blessed are the popular for they know how to act like the crowd. He says the opposite. He talks about being pure and merciful, about standing up for what is right and going against the crowd.
SO WHAT?
Today you can live for yourself and conform to the crowd, or you can be transformed and live out Matthew 5:1-12. One way pleases the world and the other way pleases Jesus. Who do you want to please today? How will you please them?
1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him,
2 and he began to teach them. 3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Jesus doesn’t say blessed are the rich for they will be famous. He doesn’t say blessed are the popular for they know how to act like the crowd. He says the opposite. He talks about being pure and merciful, about standing up for what is right and going against the crowd.
SO WHAT?
Today you can live for yourself and conform to the crowd, or you can be transformed and live out Matthew 5:1-12. One way pleases the world and the other way pleases Jesus. Who do you want to please today? How will you please them?
Those Three Guys
My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
Psalm 62:7
Look at the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three guys, were told to bow down before the image that the king had built. They REFUSED! They said "O king. we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the image of gold you have set up"
They knew God was a rock on which they could stand. They knew that no matter what happened their God would be with them.
SO WHAT?
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. Today, let's have faith like this! We need to say that God is our rock and our refuge and that no enemy can reach us. Today walk in faith knowing that God is your protector!
Psalm 62:7
Look at the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three guys, were told to bow down before the image that the king had built. They REFUSED! They said "O king. we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the image of gold you have set up"
They knew God was a rock on which they could stand. They knew that no matter what happened their God would be with them.
SO WHAT?
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. Today, let's have faith like this! We need to say that God is our rock and our refuge and that no enemy can reach us. Today walk in faith knowing that God is your protector!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
SKYDIVING
Last summer I went skydiving and it was the scariest thing I've ever done in all of my life. I remember getting in the airplane and taking off and thinking to myself that I was not going to be landing with the plane. At some point thousands of feet in the air I was going to have to jump out the door and fall to the earth. SCARY!
I thought about this verse as I was in the airplane...
"So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith."
Hebrews 11:6
When I was getting ready to jump, I had to have faith in my parachute.
I had to believe that it was going to catch me and not let me die.
Jumping out of that plane and trusting my parachute took more faith than I've ever had to have before.
SO WHAT?
We need to have faith in God just like I had to have faith in my parachute. We need to trust God to catch us and protect us.
God is way more faithful than a parachute. He will NEVER fail us. Let's start living our lives with more faith than we ever have before. If I can jump out of an airplane, you can trust God to always catch you!
I thought about this verse as I was in the airplane...
"So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith."
Hebrews 11:6
When I was getting ready to jump, I had to have faith in my parachute.
I had to believe that it was going to catch me and not let me die.
Jumping out of that plane and trusting my parachute took more faith than I've ever had to have before.
SO WHAT?
We need to have faith in God just like I had to have faith in my parachute. We need to trust God to catch us and protect us.
God is way more faithful than a parachute. He will NEVER fail us. Let's start living our lives with more faith than we ever have before. If I can jump out of an airplane, you can trust God to always catch you!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
What's the Big deal about Love?
READ THIS VERSE
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
READ THIS VERSE
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
READ THIS VERSE
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
READ THIS VERSE
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
READ THIS VERSE
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
READ THIS VERSE
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
IF YOU KNOW GOD
YOU WILL
LOVE PEOPLE TODAY!
Let Him be your strength!
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
READ THIS VERSE
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
READ THIS VERSE
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
READ THIS VERSE
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
READ THIS VERSE
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
READ THIS VERSE
But anyone who does not love does not know God -- for God is love.
1 John 4:8
IF YOU KNOW GOD
YOU WILL
LOVE PEOPLE TODAY!
Let Him be your strength!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Let Him In
There is a famous passage of Scripture which many people have heard in the context of an invitation to know Christ as Savior. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…” (Rev 3:20). He does not force himself upon us. He knocks, and waits for us to ask him in. There is an initial step, the first step of this which we call salvation. We hear Christ knocking and we open our hearts to him as Savior. It is the first turning. But the principle of this “knocking and waiting for permission to come in” remains true well into our Christian life.
You see, we all pretty much handle our brokenness in the same way – we mishandle it. It hurts too much to go there. So we shut the door to that room in our heart and we throw away the key, but that is not going to heal us.
