This is a video I found on youtube that our very own Griffin VerSteeg made. Check it out:
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The Climb
The theme for this year's Freedom Weekend has been announced, it will be Freedom Weekend 2007: "The Climb." There are a lot of parallels between climbing a mountain like Mt. Everest and walking through life as a Christian. Come find out more at Freedom Weekend 2007: "The Climb."
Experience team building, ropes courses, the great outdoors, great fellowship with friends, passionate worship and Bible teaching. You don't want to miss it. And make sure you invite your friends that don't go to church anywhere.
P.S. If you went to Freedom Weekend 2006, tell us what your favorite part was and why you want to go back this year!!!
Experience team building, ropes courses, the great outdoors, great fellowship with friends, passionate worship and Bible teaching. You don't want to miss it. And make sure you invite your friends that don't go to church anywhere.
P.S. If you went to Freedom Weekend 2006, tell us what your favorite part was and why you want to go back this year!!!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Wired Wednesday is Back!!!!!!
You had better be there tonight or else you are going to look something like this when I get done with you!!!!
Ha ha. See you tonight.
Oh, and if you haven't been there, check out the new website.
Ha ha. See you tonight.
Oh, and if you haven't been there, check out the new website.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Summer Recap
...and we're back. After a long pause, here we are again, gearing up for the fall. I hope you're all ready, because I'm really excited. We had a great summer. Super WOW was a life changing experience for many of you. I hope you continue to have a passion for God's word and for growing in Him. We are taking things to the next level this year.
MSX 2007 was an incredible experience. We were able to serve our community and learn what it means to live a missional lifestyle. Look forward to key missions opportunities this fall as we continue to serve our community.
Our big event for Wired this fall will be Freedom Weekend 2007. If any of you were at FW06, you know it is an event you don't want to miss. See you at Mabel!
MSX 2007 was an incredible experience. We were able to serve our community and learn what it means to live a missional lifestyle. Look forward to key missions opportunities this fall as we continue to serve our community.
Our big event for Wired this fall will be Freedom Weekend 2007. If any of you were at FW06, you know it is an event you don't want to miss. See you at Mabel!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Real Website Coming Soon!!!!
We are working on a real Student Ministry Website. But don't worry, you'll still be able to access this blog, it isn't going anywhere. Keep up the good work all you Wired Bloggers.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Matthew 5:27-30
Sorry I missed a couple of posts, I've been a little busy getting D-Now ready. Note: Instead of doing a winner every day, I'm doing one grand prize winner for the person who finds the most hidden links first. So...
You may think today's passage doesn't have anything to do with you, but it does. Jesus is saying that not only is it bad to sleep with another person's wife, it is also bad to look at another person in a bad or lustful way.
Girls, that might mean checking out Brad Pitt with his shirt off or talking about how every boy that breathes is sooooooo cute. But you aren't looking at them as a person, but an object. This is wrong. We are supposed to be like Jesus, who looked at the inside, who we are as people.
Guy's, this may be an even bigger problem for you. Because we are more visual people, we really like how girls look. There's nothing wrong with that, but there is wrong with lusting after a girl. There is the one second, "oh that girl was pretty" look, then there is the 3 or more second.."dang she's fine" look. Let's try to stick with the first. We are supposed to care about each other as men and women in need of Christ and the very image bearers of God, not objects to be stared at and undressed with our eyes.
So, this does have something to do with you all. Ask God to help you to be pure in your thoughts and actions.
You may think today's passage doesn't have anything to do with you, but it does. Jesus is saying that not only is it bad to sleep with another person's wife, it is also bad to look at another person in a bad or lustful way.
Girls, that might mean checking out Brad Pitt with his shirt off or talking about how every boy that breathes is sooooooo cute. But you aren't looking at them as a person, but an object. This is wrong. We are supposed to be like Jesus, who looked at the inside, who we are as people.
Guy's, this may be an even bigger problem for you. Because we are more visual people, we really like how girls look. There's nothing wrong with that, but there is wrong with lusting after a girl. There is the one second, "oh that girl was pretty" look, then there is the 3 or more second.."dang she's fine" look. Let's try to stick with the first. We are supposed to care about each other as men and women in need of Christ and the very image bearers of God, not objects to be stared at and undressed with our eyes.
