Friday, March 25, 2011
VIVID Week 2 E-Votion 1 & Memory Verse
Here's VIVID Week 2 E-votion 1 and Week 2's memory verse! REMEMBER, if you memorize the verse and can quote it at 412 AM this Sunday morning, you get to SPIN THAT WHEEL for some great prizes!!!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
VIVID Week 1: The Fight Within (James 1:12-17)
Yesterday we started our six-week journey into the book of James. I'm extremely excited about what God wants to teach us over the next six weeks!
This week, remember that there is NO temptation that God cannot help you out of! He will give you a way out! Keep fighting against temptation and remember that it's worth it! Don't forget what the cycle of temptation leads to...it starts with our EVIL DESIRES, then leads to TEMPTATION. That leads to SIN and then sin leads to DEATH! (Sorry, couldn't do the cool fire transition here.)
Each week, I will be posting on Facebook, my blog, as well as emailing out two weekly E-Votions and one memory verse card for you to use as part of your times with God! As a motivator, if you come on Sunday AM with the last week's verse memorized, you will get to play "SPIN THAT WHEEL", a new game that has numerous and awesome prizes!
Let's really dig into God's Word during this study! I am praying that God uses James in your life greatly!
Here's this week's E-Votion and memory verse card:
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Cost of Sin
Just recently I have started a Bible reading program that will allow me to read the entire Bible in 90 days. It's been great to be reading it cover to cover again! I miss a day here and there, so it won't happen in exactly 90 days, but I'm plugging along!
Over the past few days, I've been in Exodus and Leviticus. It's good stuff, but it can be hard to understand, especially all of the different types of sacrifices in Leviticus (sin, grain, peace offerings, etc) and the types of food that can be eaten and what can't. Maybe this post will help a bit, but that's not really the purpose of writing today.
I am just struck by the cost of sin. In order for the people of Israel to be made right with God, there had to be bloodshed. There had to be restitution. "Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." - Heb 9:22
As I read...man...there's a LOT of bloodshed! Many people can look at this in many different ways. One of the most common is that God loves killing and death. He's a "mean" God. This just doesn't jive with the rest of Scripture. He is a loving God! However, he is a JUST God. Sin HAS to be punished.
The cost of sin is high. Leviticus shows that sin is a SERIOUS thing to God. It separates us from a relationship with him. It separates us from relationship with each other. The wages of sin is death. (Rom 6:23) Death is the ultimate separation from God...requiring the ultimate sacrifice to remedy it!
This brings me to the cross. That is where the blood of an innocent Lamb was shed for me. For you. God sacrificed his Son to give me life. What a thought...the Son of God giving his life for mine. I'm just not worth that...at least in the eyes of this human. But God is different. God is bigger. God is love. God saw my need...and met it.
Sin costs a lot. What should that mean for the life I live? The choices I make? It should change me...and it has and does a lot. But I have a long way to go. I praise God for this sacrifice that he gave for me. I would have no hope otherwise. It's an amazing thing, this salvation we have been given. We have a hope that must be shared.
Sin costs a lot...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Over the past few days, I've been in Exodus and Leviticus. It's good stuff, but it can be hard to understand, especially all of the different types of sacrifices in Leviticus (sin, grain, peace offerings, etc) and the types of food that can be eaten and what can't. Maybe this post will help a bit, but that's not really the purpose of writing today.
I am just struck by the cost of sin. In order for the people of Israel to be made right with God, there had to be bloodshed. There had to be restitution. "Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." - Heb 9:22
As I read...man...there's a LOT of bloodshed! Many people can look at this in many different ways. One of the most common is that God loves killing and death. He's a "mean" God. This just doesn't jive with the rest of Scripture. He is a loving God! However, he is a JUST God. Sin HAS to be punished.
The cost of sin is high. Leviticus shows that sin is a SERIOUS thing to God. It separates us from a relationship with him. It separates us from relationship with each other. The wages of sin is death. (Rom 6:23) Death is the ultimate separation from God...requiring the ultimate sacrifice to remedy it!
This brings me to the cross. That is where the blood of an innocent Lamb was shed for me. For you. God sacrificed his Son to give me life. What a thought...the Son of God giving his life for mine. I'm just not worth that...at least in the eyes of this human. But God is different. God is bigger. God is love. God saw my need...and met it.