SO WHAT?
Why carry your hurts any longer? Why spend one more day angry or upset with people you love?
LET IT GO
LET HIM IN
Today is your opportunity to release your hurt and anger to God. Let Him take it away and as you let it go, God is going to let His peace, love and joy fall down on you. Do it today! Release your hurts to God and watch what happens.
You see, we all pretty much handle our brokenness in the same way – we mishandle it. It hurts too much to go there. So we shut the door to that room in our heart and we throw away the key, but that is not going to heal us.
SO WHAT?
Why carry your hurts any longer? Why spend one more day angry or upset with people you love?
LET IT GO
LET HIM IN
Today is your opportunity to release your hurt and anger to God. Let Him take it away and as you let it go, God is going to let His peace, love and joy fall down on you. Do it today! Release your hurts to God and watch what happens.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Break Out
Today lets apply what we learned on Wednesday night and speak words of life over people! This might brake you out of your comport zone but lets all pray for 3 people today and ask that God would make psalm 19:14 come alive in there lives! You could even pray the psalm over them! Just imagine how many people we could impact daily by asking God to raise up a people that beg him to make there words and meditations focused on him!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Break In
Today lets admire God's creation as his colors are displayed all around us! Take a walk and look at the trees. Think about how through the death of the leaves we are allowed to see God's beauty all around us!
What does that mean in your life? What are the things in your life that need to die-be rooted out to display God's beauty to those around you? Your bad words, selfishness, greed, disobeying your parents?
What does that mean in your life? What are the things in your life that need to die-be rooted out to display God's beauty to those around you? Your bad words, selfishness, greed, disobeying your parents?
Friday, November 14, 2008
Knowing God
What does it look like to truly know God? This summer we looked at the different ways to know God! They were to know him through investigating and searching out who he is,meditating on him and what he has done, by experiencing him through our 5 senses, by observing him through other people and the world we live in, and direct intimate contact with him through all of these daily!
So What?
Sometimes it is good to reflect and remember what God has taught us in the past so we can remind ourselves of his promises! How can you reknew your vow today to live and truly know God in your daily life? Try giving him a few minutes today and trying out one of these 5 ways of knowing God! IF you are a really bold person try "knowing God" in each of the different ways and journaling about it!
So What?
Sometimes it is good to reflect and remember what God has taught us in the past so we can remind ourselves of his promises! How can you reknew your vow today to live and truly know God in your daily life? Try giving him a few minutes today and trying out one of these 5 ways of knowing God! IF you are a really bold person try "knowing God" in each of the different ways and journaling about it!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
diligent hands
Proverbs 13:4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
diligent: constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything: a diligent student.
Do you ever really want something so bad you can taste it? We all live or life wanting and desiring things yet how many of us really try to get it? God has really been pushing me to live a diligent life, consistantly trying my hardest to live a life after God's own heart! Yet so many times what I truly want takes effort and work.
So what?
Do you have dreams or thing that you desire? To get that desire and be truly satisfied with the outcome we have to put work and effort into it! Write down 3 things you desire today (to go the college, get better grades, buy a car, read the bible more consistantly) and then write 3 things you can do each day to work at accomplishing those desires (get a job, get up in the morning and read the bible, go to study groups to get better grades, ask your teacher for help)
Are you willing to work to get and be truly satisfied?
diligent: constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything: a diligent student.
Do you ever really want something so bad you can taste it? We all live or life wanting and desiring things yet how many of us really try to get it? God has really been pushing me to live a diligent life, consistantly trying my hardest to live a life after God's own heart! Yet so many times what I truly want takes effort and work.
So what?
Do you have dreams or thing that you desire? To get that desire and be truly satisfied with the outcome we have to put work and effort into it! Write down 3 things you desire today (to go the college, get better grades, buy a car, read the bible more consistantly) and then write 3 things you can do each day to work at accomplishing those desires (get a job, get up in the morning and read the bible, go to study groups to get better grades, ask your teacher for help)
Are you willing to work to get and be truly satisfied?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
In Everything We do
Ephesians 5:1-2
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
In everything we do we are supposed to live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. This always seems like such a hard thing to do. But really it’s so simple. It is the one thing that God is so passionate about and some times we don’t focus on this at all. We live in a world were people live in so much anger and hate. They a full of such darkness and really they hate being there. We can show them the light of Christ and truly love them. In the bible it says make the most of every opportunity. So every moment, in everything we do is to advance to kingdom of God and show them who He truly is, His passion.