So, this does have something to do with you all. Ask God to help you to be pure in your thoughts and actions.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Wired Blogger
Ivey Watson is the first Wired Blogger! She started her own blog, you can check out the link to it on the sidebar to the right. If you want to start your own blog, go to www.blogger.com and sign up, its free!!! Then post the link in the comments to this post, and I'll list you on the sidebar under Wired Bloggers!!!!! Get your ideas out there.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Matthew 11:13-16
Congrats to Ivey who found the heart yeasterday.
Today we're talking about salt. And light. I hope you read today's passage, it's good, but it can also be kind of confusing. Why does Jesus say we are supposed to be the Salt of tf the earth and the light of the world?
Have you ever eaten mashed potatoes? If you're like me, you don't like them unless they have plenty of salt. Salt adds flavor. We as Christians are supposed to add flavor and excitement to the world around us. We are supposed to have fun and help other people feel happy and satisfied by pointing them to Christ who gives us our joy.
That's where the light comes in. People who don't know Jesus are like people walking around in the dark. They can't see anything without a light. Our lives and our words are supposed to be the light for our friends to see Jesus. So today, ask God to help you be the salt of the earth and the light of the world right in your school, family and here in Macon.
Today we're talking about salt. And light. I hope you read today's passage, it's good, but it can also be kind of confusing. Why does Jesus say we are supposed to be the Salt of tf the earth and the light of the world?
Have you ever eaten mashed potatoes? If you're like me, you don't like them unless they have plenty of salt. Salt adds flavor. We as Christians are supposed to add flavor and excitement to the world around us. We are supposed to have fun and help other people feel happy and satisfied by pointing them to Christ who gives us our joy.
That's where the light comes in. People who don't know Jesus are like people walking around in the dark. They can't see anything without a light. Our lives and our words are supposed to be the light for our friends to see Jesus. So today, ask God to help you be the salt of the earth and the light of the world right in your school, family and here in Macon.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Matthew 5:1-11
Today is the first day in our one month Bible Study series. I hope you're ready!!!!
Don't forget, the first person to find the hidden link and comment on it, wins a cool prize.
This is a cool passage of scripture. Mainly because it turns the world upside down. Blessed are the poor? Those who mourn? The week? This isn't what we're used to. We think that the rich and powerful are the blessed of God. So what is Jesus saying here?
Jesus is letting people know that God doesn't judge us by earthly standards. He isn't impressed by how big our houses are, he created the world. He isn't impressed by what brand of clothes you wear. He designed your skin, which is way cooler than Abercrombie. He isn't impressed with how cool you look to other people, he knows everything about you, even the bad stuff that you don't tell anyone else.
He is happy with us when our hearts are set on Him. When we don't think highly of ourselves. He wants us to want to be righteous. He wants us to want Him. He wants us to stick up for other people and take care of people who need help. He looks at the heart.
So if God looks at the heart, shouldn't you?
Don't forget, the first person to find the hidden link and comment on it, wins a cool prize.
This is a cool passage of scripture. Mainly because it turns the world upside down. Blessed are the poor? Those who mourn? The week? This isn't what we're used to. We think that the rich and powerful are the blessed of God. So what is Jesus saying here?
Jesus is letting people know that God doesn't judge us by earthly standards. He isn't impressed by how big our houses are, he created the world. He isn't impressed by what brand of clothes you wear. He designed your skin, which is way cooler than Abercrombie. He isn't impressed with how cool you look to other people, he knows everything about you, even the bad stuff that you don't tell anyone else.
He is happy with us when our hearts are set on Him. When we don't think highly of ourselves. He wants us to want to be righteous. He wants us to want Him. He wants us to stick up for other people and take care of people who need help. He looks at the heart.
So if God looks at the heart, shouldn't you?
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Work Day
Make sure you're ready for the work day this Saturday. We will be working @ MabelWhite from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. If you need a fundraiser sheet, you can get one on Wednesday or e-mail me and i'll send you one, but go ahead and ask people to sponsor you for a certain amount of $ per hour. If you have any questions, let me know.
Amazing Grace Review
So we went and watched Amazing Grace, the movie on Friday.
I know some of the students who attended were bored out of their minds, but Emily and I were extremely impressed. The story of William Wilberforce is still extremely important today.
