Honoring...

Last night at the bible study I go to we were learning about honoring our mom. We hear a lot about obeying them, but not enough about honoring them. They are special dont forget it. Here is a little story that I thought you all would enjoy!

A 14 year old boy walked into the kitchen where his mom was making supper. He slapped down a piece of paper on the counter and sat down at the table. When his mother finished her work she went over and picked it up. This is what it read:

What I did: Amount owed:
Mowed the lawn: $10
Did the dishes: $ 5
Cleaned my room: $ 7.50
Vacuumed the carpet: $ 5
Cleaned the Garage: $ 10
Total Amount due: $37:50


The mother finished reading it aand then picked up a pencil and started writing. She finished and set it back down on the counter. The boy curious, rose and picked it up. Here is what it said:

What I did: Amount owed:
Gave birth to you: Free of charge
Changed your smelly Diapers: Free of charge
Potty trained you: Free of charge
Fed you: Free of charge
Taught you how to read: Free of charge
Much, much more: Free of charge
Total Amount due: $0.00

The boy quickly pulled out his pen and turning the paper over wrote : PAID IN FULL

Then he turned to his mother, gave her a hug and whispered “I love you”

Don't forget to tell your mom how much you love her! ( It can apply to your father as wel!)Rachel

Lessons I have been Learning....

So far I have really enjoyed Romans. I will openly admit it has been difficult at times to figure out what in the world it is saying, but with a dictionary and other resources close by I think I have been able to grasp a lot of new concepts! It has been exciting to see the Lord answer my prayer of helping me to understand His Word. I don't think I have ever looked at a book like this before with so much understanding!

Ok, a couple of things I have picked up...
1. In Romans 1:12 Paul says " That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith of both you and me" Paul was basically saying "I need Christian fellowship! Because you and I have a common bond (Jesus Christ) we are able to comfort and encourage each other!" Sound familiar? I don't about you, but for me that is how I have found you all to be for me. You have been my encouragers and comforters when needed and all because we have a common bond! So thanks. I love you all and don't know where I would be without you!

2. Romans 1 :14-15 "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also." At first I couldn't figure out what Pauls debt was, but then when I read verse 15 it made sense! Paul was saying he had a debt and that debt was to share the gospel with everyone! He was saying that he owed every unsaved person out there the right to hear the gospel and Paul basically said "I am rearing to go!" wow! Why can't I have that attitude?!?! ;)

3. Ok, this one was really interesting. Romans 2:23-24 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written." ok, so what does it mean when it says that the name of God is blasphemed through you? I think it means this....Paul was basically saying "Don't even call yourself a Christian if you aren't going to act like one, because if you do, you are blaspheming the name of God by not giving the gentiles (unsaved people) the correct view of God or of Christianity" I understand what Paul is saying here. I have seen a lot of people out there who call themselves Christians but yet take Gods name in vain, listen to awful music, are rude, don't respect authority, etc. And it is really hard for people who are unsaved to see God for who He is when they have those kind of people, who call themselves Christians, as examples. After I read that I felt the need to check my own life and see if I was setting the right kind of example. I am representing Christ and its actually a very scary thing because I really don't want people to look to me to get their view of God because I know I would fail miserably!

Ok, I could keep going with all the stuff I have been learning, but this has already gotten long, and I will save some of it to share in person with you all on Sunday. God has been teaching me so much through His Word and slowly, ever so slowly, tiny step by tiny step, changing me to be more like His Son.

In Awe of Him,
Chrystal

Two-Faced Chameleons

PART 2:

This next section of Psalms 50 was written to people that live double lives. To the ones that are eager to have their name associated with God, but live as though He doesn't exist.

Hypocrites, 

"Why do you act as though we have this great relationship? You talk about me, and tell of how much I mean to you. You HATE instruction, and you could care less about what my Word says. When you see an evil-doer, you run with them. You love evil. You do all of these sinful things; you justify them, and act as though I am ok with them. 

But, I WILL reprove thee, and set evil doers straight. Think about this and change, before I tear you to pieces, and there will be nothing left to save!" (I love God's bluntness here!) 

Then the chapter concludes with a statement for both groups,

"Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him thatordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God."

Our sole purpose it to glorify God. 

John

Thanks for giving me my stuff!

I have really been enjoying my study in Psalms. esp. the last couple of days. I started ch 50 today and I want to share what I have learned from it so far. 

The Psalmist starts out the chapter talking about the wrath of God and how it will be displayed at the tribulation (I think that is what it is talking about) and how God will gather up His saints. He will come with vengence and fire. Then the rest of the chapter is divided into two sections were God gives a message to the saints and the wicked. I only finished the part about the saints so I will post the rest about the sinners later.

