A daily journey through the infallible Word of God and a chance for the COR Leadership Track of Sky Ranch to have a little community.
Monday, August 30, 2010
To Save A Life
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Testing Him
Ill post more lata!
Sam
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Prayer Request!
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it." ~ James 1:5
Thanks so much :)
-Haley
Friday, August 27, 2010
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
What's going on?
Just now, like maybe an hour ago, I just out of the blue started feeling really anxious. I'm not sure what is going on, and I feel like something is wrong in my relationship with the Lord. I'm really confused right now, and still feeling really anxious. I don't know if I'm just tired physically or whatever! I'm just really confused on what's happening right now. So if you guys have any advice, or could say a quick prayer, or maybe have time to talk, go on ahead!
I love you guys:)
Hannah
Hey, mom how were you lead to Christ
I was in the car driving home with my mom and i was telling her about the Brian Welch "I am second" video and then I asked her,
"Hey mom, how were you lead to Christ?"
"Kinda the same way you were. High school was really hard for me and i didn't know what to do at the time. I went on a church retreat to a Christian summer camp and had a blast! We were kinda doing the same things you do at Sky Ranch. We would go swim and go play games. Then after all of that we would sing worship songs and read our Bibles and talk about what we read. We were singing a song and the most awe-inspiring feeling, the most peaceful sensation just came over me and i started crying and i just felt happy, (at this point of the car ride, she started studdering and tearing up). I just knew that i had to accept Christ in to my heart."
When we got home i ran up stairs, closed the door to my room and started BALLING tears of thankfulness. I then prayed,
"God, I am truly blessed. You have given me such good Christian parents that actually know of your power and un-ending love for us. I can't thank you enough God for everything you do in my life. For the people in my life, the superiors in my life, it's all apart of your plan for and Lord it's better than any plan i could come up for myself. I still pray for the things in this world. But, no matter how many times i ask for something, at the perfect time, you show me that Your Scripture, Your Word, Your Love, Your Peace, is better than anything the world could offer me."
I was choking and tearing up the entire time i was typing this. Everyone continue to seek Christ, and just a little extra: Some time today or tomorrow or whenever you read this, ask someone "What do you know that Christ has done in your life recently?"
---DJ
Conviction
I recently started to read from Romans and before i even got finished with Chapter 1 conviction hit me hard. In Romans 1:28-32 it talks a lot about wickedness. It starts out by saying, "Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done." This chapter is about the digression of people when they began to ignore the glory of God. Because people were ignoring his word and going off of their own judgements, their hearts and minds were given over to sin. Although there is nothing more satisfying than following the will of the Lord it is so easy to think that we have it figured out and that our plans will be just fine- obviously our will is nothing compared to His.
"They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them"
That is a lot to take in and it immediately struck me. Wickedness seems like such a harsh word but that is exactly what is trying to be conveyed here. The biggest part that stuck out to me was that it said EVERY KIND of wickedness and evil. I find myself guilty of more than a few of these- envy, gossip, slander, arrogance, boastfulness, and disobedience to my parents. The fact that these were at the top of the list for EVERY kind of wickedness made me really realize the severity of these actions. We clearly know that they are wrong but this puts it on a whole new level. Obviously a lot of us are guilty of these things but i think this offers us more than enough motivation to refrain from falling into these sins. It describes the people of doing these actions as senseless, faithless, heartless, and ruthless- i would never want to be considered any one of those things so why would i want to conduct myself in the same way as those who are? It is inevitable that we will all slip up and habits are hard to change but i hope this chapter can change your view on the actual seriousness of these things. However, we know that when we slip up and fall on our face we can get back up all we have to do is ask for forgiveness and it is given, all by His grace and mercy. I feel like this passage really speaks for its self but as Christians we are called to behave differently, and set ourselves apart. When sin present we can fight back, God will not let it consume us if we are really willing to push through and soak ourselves in His word and follow His will. You dont have to fight it alone.
God, help me to see the way that these sins can hurt others. I pray that you give me the strength to avoid falling into this. Grant me a heart that breaks for the things that breaks yours; give me guidance and counsel. Please help me to put your will in front of all other things in my life. I know that you have the power to do all things. I pray for others who are struggling with the same things that i am and i pray that they will find peace in your word. We are granted life through Jesus Christ and we thank you for your grace and patience. In your name, Amen.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Prayer Request: Andrew Korst
In Awe of Him :)
Our big bad mistakes broadcasted...
