Kermit Barker

Forgiveness

2012-01-31T08:36:00.000-06:00

Where Do We Draw the Line?
How many times should we forgive someone?

That's the heart behind Peter's question, and it's something that each of us wrestles with as well. Where do we draw the line of forgiveness when it comes to someone wronging us? What if someone cuts us off in traffic? What if someone slanders us? What if someone breaks into our house and steals something very valuable to us? Or what if someone hurts or even takes the life of a loved one?

Where do we draw the line of forgiveness? Jesus answers Peter-and us-through a parable. It tells of a man who was forgiven an incredible debt that he never could have repaid. But the same man showed no mercy towards someone else who owed him a comparatively small amount. Word got out, and the man who failed to forgive was punished (Matthew 18:22-35).

The lesson is that those who've received great forgiveness should also extend forgiveness. At the cross, we received great forgiveness from God. The debt of our sin was cancelled and forgiven at the personal expense of God's own Son. When we truly recognize this, when we see the great forgiveness God has poured out on us, it enables us to extend forgiveness to others. We understand that what they've done to us can't compare to what we've done to Christ.

Where do we draw the line of forgiveness?

We don't.

The cross is God's unconditional standard of forgiveness that we must constantly keep in view. He didn't draw the line when we wronged Him, and we've no right to draw any lines when others wrong us. When we see the great forgiveness God has poured out on us, it enables us to extend forgiveness to others.

Think About It...

Distractions

2012-01-15T11:44:00.001-06:00

Have you ever been distracted?

Have you ever been trying to get something done and things keep coming up that get in your way?

What’s interesting about the story of Nehemiah is the supposed threat that Nehemiah caused both Sanballat and Tobiah (leaders in the neighboring town) just by showing up in Jerusalem. Nehemiah wasn’t showing up to fight, he wasn’t showing up for a hostile take over. He just wanted to build a wall, that’s it! Sanballat, Tobiah, and a few other men of the city were determined to keep this from happening so they created diversions to keep Nehemiah from finishing his assignment.

As I sat in my office earlier this week, I began to reflect on Nehemiah’s mission and compare it to what I do at my own job.

Lately, I’ve been forced to identify my Sanballats, not just at my job, but at my home, in my marriage, with my friends, and even in my relationship with God. In an effort, to develop that Nehemiah spirit, I’ve been studying the scriptures to learn how to respond to distractions.

Nehemiah had it down. He wasn’t rude. He wasn’t agitated. He addressed the issue (usually in one sentence) and kept moving. He had a job to do, and he wasn’t coming off of that wall until he finished it. This entry is just to encourage each of you to identify your Sanballats and address them accordingly. Don’t give them too much time, or they’ll get you off your game. Take a note from Nehemiah. Respond as he responds, “I am doing a great work, so that I can’t come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? (Nehemiah 6:3)” Watch how much you get done using the Nehemiah approach.

Lord, Help me deal with the distractions that try to force me away from you. In your name I pray. Amen.

2011-12-07T12:00:00.001-06:00

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshipping what’s right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion."

-Manifesto by Mark Batterson

I absolutely needed to read this today - Thank you Mark Batterson.

Stress

2011-02-21T15:57:00.000-06:00

So, I was reading an article about stress and its affects on our lives both individually and corporately. The article went on to say that we need to pinpoint the source of our stress to limit its control in our life. Then we need to follow these tips to help manage our stress:
-Identify what you can or cannot change about the situation
-If possible, reduce exposure to the cause of stress
-Maintain emotional reserves by talking with supportive people
-Sleep 7-8 hours a night or take a nap during the day
-Improve organizational skills
-Limit your intake of caffeine
-Avoid alcohol, illicit drugs, and nicotine
-Eat a well-balanced diet
-Exercise regularly
-Volunteer in your community

I agree with this article - Yes we should avoid illicit drugs and alcohol. Yes we need to identify what we do not have control over. Yes we need to form a supportive circle around us. Yes we need to be organized. Yes we need to volunteer...........there is something to be said when you donate your time and sacrifice for something that is bigger than yourself. Something that has lasting impact. That something is what gets us out of bed in the morning. That something is what helps us get through the day. That something is what keeps us treading water when we fell like giving up. That something - is really something.

What is your Something?

Hopefully your Something is GOD.

I'M BACK

2010-10-12T14:08:00.000-05:00

WOW - I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT IT HAS BEEN SO LONG IN BETWEEN POSTS. ALOT HAS CHANGED SINCE MY LAST UPDATE.

