Hey everyone! Great job on the devotions yesterday! I am very excited about all of you that are faithfully doing them! Keep up the good work! If you havent gone to the prayer blog take a moment and ceck it out today... When you go there, make sure that you leave a comment telling us that you prayed for some or all of the prayer request. If you have anything that you want us to add to the list then just let me know; I will add it on! Stay faithful! See you in church tomorrow! It is going to be a great day!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARY!
John 18
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered.
2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.
3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”
5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.
6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,”
9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”
10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.
13 And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year.
14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
So from the beginning of this book to the oassage today was the length of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. It doesnt seem very long! Christ earthly ministry lasted about 3 years. So Jesus and His disciples finished "the Lords Supper" and they listened to Jesus give some final words to them, and then they listened to Jesus pray. As soon as Christ finished praying this passage explains to us that He got up and went with the disciples to "the garden" of gethsemene. Pastor Chip has actually been to this spot. How cool is that.
As Jesus and His disciples were spending time in the garden guess who shows up?? You better believe it, Judas and a small "detachment of troops". WHAT?!?!?!?! Jesus has never been aggressive, never hurt ANYONE, He has only saved and healed; yet Judas braught a troop of soldiers with torches, lanterns and WEAPONS?!?! It is clear that Judas did not know Christ. If he had known Christ, then He would have known that there would be no need for weapons with the "prince of peace". If Judas had known Christ then he might have known that Christ actually came for this moment, to die for the sins of man... Christ would not stop them from taking Him although as Michael mentioned two days ago: " He could have called 10,000 angels to save him" but he chose to go to the cross for us.
Peter, Peter, Peter... I have told you before, I am a sanguine just like Peter. My default mode is to think before I speak or act... It takes a lot of self control to restrain this part of my temperment. I say that, because I can relate to Peter here. I would have been ready to fight. Ok, Jesus, there are 20 of themand 11 of us... With my sword and a few of your miracles I think we can take them!!! I will start by... chopping this guys ear off??? Well, Peter had the passion, but not the right actions in this moment... No fear! We are stanging next to Jesus, the miracle worker, who created that ear. He can fix it!
My two applications for this passage would be:
1. Jesus willingly went to the cross for me, nothing forced Him, He simply chose to go there for you and me! What have I chose to do for Him in return. He gave His life for us, maybe we should give our life back to Him.
2. Like Peter, often times we jump and do something before we really thing about what we are doing. Peter responded in the moment, and very possibly in the flesh. However Jesus explains to Him, Hey! This is what I have had planned from before the foundation of the earth. I planned to save you from your sins. We, like Peter, should think! before we act!:)
Don't forget to pray for your friends today:
http://www.praywithsuncoastyouth.blogspot.com/
FRIDAY, July 25th, 2008
Well Hello! I am just so pumped about the enthusiasm floating through the air for the wilds!! If anyone else wants to come, please call me today! We can get you in if you call today! I love the exciting little community that you all oare forming on this devotional blog. I am probably going to have to set up some ground rules, LIKE NO NAME CALLING CARY... and maybe a few other things! But I am so thankful for the way you all are getting in the word of God faithfully!
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Kacey: Yes, we should use the gift of prayer, I am so glad that we are getting passionate about it. I know that this will help me in my daily prayer life!
Blondie: I am so glad that you are on too!!!! Don't worry, I will not let your brother bully you around on here!! By the way... Brucified!!! Ha! That was funny!!!
Phil: Yes it is a little deep, but don't worry we will do something easier when we finish this book!! I think we will go through the book of Jonah! :)
Bethany: You were so excited that you spelled your name wrong... I think... is it bethany? or bethnay?
Cary: you call my friends losers, and I will dog pile you with 40 people when we get to camp!!!Bree: I am so glad that you are on here too! Great Job by the way! See you Sunday!
Michael: I am so glad you ar edoing these, you really come up with some good stuff... you were exactly right. He definitely chose to put us before Himself! By the way: Good job Capitalizing "Jesus"!! :)
Tricia: Where is AMY these days?? Tell her to be faithful!!!! Thanks!
Lucy: Did you read what I explained about the passage? That usually helps out!
Rachel: I agree with you, this should help my prayer life as well!!
Kervin: Sir, explain one thing: If the week that you were born was the best week of your life... then tell me everything you remember about it?? AND WHAT! SON! :) See you at the Wilds!!!
