Our first Halloween in our ne house...it was blast!
Halloween 2008 from Whitney Hempsey on Vimeo.
10.31.2008
10.26.2008
I Love Barefoot
Today was just another crazy Sunday at Barefoot Church. Some fun stuff went down that involved glow sticks and some funny videos. Music was great, message was AWESOME - Be the LION. Rawr. - and despite the technical difficulties we still had 18 people viewing online for our 6 pm service. I believe we had 7 at 9am and 13 at 11am. Anyways regardless of the setbacks we totally pulled through. The conversation in the chat was great and relevant to the message. It was just overall a really great Sunday. Days like these, no matter how bad I may be feeling, always seem to lift me up. Seeing everyone doing their part and working together to make this happen is incredible. A lot goes into a simple Sunday service, and we pulled it off great. Clay was on point with a great message (the glowsticks were awesome), the volunteers all did their jobs together to make people feel welcome and comfortable. Childrens ministry did such a great job handling my kids. I just love being a part of the body of Christ and I appreciate these people so much!
Faces Week 2 Notes
Glowstick
break it (hardest part)
shake it (dangerous part)
it illuminates (most important part)
2 Cor 3:18 - And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
*God has called us to be his glowstick, to illuminate the good news of Christ. That is our responsibility as Christians.
Revelation 4:6-8 - Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
LION
-courage.
God wants us to represent Him in the world with courage. Faithful & Focused courage.
**Courage(definition) Moving forward in the presence, not the absence of fear.
Joshua & Caleb
Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land to check it out.
Numbers 13:27-33 - They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there.The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan." Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."
1. We have to have the courage to Break Away from the crowd.
-This is the most difficult thing to do, because people keep trying to drag you back. You have to make a decision to follow through.
Numbers 14:1-7 - That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt." Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.
2. We need to Shake Things Up.
-This is dangerous, because when you shake things up people are gonna cry and tempers are gonna fly. Shake it up, take a stand, actively follow Gods plan for your life!
In a glowstick the ingredients are there but you have to take the initiative to break it and shake it in order to illuminate it. The same is true for our faith.
Numbers 14:8-10 - If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them." But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the LORD appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites.
break it (hardest part)
shake it (dangerous part)
it illuminates (most important part)
2 Cor 3:18 - And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
*God has called us to be his glowstick, to illuminate the good news of Christ. That is our responsibility as Christians.
Revelation 4:6-8 - Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
LION
-courage.
God wants us to represent Him in the world with courage. Faithful & Focused courage.
**Courage(definition) Moving forward in the presence, not the absence of fear.
Joshua & Caleb
Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land to check it out.
Numbers 13:27-33 - They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there.The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan." Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."
1. We have to have the courage to Break Away from the crowd.
-This is the most difficult thing to do, because people keep trying to drag you back. You have to make a decision to follow through.
Numbers 14:1-7 - That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt." Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.
2. We need to Shake Things Up.
-This is dangerous, because when you shake things up people are gonna cry and tempers are gonna fly. Shake it up, take a stand, actively follow Gods plan for your life!
In a glowstick the ingredients are there but you have to take the initiative to break it and shake it in order to illuminate it. The same is true for our faith.
Numbers 14:8-10 - If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them." But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the LORD appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites.
3. We need to Allow God to be Illuminated.
-The most important part happens when we break away and shake things up so that those that are trying to find God will see him illuminated and be drawn to him.
Matthew 5:16 - In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
10.25.2008
Today was kind of a lazy day with my boys. I realized that I haven't really spent much time playing with my 5 year old, Mason. So I decided that while the baby was taking his afternoon nap Mason and I would play, just the two of us. It was great, we finally got to paint and build things with blocks, it was a good time. That's not really the point of this though... I never cease to be amazed at how creative kids are. Turning some plain old everyday item into some crazy invention or toy. Just sitting with Mason and talking to him was so much fun. He has such a wild imagination. I really feel a little guilty for not nurturing his imagination more than I have been. Getting so wrapped up in taking care of Daiden and keeping up with the household chores has taken my focus off off the fact that my 5 year old little boy has such a brilliant mind. I am so happy I took the time today to just stop and play with him, this has really allowed me to refocus my attention and recognize that he needs my attention just as much as the baby does.