In every thing you do today, have on your mind the love of God. See how you react differently and live differently throughout your day.
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
In everything we do we are supposed to live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. This always seems like such a hard thing to do. But really it’s so simple. It is the one thing that God is so passionate about and some times we don’t focus on this at all. We live in a world were people live in so much anger and hate. They a full of such darkness and really they hate being there. We can show them the light of Christ and truly love them. In the bible it says make the most of every opportunity. So every moment, in everything we do is to advance to kingdom of God and show them who He truly is, His passion.
In every thing you do today, have on your mind the love of God. See how you react differently and live differently throughout your day.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Children of a Father
The point of the story of the prodigal is not primarily about the prodigal. It is about the father’s heart. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20 NIV). This is the kind of Father you have. This is how he feels about you. This is the purpose for which Christ came.
Jesus has paid a price for us that we will never be able to repay. Because of His love for us we can live everyday being loved by Him in complete fullness. When we don't feel loved by anyone else, Jesus is loving us. When all is lost and our lives seem crazy and out of control, Jesus is still there loving us.
SO WHAT?
It does not matter what is going on in your life right now... JESUS LOVES YOU! If your life is great and everything is making sense, then rejoice in the love God has for you. If your life is going crazy and you are looking for answer, never forget JESUS LOVES YOU!
Today, right at this moment you are loved by Jesus! Live in His love today.
Jesus has paid a price for us that we will never be able to repay. Because of His love for us we can live everyday being loved by Him in complete fullness. When we don't feel loved by anyone else, Jesus is loving us. When all is lost and our lives seem crazy and out of control, Jesus is still there loving us.
SO WHAT?
It does not matter what is going on in your life right now... JESUS LOVES YOU! If your life is great and everything is making sense, then rejoice in the love God has for you. If your life is going crazy and you are looking for answer, never forget JESUS LOVES YOU!
Today, right at this moment you are loved by Jesus! Live in His love today.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Becoming Family
1 Samuel 18:1-3
Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
I have been thinking recently about how people become family and I was reminded of one of my favorite stories. In 1 Samuel 18 Saul brings David into his household and David becomes best friends with Jonathan, Saul's son. They become more then friends very quickly, they become brothers. Jonathan makes a covenant with David, a bond unbreakable because he loved David as himself. With that comes a lifetime of them serving each other, pushing each other to be the best in all of Israel, watching out for each other, and ultimately making sacrifices for each other that cost each of them everything at one point or another. Yet it did not matter to either of them because they were brothers, they were two people who loved each other greater than themselves.
So What?
Is this a depiction of your friendships? Do you push your friends to be the best they can be? Do they stick with you during the toughest of times, standing by you no matter what? Would you die for your friends? If the answer is no then you should look for others that will build you up as David and Jonathan did. That might take effort to continue as life gets hard but it is worth every second. It also might take you growing with friends in this, they will not be able to do this perfectly-just like you cant. So give everyone grace! Lets become a generation of men and woman who walk boldly together as a family just like David and Jonathan. WE can change to world one relationship at a time.
Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father's house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
I have been thinking recently about how people become family and I was reminded of one of my favorite stories. In 1 Samuel 18 Saul brings David into his household and David becomes best friends with Jonathan, Saul's son. They become more then friends very quickly, they become brothers. Jonathan makes a covenant with David, a bond unbreakable because he loved David as himself. With that comes a lifetime of them serving each other, pushing each other to be the best in all of Israel, watching out for each other, and ultimately making sacrifices for each other that cost each of them everything at one point or another. Yet it did not matter to either of them because they were brothers, they were two people who loved each other greater than themselves.
So What?
Is this a depiction of your friendships? Do you push your friends to be the best they can be? Do they stick with you during the toughest of times, standing by you no matter what? Would you die for your friends? If the answer is no then you should look for others that will build you up as David and Jonathan did. That might take effort to continue as life gets hard but it is worth every second. It also might take you growing with friends in this, they will not be able to do this perfectly-just like you cant. So give everyone grace! Lets become a generation of men and woman who walk boldly together as a family just like David and Jonathan. WE can change to world one relationship at a time.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
BREAK OUT- Before you go to sleep...
