Monday, March 7, 2011
Friday, August 20, 2010
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hey girls and guys!
Hope everyone is enjoying being back in school!! We have a few upcoming events we want everyone to be aware of.
Saturday August 21-We are moving into our OWN youth room. Come help us make it our own! Wear your old clothes because you will be getting dirty!
Be there at 3pm. Also after we get finished we we will be going to eat dinner and to Winner's Circle so bring some money also! Hope to see you there!
Sunday August 22-We will be having a drama informational meeting about the drama team at 4:30pm in the fellowship hall. We will also be having a devotional so bring your BIBLES!!
Sunday August 29-We are going to the Murphy's house to have a BACK TO SCHOOL swim party. After morning service go to fellowship hall and change. We will eat pizza before leaving church. Girls: one pieces or two piece with tank top. We will be back for the evening service! Come and have a good time with us! Don't forget your sunscreen!
Hope everyone is enjoying being back in school!! We have a few upcoming events we want everyone to be aware of.
Saturday August 21-We are moving into our OWN youth room. Come help us make it our own! Wear your old clothes because you will be getting dirty!
Be there at 3pm. Also after we get finished we we will be going to eat dinner and to Winner's Circle so bring some money also! Hope to see you there!
Sunday August 22-We will be having a drama informational meeting about the drama team at 4:30pm in the fellowship hall. We will also be having a devotional so bring your BIBLES!!
Sunday August 29-We are going to the Murphy's house to have a BACK TO SCHOOL swim party. After morning service go to fellowship hall and change. We will eat pizza before leaving church. Girls: one pieces or two piece with tank top. We will be back for the evening service! Come and have a good time with us! Don't forget your sunscreen!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Would You Be Better Off Without It?
A few weeks ago, Jenny, one of our youth leaders, did a lesson about "Tables" based on Philippians 4:8. Each of the 3 tables were either "good", "bad" or "neither"; or black, white or grey. The kids had to determine, based upon the objects on the tables, which table was black (bad), which was good (white) and which was not necessarily either one (grey), in regards to purity, honor and being admirable in the spiritual sense.
This got me to thinking about how we know that we should constantly try to stay at the spiritually "white" table, and definitely avoid sitting at the spiritually "black" table, but what about the "grey" table? Should we avoid it, too? You have to wonder, will spending time at the "grey" table lead you to sitting down at the "white" table, or the "black" table?
Look at your life right now. Evaluate who you are. Think about what it is you're doing and whether it is "true and honorable and right". Do the things you are doing right now make you want to do, or even think about doing things that are "pure and lovely and admirable"?
Let me ask you, if you had to choose a limb, or an appendage, or an organ (like an eye, or your tongue), to be cut off, and it would actually help you live a life that is "true and honorable and right... pure and lovely and admirable", what would it be? What amputation, or organ removal, given your present state of "Christ-likeness" would actually be a help, and not a hindrance?
One of the biggest, and most widespread characteristics of the depravity of man is lust. Usually, when the word lust is mentioned, thoughts of excessive, immoral desire come to mind. But that's not all of what lust is. By definition, lust is having a self-absorbed desire for an object, person, or experience. Even an intense personal eagerness or enthusiasm; e.g. a lust for life. In a nutshell, lust is the driving force in a personal agenda. The word "lust" is pretty much an New Testament word based upon Old Testament principles.
Exodus chapter 20 gives us the Ten Commandments. Let me ask you, does it say anywhere in the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not lust"? Let's see: no gods before God, no idols or graven images, don't use the Lord's name in vain, remember the Sabbath to keep it holy, honor your father and mother, do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, don't give false testimony (or lie) and do not covet. Hmmm, I don't see "do not lust".
Now break down the whole of what lust is and tell me if lust is addressed in the Ten Commandments. Does lust seem to have a part in each of the Commandments? Think about it. If we have broken any of the Commandments, then we are on our own agenda; our self-absorbed desire for something other than the perfect will of God.
Now, what does this have to do with Jenny's lesson and my question about amputation? In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus talks about removing those things that cause you to sin- and He's talking about taking your eye out if it causes you to lust, or cutting off your hand if it causes you to do wrong! Was He speaking metaphorically? You tell me. Do physical conditions and actions have spiritual implications? You know the answer to that.
Now, knowing this, what do you need to remove from your life? What "handicap" would actually be a help and not a hindrance? Is there anything that brings you fear, guilt, shame, or makes you keep secrets about sin in your life? Is there anything that is binding you down or chaining you up- keeping you from being free? Remove it, and throw it away.
Friends, relationships, cell phones, internet, media, drugs, alcohol, pornography, sexual immorality, witchcraft, social networking- whatever it is that keeps you on your own self-absorbed agenda, and away from God's perfect plan- cut it off, and throw it away! It may be painful, and seem like a "handicap" at first, but remember, you can do all things through Christ, Who is your strength (Philippians 4:13), and He promised, saying "be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the ends of the age." (Matthew 28:20 NLT).
So, whatever it is that is causing you to be less than who God made you- cut it off and throw it away. Wouldn't you be better off without it?
I love you all, and pray for you continually.
In Christ, for Christ,
Guy.
This got me to thinking about how we know that we should constantly try to stay at the spiritually "white" table, and definitely avoid sitting at the spiritually "black" table, but what about the "grey" table? Should we avoid it, too? You have to wonder, will spending time at the "grey" table lead you to sitting down at the "white" table, or the "black" table?