Mallory: We miss you!! Hurry back so we can leave again!!!!
Jessica B: Have your friend do them as well! :)
John 17:20-26 (Jesus Praying for the Believers)
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:
23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.
26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
These 7 verses give us a wonderful picture of How much Christ loves us. Let's start at the top: Jeuss has been praying for the disciples, so He starts out this passage saying: "I do not pray for these alone (speaking of the disciples), but also for those who will believe in me through "their word" This could be refering to two different "words". Either the personal witness of those disciples, because they shared the truth of Christ by mouth, or the inspired word of God that was written down by some of these men.Either way, it is clear: God is praying for the people who would later believe in Him.
By the way... THAT IS US!!!
What does Jesus pray pray for us?
In verse 21 we see Christ ask that we will be unified. This reminds me of what Christ explained just a few minutes before the prayer when He explains the vine and the branches and how they must be joined as one to bear fruit. Christ prayed to God the father on our behalf so that we would be unified. God wants us to be "one" with Him. We are supposed to be connected to God daily to bear fruit!
In verse 22 Jesus tells God that He has given us some of His Glory! Wow! We are so undeserving!
Verse 23: Why does Jesus Pray this for us?? That the world may know who He is and that He loves us!!
Then verse 24 is so great! Get this: Jesus literally asks God if we can be with Him. How wonderful is that. I don't know about you, but I like to be with the people I love, and I don't usually beg for permission to have people over that I don't like.
Jesus is asking God the father if believers can be With Him!!! I guarantee you this... If you have accepted Christ, then one day, you will be with Him! For Eternity!
Finally, we have a righteous father, but the world does not know Him, we must live a life that shows the world how great and how loving our heavenly father is!
Dont forget to add your prayer requests! http://www.praywithsuncoastyouth.blogspot.com/
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Kacey: Yes, we should use the gift of prayer, I am so glad that we are getting passionate about it. I know that this will help me in my daily prayer life!
Blondie: I am so glad that you are on too!!!! Don't worry, I will not let your brother bully you around on here!! By the way... Brucified!!! Ha! That was funny!!!
Phil: Yes it is a little deep, but don't worry we will do something easier when we finish this book!! I think we will go through the book of Jonah! :)
Bethany: You were so excited that you spelled your name wrong... I think... is it bethany? or bethnay?
Cary: you call my friends losers, and I will dog pile you with 40 people when we get to camp!!!Bree: I am so glad that you are on here too! Great Job by the way! See you Sunday!
Michael: I am so glad you ar edoing these, you really come up with some good stuff... you were exactly right. He definitely chose to put us before Himself! By the way: Good job Capitalizing "Jesus"!! :)
Tricia: Where is AMY these days?? Tell her to be faithful!!!! Thanks!
Lucy: Did you read what I explained about the passage? That usually helps out!
Rachel: I agree with you, this should help my prayer life as well!!
Kervin: Sir, explain one thing: If the week that you were born was the best week of your life... then tell me everything you remember about it?? AND WHAT! SON! :) See you at the Wilds!!!
Mallory: We miss you!! Hurry back so we can leave again!!!!
Jessica B: Have your friend do them as well! :)
John 17:20-26 (Jesus Praying for the Believers)
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:
23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
25 O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.
26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
These 7 verses give us a wonderful picture of How much Christ loves us. Let's start at the top: Jeuss has been praying for the disciples, so He starts out this passage saying: "I do not pray for these alone (speaking of the disciples), but also for those who will believe in me through "their word" This could be refering to two different "words". Either the personal witness of those disciples, because they shared the truth of Christ by mouth, or the inspired word of God that was written down by some of these men.Either way, it is clear: God is praying for the people who would later believe in Him.
By the way... THAT IS US!!!
What does Jesus pray pray for us?
In verse 21 we see Christ ask that we will be unified. This reminds me of what Christ explained just a few minutes before the prayer when He explains the vine and the branches and how they must be joined as one to bear fruit. Christ prayed to God the father on our behalf so that we would be unified. God wants us to be "one" with Him. We are supposed to be connected to God daily to bear fruit!
In verse 22 Jesus tells God that He has given us some of His Glory! Wow! We are so undeserving!
Verse 23: Why does Jesus Pray this for us?? That the world may know who He is and that He loves us!!
Then verse 24 is so great! Get this: Jesus literally asks God if we can be with Him. How wonderful is that. I don't know about you, but I like to be with the people I love, and I don't usually beg for permission to have people over that I don't like.