LAST TIME I WAS A YOUTH PASTOR - THIS TIME MY WIFE AND I ARE FULFILLING A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT TYPE OF ROLE WITHIN OUR CHURCH. I AM THE NEW COLLEGE AND YOUNG ADULT PASTOR. OUR GROUP IS CALLED EIKON - WHICH IS GREEK FOR THE WORD IMAGE. BASED OFF OF 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 - "BEING TRANSFORMED INTO HIS IMAGE."

THAT IS THE POINT - RIGHT? TO BE TRANSFORMED FROM OUR WORLDLY THINKING TO ETERNAL THINKING.

IT'S ALL A QUESTION OF WHAT IS YOUR IMAGE? CAN PEOPLE TELL THAT YOU FOLLOW CHRIST OR DO THEY SEE YOU FOLLOWING THE NEWEST, HOTTEST, LATEST CELEBRITY.

DO THEY SEE CHRIST IN YOU, THROUGH YOU, AROUND YOU, NEAR YOU. CAN THEY HEAR HIM IN YOUR VOICE AND IN THE WORDS THAT YOU SAY? CAN THEY SEE HIM IN YOUR ATTITUDE AND HOW YOU ACT/REACT TO OTHERS? CAN THEY FEEL THE PRESENCE OF GOD WHEN THEY ARE AROUND YOU?

THESE ARE QUESTIONS THAT WE HAVE TO CONSTANTLY ASK OURSELVES. ARE YOU BECOMING MORE LIKE THE IMAGE OF GOD OR MORE LIKE THE IMAGE OF THE WORLD?

IT'S A FAIR QUESTION DON'T YOU THINK?

Extraordinary

2009-03-18T09:24:00.005-05:00

The other day while doing my devotions and reading "The first 2 years of youth ministry - by Doug Fields, I ran across this verse that really called out to me.

Psalms 127:2

"It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones."

I am trying to be more organized. Yet I am finding it is almost an elusive thing to capture. Put Bluntly. LIFE IS HECTIC. I am sure that all of you out there can sympathize/agree with me. Do you ever feel like you are burning the candle at both ends or continuously from one end? I know in this race that we are on, it can feel like this.............that is why it is so important to make sure that we start our days focusing on the main thing...and the main thing is God. If/When we give him our firsts - the first of our day, a good morning shout out, Morning devotion, Morning quiet time so we can get our mind attuned - in tune with what God wants to do in us and through us = that in turn makes our day extraordinarily better. How many of you out there could stand to have an extraordinary day? An extraordinary week? An extraordinary month? Nothing in my own power can accomplish this, I know that this is only possible through God and His work in me. The choice is mine and the choice is yours. Will you choose the Extraordinary?

Spring has finally arrived

2009-03-15T21:30:00.002-05:00

YES. The warm weather is finally here. Just had an amazing time with my wife on the first motorcycle ride of the season. This is what fascinates my mind in life.....Serving God, my Wife and my motorcycle.

New Orleans Outreach

2009-02-26T15:01:00.002-06:00

Just got back into town from an AMAZING outreach to the city of New Orleans. Myself and 2 others from 1AG joined forces with over 350 people/young adults for ATC=Answering the Cries outreach. We were gone for 8 days and WOW was it an amazing trip. Many souls saved and added to Heaven from this trip. I was broken and stretched and matured and grown like I have never been before. I am currently compacting a journal of all the people that I talked to/ prayed for/ lives that God touched and am looking forward to going again in 2010. I would recommend the trip to only young adults who are spiritually mature. More to come later.

RETREAT

2009-02-05T21:20:00.002-06:00

My definition of RETREAT is = a time to get away, a time of refreshing, rejuvenation, reflection, rededication.

I can't wait.

I am from the Delayed Generation.

2009-01-23T09:32:00.003-06:00

Education- To learn or not to learn. That is the question.

Some see education as a burden while others see education as a life-source. I fall into the latter bracket. I am at classes now in a District Seminar and I am glad I am here. Meeting together with the greatest and latest minds of my generation. Notice I didn't say this generation because we are all old people here - mainly above the 30 mark. I unto myself am from the delayed generation. The call of God was on my life at a young age - 16 to be exact - but I told God He had the wrong person that I didn't have any talents, gifts or abilities and He would be better off finding someone else to be a Pastor. So here I am older and not much wiser finally giving into the call of God upon my life. I am a learner - maybe not very fast but I feel learning is the ultimate calling for everyone.

Proverbs 4:7 "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."