Saints,

"First of all, I am your (personal) God! I am not reprimanding you for your sacrifices, but in reality... they aren't your sacrifices. I own the cattle on a thousand hills, I know all the birds and the beasts, and they are mine. So, I don't neeed you or your sacrifices. If I was hungery, I would not go to you for help. I reminded you in verse one that I am the creator, I make the sun rise and set. I made it all out of nothing. Yet, you like to think you are great for handing out a tract. (btw, keep handing out tracts!) Just remember every good gift and every perfect cometh down from the Father of lights. (then he ends with) Offer me your thanksgiving and pay your vows to me. (I love you even though you are worthless) call upon me in the day of trouble: I WILL deliver thee, and as a result, your natural response will be to glorify me."

We serve an awsome God! He is like none other! 

Keep praising God!

John

Happy 18th Birthday Kristin! We love you and are so thankful that God lead your family to PA and to our youth group! Keep in His Word, Apply what youre learning, Trust Him, and do great things for Him!

Romans

Hey All!
I dont know how many people are going through Romans right now, but I am on chapter two and already I am learning so much! ( if you knew nothing about doing a Romans study.... blame Chrystal=) chapter two was talking about judging and how we shouldn't judge people when we do the same thing; and dont think we can get by with that same sin, because God is the Judge of truth and he will have the final say! Romans has a lot of practical stuff in it and I'm really looking forward to continuing it!
Praying for you,
Rachel

Stuff to Learn...

To the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee , and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto Thee for ever! Psalm 30:12

I found this verse yesterday and I think its really neat. I like how David basically says to God, "ALL the glory I ever get I am gonna give to YOU! No matter what happens in my life, I will praise YOU! All the way to my death I will not be silent about YOU!" David was completely focused on Christ and whenever he recieved praise or glory from somebody he always tried to point the attention to Christ and how thankful he was for all that God had done for him. Whenever he faced a trial he learned to look on the bright side and remember that God was with him and would not give him anything more than he could handle! David learned to praise God in everything he went through, everything he did, and everything he said! I wish I would learn from David and be that way!

In Awe of Him,
Chrystal

Happy Thanksgiving

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

We serve an indescribably AWESOME God!!!!!


HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I'm sick of sinning!

Wow! I am tired! I was up studying my sermon until 3am this morning. At 7:30am my mom came and sprayed me with water! So much for sleeping in for the holiday! 4 and a half hours just doesn't cut it for me!

I am on Psalms 42 in my devo's
This is the Psalm that talks about the hart longing for streams, and my soul longing for God. I thought it was worthy of noting the end of the chapter. The Psalmist again, like so often before, tells of his love for God and then suddenly falls into discouragement because he sins, right after he has just had a great victory!

I remember Mr Byers giving his testimony at church once and he said: 'I felt as though I struggled even more after I got saved. I was having all kinds of bad thoughts. I felt discouraged, as though maybe I wasn't for real. I talk to pastor (Lutz) about it and his words of encouragement were: "That is proof that you ARE for real. Before, you did all these things but it didn't bother you. Now, you are living for the Spirit. When you do them it bothers you so you notice your sin more."

Take encouragement from this! No, you are not happy with your sin. Yes, God is grieved. But, it is proof that the Spirit is in you!

Striving for Excellence,

John P. Dierking

All things work together for good

Tonight I got home and realized that I didn't have the house key - and no one was home to let me in. So while I was waiting for my parents to get back, I went around back and sat down. At first I was thinking "this is so frustrating, I could be inside in the warmeth and be getting supper and things done." But then I thought about what I would have done had I gotten in right away - several things came to mind...and none of them included spending time in prayer and God's Word. So, instead of wasting time like I've done in the past when I've been 'locked out' (yes, this has happened before!) I spent a wonderful 20 or so minutes talking to my Lord. I had to thank God for that little 'inconvenience'. That was 20 minutes I would have spent basically wasting my time! Even though this was a minuscule instance, it was still a lesson that I can apply to bigger things, too. I need to use my time wisely and even when things happen that are unplanned, I can make the best of it by turning to the Lord for guidance!


In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. -1 Thessalonians 5:18

Thankyou

I figured thanksgiving is a good of a time as any to tell you thank you pastor walters! I have really been enjoying the messages you have been giving... Is really cool because almost everything you preach on is something I am studying! And it helps me get a better perspective of it...! I am praying for you!