Look at your life right now. Evaluate who you are. Think about what it is you're doing and whether it is "true and honorable and right". Do the things you are doing right now make you want to do, or even think about doing things that are "pure and lovely and admirable"?
Let me ask you, if you had to choose a limb, or an appendage, or an organ (like an eye, or your tongue), to be cut off, and it would actually help you live a life that is "true and honorable and right... pure and lovely and admirable", what would it be? What amputation, or organ removal, given your present state of "Christ-likeness" would actually be a help, and not a hindrance?
One of the biggest, and most widespread characteristics of the depravity of man is lust. Usually, when the word lust is mentioned, thoughts of excessive, immoral desire come to mind. But that's not all of what lust is. By definition, lust is having a self-absorbed desire for an object, person, or experience. Even an intense personal eagerness or enthusiasm; e.g. a lust for life. In a nutshell, lust is the driving force in a personal agenda. The word "lust" is pretty much an New Testament word based upon Old Testament principles.
Exodus chapter 20 gives us the Ten Commandments. Let me ask you, does it say anywhere in the Ten Commandments, "Thou shalt not lust"? Let's see: no gods before God, no idols or graven images, don't use the Lord's name in vain, remember the Sabbath to keep it holy, honor your father and mother, do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, don't give false testimony (or lie) and do not covet. Hmmm, I don't see "do not lust".
Now break down the whole of what lust is and tell me if lust is addressed in the Ten Commandments. Does lust seem to have a part in each of the Commandments? Think about it. If we have broken any of the Commandments, then we are on our own agenda; our self-absorbed desire for something other than the perfect will of God.
Now, what does this have to do with Jenny's lesson and my question about amputation? In Matthew 5:29-30, Jesus talks about removing those things that cause you to sin- and He's talking about taking your eye out if it causes you to lust, or cutting off your hand if it causes you to do wrong! Was He speaking metaphorically? You tell me. Do physical conditions and actions have spiritual implications? You know the answer to that.
Now, knowing this, what do you need to remove from your life? What "handicap" would actually be a help and not a hindrance? Is there anything that brings you fear, guilt, shame, or makes you keep secrets about sin in your life? Is there anything that is binding you down or chaining you up- keeping you from being free? Remove it, and throw it away.
Friends, relationships, cell phones, internet, media, drugs, alcohol, pornography, sexual immorality, witchcraft, social networking- whatever it is that keeps you on your own self-absorbed agenda, and away from God's perfect plan- cut it off, and throw it away! It may be painful, and seem like a "handicap" at first, but remember, you can do all things through Christ, Who is your strength (Philippians 4:13), and He promised, saying "be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the ends of the age." (Matthew 28:20 NLT).
So, whatever it is that is causing you to be less than who God made you- cut it off and throw it away. Wouldn't you be better off without it?
I love you all, and pray for you continually.
In Christ, for Christ,
Guy.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Faithful Focus
So... School's out for the summer! Ah, sleeping late, no homework, tests, reports or even school lunches for the next couple of months! You don't have to struggle trying to stay awake while your math teacher tries to convince you that logarithms are key to the survival of all mankind, or try to keep from getting caught laughing at your gym coach who sports the knee high socks with the athletic shorts and flip-up sunglasses! Yeah, I know, right.
Hey, since you don't have to do the "school stuff" you use to do for 8-9 hours a day, that means you've got a lot of time to just do "whatever"! But what kind of stuff is the "whatever" stuff? I know there's going to be a lot of tv time, Facebook, texting and internet time, as well, but what are you seeing while you're doing those things?
If I had to suggest one verse for a life verse over this summer, I would actually recommend you memorize and live out all of Psalm 101. But, one part of one verse in Psalm 101 particularly stands out; the first part of verse 3. It says, "I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar." (New Living Translation)
Now why would the psalmist see it as so important to "refuse" to look at things he shouldn't. Seriously now. He didn't say, "I will try my hardest not to look at such things", or " I won't look at those kinds of things when my parents are home because I may get caught and be in trouble". No, he said he REFUSES to view such things! Refusing to do something is an intensive and deliberate decision that results in not doing it, no matter what! Uh-uh! I ain't gonna, and nothing can make me!
You see, it's very important to understand what the psalmist of Psalm 101 understood way back then, because even though so much has changed, so much has stayed the same. He knew, like we do today, that if all we put into ourselves is junk and garbage, then eventually we will be filled with only junk and garbage. There are many ways that we allow things into our hearts and minds, but the way I want to address right now is our sight.
Our eyes record everything they see. Every image we set our eyes on leaves an impression on our brains. Under normal circumstances, (like not having severe head trauma or a lobotomy) these images are never erased. Sometimes, they can be recalled selectively, other times they just appear for no reason at all. You know what I'm talking about- those times where you're like, sitting in church, and the scene from that movie you shouldn't have seen, or web site you shouldn't have visited, or game you shouldn't have played, pops into your mind. Then you start looking around to see if anybody saw it, too! Or, you have a rush of guilt because you can't believe you were thinking about, or remembering that! Why are you?
The surest way to stay out of trouble isn't to cover your tracks, or destroy all the evidence so you won't get caught, but is instead to just simply not do what you're not supposed to do! So it stands to reason that the surest way to keep your mind free from garbage being remembered and played back is to never give it the junk to see in the first place! Right?
