Your mom throws away the tissue that Hollie "Hottie" Harrison blew her sacred bugers in.
"Sorry," she says.
Your little brother kicks the back of your leg as you walk up to meet your date.
"Oops" he says... as he's snickers quietly.
Your best friend steals your girlfriend.
"My bad" he says.
There are accidents (where one does wrong unknowingly) and then there are sins (when one does wrong, knowing it's wrong). The bible makes it clear that God doesn't like sin. But why do we?
In my experience with sin, I always felt that it was like a rush. I felt rebellious and kind of free, in an awkward way. I realized that my rush, my extreme self indulgence, was just me plummeting to earth. When I finally hit earth, it hurt, and my reality was horrible.
Sin feels good. You feel cool. You feel accomplished. You feel free.
But in reality it's not. You're not cool. When you're drunk, your friends make fun of you. When you have premarital sex your future girl friends look down on your purity. When you do drugs, you lose consiousness and leave your self open to demonic possession. For lack of a better phrase, sin sucks. There's nothing cool, or accomplished, or (especially not) free about it.
Subtle captivity is the most depressing, and most common form of captivity. It's Satan's favorite.
Don't leave yourself open.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
River Rock
"Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine."
- 1 Samuel 17:40
So I have received a healing for my teeth. This healing is not one of those immediate ones, it's taking some time. But I rejoice in this time of healing knowing that I'm being made better everyday. I constently remind myself to thank God for the work he's doing in me through the Holy Spirit.
Last night, as I lay in bed feeling my jaw, I felt a broken piece of bone or something. It's not new, this piece of something has been there for years. But I was really messing with it yesterday. I tried to figure out what it was. i don't know WHAT it is, but I know what it feels like.
A river rock.
It may seem anti-climatic, but look back at the verse above.
"...five smooth stones from the stream..."
The "stone" in my jaw is God's promise for me. A promise to keep me and love me. A promise to help me conquer all giants in my path! This healing I need and am receiving is a giant, but God is the giant slayer!
Look out world! I have just been smaked with the realization that NO obstacle will EVER overcome me, not even DEATH!
Praise God!
- 1 Samuel 17:40
So I have received a healing for my teeth. This healing is not one of those immediate ones, it's taking some time. But I rejoice in this time of healing knowing that I'm being made better everyday. I constently remind myself to thank God for the work he's doing in me through the Holy Spirit.
Last night, as I lay in bed feeling my jaw, I felt a broken piece of bone or something. It's not new, this piece of something has been there for years. But I was really messing with it yesterday. I tried to figure out what it was. i don't know WHAT it is, but I know what it feels like.
A river rock.
It may seem anti-climatic, but look back at the verse above.
"...five smooth stones from the stream..."
The "stone" in my jaw is God's promise for me. A promise to keep me and love me. A promise to help me conquer all giants in my path! This healing I need and am receiving is a giant, but God is the giant slayer!
Look out world! I have just been smaked with the realization that NO obstacle will EVER overcome me, not even DEATH!
Praise God!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Average American Teenager
I just finished the lessons part of my Awesome Curriculum as you probably saw and so you decided to stop reading. But I'm done with that now and back to regular posting.
I'd like to talk about how boring it is to read the Bible. We live in a generation where things happen constantly. Camera angles change every 5 seconds on TV. Days fly by as activity after activity is crammed into around 13 hours of consciousness. Superstars and odd-named models float from crush to crash in a matter of days or less. Our culture moves fast, and shows no signs of slowing down.
As an American teenager, you try to do the right thing. Slow down, take a breath, open the Bible, and let it pour into your life. One word comes to mind as soon as you part the pages:
"BORING!"
Unfortunately we're used to things being a lot cooler, faster, and not so boring. For many people the Bible is worded to weird and doesn't make any sense at all (for those whom this applies to I would suggest reading the MESSAGE translation). It's just not as fun as chilling with your friends at a movie or mall or rave or whatever.
