The youth group had an excellent trip to Gatlinburg, TN for Winterfest this year. We would like to thank everyone who made the trip possible including (but not limited to) the parents, teens, sponsors, elders, and everyone who donated funds through the collection plate and our various fundraising events. As always, this trip allowed us to have fun, bond together, worship, and learn more about our God. Everyone who attends comes back spiritually invigorated and more enthusiastic about serving the Lord.
This year’s theme for Winterfest was “The Veil”. The theme was addressed from several angles. We discussed “the veils” in our lives. All of us have things in our lives that keep us separated from God and blind to the truth. We make idols out of a variety of pursuits including money, beauty, health, sex, and popularity. We make ourselves comfortable with the temporary and avoid the eternal God. Daniel and his associates were used as examples of individuals who put God first even when facing threats of death.
Our world was compared to the city of Babylon and it’s lust for power, wealth, and physical pleasures. The speakers told the story of Belshazzar and his lack of respect for God. He was given a prophecy of his destruction and we will end up destroyed as well if we try to gain life outside of God. One lesson was about the veil on the temple and how Christ’s sacrifice gives us access to God.
There was an excellent presentation on apologetics. Through a mock debate between a believer and a naturalist/agnostic, we were shown how to defend our faith without being condescending or offensively aggressive. Finally, we heard the story of Sean Algaier, a youth minister and “Biggest Loser” contestant who has lost nearly 200 lbs. He spoke about confronting our personal demons and achieving excellence with God’s help.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Life of a Christian is Curling
According to the bastion of information known as Wikipedia, “curling is a team sport with similarities to lawn bowling and shuffleboard played on a sheet of carefully prepared ice.” Two teams with four players on each team take turns sliding heavy (about 42 lbs.), polished granite stones down the ice towards a circular target marked on the ice (called the “house”). As the stone makes it way across the 140 to 150 feet ice surface, two sweepers brush the ice to control the speed and trajectory of the stones. The purpose of the game is to complete a delivery of 16 stones (an “end”) with the winning team’s stones closer to the center of the house than the opposing team’s stones. There are 10 ends in a complete match.
A curling team is named according to when a team member throws a stone. The lead is the first, the second is appropriately titled as the “second”, the vice is the third, and the skip is the last to throw a stone. There are three basic shots: a draw puts the stone in the house, a guard protects a stone or creates an obstacle, and a takeout knocks out an opponent’s stone. The sport of curling is featured as part of the Winter Olympics.
Studying Matthew 7, there are a few teachings of Jesus that can be connected to curling. For one, curling requires a precise draw throw towards the house. In order for us to have life, we must walk on the narrow road. There are others (sweepers if you will) that can assist us in staying on this road. We have to watch out for false prophets who try to lead us away from God. They are like the takeout throws. Finally, and I think this is a perfect illustration; the wise man builds his house on the rock. Though stones might try to take us out of the house, a guard, the rock of our salvation, defends us.
A curling team is named according to when a team member throws a stone. The lead is the first, the second is appropriately titled as the “second”, the vice is the third, and the skip is the last to throw a stone. There are three basic shots: a draw puts the stone in the house, a guard protects a stone or creates an obstacle, and a takeout knocks out an opponent’s stone. The sport of curling is featured as part of the Winter Olympics.
Studying Matthew 7, there are a few teachings of Jesus that can be connected to curling. For one, curling requires a precise draw throw towards the house. In order for us to have life, we must walk on the narrow road. There are others (sweepers if you will) that can assist us in staying on this road. We have to watch out for false prophets who try to lead us away from God. They are like the takeout throws. Finally, and I think this is a perfect illustration; the wise man builds his house on the rock. Though stones might try to take us out of the house, a guard, the rock of our salvation, defends us.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Babies Are Evil
I read on article on the Internet this morning that reveals some of the more “evil” actions observed in babies. This isn’t just another ploy of mine to avoid having children as I still plan for my wife and I to do that in the near future. I just want to make you, the reader, aware of what human beings are capable of when living purely by instinct.
