Early!!

I got up early one morning,
And rushed through the day;
I had so much to accomplish,
That I didn't have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me,
And heavier came each task;
"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered,
He answered, "You didn't ask."
I wanted to see joy and beauty,
But the day toiled on gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me,
He said, "But you didn't seek."
I tried to come into God's presence,
I tried every key in the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided,
"My child, you didn't knock."
I woke up early this morning,
And paused before starting the day;
I had so much to accomplish,
That I had to take time to pray.

-Anonymous-


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So you think your just to busy for God

Home > Teens > Faith & Life > My Story


No Time For God
Laura wondered if fitting in had become more important than her faith.
Laura Capp, as told to Karen Langley

Sweaty and exhausted after hockey practice, I dropped onto a bench in the locker room. As I yanked off my skates, I listened to a teammate spread the latest gossip.

"Can you believe she hooked up with him? What does he see in her, anyway?"

"Who knows?" I replied. I felt a familiar twinge of guilt and ignored it.

Another teammate interrupted our conversation. "Laura, you're gonna play in Sunday's game, right?"

"For sure!" I answered. I didn't feel as sure as I sounded. My stomach had flip-flopped when Coach announced the schedule. I'd have to miss church … again.

It was my sophomore year, and I'd played for the Komets seven months of every year since fifth grade. I'd made the hockey-over-church choice a thousand times. But it never got any easier.

My youth pastor often encouraged me to come to church and youth group more often. He said God should always come before sports. He just doesn't understand what it's like to be on a team, I thought to myself. But I knew he was at least partly right. I played volleyball for my high school, but that never conflicted with church the way hockey did. Because I was on a club hockey team, we often had Sunday games—which meant I missed a lot of Sunday school and church. Practice on Wednesday nights meant I rarely went to Bible study.

It went beyond just missing church activities, though. My relationship with Christ was starting to slip. It's not like I was totally walking away from God. My teammates did a lot of stuff I never got into, like swearing and drinking.

They also gossiped a lot, which I did get into. Our conversations revolved around hook-ups and break-ups, who got pregnant and what our ex-teammates were up to. Gossiping made me feel uncomfortable, but I knew it was just part of locker room talk. More than that, I stuck out enough by not drinking and partying. Joining in the gossip helped me to feel like I fit in.

During the summer after my sophomore year, I worked at my church camp as an assistant cabin leader for younger girls. Being tucked away in the woods for a week made it easier to think and pray over what had been going on in my life. I started feeling pretty guilty about all the gossiping I'd done. I also felt bad that I'd been giving so much time to the team and so little time to God and my faith. I wondered: Had fitting in with my hockey friends become more important than God?

As I walked through the woods on quiet afternoons, I realized I had a choice to make: I could devote myself to hockey, or I could devote myself to God. I'd tried juggling both, and it just wasn't working. As much as I loved the game, I knew the hockey environment was really hurting my walk with Christ. I made a decision right then and there. I'd choose God.

Quitting hockey was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. But I know I made the right choice. Being involved at church and hanging out more with my Christian friends has really helped strengthen my relationship with Christ. It's such a relief to have friends who encourage me and build me up instead of tempting me to fall into bad habits.

I'd be the first to admit that living my faith isn't always easy, and I'm still tempted to gossip. But I have true friends who support me and hold me accountable. And I have Christ walking beside me, guiding my thoughts and how I talk. I guess what I gave up is no big deal compared to what I gained.

Copyright © 2004 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine.


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6 Reasons Why Sunday School is Important

Sunday school is important

It's amazing that we should ever find ourselves having to defend the importance of Sunday school. After all we can thank Sunday school for giving us pastors, missionaries and evangelists. Our churches are full of Christians strong in their faith, and established in the scriptures.

The real importance of Sunday school is one that has a dynamic ministry to every member of the family. It is a unique program that meets the needs of its participants as no other program of the church can.

6 reasons why I believe Sunday school is important

Sunday school provides a basic systematic study of the scriptures at a level of understanding for that age group.

Sunday school allows an opportunity for its members to talk and share about their needs with others in similar life situations.

Sunday school provides an opportunity for personal application of the scriptures based on the age level of the class.

Sunday school provides for fellowship and a sense of belonging for each member of the class.

Sunday school provides a platform for people to serve the Lord through teaching and administration.

Sunday school is a training ground for young Christians to be more productive in their church and gives them the opportunity to develop their skills and talents for the Lord.