However, no matter how boring it is you need to read the Bible. Realize that although it's slow and boring it's getting you closer to God. Knowing the Bible helps you to withstand the "fiery darts of the enemy" (that's in the Bible... somewhere....)
I know how you feel, I'm an average American teenager too, but I listened to my Youth Pastor. When he said that we get a lot out of reading the Bible I gave it a shot, turns out he was right. Reading the Bible is very beneficial and perfect for the average American teenager.
I'd like to talk about how boring it is to read the Bible. We live in a generation where things happen constantly. Camera angles change every 5 seconds on TV. Days fly by as activity after activity is crammed into around 13 hours of consciousness. Superstars and odd-named models float from crush to crash in a matter of days or less. Our culture moves fast, and shows no signs of slowing down.
As an American teenager, you try to do the right thing. Slow down, take a breath, open the Bible, and let it pour into your life. One word comes to mind as soon as you part the pages:
"BORING!"
Unfortunately we're used to things being a lot cooler, faster, and not so boring. For many people the Bible is worded to weird and doesn't make any sense at all (for those whom this applies to I would suggest reading the MESSAGE translation). It's just not as fun as chilling with your friends at a movie or mall or rave or whatever.
However, no matter how boring it is you need to read the Bible. Realize that although it's slow and boring it's getting you closer to God. Knowing the Bible helps you to withstand the "fiery darts of the enemy" (that's in the Bible... somewhere....)
I know how you feel, I'm an average American teenager too, but I listened to my Youth Pastor. When he said that we get a lot out of reading the Bible I gave it a shot, turns out he was right. Reading the Bible is very beneficial and perfect for the average American teenager.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Awesome Name
LAST LESSON! THANX SO MUCH FOR READING!
"...'In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!'"
- Acts 3:6
Awesome Name
a. (Pull out name book, explain that there are amny cool names, name off a few that you like)
b. There is one name above all other names!
c. Jesus' name is the coolest of all!
1. Salvation
a. We receive salvation in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38)
b. Jesus paid the heavy price for our freedom, when we call on His name we are saved!
2. Healing
a. Healing comes in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:6)
b. Show a piece of brown twine and have a spectator cut it in two. You hold the pieces far apart so that the audience can see clearly that the pieces are actually cut. By making a magic pass the string is restored.
You need a length of ordinary brown wrapping twine and some beeswax, sometimes called "magician's wax." Beforehand taper each end of the twine to a point with sharp scissors or a knife, and apply a daub of wax to each end. By rubbing it well, the wax will become soft, and it may be easily worked into the twine.
Now show the string, and have a spectator cut it in half with a pair of scissors while you hold the ends. Hold your hands far apart, one piece in each hand so that the audience can clearly see that you have two pieces. Switch the twine from hand to hand so that you end up with the waxed end of each up, one piece in each hand.
Now bring your hands together so that the waxed ends meet, and allow them to overlap. Squeeze the ends together tightly and roll them together between your thumb and fingers. This will cement the ends together because of the wax. Now take one of the free ends and hold it up next to the waxed ends, and pretend you are going to tie a knot. Say: "When I use the name of JESUS the worst problems are healed!" Let the center drop, still holding the one end in your hand and show that the string is restored.
3. Faith is Key!
a. Like with all things related to God, faith is key!
b. With no faith there is no result.
c. BUT! With faith like a mustard seed you can move mountains! (Matthew 17:20)
Altar Call
Ask that anyone with needs or worries come stand at the altar. Gather the other kids around those who need prayer and encourage them to pray in the name of Jesus!
"...'In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!'"
- Acts 3:6
Awesome Name
a. (Pull out name book, explain that there are amny cool names, name off a few that you like)
b. There is one name above all other names!
c. Jesus' name is the coolest of all!
1. Salvation
a. We receive salvation in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38)
b. Jesus paid the heavy price for our freedom, when we call on His name we are saved!
