1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Self-Control Week: Letting It Go
"He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." (Proverbs 17:9)
How powerful is the period on the end of this sentence? "I forgive you." Your answer to that question will have buckets-full to do with the quality of your relationships for the rest of your life.
Someone did wrong to you and it lead to a fight. You both agree they were wrong. They say "sorry." You say, "It's okay; I forgive you." And it's done forever, right? Well, not always. It takes a lot of self-control to let it stay finished, especially when the next fight comes around.
Today's passage says love grows out of our ability to "cover over" an offense by letting it stay finished, by practicing powerful forgiveness, by keeping the vault closed.
Friendships can break when the period at the end of "I forgive you." doesn't do its job.
Think: Why do you think even good friends sometimes have trouble not bringing up past hurts and sins again and again? Have you ever lost a friend because one or the other of you couldn't let something go?
Pray: Ask God to help you to promote love in your friendships by covering over offenses with forgiveness and mercy when it is wise to do so.
2. Forgettable Fact
85% of us will eat spam this year.
3. Potent Quotables
Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.- Thomas Jefferson
I don't think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.- Abraham Lincoln
4. Uh, That's Funny
Q: What kind of flower do you have between your nose and your chin?
A: Tulips
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
1. Something For Your Heart
When the Dead Man Walked
"When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go.' " (John 11:43-44)
Can you imagine being there in this moment? Even if you had followed Jesus for years and believed Him to be the Messiah and really really missed your friend or brother Lazarus -- this would be terrifying. Wouldn't it?
One of the primal fears of humanity is that the dead will come back to life. That's one reason zombie movies can be so scary. The dead are supposed to stay dead, even the ones we miss most. If you have even an ounce of imagination, you've felt a little chill in a graveyard. You have to remind yourself that death is final. Nobody comes back.
Until now.
But after that moment of horror passes -- once you realize Lazarus is no slobbering monster, just himself alive again -- the truth begins to come up over the horizon of your heart: Death is beatable. It doesn't have to win. It is not the last word. If Lazarus can come back after four days gone, all the rules are changed. We can live forever. But how?
Jesus. We need Jesus.
Think: If someone asked you to explain how a person can beat death and be resurrected, what would you tell him or her? How would you explain the good news about Jesus and living forever?
Pray: Thank God that Jesus proved He is more powerful than even death.
Do: Read about your own resurrection from the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:12-28.
2. Forgettable Fact
25% of your bones are in your feet.
3. Potent Quotables
If we only have the will to walk, then God is pleased with our stumbles. – C S Lewis
Love is unselfishly choosing for another's highest good. – C S Lewis
4. Uh, That's Funny
Q: Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?
A: At the Bottom!
When the Dead Man Walked
"When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go.' " (John 11:43-44)
Can you imagine being there in this moment? Even if you had followed Jesus for years and believed Him to be the Messiah and really really missed your friend or brother Lazarus -- this would be terrifying. Wouldn't it?
One of the primal fears of humanity is that the dead will come back to life. That's one reason zombie movies can be so scary. The dead are supposed to stay dead, even the ones we miss most. If you have even an ounce of imagination, you've felt a little chill in a graveyard. You have to remind yourself that death is final. Nobody comes back.
Until now.
But after that moment of horror passes -- once you realize Lazarus is no slobbering monster, just himself alive again -- the truth begins to come up over the horizon of your heart: Death is beatable. It doesn't have to win. It is not the last word. If Lazarus can come back after four days gone, all the rules are changed. We can live forever. But how?
Jesus. We need Jesus.
Think: If someone asked you to explain how a person can beat death and be resurrected, what would you tell him or her? How would you explain the good news about Jesus and living forever?
Pray: Thank God that Jesus proved He is more powerful than even death.
Do: Read about your own resurrection from the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:12-28.
2. Forgettable Fact
25% of your bones are in your feet.
3. Potent Quotables
If we only have the will to walk, then God is pleased with our stumbles. – C S Lewis
Love is unselfishly choosing for another's highest good. – C S Lewis
4. Uh, That's Funny
Q: Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?