Sin costs a lot. What should that mean for the life I live? The choices I make? It should change me...and it has and does a lot. But I have a long way to go. I praise God for this sacrifice that he gave for me. I would have no hope otherwise. It's an amazing thing, this salvation we have been given. We have a hope that must be shared.
Sin costs a lot...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, January 24, 2011
The 7 Project
Hello, 412 students and parents!
I am writing to let you know of an assembly that is coming to the Lake Orion school district THIS WEEK!!! The 7 Project will be coming to LOHS and Scripps Middle School on Wednesday and to Oakview and Waldon Middle Schools on Thursday. During these assemblies, students will hear about six character traits that are of utmost importance to developing a life that is fulfilling. Each school is able to pick character traits to speak on based upon each school's need, so at this time, we are unsure of what specific traits will be given to each campus.
However, here's where we need prayer and support from the Body of Christ! The seventh trait is a RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST! There will be a rally at the LOHS auditorium on Thursday night. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the rally will run from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. There will be a live band, prizes, and free food at the rally, but more importantly, the Gospel of Christ will be given as the ultimate fulfillment and answer for our lives!
412 Students will be strongly encouraged over this week to invite their friends to this rally on Thursday. In order to support this outreach, we will be CANCELING 412 SH this Thursday night. This will allow students to attend with their friends and see how God will work!
I'm truly sorry for the late notice, but I was just made aware of this project in the last couple of weeks and the LO School District just approved it about six weeks ago. So...what is supposed to be a seven-month prep time for community churches got crammed into six weeks!
Please be in prayer for a few things:
1. As of now, the presentation at LOHS will ONLY be to Freshman and Sophomores. The administration has decided that the Juniors/Seniors will not be involved.
2. The Seven Project speaker will have to ask for permission to invite students at all of the assemblies to the Thursday night finale rally. One principal has expressed concern about that invitation, so we are not sure how it will be received. Please pray that God will open hearts to that simple invitation.
3. Please pray for those that will be setting up/cleaning up, serving food, altar workers, prayer partners, etc. We need to cover this in prayer!
4. Please pray DURING the event on Thursday night from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. I'll try to send out some tweets that will post to my Facebook as well to keep people posted. My Twitter account is: joshyates and my Facebook name is Josh Yates (simply send me a friend request).
Below you will find a link to a promo video about the Seven Project and also a short description of the Seven Project. Thanks so much for your prayers and for encouraging your student to get involved! There's a lot of students out there that need the love of Jesus in their lives! God is moving!!!
As always, email me with any questions you may have. God bless you and you're in my prayers!
Josh Yates
Youth Pastor
412 Youth Ministry
Orion, MI
www.412youth.com
LINK TO VIDEO:
http://gallery.me.com/pastorjosh#100343/7promo_full
DESCRIPTION:
Outreach
The Seven Project serves as a catalyst to mobilize and equip Christian communities to reach out to schools. The Seven Project is not merely a school assembly or evening rally. It is a comprehensive outreach strategy that equips and trains leaders and students in effective evangelism and discipleship.
The Seven Project Key Components:
School assemblies deal with real life and character issues faced by students. These programs include video segments that deal with anti-violence, scholastic achievement, peer pressure, integrity, substance abuse, abstinence, or others.
Student leadership development. Christian students are taught how to be a positive influence at their school. Seven weeks prior to the school assembly students are given specific plant to implement at their school before the assembly.
Evening events include a clear presentation of the gospel.
I am writing to let you know of an assembly that is coming to the Lake Orion school district THIS WEEK!!! The 7 Project will be coming to LOHS and Scripps Middle School on Wednesday and to Oakview and Waldon Middle Schools on Thursday. During these assemblies, students will hear about six character traits that are of utmost importance to developing a life that is fulfilling. Each school is able to pick character traits to speak on based upon each school's need, so at this time, we are unsure of what specific traits will be given to each campus.
However, here's where we need prayer and support from the Body of Christ! The seventh trait is a RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST! There will be a rally at the LOHS auditorium on Thursday night. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the rally will run from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. There will be a live band, prizes, and free food at the rally, but more importantly, the Gospel of Christ will be given as the ultimate fulfillment and answer for our lives!
