As Halloween is fast-approaching, we often hear talk of superstitions. As much as intellectually we know they are not factual, they can still permeate into our psych and spirit. Even in Christian culture we talk of God striking people down with lightening, say phrases like knock on wood.. this is a view simply not just held by pagans, but is mainstream in our society.
Is this a big deal? For most people probably not. However for some this can translate into living a life of paranoia and having not a fear of God in a reverent sense, but in a paranoid and terrifying way. God is a loving yet just God, but NOT a terrorist.
We do not need to be superstitious because God ultimately controls the universe... these man-created customs and omens are not of God and therefore are not true.
"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority" Colossians 2:8-`0
By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. (Psalms 119 MSG)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Week of November 1, 2010 (Acts 1-6)
Day 1: Introduction and Christ's Post-resurrection Ministry (Acts 1:1-11)
Verse 8- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.
Spend a couple of moments in silence, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Day 2: The period of waiting for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:12-26)
"May another take his place of leadership" God calls all of his to serve Him. However, it we refuse sometime God may pass us by and choose someone else. Let's not let that happen to us. Will you listen when He calls you?
_______________________________________________________________________________
Day 3: The filling with the Spirit (Acts 2)
The Spirit is powerful! He wants to fill you with Himself. At the age of 12, I was baptized in the Holy Spirit in my own room. I asked him to fill me and He gave me a heavenly language. I encourage you to ask the Spirit to fill if He hasn't so already. Don't put pressure of yourself- just seek God first. Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
_______________________________________________________________________________
Day 4: The healing of a lame man (Acts 3)
Who REALLY healed the lame man? (Verse 16)
Write out verse 19.
________________________________________________________________________________
Day 5: Peter and John arrested (Acts 4:1-31)
Crazy uh-mazing!
What are they commanded to do in verse 18?
What was there response?
How would you respond in those hostile circumstances?
Romans 1:16- "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."
________________________________________________________________________________
Day 6: Share the Love
/ Oh SNAP! (Acts 4:32-5:11)
Notice the unity mentioned in verse 32- and then it says with GREAT power in verse 33. UNITY= EFFECTIVENESS= POWER. Have an issue with someone??? Sort it out ASAP!
Matthew 5:24- "Leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to
your brother, and then come and offer your gift. "
OH SNAAAAAAAP!
Lesson learned? DO NOT LIE? What happened to this couple?
Why do you think they lied?
_________________________________________________________________________________
Day 7: Apostles Arrested (Acts 5:12-42)
Wow... you guys gotta read this. SO inspiring...
What happened?
What to they do? (verse 42)
Check out this VERY inspiring book all about persecution including real modern day stories. I have 2 copies should you want to borrow it :)
Verse 8- But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.
Spend a couple of moments in silence, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Day 2: The period of waiting for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:12-26)
"May another take his place of leadership" God calls all of his to serve Him. However, it we refuse sometime God may pass us by and choose someone else. Let's not let that happen to us. Will you listen when He calls you?
_______________________________________________________________________________
Day 3: The filling with the Spirit (Acts 2)
The Spirit is powerful! He wants to fill you with Himself. At the age of 12, I was baptized in the Holy Spirit in my own room. I asked him to fill me and He gave me a heavenly language. I encourage you to ask the Spirit to fill if He hasn't so already. Don't put pressure of yourself- just seek God first. Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
_______________________________________________________________________________
Day 4: The healing of a lame man (Acts 3)
Who REALLY healed the lame man? (Verse 16)
Write out verse 19.
________________________________________________________________________________
Day 5: Peter and John arrested (Acts 4:1-31)
Crazy uh-mazing!
What are they commanded to do in verse 18?
What was there response?
How would you respond in those hostile circumstances?
Romans 1:16- "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."
________________________________________________________________________________
Day 6: Share the Love
/ Oh SNAP! (Acts 4:32-5:11)
Notice the unity mentioned in verse 32- and then it says with GREAT power in verse 33. UNITY= EFFECTIVENESS= POWER. Have an issue with someone??? Sort it out ASAP!
Matthew 5:24- "Leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to
your brother, and then come and offer your gift. "
OH SNAAAAAAAP!