Jesus is asking God the father if believers can be With Him!!! I guarantee you this... If you have accepted Christ, then one day, you will be with Him! For Eternity!
Finally, we have a righteous father, but the world does not know Him, we must live a life that shows the world how great and how loving our heavenly father is!
Dont forget to add your prayer requests! http://www.praywithsuncoastyouth.blogspot.com/
THURSDAY, July 24th, 2008
WE NOW HAVE AT LEAST 40 PEOPLE GOING TO THE WILDS!!!!!! YEAH!!! THAT IS A RECORD FOR SUNCOAST YOUTH GROUP!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Cary, Phillip, Lucy: Good to see you on Facebook! :)
Bethany: Today is the Day!! I AM Praying that the answer is YES!!!
Tricia: Yes I was trying to call you! ANSWER YOUR PHONE! :)
Tyler: You are the man! Kervin is coming to the wilds! I got a check last night from His mom! I am so glad!
Kervin: You are going to have a blast!KAcey: Thanks for being the first to put prayer requests on the prayer blog!!
Alex: Good to see you on here man! Keep it up!
Mallory: Glad that you are safe!
Katie: Come to Bed! :) I Love You!
John 17:
1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,
2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.
3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.
5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.
7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You.
8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
Wow, This is great timing! Yesterday was the first day for our prayer blog, and today we see Jesus praying in this entire passage! So Christ has been hanging our with the disciples during the Last Supper for the last few weeks. We have been listening to all of the wise words that Jesus, God in the flesh, was giving to his followers. How amazing would it have been to be there at that moment!
Well, we can see a glimpse of that moment by reading this passage. In todays verses we see Jesus praying to God the Father. What does He say? First Jesus explains that the hour has come for Jesus to glorify the Father. Jesus is explaining that the time has come that he is about to be taken and crucified.
Jesus also explains that He is going to be crucified so that He can "give eternal life to the lost"
Next Jesus explains how to receive eternal life: "to know" and believe in God the father and His son Jesus Christ.
Clearly in verses 1-5 Jesus is praying that He will obey God the Father so that GOD can receive the glory.
We too must obey God soo that He can get the glory for doing incredible thins in our life! It is neat to think that just as Jesus was praying: "Father, I will do your will so that you will be glorified"; We too should be saying: "Father, We will do your will so that you will be glorified"!!!
Finally: the last few verses, Jesus is praying for the disciples who are right there with Him... Jesus says: "I pray for them"
How cool, Jesus prays for us also: just like I said last night in youth service: Jesus makes intercession to the faher on our behalf. We to should pray for others just like Jesus did.
Follow this link today and take a few more minutes to pray for each other: you can also post some of your own prayer requests if you would like.
www.PraywithSuncoastYouth.blogspot.com
Have a great day! Love, Pastor Lee
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Cary, Phillip, Lucy: Good to see you on Facebook! :)
Bethany: Today is the Day!! I AM Praying that the answer is YES!!!
Tricia: Yes I was trying to call you! ANSWER YOUR PHONE! :)
Tyler: You are the man! Kervin is coming to the wilds! I got a check last night from His mom! I am so glad!
Kervin: You are going to have a blast!KAcey: Thanks for being the first to put prayer requests on the prayer blog!!
Alex: Good to see you on here man! Keep it up!
Mallory: Glad that you are safe!
Katie: Come to Bed! :) I Love You!
John 17:
1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,
2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.
3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.
5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.
7 Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You.
8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
Wow, This is great timing! Yesterday was the first day for our prayer blog, and today we see Jesus praying in this entire passage! So Christ has been hanging our with the disciples during the Last Supper for the last few weeks. We have been listening to all of the wise words that Jesus, God in the flesh, was giving to his followers. How amazing would it have been to be there at that moment!
Well, we can see a glimpse of that moment by reading this passage. In todays verses we see Jesus praying to God the Father. What does He say? First Jesus explains that the hour has come for Jesus to glorify the Father. Jesus is explaining that the time has come that he is about to be taken and crucified.
Jesus also explains that He is going to be crucified so that He can "give eternal life to the lost"
Next Jesus explains how to receive eternal life: "to know" and believe in God the father and His son Jesus Christ.
Clearly in verses 1-5 Jesus is praying that He will obey God the Father so that GOD can receive the glory.