Scientists have observed that before reaching 6 months of life, babies will fake laugh and cry to get attention. They pause during crying to see if anyone is paying attention. Babies also know how to create a distraction if they’ve done something wrong. UK researchers conducted a study in 2004 that revealed babies show prejudice. Almost 100% of the babies in the study spent more time looking at photos of people deemed to be “attractive” than “unattractive”. Babies also tend to focus longer on photos of people of the same skin color. The theory is that babies are attached to the people of their own tribe. Babies also exhibit defiance in the form of tantrums and constant use of the word “No” in order to define themselves and exhibit control over their environments. Finally, (this might really shock you) babies bang their heads to get the rush of adrenaline from the pain and the comforted exhaustion afterwards.
As we study the life and teachings of Christ in our teen class, I have been brought back to “The Jungle Book” on several occasions. If we don’t spend our lives learning and growing spiritually as we grow physically, we are nothing more than instinct driven animals. 1 Cor. 3:2 and Hebrews 5:12 contrast “milk” and “solid food”. We should be progressing from milk to solid food but constantly obstruct our own growth. The best way to achieve maturity is together. We have to build each other up and equip each other to do God’s work. (Eph. 4:12-13)
Scientists have observed that before reaching 6 months of life, babies will fake laugh and cry to get attention. They pause during crying to see if anyone is paying attention. Babies also know how to create a distraction if they’ve done something wrong. UK researchers conducted a study in 2004 that revealed babies show prejudice. Almost 100% of the babies in the study spent more time looking at photos of people deemed to be “attractive” than “unattractive”. Babies also tend to focus longer on photos of people of the same skin color. The theory is that babies are attached to the people of their own tribe. Babies also exhibit defiance in the form of tantrums and constant use of the word “No” in order to define themselves and exhibit control over their environments. Finally, (this might really shock you) babies bang their heads to get the rush of adrenaline from the pain and the comforted exhaustion afterwards.
As we study the life and teachings of Christ in our teen class, I have been brought back to “The Jungle Book” on several occasions. If we don’t spend our lives learning and growing spiritually as we grow physically, we are nothing more than instinct driven animals. 1 Cor. 3:2 and Hebrews 5:12 contrast “milk” and “solid food”. We should be progressing from milk to solid food but constantly obstruct our own growth. The best way to achieve maturity is together. We have to build each other up and equip each other to do God’s work. (Eph. 4:12-13)
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Manage Up
This week fun bit o’ information comes to us courtesy of Lynn Taylor, author of the book “Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job”. Let it be known for the record that I love my boss (God), I don’t think anyone in the office is childish, and I haven’t even read Lynn Taylor’s book. (I don’t read nearly as much as I would like to)
According to a survey issued by Taylor, employees spend 19.2 hours a week worrying about what their bosses say so or do. 13 of these hours come during the workweek and 6.2 of them come during the weekend. Taylor states, especially in this economic climate, that employees “have to set limits as you would with a child.” Her approach comes in form of a handy acronym: “C.A.L.M.”.
First, you must “Communicate with your boss bravely, openly, honestly, and frequently.” You must Anticipate – “be aware of problems before they escalate and have solutions ready”. One must also Laugh to relieve tension and create “a better atmosphere”. Finally, an employee should “Manage up by using negative and positive enforcement for certain behaviors.”
Reading the article about Lynn Taylor on walletpop.com, several principles from scripture came to mind. The one regulation that one might believe stands in opposition to scripture is “Manage up”. While we can’t manage God, we can certainly manage our view of Him and how we interact with Him. God isn’t constantly waiting for us to make mistakes so that he can issue punishment. (Jer. 29:11) God is not looking for blind, fearful devotion. When Jacob wrestled with an angel in Gen. 32, he was rewarded. We should constantly be wrestling with our concept of God, re-examining why and how we dedicate our lives to Him.
According to a survey issued by Taylor, employees spend 19.2 hours a week worrying about what their bosses say so or do. 13 of these hours come during the workweek and 6.2 of them come during the weekend. Taylor states, especially in this economic climate, that employees “have to set limits as you would with a child.” Her approach comes in form of a handy acronym: “C.A.L.M.”.
First, you must “Communicate with your boss bravely, openly, honestly, and frequently.” You must Anticipate – “be aware of problems before they escalate and have solutions ready”. One must also Laugh to relieve tension and create “a better atmosphere”. Finally, an employee should “Manage up by using negative and positive enforcement for certain behaviors.”