412 Students will be strongly encouraged over this week to invite their friends to this rally on Thursday. In order to support this outreach, we will be CANCELING 412 SH this Thursday night. This will allow students to attend with their friends and see how God will work!
I'm truly sorry for the late notice, but I was just made aware of this project in the last couple of weeks and the LO School District just approved it about six weeks ago. So...what is supposed to be a seven-month prep time for community churches got crammed into six weeks!
Please be in prayer for a few things:
1. As of now, the presentation at LOHS will ONLY be to Freshman and Sophomores. The administration has decided that the Juniors/Seniors will not be involved.
2. The Seven Project speaker will have to ask for permission to invite students at all of the assemblies to the Thursday night finale rally. One principal has expressed concern about that invitation, so we are not sure how it will be received. Please pray that God will open hearts to that simple invitation.
3. Please pray for those that will be setting up/cleaning up, serving food, altar workers, prayer partners, etc. We need to cover this in prayer!
4. Please pray DURING the event on Thursday night from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. I'll try to send out some tweets that will post to my Facebook as well to keep people posted. My Twitter account is: joshyates and my Facebook name is Josh Yates (simply send me a friend request).
Below you will find a link to a promo video about the Seven Project and also a short description of the Seven Project. Thanks so much for your prayers and for encouraging your student to get involved! There's a lot of students out there that need the love of Jesus in their lives! God is moving!!!
As always, email me with any questions you may have. God bless you and you're in my prayers!
Josh Yates
Youth Pastor
412 Youth Ministry
Orion, MI
www.412youth.com
LINK TO VIDEO:
http://gallery.me.com/pastorjosh#100343/7promo_full
DESCRIPTION:
Outreach
The Seven Project serves as a catalyst to mobilize and equip Christian communities to reach out to schools. The Seven Project is not merely a school assembly or evening rally. It is a comprehensive outreach strategy that equips and trains leaders and students in effective evangelism and discipleship.
The Seven Project Key Components:
School assemblies deal with real life and character issues faced by students. These programs include video segments that deal with anti-violence, scholastic achievement, peer pressure, integrity, substance abuse, abstinence, or others.
Student leadership development. Christian students are taught how to be a positive influence at their school. Seven weeks prior to the school assembly students are given specific plant to implement at their school before the assembly.
Evening events include a clear presentation of the gospel.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Long Overdue Update
It's been a long time since I've posted on here....thought I'd update everyone on what's going on.
We are now a four-person family!!! Sydney Grace Yates was born to us October 13, 2009 and is now almost 5 months old.
Kylie also started Kindergarten in the fall of 2009, so LOTS of changes!
This "new" lifestyle put on hold my weight loss. I have actually gained 30 lbs of the 60 that I had lost.
Still 30 lbs down overall, but very frustrating for me. Jeannie and I are back on track this week and are doing our best to get back to a healthy lifestyle.
I will be finishing my Master of Arts in Religion with a Pastoral Counseling concentration in May. I have one class left and then I'm DONE!!! :O) WOOT!
That's a basic update for now. Hope all is going well with those that follow my blog! Love you all!!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Parachute
I wanted to share a story from a book called, Hell’s Best Kept Secret, by Ray Comfort. Read and consider:
A man was sitting on an airplane. Unknown to the passengers, a terrorist hijacks the plane and it is about to crash. Halfway into the trip while high up in the sky, the flight attendant walks over to the man with a parachute in her hand. She asks him to put it on immediately. “Why should I put the parachute on?” asks the man.
“Because it will help make your trip more enjoyable,” the flight attendant replies. “Plus, others are putting it on and you don’t want to be one of the only people that doesn’t have one on. Also, you never know what might happen during the flight, and if the plane goes down, it will come in handy.”
So there the man sits trying to find a comfortable position in his seat, all the while wearing this parachute strapped tightly to his back. He sees other passengers who are not wearing their parachutes. They seem to be enjoying the flight, easily finding comfortable positions in their seats, even taking naps, while the man feels foolish with his on. In fact, some people sitting around him begin to point and giggle, and the woman sitting directly to his right frowns and firmly pushes his parachute off her side of the seat. Other passengers seem to only trust the parachutes they can construct and the gentleman across the aisle is frantically trying to tape together little drink napkins to create his own.
