Fun Night Small Group Style

Here are some pictures from tonight's small group fun night. Sorry don't have HS and MS boys pictures.
















Painting pumpkins and caramel apples, you got to love fall!

-- Posted from my iPhone

Devotion, Day 4

Read 2 Thess. 3:6-12

Paul says "We command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us." Back in the church of Thessalonica there were obviously many people who were taking advantage of the church by not working. These men and women were lazy and were relying on everyone else's hard work for their personal gain. Not only were these men and women engaging in idleness but they were also going around the city gossiping. Paul very strongly addresses these people and even goes as far as to tell the other believers not to associate with these idle believers.

How does this apply to us today?

Unfortunately there are many Christians that are lazy, including middle and high school students. We think that we should be given everything. We become consumers instead of contributors. Many students go to school but once they get to class they are lethargic and apathetic = Sin. Once school is over many students go home and spend hours surfing the web or watching their favorite television show = Sin. The list could go on and on. What we must understand is that the Lord created us for so much more than to be idle. When we work, serve, and live our lives we are suppose to be showing the world that we serve a risen Savior that has changed our lives. We are suppose to be doing everything for Him and His Glory. This morning when I read this passage I was convicted that there are times in my life when I am lazy and idle, and I had to ask the Lord to forgive me of this sin.

Today evaluate your life and ask the Lord if there are areas where you are lazy and idle. If he reveals areas where you struggle with laziness then repent. Fall on your face before God and ask for his forgiveness. Then ask him to help you overcome the sin of laziness.

Challenge - At some point today sit down pull out a piece of paper and write down you daily schedule. Write down everything you did today (school, work, tv time, internet time, etc.). After writing down your schedule look it over and it should give you an idea if you are suffering from the sin of laziness.

Devotion, Day 3

Read 2 Thess. 2:1-12

This is a difficult passage to comprehend; however, this has a very important message for us today. We are living in a world that has been so easily deceived by false doctrine and beliefs. People doubt the validity of scripture, the resurrection of Jesus, the virgin birth, the existence of hell, etc. I think the belief that is being challenged the most is that there is only one way to God. I was at a conference on Thursday and one of the speakers made the comment that "We are all children of God and that we will all spend eternity with him." As good as that sounds, it could not be further from the truth. John 14:6 makes it clear that no one gets to God except through faith in Jesus. This passage in 2 Thess. is saying that the time is coming when many people will be led astray. They will follow false teaching.

As Christians it is SO SO IMPORTANT that we do not fall into the trap of following the false teachings of this world. We must be emersed in scripture. We must memorize all the scripture that we can. This is vital in our spiritual growth but also in our battle against Satan. Read Eph. 6:10-20. Notice that we are given armor from God but that our only offensive weapon is the Word of God.

Today, ask God if you are being led astray by any false teaching. If so, repent. Turn from that send and ask God to give you the correct thinking.

Challenge - Today pray that God will give you a passage of scripture or a set of verses that you can begin to memorize. Begin today trying to memorize a passage of scripture each week.

Love you guys, send me what verses you are thinking about memorizing and I will memorize them with you.

Devotion Day 2

I hope that God showed you something through his Word yesterday and that you were obedient in whatever he called you to do. Today we are continuing our journey through 2 Thessalonians.

Please Read 2 Thess. 1:5-9

Many times as believers in Jesus we forget what we are saved from. We begin to get complacent and indifferent about the great rescue that we have been given. In 2 Thess 1:5-9, we get a picture of God's coming judgement. There will be a day in the future (could be tomorrow, 5 years from now, or 100,000 years from now) that Jesus will return along with his mighty angels (v. 7). When he returns he will come in "flaming fire" and will "inflict vengeance" on all those who do not know God or obey his commands. This is a different picture of Jesus than we often imagine in our heads. We think of Jesus being all about love, peace, compassion, and grace (which he is!) but at the same time he is a God of wrath and judgement. According to the Bible there is a place called Hell and that it is a place that people go that have not accepted the free gift of grace that only Jesus can give. (For more on Hell)

Today be blown away by the judgement of God. Pray to God asking him to reveal areas in your life where you have not obeyed him and then repent, turn from you sins.

Next reflect on the day the Lord will return. Think about how this wee be a glorious day for believers but at the same time a tragic time for the people that have not followed Jesus. Let this vision of that day propel you to share the gospel message to your friends and family.