Striving for Excellence,
John P. Dierking

PS. I figured out how to post without using the sigma account

3. Thanksgiving Quote for the Day!

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it, is like wrapping a present and not giving it --(William Arthur Ward)

“You don’t have to be afraid of praising God too much; unlike humans He never gets a big head.” [Paul Dibble]

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." [Psalm 139:14]

2. Thanksgiving Quote for the Day

Thou who hast given so much to me, Give me one thing more, - a grateful heart; Not thankful when it pleaseth me, As if Thy blessings had spare days, But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise. (~George Herbert)

We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. [Revelation 11:17]

True fulfillment

Today's sermons reminded me of how blessed we are to serve such an amazing, loving and unique God! There are no other gods or religions that can begin to compare to the complete fulfillment that Christ alone gives us when we are totally submitted to Him. Pastor Walters was challenging us today to turn to God when things go wrong, instead of the innumerable other things that we turn to. We as christians have access to GOD! Why would we want to go anywhere else for fulfillment?! Unlike every other thing that we could turn to, Christ alone can give us true and complete, lasting joy! How many other religions do you know of that promise true joy when you serve their god? Servitude and joy aren't usually paired up with each other, are they? Yet God promises us joy when we serve Him with our whole heart! And it is true! When I serve the Lord with a humble and earnest heart I feel a fulfillment that nothing else can provide. When I think about how good our God is to us, my heart is too full to be able to describe it!


'Shout with delight to the Lord all you people.
Worship the Lord with full gladness of heart.
Come bow before Him, with songs of all praises,
Joyful with all of your heart.

Know that the Lord, He is God.
For He made us, we are His flock,
The sheep of His pasture, and He is our Rock.
Know that the Lord, He is God!

Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving,
Enter His courts with your tongue tuned to praise.
Our God is good, and His love lasts forever;
Faithfulness marks all His ways.

Know that the Lord, He is God!'


I will be trying to pray for you all this week!
Becca

Bilbo Baggins and Me

Today as I was doing something, a completely random thought struck me! I am so much like Bilbo Baggins it isn't even funny! For those of you who have watched it, you know the part where Bilbo is getting ready to leave the Shire and he has the ring in his pocket. He is rushing around and he keeps telling Gandalf that he is going to leave the ring behind, because he knows its for the best. He keeps saying " I am going to leave the ring. I am going to leave the ring." Gandalf just nods and watches as Bilbo continues to gather up his belongings and then heads out the door with the ring in his pocket. Then Gandalf smiles and says quietly "Bilbo. The ring is still in your pocket." Bilbo stops and looks up at Gandalf before he reaches into his pocket and slowly pulls the ring out of his pocket. He stares at it for a while, trying to decide if he truly is going to leave it and then he slowly turns his hand and lets the ring fall to the floor. I do the same thing, in a sense, in my spiritual life. God will convict me of something in my life that I need change or let go of, because its for the best and I will say "Ok, Lord, I will. I will change that or I will write that apology note." and then I continue to go about my day and dont do a thing about it! Or I will write my apology note, but then don't give it to the person I wronged and the Lord just looks down at me and reminds me gently "Chrystal. The letter is still in your pocket" and then I have to resubmit myself to Gods will and decide all over again whether I am going to do the right thing or not. The Ring is like the sin in my life. The longer it is in my possession, the more I want it and the more it controls me and the harder it is to get rid of it.

In Awe of HIM,
Chrystal

Great Quotes...

~Don't let people who can't manage their own lives try to manage yours.

~Anger is one letter away from Danger

~The real question is not "are we ashamed of Jesus" but, " is Jesus ashamed of us"

~People get their excercise by JUMPING to conclusions and RUNNING down others reputations.

~Sin will make you do things you don't want to do, take you places you don't want to go, it will make you stay longer than you want to stay, and it will make you pay prices you don't want to pay.

~God wants righteous fruits, not religeous nuts!

Trust me I have more....I'll have to post them later. =}
Praying for you!
Rachel

Thankful for you : )

Since this morning's Colossians study was on Christian Friends, I wanted to let you know how much you guys mean to me. I am so thankful for you all. God has blessed me richly with friends that are striving to be more like Christ. Thank you for being such a help to me over the years. You don't know how much you have helped me along. I pray that I have been some help to you. If not, you have my permission to slap me. : ) I thank you for being the friends I always wished for. Keep praying for one another. Stay in His word, and keep moving forward for Christ.

Because of Christ,
Chris

John Piper Quote

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him"

God will always be there to help us

Hello teenmates, This morning I went to go do my devoyions and when i opened my Bible the paper that i use wasn't there. So i opened to my Bible's Concordance (why i did this i don't know) So i was looking thru it and then I saw the word "Help." So i looked at one of the verses it had and i turned to one of them (don't ask me why:) The verse i read was Ps. 42:1 God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble. Once i read it then i read it over and over again. Then i'm like "I gotta post this!" I relized that God will always be there to help us and guid us through the hardships that we face. We serve an awesome God and we need to always trust Him and stay close to Him. I hope you all have a great day and I'll see yal next Wenseday. Have a great day!!!!
In Christ,
Zac

1. Thanksgiving Quote for the day!!!

For, after all, put it as we may to ourselves, we are all, from birth to death, guests at a table which we did not spread. The sun, the earth, love, friends, and even our very breath are parts of the banquet.... Shall we think of the day as a chance to come nearer to our Host, and to find out something of Him who has fed us so long? (~Rebecca Harding Davis)