The man begins to think to himself, “The flight attendant lied to me. Not only am I not enjoying this, but there are plenty of people who are not wearing parachutes and they seem to be having a great time. I am sitting here looking like a fool. What are the chances of the flight going down anyway..?”
Picture another scenario:
The same man is on the same plane. The same flight attendant walks over to his seat and offers him a parachute. This time, however, when he asks the attendant why he should put it on, her answer is very different. “Our flight has just been hijacked by a terrorist. We are about to crash!!!” At that moment the parachute becomes a welcomed piece of equipment. Suddenly, not only does the man not care that the parachute is uncomfortable, he cares even less about how foolish he looks wearing it. He wonders why other passengers are continuing to refuse parachutes, and he frantically tries to convince them to strap theirs on. The comfort of the passenger takes a back seat to the life and death situation on the plane.
Here’s the explanation of the parable...
Satan is the terrorist. The flight attendant is one who offers the Gospel to a lost person. The passenger is you, the reader. The parachute is...Jesus Christ.
What does this story challenge you to do? What is God saying to you? To me? Are we all about our comfort or all about Jesus?
Stop...and consider...
A man was sitting on an airplane. Unknown to the passengers, a terrorist hijacks the plane and it is about to crash. Halfway into the trip while high up in the sky, the flight attendant walks over to the man with a parachute in her hand. She asks him to put it on immediately. “Why should I put the parachute on?” asks the man.
“Because it will help make your trip more enjoyable,” the flight attendant replies. “Plus, others are putting it on and you don’t want to be one of the only people that doesn’t have one on. Also, you never know what might happen during the flight, and if the plane goes down, it will come in handy.”
So there the man sits trying to find a comfortable position in his seat, all the while wearing this parachute strapped tightly to his back. He sees other passengers who are not wearing their parachutes. They seem to be enjoying the flight, easily finding comfortable positions in their seats, even taking naps, while the man feels foolish with his on. In fact, some people sitting around him begin to point and giggle, and the woman sitting directly to his right frowns and firmly pushes his parachute off her side of the seat. Other passengers seem to only trust the parachutes they can construct and the gentleman across the aisle is frantically trying to tape together little drink napkins to create his own.
The man begins to think to himself, “The flight attendant lied to me. Not only am I not enjoying this, but there are plenty of people who are not wearing parachutes and they seem to be having a great time. I am sitting here looking like a fool. What are the chances of the flight going down anyway..?”
Picture another scenario:
The same man is on the same plane. The same flight attendant walks over to his seat and offers him a parachute. This time, however, when he asks the attendant why he should put it on, her answer is very different. “Our flight has just been hijacked by a terrorist. We are about to crash!!!” At that moment the parachute becomes a welcomed piece of equipment. Suddenly, not only does the man not care that the parachute is uncomfortable, he cares even less about how foolish he looks wearing it. He wonders why other passengers are continuing to refuse parachutes, and he frantically tries to convince them to strap theirs on. The comfort of the passenger takes a back seat to the life and death situation on the plane.
Here’s the explanation of the parable...
Satan is the terrorist. The flight attendant is one who offers the Gospel to a lost person. The passenger is you, the reader. The parachute is...Jesus Christ.
What does this story challenge you to do? What is God saying to you? To me? Are we all about our comfort or all about Jesus?
Stop...and consider...
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Weight Loss Update
Well...another update. I’m down to 308.4 lbs today. :) It’s still coming off!
I’m in a competition at our health club for overall weight loss and body composition. I’m meeting with a trainer two days a week and I’m getting my butt kicked! In a good way...;)
Thanks for the continued prayers!
I’m in a competition at our health club for overall weight loss and body composition. I’m meeting with a trainer two days a week and I’m getting my butt kicked! In a good way...;)
Thanks for the continued prayers!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Weight Loss Update...
Well, I had to post again!
I’m now down to 318.8 lbs. today!!! That’s 30 lbs. on Bodybugg and 38 lbs. from my heaviest weight!
I’m getting to the point that I need some new clothes...however, I can still wear the one’s I’ve got for now and I will be getting smaller. So...I’m going to wait for maybe 10-15 more lbs.
:)
I’m now down to 318.8 lbs. today!!! That’s 30 lbs. on Bodybugg and 38 lbs. from my heaviest weight!