2. Healing
a. Healing comes in the name of Jesus (Acts 3:6)
b. Show a piece of brown twine and have a spectator cut it in two. You hold the pieces far apart so that the audience can see clearly that the pieces are actually cut. By making a magic pass the string is restored.
You need a length of ordinary brown wrapping twine and some beeswax, sometimes called "magician's wax." Beforehand taper each end of the twine to a point with sharp scissors or a knife, and apply a daub of wax to each end. By rubbing it well, the wax will become soft, and it may be easily worked into the twine.
Now show the string, and have a spectator cut it in half with a pair of scissors while you hold the ends. Hold your hands far apart, one piece in each hand so that the audience can clearly see that you have two pieces. Switch the twine from hand to hand so that you end up with the waxed end of each up, one piece in each hand.
Now bring your hands together so that the waxed ends meet, and allow them to overlap. Squeeze the ends together tightly and roll them together between your thumb and fingers. This will cement the ends together because of the wax. Now take one of the free ends and hold it up next to the waxed ends, and pretend you are going to tie a knot. Say: "When I use the name of JESUS the worst problems are healed!" Let the center drop, still holding the one end in your hand and show that the string is restored.
3. Faith is Key!
a. Like with all things related to God, faith is key!
b. With no faith there is no result.
c. BUT! With faith like a mustard seed you can move mountains! (Matthew 17:20)
Altar Call
Ask that anyone with needs or worries come stand at the altar. Gather the other kids around those who need prayer and encourage them to pray in the name of Jesus!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Awesome Worship
"When we worship the right way, God doesn't stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony."
- 1 Corinthians 14: 33
Awesome Worship
a. According to Da' Memo, when we worship the right way there's harmony.
b. What is the right way? (John 4:23)
1. Music
a. Music has become a key part of worship, even in the Bible days people sang to worship Jesus
b. Psalms encorages the use of song
c. If you don't like the song that has been chosen for worship, then sing your own song to God!
2. Spirit
a. Did you know that in some churches services can last til midnight or later for weeks on end?!
b. (Get a kid and give him/her an m&m. Ask him if he'd like another. Keep giving him m&m's until you feel that the point has been made.) We always want more of the Holy Spirit, and there's always more to get!
3. Truth
a. Even though God knows that He's Awesome, the wants to hear you say it!
b. Tell Him what you love about Him, thank Him for what He's done for you.
Altar Call
Take this time to have a worship spirit encouraging kids to put aside their friends and all other cares and praise God for who He is and what He's done for them.
- 1 Corinthians 14: 33
Awesome Worship
a. According to Da' Memo, when we worship the right way there's harmony.
b. What is the right way? (John 4:23)
1. Music
a. Music has become a key part of worship, even in the Bible days people sang to worship Jesus
b. Psalms encorages the use of song
c. If you don't like the song that has been chosen for worship, then sing your own song to God!
2. Spirit
a. Did you know that in some churches services can last til midnight or later for weeks on end?!
b. (Get a kid and give him/her an m&m. Ask him if he'd like another. Keep giving him m&m's until you feel that the point has been made.) We always want more of the Holy Spirit, and there's always more to get!
3. Truth
a. Even though God knows that He's Awesome, the wants to hear you say it!
b. Tell Him what you love about Him, thank Him for what He's done for you.
Altar Call
Take this time to have a worship spirit encouraging kids to put aside their friends and all other cares and praise God for who He is and what He's done for them.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Awesome Language
"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
-Acts 2:4 (theMESSAGE)
Awesome Language
a. Have you ever seen Japanese? (Pull out a sheet of paper with Japanese/Chinese writings on it, have a kid come up and try to read it)
b. You have no idea what it says, but you know it says something.
1. Completely Consumed
a. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter's church met in the upper room where the Holy Spirit came upon them.
b. The bible says that it came upon them like tounges of fire!
c. Each one of them began to speak in other languages!
2. Completely Confused
a. People walking by heard all these different languages coming from the other room.
b. They were confused at first, then they mocked Peter's church.
c. Peter stood up for his church and his God.