One thought in particular that I would like to point out to you. Wilberforce, after he trusted in Jesus, could not decide whether or not he wanted to continue his already succesful and promising career in politics, or whether he wanted to leave it all and enter the "ministry."
This same delimna confronts a lot of serious Christians. We often think that if we are serious about Jesus, then we must join the vocational ministry. I strongly disagree. If you are a Christian, you already are a minister and a missionary right where you are! You don't have to join the vocational ministry.
I really liked what John Newton said in the movie. He told Wilberforce that he should do both. He should be a minister by being a politician!!! This idea is so important.
Now, listen close: You need to be a missionary by being a student!!! You need to know that you have a mission and a ministry right where you are!! Ask God to show you what He wants you to do. Ask Him to help you to minister where you are. William Wilberforce took this seriously and changed the world. Here's the truth, with God's help, you can too.
I know some of the students who attended were bored out of their minds, but Emily and I were extremely impressed. The story of William Wilberforce is still extremely important today.
One thought in particular that I would like to point out to you. Wilberforce, after he trusted in Jesus, could not decide whether or not he wanted to continue his already succesful and promising career in politics, or whether he wanted to leave it all and enter the "ministry."
This same delimna confronts a lot of serious Christians. We often think that if we are serious about Jesus, then we must join the vocational ministry. I strongly disagree. If you are a Christian, you already are a minister and a missionary right where you are! You don't have to join the vocational ministry.
I really liked what John Newton said in the movie. He told Wilberforce that he should do both. He should be a minister by being a politician!!! This idea is so important.
Now, listen close: You need to be a missionary by being a student!!! You need to know that you have a mission and a ministry right where you are!! Ask God to show you what He wants you to do. Ask Him to help you to minister where you are. William Wilberforce took this seriously and changed the world. Here's the truth, with God's help, you can too.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Amazing Grace
If you have signed up for Amazing Grace movie night, we will be meeting this Friday at 5 PM. We will have dinner here at the church, then head to the movie together.
Your parents can pick you up back here at the movie at approx. 10:30. Don't forget to bring your $10. If you have any questions, just give me a call.
Your parents can pick you up back here at the movie at approx. 10:30. Don't forget to bring your $10. If you have any questions, just give me a call.
Braves...Excitement or Blues?
No, this post isn't about God, but it is about baseball.
This is one of the most exciting times of the year. Pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training and the weather is growing warmer. Baseball season is upon us. I have been blessed to be a Braves fan my entire life.
I grew up wearing number 3 in honor of Dale Murphy, my favorite player and should-be Hall of Famer. I suffered with my Dad through the rough patch of the 80's. I celebrated as the Braves won the division, worst to first in 1991! I watched as Sid Bream slid home and then as Dave Justice homered and we won it all in '95. Oh the memories.
I'm scared, though, that the Braves might be done at 14 divisions, for awhile. They have been sold to Liberty Media, a faceless corporation from Colorado who only picked up the Braves as a loophole in the tax laws made the deal tax free.
Things can only get worse from here. They don't care if the Braves win, or keep their best players, all they care about is the bottom line. This year, I am going to hold out hope. This year they still have Andruw Jones and John Smoltz (both free-agents next year), who Liberty Media will surely not keep next year. They have pitching, they have hitting, they have feilding. They still have Manager Bobby Cox and GM John Shulerholz. All they need is a little luck and a little magic.
So I'm holding out hope and holding on to this year. I'm praying that the Ted can light up with one more round of the Tomahawk Chop and this year, we can do something amazing, and delay the day of First to Worst.
This is one of the most exciting times of the year. Pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training and the weather is growing warmer. Baseball season is upon us. I have been blessed to be a Braves fan my entire life.
I grew up wearing number 3 in honor of Dale Murphy, my favorite player and should-be Hall of Famer. I suffered with my Dad through the rough patch of the 80's. I celebrated as the Braves won the division, worst to first in 1991! I watched as Sid Bream slid home and then as Dave Justice homered and we won it all in '95. Oh the memories.
I'm scared, though, that the Braves might be done at 14 divisions, for awhile. They have been sold to Liberty Media, a faceless corporation from Colorado who only picked up the Braves as a loophole in the tax laws made the deal tax free.
Things can only get worse from here. They don't care if the Braves win, or keep their best players, all they care about is the bottom line. This year, I am going to hold out hope. This year they still have Andruw Jones and John Smoltz (both free-agents next year), who Liberty Media will surely not keep next year. They have pitching, they have hitting, they have feilding. They still have Manager Bobby Cox and GM John Shulerholz. All they need is a little luck and a little magic.