Lesson learned? DO NOT LIE? What happened to this couple?
Why do you think they lied?
_________________________________________________________________________________
Day 7: Apostles Arrested (Acts 5:12-42)
Wow... you guys gotta read this. SO inspiring...
What happened?
What to they do? (verse 42)
Check out this VERY inspiring book all about persecution including real modern day stories. I have 2 copies should you want to borrow it :)
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Journey of Acts Begins...
After the Fall Retreat, we will launch our daily devotional of the book of Acts. It was launched back in June, but with the busyness of summer, it is best start afresh! Get ready... get set.. Go!!!
An Overview Of Acts
AUTHOR:
Luke was a companion of Paul and a doctor. He also wrote the Book of Luke. Luke and Acts are viewed as "1" book comprising of 2 parts.
Date:
2 Possible dates (63 AD or 70+ AD)
Recipient:
It was written directly to Theophilus, Luke's publisher, plus everyone who would read duplicated copies, (including us 2000+ years later).
Purpose:
1. Gives history after Christ's death
2. To paint a picture of the persecution the early church faced.
3. To provide a guide- A guide to how Christians and the church should live and operate
4. To show how the church stayed strong amidst persecution
Luke was a companion of Paul and a doctor. He also wrote the Book of Luke. Luke and Acts are viewed as "1" book comprising of 2 parts.
Date:
2 Possible dates (63 AD or 70+ AD)
Recipient:
It was written directly to Theophilus, Luke's publisher, plus everyone who would read duplicated copies, (including us 2000+ years later).
Purpose:
1. Gives history after Christ's death
2. To paint a picture of the persecution the early church faced.
3. To provide a guide- A guide to how Christians and the church should live and operate
4. To show how the church stayed strong amidst persecution
NOVA SCOTIA HIGHLIGHT VIDEO!
Check out highlight video from our Glace Bay, NS missions trip (Aug 22-Sept 2)
Monday, August 2, 2010
August 2, 2010
Day 1: Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-22)
This story records Paul's first ministry years in Ephesus. Here we see God do EPIC miracles, even using Kleenexes to do it- Check it Out!! We also see some Jewish exorcists try to mimic Paul and drive out demons.
What do these exorcists say?
What does the spirit say?
Life Application
..."Who are you?" We do all these things for God whether that be mission trips, community nights, being there for a friend..etc. We DO things for God, but do we KNOW him???
(I'd think it is safe to say, if you're doing this than the answer is yes!)
Day 2: Fight! Fight! Fight! (Acts 23:-41)
What is all the commotion about?
Why was Demetries and his colleagues upset?
Interesting note- they chanted for 2 hours... crazy, huh?
Day 3: Paul travels (Acts 20:1-5)
Life Application
Pray for the nations. Check out this website for specifics on how YOU can pray
http://operationworld.24-7prayer.com/
Day 4: Humpty-Dumpty fell off the wall... Don't snooze in church (Acts 20:7-12)
What happened to Eutychus?
Notice Paul's reaction. He was planning on leaving and then this happens while HE is speaking. He is offended? No... he changed his plans. He stayed longer and also THREW himself on the boy, prayed to God, and God raised him from the dead.
Life Application... What can we learn?
1. Don't sleep in church! lol Actually we can learn the dangers of sleeping spiritually.. we may think oh we attend church, we don't do this or that, but the truth is unless we are PROACTIVE about serving God then we run the risk of backsliding without realizing it!
2. Go with the flow... Paul had a plan, but was willing to change it. Let's not walk around with DO NOT DISTURB signs.
3. Grace... Eutychus did not deserve Paul's mercy- he was snoring from a window, but Paul has compassion. He "THREW" himself.. he wasn't passive, but was PASSIONATE!
4. What do you think eye witnesses remember? They wouldn't remember Paul's sermon nearly as much as window accident/miracle. Be expectant for the unexpected.
Day 5: Adios! (Acts 20:13-37)
Where is Paul going?
What may happen to him where he is going? (verse 22-23)
What is he saying to the Ephesian elders?