So how do you keep your mind "clean" with so much dirt out there, pretty much in your face? Do you remember the "Tables" lesson that Jenny did a few Wednesdays ago? Yeah, the one with the "good", "bad" and "so-so" stuff on the tables? Well, this lesson focused on Philippians 4:8, and says,"...Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
It's simple: Fill yourself with the good stuff! Consider your soul, your heart and your mind a high-performance engine, and you eyes the fuel inlet. If you want your "engine" to run at optimal performance, then you fill it with the proper octane (grade) of fuel. You wouldn't use the same fuel you put in your lawnmower! High octane fuel for high output performance, right? Just think about it. If you put "low grade" fuel in an engine that requires "high test", you're running the risk of potentially harming the "engine" and various other components.
What I'm getting at is the best way to keep your spiritual engine running at optimal performance, is to intentionally put in only the" high-test fuel and additives" that are "true and honorable and right... pure and lovely and admirable".
Psalm 101:3
"I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar." (New Living Translation)
Have a GREAT summer! Be a blessing to all! Love you guys.
Guy
Matthew 5:16
Hey, since you don't have to do the "school stuff" you use to do for 8-9 hours a day, that means you've got a lot of time to just do "whatever"! But what kind of stuff is the "whatever" stuff? I know there's going to be a lot of tv time, Facebook, texting and internet time, as well, but what are you seeing while you're doing those things?
If I had to suggest one verse for a life verse over this summer, I would actually recommend you memorize and live out all of Psalm 101. But, one part of one verse in Psalm 101 particularly stands out; the first part of verse 3. It says, "I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar." (New Living Translation)
Now why would the psalmist see it as so important to "refuse" to look at things he shouldn't. Seriously now. He didn't say, "I will try my hardest not to look at such things", or " I won't look at those kinds of things when my parents are home because I may get caught and be in trouble". No, he said he REFUSES to view such things! Refusing to do something is an intensive and deliberate decision that results in not doing it, no matter what! Uh-uh! I ain't gonna, and nothing can make me!
You see, it's very important to understand what the psalmist of Psalm 101 understood way back then, because even though so much has changed, so much has stayed the same. He knew, like we do today, that if all we put into ourselves is junk and garbage, then eventually we will be filled with only junk and garbage. There are many ways that we allow things into our hearts and minds, but the way I want to address right now is our sight.
Our eyes record everything they see. Every image we set our eyes on leaves an impression on our brains. Under normal circumstances, (like not having severe head trauma or a lobotomy) these images are never erased. Sometimes, they can be recalled selectively, other times they just appear for no reason at all. You know what I'm talking about- those times where you're like, sitting in church, and the scene from that movie you shouldn't have seen, or web site you shouldn't have visited, or game you shouldn't have played, pops into your mind. Then you start looking around to see if anybody saw it, too! Or, you have a rush of guilt because you can't believe you were thinking about, or remembering that! Why are you?
The surest way to stay out of trouble isn't to cover your tracks, or destroy all the evidence so you won't get caught, but is instead to just simply not do what you're not supposed to do! So it stands to reason that the surest way to keep your mind free from garbage being remembered and played back is to never give it the junk to see in the first place! Right?
So how do you keep your mind "clean" with so much dirt out there, pretty much in your face? Do you remember the "Tables" lesson that Jenny did a few Wednesdays ago? Yeah, the one with the "good", "bad" and "so-so" stuff on the tables? Well, this lesson focused on Philippians 4:8, and says,"...Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
It's simple: Fill yourself with the good stuff! Consider your soul, your heart and your mind a high-performance engine, and you eyes the fuel inlet. If you want your "engine" to run at optimal performance, then you fill it with the proper octane (grade) of fuel. You wouldn't use the same fuel you put in your lawnmower! High octane fuel for high output performance, right? Just think about it. If you put "low grade" fuel in an engine that requires "high test", you're running the risk of potentially harming the "engine" and various other components.
What I'm getting at is the best way to keep your spiritual engine running at optimal performance, is to intentionally put in only the" high-test fuel and additives" that are "true and honorable and right... pure and lovely and admirable".
Psalm 101:3
"I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar." (New Living Translation)
Have a GREAT summer! Be a blessing to all! Love you guys.
Guy
Matthew 5:16
Friday, May 7, 2010
Is the Famine Really Over?
Let me start by saying how proud I am of you guys. You were absolutely awesome! This year's 30 Hour Famine was the best yet! Some of the things I saw in you guys over this past weekend completely blew my mind. I saw you guys give of yourself so unselfishly, and man was I blessed! Thank you so much for letting God work through you.
Providence Ministries is extremely grateful for you, as well. They were able to get their deep cleaning done, and were also able to tend to other areas that they normally can't get to on a regular day. Many of the people I talked to while we were at Providence voiced their approval for the work you guys did. As a matter of fact, they look forward to us coming back and helping out as often as we can. I think that's a great idea- helping out as often as we can! But, let me ask you something... Would you serve as often as you can?
That's one thing I hope each of you got from doing the Famine- realizing that there are people with many different needs at many different times. You see, the effects of poverty, the effects of bad choices and the effects many other situations and circumstances are visible and apparent ALL the time- not just the times that we get together with a group and decide to go help out.