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Living in community Part 1

LIVING IN COMMUNITY PART 1

Christian community starts with each individual persons relationship with Christ. This is the foundation. With it we join hands and live our lives together, in community. So why do we feel so disconnected. Usually it's one of two things. Either our relationship with Jesus is suffering, which makes us feel alone even when with other Christians, or we are not connecting with other Christians outside the few opportunities provided for us by places like our church. So should we blame others, parents, pastors, teachers etc., or should we look to ourselves and do a serious self evaluation? Ask God to show you from your life what is causing the block for you and then seek ways, if not obvious, to remove the block. Talk to your Pastor or a trusted adult. They are there for just these kind of things.

Some great versus on resolving conflict

Bible Verses about
Resolving Conflict

Matthew 18:15-17 ESV / 43 helpful votes

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Matthew 18:15 ESV / 24 helpful votes

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Luke 17:3 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,

James 4:1-6 ESV / 16 helpful votes

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? ...

Ephesians 4:26 ESV / 16 helpful votes

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,

Matthew 7:5 ESV / 16 helpful votes

You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Luke 6:27 ESV / 13 helpful votes

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Matthew 5:24 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 13 helpful votes

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Colossians 3:13 ESV / 11 helpful votes

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Matthew 5:9 ESV / 10 helpful votes

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

James 5:16 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Matthew 5:23 ESV / 8 helpful votes

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

1 John 4:7-8 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Ephesians 1:1-23 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ...

John 7:24 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

Psalm 1:1-6 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; ...

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV / 4 helpful votes

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; ...

Romans 12:20 ESV / 4 helpful votes

To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Matthew 18:17 ESV / 4 helpful votes

If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Exodus 18:13-27 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” Moses' father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. ...

Matthew 18:1-35 ESV / 3 helpful votes

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, ...

1 John 1:9 ESV / 2 helpful votes

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Peter 1:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Colossians 1:1-29 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, ...

Romans 12:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Romans 6:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Acts 26:20 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 8:32 ESV / 1 helpful vote

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Matthew 18:16 ESV / 1 helpful vote

But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

Matthew 4:4 ESV / 1 helpful vote

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Isaiah 57:15 ESV / 1 helpful vote

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Psalm 1:2 ESV / 1 helpful vote

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Joshua 1:8 ESV / 1 helpful vote

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Genesis 9:6 ESV / 1 helpful vote

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.

Genesis 6:1 ESV / 1 helpful vote

When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them,

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How Truthful are You? Take the quiz and find out

How Truthful are You?
How honest are you? Most people think they are pretty honest people, but about 83 percent of Christian teens also believe that moral truth depends on a particular situation. Take this short quiz to see if you are as truthful as you think you are:


1. Your best friend asks you if she looks good in her new prom dress. You:
A. Tell her she looks good, even though the dress washes her out.
B. Advise her to get a tan. That will help with the coloring. However, don't tell her why. It will just hurt her feelings.
C. Tell her to return the awful dress. She can look better, and you'll help her.

2. A friend tells you he's been using steroids, and he wants you to promise not to tell anyone. You:
A. Promise, then tell your parents.
B. Promise and don't tell anyone.
C. Don't promise. You know he's in trouble and he really needs help.

3. You get out of the store and realize the cashier gave you an extra $5 in change. You:
A. Go home. Hooray! An extra $5. It's the cashier's fault, after all.
B. Slip the $5 back on the counter by the cashier.
C. Give the money back to the cashier so she can put it back into the till.

4. When the teacher left the classroom someone wrote a nasty work on the board. The teacher asks you after class if you know who did it. You:
A. Say you weren't paying attention. You don't want people to hate you.
B. Tell her you think it was a certain person, but you just aren't sure.
C. Sure you tell her. It was really nasty and that person should be held accountable.

5. You overhear some people talking and whispering about a friend of yours. You don't say anything, but later your friends asks you if people are taking about her. You:
A. Tell her you haven't heard anything. Why hurt her feelings?
B. Tell her you heard something, but sugar-coat it.
C. Tell her what you heard and help her solve the problem.
Scoring Key:

Give yourself the following points for each answer:

A=1

B=2

C=3

5-7: You are a moral liar, meaning you often lie to protect the feelings of others or protect your standing among friends. While you don't lie for the sake of lying, you can find ways of telling the truth that will increase your honesty quotient and keep others from feeling crushed.

10-12: You usually only lie when it depends on someone's feelings. While you may think you are protecting the person, it really isn't. Try to work on being more forthcoming and honest in the way you deal with situations. If you are tactful, you will find that the truth comes out much easier.