By the way, some of the stuff he builds with his blocks is crazy. Maybe a little architect or engineer in the making.. :)
By the way, some of the stuff he builds with his blocks is crazy. Maybe a little architect or engineer in the making.. :)
10.22.2008
Why doesn't God answer prayer????
That was the topic of tonights AMPd Student Ministry sermon. I really wish I would have been able to see the whole thing, but due to kids needing sleep, we left early. What I did catch was phenomenal! Chris referred to the passage John 13:14 13 "You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!" This doesn't mean God is like a magic genie and he will grant your every wish. It means that if you have asked for something in His name it will happen in His time and in His way. God has reasons for doing what he does - or doesn't do - it's not our job to understand, it is only our job to trust Him. If something in your life is not happening the way you feel it should be and you have been praying and praying for God to help you or fix it...don't give up. God hears you and loves you. Think about what you are asking for, does it line up with the will of God? Have you truely given that situation to God and allowed Him to work without interferance? Just continue to pray, maybe asking God what he would have you do to resolve the situation. Remember, God promises to give us the desires of our hearts, but he never says it will be when we want them or when we think we're ready. I mean we are mere humans, we don't know anything past what's happening at this very moment, but He is the all knowing God of the universe. It just makes sense to let him work in His time, because he can see the outcome. Imagine what a mess we could make if we disturbed Gods perfect plan. No one ever said it was easy, only that it is simple and effective. Pray, share the desires of your heart with God, ask in His name and just trust that when the time is right God will make it happen. "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16
10.21.2008
Armor Bearers
Today in a meeting the staff of Barefoot Church discussed how to develop the spirit of an armorbearer. 'In the Old Testament an armorbearer was the one responsible for carrying his master's shield into battle. He had the awesome responsibility of seeing to the safety of his officer.' With all the changes going on in Barefoot Church, it is so very important that we all understand and believe in the vision the God has put in Clays heart. Now more than ever he needs our support, he needs armorbearers.
In translation from the original Hebrew words nacah ("to lift") and keliy ("to end") we see that 'the duty of an armorbearer is to stand beside his leader, to assist him, to lift him up, and to protect him against any enemy that might attack him.' Letting pride and negative attitudes get in the way can be seriously counter-productive. We must always be learning and growing in our relationships with Christ and the people he has placed around us. We must support the vision and the leader, always trusting in what God is doing. The ability to be able to do this can only really be achieved through an intimate relationship with God.
To use an analogy given in the meeting today - "The vision" is like a pregnancy in a way that it is conceived out of intimacy with God. We are aware the some pregnancies are not necessarily conceived out of intimacy but rather some other sort of superficial relationship. The same can occur with vision, and when the vision becomes reality - or is born - and the intimacy isn't there you may not fully understand or even like the product. So in order for us to be true armorbearers for our leader we must have an intimate relationship with God.
In translation from the original Hebrew words nacah ("to lift") and keliy ("to end") we see that 'the duty of an armorbearer is to stand beside his leader, to assist him, to lift him up, and to protect him against any enemy that might attack him.' Letting pride and negative attitudes get in the way can be seriously counter-productive. We must always be learning and growing in our relationships with Christ and the people he has placed around us. We must support the vision and the leader, always trusting in what God is doing. The ability to be able to do this can only really be achieved through an intimate relationship with God.
To use an analogy given in the meeting today - "The vision" is like a pregnancy in a way that it is conceived out of intimacy with God. We are aware the some pregnancies are not necessarily conceived out of intimacy but rather some other sort of superficial relationship. The same can occur with vision, and when the vision becomes reality - or is born - and the intimacy isn't there you may not fully understand or even like the product. So in order for us to be true armorbearers for our leader we must have an intimate relationship with God.
Risk
"To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk being called sentimental.
To reach out to another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams before the crowd is to risk being called naive.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair, and to try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken because the greastest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, and becomes nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.
Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave, he's forfeited his freedom.
Only the person who risks is truly free."
-Leo F Buscaglia
This quote was brought to my attention today by Chris Gastardi, our student Pastor at Barefoot Church. I thought it was awesome and had to share :)
To weep is to risk being called sentimental.
To reach out to another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams before the crowd is to risk being called naive.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair, and to try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken because the greastest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, and becomes nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.
Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave, he's forfeited his freedom.
Only the person who risks is truly free."