Read verse 24 again cause it is that challenging. Would this ring true in your life?
Life Application
In answer to the last question, Paul is COMMISSIONING his leaders. Similarly WE are commissioned too!
Paul warns them to "be on their guard." We need to be on our guard against people who would lead us astray.
Day 6: Shalom Jerusalem! (Acts 21:1-16)
Paul is traveling and on a layover in Caesarea and a prophet comes.
What does the prophet say.
What does Paul say.
Reflect on LAST day's reading Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Life Application
I can admit that I am not where Paul is. At times I can be afraid of what sacrifices God will ask of me. In Paul's case it was his physical body and freedom at times, for us it may be reputation, popularity..etc.
You know- even Jesus was scared in the garden of Gethsemane. Today express your fears to God (journal, draw a picture, prayer). Ask him that He would give you the courage to live bold for him so that you can finish YOUR RACE strong.
This story records Paul's first ministry years in Ephesus. Here we see God do EPIC miracles, even using Kleenexes to do it- Check it Out!! We also see some Jewish exorcists try to mimic Paul and drive out demons.
What do these exorcists say?
What does the spirit say?
Life Application
..."Who are you?" We do all these things for God whether that be mission trips, community nights, being there for a friend..etc. We DO things for God, but do we KNOW him???
(I'd think it is safe to say, if you're doing this than the answer is yes!)
Day 2: Fight! Fight! Fight! (Acts 23:-41)
What is all the commotion about?
Why was Demetries and his colleagues upset?
Interesting note- they chanted for 2 hours... crazy, huh?
Day 3: Paul travels (Acts 20:1-5)
Life Application
Pray for the nations. Check out this website for specifics on how YOU can pray
http://operationworld.24-7prayer.com/
Day 4: Humpty-Dumpty fell off the wall... Don't snooze in church (Acts 20:7-12)
What happened to Eutychus?
Notice Paul's reaction. He was planning on leaving and then this happens while HE is speaking. He is offended? No... he changed his plans. He stayed longer and also THREW himself on the boy, prayed to God, and God raised him from the dead.
Life Application... What can we learn?
1. Don't sleep in church! lol Actually we can learn the dangers of sleeping spiritually.. we may think oh we attend church, we don't do this or that, but the truth is unless we are PROACTIVE about serving God then we run the risk of backsliding without realizing it!
2. Go with the flow... Paul had a plan, but was willing to change it. Let's not walk around with DO NOT DISTURB signs.
3. Grace... Eutychus did not deserve Paul's mercy- he was snoring from a window, but Paul has compassion. He "THREW" himself.. he wasn't passive, but was PASSIONATE!
4. What do you think eye witnesses remember? They wouldn't remember Paul's sermon nearly as much as window accident/miracle. Be expectant for the unexpected.
Day 5: Adios! (Acts 20:13-37)
Where is Paul going?
What may happen to him where he is going? (verse 22-23)
What is he saying to the Ephesian elders?
Read verse 24 again cause it is that challenging. Would this ring true in your life?
Life Application
In answer to the last question, Paul is COMMISSIONING his leaders. Similarly WE are commissioned too!
Paul warns them to "be on their guard." We need to be on our guard against people who would lead us astray.
Day 6: Shalom Jerusalem! (Acts 21:1-16)
Paul is traveling and on a layover in Caesarea and a prophet comes.
What does the prophet say.
What does Paul say.
Reflect on LAST day's reading Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Life Application
I can admit that I am not where Paul is. At times I can be afraid of what sacrifices God will ask of me. In Paul's case it was his physical body and freedom at times, for us it may be reputation, popularity..etc.
You know- even Jesus was scared in the garden of Gethsemane. Today express your fears to God (journal, draw a picture, prayer). Ask him that He would give you the courage to live bold for him so that you can finish YOUR RACE strong.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
He Chose Us
I know many of you are away this week- whether that be camp, Africa, family holidays, or just trips to the beach. However, in the off chance that someone will read this and be encouraged, I write.
I have become increasingly aware of the need to live a life fully surrendered to God. I have lots of dreams- to see this youth group thrive and for everyone to live up to their fullest potential, to plant a church, to get married, have babies, get more serious with music, tour, travel, join the cast of GLEE (lol) ..etc.