15-13: You are a truth-monger. Just be sure that you are not being too brutal in your honesty. Otherwise, keep up the good work.

Psalm 37:37 - "Look at those who are honest and good. For a wonderful future lies before those who love peace." (NLT)


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So you took the test and your guilty of gossip. Now what?

What the Bible Says About... Gossip

Are you a gossip? Did you take the Gossip Quiz to find yourself surprised at the answer? We live in a social society where we share in each other’s lives. We are also curious people, always desiring to be “in the know.”

Yet, gossip is not helpful. Gossip actually serves to break the trust of those the people around you. The Bible has a lot of important statements regarding gossip.

Answer:
What’s Wrong with Gossip?

Everyone likes a good story, right? Well, not necessarily. What about the person the story is about? Does that person like the story? Probably not. Spreading rumors only hurts others and destroys our credibility. Who is going to trust us with anything when they think we’ll tell everyone else?

Gossip is also a way we judge others, which really isn’t our job. God is in charge of judging people, not us. Gossip really only ends up creating greed, hate, envy, murder.

Gossip is also a sign that we are not really active in our faith and in our lives. If you think about it, the busier we are, the less time we have to gossip. We no longer have the time to get wrapped up in someone else’s life. Gossip is bred out of boredom. It may start as a simple conversation about people, and then escalates quickly. The Bible clearly tells us to do more than discuss other people’s lives.

Leviticus 19:16 – “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.” (NIV)

Proverbs 11:13 – “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” (NIV)

Romans 1:29 – “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.” (NIV)

1 Timothy 5:13 – “Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.” (NIV)

Matthew 7:1 – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (NIV)

Proverbs 18:8 – “The words of gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.” (NIV)

So What Do I Do About Gossip?

First, if you catch yourself falling into gossip – stop. If you don’t passon the gossip there is nowhere for it to go. This includes gossip magazines and television. While it may not seem as “sinful” to read those magazines, you are contributing to gossip.

Also, when you are faced with a statement that may or may not be gossip, check out the facts. For instance, if you hear someone has an eating disorder, go to the person. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the person yourself, and the rumor is something serious, you may want to go to a parent, pastor, or youth leader. Getting someone to help in a serious situation is not gossip as long as the information stays with you and the person you go to for help.

If you want to avoid gossip, focus on creating helpful and encouraging statements. Let the gossip and end with you and remember the Golden Rule – if you don’t want people to gossip about you, then don’t participate in gossip.

Proverbs 26:20 – “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” (NIV)

Deuteronomy 13:14 – “Then you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly.” (NIV)

Matthew 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (NIV)

Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (NIV)


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Are you a gossip? Take the quiz and find out

What's Your Gossip Quotient?
Take This Quiz and Find Out!

Think you don’t gossip? Take this quiz to find out…

1. You and your friends are at a party. You see one of your friends smoking marijuana. You:

A. Pray for him.
B. Add him to your youth group prayer list.
C. Tell everyone at school.
D. Tell a parent and pray for your friend.
2. You walk by the magazine counter and see a headline about your favorite actress cheating on her boyfriend. You:

A. Check your wallet. You must know the details!
B. You’re tempted, but you walk away.
C. Leave the magazine, but check out the story online. You won’t financially support those types of magazines.
D. You walk away. Those magazines are junk.
3. You overhear your friend’s boyfriend telling everyone lies about their date on Saturday. You:

A. Confront him right there and tell him to take back the lies.
B. Run and tell your friend.
C. Post the story on MySpace.
D. Spread lies about him. Let’s see how he feels!
4. Your friends are sitting around when one starts telling you what she heard one girl did at the party last weekend. You:

A. Listen intently. Then call everyone you know. You can’t keep a story that good quiet!
B. Listen and analyze her actions with your friends.
C. Go get another drink while they finish talking about it.
D. Tell them you don’t feel comfortable talking about it and change the subject.
5. You and your friends usually talk about:

A. Dating, friends, people at school
B. What’s going on in your lives
C. Sports, school, movies, music
D. Celebrities
6. Your friend confides in you that she’s pregnant. You:

A. Tell everyone.
B. Tell your parents, because you need to know how to deal with it.
C. Write about it in your LiveJournal.
D. Tell no one. Just pray to God what to do.
7. How many times a week do you hear yourself saying, “Did you hear about….?”