-Leo F Buscaglia
This quote was brought to my attention today by Chris Gastardi, our student Pastor at Barefoot Church. I thought it was awesome and had to share :)
10.19.2008
All I want for my boys
As most of you are aware, I am a mother of two beautiful little boys. I have made many mistakes in raising them, and I am daily questioning what I'm molding them into. Did I teach them the right things, did I give them the best opportunities, what paths have I led them down? I have a few basic desires for my kids lives and I just pray that I am being the parent that will help them get to where they need to be.
1. I want my boys to have completely sold out personal relationships with Christ. I want them to be the kind of Christians that know who they are in Christ, and that they use that confidence to reflect Christ, because to me they are a representation of the glory of god...They're so beautiful.
2. I want them to grow up to be strong christian men. Lets face it, the church these days tends to be filled with "really nice guys" and not strong devoted men. Men and women were both made in God's image. Woman is the beauty of God. But man....MAN is the strength of God.
I know I am so blessed to have these two little boys in my life. Seeing them grow up in HIS image is so amazing and I pray daily that I will be able to nourish the life of Christ that is within them.
1. I want my boys to have completely sold out personal relationships with Christ. I want them to be the kind of Christians that know who they are in Christ, and that they use that confidence to reflect Christ, because to me they are a representation of the glory of god...They're so beautiful.
2. I want them to grow up to be strong christian men. Lets face it, the church these days tends to be filled with "really nice guys" and not strong devoted men. Men and women were both made in God's image. Woman is the beauty of God. But man....MAN is the strength of God.
I know I am so blessed to have these two little boys in my life. Seeing them grow up in HIS image is so amazing and I pray daily that I will be able to nourish the life of Christ that is within them.
Faces Week 1 Notes
Paul in revelations sees the throne room of god.
Revelation 4:7-8 In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
4 creatures combined represents the fullness of God.
THE OX
represents the strong servant.
To be this strong servant "the ox" we need to
1. realize god sees our face and he serves us.
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
- the god of the universe is serving us so we can serve others.
- he takes care of us so we can focus on other people and not ourselves.
Psalm 139 = encouragement when we are weary
- where ever you are in your life, God sees you.
- You won't be able to finish the race if you lose focus of the fact that God sees you and serves you.
2. look at one another's face and serve each other
Acts 2:47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
if we served in the way that the bible says it would change everything.
people would flock to the church.
Acts 2:42 - 46 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
The early church served, worked and had fellowship together....
if we really want to "be the ox" we need to encourage each other and do life together.
The enemy wants to discourage us from growing the kingdom of God.
- God will use those that reflect his face and his glory in the world.
- The church should reflect the glory of God -- the servant -- the Ox
Revelation 4:7-8 In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."
4 creatures combined represents the fullness of God.
THE OX
represents the strong servant.
To be this strong servant "the ox" we need to
1. realize god sees our face and he serves us.
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
- the god of the universe is serving us so we can serve others.
- he takes care of us so we can focus on other people and not ourselves.
Psalm 139 = encouragement when we are weary
- where ever you are in your life, God sees you.
- You won't be able to finish the race if you lose focus of the fact that God sees you and serves you.
2. look at one another's face and serve each other
Acts 2:47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
if we served in the way that the bible says it would change everything.
people would flock to the church.
Acts 2:42 - 46 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
The early church served, worked and had fellowship together....
if we really want to "be the ox" we need to encourage each other and do life together.
The enemy wants to discourage us from growing the kingdom of God.
- God will use those that reflect his face and his glory in the world.
- The church should reflect the glory of God -- the servant -- the Ox
10.18.2008
10.15.2008
10.14.2008
Born from my time of quiet reflection today...
Christians are required to do a lot of very hard things through out life, and sometimes we drop the ball. This doesn't mean we aren't Christians, it only means we are human.
I have done a lot of stuff in my life that I am not proud of, even since I accepted Christ. I make mistakes all the time and I fall short daily. Some of these flaws are directly pointed out to me, and others seem to reveal themselves in time. Whatever the case may be, I know who I am in Christ and I know my savior loves me. Praise God for his forgiveness and restoration, and the many blessings he has poured out on my family and I.
I have done a lot of stuff in my life that I am not proud of, even since I accepted Christ. I make mistakes all the time and I fall short daily. Some of these flaws are directly pointed out to me, and others seem to reveal themselves in time. Whatever the case may be, I know who I am in Christ and I know my savior loves me. Praise God for his forgiveness and restoration, and the many blessings he has poured out on my family and I.