I’m getting to the point that I need some new clothes...however, I can still wear the one’s I’ve got for now and I will be getting smaller. So...I’m going to wait for maybe 10-15 more lbs.
:)
Friday, February 27, 2009
New Yates' Family Website
I really hope to create a website for our family over the coming weeks. I'm a rabid Mac user now, so I'm going to be using iWeb. :) First time doing that, but it should be an experience. I'll be posting pictures to our Flickr page in the near future, but you can keep up with a lot of what we're doing at www.412youth.com. Since youth ministry is my life...that will fill you in. Pictures available as well!!!
Weight Loss Update
I just HAD to post this!!!
I’ve been using the Bodybugg system (the armbands that you see on The Biggest Loser). This is a system that monitors your actual calorie burn each day. My goal is to eat 1000 calories less than I consume each day which will equal a minimum of a two pound weight loss for that week.
I began this process the second week of January and I weighed 348 lbs after Christmas. At my heaviest, I weighed 356 during the summer of 2008.
I weighed this morning and I am at....326.0 lbs! That’s a loss of 22 lbs since I began this program and 30 lbs from my heaviest! Needless to say, I’m very excited.
My next goal is to get under 300 lbs to 299. I’m running six days a week and weight lifting three days a week. I also officiate basketball, so that gets me even more active!
My first goal was to be able to play Wii Fit with my girls, but I had to be under 330...first goal met!
I would just like to ask that you continue to pray for my weight loss. I’m on a roll, but life can throw curve balls at us and I’m an emotional eater. I just want to keep this life change. :)
Thanks so much and THANK GOD for HIS strength as I continue this journey in my life!!!!
I’ve been using the Bodybugg system (the armbands that you see on The Biggest Loser). This is a system that monitors your actual calorie burn each day. My goal is to eat 1000 calories less than I consume each day which will equal a minimum of a two pound weight loss for that week.
I began this process the second week of January and I weighed 348 lbs after Christmas. At my heaviest, I weighed 356 during the summer of 2008.
I weighed this morning and I am at....326.0 lbs! That’s a loss of 22 lbs since I began this program and 30 lbs from my heaviest! Needless to say, I’m very excited.
My next goal is to get under 300 lbs to 299. I’m running six days a week and weight lifting three days a week. I also officiate basketball, so that gets me even more active!
My first goal was to be able to play Wii Fit with my girls, but I had to be under 330...first goal met!
I would just like to ask that you continue to pray for my weight loss. I’m on a roll, but life can throw curve balls at us and I’m an emotional eater. I just want to keep this life change. :)
Thanks so much and THANK GOD for HIS strength as I continue this journey in my life!!!!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thank You, President Bush
I find myself at a loss for words today. We have a new president. This is a time to see what will happen. I must admit, I am a republican and I did not vote for President Obama. However, he is my president and I will support him as God’s Word will allow me to. I will pray that God will direct him in his leadership of this country.
I just want to write a thank you to President Bush. He has been much aligned and slandered...however I believe that history will prove that he was one of the best presidents that America has ever seen. I cannot say that I agreed with everything he did while he was president, but I find myself sad that he is no longer our Commander-in-Chief. I believe that he always did what he thought was right for America, no matter what the personal or political cost of those decisions. That’s the test of a true leader.
Thank you, President George W. Bush for believing in America and for serving her well. Enjoy your rest. I’m sure you need it. :) God bless you and your family!!!
I just want to write a thank you to President Bush. He has been much aligned and slandered...however I believe that history will prove that he was one of the best presidents that America has ever seen. I cannot say that I agreed with everything he did while he was president, but I find myself sad that he is no longer our Commander-in-Chief. I believe that he always did what he thought was right for America, no matter what the personal or political cost of those decisions. That’s the test of a true leader.
Thank you, President George W. Bush for believing in America and for serving her well. Enjoy your rest. I’m sure you need it. :) God bless you and your family!!!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Matthew 5:17-20
A Prayer to God
Heavenly Father,
I am so amazed by the love that you have shown me. As we begin each year, it’s an easy time to think back on the year that has been and the year that will be. Each year, I feel like I need to do more for You, to be more for You, to just be more like You. While all of those things are worthwhile desires and pursuits, what I really need to do is just seek YOU. As I seek you with ALL that I have (my heart, soul, mind and strength) all of the above pursuits will be accomplished by YOU in me. It’s not about me accomplishing anything...it’s about YOU accomplishing everything in me and through me.