A. At least once a day.
B. 2 to 5
C. 1 to 2
D. Never.
Scoring Key

1. A = 4, B = 2, C = 1, D = 3

2. A = 1, B = 3, C = 2, D = 4

3. A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1

4. A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, D = 4

5. A = 1, B = 3, C = 4, D = 2

6. A = 1, B = 3, C = 2, D = 4

7. A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, D = 4

Your Scores:

7 to 14 – The Gossip. You are a gossip. You thrive on gossip and spreading news about others. Yet watch out, because people are probably gossiping about you, too. If you are trying to be a good Christian, you may want to look closer at what the Bible is telling you about your gossip behavior and learn to stop our gossiping in its tracks.

15 to 21 – Wishy-Washy. You don’t gossip all the time, but it may be something you want to work on. You may like to hear gossip more than you spread it. Maybe you like to read gossip magazines. Still, you may want to work on walking away from gossip as it starts so that you can be a better witness to those around you.

22 to 28 – The Anti-Gossip You are the anti-gossip. You tend to see gossip for what it is and confront it. You know that what you say reflects on the Lord, and you try to be more encouraging. You have a good understanding of what the Bible tells you about gossip, and you try to live the Word in your life.

Were you surprised by your results? If so, you may want to read more about gossip’s effects and what the Bible has to say about gossip so that you can start being a better witness to those around you.

Suggested Reading


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Honesty

What is honesty and why is it so important? What's wrong with a little white lie? The Bible actually has a lot to say about honesty, as God has called Christian teens to be honest people. Even little white lies to protect someone's feelings can compromise your faith. Remember that speaking and living the truth help those around us come to the Truth.
Answer:
God, Honesty, and Truth

Christ said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. If Christ is Truth, then it follows that lying is moving away from Christ. Being honest is about following in God's footsteps, for He cannot lie. If the Christian teen's goal is to become more God-like and God-centered, then honesty needs to be a focus.

Hebrews 6:18 - "So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie." (NLT)

Reveals Our Character

Honesty is a direct reflection of your inner character. Your actions are a reflection on your faith, and reflecting the truth in your actions is a part of being a good witness. Learning how to be more honest will also help you keep a clear conscious.

Character plays a big role in where you go in your life. Honesty is considered a characteristic employers and college interviewers look for in candidates. When you are faithful and honest, it shows.

Luke 16:10 - "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (NIV)

1 Timothy 1:19 - "Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked." (NLT)

Proverbs 12:5 - "The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful." (NIV)

God's Desire

While your honesty level is a reflection of your character, it is also a way to show your faith. In the Bible, God made honesty one of his commandments. Since God cannot lie, He sets the example for all of His people. It is God's desire that we follow that example in all that we do.

Exodus 20:16 - "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor." (NIV)

Proverbs 16:11 - "The Lord demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness." (NLT)

Psalm 119:160 - "The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever." (NLT)

Keeping Your Faith Strong

Being honest is not always easy. As Christians we know how easy it is to fall into sin. Therefore, you need to work at being truthful, and it is work. The world does not give us easy situations, and sometimes we need to really work to keep our eyes on God in order to find the answers. Being honest can sometimes hurt, but knowing that you are following what God wants for you will make you more faithful in the end.

Honesty is also not just how you speak to others, but also how you speak to yourself. While humility and modesty is a good thing, being too harsh on yourself is not being truthful. Also, thinking too highly of yourself is a sin. Thus, it is important for you to find a balance of knowing your blessings and shortcomings so you can continue to grow.

Proverbs 11:3 - "Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people." (NLT)

Romans 12:3 - "Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us." (NLT)

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Morning personal devo's

Each morning we spend about 45 minutes in the chapel doing our individual devo's and spending time with God in prayer and conversation. Good stuff

Location:Dewey St SW,Atlanta,United States

A video of the kids racing at the Atlanta kids club

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Day two kids club in Atlanta

So here we are at the second day of Kids Camp. It was much better weather today and we had 10 kids. Grant was the teacher today and he did a good job. The kids ate working hard and definitely representing Christ to others. I'm so proud of them.

Location:Lexington Ave SW,Atlanta,United States

Ritzy Rags ... How it's done

First stop is the receiving room where all the donated clothes are brought and sorted in to like colors.




Next there washed in the laundry room to make sure they are clean.




Next the clothes are shredded to make it possible to use in the giant looms.




There are several looms able to make several items per day.




The clothing stryps are woven on the looms in various patterns to eventually make what you see below.