Sure, you guys did a great job during the Famine. I was impressed that all of you went without food for 30 Hours (+1 as a challenge), especially while serving lunch at Providence! But do you remember the question I asked during the opening message? "Why are you doing the Famine?"
If your answer is along the lines of "to become more like Jesus", then you're on the right track. My prayer before, during and after the 30 Hour Famine is that each of us would get hungry, be hungry, and stay hungry for God. Because if we stay that way, we will follow after the only source that will fill us, we will be obedient, and become more like Christ. In doing these things we can, and will impact the world with a Kingdom effect and glorify God throughout.
Matthew 5:6 tells us that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Notice the word "will". It's a promise, it's a definite and right out of the mouth of God himself! It has to happen! It WILL happen! But we have to stay hungry for Him. So I ask you to check deep in yourself, search your soul, and examine your heart to see if the Famine is really over. The answer lies in just how hungry you really are.
I love you all, and pray that God will be constantly glorified by you, through you!
Guy
Matthew 5:16
Providence Ministries is extremely grateful for you, as well. They were able to get their deep cleaning done, and were also able to tend to other areas that they normally can't get to on a regular day. Many of the people I talked to while we were at Providence voiced their approval for the work you guys did. As a matter of fact, they look forward to us coming back and helping out as often as we can. I think that's a great idea- helping out as often as we can! But, let me ask you something... Would you serve as often as you can?
That's one thing I hope each of you got from doing the Famine- realizing that there are people with many different needs at many different times. You see, the effects of poverty, the effects of bad choices and the effects many other situations and circumstances are visible and apparent ALL the time- not just the times that we get together with a group and decide to go help out.
Sure, you guys did a great job during the Famine. I was impressed that all of you went without food for 30 Hours (+1 as a challenge), especially while serving lunch at Providence! But do you remember the question I asked during the opening message? "Why are you doing the Famine?"
If your answer is along the lines of "to become more like Jesus", then you're on the right track. My prayer before, during and after the 30 Hour Famine is that each of us would get hungry, be hungry, and stay hungry for God. Because if we stay that way, we will follow after the only source that will fill us, we will be obedient, and become more like Christ. In doing these things we can, and will impact the world with a Kingdom effect and glorify God throughout.
Matthew 5:6 tells us that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. Notice the word "will". It's a promise, it's a definite and right out of the mouth of God himself! It has to happen! It WILL happen! But we have to stay hungry for Him. So I ask you to check deep in yourself, search your soul, and examine your heart to see if the Famine is really over. The answer lies in just how hungry you really are.
I love you all, and pray that God will be constantly glorified by you, through you!
Guy
Matthew 5:16
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
"Feasting on Famine"
Ok guys, the 30 Hour Famine is just about 2 weeks away now (April 30- May 1st), and I am hungry for what's going to take place! I know the title of this post is kinda weird, but it makes perfect sense if you think about from the spiritual perspective.I mean really- do you want to be more Christ-like? Then you need only do one thing: OBEY!
Yep. That's it! All you have to do to be more Christ-like (aside from believing and accepting Him as your Lord and Savior) is obey Him. However, obedience to Him does require that you do quite a few things. First off is letting go of the world, and grabbing hold of your cross. That means giving up your desires (which usually are selfish) and giving in to His (which are always self-less.) Now, I'm not going to get into that topic any further because that is a sermon all in itself, but I will ask that you remember this past weeks message from Psalm 145. It calls us to praise God constantly, sharing how great He is and proclaiming this in all we do, with all we are.
Remember, we are to shine His light through our works, (and we are His light) so that our Father will be glorified. (Matthew 5:16) Even Christ didn't have His own agenda! At the age of 12 even, He told His mother, "I am about my Father's business." And, since we are God's children, and urged- no, commanded- to be imitators of Christ, shouldn't we be about the same?
To know God is to love God. To love God is to serve God. To serve God is to believe God.
Again, if faith without works is dead, can people say that we are alive? Salvation and true love for God WILL result in works that glorify Him, and an attitude of service for the love He has given us.
Now back to the statement about Feasting on Famine:
The question I asked earlier was if you wanted to be more like Christ? If you are truly saved, then the answer will be a resounding YES! If you have to think about it, then you better check yourself (and get with me asap so we can help straighten things out!) Does your soul crave communion with Him? Have you tasted how sweet and flavorful the Lord and His greatness is? Have you accepted His invitation to drink and thirst no more? Isn't He the bread of life, and His Word our daily bread? Sounds like an all you can eat buffet to me! It is- and then some!
Doing the Famine will help you draw closer to God, closer to your friends in your group, and help in satisfying that desire to be more Christ like as you minister to those who are in need. You may be hungry while you do it, but I guarantee you'll experience a fullness that truly satisfies!
I'm excited, and I'm expecting God to move in marvelous ways before during, and especially after the Famine! I am also praying for each and every one of you who are participating, that God will use you, bless you and be glorified through you!
I love you all, and pray that you always stay hungry and thirsty for Him and His righteousness, because you will be filled (Matthew 5:6).
Guy
Romans 12:11
Yep. That's it! All you have to do to be more Christ-like (aside from believing and accepting Him as your Lord and Savior) is obey Him. However, obedience to Him does require that you do quite a few things. First off is letting go of the world, and grabbing hold of your cross. That means giving up your desires (which usually are selfish) and giving in to His (which are always self-less.) Now, I'm not going to get into that topic any further because that is a sermon all in itself, but I will ask that you remember this past weeks message from Psalm 145. It calls us to praise God constantly, sharing how great He is and proclaiming this in all we do, with all we are.