We too must obey God soo that He can get the glory for doing incredible thins in our life! It is neat to think that just as Jesus was praying: "Father, I will do your will so that you will be glorified"; We too should be saying: "Father, We will do your will so that you will be glorified"!!!
Finally: the last few verses, Jesus is praying for the disciples who are right there with Him... Jesus says: "I pray for them"
How cool, Jesus prays for us also: just like I said last night in youth service: Jesus makes intercession to the faher on our behalf. We to should pray for others just like Jesus did.
Follow this link today and take a few more minutes to pray for each other: you can also post some of your own prayer requests if you would like.
www.PraywithSuncoastYouth.blogspot.com
Have a great day! Love, Pastor Lee
WEDNESDAY, July 23rd, 2008
Tonight is Youth Group! Make sure that you are going to be there! We will be doing some fun stuff and we will be giving you some new announcements! I am excited!
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Jessica Massey: HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY!!!! YOU ARE GETTING SO OLD!! :) We had fun yesterday! What happened to you and Jon on the blog yesterday??
In Case Your Wondering: I Love That Song! I will check into us doing it!
Bethany: How was volley ball yesterday? Did you get to go last night? Have you talked to your Mom yet??
Cary: Sorry about the ipod man!! I would cry! SERIOUSLY! I would be devastated without all of my audio books and my podcasts!!
Jeff: Good Devotions Man!
Josh L: I read your comment wrong: I thought you said: "I am going to soak my parents in their hot tub". It kind of freaked me out! :)
Lucy: I Love you "SUMMIT PLUMMIT" Illustration!!
Tyler: Way to show compassion on the girls!! (suck up!) :)
Jessica: Thank you for being faithful!
Alex: If you miss one more time this week then I am going to post your comments on Sunday night over again for you to read! Love Ya!
Mallory: Yesterday was fun! Have fun on your trip! Hurry back so we can go to the wilds!! :)
Kacey: We miss you! I hope you are having a great time! When will you be home?
John 16:
25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.
26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you;
27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.
28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.”
29 His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech!
30 Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.”
31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?
32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
This is great! Christ is explaining to the disciples that many of the things that He has been explaining to them was explained figuratively instead of literally. That is exactly what He does in verse 28. Jesus no longer tells them, "I am going away, where you cannot come". He tells them exactly what He will be doing. Jesus says in 28, I was with the Father before I came to earth, and I am about to go back to the father.
How much clearer can it get??
FINALLY! They seem to get it! They said, oh! Now that you told us literally what you were talking about, we understand and we believe.
Verse 33 is my favorite verse of this passage! It is INCREDIBLE!
While we are living in this world we will face tribulation. We will go through hard and difficult times, times of testing, times of discouragement, times of heartache, times of sadness, BUT!!!
Christ Tells Us To... BE OF GOOD CHEER?!??!?!?!?!
We are supposed to be happy through tribulation?? YES! Because we know that no matter what happens: Christ has overcome the world!
We can have joy and be cheerful in spite of our circumstances because Jesus Has OVERCOME THE WORLD!!!
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Jessica Massey: HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY!!!! YOU ARE GETTING SO OLD!! :) We had fun yesterday! What happened to you and Jon on the blog yesterday??
In Case Your Wondering: I Love That Song! I will check into us doing it!
Bethany: How was volley ball yesterday? Did you get to go last night? Have you talked to your Mom yet??
Cary: Sorry about the ipod man!! I would cry! SERIOUSLY! I would be devastated without all of my audio books and my podcasts!!
Jeff: Good Devotions Man!
Josh L: I read your comment wrong: I thought you said: "I am going to soak my parents in their hot tub". It kind of freaked me out! :)
Lucy: I Love you "SUMMIT PLUMMIT" Illustration!!
Tyler: Way to show compassion on the girls!! (suck up!) :)
Jessica: Thank you for being faithful!
Alex: If you miss one more time this week then I am going to post your comments on Sunday night over again for you to read! Love Ya!
Mallory: Yesterday was fun! Have fun on your trip! Hurry back so we can go to the wilds!! :)
Kacey: We miss you! I hope you are having a great time! When will you be home?
John 16:
25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.
26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you;
27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.
28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.”
29 His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech!
30 Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.”
31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?