All of these are samples. Some will be rugs, some will be hand bags. They will sell these online through their website (soon to be launched) which in turn will allow wages to be paid to the homeless ( actually formerly homeless since they are living in apartments) to receive a steady pay check and to learn various job skills.

Location:N Decatur Rd,Atlanta-Decatur,United States

Day two in Atlanta

So this morning were scraping and painting a place called " Ritzy Rags". They employ the homeless who live in the apartments we were working at yesterday. They take old clothes and turn them into rugs and hand bags using giant looms. It's really neat stuff.

Location:N Decatur Rd,Atlanta-Decatur,United States

A little R&R

So after a long day of dirt, sweat, kids, candy, and work, were just chillin' before dinner. Whew! What a day. (-:

Location:Atlanta,United States

Our first kids club

Well we arrived at the park for our first kids club and it started to storm. Lightning, driving rain and lots of wind. So were waiting to see if it will stop. It's not looking so good.

Location:Hess Dr,Avondale Estates,United States

Day one in Atlanta

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Well were on the first project of the day. Were working at an apartment complex on a walking trail. The apartment complex is reserved for the homeless as housing paired with Christian social workers to help provide housing and job training. Were helping to make the grounds just a little more esthetically pleasing so that those who live here might be able to be proud if where they live, to be able to give them a little dignity back if we can.

Location:Hess Dr,Avondale Estates,United States

Another God Thoughts Wired Article.

THE AGE OF TOLERANCE

Check out the new video version of GodThoughts called, GodThoughtsLive! on www.youtube.com; www.godtube.com; www.godthoughtslive.com.
simply click on: The Power of Encouragement, and The Spectacular Reality of God's Amazing Grace.

Today, as I write this, the United States of America has entered into what I call, an "Age of Tolerance."* Practically, this "tolerance" reflects a rejection of any absolute moral authority.

Proponents of "tolerance" suggest that there are no moral absolutes and therefore, encourage us to accept all forms of moral devotion, no matter how perverse. The mantra of tolerance is, "to each his own."

What do I think about the, "Age of Tolerance?" Well, I do know that we are not the first country to try it.

"In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
Judges 17:6; 21:25

And God warns, "You shall not do at all what we are doing here today, every man doing what ever is right in his own eyes" (Deuteronomy 12:8).

And God predicts, "There is a way which seems right to man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:2;16:25).

And God declares, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes" (Proverbs 12:15).

Who does God think He is anyway?!

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God Thoughts Article Part 3

This is the third part of an article publihed in an ezine called "God Thoughts Wired". If you want to read more of their stuff you can go to www.godthoughtswired.com.

Speaking the Truth in Love

PART 3

Does belief in ultimate truth, imply “intolerance?” I would suggest no. For example, it has been scientifically demonstrated that human beings cannot live without breathing in oxygen. Frankly, I believe it. Does that make me intolerant? Is it rational to deem people intolerant because they affirm certain truths? Of course not! Human beings need oxygen to live. It is a fact, an absolute truth. Accepting such a reality doesn’t make one tolerant or intolerant. It simple makes them…CORRECT!
An objective look at “relativism” (the belief that there is no absolute truth) reveals, “The relativist stands on the pinnacle of an absolute truth and wants to relativize everything else.”

Indeed, an unbiased glance shows the world to be absolutely full of absolute truths. However, for relativism to be true, it would require a world full of contradictions. I say, “That’s a candy bar.” You say, “No, that’s a goat.” If we’re both right, then the candy bar is the goat at the same time, but, of course, that’s impossible (yet, today’s tolerance suggests, “That’s ok, as long as it’s true for you”). So, for truth to be relative ,the impossible…must not be.

Again, the Christian says, “There is a God,” and the atheist proclaims, “There is no God.” Relativism and today’s “tolerance” suggests that both are true. Indeed, it is as Geisler suggests,

If truth is relative, then no one is ever wrong –
even when they are.


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A great article written for "God Thoughts Wired"

I could not say it better my self, so I have pasted this here for others to read. If you want to read more you can go to www.godthoughtswired.com.

SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE

"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him whi is the head, even Christ."
Ephesians 4:15
What Does the Bible Say About "Tolerance?"*

This has become an extremely important and controversial topic today. Indeed, it has become a point of divisiveness and conflict for many. Webster's New World Dictionary defines the word "tolerate" as follows:

"To respect others beliefs, practices, etc.
without sharing them."

Ok. so far, so good. Biblically, we are called to love all people without condition. Indeed, this is the way God loves us. We can't do anything so good as to make Him love us any more than He already does, nor can we do something so bad as to cause Him to love us any less.