I try to take responsibility for so many things in my life that, really, aren’t my responsibility. Not that I do not strive to become less and You become more in my life like John the Baptist declared. It’s just that I need YOU in my life. I don’t need to seek anything/anyone else. As I seek you, I will change. That’s the renewing of the mind...seeking You with all I have.
Thank you so very much for Your salvation. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for paying the debt that I could never pay. I don’t deserve your love, yet you give it freely and abundantly. You are my Adonai (Master), El Shaddai (the one who provides) and Jehovah-Maccaddeschem (the LORD my sanctifier)!!! You are Immanuel (God with us).
I love you, Jesus. Take all I have. Help me to live with all I am for all that YOU are.
Heavenly Father,
I am so amazed by the love that you have shown me. As we begin each year, it’s an easy time to think back on the year that has been and the year that will be. Each year, I feel like I need to do more for You, to be more for You, to just be more like You. While all of those things are worthwhile desires and pursuits, what I really need to do is just seek YOU. As I seek you with ALL that I have (my heart, soul, mind and strength) all of the above pursuits will be accomplished by YOU in me. It’s not about me accomplishing anything...it’s about YOU accomplishing everything in me and through me.
I try to take responsibility for so many things in my life that, really, aren’t my responsibility. Not that I do not strive to become less and You become more in my life like John the Baptist declared. It’s just that I need YOU in my life. I don’t need to seek anything/anyone else. As I seek you, I will change. That’s the renewing of the mind...seeking You with all I have.
Thank you so very much for Your salvation. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for paying the debt that I could never pay. I don’t deserve your love, yet you give it freely and abundantly. You are my Adonai (Master), El Shaddai (the one who provides) and Jehovah-Maccaddeschem (the LORD my sanctifier)!!! You are Immanuel (God with us).
I love you, Jesus. Take all I have. Help me to live with all I am for all that YOU are.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Man...what a summer so far...
It's been awhile since I've posted...but life is going okay. Summer has been a bit anti-climactic this time around as the youth ministry does not have a "big" trip planned this break. So...this gives me time to rest after a HUGE youth room project. We just got back from Boyne Mountain with Jeannie's parents...we had a great time. I didn't golf all that well, but it was FUN! :)
Life is...interesting right now. Each time Jeannie's parents leave to go back home, or each time we leave them...it gets harder. As Kylie gets older...it gets harder. We are 100% convinced that Michigan is where God wants us...we just get "homesick" from time to time. It's easy to forget that we are transplants in MI and don't have any family around whatsoever.
God is speaking to me right now. He desires more of me. I desire more of Him. I want my life to continually be looking like Him. I am apalled at what I see in my life sometimes. The words to this song really describe where I'm at right now:
"The Only Thing"
Ronnie Freeman
I heard someone say the other day
They'd seen in me true love displayed
Blessed by something I had done for them
No sooner had they said these words
I found myself somehow disturbed
Uneasy as I took their compliment
Cause I know the heart inside this man
I know the truth of who I am...
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
I know me well enough to know
No matter what this life may show
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
If you could walk the hallways of my heart
And see things as they really are
I wonder if you might be surprised
Seeing faded walls of pride and fear
Rooms I've filled with faithless tears
And corners where I've stood in compromise
But you'd see the work His grace has done
You'd know just how far I've come
In a thousand years
When the dust of this world clears
And I look back on my life
And see in perfect light
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
I know me well enough to know
No matter what this life may show
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
I am nothing...Christ is everything. I guess I find myself a bit depressed. I feel like I'm in a state of transition. I don't know what kind of transition, however. I'm turning 30 next month...it's an interesting thing for me. Most people just try to explain it away...saying that I'm still young. I still am young, there's no disputing that. I guess it's just a time of introspection for me right now. Taking stock of my life and relationship with Christ, if you will.
Well...that's me for now. I hope to be posting some stuff I'm learning in school this Fall...I hope I can get back to classes.
God bless, have a great day and thanks for reading!