Worship

2009-01-08T22:48:00.002-06:00

I am blessed with an amazing student worship team and an amazing Worship Intern that is a Great Leader. I have no idea what I would do without them. The way that they usher us into the very throne room where God is.............is unexplainable. The presence of God is real........I'm serious.......I hope I never get to the point where I take it/HIM for granted. Thank you God for creating music it is an awesome outlet for the inner man to reconnect with the omniscient Creator. It is calming - energetic - peaceful - relaxing - fired up - replenishing - awe inspiring - creative - all rolled into one with many more descriptive words that are too numerous for one blog. Worship is incredible. Thank you God Thank you.

2009

2009-01-05T20:18:00.001-06:00

Here it is 2009. What will the year bring? Whatever it is I am ready for an outpouring of God that I have never experienced before. Bring "it" God I am ready for "it". Whatever "it" is.

World Missions Summit

2009-01-02T14:22:00.002-06:00

Just got back from a Conference in Cincinnati Ohio. Great time of learning about God and World Missions. Over 8,000 people were there hungry for an Encounter with God. It was a pretty amazing experience. I got a henna tattoo - which will fade away in 2 weeks so we will see. It says Eurasia but it's written in Aramaic.

Holidays

2008-12-29T18:07:00.003-06:00

Awwwwwwww...............(as I faintly sigh). Had a wonderful Christmas. Family time was funny and refreshing. All genres of ages sitting around and talking and interacting. Grandmas/Grandpas/Aunts/Uncles/Cousins/Nephews/Friends. Playing "Rummy" the card game and "Buzz Word" the word game (which I would recommend to anyone). The wrapping paper is thrown away and after awhile the presents will lose their illusion of happiness. BUT the time shared with family and friends was priceless.

The McMichaels

2008-12-24T00:26:00.002-06:00

Ahhhhhhh.........the amazingness of friendship. Had an amazing time tonight hanging out with a couple that have a daughter in the Youth Group. They are actually back in the states itinerating. They have been missionaries to Zambia the last few years. Got there at 8pm and just got home it is 12:30am. Lots of conversation and laughter and a precocious 13 year old girl that loves and has memorized all of the Star Wars movies both old and new. I saw an amazing array of light saber moves and nerf gun wars that left me amused at the closeness of this family. Typically the children nowadays can't stand their parents. It was refreshing and heartwarming all at the same time. If only every family had what this family has............the world would be a better place. It is amazing what brings people together: a book, coffee, children, sports.....whatever the commonality is I will embrace and treasure it. Thank you God for the moments!

Life

2008-12-20T13:30:00.002-06:00

I am spending the weekend doing something I hardly ever do......are you ready for it......I am totally and utterly relaxing. A weekend away with the only goal in mind - which is to just chill. Once a year I think that everyone should do this. Once a month would be optimal but for most that is extremely impossible. So I sign off with a light heart and say to to all....In case I don't see you Good Morning....Good Evening.....and Good Night. (Taken from one of the best Jim Carey movies ever)!

Lets see

2008-12-06T22:16:00.002-06:00

Wow, I am amazed once again about the qualities of a team. One person by themselves is really not a match for the intricacies of a well oiled machine. It's an honor to serve where I am at.

On a lighter note I Finally got a part for my motorcycle that I ordered back in June. The irony is that the riding season is over and now I get the part. Hilarious! Patience is something I need more of.

DEC.

2008-12-04T11:12:00.002-06:00

Wow. Can't Believe that Dec. is here. The craziness of it all. I hope we don't get so caught up in the commercialism of the season that we lose sight of the wondorousness of Jesus Christ. It would be really cool to see what would happen - if the world would stop rotating - if we didn't buy presents this year and instead our presence was the present.

Rest

2008-11-24T18:44:00.002-06:00

For the next 2 days I will be on vacation. Which will consist of watching the trilogy of Indiana Jones and possibly renting the newest one which I have heard tons of mixed reviews on. Then I would like to catch up on some reading - "Tribes" by Seth Godin - "Your First Two Years of Youth Ministry" by Doug Fields - which Jamie Kemp told me he reads once every year. So, I thought he would be the man to listen to. Other than that just some chillaxin' before the wonderous time of Thanksgiving.

What's the point?

2008-11-16T16:09:00.002-06:00

Does anyone even read these blogs.....I mean does this blog really even matter in the grand scale of things? No, prob. not. But you never know when I might say something that you agree with or that might move you beyond the commonality of most words to move into a more emotional role where the words I write have a lasting impact on your very heart. That's the reason I blog, that's why it is important for those of us that answer to a higher being blog......we blog because we care.