A: At the Bottom!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
1. Something For Your Heart
Why Pray Out Loud?"So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.' " (John 11:41-42)
Why do we pray out loud? After all, it makes some of us really uncomfortable to pray in front of each other. And it makes others of us really bored to listen to each other pray. Why do it? Isn't God famous for knowing our thoughts, and aren't we famous for believing that He hears our thoughts?
I think Jesus reveals one of the benefits of praying out loud in front of each other in today's verses. He says clearly that His vocalized prayer of thanks was for the benefit of those listening. He wanted to leave no room for doubt that the giant miracle they were about to witness came from the God of the universe -- that He was God's Son.
In a similar way, when I ask God for help with something right out loud in front of you, you're much more likely to give God the credit when that good thing happens. Vocalizing our prayers and thanksgiving in front of each other is another way to remind each other how huge and powerful our God really is.
Think: Are you hesitant to pray in front of other people? Do you know why? What can you do to start to overcome that timidity?
Pray: Thank God that He doesn't need you to pray out loud in order to hear your prayers, and ask Him to help you to become comfortable talking to Him in front of others sometimes for their benefit and His glory.
Do: Make a point to pray out loud with at least one other person this week. (It can even be your mom!)
2. Forgettable Fact
It's against the law to burp or sneeze in a church in Omaha, Nebraska.
3. Potent Quotables
Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.- Auguste Rodin
Courage is fear that says its prayers.-Dorothy Bernard
4. Uh, That's Funny?
Q: What do you call a boomerang that doesn't work?
A: A Stick.
Why Pray Out Loud?"So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.' " (John 11:41-42)
Why do we pray out loud? After all, it makes some of us really uncomfortable to pray in front of each other. And it makes others of us really bored to listen to each other pray. Why do it? Isn't God famous for knowing our thoughts, and aren't we famous for believing that He hears our thoughts?
I think Jesus reveals one of the benefits of praying out loud in front of each other in today's verses. He says clearly that His vocalized prayer of thanks was for the benefit of those listening. He wanted to leave no room for doubt that the giant miracle they were about to witness came from the God of the universe -- that He was God's Son.
In a similar way, when I ask God for help with something right out loud in front of you, you're much more likely to give God the credit when that good thing happens. Vocalizing our prayers and thanksgiving in front of each other is another way to remind each other how huge and powerful our God really is.
Think: Are you hesitant to pray in front of other people? Do you know why? What can you do to start to overcome that timidity?
Pray: Thank God that He doesn't need you to pray out loud in order to hear your prayers, and ask Him to help you to become comfortable talking to Him in front of others sometimes for their benefit and His glory.
Do: Make a point to pray out loud with at least one other person this week. (It can even be your mom!)
2. Forgettable Fact
It's against the law to burp or sneeze in a church in Omaha, Nebraska.
3. Potent Quotables
Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.- Auguste Rodin
Courage is fear that says its prayers.-Dorothy Bernard
4. Uh, That's Funny?
Q: What do you call a boomerang that doesn't work?
A: A Stick.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
1. Something For Your Heart
"Jesus said to her, I am the ressurection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? 'Yes Lord,' she told him. 'I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into this world.'" (John 11:25-27)
Jesus tried to tell Martha what was about to happen, but she thought He was just consoling her. He said, "Your brother will rise again." She said,"Yes, I know, at the end when the big resurrection happens."
Jesus didn't correct her right away. He made sure she was (and we are) making the connection between faith in Jesus and eternal life. He is "the life." If we want to live -- even after we die -- He is "the resurrection." He's the only door to the life on the other side of life. Martha understood He was the Christ, the Messiah, and soon she would know He had power over any grave.
Jesus asked Martha the question everyone must answer: "Do you believe this?" Belief in Jesus is the key to the door or eternity.
Think: When did you answer the question of belief in Jesus once and for all? Have you ever asked anyone if they believe in Jesus?
Pray: If you're a Christian, thank God for the faith to believe in Jesus and the gift of eternal life.
Do: Think of someone you know you could ask these questions to this week: "Do you know if you have eternal life?" "What do you believe about Jesus?"
2. Forgettable Fact
The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado!
3. Potent Quotables
When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
—Japanese Proverb
Search not for a friend in time of need, for a true friend shall find thee.