Life is...interesting right now. Each time Jeannie's parents leave to go back home, or each time we leave them...it gets harder. As Kylie gets older...it gets harder. We are 100% convinced that Michigan is where God wants us...we just get "homesick" from time to time. It's easy to forget that we are transplants in MI and don't have any family around whatsoever.
God is speaking to me right now. He desires more of me. I desire more of Him. I want my life to continually be looking like Him. I am apalled at what I see in my life sometimes. The words to this song really describe where I'm at right now:
"The Only Thing"
Ronnie Freeman
I heard someone say the other day
They'd seen in me true love displayed
Blessed by something I had done for them
No sooner had they said these words
I found myself somehow disturbed
Uneasy as I took their compliment
Cause I know the heart inside this man
I know the truth of who I am...
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
I know me well enough to know
No matter what this life may show
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
If you could walk the hallways of my heart
And see things as they really are
I wonder if you might be surprised
Seeing faded walls of pride and fear
Rooms I've filled with faithless tears
And corners where I've stood in compromise
But you'd see the work His grace has done
You'd know just how far I've come
In a thousand years
When the dust of this world clears
And I look back on my life
And see in perfect light
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
I know me well enough to know
No matter what this life may show
The only thing that's good in me is Jesus
I am nothing...Christ is everything. I guess I find myself a bit depressed. I feel like I'm in a state of transition. I don't know what kind of transition, however. I'm turning 30 next month...it's an interesting thing for me. Most people just try to explain it away...saying that I'm still young. I still am young, there's no disputing that. I guess it's just a time of introspection for me right now. Taking stock of my life and relationship with Christ, if you will.
Well...that's me for now. I hope to be posting some stuff I'm learning in school this Fall...I hope I can get back to classes.
God bless, have a great day and thanks for reading!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Lost Tomb of Jesus, Or Is It???
This paper was also written for my Apologetics this summer. This paper looks at the recent Discovery Channel "documentary" on the Talpiot Tomb, otherwise known as "The Lost Tomb of Jesus." You can access this document at: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d36dmsw_5dpg5xd. Read it for more information/study!
The Resurrection, Evangelism and Religious Tolerance
I recently wrote an application paper for my Apologetics class. This paper can be viewed at: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=d36dmsw_4fgtp2r. Let me know what you think...and enjoy!
Monday, October 01, 2007
Heavy Heart...Need Prayer...
I write today with a heavy heart. We found out that Josh & Tim Schrauger (Tim is on the left, Josh on the right) were killed in a tragic car accident on Saturday, September 29, 2007. Tim was a very active member of our youth group at 412 Youth and had just been accepted into our Student Leadership Program. I knew Josh a little, but not as much as I knew Tim. To complicate matters, the family has been through the "ringer" in the past year. One of the family's older sons, David, serves our country in the military and was deployed in Iraq. His humvee was hit by an IED and he was gravely injured while the rest of his comrades were killed. He has been going through numerous surgeries in a Texas military hospital and he is recovering...but not out of the woods yet. Now, their family has lost their two youngest children. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that both of these young men met their Jesus on Saturday. In fact, I would not be surprised if they have already organized a massive heavenly game of paintball! :) I had the priviledge of hearing Tim's testimony last Sunday as we had student leadership interviews. His biggest concern about becoming a student leader was that he would lead students TOWARD Jesus, not away from Him. He wanted his fellow students to see that a relationship with His Lord is so awesome and can be exciting! It was an honor knowing and encouraging Tim as his youth pastor. This is something that I prayed would never happen in my ministry to students. However, I KNOW that God WILL BE GLORIFIED in and through this. Josh & Tim impacted many lives with their love for Jesus through the way they lived...and now Jesus has an opportunity to impact many through them in their death.
The funeral is going to be at Lake Orion High School on Thursday, October 4 at 4:30 PM. I will be eulogizing Tim as part of the service. Please pray that God would give me and the other two pastors wisdom about what to say and how to be the most effective for Christ and for the family. Pray that God will be glorified. Pray that the family will be comforted. Pray for the students in our youth ministry and many others that knew and loved Josh & Tim. It is a sad day for us...but an awesome time for Josh & Tim. They are with the One they loved the most. They are with their Best Friend. They are with their Jesus...I have to admit...I'm a little jealous. ;)
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