I don't understand.....

2008-11-07T08:40:00.005-06:00

So I have heard of the game of "Washers", where it's kind of like horeshoes........man vs man with game instrument in hand trying to see who can be closest to the stake or to actually put the washer in the box is 1 point but to get the washer in the coffee can is 3 points. I can understand the game of washers. I like to play washers......WHAT I CAN'T UNDERSTAND is how someone maybe saw a washer laying around on a table or the floor and they thought to themselves - "self, hey look its a washer...........wow, do you know what we could do....self, we could build a cake.....I mean we could build a tree......out of washers." REVELATION. I am slightly mocking this picture yet I am slightly admiring it too.

DECEMBERADIO

2008-10-30T11:56:00.002-05:00

NOVEMBER 14TH AT COLISEUM IN BLOOMINGTON AFTER THE HOCKEY GAME WILL BE THIS PRETTY DECENT BAND. YOU SHOULD ALL COME TO IT AND THEN YOU CAN HANG OUT WITH ME AFTERWARDS.

TwitterCraze

2008-10-29T10:22:00.003-05:00

I just joined it......don't know why.......I will let you know how it works out.

Another day

2008-10-27T15:16:00.002-05:00

I don't know if I am ready for this cold weather. I know it doesn't matter if I am ready or not because it is inevitable. The word inevitable is a cool word but one I hardly ever use: inevitable = unable to be avoided, evaded or escaped. The only cool thing about winter and snow is sledding and spending time with people. There is something cool about sledding down a sweet hill with enough speed to make it into the creek at the end of the hill and then sliding on ice for the remainder of your momentum. Yeah .......... that is fun. That being said I can't wait to break out the magical yellow snow discs. Jersey Hill here I come.

Expectations

2008-10-20T09:53:00.002-05:00

This morning I had a revelation..........

For some of you reading this you have met my cat......he is a rather strange animal.........for instance - my cat loves water. Every morning when I wake up my cat is waiting in the bathroom for me to take a shower. It is soo weird. As soon as I walk in he is under my feet purrrrring. As soon as I turn the water on he jumps between the 2 shower curtains and waits for me. If I am not moving as fast as he wants he begins to meow a soft cat cry......if I choose to shave or brush my teeth before taking a shower.......the wait for him is unbearable and he meows out louder and longer......to the point where I get in the shower just to make him be quiet............but here is where it gets interesting...........MY CAT CONTINUES TO CRY OUT until I give him the water. I point my finger at my cat and the water runs down my arm and hits him in the face........(I know this is weird But wait for it there is a point)....If I just give him a couple drops it infuriates him.........It isn't until I get him completely wet that he is happy. In my own life it hit me this morning that I need to become more like my cat. YEAH. It's TRUE. When I wake up in the morning I need to have the EXPECTATION that I am going to be with God today. I need to run to HIM like my cat runs to the shower. I need to cry out to God, Cry out my need for him, to persist to never give up.....BUT to keep crying out to HIM - to God Almighty - until he gives me HIS water. Until He Gives me what I need to make it through this day......Until he satisfies me I should continue to wait......Continue to Cry out to HIM..........Continue..........Continue........Continue. I know in my own life that I give up too easily......I am a quitter.......I know now that I need to have the persistence and the expectations of my cat. That I shouldn't be happy with just a couple of drops but I should keep pressing in until I get soaked with HIS PRESENCE. Thank you God for showing me this simple illustration. That has impacted me in more ways than I can express.

Momentum 08

2008-10-16T18:55:00.002-05:00

The time is here again..........Can you feel the EXCITEMENT in the air. The air has an electricity to it just like when you rub your socked feet on carpet and then go up to someone and static shock them on the shoulder. The anticipation for another Momentous Momentum in the lives of the students of Illinois is upon us. I expect the impossible, I long for a move of God to fall in Springfield that will revolutionalize and respark and revitalize and rejuvenate and reshape all the students/leaders/pastors that will be there. Bring it God cause we want it.

Rainy Day

2008-10-15T13:59:00.002-05:00

It's a Rainy day. Some would say dismal. But I like the rain. Its cool and refreshing and calming. The only time I don't enjoy the rain is when I plan to ride the motorcycle...but other than that RAIN is tranquil to me. If I had the day off...nothing would be better than grabbing a lawn chair and sitting out in the yard and just letting the rain gently patter all around me. To hear it as it bounces off the neighbors metal siding......to feel the rain........to smell the rain.....it has such a calming effect on me......I can't even really explain it......so I'm not going to even try.

