Prayers Answered at Auto-Zone

I must admit to you that I often neglect the power of prayer. Over the years, the countless sermons, classes, and personal studies regarding prayer have drilled the importance of prayer deep in to my brain. So deep, in fact, that I often become numb to the reality of prayer’s power and the connection it gives me to the creator. John 15:7 states that if we “remain” in Christ and His words “remain” in us, then whatever we wish will be given to us. I believe this means that if our intentions are pure and directed towards serving God, we will find satisfaction in our prayers.
I had an excellent time at VBE. All of the teachers and volunteers did fantastic job. I must give a shout out to the teens who gave up their evenings all week (and days for a few of you) to decorate, sing silly songs, make videos, and generally attempt to keep some sense of order at VBE. I bring up VBE in the middle of this discussion of prayer because I believe God answered many prayers on the last evening of VBE. Up until Thursday evening’s session, the weather report predicted lighting and rain. We scrambled to find alternative entertainment for the kids and considered canceling the outdoor activities. Well, the weather cleared up just in time to allow us to head outdoors. I was knocked out of my socks by this occurrence.
To add to my amazement, another prayer was answered for Sara and I this past weekend. After a trip to the DIA, our car began to buck like a wild bronco every time it went idle. We were both frustrated by and left with worry over our only means of transportation. While having the car checked at Auto-Zone, a stranger offered to look at our car. He solved a problem that had been plaguing us for weeks in about 5 minutes. And, he didn’t even want our money! One might consider these two situations to be coincidences, but I see them as answers to prayers at times when extreme doubt began to fill my head. “Be alert and always keep on praying”. (Eph. 6:18) Trust me when I say that our prayers are both heard and answered.

Thanks From the Roseville Youth Group

I want to use this week’s article to share with anyone reading this (all 4 of you), how well things are going with the youth ministry at the Roseville Church of Christ. Many may not know this, but we actually have an organized group of young men and women who meet on a regular basis in order to share in fun, fellowship, and service. My wife and I are extremely thankful that the Roseville Church continues to support this ministry. We believe that it is very important to give our youth an alternative place to enjoy themselves while growing as Christians. I know that I personally would not be the person I am today without being part of an active youth ministry. My parents were involved in ministry from before I was born. Youth ministry is just one way to get involved in the church.
I have seen tremendous maturity in the youth at Roseville. There are teens here that are willing and ready to learn the Bible and serve the Lord when they have countless alternatives. I have had the pleasure of seeing a few of them grow up from wide-eyed children in to mature adults. This is a testament to the work done within the church, particularly by the parents. Youth ministry would not exist without strong parents and the many incredible volunteers willing to give their time to the ministry.
2009 has been the busiest year yet for the youth group. God has provided a large number of activities and services for us to become a part of. Everything from Winterfest to Cedar Point has been well attended and well supported. Visit http://rosevilleteens.com or http://www.rosevilleyouth.com to keep updated on youth group events. If you have ideas or would like to be a volunteer, contact me at (248) 420-0842 or send e-mail to epsilon_rc@hotmail.com. Paul tells Timothy to not let anyone look down on him in his youth and instead set an example (1 Tim 4:12). Because of the youth ministry at Roseville, the teens are able to know Christ and set an example that reflects him.

Christians Deserve Forgiveness Too

After reading the title of this article, you might a little confused. Hopefully, you are intrigued. This will be a difficult concept for me to explain (especially in less than half a page), but hang in there with me. Lately, I have been considering what I’ve said about my church experience. More specifically, I’ve been considering what I’ve said in the presence of those who are not Christians. There is a particular relative of mine that I’ve wanted to become a follower of Christ since I was a young child. I’ve sat with this person countless times in attempts to discuss the wonderful things about being a follower of Christ. This person, like so many others, tends to see the negative side of Christianity.
In the news, there are countless stories about Christians who commit violent acts in the name of Christ. Based on a twisted reputation, many believe that Christianity consists of nothing more than punishment and criticism. The biggest detraction is that my relative has met individuals claiming to be Christians that live no differently than other people.
What I have noticed very little is the part that I myself play in my relative’s perception of Christianity. In my high school and college years particularly, I would complain about the church in the presence of my relative. I would talk about how I tire of hypocrites, judgmental individuals, and those who distort the teachings of Christ. Who would want to become a Christian when a Christian finds so many faults within the church? 2 Tim. 3:16 states that scripture is useful for rebuking and correcting. It is also useful for teaching and “training in righteousness”! We need to be willing to forgive each other the way that God does. Christians are humans and humans make mistakes. If you see a problem in the church, do your best to lovingly correct the problem as Christ would! Complaints just fuel the fires set to destroy Christianity. “Come now, let us reason together.” (Isa. 1:18)