—Anonymous
4. Uh, That's Funny?
Q: What clothes does a house wear?
A: Address.
"Jesus said to her, I am the ressurection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? 'Yes Lord,' she told him. 'I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into this world.'" (John 11:25-27)
Jesus tried to tell Martha what was about to happen, but she thought He was just consoling her. He said, "Your brother will rise again." She said,"Yes, I know, at the end when the big resurrection happens."
Jesus didn't correct her right away. He made sure she was (and we are) making the connection between faith in Jesus and eternal life. He is "the life." If we want to live -- even after we die -- He is "the resurrection." He's the only door to the life on the other side of life. Martha understood He was the Christ, the Messiah, and soon she would know He had power over any grave.
Jesus asked Martha the question everyone must answer: "Do you believe this?" Belief in Jesus is the key to the door or eternity.
Think: When did you answer the question of belief in Jesus once and for all? Have you ever asked anyone if they believe in Jesus?
Pray: If you're a Christian, thank God for the faith to believe in Jesus and the gift of eternal life.
Do: Think of someone you know you could ask these questions to this week: "Do you know if you have eternal life?" "What do you believe about Jesus?"
2. Forgettable Fact
The highest point in Pennsylvania is lower than the lowest point in Colorado!
3. Potent Quotables
When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.
—Japanese Proverb
Search not for a friend in time of need, for a true friend shall find thee.
—Anonymous
4. Uh, That's Funny?
Q: What clothes does a house wear?
A: Address.
Monday, September 14, 2009
1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART Forgive as Forgiven_
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
Do you think of yourself as a forgiven person? I'm not asking if you believe God has forgiven all of your sins. I know you believe that if you're a Christian. I mean, do you tend to think of yourself as someone who has been forgiven for great and terrible sin? I'm asking because those of us who became Christians as kids -- and never got around to rebelling in any obvious, public way by trying out some of the "big sins" -- we can have a hard time really thinking of ourselves as sinners. What have we done that's so wrong, after all? That thinking is a problem. Every sin is an offense against the character of our Father, reason enough for us to go to hell, and for Jesus to die on the cross. Our pride is no better than sexual immorality, fits of rage, or public drunkenness.
Here's the other problem: If you don't think of yourself as a forgiven person, it's much harder to forgive others. And when you do, you think of it as a big favor instead of seeing it as the least and most obvious thing you could do as someone who has been forgiven for a stinking, seething mountain of ugly sin.
Think: On a scale from 1 to 10, how often are you aware that God has forgiven you for great sins you were helpless to pay for yourself? How hard is it for you to forgive others? Do you see a connection between those two things?
Pray: Ask God to help you to bear with others and forgive everyone just as God has forgiven you.
Do: Read Matthew 18:21-35 to hear a story Jesus told about a guy who refused to forgive a small debt after he'd been forgiven for a big one.
2. FORGETTABLE FACT Why do puppies lick your face? They're instinctively looking for scraps of food.
3. POTENT QUOTABLES
Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting.
-- Christopher Morley
Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow. -- Dan Rather
4. UH, THAT'S FUNNY?
Q: What do you call a song sung in an automobile?
A: A cartoon.
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
Do you think of yourself as a forgiven person? I'm not asking if you believe God has forgiven all of your sins. I know you believe that if you're a Christian. I mean, do you tend to think of yourself as someone who has been forgiven for great and terrible sin? I'm asking because those of us who became Christians as kids -- and never got around to rebelling in any obvious, public way by trying out some of the "big sins" -- we can have a hard time really thinking of ourselves as sinners. What have we done that's so wrong, after all? That thinking is a problem. Every sin is an offense against the character of our Father, reason enough for us to go to hell, and for Jesus to die on the cross. Our pride is no better than sexual immorality, fits of rage, or public drunkenness.
Here's the other problem: If you don't think of yourself as a forgiven person, it's much harder to forgive others. And when you do, you think of it as a big favor instead of seeing it as the least and most obvious thing you could do as someone who has been forgiven for a stinking, seething mountain of ugly sin.
Think: On a scale from 1 to 10, how often are you aware that God has forgiven you for great sins you were helpless to pay for yourself? How hard is it for you to forgive others? Do you see a connection between those two things?