I remember growing up as a little boy and Mom and Dad would sometimes come into my room and pray with me before I fell asleep. Sometimes even after I was asleep they would come in and pray. Normally when they did this I kind of woke up, but I wouldn't open my eyes because I didn't want mom and dad to know that I had woken up. When my mom and dad did this, it made me feel so loved and it helped me know that God was really right there with me in my room.
It's time to BREAK OUT!
Tonight before you go to bed if you have little brothers or sisters GO and pray with them. If your parents send your younger siblings to bed, go and sit on their bed and pray with them before they fall asleep. Always remember that your siblings look up to you, you have a huge area of impact on their futures.
If you don't have younger siblings, DO THIS! IT WILL ROCK YOUR WORLD!
Before you get in bed, kneel down beside your bed and pray for your parents. Pray for your week and any other things.
I know it might feel kind of funny, BUT BELIEVE ME... It is amazing.
DO IT... I DARE YOU!
Have a great week!
It's time to BREAK OUT!
Tonight before you go to bed if you have little brothers or sisters GO and pray with them. If your parents send your younger siblings to bed, go and sit on their bed and pray with them before they fall asleep. Always remember that your siblings look up to you, you have a huge area of impact on their futures.
If you don't have younger siblings, DO THIS! IT WILL ROCK YOUR WORLD!
Before you get in bed, kneel down beside your bed and pray for your parents. Pray for your week and any other things.
I know it might feel kind of funny, BUT BELIEVE ME... It is amazing.
DO IT... I DARE YOU!
Have a great week!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
BREAK IN! I LOVE MUSIC
How many songs do you think you here a day? 30, 40, 50?
As your driving you have the radio on, or as your checking Facebook you will have music playing on your computer.
Today we are going to BREAK IN to Jesus by using our music.
Every time you listen to a song today, listen to the music and the words.
How does each song make you feel?
Do the words encourage you or depress you?
When you get done listening to that song are you inspired?
Every where we go in life, we hear songs and music. We have to realize that the things we listen to can change the way we feel.
Today take time and really listen to the music you hear playing around you. See how it effects your thoughts, feelings and eventually your actions.
Love you all-and because Destinee commented about how much she loved the "peace out" that we left.....
PEACE OUT!
As your driving you have the radio on, or as your checking Facebook you will have music playing on your computer.
Today we are going to BREAK IN to Jesus by using our music.
Every time you listen to a song today, listen to the music and the words.
How does each song make you feel?
Do the words encourage you or depress you?
When you get done listening to that song are you inspired?
Every where we go in life, we hear songs and music. We have to realize that the things we listen to can change the way we feel.
Today take time and really listen to the music you hear playing around you. See how it effects your thoughts, feelings and eventually your actions.
Love you all-and because Destinee commented about how much she loved the "peace out" that we left.....
PEACE OUT!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Intoxicating
Ephesians 5:18b, 19 says, “…be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms,
hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” NIV
When someone gets drunk they are under the influence of an intoxicating substance. We are not to be con-
trolled with alcohol but with the Spirit of God! How do you let God intoxicate you and put you
under His influence? You just read about it in Ephesians. We are to sing spiritual songs. It has a “Spirit filling”
effect on us.
Take 30 minutes today by yourself and worship God with your whole heart! Go in your room, close the door, put on your headphones, do whatever you need to get away from the world and focus completely on God! Then, jump around, lift your hands, scream at the top of your lungs, read a psalm (middle of your bible), worship your God with everything in you!
Warning: if you do this once it will become so addicting that your life will never be the same. Consider this with extreme caution because once you worship God with everything inside of you there is no turning back! You will be hooked for life!
hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” NIV
When someone gets drunk they are under the influence of an intoxicating substance. We are not to be con-
trolled with alcohol but with the Spirit of God! How do you let God intoxicate you and put you
under His influence? You just read about it in Ephesians. We are to sing spiritual songs. It has a “Spirit filling”
effect on us.