So I'm holding out hope and holding on to this year. I'm praying that the Ted can light up with one more round of the Tomahawk Chop and this year, we can do something amazing, and delay the day of First to Worst.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
One Minute Bible
Have a hard time having a quiet time because you are running low on time or have trouble paying attention to one thing for very long? Check out this One Minute Bible.
It might help for those times that you cannot spend a long time in the word.
It might help for those times that you cannot spend a long time in the word.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
James 1:19-21
When you read this passage, what do you think? Do you think it will make you a sissy? If you are a middle school student, you most likely do the opposite of this passage. You talk (a lot), have selective hearing (especially with your parents & student pastor) and you like being wild and crazy.
Which, honestly, is ok. No seriously, I don't mind, you're teenagers. But (there's always a but), I want you to be wild, crazy, joyful, rebel teenagers who love God and love other people.
We all want to be different. We all want to have our own identity. You know what I mean. Some are jocks, others are preppy, some are nerdy. But here's the thing, if we let ourselves fall into these categories, we're really just like everyone else. Most teens are selfish, care only about what they want, are insecure and dress/act/look a certain way because they have a low self-esteem and want other people to like them more than anyone else in the world.
What this passage says is, be a rebel. Here's what I mean. Love other people. Care about others, just because. Listen to what God says, then live it out. Be fun, crazy, wild, etc. But do it out of a love for God and other people.
When you have fun, have fun with other people, not at their expense (by being a jerk). When you act crazy, be crazy by going out of your way to be nice to someone who is not nice to you. When you are wild, tell people that it is because your God is a wild and fun God. When you are angry, don't be angry because people are mean to you or you don't get your way, be angry because someone is being mean to someone else.
This passage says, be a rebel. Love God and listen to Him. Love other people. Obey God. Reach out and be kind to other people. Then you will really be different than everyone your age.
Which, honestly, is ok. No seriously, I don't mind, you're teenagers. But (there's always a but), I want you to be wild, crazy, joyful, rebel teenagers who love God and love other people.
We all want to be different. We all want to have our own identity. You know what I mean. Some are jocks, others are preppy, some are nerdy. But here's the thing, if we let ourselves fall into these categories, we're really just like everyone else. Most teens are selfish, care only about what they want, are insecure and dress/act/look a certain way because they have a low self-esteem and want other people to like them more than anyone else in the world.
What this passage says is, be a rebel. Here's what I mean. Love other people. Care about others, just because. Listen to what God says, then live it out. Be fun, crazy, wild, etc. But do it out of a love for God and other people.
When you have fun, have fun with other people, not at their expense (by being a jerk). When you act crazy, be crazy by going out of your way to be nice to someone who is not nice to you. When you are wild, tell people that it is because your God is a wild and fun God. When you are angry, don't be angry because people are mean to you or you don't get your way, be angry because someone is being mean to someone else.
This passage says, be a rebel. Love God and listen to Him. Love other people. Obey God. Reach out and be kind to other people. Then you will really be different than everyone your age.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Missionary?
Did you know that you are a missionary? Wait, you may be thinking, a missionary is someone who goes to Africa or China or something, I'm not a missionary. Sorry, you are. Here's why:
A missionary is simply someone who takes seriously the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in the way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day, right up to the end of the age."
As Christians, we all have to take these words seriously, because Jesus is speaking them to us!! He uses the word commission. What is the second part of that word? Mission. He has called us all to be missionaries. So, does that mean we all have to move to Africa? No, because notice what else Jesus says. We are supposed to minister to everyone, far and near! That means unless you feel God directly calling you to a foreign country, he has called you to be a missionary right where you are.
So what do missionaries do? They live out a life that shows they are a follower of Jesus. They love everyone around them. They care for and listen to everyone around them. They try to understand people who are different than them and show them the love of Jesus. They pray that their friends would come to know Jesus. They look for opportunities to talk to the people around them about Jesus.
Sound tough? It is, but it also brings purpose to your life as you begin to do what God has created you to do. So, what kind of missionary are you?
A missionary is simply someone who takes seriously the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20, "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in the way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day, right up to the end of the age."