Challenge - Today make a list of friends and family members that you know don't have a relationship with Jesu. After making the list begin to pray for these men and women. Pray that God would draw them to himself and that he would open their hearts and minds to the truth of the Bible. Also, pray that you will have an opportunity to share with them. Pray over this list of people daily.

Love you guys, praying for you as I type this!

Devotion Day 1

So I am currently walking through the book of 2 Thessalonians, and I wanted to bring you along for the ride.

Ready 1 Thess. 1:3-4

We see Paul thanking the Lord for the testimony of the Thessalonians. They were growing in the Lord and their love for one another was ever increasing. Their faith was also growing in light of the afflictions and persecution that they were facing.

- I think that one clear sign that you are going in your relationship with the Lord is if your love for your others in increasing. I am reminded of 1 John 3:11-24 (Read that now)

In 1 John 3:11-24, we are told in verse 15 that everyone who hates his brother is a murderer. This is very powerful language. Ask yourself: "Is there anyone in my life that I have a hatred for?" Matthew 5:22 says that even if we have anger against our brother or sister we are liable for judgement. "Is there someone that I just don't like right now or angry with?" Are you willing to forgive?

Ask yourself:

How today can I love my brother?

What practical difference can I make in my friends life to show the love of Jesus?

Who do I need to forgive or apologize in order to be reconciled?

Challenge - Today do not only pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ but write and encouraging letter or e-mail.

Love you guys!!

The Forgotten God Book Review

So last night I finished reading Francis Chan's new book called "Forgotten God: Reversing our tragic neglect of the Holy Sprit." In this book Chan talks about how the american Church as a whole has missed and forgotten about the Holy Spirit, which is a huge tragedy. The book is a very easy read and poses many important questions that made me evaluate my life and my relationship with the Holy Spirit. Here are some quotes that impacted my life:

• "Let's be honest: If you combine a charismatic speaker, a talented worship band, and some hip, creative events, people will attend your church. Yet this does not mean that the Holy Spirit of God is actively working and moving in the lives of the people who are coming" (pg. 31)
• "If it is true that the Spirit of God dwells in us and that our bodies are the Holy Spirit's temple, then shouldn't there be a huge difference between the person who has the Spirit of God living inside of him or her and the person who does not?" (pg. 32)
• "Churchgoers all across the nation say the Holy Spirit has entered them. They claim that God has given them a supernatural ability to follow Christ, put their sin to death, and serve the church. Christians talk about being born again and say that they were dead but now have come to life. We have become hardened to those words, but they are powerful words that have significant meaning. Yet when those outside the church see no difference in our lives, they begin to question our integrity, our sanity, or even worse, our God. And can you blame them?" (pg. 32 &33)
• "Sometimes the sin we take on becomes such a part of us that it requires this same kind of ripping and tearing to free us. The Holy Spirit does not seek to hurt us, but He does seek to make us Christlike, and this can be painful." (pg. 51)
• Isa. 63:10 and Eph. 4:30 - "...if we truly cared about the Holy Spirit's grief, there would be fewer fights, divorces, and splits in our churches. Maybe it's not due to a lack of belief but rather a lack of concern." (pg. 73)
• "Why do I want the Holy Spirit in my life?" (pg. 84) - Attention?, Miracle Hunting?, etc.
• "What would your church (and the worldwide church) look like if everyone was as committed as you are?" (pg. 91)
• "I think a lot of us need to forget about God's will for my life. God cares more about our response to His Spirit's leading today, in this moment, than about what we intend to do next year...It is safer to commit to following His someday instead of this day." (pg. 120)
• "...Walking in the Spirit requires action on your part." (pg. 129)

This is a great book and what I love about Francis Chan is that he writes using some many questions. He does not just tell you what you should think but also ask tough questions that don't let you breeze over the difficult subjects. I would recommend all believers to read this book, it will make you think long and hard about your relationship with God.

Here is the link if you want to buy it from Amazon, "Crazy Love" is also another great book by Francis Chan!

Listen to David Crowder Band's New CD for Free!

As of this morning David Crowder Band's new CD Church Music was 5th on the most downloaded albums on iTunes!! It is really good stuff!

Church Music - David Crowder B...