Reading the article about Lynn Taylor on walletpop.com, several principles from scripture came to mind. The one regulation that one might believe stands in opposition to scripture is “Manage up”. While we can’t manage God, we can certainly manage our view of Him and how we interact with Him. God isn’t constantly waiting for us to make mistakes so that he can issue punishment. (Jer. 29:11) God is not looking for blind, fearful devotion. When Jacob wrestled with an angel in Gen. 32, he was rewarded. We should constantly be wrestling with our concept of God, re-examining why and how we dedicate our lives to Him.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A Hostage's Survival Guide
This week I’d like to share with you a few tips for surviving a hostage situation. Let’s hope you’re never in one, but at least you’ll know how to stay alive. These are tense times in our world, with levels of stress, angst, and general political unrest rising constantly. You never know when that next trip to the bank or shopping mall will turn in to an all out hostage crisis. This information comes from the NYPD negotiation team.
First, don’t try to be a hero. Second, do what you are told. Don’t speak unless you are spoken to, and then only when necessary. Get comfortable but always keep an eye on your captor. Don’t make suggestions, as you’ll be blamed if anything goes wrong. Don’t try to escape unless you are absolutely positive you’ll be able to. Even then, you should think twice. Let medical needs be known in a matter of fact way. Be observant, memorizing the captors’ faces, names, etc. Only answer “yes” or “no” if you are the end fielding questions from the authorities. Finally, don’t be argumentative and hit the floor when help comes.
A lot of the comments on this article suggested that if you know you are going to die, you should attack your captors like some of the 9/11 victims did. Other comments suggested that these tips are intelligent and contrast many of Hollywood’s representations of hostage crises. I often consider how Jesus handled his captivity. In Isaiah 53, Jesus is likened to “a lamb to the slaughter”. He could have escaped, but he said nothing. There are times in our lives where we have to take a stand and sacrifice ourselves for others. There are other times when we need to endure until help arrives. In Matt. 4, Jesus endures tremendous temptation until Satan leaves him and angels come to attend him. For now we are help captive in our bodies. If we carry on, we will be saved.
First, don’t try to be a hero. Second, do what you are told. Don’t speak unless you are spoken to, and then only when necessary. Get comfortable but always keep an eye on your captor. Don’t make suggestions, as you’ll be blamed if anything goes wrong. Don’t try to escape unless you are absolutely positive you’ll be able to. Even then, you should think twice. Let medical needs be known in a matter of fact way. Be observant, memorizing the captors’ faces, names, etc. Only answer “yes” or “no” if you are the end fielding questions from the authorities. Finally, don’t be argumentative and hit the floor when help comes.
A lot of the comments on this article suggested that if you know you are going to die, you should attack your captors like some of the 9/11 victims did. Other comments suggested that these tips are intelligent and contrast many of Hollywood’s representations of hostage crises. I often consider how Jesus handled his captivity. In Isaiah 53, Jesus is likened to “a lamb to the slaughter”. He could have escaped, but he said nothing. There are times in our lives where we have to take a stand and sacrifice ourselves for others. There are other times when we need to endure until help arrives. In Matt. 4, Jesus endures tremendous temptation until Satan leaves him and angels come to attend him. For now we are help captive in our bodies. If we carry on, we will be saved.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Team God
An interesting debate has arisen among many of my friends and associates. The split seen among my peer group is reflective of a larger split facing the entire population. I do not speak of race, economics, or other common sources of division. I refer to the Conan vs. Leno controversy that has infested my news gathering experience. For those of you who don’t know (kudos to you for having actually important matters occupying your time), Jay Leno’s current 10:00p talk show will be moved to 11:30 after the Olympics and Conan O’Brien is to be moved to 12:00p. However, Conan has stated that he is not willing to inhabit this time slot and might leave NBC if negotiations fail.
One commentary compared this situation to telling your wife that you will be marrying someone new in 5 years whom you’ve become interested in. Your wife decides to get in shape and others start to take notice of her. When 5 years has passed, you try to work out an agreement to keep both relationships.