His love for people is unconditional and unchanging, and we are called to love one another in precisely the same way. Indeed, this concept is affirmed in the great love chapter (1 Corinthians 13) where the apostle Paul declared, "Love...endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7).

However, twenty-first century America is redefining "tolerance" in radically different ways than previously described. Consider the following definition from Thomas A. Helmbock, the executive vice-president of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity,

"The definition of new...tolerance is that
every individual's beliefs, lifestyle, and perception
of truth claims are equal...
Your beliefs and my beliefs are equal,
and all truth is relative."

Such perspectives are gaining popularity rapidly despite their incredible nature. It's highly probable that you've heard the phrase, "all truth is relative" (or something like it) before. You may well have also heard something along the lines of "there is no such thing as absolute truth." Yet, logic dictates that for such statement a statement to be true...it must be false. That is to say that the statement itself assumes at least one "absolute truth" (the statement itself), therby invalidating its original premise.

Christians are increasingly accused of "intolerance" because of their biblically based beliefs in ultimate truth (see exibit A, below), right and wrong.

Is this assertion reasonable? Does belief in ultimate truth imply "intolerance?"

Stay tuned.


EXIBIT A. The model of Jesus.

"Jesus showed the tax gatherers and prostitutes
‘unconditional’ LOVE, not tolerance."
-Linda York, Moraga, CA

According to the Bible, Mrs. York is absolutely right. A classic example is found in John, chapter 8 and the story of the woman caught in adultery. The text reads as follows:

"The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery...they said to Him (Jesus), 'What, then, do You say?'...'He who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her...'When they heard it, they began to go out one by one...Jesus said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?...Neither do I condemn you. From now on sin no more.'" -John 8:3-11

What a marvelous example of unconditional love...and uncompromising truth. The love? "Neither do I condemn you." "There is therefore, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (see Romans 8:1). The truth? "From now on sin no more." "He who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the only begotten Son of God" (see John 3:17). As Mrs. York so eloquently intimates, the truth about the love of God is this:

Jesus ALWAYS loves sinners unconditionally,
and He NEVER tolerates sin irregardlessly.


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Location:N 50 W,West Lafayette,United States

God Thoughts Wired Article

AN ETERNAL TRAGEDY

"Not everyone who says to Me 'Lord, Lord,'
will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord,'
did we not prophesy in Your name,
and in Your name cast out demons,
and in Your name perform many miracles?
And then I will declare to them,
'I never knew you; depart from Me,
you who practice lawlessness."
Matthew 7:21-23 (BOLD MINE)

Have you ever really studied this passage of scripture? Do you understand its implications? This isn't a warning to the world...it is a rebuke to the church!

-Where do you find people who have no problem calling Jesus "Lord"? That's right, in the church!

-And where do you find people involved in prophecy, deliverance, and miracles? That's right, in the church!

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus is talking to the "many" people in the church who think they are saved...but are not!

And HOW IN THE WORLD IS THIS POSSIBLE? How could this happen? How could such sincere individuals be so deceived?

"For false Christs and false prophets will arise
and will show great signs and wonders,
so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect."
Matthew 24:24

Do you know what "false Christs" and "false prophets" produce?

False gospels (see 2 Timothy 4:3-4). By the way, "many" of today's most popular preachers are classic examples!

And do you know what "false gospels" produce?

That's right, people in the church who think they are saved...but are not.

It's An Eternal Tragedy.

*Remember to check out pastor Brad on YouTube.com. Simply go to www.youtube.com and type in "GodThoughtslive!" in the search box. We'd love to hear your feedback.


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Location:N 50 W,West Lafayette,United States

Sick so no exercise likely

Well I got the spring cold that's traveling around. So I'm not sure I'll be exercising this week. I need to get better for this weekend. All the kids are home and Beckys at the ladies retreat, so I hbe to be on my A game.


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FAT update

Well it's week one and I'm at 267.3 pounds. That's cool. I lost this week. Yesssss


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Oh yeah. One more thing

I joined the Y in Lafayette. If anyone wants to exercise with me I would live the company and the encouragement and challenge of kicking your butt ( ok you will probably kick mine).