32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
This is great! Christ is explaining to the disciples that many of the things that He has been explaining to them was explained figuratively instead of literally. That is exactly what He does in verse 28. Jesus no longer tells them, "I am going away, where you cannot come". He tells them exactly what He will be doing. Jesus says in 28, I was with the Father before I came to earth, and I am about to go back to the father.
How much clearer can it get??
FINALLY! They seem to get it! They said, oh! Now that you told us literally what you were talking about, we understand and we believe.
Verse 33 is my favorite verse of this passage! It is INCREDIBLE!
While we are living in this world we will face tribulation. We will go through hard and difficult times, times of testing, times of discouragement, times of heartache, times of sadness, BUT!!!
Christ Tells Us To... BE OF GOOD CHEER?!??!?!?!?!
We are supposed to be happy through tribulation?? YES! Because we know that no matter what happens: Christ has overcome the world!
We can have joy and be cheerful in spite of our circumstances because Jesus Has OVERCOME THE WORLD!!!
TUESDAY, July, 22nd, 2008
Well yesterday we broke a record for the most comments thanks to CARY~!! Too bad that we did not break the record by actuaklly having 50 different people doing their devotions!!! Lucy! You are exactly right!! I was so excited whenever I saw 50 comments! What a dissapointment!
:(
I want to say this, and I know I keep telling you all this... but, I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THE WILDS!!! We will be going in less than two weeks! I went over the list of who is going yesterday and I have about 3 people on the fence, but if they all go then we will be taking over 40 people this year!! That was my goal, so I hope we can meet it!!!
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
CARY: YOU DISGUST ME! How cruel~ I thought ther ewere 50 teenagers doing their devotions! :) you are funny. Dont let it happen again! :)
McCue: We miss you man! Good to see you on here!
Amy: I am glad that you are so faithful on here!!
SABLE: Hey Girl!!! Thanks for coming on here and posting a comment with us!! You are so cool! I am glad that I found you, my long lost cousin, on facebook!! :)
Kervin: This is me officially begging: PLEASE COME TO THE WILDS WITH US!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!! You will be glad that you did!! :)
My 2 Cents: I have quited down on this littlegame because I know who you are and I am letting everyone else have some fun with it. :)
John 16:19-24
19 Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’?
20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.
24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
This, once again, is a pretty neat passage! Can you believe the disciples are STILL trying to figure out what Jesus is talking about when He tells them that He will be leaving them... How clear can He make it?? Well, I guess He could have told them that He would be crucified on a cruel cross, but if He would have told them that, then maybe they would have tried (ignorantly) to save Him from the cross, not knowing that If Jesus did not die on the cross they would all end up in Hell, (we would too). Anyways, there is a lot of cool stuff in this passage!!
I love verses 19 and 20. Jesus explains to the Disciples that they will be sad when He is gone, but they need not worry, because their "Sorrow will turn to Joy"
Think about that: Jesus is in the business of taking what we have made sorrowful and turning it into Joy. I am so glad that Jesus takes my sorrow and turns it into Joy.
Verse 21 is so great! It reminded me of about 4 months ago when Will was born!! :) Katie was telling me (over and over) that we are not having any more kids at all... The pains of child labor made her very sorrowful!! But Jesus knew how Katie would feel after Will was born, that is why He says in this passage that "she will nolonger remember her anguish"
That is kind of a joke around the "mother infant floor" of the hospital . All of the mothers are screaming " I AM NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN" but for some reason (mentioned in this passage) as soon as the baby is born, The mother forgets about all of the pain because of the Joy she has over her newborn child.
There may be sorrowful times in our life, just as the disciples faced, but we must remember that Joy will come in the morning!! Praise the Lord for His Love and Faithfulness!
:(
I want to say this, and I know I keep telling you all this... but, I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THE WILDS!!! We will be going in less than two weeks! I went over the list of who is going yesterday and I have about 3 people on the fence, but if they all go then we will be taking over 40 people this year!! That was my goal, so I hope we can meet it!!!
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
CARY: YOU DISGUST ME! How cruel~ I thought ther ewere 50 teenagers doing their devotions! :) you are funny. Dont let it happen again! :)
McCue: We miss you man! Good to see you on here!
Amy: I am glad that you are so faithful on here!!
SABLE: Hey Girl!!! Thanks for coming on here and posting a comment with us!! You are so cool! I am glad that I found you, my long lost cousin, on facebook!! :)
Kervin: This is me officially begging: PLEASE COME TO THE WILDS WITH US!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!! You will be glad that you did!! :)
My 2 Cents: I have quited down on this littlegame because I know who you are and I am letting everyone else have some fun with it. :)
John 16:19-24
19 Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’?
