TRY JOURNALING! From your daily reading plan, join our spiritual walk as we explore the Word of God! Every month, I'll post one of my journal entries for you and I to share the journey... Feel free to use my entries as a guide and possibly an example for you. Remember the acronym: S - Scripture that caught your attention or pulled at your heart O - Observation about that scripture A - Application for the scripture into my life P - Prayer to God Youth Director Journal Entry May 13th, 2010 - Blessed to Give, not to Get.. Scripture: Acts 20:35 - "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Observation: Jesus' very words lived out in a human life. What a wonderful example of following Christ Paul showed and pointed out to the Ephesians with his very life. He gave it all to them, and so was blessed by the Lord. But not only that, his wilingness to give of himself, blessed those he taught, those he fed, those he had fellowship with, and those he loved. Application: By giving of ourselves, we have so much power in the name of Jesus Christ! In John 14:12, Jesus says "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." What He means here is that we can share the power of His love! We can't be greater than Jesus,yet he tells us we will do greater things! We can spread His love to so many more! But we can only do it by giving. Giving our time, our strength, our money, our resources, our love, our very lives, to others by seeing Christ in them, and giving Christ in us. That is how we will "do greater works". In so doing, we will not only be blessed, but we will bless those we love, and give to. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your majesty and awesome love! You have given me so much! And now, You rightly ask me to give of myself. I accept Your calling to do "greater works" by giving of myself in Your name. I will speak of You, share of You, and spread Your Word. Help me to give of myself, and see You in everyone so that the giving, becomes all about You. Decrease me, Lord, and increase your glory! Bless others through me, by Your love. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry April 20th, 2010 - Boldly go... Scripture: Acts 4:31 - "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the Word of God boldly" Observation: It's no secret that the Word of God can "shake" us wherever we are. So much joy, so much love, so much power! When believers come together to praise God, as these did after Peter and John shared all that had happened to them, the Holy Spirit will join and shake things up! They had spoken boldly in public and faced criticism and even persecution. But they rejoiced in the Word of the Lord. And then they prayed. They prayed together and tapped into the Holy Spirit. Shaken with joy and empowered ever more, they went out, more boldly than before, sharing God's Word! Application: Have we forgotten to be thankful for God's Word? Do we take our Bibles for granted? A few verses in our Daily Reading Plans per day, a memory verse per month... do we really need to save that much time? I say "NEVER!" Let us never use God's Word as 'something to do if we have time'. Let us never use God as someone to call on only when needed. Let us never talk about Him only if asked. Let us be bold and courageous... doing the abnormal, the extreme, the risky, the unknown... let us dig into God's Word boldly, and share what we've read and what we've learned! Let us share, teach, remember and embrace God's words into our hearts, until it fill us to overflowing, coming out of our mouths and beaming through our smiles! Let us rejoice and boldly go, where we've never gone before, sharing God's Word to lead the way, in all we do and say! Prayer: Lord God, thank You for Your Word. Who am I, that you should share your very Word with me? Who am I, that you would ask me to share You perfect and Holy Word to others? Who am I, that You know my name, bless my life, and love me. Keep Your Word in my heart and on the tip of my tongue, ready to be used as You will, not as I deem convenient or "appropriate". Let Your Word surround me with every step I take, in every conversion I have, and in every word I say. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry March 1st, 2010 - Think right, do right, feel right. Scripture: 2 Peter 1:5 - "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;" Observation: There's a prerequisite to it all... and that is faith. Faith in Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Savior, knowing in my heart that He was crucified for my sins, and in 3 days, rose again to conquer death and sin and offer me eternal life. That faith, I can then add on to... Application: My faith is the cornerstone of my own life. It is the one thing that I wish to pass on to all who have ever and will ever know of me. That I would be called as a "good and faithful servant" and that I would pass on to my children, a faith that relys on and glorifies the Lord forever and ever. Yet there is more that the Lord would give to me... He asks me to add onto this faith of my own. I am to add goodness, which is kindness and doing what is right. And to goodness, I am to continue adding knowledge because the goodness brings me a deeper knowledge of Him and brings me closer to Him. My faith put Him in my heart, my goodness is the action of my faith, and now knowledge, is the continual blessing of these actions. Prayer: Lord God, You bless me so. You are my All in All. My Rock and my Salvation. In You I put my trust. I declare to all the world that I am a sinner and pround believer and follower of Jesus Christ. I ask that You help me to do good works and to be righteous, so that I may stay close to You and know You more and more each day. Thank You for loving me. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry February 17th, 2010 - Think right, do right, feel right. Scripture: 2 Peter 1:4 - "Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." Observation: "these" is in reference to His calling me by His own glory and goodness. So it is that that gives to me, very undeservedly as well. I am not worthy of this incredible gift that just keeps on giving... Application: How do I defeat the evil of this world? By His glory and goodness. Armed with His glory and goodness now, I have access and qualify for His very great and precious promises and be part of a truly divine nature that protects me from the evils in this world, and even in my own heart. I am a sinner. I don't mean to be, and I don't want to be, but I succumb to temptation every single day. It breaks my heart that I can't sign off a single day of my life, in the name of Christ. So what does He do? He signs my days for me. He offers me the promises of His perfect protection from all evil. I can call on Him at any time and use what I have learned about His glory and goodness. His grace and mercy. His love and forgiveness. Prayer: Heavenly Father, Creator and Lord... You are truly all that is good in my life. The only Truth I can hang on to, the only Love that never fails. I am weak, and thus proudly admit my need for a Savior, that I might get closer to You in divine nature, glorifying You with my life. Help me to use what You have given to me, Lord. Help me to serve You more! Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry January 21st, 2010 - Think right, do right, feel right. Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3 - "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." Observation: This is simply an amazing portion of scripture to me. Jesus has given to us everything we need for a real life and even godliness! We already have it! Application: Look at what Peter is saying here. When I welcomed Jesus into my hear, His power, not my own, gives me everything I need, and not just for a life to live, but godliness. Godliness? That is so very amazing and yet scary and humbling as well. How? Through my growing knowledge of Jesus Christ, through reading the Bible, studying, learning, listening and spending time with Him in prayer and just being. Everything I do with Him, increases my knowledge of Him, just like a relationship with anyone else, but because of His divine power, I get everything I need to live, and have the ability to achieve godliness in my heart. I can truly become more and more, created in His image. And he calls me to this! He calls me! His glory and goodness are things that I can hang on to and use and appply in my own life. How very encouraging! Prayer: Lord God, thank you so much for actually giving me Your own divine power! You provide for me and care for me, but that's not good enough for You! You want me to have more! You want to give me a full life, and even godliness as I get to know You better and better each day. Thank you for your glory and goodness. Please help me to never stop trying to get to know you better! I love You, Lord. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry December 20th, 2009 - Think right, do right, feel right. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:16 - "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple, and that God's Spirit lives in you?" Observation: There's no way I can hold God's Spirit inside of little old me! So what does He mean? Application: God's Spirit is made to overflow through us, so that others can get to know God, by knowing us. We are His temple, manifested in flesh for others to see, to hear, to touch and to watch. God's Spirit should not be contained in our little deteriorating bodies! It should overflow so that God's love can shine and spread and so others can know the good that is only from Him. Too often, we hold the Spirit inside, because we need it more than we need to give it and share it... what about our own problems? Well, that's the problem. We're holding the Spirit back, keeping it to ourselves, and not sharing it with others. After all, we might be rejected in this age of tolerance. We might be made fun of or discriminated against. We may even be persecuted. All I know is that if we could just ask the question, "Do other people see, hear and feel God's Spirit in you?" it could change the way we do things and say things from the inside out. Let's start sharing God's Spirit today! Prayer: Lord God, You are within me, in my heart and that is amazing. Why You would choose a fool like me I will never know. But I want to use Your Spirit and be used by you! Use me, Lord, to share Your love, joy, peace, kindness, self-control, mercy, forgiveness and gentleness. Use me so that others may find You and glorify You. Help me to not hold You back anymore. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry November 30th, 2009 - Think right, do right, feel right. Scripture: Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well" Observation: God reminds me to put Him first, especially when I need something here on earth! Application: How do I put God first in the face of my many needs? I need to provide for my wife and home! I have my own needs of rest, service, food...etc. But God says to seek Him first. By focusing on God and not my needs, I find that God has already given to me, exactly what I need. I need to remember the "Mary" while I continue to faithfully do the "Martha". I need to spend time in His Word, in prayer, and in general reliance upon Him. And I need to do it more! Prayer: Lord God, thank you for providing for me. Forgive me for my daily doubts of your love and provisions. Help me to be more thankful and more focused on You. You are my true need. I trust in You. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry October 13th, 2009 - Think right, do right, feel right. Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9 - "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Observation: This is way above positive thinking. This is the formula to living a pure life under God, as He designed for me! Application: Whatever is a broad word, and it means anything and everything. Look at that list! He names the attributes and says "think about such things". Meditating on each of those things, is thinking right. If I'm thinking right, I can do right. Because he then says "put it into practice". That's the ultimate to do calling! And what happens if I think right, and then do right... I will feel right. The God of peace will be with me. I will have peace. Too often, we do it the opposite way, don't we. If it feels good, do it. After that we start thinking about it... and because we did it backwards, we aren't feeling right. So what do we do? We change the way we think to justify what we did, so that we'll feel better. I'm done with that. I want to do it right and that starts in my head. I'm going to think about the right things, and try to do right, so that I can feel right. Prayer: Lord God, you are everything. You created me and all that I have. Everything that I am that is good is of you. I beg you to help me serve you better, with a pure life as you designed me to live. Help me to think the right way, and then do the right things, so that your peace will always be with me. Save me from myself. My hope is in you, Lord. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry September 8th, 2009 - Real Strength Scripture: Philippians 4:13 - "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Observation: The "Him" who strengthens me is Christ. How does He strengthen me? With EVERYTHING. Application: It is certainly a comfort to know, that my strength is not needed but rather, used by Christ. Where I am weak, which is just about everything, Christ strengthens me. The bottom line here is that any strength of character and spiritually come from Him in my heart. And that is an amazing gift. A tremendous blessing that I hold dearly to. I sin every day. My weaknesses slap me in the face every morning, afternoon and evening. I am not the best husband, not the best son, not the best youth director, not the best.... anything. Yet God uses me, to serve His purposes and to bless others. What a joy it is, and so very humbling, that God would choose a bum like me. Wow... what a miracle. Prayer: Lord God, I thank you for your strength in me. I am weak, and that is what you use to bless others through me. Because with my strength, I can get tired or just plain fail. But with your strength, I can do all things at all times, no matter what others say or what the odds are. I don't believe in odds, I believe in You. I praise you as the only God and my Heavenly Father. I love being your child, Lord. Keep me close. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry August 20th, 2009 - Forgiveness in my heart... Scripture: 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Observation: Forgiveness does indeed have a condition doesn't it? We have to confess our sins! We have to know what we need forgiveness from. Application: Knowing this, can keep us from using forgiveness as a tool to justify our actions or mistakes and use the infamous, "cheap grace". In order to confess our sins, we have to ask God to help us search our own hearts, and dig them out. Some are obvious, but many are hidden, by the enemy or by our own deceptions. Confessing sin is the freedom we all seek, but the hardest first step I have ever imagined. But with God, all things are possible. Even the confession of sin. Prayer: Lord God, I thank you for the gift of forgiveness. I ask that you would purify my heart, and free me from the trappings of my sins. Help me to come to You in confession of my sins, even those hidden to me by the enemy and my pride! Help me to seek out and identify and then give up, the sins in my heart so that I can be freed by your faithfulness and mercy. Forgive me, Lord. Youth Director Journal Entry July 27th, 2009 - In my heart... Scripture: Revelation 3:20 - "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me" Observation: Jesus speaks to us, even at the end of the age. The last book of the Bible, Jesus reminds us once again, that He is, always has been, and always will be, in our hearts. Application: There He lives, my King and my God, my Lord and my Savior... within my chest, my very life-source beats with His great love and tremendous mercy. Even when I turn from Him, reject Him, fail Him, forsake Him... He is there. Even when I forget Him, lose Him, ignore Him... He is there. He has always been there. He has never left. What a humbling and wonderful reality! What a fantastic and incredible gift! Christ is in me! I can see things through His eyes, and feel things through