10.13.2008
10.12.2008
More Pro-Life Thoughts
Ever since I heard about the Pro-Life day of Silent Solidarity I have been thinking about the issue a bit more deeply. I ran across something that puzzled me. I was on Facebook looking at items that my friends had posted and I read about some group that one of my old friends from high school was supporting. It was some kind of animal rights group that showed a video of a rabbit screaming while it was being killed. Don't get me wrong, I love animals, however I do eat some of them (not bunnies) and I am all for being humane to animals. What perplexed me was the other things that this person had posted in the months prior. It was clear that this person was definitely pro-choice. There were things posted about the government trying to control what we do with our own bodies, like campaigns to make abortion at any stage illegal. I guess what i don't understand is how someone can place the "rights" of an animal above the rights of a human. Protesting and going nuts over animals being killed for fur or food when there are children being brutally murdered every day in the name of choice. At least when that animal dies it continues to serve a purpose, but these children are being tossed in the garbage like a piece of trash. I just can't seem to wrap my mind around how Mr. Fluffy's life has more value than a human being. It breaks my heart to think about this stuff, but I can't stand to sweep it under a rug either. It's just so confusing.
PRO LIFE
I was roaming around online the other day, looking up articles and websites on controversial issues and I ran across this awesome website. It is a Pro-Life organization that instated the Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity.
www.silentday.org
Over 4,000 children have their lives taken each day in the name of choice.
Over 4,000 women are emotionally damaged every day.
On October 21st, people from all over this nation will give up their voices for a day in solidarity for these children. Red arm bands and duct tape will identify them as taking part in the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity.www.silentday.org
UN Week 4 Notes
Proverbs 29:18 where there is no vision the people perish (cast off all restraint)
we need a vision, we need something to run after
Matthew 28 18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
John 3:16
Ephesians 3:10-11 "Gods purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom...this was his eternal plan that he carried out through Jesus"
Jesus cast a vision in Matt 28 - the great commission and will carry this out through the church.
Colossians 1:28-29 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
come to the table, build relationships and get involved
4. "so we may present everyone perfect in christ"
perfect - fully mature
OUR CURRENT VISION
from Nick Hempsey on Vimeo.
exposedpastor.com reached all 50 states and 41 countries around the world!
our vision is to reach more people around the world through our internet campus
We need $250,000 to launch our internet campus so that we can change the lives of people all around the world.
we need a vision, we need something to run after
Matthew 28 18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
John 3:16
Ephesians 3:10-11 "Gods purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom...this was his eternal plan that he carried out through Jesus"
Jesus cast a vision in Matt 28 - the great commission and will carry this out through the church.
Colossians 1:28-29 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
1. we proclaim with grace, hospitality - be invitational. Invite them to the table.
the local church should model Christ when proclaiming Christ. He went out and invited him into a relationship with him.
we need to bring him our best, don't just show up, be extravagant to give people the good news.
use every angle - be relevant.
2. "admonishing" You have to have a relationship with others
you can't admonish/correct people that you don't have a relationship with.
you have to be in a relationship so that you can give and receive openly
get involved in a group
come to the table, build relationships and get involved
4. "so we may present everyone perfect in christ"
perfect - fully mature
OUR CURRENT VISION
from Nick Hempsey on Vimeo.
exposedpastor.com reached all 50 states and 41 countries around the world!
our vision is to reach more people around the world through our internet campus
We need $250,000 to launch our internet campus so that we can change the lives of people all around the world.
10.05.2008
Baptisms!!!
Today was the final beach baptism for 2008. At the beginning of the year Clay and our other leaders set a goal of 300 for the entire year of 2008. After baptizing 32 people today we passed the goal by 2 people and the year isn't even over! It was Awesome!!!!!!!!! I'll get some pics on here soon.