Remember, we are to shine His light through our works, (and we are His light) so that our Father will be glorified. (Matthew 5:16) Even Christ didn't have His own agenda! At the age of 12 even, He told His mother, "I am about my Father's business." And, since we are God's children, and urged- no, commanded- to be imitators of Christ, shouldn't we be about the same?
To know God is to love God. To love God is to serve God. To serve God is to believe God.
Again, if faith without works is dead, can people say that we are alive? Salvation and true love for God WILL result in works that glorify Him, and an attitude of service for the love He has given us.
Now back to the statement about Feasting on Famine:
The question I asked earlier was if you wanted to be more like Christ? If you are truly saved, then the answer will be a resounding YES! If you have to think about it, then you better check yourself (and get with me asap so we can help straighten things out!) Does your soul crave communion with Him? Have you tasted how sweet and flavorful the Lord and His greatness is? Have you accepted His invitation to drink and thirst no more? Isn't He the bread of life, and His Word our daily bread? Sounds like an all you can eat buffet to me! It is- and then some!
Doing the Famine will help you draw closer to God, closer to your friends in your group, and help in satisfying that desire to be more Christ like as you minister to those who are in need. You may be hungry while you do it, but I guarantee you'll experience a fullness that truly satisfies!
I'm excited, and I'm expecting God to move in marvelous ways before during, and especially after the Famine! I am also praying for each and every one of you who are participating, that God will use you, bless you and be glorified through you!
I love you all, and pray that you always stay hungry and thirsty for Him and His righteousness, because you will be filled (Matthew 5:6).
Guy
Romans 12:11
Thursday, March 25, 2010
PBYM. (What does the "M" stand for again?)
Ok, guys. I know that PBYM has been lying in somewhat of a dormant state over the past few months. I know that we have seen a decrease in activities and attendance, and I know that some of you may actually be curious as to why. Well, here's the reason: I intentionally "cut back" on the amount of time and energy put into it. While there have been pretty substantial changes in the lives of the other adult leader families, mine has been pretty much unchanged and nothing has really happened to hinder my involvement. So what's the deal then?
Glad you asked. During the past few months, I have been "evaluating" PBYM. Yeah, just sitting down, watching, studying and praying. Why? Because I didn't like the direction we were headed. Huh? Let me explain...What does PBYM stand for? No, I don't mean what do WE stand for, but what does each letter in the acronym for our name stand for? P- Pathway, B- Baptist, Y- Youth, M...Ministry?Interesting. Ministry. What does the word "Ministry" mean anyway?
God has really been dealing with me a great deal about the "M" of PBYM. Deep in my heart, I feel that we need to change direction. You see, we talk about being the hands and feet of Christ, but our hands and feet still seem to have perfect manicures and pedicures, with no blisters from hard work, or even dirt under the nails from diggin' in and gettin' it done! That's gonna change. Right here, right now.
If faith without works is dead, then how many people can actually testify that PBYM is alive? We are no longer going to be self-serving, we are going to be self-less servers. We're not going to be entertained by God's love, we're going to be informers of His love instead. No more being only takers, we're going to be givers. Givers of His grace, givers of His mercy.
Why? Because it matters that much. People are lost, people are hurting, and people are afraid. The light of Christ's love that should shine through us can help them find the way to Him. It can soothe their pain, and cast away the darkness of fear. It can and it will, but they have got to see it. It's not for somebody else to do, it's for us to do. It's not to do some other time. There is no other time- there is only right now!
I hope you're ready, because we're getting ready to dive off into the deep end. It's not always going to be comfortable, but it will bring comfort. It's not always going to be easy, but you'll grow stronger. It's not always going to be fun, but I guarantee you'll love every minute of it!
So, back to the original question presented at the beginning of this post: What does the "M" stand for again?Take a few minutes to research the meaning of the "M" and contrast it with the PBYM you presently know. Then tell me what you believe we can do to justify the right to have the "M" in our name. Be creative, be honest and be thorough. I'm serious about this, guys. As a matter of fact, to show how serious, I've got a small token of appreciation for the first 5 of you who hit me back by Wednesday March 31, 2010 with your ideas and suggestions.
The only stipulations to this is that you have to be a fairly regular youth member of PBYM, and I will only accept email or handwritten/ typed entries with detailed information (not just a "what", but a "how" and a "why", too).
My email address is guyhamilton09@vzw.blackberry.net
Love,Guy
Matthew 5:16
Glad you asked. During the past few months, I have been "evaluating" PBYM. Yeah, just sitting down, watching, studying and praying. Why? Because I didn't like the direction we were headed. Huh? Let me explain...What does PBYM stand for? No, I don't mean what do WE stand for, but what does each letter in the acronym for our name stand for? P- Pathway, B- Baptist, Y- Youth, M...Ministry?Interesting. Ministry. What does the word "Ministry" mean anyway?
God has really been dealing with me a great deal about the "M" of PBYM. Deep in my heart, I feel that we need to change direction. You see, we talk about being the hands and feet of Christ, but our hands and feet still seem to have perfect manicures and pedicures, with no blisters from hard work, or even dirt under the nails from diggin' in and gettin' it done! That's gonna change. Right here, right now.