Needless to say (sorry polygamists!), it is not in one’s best interests to have two wives. God designed marriage to be between one man and one woman. (Matt. 19) God isn’t a fan of divided interests. He values loyalty, commitment, and discipline. Matthew 6:24 tells us, “no one can serve two masters.” You can’t “have your cake and eat it too” so to speak. Sometimes the offerings of the world are mighty tempting. It often seems like the bigger, better deal or the greener grass is offered outside of God. However, us Christians make a covenant with God. A covenant isn’t something you can slip in and out of. Imagine how angry your spouse would be if you told him/her that you want to marry someone else. Now imagine how the all-powerful God feels when you chose to leave Him.
One commentary compared this situation to telling your wife that you will be marrying someone new in 5 years whom you’ve become interested in. Your wife decides to get in shape and others start to take notice of her. When 5 years has passed, you try to work out an agreement to keep both relationships.
Needless to say (sorry polygamists!), it is not in one’s best interests to have two wives. God designed marriage to be between one man and one woman. (Matt. 19) God isn’t a fan of divided interests. He values loyalty, commitment, and discipline. Matthew 6:24 tells us, “no one can serve two masters.” You can’t “have your cake and eat it too” so to speak. Sometimes the offerings of the world are mighty tempting. It often seems like the bigger, better deal or the greener grass is offered outside of God. However, us Christians make a covenant with God. A covenant isn’t something you can slip in and out of. Imagine how angry your spouse would be if you told him/her that you want to marry someone else. Now imagine how the all-powerful God feels when you chose to leave Him.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Someone Has a Stinky Kitty!
In case I haven’t mentioned it before, I will remind you that my life is chock full of awkward moments. I don’t know if I have more than my fair share, but these moments come ridiculously often in my daily interactions with other human beings. Let’s just say if I ask someone for a synonym of awkward, he or she replies, “Your life”. This morning’s awkward moment was not nearly embarrassing as many others, but it was uncomfortable nevertheless. The following story, which you’d know if you followed me on Twitter or Facebook, mentions urine. I hope that doesn’t offend you and lead to yet another awkward moment.
I took all three of my pets to the vet this morning. I carried the cat in first, sharing in pet related conversation with other pet owners (awkward conversation, I should add). I went to get my dogs and came back to find the cat had covered herself in urine. She is an extremely clean animal and has never done this before. Her formerly fluffy, now soaked body made its way around the vet’s office covering everything in urine and filling the air with a horrendous scent. I apologized at least 40 times. To make things worse, I was very tired and fell in to a guilt-induced trance. While I was thinking about how remorseful I was, the veterinary assistant asked me if I had any questions. I believe that I stared her straight in the face for at least 10 to 15 seconds before giving an answer.
I don’t think life has to be as awkward and guilt ridden as we sometimes make it. In Romans 8 we learn that because of Jesus, we do not face condemnation. John 8:36 tells us that the Son has made us free. We should live like we are free, excited about who we are and how God can use us to do his work. If we live sincerely by faith, we live with a clean conscience. (Heb. 10) We don’t have to worry about what other people think of us because God thinks well enough of us to set us free from sin and guilt! Hold your head up high and know you’re saved!
I took all three of my pets to the vet this morning. I carried the cat in first, sharing in pet related conversation with other pet owners (awkward conversation, I should add). I went to get my dogs and came back to find the cat had covered herself in urine. She is an extremely clean animal and has never done this before. Her formerly fluffy, now soaked body made its way around the vet’s office covering everything in urine and filling the air with a horrendous scent. I apologized at least 40 times. To make things worse, I was very tired and fell in to a guilt-induced trance. While I was thinking about how remorseful I was, the veterinary assistant asked me if I had any questions. I believe that I stared her straight in the face for at least 10 to 15 seconds before giving an answer.
I don’t think life has to be as awkward and guilt ridden as we sometimes make it. In Romans 8 we learn that because of Jesus, we do not face condemnation. John 8:36 tells us that the Son has made us free. We should live like we are free, excited about who we are and how God can use us to do his work. If we live sincerely by faith, we live with a clean conscience. (Heb. 10) We don’t have to worry about what other people think of us because God thinks well enough of us to set us free from sin and guilt! Hold your head up high and know you’re saved!
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