Today I was reading in Matthew chapter 26 and I came upon where Peter denies Jesus. Just previously he has said, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” (Matthew 26:35) But then in verses 69-75 we read how Peter denies Jesus three times. How shameful Peter must have felt, and even more so that his ultimate moment of shame was printed in the Bible. I think about how sometimes we make the biggest mistakes and they are something we want to keep hidden. In fact, we get angry with friends and relatives even when they talk about our mistakes. “Rumors” are started and our shame and guilt increases because the fear of man is upon us.
But switching gears and continuing on in another gospel, John 21, Jesus and Peter begin to talk and Peter’s shame for what he has done comes to the surface along with Jesus’ knowledge of his action. Jesus asks Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Peter is given the opportunity to confess his love to Christ. John 21:15-19 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Why? Because Christ does not ask Peter to get on his hands and knees and beg forgiveness, but in contrast, “Peter, do you love me?” Peter’s biggest mistake and greatest grievance turns around and we are able to see the beautiful grace and mercy of Christ. Further, we are able to see Jesus’ heart.
My point in sharing this with you today is because we are not perfect, not one of us. (We learn this every day and in Romans, don’t we!?) So, we know we are not perfect, and we also know that God uses all things for the glory of him (Romans 8:28). So, the next time you are so concerned about other people finding out about your mistakes, remember Peter. And how his biggest mistake is printed in the most influential history book to ever exist on the earth. But, not only his biggest mistake, one of the most awesome pictures of Jesus’ heart and grace through his forgiveness. Glory was brought to the Lord through Peter’s denial, as shocking as that may seem, because Jesus was given an opportunity to extend grace. It is yet another demonstration of how awesome Christ is and how much he loves us. There is so much we can learn from our Bible characters and their actions. And remember… they weren’t just characters, they were actual human beings who once lived and breathed just like us.
I LOVE IT! And I love you guys. Take care and you know you can always talk to me! I miss you all.
Lindsey
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
How do you seek God?
The other day i was feeling kinda lost about school and friends and some other stuff, so i try looking the Bible, a self help book, and to some of my Christian friends, but i didn't find anything. The next day, I let this effect me too much and it really messed up my day. At the end of the day, I was packing up my backpack to go home when one of my friends walks up to me and says, "Watch this."
It was a URL for the Rob Bell video "Noise." and I finally understood how to find Christ.
Obviously, the next day i walk up and thank my friend, and my entire attitude turns around.
The URL is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c96ZsxVj6D0&feature=related
Whenever you feel that you need to find Christ, just be silent.
DJ
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Hey everyone its Patrick
Thanks so much!
- Patrick Doran
Hey guys!
I also wanted to know if something was possible.
All of us in Quest Session 7 have been talking about a reunion on Facebook, and I came up with something that sounded like fun if possible.
Is it possible that Sky Ranch might let us go back for at least a few days? Like during a weekend everyone is able to show up (or winter/spring break for a few days)?
-Tommy Cutler
Monday, August 23, 2010
Never Let Go
I especially pray that we go into this year aiming to be a LIGHT for Christ! "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." ~ Matthew 5:14. Don't let what you learned this summer go to waste! Use every bit of it to bring God glory.
There's this amazing song called "Never Let Go" by David Crowder Band. It talks about how God never lets go...how He is always there, even when it doesn't seem like He is. He never lets go, and neither should we. Keep clinging to Christ. I just read one of the comments on the youtube video for this song, and I really like it. It says "If we are worth dying for, then Jesus must be worth living for."
-Haley :)
Jehovah-Tsidkenu
O hey Quest!
So today, I learned about an awesome name of God. Jehovah-tsidkenu. Now how you pronounce it, no clue. Anyways, this name means the LORD our Righteousness. First off, have you ever noticed in your Bible that sometimes it says “Lord” and other times “LORD”? Lord refers to God as Adonai, which means that He is like our Master, and we submit to his authority. LORD, however, refers to Jehovah which means Self-Existent; basically, He’s everything and more! So, the fact that Jehovah comes first just adds to the power of the name; He has everything we need so there’s no need to try anywhere else! Tsidkenu is Hebrew for to be stiff, to be straight or righteous. So what is righteousness? Righteousness is uprightness or morality. But it’s so much more than mere goodness, it’s rightstanding with God; to do what He says and live in accordance with His standards. Now, how many of us can wake up, decide that we’re going to be righteous for a day, and accomplish a day of beast moding our rightesousness and never sinning a single time? No one. “None is righteous, no not one.” (Rom. 3:10) So how do we get this righteousness? The Messiah, Jesus Christ, our righteousness. He was “pierced for our transgressions…crushed for our sins, the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by his scourging we are healed” (Is 53:5; 1 Pet 2:24) Let’s take a second and check out these adjectives used. Pierced…crushed…chastening…scourging. We have grown up with the story of the crucifixion and have become calloused to the truth of it all. Isaiah 52:14 says, “As many were astonished at you-his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind.” We often picture the crucifixion of Jesus hanging there with a gash or two and some cuts and bruises, but that was not the case. He was beaten so maliciously that he was beyond recognition. Y’all, at any point in time, Jesus could have stopped them. He could have proven who He was. He didn’t have to go through all the beating and mocking…and the DEATH. But, He did all of those things. He died and rose again, defeating death. He became our sin so that by believing in Him, we might be made His righteousness. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor 5:21) “having been set free from sin, having become slaves of righteousness.” (Rom 6:18) “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26) With that heart of flesh, we have received our Jehovah-tsidkenu! So, can we be made righteous? Only by receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matt 5:6)
K bye!!