20 Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.
24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
This, once again, is a pretty neat passage! Can you believe the disciples are STILL trying to figure out what Jesus is talking about when He tells them that He will be leaving them... How clear can He make it?? Well, I guess He could have told them that He would be crucified on a cruel cross, but if He would have told them that, then maybe they would have tried (ignorantly) to save Him from the cross, not knowing that If Jesus did not die on the cross they would all end up in Hell, (we would too). Anyways, there is a lot of cool stuff in this passage!!
I love verses 19 and 20. Jesus explains to the Disciples that they will be sad when He is gone, but they need not worry, because their "Sorrow will turn to Joy"
Think about that: Jesus is in the business of taking what we have made sorrowful and turning it into Joy. I am so glad that Jesus takes my sorrow and turns it into Joy.
Verse 21 is so great! It reminded me of about 4 months ago when Will was born!! :) Katie was telling me (over and over) that we are not having any more kids at all... The pains of child labor made her very sorrowful!! But Jesus knew how Katie would feel after Will was born, that is why He says in this passage that "she will nolonger remember her anguish"
That is kind of a joke around the "mother infant floor" of the hospital . All of the mothers are screaming " I AM NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN" but for some reason (mentioned in this passage) as soon as the baby is born, The mother forgets about all of the pain because of the Joy she has over her newborn child.
There may be sorrowful times in our life, just as the disciples faced, but we must remember that Joy will come in the morning!! Praise the Lord for His Love and Faithfulness!
MONDAY, July 21st, 2008
I am so excited about camp!! Two weeks from today we will be driving up there! How exciting is that? I am so ready to be there!! Teenagers, I want to challenge you with somsething today: God did greater things in my life at camp than I saw Him do anywhere else because my heart was open and I expected God to do something great! I hope that you will begin to view camp the same way, Make sure that your heart is open! Also make sure that you expect God to do something Great! Pray, Pray, Pray!! Ask God to do Great Things in your life during your week of camp! Trust Me! If you are willing... HE IS WILLING!!
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Kacey: We missed you in church yesterday! I hope you guys have a fun vacation in Orlando! What are you going to be doing while you are there? Did Jill go with you guys?
Jessica M: Wow... Preach my message last night before I even get to! you said: "Not enough time spent with God in His word?"
Cary: You are funny! I thought your comment to Amy was Hilarious!
Kervin: I hope I did not frustrate you yesterday. I hope you have decided to come to the wilds! The book I am reading is called "Do Hard Things". I think this would be something "hard" for you to do that would make you a much better person, increase your comfort zone, and help you for years to come! Think about it!
Josh L: I don't understand why you would say impolite things about your parents, especially when they just allowed you to get back on the computer?!?! BE NICE! and good Job on the "Sherlock Asian".
ALEX: I am glad that you have committed to stay in the word "consistently", and I really like your word supakoo. Did you make that up? I am glad that you came bowling last night!
Mallory: Where are you going to in Tennessee? I hope you have fun! I hope that you can still do your devotions!
Jeff: I am excited about learning the rest of the back flip!
Tricia: Are you "AICIRT" ?? Great job on your devotions! I am excited about you getting involved! Tell me very soon if you can go to the wilds with us!
Bethany: Thanks for your compliment! I would love to sing with you sometime! By the way... let me know as soon as you find out about the wilds!!!!
John 16:1-15
1 “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.
2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.
3 And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.
4 But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.“And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.
5 “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’
6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;
11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
This passage is a little longer than what I normally choose, but It all fits together and will make more sense if you read the whole passage. There are several exciting facts mentioned by Christ in this passage.
First, we see in verse one, that Christ is sharing all of this information with the disciples so that they will not "stumble". If God knew that these sayings would keep the disciples from falling, then I believe that they will keep us from falling as well...
Next in verses 2-4, Jesus is finishing His thoughts about the world Hating Christians. Jesus explains that not only will the world Hate Christians, but they will think that they are doing GOOD whenever they kill Christians. Wow! That is scary! But that is happening today around the world. There are places today where Christians are being killed for their beliefs. I am so thankful that we can have the freedom to open our Bible and read it, and to go to church, an to pray in public... and so much more!