As Christians, we all have to take these words seriously, because Jesus is speaking them to us!! He uses the word commission. What is the second part of that word? Mission. He has called us all to be missionaries. So, does that mean we all have to move to Africa? No, because notice what else Jesus says. We are supposed to minister to everyone, far and near! That means unless you feel God directly calling you to a foreign country, he has called you to be a missionary right where you are.
So what do missionaries do? They live out a life that shows they are a follower of Jesus. They love everyone around them. They care for and listen to everyone around them. They try to understand people who are different than them and show them the love of Jesus. They pray that their friends would come to know Jesus. They look for opportunities to talk to the people around them about Jesus.
Sound tough? It is, but it also brings purpose to your life as you begin to do what God has created you to do. So, what kind of missionary are you?
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Flying Car
So, there is a company in Israel that is producing a flying car. They hope to have it on the market by 2010. The car is expected to be used by military personnel for urban rescue missions, etc. It looks pretty cool. Check it out here.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Leonard Sweet
Leonard Sweet is a Seminary Prof and author. I really like him a lot. I recently read this quote of his:
"Your Baptism is your ordination into the ministry."
This is so true!!! That is one of the perceptions I am going to pound into your heads for as long as I am here. Once you get saved, once you commit your life to Christ, you are a minister of Jesus!! No options, no excuses. The question is, what kind of minister are you going to be?
"Your Baptism is your ordination into the ministry."
This is so true!!! That is one of the perceptions I am going to pound into your heads for as long as I am here. Once you get saved, once you commit your life to Christ, you are a minister of Jesus!! No options, no excuses. The question is, what kind of minister are you going to be?
Friday, January 26, 2007
Darfur Game
So you like to play video games? Here's one with a point.
It's called Darfur is Dying.
For those of you who don't know, in the country of Sudan in East Arica, thousands of people are losing their lives daily, most Christians, to the hands of Muslims. I've had a heart for these people ever since I got a chance to talk with Abraham Nhial, who was 10 years old when his family was murdered. He had to keep alive by trekking across deserts, fighting aligators and drinking his own urine while avoiding the Militia who shot at him for target practice. All this while he was your age.
He is now attending seminary and training to be a pastor here in America. You can get his book here .
This video game will show you what a person your age will have to go through in his every day life. Pray for the people of Sudan as you play and check the links on the web page to see how you can help.
It's called Darfur is Dying.
For those of you who don't know, in the country of Sudan in East Arica, thousands of people are losing their lives daily, most Christians, to the hands of Muslims. I've had a heart for these people ever since I got a chance to talk with Abraham Nhial, who was 10 years old when his family was murdered. He had to keep alive by trekking across deserts, fighting aligators and drinking his own urine while avoiding the Militia who shot at him for target practice. All this while he was your age.
He is now attending seminary and training to be a pastor here in America. You can get his book here .
This video game will show you what a person your age will have to go through in his every day life. Pray for the people of Sudan as you play and check the links on the web page to see how you can help.
Ray Gun...Oh Yes
So, the government is testing a Ray Gun, here in Georgia actually, that shoots an invisible ray up to 500 yards. The kicker? It dosen't do any permenant damage to the unlucky victim, but it makes tham feel like they are on fire! I have to get one of these to use on Wednesday Night's!!!
You can read the news article about the ray gun here.
You can read the news article about the ray gun here.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Sea Monster
No joke, a prehistoric sea monster was captured off of the coast of Japan recently.
It's a type of shark that lives further down than humans can go. It lived for a few hours in a holding tank before it died. Scientists were able to get the first video footage ever of the creature.
Read the whole article and check out a picture of this thing here.
It's a type of shark that lives further down than humans can go. It lived for a few hours in a holding tank before it died. Scientists were able to get the first video footage ever of the creature.
Read the whole article and check out a picture of this thing here.
James 1:11
Life is short.
Just like the flower in this passage, our lives blossom and bloom, then they fade and we eventually will die. Depressed yet?
You may be saying, wait, I'm just a teenager, my whole life is in front of me. Let me tell you this, it flies by. It wasn't long ago when I was you, sitting in my middle school class with my whole life before me. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not over the hill yet, but time has flown by.
You have a short amount of time in which to live your life. Who are you living for? Yourself or for Jesus? If you are living for Jesus you will be spending your time, money and energy serving other people. If you are living for yourself you will be spending your time money and energy on yourself.