If faith without works is dead, then how many people can actually testify that PBYM is alive? We are no longer going to be self-serving, we are going to be self-less servers. We're not going to be entertained by God's love, we're going to be informers of His love instead. No more being only takers, we're going to be givers. Givers of His grace, givers of His mercy.
Why? Because it matters that much. People are lost, people are hurting, and people are afraid. The light of Christ's love that should shine through us can help them find the way to Him. It can soothe their pain, and cast away the darkness of fear. It can and it will, but they have got to see it. It's not for somebody else to do, it's for us to do. It's not to do some other time. There is no other time- there is only right now!
I hope you're ready, because we're getting ready to dive off into the deep end. It's not always going to be comfortable, but it will bring comfort. It's not always going to be easy, but you'll grow stronger. It's not always going to be fun, but I guarantee you'll love every minute of it!
So, back to the original question presented at the beginning of this post: What does the "M" stand for again?Take a few minutes to research the meaning of the "M" and contrast it with the PBYM you presently know. Then tell me what you believe we can do to justify the right to have the "M" in our name. Be creative, be honest and be thorough. I'm serious about this, guys. As a matter of fact, to show how serious, I've got a small token of appreciation for the first 5 of you who hit me back by Wednesday March 31, 2010 with your ideas and suggestions.
The only stipulations to this is that you have to be a fairly regular youth member of PBYM, and I will only accept email or handwritten/ typed entries with detailed information (not just a "what", but a "how" and a "why", too).
My email address is guyhamilton09@vzw.blackberry.net
Love,Guy
Matthew 5:16
Friday, October 16, 2009
DO THEY KNOW????
Do They Know? Ok, so you've gotten back into the swing of things like school, homework and all that stuff, and you're back around your friends you haven't seen since last school year. Let me ask you something-Do they know? What do you mean, "What is he talking about?"
DO THEY KNOW? Do your friends know that you are a Christian? You are one, aren't you? I can't answer that for you (that's between you and God), but I can tell you that if you truly are a born again believer in Christ, it's gonna show! People are gonna be like, "Dude! What's wrong with you? You're, like, all different and what not!" Yeah, and you're gonna feel different, too. All those things you use to like to do, that you really shouldn't have been doing, you won't wanna do them anymore simply because you know their wrong!
Now, I know it can be a little scary being different, living a Christian life, sharing your faith with friends and all. A lot of times we won't do these things because we can't, and we can't because we don't know how to. Sad, huh?
Wanna know how to?
Sunday evenings at 6:00, for the next I don't how many weeks, we're doing a discipleship series that will help Christians be certain, be real, be bold and be effective in their walk with Christ. I know earlier I said that it would be an 8 week course, but so much has been revealed in the past week's studies, that it seems to be impossible to put a limit on it. Besides, discipleship should be an continually constant, ongoing thing. So if you want to learn how to live you faith out loud, this will give you a big ol' megaphone!
Look forward to seeing ya there!
Guy
2Timothy 1:7
DO THEY KNOW? Do your friends know that you are a Christian? You are one, aren't you? I can't answer that for you (that's between you and God), but I can tell you that if you truly are a born again believer in Christ, it's gonna show! People are gonna be like, "Dude! What's wrong with you? You're, like, all different and what not!" Yeah, and you're gonna feel different, too. All those things you use to like to do, that you really shouldn't have been doing, you won't wanna do them anymore simply because you know their wrong!
Now, I know it can be a little scary being different, living a Christian life, sharing your faith with friends and all. A lot of times we won't do these things because we can't, and we can't because we don't know how to. Sad, huh?
Wanna know how to?
Sunday evenings at 6:00, for the next I don't how many weeks, we're doing a discipleship series that will help Christians be certain, be real, be bold and be effective in their walk with Christ. I know earlier I said that it would be an 8 week course, but so much has been revealed in the past week's studies, that it seems to be impossible to put a limit on it. Besides, discipleship should be an continually constant, ongoing thing. So if you want to learn how to live you faith out loud, this will give you a big ol' megaphone!
Look forward to seeing ya there!
Guy
2Timothy 1:7
Friday, July 31, 2009
YOUTH DISCIPLESHIP SERIES
We are starting a youth discipleship series on Sunday, August 9th. This will be about 8 weeks long, and will cover what we need to know as Christians from Salvation to Evangelism, beginning with the basics, and building upon them to ensure a strong relationship with Jesus- and each other.This series will help to equip us with the tools we need in our daily walk with Christ, and the knowledge of how to use them. Whether you're a young Christian, just learning how to take small steps, or an older, more mature Christian ready to take a giant leaps, this series will definitely help.
As Romans 10:14 states, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" That makes me wonder...How can we tell them if we don't even know what we're talking about?(Well, we shall have to remedy this situation, won't we?)
I love you all.
Guy
Prov 3:5,6
As Romans 10:14 states, "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" That makes me wonder...How can we tell them if we don't even know what we're talking about?(Well, we shall have to remedy this situation, won't we?)
I love you all.