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I'm FAT

I could tell you that FAT means Flexible, Available, Teachable. While I pray I am those things, in this case it means I'm packing a little (70 pounds) extra bagage. So in light of that fact and the family history of heart problems I have decided to start a lifestyle adjustment. I'm not calling it a diet because that means it's temporary. This will need to be permanent. I need to get down to 200 pounds and I'm 270 now. So my goal is to loose 1.5 pounds a week for the next 52 weeks for a total weight loss of about 70 pounds. I will workout 3 times a week as well as change my diet. No more coffee is a necessary sacrifice as well since caffeine has a negative effect on my weight. So each week I will post my success or failure. At the beginning of the week I will post my current weight and my weight as of a week ago plus my net weight loss or gain. Pray for me keep with it so that I can live a long life with my wife and kids.

Oh yeah, sorry but no pictures. I am just not comfortable with that much of in public.


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10 in 10 Haiti Team Video

Here is the video of the week. This video was shown in the Sunday morning service.

The last entry of the Haiti team

Well this is the last blog entry for team Haiti. It has been a great week. Thank you for your prayers and support. And thank you all for following our trip.

Serving HIM


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Location:James L Turnage Blvd,West Palm Beach,United States

Our stuardess on the MFI flight

Our stuardess , tomestina, was a great help on the flight. She showed us superior customer service. Althought she was a little rough on the eyes.










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We have landed in Florida

Well we have arrived in Florida. It feels great to be home. Most of me is thinking about the many Haitians who are left behind in a situation they likely will never get away from. How blessed I am to enjoy a life that is simple and comfortable.

Now we are off to the hotel for check-in and dinner then a little rest before we have to be at air port at 4:30 am. Were all anqious to see our families.


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Heading out today

Well were boarding the plane looking back on Haiti for the last time on this trip. God has given us all a love for the Haitian people. We all will return in God's good and perfect time. Our piece of our hearts are going to remain here in prayer for this nation. Be assured that Gods work is continuing here in a great and mighty way. Thank you all for your prayers, and support of our families while we were gone.


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Location:Cap-Haïtien,Haiti

Allyce has a blister

Allyce had a blister so Tom decided to handle it. In Haiti you use what you can find.


She's just a big baby. The knife isn't that big.

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Went to visit an orphanage under construction

We went to visit idedee orphanage this afternoon. What a great place this will be for kids. It's going to truly be a refuge for parentless children. With just another $240,000 they can finish the orphanage in 6 months and start caring for kids.




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Passing out hats, crocs and food bags

We passed out about 325 crocs and all the hats that the Chaffee family donated as well as 240 bags of food.




-A line out the door waiting for food and shoes and hats


A woman holding a bag of food and trying on crocs to find her size.


Unloading the truck at the dispensing site.





The food that we collected is used to make food bags similar to our Haiti Christmas bags. We unload the food from the containers and seperate all the items. We use a bag and place several items like peanut butter, spaghetti, dried milk, beans, rice and a creole languge bible. This is what we did. So our food was getting directly into the hands of the Haitian people. Very cool!!!

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Getting ready to hand out crocks

Were counting crocks to see how many of what sizes we have. Were also handing out food and the hats that Rick And Dara Chaffee supplied.











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Earthquake in Haiti

Hey everyone,

By now you all may have heard that there was an earthquake here in Cap Haitian last night. While non of us felt it, it did cause some damage. A home near saint ange's church collapsed killing two and leaving others trapped. We have not heard about anything else. We are fine and there was no damage to the facilities where we are staying. Keep us in prayer. Tomorrow we are going to pass out 240 food relief bags which should feed at least 1000 people. It's been quite a priveledge to be here this week.


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Surgery for little Rose

Rose has two hernias. One includes her belly button. They are extremely painful and are life threatening. She has to have surgery here in Haiti, which is VERY risky to say the least. We visited the hospital and I would take my chances without treatment in that place. Her mother, Martinique, has no support from the father and is one her own. The surgery is $2000 Haitian dollars which is about $267 American dollars. We are leaving enough money behind to cover the surgery and after care for little Rose. If the hospital and doctors findout that there is American money backing this little girl the price will skyrocket, so our financial support is in secret through some back channels. It is possible that there could be additional costs. I will stay in contact with Don and Karen on her progress and needs and pass on not only updates but financial needs as well. So far the Haiti team has covered her expenses as far as we can predict. Pray for Rose, it is so heart wrenching to see this little girl in soooo much pain. I held her in my arms as she slept and we prayed. There is no pain medicine here for Rose.


Rose-Maychda Christma (Rose).




You can see her belly button sticking up a little. When she is awake and crying it is massive. She has two of these. The other is near her groin area.