Keep it Comin'
So, before I left camp I was really nervous about my consistency, as far as reading the Bible and spending time in the word. I'm typically a prettyyy lazy person, which doesn't really help much. So anyway, that was my main goal; to just be consistent. My other goal was and is to be a light to those around me, and just resist temptation that I would normally give in to. WELL I knew I would be faced with challenges when I got home, but what I expected is totally different from what I have been receiving.
I really thought when I got home, I would be tempted like I have never been tempted before, most especially by my peers, and even my close friends. But what I found was more like a challenge within myself. Like a temptation to just blow off reading the Bible and spending time in prayer. I'll give you the low-down on what happened.
When I got home, suddenly all that energy I had in Quest vanished. I was EXHAUSTED!!!! It felt like all I wanted to do was sleep, and sleep some more. I figured that was to be expected, because you know I was just getting home from a long week, and you know it was normal. But my exhaustion pretty much continued for several days, to the point where it was pretty extreme. I can't tell you how badly I would get home from wherever I was this last past week and just want to collapse on my bed. But I knew I was being tested, and I continued to spend time in the word. I remember one night I was particularly tired, and it was the second night back from camp, but I was filled with this intense excitement to just get into the word that night. I had a plan for how things would go after I got home from wherever I was. I would go home, shower, do my Bible study, and SLEEP!! So..I get home, and my air conditioning just completely DIED upstairs, where my room is. I just got so frustrated, because I had a plan that night, and I wanted it to stick that way...But I figured, no big deal. I'll just sleep on the air mattress downstairs. I can still do my Bible study down there. But still, I continued to be tested. While doing my Bible study, my air mattress slowly started to deflate..for N O particular reason. So I basically slept on the ground that night. But I still did my Bible study, thank you very much!!! And I was completely exhausted, more than before, the next day. haha. I know that's not a big deal to some of ya'll, but it just goes to show how the Devil will do anything for you to just GIVE UP..just that ONE NIGHT!. I can't tell you how tempted I was to just not read the Word that night, and just sleep. So that was the air-mattrress fiasco. But there's more:)
I had All State Choir Camp last week at night. Around like...Thursday, I started having like a sore throat, adding on to the exhaustion. Well, over the weekend it just has gotten worse and worse, and now I can barely talk. And to be honest, I don't have much patience when I'm sick. But still, even when I feel especially sick or TIRED, I pray that the Lord will give me energy, and will help me start feeling better, all for the purpose of me staying consistent.
A word of encouragment:
We ALL are probably being tested in some way or another right now. Whether it's something like what I'm going thru,, or peer pressure, it's happening with ALL of us. Remember what we read in James. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds. Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence. Perserverence must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in ANYTHING." James 1:2-4 We are here as servants of God, and it should be a COMFORT that whatever we are facing, if we lean on the Lord in our times of 'trials of many kinds', we will grow stronger in him.
God BLESS, and MUCH LOVE!!!
Hannah Becker
Having trouble with your quiet times?
So I wanted to share a couple of things that have helped me out through the years.
1. Pray. It helps me a lot to take a posture of submission, whether it be kneeling or head down or whatever and remember how desperately I need the words of God in my life. I am real honest in these prayers too and tell the Lord exactly how I am feeling.
2. When I really really don't want to read my Bible, something is probably wrong with my heart so I go on a walk and I take as long as I need to to get things straight.
3. I pray for a list of people to get my mind off myself. That works well
4. I listen to music that helps me get into a mindset of worship.
I hope that helps, love you guys.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
HELP!
One of my friends just went through a break up, and I told her I would try to find some verses for her...does anyone have any ideas? Anything would be appreciated!
Thanks so much,
-Erin
Progress is good!
(obviously) Matthew 5:14
Matthew 6:5
Matthew 10:16
Matthew 16:25
Matthew 17:20
Matthew 21:43