However, lately I have felt the personal challenge to lay my dreams and sacrifice my desires and realize that it is not about me.
I was reading in 1 Thessalonians 1:3-4 and it states, "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we all know brothers (and sisters) loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction."
......................
I love this. We are CHOSEN. It's not because we are awesome and somehow deserving of it, but we accepted it into our lives. Let's be humble knowing this fact.
Also because we are CHOSEN we are REQUIRED to ACT. Because we have faith we ACT, because we LOVE we DO, and we DO because we have HOPE in Christ and want others to know this hope too.
......................
God doesn't need me. He doesn't NEED you. He wants you and loves you, but doesn't need you. But WE NEED HIM.
Let's remember it is not about us. It is all about him. Live the surrendered life and watch his perfect will enfold.
<3
I have become increasingly aware of the need to live a life fully surrendered to God. I have lots of dreams- to see this youth group thrive and for everyone to live up to their fullest potential, to plant a church, to get married, have babies, get more serious with music, tour, travel, join the cast of GLEE (lol) ..etc.
However, lately I have felt the personal challenge to lay my dreams and sacrifice my desires and realize that it is not about me.
I was reading in 1 Thessalonians 1:3-4 and it states, "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we all know brothers (and sisters) loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction."
......................
I love this. We are CHOSEN. It's not because we are awesome and somehow deserving of it, but we accepted it into our lives. Let's be humble knowing this fact.
Also because we are CHOSEN we are REQUIRED to ACT. Because we have faith we ACT, because we LOVE we DO, and we DO because we have HOPE in Christ and want others to know this hope too.
......................
God doesn't need me. He doesn't NEED you. He wants you and loves you, but doesn't need you. But WE NEED HIM.
Let's remember it is not about us. It is all about him. Live the surrendered life and watch his perfect will enfold.
<3
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
How to Read the Bible... Lectio Devina
This is a cute video describing how NOT to read your Bible. Take a look if you wish :-)
If you want the Word of God to make its impact on your life, it's better that you take your time, think about what you read, meditate on it, and pray. You're better of reading a few verses and spending a few moments in prayer, as oppose to whipping through chapters without thinking about what you are reading.
Remember this is not a race. This is connecting with God- remember you are actually talking to someone. There are two sides to this relationship. I encourage you to not only read you Bible and pray, but ask God to speak to you as well. He wants to be your BFF!
If you want the Word of God to make its impact on your life, it's better that you take your time, think about what you read, meditate on it, and pray. You're better of reading a few verses and spending a few moments in prayer, as oppose to whipping through chapters without thinking about what you are reading.
Remember this is not a race. This is connecting with God- remember you are actually talking to someone. There are two sides to this relationship. I encourage you to not only read you Bible and pray, but ask God to speak to you as well. He wants to be your BFF!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Introduction
Hey Everyone,
This is the beginning of our own "devo" blog. What is this devo blog about? Well I know a lot of us want to spend one-on-one time with God, but the Bible is a really BIG book; it can be a little overwhelming and we don't know where to begin! I am hoping this will be a helpful resource for you- one that helps you walk this journey as you discover God personally.
There will be daily reading suggestions posted, interesting articles, youtube videos, book excerpts... etc.
This is just a starting point for you. The goal here isn't to feed you all the answers, but to stir up a thirst and passion for God.
This is an adventure... Get Ready. On you mark// Get Set// Go
With Love,
Kristin
This is the beginning of our own "devo" blog. What is this devo blog about? Well I know a lot of us want to spend one-on-one time with God, but the Bible is a really BIG book; it can be a little overwhelming and we don't know where to begin! I am hoping this will be a helpful resource for you- one that helps you walk this journey as you discover God personally.
There will be daily reading suggestions posted, interesting articles, youtube videos, book excerpts... etc.
This is just a starting point for you. The goal here isn't to feed you all the answers, but to stir up a thirst and passion for God.
This is an adventure... Get Ready. On you mark// Get Set// Go
With Love,
Kristin
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