Take 30 minutes today by yourself and worship God with your whole heart! Go in your room, close the door, put on your headphones, do whatever you need to get away from the world and focus completely on God! Then, jump around, lift your hands, scream at the top of your lungs, read a psalm (middle of your bible), worship your God with everything in you!
Warning: if you do this once it will become so addicting that your life will never be the same. Consider this with extreme caution because once you worship God with everything inside of you there is no turning back! You will be hooked for life!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but...
Proverbs 12:18
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
God has been really working on my words lately. I find so often that my words of sarcasm, or shortness really can take a toll on those I am around. Have you ever heard the term- every sarcastic comment has truth in it? How much easier would it be to give someone a compliment or speak life into someone rather than say a sarcastic remark that has no meaning and ultimately is useless in the kingdom of God. If every action and word we say is held accountable at the end of my life, I want to make sure I spend my time speaking life and using my words to heal hearts rather than using worthless words that mean nothing.
So what?
Will you take the challenge and speak words of life that bring healing today or will you fall to words that cut into people? Go to war today to make your words worth something on this side of eternity! Find at least 10 people today to give a compliment to. Instead of fighting with your parents and siblings tell them how much you appreciate and love them. Lets change the world through our words!
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
God has been really working on my words lately. I find so often that my words of sarcasm, or shortness really can take a toll on those I am around. Have you ever heard the term- every sarcastic comment has truth in it? How much easier would it be to give someone a compliment or speak life into someone rather than say a sarcastic remark that has no meaning and ultimately is useless in the kingdom of God. If every action and word we say is held accountable at the end of my life, I want to make sure I spend my time speaking life and using my words to heal hearts rather than using worthless words that mean nothing.
So what?
Will you take the challenge and speak words of life that bring healing today or will you fall to words that cut into people? Go to war today to make your words worth something on this side of eternity! Find at least 10 people today to give a compliment to. Instead of fighting with your parents and siblings tell them how much you appreciate and love them. Lets change the world through our words!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
What are you going to live without?
I spent years of my life, doubting the forgiveness God had for me. I had so much junk in my life and I knew the Bible says that God forgives, but I couldn't believe that God would really forgive me of everything. I doubted God, I doubted the Bible and I doubted the love that Jesus had for me. Then I found this quote:
The more you doubt, the more you'll have to live without.
After I read that quote I realized that every day I doubted God's love, was a day I was living without it. If I couldn't believe in what was true, then I was living life without it. God desires us to get past our doubts and believe that He can forgive us. Not only that, but God wants us to believe that He wants to forgive us.
God wants to forgive us with all of His heart, but we need to accept it. We need to accept that God wants to forgive us.
SO WHAT?
Don't go today doubting that God loves you.
Don't go today doubting that God is there for you.
Don't go today doubting that God has forgiven you.
Don't go today doubting!
The more you doubt, the more you'll have to live without.
After I read that quote I realized that every day I doubted God's love, was a day I was living without it. If I couldn't believe in what was true, then I was living life without it. God desires us to get past our doubts and believe that He can forgive us. Not only that, but God wants us to believe that He wants to forgive us.
God wants to forgive us with all of His heart, but we need to accept it. We need to accept that God wants to forgive us.
SO WHAT?
Don't go today doubting that God loves you.
Don't go today doubting that God is there for you.
Don't go today doubting that God has forgiven you.
Don't go today doubting!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Knights with Magic Shields
An ancient legend tells of a land in which a castle of valiant knights protected the people of a forest plagued by dangerous giants. These knights had silver shields created by a magician, and a knight’s shield would shine brighter the more good the knight did in the land. However, if a knight were lazy or cowardly or vain, the knight’s shield would become increasingly cloudy until the knight would be ashamed to bear it. In rare cases in which a knight showed exceptional valor and devotion to duty, a golden star would appear in the center of the shield.
One day dangerous giants gathered together to try to drive the knights from the land. Seeing their preparations, the lord of the castle gathered his knights together to ride out to battle. Young Sir Roland had only recently acquired his shield, and dreamed of distinguishing himself. But the lord of the castle ordered him to stay behind and guard the gate, to prevent anyone from entering the castle until the knights returned.