His heart! I can share His sorrows when I stumble, His patience in my calamities, His forgiveness in my repentance, His grace in my failure, His mercy in my sin... and ultimately, His neverending love. In John 14:12, Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." GREATER THINGS than Jesus? ME? Yes... ME! I can share all the above, with Christ in me, to others... all others. I can show Jesus, and remind everyone to check their hearts. Prayer: Oh sovereign Lord... what a blessing You are to me. Thank You for reminding me that You are in me and have always and will always be... in me. You're here... in my heart, waiting to be heard, welcomed in and shared. I can remember and share this blessing to others, forever and ever, glory to Your name. Help me, to share You. Youth Director Journal Entry June 24th, 2009 - Be of courage... Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 - "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." Observation: Paul shows us a great, step by step process of fighting evil that penetrates us, and reminds us of what we are all about. Application: First, I must be on guard and catch the temptations and evil that attack me. I can then recognize it before it becomes a sin that can consume me. Recognizing it helps me to fight it by standing firm in Christ, my Lord. My faith in Christ can overcome all temptation and evil. Once Christ is revealed in and through me, I can then have courage, because I am NOT alone. I am renewed again. I must then act with the strength God gives me to do the right thing, all from the foundation of Christ in my heart, which flows with love. "I can do all things through Chris who gives me strength" and "...the greatest of these is love". So be it Lord Jesus... Prayer: Father, forgive me for falling to sin. Thank you for teaching me, renewing me, strengthening me and guiding me. But most of all, thank you for loving me, a sinner. Bless me this day, so I may be a blessing to others, and keep me from evil, Father, so I do not cause harm. Your will be done! Amen... Youth Director Journal Entry May 17th, 2009 - Contentment Scripture: Philippians 4:12-13 - "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Observation: Paul's not talking clueless here. He suffered more and gave up more than anyone else besides Jesus Christ himself! He gave up riches, a promising and secure career, a life of personal treasures and induglences, for the Gospel of Christ. Unashamed, unstoppable, unrelenting. He served the Lord in every situation. EVERY situation. Convenience was overlooked, weariness ignored, pain overcome, and negativity banished... what a great example of true JOY! What unshakable confidence in the end goal! Application: All I am that is good, is of my Father in Heaven. I am a sinner, yet I lose no hope. I sin every day, yet I live a life of joy. I sin perhaps every hour, yet I laugh and smile and maintain a happiness that is not common. The secret has always been within me, and perhaps that is why I can keep growing in Christ. Christ is in me. Christ wants me to be happy. Christ wants me to be filled with joy! Christ loves me. Christ died for me... a sinner of daily consistency. The strength Paul speaks about is of God. I am nothing without my Heavenly Father. And He gives me eternal life, for being a sinner within my own faith! Who can hurt me? What can bring me down? Prayer: Oh Father, my Lord and my God, how I love you so. I love the life of faith and belief that you have given to me. A gift beyond imagining. I triumph so easily with You in my heart. I thank You for the unbelievable and undeniable confidence, peace and joy You have given me within and without. Your blessings to me are unwarranted, unearned and overflowing. I know not why You bless me so, but I praise You for every smile, every warm sensation, and every encouragement every moment of my life. Now I beg You to take me further into Your arms, and USE me to be all You want me to be. Help me serve with all my heart, all the final moments of my life. I love You, Lord. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry April 27th, 2009 Scripture: Isaiah 53:2 - "He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him" Observation: Could there possibly be a less deserving introduction to Jesus Christ? These are the word of God, given to the Prophet, Isaiah, about the forthcoming Savior of the world! yet He is introduced here, so moderately... so ordinarily... so... unimportantly. This is one of only two descriptions of Jesus' physical appearance, and the other is in Revelation after Jesus returns in His glory! So this is the one we look at and talk about when we try to picture the face of Jesus when He was here on Earth! "no beauty or majesty"... Why? Application: Special Ops soldiers from the Marines and Army used camouflage to get up close and personal to their targets. The enemy couldn't see them coming, and therefore allowed these soldiers to get real close to them. I believe that Jesus has done the same thing. He didn't come to us with some big fanfare, or even a great introduction like we would see Kobe Bryant or Lebron James get in an NBA game on TV! He simply came, and got up close and personal with us. He was and is approachable, at a very personal and memorable way. He is next to us, there for us, walking alongside of us, waiting for us, eager to hear from us, and even protecting us... especially from ourselves. He did things the opposite way of what we would think... so that He could be with us and close to us, at an every day level. And the truth is, that is so beautifully "ordinary", that perhaps, just perhaps... everyone can do it and follow His example! Let's get up close and personal with all the nations! Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being so close to me. Thank you for being my partner in life, my best friend, my first love. Thank you for being an up close and personal Savior for me, the greatest of sinners. You are all the good and truth that is in me, and I pray that You can use me, to serve your mission and give me the courage, strength, determination and faith to get up close and personal with everyone I see. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry March 22nd, 2009 Scripture: Jeremiah 31:3 - "The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.'" Observation: This was a reminder to the Israelites through the prophet, Jeremiah from God! And it is a reminder to each of us as well. God's love is "everlasting". it is not fickle like the way we love a movie, or a food, or even a phase that is here today and gone tomorrow. We even love other people, but that love can be lost, or given up, or broken... If only we could learn to love as God does. An unconditional, perfect, "everlasting" love. What a world we could live in! Application: We say "love" so casually, and sometimes, I think we say it without meaning it. If God is love (1 John 4:8), and we turly believe it, we need to take love more seriously. So I ask myself right now... do I really love Jesus? He has given me a new bride, and I am to love her, as Christ does the church. A church He died for, bleeding from 7 places of pure agony and humiliation, for all the world to know. A church He suffered for, watching those closest to Him abandon Him and even deny Him. A church He yearns for on a daily basis, as He reaches out to those who would believe, turning even Muslims to Him in record numbers and changing hearts, saving souls, and forigiving each of us. And that is the love He gives to me. A love I am to give to my bride. I am incapable of this love! But then again, it isn't me it comes from. For I choose to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit in my own heart, where Christ dwells for the love that is needed. The love that is of God. The love that is... God. Prayer: Lord Jesus, please forgive me for not loving You enough. Forgive me for using the word that is of God, so loosely. Forgive me for trying to do it on my own. I know that I am not good enough to love as You love. And I ask for you to empower me from within to feel and act in love as You would want. In marriage, we become one with You as the center. Help me to love You first, so that I can love my bride, and others, with Your perfect love. Thank You for the gift of marriage, family, friends, provisions and my very life. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry February 14th, 2009 Scripture: Romans 15:5-6 - "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Observation: We were meant to be united in Christ, like a family. It wasn't meant for us to have over 300 denominations, or to fight over interpretations or even missinterpretations of scripture. We were meant to "prosper", which means moving forward, toward our goal... together. But there is hope in Christ Jesus. If we just follow Him. Application: If we can learn to simply follow Christ, we will show a spirit of unity in all we say and do! As one, we will say things that will glorify God. As one, we will do things that will glorify God. As one, we can represent Christ with love and respect to all and thus, we glorify the Lord. It has to start in the heart, and come out beaming through us in our ways. We are to be followers of The Way, every day, in all we do and say. This is not impossible nor hopeless... this is the way we are supposed to be. Prayer: Lord Jesus, please forgive us for when we do not show others, who You truly are, and can be for them in their lives. Help us to reach out, in Your name but with Your ways, as your followers and thus, bring glory to You! Let all the praises glorify You, and all that You have done for us and given to us. Help us to unite under Your banner, and to Your glory! Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry January 5th, 2009 Scripture: Matthew 28:20 - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Observation: This could be the most encouraging moment of the entire Bible for me. Jesus tells this to the disciples after commissioning then on what is called,"The Great Commission". How wonderful a Savior that can leave us with such great hope as He sends us out! Application: Many people say things like, "I'll be there in spirit", or "I will pray for you"...etc. It is very gracious for people to be thinking of you, while you are gone. What a nice feeling that can be. What a great comfort and encouragement in difficult circumstances. What a great enlightenment afterwards, to know about that. Yet even more so, from our Lord and King! Jesus sends us out, and encourages us but also reminds us that we have to feed on His strength! We have to rely on Him, count on Him, use His power and NEED Him. When we do that, we let Him take over and we glorify Him to the fullest. What an amazing reminder and encouragement, from the One who loves us most. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You so much for reminding us all of your incredible support and love. You have a great mission for us all, and yet after sending us, you offer us so much encouragement and support. Help me to lead like You do, Lord. Help me to remember to NEED You and tap into You through my willing heart. Help me to hear Your voice and follow Your commands. Help me to do Your will! Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry December 22nd, 2008 - Happy Birthday Jesus! Scripture: Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Observation: The angels burst our in celebration from the highest of highs and the depths of every heart! They came out in a fantastic symphony of joy and honor and glory! What a sight it must have been! Application: This is the birthday of birthdays! The birthday that affects more lives and the history of all individuals, nations and generations! This is the birthdy of our Savior, Jesus Christ! And as the Heavenly Host came out with great joy and triumph, so must we! This year, and every year forevermore, let's celebrate the birthday of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Let's rise and sing a "new Hallelujah" like the song from Michael W. Smith! Let's jump for joy and shout to the stars... Jesus is my King! Prayer: Lord Jesus, happy birthday to you! I am so thankful to you for coming to save us! I thank youf or blessing me with love and joy in my life with those around me and within my own heart. You have made me a new man, a better son, and a humle learner. This birthday, I want to give you my own life to use as you will. The heart that pumps it, that hands that use it, the mind that steers it. Give in me, a servant's heart at all times in your name and to your glory! Let your light shine through those I serve with and lead, and takeover our lives! Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry November 8th, 2008 - He was born for all... Scripture: Luke 2:9-12 - "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Observation: The angel said that the "good news of great joy" was for everyone! No regard to race, social status, occupation, political views, age, sex...etc."All the people" are exactly that... everyone that has been and will be, on the earth! Application: What a joy this is... true joy that anyone and everyone can grasp forever! Sometimes, I feel that "it's too good to be true" mentality and then I realize that this is even better. The Savior of promise has been born and I can chose to be saved by Him. And like the shepherds, our first reaction can be fear! Fear of the unkown perhaps, or fear of losing what we believe is control. Control for our lives and future. This news, offers us a neverending and perfect hope. And it is for everyone, no matter what or who you are or even think you are! How amazing. How humbling. How mejestic! Prayer: Lord Jesus, I celebrate your upcoming birthday with joy and thanksgiving! I am not worthy of your promise, and I will never be. So I accept your precious gift with all my heart and strive for righteousness and repentance. I beg for your forgiveness and praise your Holy name for Your mercy and love. So great it is... that even a sinner like myself, can receive this good news of great joy! Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry October 18th, 2008 - What I could NOT do... Scripture: Matthew 25:45 - "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' Observation: There is a flip side to the coin that is given to us in Matthew 25:40. And this is it. The things that we do NOT do for those in need, is what we are NOT doing, for Jesus Christ. Application: I'm just not good enough... I forget things, I look the other way to "save time", I am so concerned about "my money"... and I keep thinking to myself, "how many times have I left Jesus behind, or hanging out to dry?" This is sobering to say the least. It doesn't feel good to look back within yourself and realize that every wrong you did, or evey good that you DID NOT do, was to Jesus... who died for you. I now know more deeply what Jesus meant when he told of the praying tax collector in Luke 18:13 & 14. But there is hope here... and that hope is in the very person I left behind! My hope is in my Savior, whom I need so badly, because even though I turn away and run away, He moves on ahead of me, giving me yet another chance to do for Him. He loves me so much and He knows I am not good enough to do it all. I don't have the time, the energy, the strength, the resources, but He does. And He can work through me. That's when I am good enough. Prayer: Lord Jesus, my wonderulf Savior. I beg You have mercy on me, the least of these, and the greatest of sinners. I don't know how many times I have left You in need, but You have prepared good works for me to do in advance, and I accept the call to renew my efforts to do Your will with every opportunity You provide. I pray for You to take from me, my life... when I don't have the strength, to give it away to You. Take my life and use it to save others, and to You be the glory always and forever more. Let that, be my testimony from this day forward. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry September 9th, 2008 - It was Jesus, the whole time! Scripture: Matthew 25:40 - "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Observation: This is Jesus talking to us about the Kingdom of God. When we come to our Lord, Jesus... He will judge us righteously. He points out that we have seen Him on the streets, in our backyard, right next door, and even right under our noses! For we are all God's children, and He is within us. Everyone in need, shows us the face of Jesus. It was Him, all this time... Application: This is so convicting! How many homeless people by the freeways have I ignored? How many pompous shrug offs, turning of my back, scowls, looks of disgust or outright insults have I thrown at the needy, the dirty, the sick and the poor? Every time, it was an action against my Lord and Savior. The very Savior that died for me, asked me for help, and I denied Him. So many more times than Peter's three denials, have I called out to the crow of the rooster! So many times, have I broken the heart of Jesus. Yet here I am... alive and well. Blessed beyond imagining and surrounded by loved ones and joy and laughter. I do not deserve what I have, yet blessed I am. God has blessed me to bless others, not to feel pride in these blessings that I like to think I have earned or even "made happen". Instead, I must use every blessing as a reminder of the heart of Jesus, and what I can give and use to help those in need. Every blessing He pours out, I must turn up into praise and giving and sacrifice and service. It's time to represent my Savior to everyone, at all times. Prayer: Father God, thank you for reminding me that I have not served you wholeheartedly. Thank you for loving and blessing me despite my sins. I am the least of these, yet you treat me so well. I am a sinner, a prideful sinner, and you love me still. Would that I could remember your love upon my heart, in gracious humility and be motivated to share it with others. I can never repay you for all you have given me and done for me, so I give you my life to use. Use me to reach the poor. Use me to call those drowning in sin. Use me to spread the Gospel. Use me to show the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry August 17th, 2008 - Pure religion Scripture: James 1:27 - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." Observation: Our religion or faith, should be defined as our all-encompassing world view that affects every aspect of our lives. The way we live, the words we say, the things we do... James points out to us what all of that should be, for the believer in God. We are to look after those who cannot look after themselves. We are supposed to fill the needs of the hopeless. Application: Who are the "orphans" and the "widows"? To me, those are all encompassing terms to define everyone who is in need. We have to give unconditionally to the children and elders who need help, with no sight of reward or even thanks. We do this, because it is God in us. For the followers of the Way, this is our world view. This is our calling... this is our greatest joy, in following th ways of our God. There is a big warning attached to this definition by James as well. He adds to us that we must not be "polluted" by this world. We have to live the Way, without succumbing to the evil and the temptations this world throws at us. As we do that, it will become more and more natural to give to the needy, as part of our daily lives. Prayer: Father God, forgive me for the times when I did not feed, clothe, visit, and love the least of these. Every rejection I have made has been me turning my back on you. I don't want a religion, I want a relationship with you that transcends and defines the way I live my life every single day. I want a relationship with you that translates into the way I see the world, the very words I say, and the actions and desires of my heart. Please give in me a pure heart that is humble, a willing sacrifice, and dedicated to you. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry July 24th, 2008 - We all fall short... Scripture: Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Observation: Paul here, is talking about all mankind. Every single one of us. "All" pretty much sums it up. How wonderfully humbling, and educational. Because when comparing any one of us to God, there truly is nothing to compare. God is perfect. We are not. Application: When I prayed and thought about why Christians are considered to be so judgmental, hypocritical, anti-homosexual, too political and sheltered, I began to realize something. We tend to compare ourselves to each other. That's how we define how good or bad someone is at this or that or even in general, by accomplishments or appearance! But is that supposed to be our standard? If we are truly trying to be more like Jesus, then honestly, Jesus is the standard. Jesus is God. God is perfect. We should be striving for perfection as is our Heavenly Father. When we do that, we recognize how sinful we are, how imperfect we are, and even at our best, perfection evades us. So when compared to God, we all fall short. That makes all of us equal when compared to God. And with that equality in mind, perhaps we can love one another better. Prayer: Father God, thank you for being an awesome and perfect God! You created all things, and every single one of us. We have the potential for great goodness, but we all fall short of your perfect standard. Help me to remember that and share it, and in so doing, reach out to others in love. Your perfect and unconditional love. Help me to stop feeling prideful of what I do, but mindful of how You want me to be. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry June 30th, 2008 - Faith speaks... Scripture: Hebrews 11:4 - "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead." Observation: What sticks out to me is the last segment. Even dead, Abel speaks to us, teaches us, and honors God. Even death could not quiet the faithful servant of God. Application: What a testimony! Abel made an offering to God from his heart, full of love and devotion (Gen 4) while his brother gave one perhaps out of obligation. The difference was that Abel's offering came from his faith, and thus he has been declared righteous by God, as a good and faithful servant. And then Abel was killed by his jealous and angry brother. Yet death, doesn't silence Abel. His example of faith and the motivation of his heart, teaches us to this very day. This is what it means to be faithful... to give our of love, all that you are and the best that you have, to the God who gave you everything in the first place. What a loud voice, Abel's faith has! Prayer: Father God, thank You for this example of faith and righteousness. Thank You for showing me how I can give back to You, who has given me so much grace, forgiveness, blessings and love, that I do not deserve. I am not worthy of Your love, or Your blessings, or your forgiveness. And my offerings to You have not been my first fruits, or even given joyfully. Yet you hold me tightly, You lift me up, and You carry me through the days of my life. Help me to honor Your grace to me, and let it motivate me to forever serve You. I can do nothing to repay You, so I give You my life to use. I love You, Lord. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry May 25th, 2008 - Tested by praise Scripture: Proverbs 27:21 - "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives." Observation: I thought we were tested by struggles, and suffering, and even by others... I forgot that the good things, and the good times, test our hearts as well. Do we glorify God with the praise we receive, or pat ourselves on the back? Application: In Revelation 22, the very last book of the Bible, John bowed down to the Angel, and the Angel said "Do not do it. I am a fellow servant..." (Rev 22:9). The only One worthy of praise and glory is God. Thus, we are indeed tested by the praise we receive. Do we it turn it upwards? Can we accept thanks and praise in glory of God? That is the test. Let all my decisions be based on the question, "who is glorified if....?" So be it. Prayer: Lord God, be glorified! "Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord!" Be mindful of me, dearest God, that I would only seek Your glory, and not mine. Do not let my pride steal Your glory oh God... but let Your light shine in me, and let all be thanks and praise to You and You alone. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry April 24th, 2008 - We just don't get it... Scripture: Proverbs 3:5 - "Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding." Observation: Our standards just aren't good enough! We glorify a baseball player batting .300, a QB throwing 70%, and a 90% gets us an "A"... but that's the best we can do. We make mediocrity excel! We pay millions of dollars to men with drug problems, that abuse others, that hurt others...etc. We give a driver's license and a car for only 70%. These are our standards... and that is why we can't be trusted. Not like God. he has never broken a promise. 1,746 promises he makes in the Bible, and he fulfills them perfectly at a 100% success rate. His standard is perfection. His standard is excellence from beginning to end. Better than all the rest. Application: Can I be a 100% man of honor, integrity, honesty... I have never even had a perfect day, if looking through God's eyes. I can't be there for everyone... I say the wrong things, my pride dips and rises, my anger consumes me, my temptations run through me... I am not perfect. It's so nice, to have a God behind me, that is perfect. A God I can truly count on, a promise I can believe in. My imperfection is why I need a Savior... and it's why I am proud, to be in need of my God. Let every weakness, mistake and stumble, remind me of that need. And let that need be filled to His glory, for His purposes, to do His will. Prayer: Lord God, what a wonderful Savior you are. Let all the days of my life, from this moment to the end, be to your glory. Let me always to lean back into my need for you, so that I can glorify you with every action I take, every word I speak, and every thought in my head. Let my heart rejoice in my weaknesses, because now I know, how much I need You. Amen. Youth Director Journal Entry March 10th, 2008 - Pleasing to God, not men... Scripture: Galatians 1:10 - "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Observation: Paul reminds us here that we have to do things to glorify God. Our motivation should always be to please God, not each other. if we have the greatest of commandments from Matthew 22 in mind, loving God first helps us to love others next. But pleasing God always comes first! Application: Too often, we think that if we please someone else, we will feel better, or even please God. But the Bible says differently. Our problem is that we have the order mixed up! The Bible says that we must please God first. Pleasing God may not please others, but if we please God, we are truly servants of Christ. We can not truly be servants of Christ, if we do not earnestly seek to please God first, before others. Prayer: Heavenly Father, I seek to please you. I know that by pleasing you, I will be more capable of pleasing others, because I will be a servant of You. Serving You, serves others. May I always be the one who sees things through Your eyes. May I always be the one who seeks Your glory first, in all things, every day of my life. Amen.