3. Competely Crazy
a. It sounds funny when people speak in tongues if you've never heard it before.
b. Sometimes people speak in a language that NO ONE but God speaks!
c. The devil doesn't know what we're saying when we speak in toungues. We can come to God without him knowing and pray for anything!
d. Sometimes we pray in tongues to pray for things we didn't know were happening!
Altar Call
Pray with kids to be filled with the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Thx for reading these kids sermon notes! Haha!
-Acts 2:4 (theMESSAGE)
Awesome Language
a. Have you ever seen Japanese? (Pull out a sheet of paper with Japanese/Chinese writings on it, have a kid come up and try to read it)
b. You have no idea what it says, but you know it says something.
1. Completely Consumed
a. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter's church met in the upper room where the Holy Spirit came upon them.
b. The bible says that it came upon them like tounges of fire!
c. Each one of them began to speak in other languages!
2. Completely Confused
a. People walking by heard all these different languages coming from the other room.
b. They were confused at first, then they mocked Peter's church.
c. Peter stood up for his church and his God.
3. Competely Crazy
a. It sounds funny when people speak in tongues if you've never heard it before.
b. Sometimes people speak in a language that NO ONE but God speaks!
c. The devil doesn't know what we're saying when we speak in toungues. We can come to God without him knowing and pray for anything!
d. Sometimes we pray in tongues to pray for things we didn't know were happening!
Altar Call
Pray with kids to be filled with the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Thx for reading these kids sermon notes! Haha!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Awesome Power
Here's the first lesson to part 3, the last part. Thx for being understanding and not sending hate-comments (note: that's not a good idea). I should finish this thing on Wednesday of next week... I hope.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth."
-Acts 1:8
Awesome Power
a. (enter in superhero costume) Being filled with the Holy Spirit gives us super-powers!
b. These super powers are better than flying, super-strength, or even shooting lasers from your eyes!
c. The power that the Holy Spirit brings comes from God for God.
1. Awesome Language
a. The holy spirit speaks through us in a super-language.
b. We don't always know what we're saying
c. God uses this language to bless and protect other people.
2. Awesome Worship
a. When filled with the spirit worship becomes something much better!
b. When we worship God with a hunger we'll feel His presence.
c. Some people get so lost in worship that they praise Him in Tongues!
3. Awesome Name
a. The name of Jesus has power over the enemy
b. We can conquer by the "blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony" (Rev. 12:11)
c. Neither God's name nor the name of Jesus is not to be used in vain.
Altar Call
Ask those who wish to be filled with the Holy Spirit to come to the Altar. Gather around each of them (helpers and all) praying for each child to be filled with the Holy Spirit, evidence of Speaking in Tongues. Those who don't come forward should assist from their seats, stretching one hand towards the person being prayed for, and pray for him/her.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth."
-Acts 1:8
Awesome Power
a. (enter in superhero costume) Being filled with the Holy Spirit gives us super-powers!
b. These super powers are better than flying, super-strength, or even shooting lasers from your eyes!
c. The power that the Holy Spirit brings comes from God for God.
1. Awesome Language
a. The holy spirit speaks through us in a super-language.
b. We don't always know what we're saying
c. God uses this language to bless and protect other people.
2. Awesome Worship
a. When filled with the spirit worship becomes something much better!
b. When we worship God with a hunger we'll feel His presence.
c. Some people get so lost in worship that they praise Him in Tongues!
3. Awesome Name
a. The name of Jesus has power over the enemy
b. We can conquer by the "blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony" (Rev. 12:11)
c. Neither God's name nor the name of Jesus is not to be used in vain.
Altar Call
Ask those who wish to be filled with the Holy Spirit to come to the Altar. Gather around each of them (helpers and all) praying for each child to be filled with the Holy Spirit, evidence of Speaking in Tongues. Those who don't come forward should assist from their seats, stretching one hand towards the person being prayed for, and pray for him/her.
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