off at college

Hey all,
I have so many things to share with you that I have been learning. It is so great to be challenged every day from God's word so many times a day. I know that when you are in high school chapel becomes a time that you sleep through or just eist during. I just want to encourage you all to listen even when you don't want to or think that you have heard it before. You will learn something if you let God teach you. Well that is my little from college comment. Oh one more thing. Pay attention in Bible if it is done the way it was last year it is just like college. Well see ya'll in about 3 weeks.

35W

I don't know if this has reached you guys yet, but yesterday (Aug. 1,2007) a main bridge in Minneapolis called the 35W collapsed during afternoon rush-hour. I'm just asking that you pray for all those people who lost family in the event, and for people to be won to Christ through this event. I thank God especially that my cousin Andrew, who lives in Minneapolis, wasn't caught in it.

Pray for my unsaved relatives as well. There are many of them that still need God, even though they already profess to "know" Him. Also pray for safety as we fly back down to Arizona.

A praise is that we are sure that my Aunt Hilary is saved. Pray that she will be able to minister to her husband and son as well. See you guys Sunday!

Praise!

I am so thankful that God is in control all of the time - not just some of the time! He is in control even during the situations that to us seem totally out of control! God has always known that the accident on the trailer would happen, and it didn't take Him by surprise. He is always watching over us. "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." Psalm 91:12

I also praise God because as we focus on who He is, we can have a perfect peace that passes all understanding. That is such an amazing promise. So many people live in fear and uncertainty, but as Christians we don't have to. We serve a God who loves us so much and is completely trustworthy!

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried; He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him." Psalm 18:19

Prayer Request

Hey everyone. I have a prayer request. Ok I guess on Thursday my biological father was in a car accident. I dont really know everything about it. I went to see him in the hospital yesterday and he was telling me a little about it when no one else was in the room. He said his left arm went through the window and got cut on the glass. I have no clue how deep it was but he said he lost ALOT of blood and he had to take a helicopter to St. Joseph's Hospital and had like 2 or 3 surgerys. He should be coming home today (7-23-07). Just pray for him as his recovery will be hard.



And next most of you know but Jesse and Grant got hurt at Treasure Mountain. Pray that their recovery will be quick and without alot of pain. Also pray for those that saw everything just to help it get out of there mind and trust in God through this situation. God does everything for a reason and sometimes only He knows what for.

Drama Camp

Hey y'all! It's Kayla. I just wanted to give everyone an update.
I was at Bob Jones for drama camp for a week and I had a blast! They kept us going all day, but I met a lot of cool people and took great classes. We went to a service almost every day, and they were really good. But what really got me was the testimony time we had on Thursday. One of the other girls got up to speak, and I was sort of irritated because she annoyed me a little. But her testimony was amazing. She had just gotten saved, and she went on and on about how God is your best friend. That got me thinking about my relationship with Him, which isn't as good as it should be. So that's basically what I learned at drama camp, that God is my best friend and I should have a better relationship with Him.
Like I said, I had a great time at Bob Jones. The food was okay, and the dorms were alright. I even took a class in stage combat! But I'm ready to come home and see every one. Melody and I are flying back next Thursday, and I would appreciate prayers for a safe flight. I can't wait to see y'all and hear bout the missions trip! Bye!

God's Work in Mexico

Thank you for praying for us! God did an extreme work in Mexico this past week. Seven people accepted Christ, including a sweet man named Johnny (pictured) who has a Christian family in Columbia that have been praying for his salvation for many years.

We were able to get many things done around the institute as well. There was a new tool shed built, buildings painted, dorms cleaned, a baptismal was repainted, the electricity wires in the office building were fixed, and even three couches were re-upholstered. Thank God for all the work that was accomplished and for all the volunteers that sacrificed their vacations to do his work in Mexico.

I ask that you would keep praying for the others we passed out tracts to. They received them with such eagerness; I hope they have the same longing to know God more and receive His Gift.

NWVBC Mission Trip to Mexico

While it is not a youth group project, several of our teens are heading on this trip on Saturday. We need to be in much prayer for the Lord to use each individual on the trip, and that He will also use it in each team member's life. I remember the trip last year having a profound impact on my life and many others, and I look forward to what God is going to do on this trip. Those of us who are going to miss it need to do our part in prayer.

Judgment: A Good Thing? - Amos 5:24

Amos 5:24
But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.

The book of Amos might not be one of those places where you would expect to get much out of devotions, but there is a lot there if you are looking for it. The context of the verse we are looking at is God telling His people how He refuses to accept their worship when their lives are so rotten. And it is against this backdrop that the subject of judgment is brought to the surface.

The layout of this verse is in synonymous parallelism (Hebrew poetry is in use here), meaning that the two phrases in this verse mean basically the same thing. For example, the word waters is parallel to the phrase a mighty stream. Likewise, the word judgment is parallel to righteousness. Does that seem strange to you? Most of the time, we think of a judgment as something that is negative, because that is the way the term is often used in our culture. But this passage obviously sees judgment as a positive thing because it is connected with righteousness. However, this is not strange at all, if you remember that a judgment can be either positive or negative. If a person goes to court, the judge or jury may rule for or against their case. If the individual did that which was unacceptable by the laws of the land, the judgment will be unfavorable. But, if someone is in the right, then the judgment will work to his advantage.

We should be thankful that God is a righteous judge. He always judges perfectly. He never lets us bury ourselves in sin without his chastening judgment. But He is also faithful to uphold us when we obey Him in righteousness. And best of all, we are positionally righteous in Him because Jesus Christ offers justification through His righteous life and death on the cross.