Getting Ready For Catalyst

2008-10-06T22:26:00.002-05:00

Missionaries

2008-10-02T10:14:00.004-05:00

THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR IS:

"WE WILL WALK SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO."

This year we have an "EXTRAORDINARY" opportunity to rally together to help this Missions Family purchase a vehicle. Our Missionaries are Damian and Nancy McCrink, along with Levi and Jade. Just this past August this family moved to Maputo, Mozambique in Africa to work with hurting children and to give them hope and a future through Jesus Christ. Without a vehicle it is going to be really hard for them to do the work that God has called them to do.

Saturday October 25th at 9:30 a.m. at First Assembly of God, 800 E. Vernon Ave, Normal, IL. Come and be a part of the 2008 5K SPEED-THE-LIGHT WALKATHON.

Discipline

2008-09-30T22:36:00.004-05:00

Discipline:

Will they that are disciplined ever truly realize that I am doing this BECAUSE I Love them? If I didn't care about someone, then I would let them act/react any way that they wanted. BUT it is because I care that I can't sit by and do nothing. Will they accept the Correction or will they be led astray?

Proverbs 10:7 "He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray."

It's a New Day

2008-09-25T07:14:00.002-05:00

It's a New Day,

What that means to me is:

New Opportunities, Divine appointments, Chances, Life Changing Events.

IF ONLY I WILL BE OBEDIENT TO GOD.

Prayer: "God, help me to put off myself to get over myself and to not miss the God-Given catalystic Life Changing Opportunities that will be all around me today, God, Give me your Passion." Amen

A thought to caution

2008-09-16T06:32:00.002-05:00

Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. Finally, your character becomes your eternal destiny. It all begins with watching your thoughts. (Philippians 4:8)

Trivia

2008-09-15T13:02:00.002-05:00

Question:

What word(s) did Paul use to describe those who had rejected faith and a good conscience?

1) shipwrecked

2) dead

3) hell bound

4) devilish

Leadership

2008-09-13T12:52:00.003-05:00

Quote on Leadership:

"A well prepared leader leads from the heart. The actions of a leader are based on the belief that 'doing' leadership always flows from first 'being' a leader that people want to follow."

??What do you think??

Phenomenal Pastors

2008-09-04T19:34:00.002-05:00

I am so very blessed to be part of such a dynamic team. Today myself and 2 Phenomenal Pastors plus a son of a Pastor made a mad dash to Springfield to pick up some inflatables for our Weekend. The Weather was NASTY and not once did I ever hear anyone complain.......I'm not saying it didn't happen all I'm saying is that I didn't hear any. We all worked together as a well oiled machine even when 1 weighed 450 pounds and was like pushing an elephant that was lying on its back around. In the middle of a raindrop storm. Raindrops the size of small children. Anyway I just want to let everyone know that we have an amazing team here at 1AG, and I am proud/blessed to be part of it. Now 2morrow I get the honor of picking up a DUNK TANK in which I will spend a good chunk of the day on Saturday..........heckling people. (STL fundraiser)!

Which is Better:

2008-09-02T16:18:00.002-05:00

Qdoba?

Moes?

Chipotle?

-Qdoba is amazing because of there Chicken Queso Burrito and I really like there lime/salted chips. yummmmmmm.

-Moes is decent and I'll only say this once = Free Chips&Salsa Bar. How cool is that.

-Chipotle is..............I got nothing for Chipotle.

Which one do you think is better??????????

RECESS

2008-08-30T21:58:00.002-05:00

We just had an amazing long weekend where we got together with other Youth Pastors from Illinois for a time of building relationships and being Refreshed. This was the best Recess ever. Pastor Paul is doing an incredible work at the District Level and we are lucky/blessed to be under his guidance and covering. It was awesome to sit down and hear what God is doing in Youth Ministries all over our state. The Golf Outing was spectacular......I didn't expect to win a prize yet I did......(Longest Putt), so that was cool. Sports Comedy Club, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Bahama Breeze, Portillos & Special Speaker - Pastor Gary Grogan (aka Papa G) inspired and challenged us in the Closing Workshop and then just the chance to pray with other Youth Pastors that are going through some of the same issues as us was really cool. The time away flew by really QUICK.

Random & Useless Trivia

2008-08-28T07:22:00.002-05:00

I am amazed about how I am Drawn to Random and useless Trivia:

Here is my top 5 for this week:

1. A Rat can last longer without water than a camel can.

2. 40% of McDonalds profit comes from the sales of Happy Meals.