In Memory of Cody
It is so hard to understand why tragedies happen, especially to someone that has their whole life ahead of them. I recently joined an online virtual community on Facebook called Yoville. My husband and I, along with a few other leaders at our church saw an opportunity to reach out to a whole other group people for ministry purposes. We ran into many other christians in this community, seriously hardcore, sold out christians. Most of which were teenagers. Nick and I started talking with 2 teenagers in particular, a boy and a girl from Georgia. They are both highschool age kids that love the Lord. Kymi (aka Ariana) and Cody are great friends and fellow warriors for christ. After the first couple days Ariana and Cody began attending our church via ExposedPastor.com. We continued developing relationships with them and their friends, then last thursday tragedy struck. Cody was in a car that was hit by a drunk driver. The car that Cody was in flipped three times and left Cody in a coma. We had many prayer meetings on Yoville and really drew together as a family in Christ. Unfortunately, yesterday afternoon Cody passed away. It was devastating for everyone that knew him, no matter how briefly. I just ask that anyone who reads this please say a prayer for Codys friends and family that will miss him so much. As hard as it is, as followers of Christ we know that God will use this for good. And praise the lord that Cody was a devoted christian, because we know that he is in heaven dancing with Jesus!
Un week 3 notes
what God is going to do in the world he is going to do through the local church.
God can work in these "un" times.
God wants us to play on His team. Gods team will change the world.
He invited us to play on his team, but he requires us to take a step towards him. He wants us on his team so badly that he gave his only son.
God chooses his team differently than the world does.
Judges 6 (Gideon)
israel was in uncertain times...god sent someone to change the world
6:11-12 (Gideon hiding grain..angel appears and says God is with him)
1. God is looking at our potential, not problems, power or position.
God saw potential in Gideon that he didn't see in himself.
6:13 (Gideon questions how God could let this happen)
he was looking at the present situation and not the power of God.
Everyone has Problems
people that appear to have no problems have a bigger vision than their problems.
they focus on the hope they have and not the situation they are in.
Focus on the VISION and not the problem
6:14 (Lord sends Gideon to rescue Israel)
use what you have in order to help people to get to Jesus
6:15 (Gideon says he is too weak to help)
god can use the least to do the most - he's looking for potential.
6:16 (God says "I will be with you")
God will equip us where we are lacking in order to change the world.
2. God is looking at the attitude of the heart not the attributes of our lips.
He isn't concerned about what we say we do, only what we actually do.
we need to be:
AVAILABLE
6:18 (don't go away until I bring my offering to you... - Gideon)
what you are offering to the lord shows how available you are.
TEACHABLE
6:25-27 (God told gideon to sacrifice an animal with specific instructions)
letting god speak to you and following his instructions will allow him to work through you.
the reason some of us don't reach their potential is because we don't have a teachable spirit...we don't listen to God's instructions.
FAITHFUL
6:27 (Gideon did as the lord commanded, but did it at night bc he was afraid)
even if you are afraid, take a step towards what god is challenging you to do.
God can work in these "un" times.
God wants us to play on His team. Gods team will change the world.
He invited us to play on his team, but he requires us to take a step towards him. He wants us on his team so badly that he gave his only son.
God chooses his team differently than the world does.
Judges 6 (Gideon)
israel was in uncertain times...god sent someone to change the world
6:11-12 (Gideon hiding grain..angel appears and says God is with him)
1. God is looking at our potential, not problems, power or position.
God saw potential in Gideon that he didn't see in himself.
6:13 (Gideon questions how God could let this happen)
he was looking at the present situation and not the power of God.
Everyone has Problems
people that appear to have no problems have a bigger vision than their problems.
they focus on the hope they have and not the situation they are in.
Focus on the VISION and not the problem
6:14 (Lord sends Gideon to rescue Israel)
use what you have in order to help people to get to Jesus
6:15 (Gideon says he is too weak to help)
god can use the least to do the most - he's looking for potential.
6:16 (God says "I will be with you")
God will equip us where we are lacking in order to change the world.
2. God is looking at the attitude of the heart not the attributes of our lips.
He isn't concerned about what we say we do, only what we actually do.
we need to be:
AVAILABLE
6:18 (don't go away until I bring my offering to you... - Gideon)
what you are offering to the lord shows how available you are.
TEACHABLE
6:25-27 (God told gideon to sacrifice an animal with specific instructions)
letting god speak to you and following his instructions will allow him to work through you.
the reason some of us don't reach their potential is because we don't have a teachable spirit...we don't listen to God's instructions.
FAITHFUL
6:27 (Gideon did as the lord commanded, but did it at night bc he was afraid)
even if you are afraid, take a step towards what god is challenging you to do.
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