Sir Roland was very disappointed, but stood at the gate to do his duty. Eventually a lone knight rode up wearily, shield dull. The knight offered to trade places with Sir Roland, and let Sir Roland seek glory while the knight would guard the gate. Sir Roland almost leapt at the chance, but realized he had promised to stay at his post, and so he refused the offer.
In a while, an old woman approached the castle, begging for food. She said she had been near the battle, and that the knights were doing poorly. She mocked the young knight for being afraid to join his companions. Sir Roland gave the woman food, but resisted the temptation to prove to her his bravery by doing something he had committed not to do.
Next, an old man in a long cloak appeared across the moat. The man claimed to be a magician, and to have a magic sword with which Sir Roland could save his friends from destruction if he would leave the gate and join the battle in the forest. Sir Roland was so tempted that he had to move back and raise the drawbridge to cut himself off from the strange man. Suddenly, the “magician” threw off his cloak, and began to grow. He turned into a great giant, and howled at Sir Roland in frustration before turning back to the forest.
Eventually the company of knights rode back, tired but victorious. As they approached the gate they stopped in wonder. There, shining on Sir Roland’s shield, was a golden star. Some knights did not understand how someone who had not fought in battle could earn such honor. But the lord of the castle knew, and explained that some of the hardest battles of all are not against an armed foe. In disciplining himself to do his duty, Sir Roland had fought the hardest battle of the day.
SO WHAT?
You may not see the importance of what you are asked to do today. Like Sir Roland you may want to do something completely different. Remember, if we can do what our king has asked of us, we will be doing exactly what we are called to do. And when we are doing exactly what we are called to, we will truly be serving God the best way we can.
One day dangerous giants gathered together to try to drive the knights from the land. Seeing their preparations, the lord of the castle gathered his knights together to ride out to battle. Young Sir Roland had only recently acquired his shield, and dreamed of distinguishing himself. But the lord of the castle ordered him to stay behind and guard the gate, to prevent anyone from entering the castle until the knights returned.
Sir Roland was very disappointed, but stood at the gate to do his duty. Eventually a lone knight rode up wearily, shield dull. The knight offered to trade places with Sir Roland, and let Sir Roland seek glory while the knight would guard the gate. Sir Roland almost leapt at the chance, but realized he had promised to stay at his post, and so he refused the offer.
In a while, an old woman approached the castle, begging for food. She said she had been near the battle, and that the knights were doing poorly. She mocked the young knight for being afraid to join his companions. Sir Roland gave the woman food, but resisted the temptation to prove to her his bravery by doing something he had committed not to do.
Next, an old man in a long cloak appeared across the moat. The man claimed to be a magician, and to have a magic sword with which Sir Roland could save his friends from destruction if he would leave the gate and join the battle in the forest. Sir Roland was so tempted that he had to move back and raise the drawbridge to cut himself off from the strange man. Suddenly, the “magician” threw off his cloak, and began to grow. He turned into a great giant, and howled at Sir Roland in frustration before turning back to the forest.
Eventually the company of knights rode back, tired but victorious. As they approached the gate they stopped in wonder. There, shining on Sir Roland’s shield, was a golden star. Some knights did not understand how someone who had not fought in battle could earn such honor. But the lord of the castle knew, and explained that some of the hardest battles of all are not against an armed foe. In disciplining himself to do his duty, Sir Roland had fought the hardest battle of the day.
SO WHAT?
You may not see the importance of what you are asked to do today. Like Sir Roland you may want to do something completely different. Remember, if we can do what our king has asked of us, we will be doing exactly what we are called to do. And when we are doing exactly what we are called to, we will truly be serving God the best way we can.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Thoughts = Actions
Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Do you remember us talking about this Wednesday night at Fusion? We talked about how we can choose to live a life of Godly character and if we do, God is going to transform our lives to go along with His will. And once our lives are being lived inline with God's will, then God is going to open us up to a life that is good, pleasing and perfect to Him.
I know I want my life to be pleasing to God. I know I want my life to be good. However, I know that I will never get there if I don't let God renew my mind.
SO WHAT?