Location:Haiti

Tom hard at work

Here is Tom serving Haiti for Jesus.










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Videos not working

Well it's official. The videos will nit upload from Haiti. The satelite Internet just isn't capable of doing it. So we will continue to make the videos each day and we will upload them all on Tuesday afternoon when we arrive back in Florida. Thank you for your prayers. Here in Haiti we are learning to rely on them more than anything.


Today was a day to relax. We went to the Haitian market and bought souveniers and then to this resort for a nice lunch and an afternoon of swimming.

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Update for Team Hait 3-19-2010

Today was an extraordinay day to say the least. We went and delivered food to 275 families. Thats probably inpacting the life of over 1000 people. his country is a tropical paradise full of beauty. No wonder Christopher Columbus said it was so beautiful. Enjoy the video.

We made it with Gods help

We left this morning on our task of feeding 200 families in an area that just yesterday was the sight of a spiritual battle. Our hosts were nervous taking us here today. The Lord brought driving rain which was his way of protecting us. The rain tends to calm the people and many won't come out in the rain. This kept people fairly calm. We still had almost 1000 people lined up for only 200 bags of food. At one point I had to ask one of the missionaries to help me with three girls who were begging for food. They clung to me as if it was their last link to life. I could not get them off of me so I had to ask for help. We are now back at the dorm and planning our next move. Many of us on the team feel that God was testing our faithfulness last night and today. In our faithfulness to his command today we were protected and delivered home safely. Thank you all for your prayers.


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PLEASE PRAY

Everyone. We learned today that the school and orphanage we are going to tomorrow had a severe incident today. 200 students arrived at school this morning and started thrashing around. This is going to sound outrageous to everyone at home but to us here it's believable and true. Theses children were demon possessed. This area specifically has been a stronghold of Satan for many many years. Our missionary hosts are apprehensive to take us there tomorrow. But we have decided that god wants us to go tomorrow and feed the people. We are placing our trust in His protection and believe that this is what we are to do. Please pray as we all believe that God has a plan and Satan is desperate to stop it. That places a HUGE target on our back tomorrow. Pray pray pray!!!


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Hait Team Update for Thursday 3/18/2010

Hey everyone,

We are going to try the video again. I think we found a way to get it uploaded in a reasonable time frame. I hope you all enjoy the video. It is about 6 minutes long. We love you all and miss our families. Brad has announced that he is extending his trip here by 6 weeks. Hah Tammy. Just kidding. Although I believe he would if he could. Enjoy the video.




We are working on the video malfunction. Please be patient as we try to fix issues here in Haiti. Thanks. Dave

Haiti team update for 3-17-2010

Hey everyone. Today we split into two teams. One team went to the ebac orphanage and school and ghelped tutor children who were in need of some help. The other half went on an outing that left them in a "MOOD" that is hard to explaine. Lets just say it was quite an adventure. Hope you all enjoy the photos.

This is the market that the guys went to for the food we purchased today. We purchased $2100 in food. Praise God!!!

Unloading the food from the truck. We still need to seperate it all out and prepare it for delivery.

Look at all this food. It's going to feed hundred's of people.

Update for 3/16/2010

Well we tried to upload a video but it timed out after 2 hours. It seems that we are not going to be able to do videos. We will try pictures tomorrow.

We went to visit the ebac orphanage today and played with the kids. They swarmed every one of the team members and wanted to hold our hands and asked if we could be friends. There is already so much we want to share with you when we get home and we havent even been here a full day.

We will keep updating and hopefully we will have photos for tomorrow.

We have arrived

Hey everybody,

We have arrived at the dorms where we will be staying for the week. We unloaded and are settling in. The things that we have seen driving through town is just ...... I just don't have any word to accuratley describe it. Watch for the video later tonight and you will see for yourself.


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Location:Haiti

Arrived in Haiti

Were here and all went well. Now we have a long drive to the compound where we will be staying. Looks like rain too so I think were going to get wet.


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Location:Haiti

Making a pit stop

Landed in the Bahamas to refuel the plane. Then another 2 hours to Haiti.


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Here is our video diary for 3-15-2010

So here is our vidoe update for today. Thank you for praying. Keep those prayers coming. Tomorrow we fly into Haiti. Did you see that plane? This is most definitley going to be an adventure. Well we will se you back here tomorrow night. There should be some amazing footage, Tyler is going to sit in the cockpit of the plane and video our approach and landing into Haiti. Don't miss it.



10in10 Haiti Team

Here us a photo of the plane were taking into Haiti

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