Life is short. What are you doing with the time that you've been given?
Just like the flower in this passage, our lives blossom and bloom, then they fade and we eventually will die. Depressed yet?
You may be saying, wait, I'm just a teenager, my whole life is in front of me. Let me tell you this, it flies by. It wasn't long ago when I was you, sitting in my middle school class with my whole life before me. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not over the hill yet, but time has flown by.
You have a short amount of time in which to live your life. Who are you living for? Yourself or for Jesus? If you are living for Jesus you will be spending your time, money and energy serving other people. If you are living for yourself you will be spending your time money and energy on yourself.
Life is short. What are you doing with the time that you've been given?
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Bad Computer!
I wrote one of my best posts ever on James 1:9-10, but before I could post it, my computer decided to turn off on its own. It does that at least a couple of times a day. I'll try to re-type it soon. It was really awesome and even contained a link to a cool picture of a Tibetan Mountain Yak, which I will re-post here.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Cow Farts
On evotional.com, Mark Batterson gives us some surprising information.
Cow Farts are the biggest environmental threat in the world today. They are responsible for more environmentally harmful gasses than cars and factories combined.
Hmmm...Maybe the answer isn't to eat more chicken.
check out the full article here.
Cow Farts are the biggest environmental threat in the world today. They are responsible for more environmentally harmful gasses than cars and factories combined.
Hmmm...Maybe the answer isn't to eat more chicken.
check out the full article here.
James 1:5-8
Do you understand the Bible? Sometimes I don't quite understand what God is trying to say in a passage of scripture. Sometimes a certain story or teaching dosen't make any sense.
It is a comfort to know that even Peter had a tough time understanding some of the things Paul wrote (2 Peter 3:16). But what do we do if we can't understand a passage of scripture? Or, what do we do if we are facing a difficult choice that will affect our lives? What do we do if someone is teaching something we don't believe is true? What is we don't know what God is saying to us in a situation?
Luckily, James gives us an answer in this passage. Pray. Pray and ask God to give you understanding. Ask Him to help you make the right choice, follow Him in the situation, know what He is trying to teach you.
You should also search out the scriptures for answers. We are called to hide the word in our heart. It will instruct us in the way that we are to go.
So you see, understanding from God is like a circle. Search the scripture and pray for understanding. Pray for understanding and search the scripture. These are the ways that we communicate with God. This is how he transforms us to look more like His son. This is what we, as disciples are called to do.
So, lets get started.
It is a comfort to know that even Peter had a tough time understanding some of the things Paul wrote (2 Peter 3:16). But what do we do if we can't understand a passage of scripture? Or, what do we do if we are facing a difficult choice that will affect our lives? What do we do if someone is teaching something we don't believe is true? What is we don't know what God is saying to us in a situation?
Luckily, James gives us an answer in this passage. Pray. Pray and ask God to give you understanding. Ask Him to help you make the right choice, follow Him in the situation, know what He is trying to teach you.
You should also search out the scriptures for answers. We are called to hide the word in our heart. It will instruct us in the way that we are to go.
So you see, understanding from God is like a circle. Search the scripture and pray for understanding. Pray for understanding and search the scripture. These are the ways that we communicate with God. This is how he transforms us to look more like His son. This is what we, as disciples are called to do.
So, lets get started.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
James 1:4
If any of you were at Wired last night, you heard me talk about perseverance. James lets us know here that it takes great perseverance for us to become complete as Christians. It takes a great amount of perseverance for us to finish the race. But I want to be clear here, James isn't talking about us fixing ourselves. He isn't telling us to be good boys and girls and fix ourselves. The bottom line is, only Jesus can fix us.
So what am I saying? Why do we need perseverance? Our perseverance comes in constantly striving to put ourselves in the path of God so that He can work on us.
When I was in college I ran on the cross-country team. It wasn't always fun (there was a lot of running involved). But the worst day of the year always happened in the heat of August. On this day we ran a 14 mile run. But not just a 14 mile run. We ran 7 miles straight up a mountain side and 7 miles back down (which, it is actually more painful to run down than up) in 100 degree heat. At the end of the run, however, was one of the greatest experiences of my life. A crystal clear, cool mountain lake. There was nothing better than diving into that water and getting lost for a few minutes beneath its rippling surface.