So, when you are praising God and meditating upon Him, do not forget that among all of the wonderful things about Him, His judgment is remarkable as well. By the way, if you want to see another place where the word judgment is used positively, check out Psalm 119, where that word is one of many synonyms for God’s Word.

A Short Testimony - Isaiah 40:31

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strenght; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I know this is a widely used verse, but it has always been special to me. In fact, I think it was the first verse (other than John 3:16) that I memorized. Having patience has always been a struggle for me; I always want to get up and go. If God doesn't answer my prayers right away, He doesn't care! Coming to this verse I realize that isn't true. God does care for me; He will renew my strength. If I "keep on keepin' on"--with God's help--through my life as a Christian I will neither faint nor be weary.

Promise Fulfilled – Matthew 1:22-23

Matthew 1:22-23
22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

As you turn from the Old Testament to the New, a wonderful thing happens: things that were promised begin to come true. Here, we see a promise specifically mentioned in Isaiah 7:14 come to life in this first story of the New Testament. The coming of the Messiah was often looked for by the Jewish people. They waited...and waited...and waited some more. It probably looked bleak to many who had already given up all hope. But there was a promise. And finally, the promise was fulfilled.

I have to admit that it is easy to look at the way things are going in the world and get discouraged about the wickedness that abounds, even in churches. So much is said and done that does not honor the Lord. I wonder if persecution of believers in this country is right around the corner. At times, the prospect of God’s intervention might seem like something that is not likely to happen. But the promises of the Old Testament are not finished. Even the end of the New Testament, the book of Revelation, promises the final triumph of Jesus Christ. I as a Christian am on the winning side. The question is this: will I trust Him? Will I be patient?

I can imagine that it must have been difficult for year after year to pass without the Jews seeing their Messiah come. They wanted the Messiah to come earlier, and in a different way. But God knows best and always acts accordingly. He exists outside of time. He does what He wants, when He wants. And it is always best for His children to wait on Him.

Times will come when we will face discouragement. We will be tempted to give up on doing what is right, thinking that it will not really matter. We will have thoughts that God is not acting in the world on behalf of His people. At times like these, God’s people must rest...and wait...and rejoice in His promises. And we should also rejoice that He will accomplish His purpose in His time. So whenever you think about Jesus Christ as the baby in the manger, remember the promise behind that gift, and then cherish God’s promises to you.

Pettit Meetings

The Pettit meetings were last week at our church and they were great! There were a lot of decisions made. It was amazing to see the way God worked during the week. Thursday was amazing! Monday thru Wednesday we went out and passed out flyers and got names for the teen night on Thursday. On Monday a group of us headed out together. We didn't see many people walking around. Pastor James pulled onto a side street so that two people could jump out and catch two people at a bus stop. When he was trying to turn around he turned into an apartment complex that we didn't even know existed. There were some girls there so Erika, Emily and I hopped out to talk to them. They were really excited about it and gave us not only their own names and numbers but the numbers of some of their friends. They came on Thursday night with few of their friends, and 4 or5 of them got saved! If that isn't a divine appointment, I don't know what is.

Please pray that those who professed salvation Thursday night would continue to come back and grow. Also pray that those of us who made decisions during the week would keep them up. This is a critical time and we need your prayers.

Special in the Eyes of God - Psalm 139:13-14

I was reading my bible and I came across these two verses which made me think:

Psalm 139:13-14
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.

We are God's wonderful creation and he gave us all potentional and talents to fullfill his purpose.

Staying Right with God - Colossians 1:10

As I look around me I see friends and people close to me falling away from the Lord. It's very heartbreaking. I just want to encourage you all to stay right with God and walk with Him, doing His will always. Spend time with Him everyday so you can grow in Him. I know that no one is perfect, and yes, we all sin. But when you do, get it right with God. He will forgive you. Also pray for those around you that are having a hard time. You can also encourage them and help them out. Always keep your eyes on God. Doing His will is the best thing out there for you.

Colossians 1:10
That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Christmas

It is the time where we remember two things:

1. When Full Divinity took on full humanity. . . in order to be able to provide a perfect blood atonement for sin. . .
2. When Full Divinity and full humanity shall return to earth to reign. . .

Even so LORD, come quickly. . .

Praise

I just wanted to let you all know that my dad got a job. He started on Monday. He works at John C. Lincoln. Thank you all for praying for my family.

Glorify God

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:55-58

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1:12

That last few days I’ve been thinking about what is really important in life: brining glory to God. It’s easy to get so consumed with my own plans that I lose the big picture! In my Bible class, we just finished studying Ecclesiastes, and I was reminded of how our lives are vapors and so much of what we do is “chasing the wind.” The only way to find true satisfaction that will last is through Christ.

My roommate’s mom died a few years ago and she was saying that ever since then she’s realized how short life is. She said she wants to run the race everyday with all she has because she doesn’t know when her last lap will be. So many of us think we will have forever to live, but our lives really are short. I know when I die I want to hear “Well done,” and have crowns to lie at Jesus feet. My life is short and I can’t waste it living for myself. I must use it to bring glory to God – He is worthy!

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

Always the same

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Isn't that great? Jesus is always the same! He never changes and He will always keep His promises. Unlike our friends, family, or anyone else Jesus is always there for us and He will never leave. People are never perfect and they make mistakes and I think its great we can depend on God because He will always be there for us, keep His promises, and will never change.