Pray: Ask God to help you to bear with others and forgive everyone just as God has forgiven you.
Do: Read Matthew 18:21-35 to hear a story Jesus told about a guy who refused to forgive a small debt after he'd been forgiven for a big one.
2. FORGETTABLE FACT Why do puppies lick your face? They're instinctively looking for scraps of food.
3. POTENT QUOTABLES
Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting.
-- Christopher Morley
Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow. -- Dan Rather
4. UH, THAT'S FUNNY?
Q: What do you call a song sung in an automobile?
A: A cartoon.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Weekly Newsletter!!!
Hey Guys. The youth blog will be updated every Monday or Tuesday. I hope everyone is going well. I have some interesting newsletter articles that will be published here on a weekly basis. I look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow night. We will be wrapping up Make Your One Turn Count. See you soon!!!
1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
The Big Ones
"You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." (Exodus 20:13-16)
Can you believe that's four whole verses up there? Commandments numbers six through nine are so simple and straightforward. And they're probably the easiest to keep, right? I mean, you don't usually just have a bad day and kill someone. Or sleep with someone's spouse. Or steal a car. Or lie in court about your neighbor.
Nope. Those are the biggies, the ones that most good Israelites could put on their list of "bad things I've never done."
Then Jesus showed up and took an eraser to their lists. He said those biggies start as real sin in the secret places of the heart. To tune your mind to lust, He said, is heart adultery. To hate a person, John wrote, is to be a murderer. We've all learned how to steal a digital thing or two from the anonymous privacy of our computers. And lying in court is only a public version of lying to our parents.
None of us is really innocent, even of all the biggies. Part of the point of the Law was to convince us all that we can't keep that Law, that we are not good enough on our own for God. We needed Jesus to keep them all for us. And we thank God He did, then died to pay for all the ones we broke.
Think: Do you have a list of sins you are proud not to have committed? Is there any real honor in having broken some of God's Law and not other parts of it?
Pray: Ask God to help you not to kill, hate, lust, commit adultery, steal (anything ever), or lie (for any reason). Thank Him that Jesus died for all your sins and that you've been forgiven for them through faith and by His grace.
Do: Read Galatians 3 to hear what Paul has to say about the difference between living by faith in Christ and living under the Law of Moses.
2. Forgettable Fact
Babies are born without knee caps.
3. Quotes
Search not for a friend in a time of need, for a true friend shall find thee. ~ Anonymous
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes its so incredible, its unbelievable. ~ Tom Landry.
1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
The Big Ones
"You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." (Exodus 20:13-16)
Can you believe that's four whole verses up there? Commandments numbers six through nine are so simple and straightforward. And they're probably the easiest to keep, right? I mean, you don't usually just have a bad day and kill someone. Or sleep with someone's spouse. Or steal a car. Or lie in court about your neighbor.
Nope. Those are the biggies, the ones that most good Israelites could put on their list of "bad things I've never done."
Then Jesus showed up and took an eraser to their lists. He said those biggies start as real sin in the secret places of the heart. To tune your mind to lust, He said, is heart adultery. To hate a person, John wrote, is to be a murderer. We've all learned how to steal a digital thing or two from the anonymous privacy of our computers. And lying in court is only a public version of lying to our parents.
None of us is really innocent, even of all the biggies. Part of the point of the Law was to convince us all that we can't keep that Law, that we are not good enough on our own for God. We needed Jesus to keep them all for us. And we thank God He did, then died to pay for all the ones we broke.
Think: Do you have a list of sins you are proud not to have committed? Is there any real honor in having broken some of God's Law and not other parts of it?
Pray: Ask God to help you not to kill, hate, lust, commit adultery, steal (anything ever), or lie (for any reason). Thank Him that Jesus died for all your sins and that you've been forgiven for them through faith and by His grace.
Do: Read Galatians 3 to hear what Paul has to say about the difference between living by faith in Christ and living under the Law of Moses.
2. Forgettable Fact
Babies are born without knee caps.
3. Quotes
Search not for a friend in a time of need, for a true friend shall find thee. ~ Anonymous
Football is an incredible game. Sometimes its so incredible, its unbelievable. ~ Tom Landry.
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