Guy
Prov 3:5,6
Monday, July 20, 2009
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
We would like to invite you to our vacation bible school this week(July 20- July 24). The theme is SOUL TRAIN! It starts at 6:30pm and ends at 9:00pm. Tonight we had a total of 114 kids! And most of all we had 1 give their heart to Jesus! We hope many many more will make decisions this week. Come join us! Ages are from babies to 12th grade! If you need directions send an email to Mistyables@hotmail.com
Thanks!
Update as of Wednesday night- we have had 123 kids the past two nights and 8 more saved!
Update as of Thursday night- we had 12 kids get saved tonight! So for the week that makes 21 saved so far this week! Can't wait to see what happens on Parent's Night tomorrow night!
Thanks!
Update as of Wednesday night- we have had 123 kids the past two nights and 8 more saved!
Update as of Thursday night- we had 12 kids get saved tonight! So for the week that makes 21 saved so far this week! Can't wait to see what happens on Parent's Night tomorrow night!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
XTREME OVERVIEW
Phew! We survived! Xtreme was a blast, and if our youth got even half of what I got from it, they are good to go! It really was awesome. One week full of worship and The Word, fun and fellowship- I was truly blessed (hope you guys were, too!)The time we spent in God's Word with Johnny Hunt, Tony Nolan and Pete Hixson, along with the full blown worship led by Will Goodwin, and the awesome concerts given by Francesca Batistelli, Jeremy Camp and Newsong gave me what I needed for spiritual rest and renewal. Revival has broken out in the hearts of many of our youth, and I ask all to join in praying that they continue to feed the flame with the fuel of God's greatness.
Hey guys- Of the many things I will carry away from this Xtreme experience, the one I treasure is the time spent with our youth. The joy I found in getting to connect with all of you in different ways, and on various levels. Those of you I know fairly well, our relationship grew deeper; and those I have had limited contact with, I hope the friendship we began will do so, as well. I thank you all so very much for making this a truly Xtreme time. You guys definitely made it easy! You are all so wonderful, and I love and pray for each of you constantly.
For the workers and chaperones- I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the time you gave, and the sacrifices made for the sake of our youth. You are truly storing up treasures in heaven, and what you have invested in them, for them, will yield many things of great, great value. Thank you again! I love you guys, and pray for each of you, as well- right now, mainly for your recovery! (Lol!)
So... what's next? Can't wait to see!!!
Please continue to pursue God, and let the Jesus' love pour from you into every person you come in contact with every day, in every way. Oh yeah...Strive to make every minute spent in God's company become the new greatest minute of your life! (Thanks Rhino!)
In Christ, for Christ,
Guy
Proverbs 3:5&6
Hey guys- Of the many things I will carry away from this Xtreme experience, the one I treasure is the time spent with our youth. The joy I found in getting to connect with all of you in different ways, and on various levels. Those of you I know fairly well, our relationship grew deeper; and those I have had limited contact with, I hope the friendship we began will do so, as well. I thank you all so very much for making this a truly Xtreme time. You guys definitely made it easy! You are all so wonderful, and I love and pray for each of you constantly.
For the workers and chaperones- I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the time you gave, and the sacrifices made for the sake of our youth. You are truly storing up treasures in heaven, and what you have invested in them, for them, will yield many things of great, great value. Thank you again! I love you guys, and pray for each of you, as well- right now, mainly for your recovery! (Lol!)
So... what's next? Can't wait to see!!!
Please continue to pursue God, and let the Jesus' love pour from you into every person you come in contact with every day, in every way. Oh yeah...Strive to make every minute spent in God's company become the new greatest minute of your life! (Thanks Rhino!)
In Christ, for Christ,
Guy
Proverbs 3:5&6
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Church Wide Yard Sale
Just a quick note to remind everyone of our church wide yard sale this Saturday June 27 starting at 8am. The money raised is going to our growth vision fund to help with the new bathrooms! Also if any of you youth could come and help and support the seniors who got this all together it would be greatly appreciated. They have came out and supported you and now it's your turn to do the same! See you Saturday!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
YOUTH SUNDAY ROCKED
WOW! That was amazing! If you were there, you know what I'm talking about. If you weren't, I'm sure you'll be hearing all about it. Youth Sunday was absolutely phenomenal! Here it is, the Tuesday following and I'm still buzzing from excitement! It was just totally amazing. God showed up, and definitely showed out!
I am really so very proud of our youth. They did an excellent job; teaching the Sunday School classes, heading up the worship service, Caleb's Cause and their excellent "This Is Your Life" drama, and those who gave their testimonies- WOW! God's Word definitely did not return void!
Again, I am so very proud of our young people (way to go guys =^), but it's not for what they did, or the effort they put forth, nor the time they sacrificed, but for yielding themselves to God, and allowing Him to use them, work through them and be glorified because of that!
Hey kids, I don't know if you are aware of this, but 3 people gave their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ Sunday; accepting Him as their Lord and Savior- because you gave yourselves over to the perfect will of God! As Brandon texted me Monday, "Hey man, did you know that more people are going to heaven today because of how God kicked the devil's butt yesterday?"
I love each of you and pray that God blesses you beyond measure, and that you continue to live out His will everyday, in every way.
Oh yeah, by the way...
JESUS ROCKS!!!
In Christ, for Christ
Guy
Proverbs 3:5&6
I am really so very proud of our youth. They did an excellent job; teaching the Sunday School classes, heading up the worship service, Caleb's Cause and their excellent "This Is Your Life" drama, and those who gave their testimonies- WOW! God's Word definitely did not return void!