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. TODAY do your very best to let God control your thoughts. Then watch how you act... I promise if you let God change your thoughts, you will start realizing your actions are changing too. If we begin thinking like Jesus, we will automatically start acting like Him. Keep your thoughts focused on God and your life will be a true reflection of Him. Peace out-
Do you remember us talking about this Wednesday night at Fusion? We talked about how we can choose to live a life of Godly character and if we do, God is going to transform our lives to go along with His will. And once our lives are being lived inline with God's will, then God is going to open us up to a life that is good, pleasing and perfect to Him.
I know I want my life to be pleasing to God. I know I want my life to be good. However, I know that I will never get there if I don't let God renew my mind.
SO WHAT?
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. TODAY do your very best to let God control your thoughts. Then watch how you act... I promise if you let God change your thoughts, you will start realizing your actions are changing too. If we begin thinking like Jesus, we will automatically start acting like Him. Keep your thoughts focused on God and your life will be a true reflection of Him. Peace out-
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Make the Call
I have many different friends who live all over the country.
Montana, Ohio, Colorado, Florida, I mean really all over the place.
Every once in a great while I'll get a call from them that will just make my day.
Whether they are just calling to say hi, or if they want to thank me for being there for them in the past, it is always a huge thing to me.
Today think of a close friend who you haven't talked to in a long time and give them a call.
Tell them all the things you haven't told them in a long time. How much you miss them and stuff like that. Talk about old times and the fun you had together.
See if maybe God would want you to tell them something important that they need to hear.
Like me, one day I was feeling horrible and one of my close friends just called me and was like "I believe in you man". I know God used him to call me that day.
Let God use you today and MAKE THE CALL---BREAK OUT
Montana, Ohio, Colorado, Florida, I mean really all over the place.
Every once in a great while I'll get a call from them that will just make my day.
Whether they are just calling to say hi, or if they want to thank me for being there for them in the past, it is always a huge thing to me.
Today think of a close friend who you haven't talked to in a long time and give them a call.
Tell them all the things you haven't told them in a long time. How much you miss them and stuff like that. Talk about old times and the fun you had together.
See if maybe God would want you to tell them something important that they need to hear.
Like me, one day I was feeling horrible and one of my close friends just called me and was like "I believe in you man". I know God used him to call me that day.
Let God use you today and MAKE THE CALL---BREAK OUT
Break Out!
How many times do you eat out a week?
How many times do you spend money on yourself a week?
These are questions that I have asked myself over the past week that have somewhat startled me. I find that I spend large amounts (for a youth pastor :) ) of money every week on small little things that really add up.
Imagine if we gave up just one meal at McDonalds, Chick-fil-a, or where ever you go out to eat; and used that $5 to bless someone else.
Today I challenge you to give up just $5 dollars and give it in a creative way to someone throughout your day. That might be walking into a restaurant and paying for someones meal, handing someone a drink from QT, or just giving someone the money as they are walking past you.
As a body of Christ we are called to bless those around us because we have been blessed by our God! Lets represent Jesus today!
How many times do you spend money on yourself a week?
These are questions that I have asked myself over the past week that have somewhat startled me. I find that I spend large amounts (for a youth pastor :) ) of money every week on small little things that really add up.
Imagine if we gave up just one meal at McDonalds, Chick-fil-a, or where ever you go out to eat; and used that $5 to bless someone else.
Today I challenge you to give up just $5 dollars and give it in a creative way to someone throughout your day. That might be walking into a restaurant and paying for someones meal, handing someone a drink from QT, or just giving someone the money as they are walking past you.
As a body of Christ we are called to bless those around us because we have been blessed by our God! Lets represent Jesus today!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Walking, without the talking.
Saturday Break In (Breaking into God)
Today is a day to open your heart up to what God is doing all around you.
Go on a walk for 30 minutes.
During your walk find 5 things that show God is all around you (like the sight of a beautiful sunrise, watching animals play, the smell of flowers, families being together or feeling the cool breeze on your face.)
When you get back from your walk, grab a piece of paper and write a letter to God thanking Him for what He is doing all around you.
Today is a day to open your heart up to what God is doing all around you.
Go on a walk for 30 minutes.
During your walk find 5 things that show God is all around you (like the sight of a beautiful sunrise, watching animals play, the smell of flowers, families being together or feeling the cool breeze on your face.)
When you get back from your walk, grab a piece of paper and write a letter to God thanking Him for what He is doing all around you.
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