Now, we didn't run to cool off, and we couldn't cool off on our own, but we ran to get to the lake. It was only because of the perseverance of the run, the heat of the day, and the difficulty of the conditions that we were able to realize how amazing the lake really was and how much we needed it.
In the same way, we are in desperate need of Jesus, but it is only through perseverance, through running the race of this life with our hearts and minds on Jesus that we realize how much we need Him and how wonderful He really is. It's only through diving into Him that we are transformed by His love. Press on, read your bible, pray, listen for what Jesus it trying to teach you and persevere. Jesus will take care of the rest.
So what am I saying? Why do we need perseverance? Our perseverance comes in constantly striving to put ourselves in the path of God so that He can work on us.
When I was in college I ran on the cross-country team. It wasn't always fun (there was a lot of running involved). But the worst day of the year always happened in the heat of August. On this day we ran a 14 mile run. But not just a 14 mile run. We ran 7 miles straight up a mountain side and 7 miles back down (which, it is actually more painful to run down than up) in 100 degree heat. At the end of the run, however, was one of the greatest experiences of my life. A crystal clear, cool mountain lake. There was nothing better than diving into that water and getting lost for a few minutes beneath its rippling surface.
Now, we didn't run to cool off, and we couldn't cool off on our own, but we ran to get to the lake. It was only because of the perseverance of the run, the heat of the day, and the difficulty of the conditions that we were able to realize how amazing the lake really was and how much we needed it.
In the same way, we are in desperate need of Jesus, but it is only through perseverance, through running the race of this life with our hearts and minds on Jesus that we realize how much we need Him and how wonderful He really is. It's only through diving into Him that we are transformed by His love. Press on, read your bible, pray, listen for what Jesus it trying to teach you and persevere. Jesus will take care of the rest.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Ice Skating this Sunday!!
Make sure you sign up for Ice Skating on the list in the MS Room or, post in the comments section below this entry that you want to go or e-mail me at cland@mabelwhite.org . The cost is $10 which we need by Sunday. an introduction and sign-up for D-Groups will come immediately afterwards and parents can pick you up at 4:00 PM. The cost includes lunch.
Monday, January 8, 2007
This Wednesday!
Are you ready for the return of Wired Wednesday? It's happening this week at 6:30 in the Middle School room. You're not gonna want to miss it.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Shaun Alexander
I'm a big fan of Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander. He is a hard worker, a talented athlete and a good role model. I'm not saying he's perfect, but he's definitely cool. In a recent book he wrote, he talks about his Christian faith, his life and football. You might want to check it out.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
FNL
Don't forget!! Tommorow from 6:00-8:00 PM is Friday Night Live! Bring some friends with you for this time of food, fun and hanging out!
James 1:2-3
We all go through stuff every day. You know what I mean by stuff? I'm talking about the junk that makes us mad or angry or sad. I'm talking about when people treat us worse than we think they should. I'm talking about when someone close to us hurts us, or when we hurt someone else. I'm talking about the things that make us scared, keep us awake at night and make us worry.
It's funny that we think of the Bible as an old book that has nothing to do with our real lives. That is so untrue of the Bible. You see, the Bible is God's word, but it is also about people and God uses people to write it. James knows what it means to go through tough times. He's had a life that was a lot tougher than most of us will ever face. So we should listen when he talks about tough times.
That's what he's talking about in this passage. He says we are supposed to be happy when we have tough times. Does that make sense to you? It dosen't really make sense to me either. Until he starts talking about how these trials come to test our faith and to make it strong. James makes it clear, if we trust God in the tough times, our faith will grow and we'll start to be more like Jesus. The tough times are how God works on us.
Why are you in school? To learn? To get ready for college? To get ready for life? Because your parents make you go? Tough times are like the school of life. In the tough times we learn the truth about other people. We learn the truth about ourselves. But most importantly, we learn the truth about God. If we only look for Him, He will teach us.
So go to the school of life. It will be tough. But like James says, Persevere (which means to work through something that is not easy). If you persevere, God will make your faith grow, he will teach you and he will make you mature so that you can stand strong in more difficult times ahead.
It's funny that we think of the Bible as an old book that has nothing to do with our real lives. That is so untrue of the Bible. You see, the Bible is God's word, but it is also about people and God uses people to write it. James knows what it means to go through tough times. He's had a life that was a lot tougher than most of us will ever face. So we should listen when he talks about tough times.