3. Playing cards were issued to British Pilots in WWII. If they were captured the playing cards could be soaked in water and unfolded to reveal an escape map.

4. Most lipstick contains fish scales.

5. In the 183o's Ketchup was sold as a medicine.

Panera or Starbucks?

2008-08-25T14:34:00.002-05:00

The Question of the day is: If you had the option would you go to Panera or Starbucks? At one you can get the amazing Cinnamon Crunch Bagel with the Phenomenal Hazelnut Cream Cheese Spread that will send your tastebuds into orbit because it is so good. At the other you can get the most amazing Vanilla Bean Frap. that makes any day feel like a good day. This is what I am proposing that wouldn't the world be a better place if Panera and Starbucks would join together and become Franchise Partners. AWWWWWWW Sheer Bliss.

God is So very Amazing.........

2008-08-18T09:09:00.001-05:00

WOWZER,

What an amazing weekend I have had. There is power when the children of God Tarry......wait on the Lord. Wait on the Lord......It has been awesome to have Randy Ruiz with us,,,it has been refreshing to see the children of God actually hunger and thirst for God with a renewed fervor. I Pray God that I never lose that. Help me God not to get complacent and comfortable but continue to move me, grow me, mature me and the rest of this congregation of believers,,,help us to hunger after you as we do our very breath. As our lungs cry out for oxygen (Like when I tried to swim the whole length of the pool because I wanted to win the challenge, and I wanted it soo bad that at the end of my air supply I was actually sucking in water just to be able to reach that wall,,,,HELP ME LORD,,,,to develop that same mentality when it comes to seeking after you with every fiber of my very being that you knit together for a specific purpose and for a specific design. Thank you God that you have made me with a purpose. Thank you God that you gave me your Holy Spirit to help me to guide me to give me boldness,,,,I pray God you will give me the Boldness of Elijah. I love the verse in James Chapter 5 verse 17 = "Elijah was a man just like us." Can you imagine with me if "WE" - YOU and ME have the Faith that Elijah had. It is possible because like the Bible states: he was just a man like you and me. (Think about it but don't stop there.........then act upon it)!!! Amen?,,,,,Amen!

Magic Waters isn't Magical

2008-08-01T17:32:00.000-05:00

So, just got back from Magic Waters and besides being a decent water park I was a little dismayed because I didn't see anything magical about it. No magicians, no illusionists, no appearing/disappearing bunny rabbits, the name itself is misleading....which brings me to my next thought,,,,when we say we are Christians.....are we misleading the general population too, just like Magic Waters,,,,or are we living/doing/acting like the name of Christians "Christ followers" implies? We should never mislead others or lead them away from Christ by our actions. Woe to us if that ever happens. God help me to Live up to what you have called me/created me to be.

Burn Youth Group - 7-30-08

2008-07-30T23:24:00.000-05:00

WHO HAS CONTROL OVER YOU?

Galatians 5:19-26

“Developing The Leader Within You”, Chapter 9 is on self-discipline. John Maxwell began that chapter by saying, "The first victory that successful people ever achieve or win, is the victory over themselves."

The moment we begin to have victory over our own flesh and our own desires, and become self-controlled, then all of a sudden we can become victorious over other things in life.

The Greek root for the word self-control is the word [egkrateia] = "to get a hold of " or "to get a grip on". It literally means to get your hands on something until you are in control of it.

Proverbs 25 says, "A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken down walls." We all know that cities when this was written were safe only because of their walls.

"What we do will depend upon what we already are. And what we are will be the result of previous years of self-discipline." H.B. London.

Starters of living a self-controlled, self-disciplined life:

Start with yourself.

Start small.

Start strategically.

Start Now

John Hancock Field says, "All worthwhile men have good thoughts, good ideas, and good intentions, but precious few of them ever translate those into action."

The Afterburn of YOUCAMP

2008-07-29T11:34:00.000-05:00

Wow, what an amazing time we had at Teen Camp this Year. I wish you all could have been there to see what a camp looks like with over 880 students that are playing hard in team competitions throughout the day and praying&worshipping hard at the altar at night. I can only speak for myself but this Camp was a 10 = it was refreshing, students were saved, filled, called and refueled. So for the IYCM staff major props out to you for putting and holding this thing together. Lives were changed, impacted, set free, molded, shaped, set apart, ignited. So thank you to all who made this camp amazing.