Verse 7 is my favorite verse in this passage. Here is why! Jesus is sitting there with the Disciples and He tells them, I am about to leave you guys, and they get very sad... But then Jesus explains that it is to their advantage that He leaves them, because then the "comforter" or the Holy Spirit will come! Jesus tells them that it is better to have the Holy Spirit in their life than to have Jesus Christ right there with them. That is pretty incredible! We have so many advantages in our Christian life today! We have Gods word, As I spoke about last night, and we have the Holy spirit which is better than having Jesus here with us, because the Hol spirit can dwell in each of us, and minister and comfort and convict and guide each of us, where as if Jesus were here with us, then there would be a line 500 miles long just to see him and get a picture!
Thank you Lord for your Holy Spirit in my life! God has given us so many advantages to live for him! So LET'S DO IT!!!!
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Kacey: We missed you in church yesterday! I hope you guys have a fun vacation in Orlando! What are you going to be doing while you are there? Did Jill go with you guys?
Jessica M: Wow... Preach my message last night before I even get to! you said: "Not enough time spent with God in His word?"
Cary: You are funny! I thought your comment to Amy was Hilarious!
Kervin: I hope I did not frustrate you yesterday. I hope you have decided to come to the wilds! The book I am reading is called "Do Hard Things". I think this would be something "hard" for you to do that would make you a much better person, increase your comfort zone, and help you for years to come! Think about it!
Josh L: I don't understand why you would say impolite things about your parents, especially when they just allowed you to get back on the computer?!?! BE NICE! and good Job on the "Sherlock Asian".
ALEX: I am glad that you have committed to stay in the word "consistently", and I really like your word supakoo. Did you make that up? I am glad that you came bowling last night!
Mallory: Where are you going to in Tennessee? I hope you have fun! I hope that you can still do your devotions!
Jeff: I am excited about learning the rest of the back flip!
Tricia: Are you "AICIRT" ?? Great job on your devotions! I am excited about you getting involved! Tell me very soon if you can go to the wilds with us!
Bethany: Thanks for your compliment! I would love to sing with you sometime! By the way... let me know as soon as you find out about the wilds!!!!
John 16:1-15
1 “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.
2 They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.
3 And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.
4 But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.“And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.
5 “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’
6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;
11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.
This passage is a little longer than what I normally choose, but It all fits together and will make more sense if you read the whole passage. There are several exciting facts mentioned by Christ in this passage.
First, we see in verse one, that Christ is sharing all of this information with the disciples so that they will not "stumble". If God knew that these sayings would keep the disciples from falling, then I believe that they will keep us from falling as well...
Next in verses 2-4, Jesus is finishing His thoughts about the world Hating Christians. Jesus explains that not only will the world Hate Christians, but they will think that they are doing GOOD whenever they kill Christians. Wow! That is scary! But that is happening today around the world. There are places today where Christians are being killed for their beliefs. I am so thankful that we can have the freedom to open our Bible and read it, and to go to church, an to pray in public... and so much more!
Verse 7 is my favorite verse in this passage. Here is why! Jesus is sitting there with the Disciples and He tells them, I am about to leave you guys, and they get very sad... But then Jesus explains that it is to their advantage that He leaves them, because then the "comforter" or the Holy Spirit will come! Jesus tells them that it is better to have the Holy Spirit in their life than to have Jesus Christ right there with them. That is pretty incredible! We have so many advantages in our Christian life today! We have Gods word, As I spoke about last night, and we have the Holy spirit which is better than having Jesus here with us, because the Hol spirit can dwell in each of us, and minister and comfort and convict and guide each of us, where as if Jesus were here with us, then there would be a line 500 miles long just to see him and get a picture!
Thank you Lord for your Holy Spirit in my life! God has given us so many advantages to live for him! So LET'S DO IT!!!!
SUNDAY, July 20th, 2008
One year ago Katie and I found out that we were going to have Will. How exciting is that! I cannot believe that it has already been a year! Time sure does fly by!
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
Well, today is Sunday and I am looking forward to an exciting day today! With everything from Sunday School this morning to a pretty fun evening service and a party in between. Wow could this day get any better?? Well, I am not sure, But I am guessing it that it will!
For todays devotion talk about the passage we study in Sunday School. If you were not there then you can just read the passage below and comment on it! :)
Hope you all have a great day!
John 15
19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
23 He who hates Me hates My Father also.
24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father.
25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.
27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
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