That's what he's talking about in this passage. He says we are supposed to be happy when we have tough times. Does that make sense to you? It dosen't really make sense to me either. Until he starts talking about how these trials come to test our faith and to make it strong. James makes it clear, if we trust God in the tough times, our faith will grow and we'll start to be more like Jesus. The tough times are how God works on us.
Why are you in school? To learn? To get ready for college? To get ready for life? Because your parents make you go? Tough times are like the school of life. In the tough times we learn the truth about other people. We learn the truth about ourselves. But most importantly, we learn the truth about God. If we only look for Him, He will teach us.
So go to the school of life. It will be tough. But like James says, Persevere (which means to work through something that is not easy). If you persevere, God will make your faith grow, he will teach you and he will make you mature so that you can stand strong in more difficult times ahead.
Candystand
If you're looking for free cool online games, candystand is the place to find them. Miniature Golf is my favorite. I think I even got a par one time.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
James - Intro
Let's talk a little about the Bible. We'll start with James, which is a cool book in the New Testament of the Bible. The reason its cool is because James, who was the brother of Jesus, is really concerned with how faith in Jesus plays out in every day life. It is full of practical advice.
Open up your Bible and turn it to James (If you don't know where it is, its ok, no one is watching you, you can look it up in the contents). In your Bible, it may be called The Epistle of James. "Epistle" is just a big fancy religious word for "letter." So this "book" was a letter first. James wrote this letter to all the christian churches.
As we read this verse by verse over the next few weeks, notice how much James talks about "works" and "faith." A question for you to think about is, "What do works and faith have to do with each other?"
Another cool thing about this letter to me is the fact that James wrote it. He was the brother of Jesus, but in the first verse he writes that he is a "servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ." This guy was Jesus brother, yet he is calling Him "Lord" and saying he is his servant?
Do you have a sibling? Would you ever call them God and declare to the whole world that you are forever their servant? I have two brothers and a sister and I'm not about to do that. My older brother made me eat, among other things, a mosquito stick, comet, soap, the pink wall insulation and a worm. I'm not going to be his servant.
That makes the story of Jesus even cooler. If His own brothers were willing to follow him, and his mother (who at one time changed his stinky diapers), shouldn't we?
Open up your Bible and turn it to James (If you don't know where it is, its ok, no one is watching you, you can look it up in the contents). In your Bible, it may be called The Epistle of James. "Epistle" is just a big fancy religious word for "letter." So this "book" was a letter first. James wrote this letter to all the christian churches.
As we read this verse by verse over the next few weeks, notice how much James talks about "works" and "faith." A question for you to think about is, "What do works and faith have to do with each other?"
Another cool thing about this letter to me is the fact that James wrote it. He was the brother of Jesus, but in the first verse he writes that he is a "servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ." This guy was Jesus brother, yet he is calling Him "Lord" and saying he is his servant?
Do you have a sibling? Would you ever call them God and declare to the whole world that you are forever their servant? I have two brothers and a sister and I'm not about to do that. My older brother made me eat, among other things, a mosquito stick, comet, soap, the pink wall insulation and a worm. I'm not going to be his servant.
That makes the story of Jesus even cooler. If His own brothers were willing to follow him, and his mother (who at one time changed his stinky diapers), shouldn't we?
Youth Fire
I found a cool website for Christian youth that has free Christian music, online radio, devotions, bible studies, and other stuff. Check it out.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
hisecho.com
I put a link to hisecho.com over on the sidebar. You might recognize Anson McMahon as one of the speakers from YEC and a Superwow speaker. His Echo is the work of Anson and two of the other student/young adult pastors at a church in Modesto, CA. Shawn was my youth pastor in High School and both Anson and Shawn were mentors of mine before they moved across the country to California. If you can, sign up for the EchoCast, a podcast where the guys sit around and teach the Bible in a laid back format. It's worth a listen.
Check Us Out!
So we may not have a cool website, but the new year will bring about a blog site. I'll keep you posted on events in the Middle School ministry, check here for announcements and important dates. You can also get involved by responding to my posts. That means you can ask questions right here on the site! Don't forget to come to Friday Night Live this friday and we start Wired Wednesday back up on Wednesday, January 10th! Keep checking in!!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