Again, I am so very proud of our young people (way to go guys =^), but it's not for what they did, or the effort they put forth, nor the time they sacrificed, but for yielding themselves to God, and allowing Him to use them, work through them and be glorified because of that!
Hey kids, I don't know if you are aware of this, but 3 people gave their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ Sunday; accepting Him as their Lord and Savior- because you gave yourselves over to the perfect will of God! As Brandon texted me Monday, "Hey man, did you know that more people are going to heaven today because of how God kicked the devil's butt yesterday?"
I love each of you and pray that God blesses you beyond measure, and that you continue to live out His will everyday, in every way.
Oh yeah, by the way...
JESUS ROCKS!!!
In Christ, for Christ
Guy
Proverbs 3:5&6
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
DEADLINE FOR XTREME
The deadline for our balance due to XTREME is May 24th. Please see Candace for your remaining balance. Keisha still has a few Sonic cards that you can sell for $5 each. We will also be selling tickets for a chance to win rocking chairs(this money will be going into our travel account).
ROCK A THON
We just want to remind everyone of the ROCK A THON coming up on Friday May 15 and Saturday May 16. It will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and end at 7 a.m. on Saturday. We ask that the youth get sponsors for this. Sponsors can give per hour(12 hours) or just give a lump sum.
Youth-please go ahead and collect money prior to rock a thon.
Youth-please go ahead and collect money prior to rock a thon.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Dave Ramsey's Generation Change Program
Over the next few weeks, we will be using Dave Ramsey's Generation Change Program on Wednesday nights to educate your teens about materialism and how to handle money God's way. They will recognize the value they have in God's eyes and discover that there self-worth has nothing to do with "stuff". They will also learn the hazards of debt, how to create an age-appropriate budget, tools for making wise purchases, and the importance of giving and saving.
Our goal is to encourage a generation of change and financial freedom-young people who are thankful for what God has blessed them with and who are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to be good stewards of those blessings. Throughout this study your teen may ask questions from the following:
Your Income
Your Debit and Credit Cards
Your Budgeting
Your Personal Savings
Your Personal Giving
Please know that by honestly sharing your money habits with your teens, they will be better equipped to become financially independent. It is never too early for them to learn financial responsibility!
The sooner your children grab a hold of financial values, the better prepared they will be. You can even give them opportunities to practice the principles they will learn by giving them responsibility in one or two areas. For example, you could give your kids a months worth of lunch money at one time and trust them to budget it throughout the month. Then, check in with them regularly to make sure they don't blow it all the first week!
We ask that each teen who participates in this program contribute $10 each. The cost per teen is $20, however our youth fund is covering half the cost. As always, if you are not able to pay this fee please let us know and it will be taken care of. Teens who participate will receive a workbook, t-shirt and commitment card for this program.
We are excited to offer this potentially life-changing program to your teens. If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of the youth leaders!
Our goal is to encourage a generation of change and financial freedom-young people who are thankful for what God has blessed them with and who are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to be good stewards of those blessings. Throughout this study your teen may ask questions from the following:
Your Income
Your Debit and Credit Cards
Your Budgeting
Your Personal Savings
Your Personal Giving
Please know that by honestly sharing your money habits with your teens, they will be better equipped to become financially independent. It is never too early for them to learn financial responsibility!
The sooner your children grab a hold of financial values, the better prepared they will be. You can even give them opportunities to practice the principles they will learn by giving them responsibility in one or two areas. For example, you could give your kids a months worth of lunch money at one time and trust them to budget it throughout the month. Then, check in with them regularly to make sure they don't blow it all the first week!
We ask that each teen who participates in this program contribute $10 each. The cost per teen is $20, however our youth fund is covering half the cost. As always, if you are not able to pay this fee please let us know and it will be taken care of. Teens who participate will receive a workbook, t-shirt and commitment card for this program.
We are excited to offer this potentially life-changing program to your teens. If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of the youth leaders!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The youth are currently selling SONIC cards for $5 each as a fundraiser to help with the expenses of their upcoming trip to Panama City Beach for XTREME. Also still selling chances for a CHAR-BROIL QUICKSET TRADITIONAL GAS GRILL (valued at $135). Drawing will be held on April 1, 2009. Tickets are $3 each/2 for $5/4 for $10. You do not have to present to win!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Wednesday Night Lesson March 11
Our lesson for Wednesday March 11, 2009 was on James 2:14-22. FAITH without Works is Dead! "Don't just set around hanging out with your faith, go out and do something for Christ". We played the close your eyes and fall game but ALL the kids closed their eyes in different parts of the room and when we called their names we told them to fall backward and Brandon, Guy or Aaron had slipped in behind them. Almost all of them just did it which was cool because they didn't know for sure if someone was behind them they just had FAITH that we wouldn't do anything to hurt them and showed their FAITH by DOING what we said. Just like God asks us to DO stuff for him we need to Show our FAITH to others by DOING it instead of just sitting around saying "But I have FAITH"
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Xtreme Websites
Check out these websites for more info on the upcoming XTREME trip this summer.
www.edgewaterbeachresort.com for the hotel accommodations
www.xtremeconferences.com/summer2009 for a daily schedule
www.edgewaterbeachresort.com for the hotel accommodations
www.xtremeconferences.com/summer2009 for a daily schedule
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