BIgger or Better

high school rocked the biggest game of bigger or better on sunday. That's really all i have to say. we could furnish a house with what we got in that game, and we brightened peoples days, doesn't get much better than that!

Oops

It's been too long guys sorry. Just wanted to remind everyone about Jr High group tomorrow night at The Judson home. Invite your friends, we love having new faces, and of course i look forward to seeing all of yours.

We are going to be starting weekend family outings that we are calling "Rock the House" If you are interested in going on one of these, we will be traveling up near Estes Park on Saturdays to do some rock climbing and other events, the catch? You gotta bring your whole family! We have safety gear for every individual down to age 5, and of course the whole family is invited, there will be activities for all ages. IF you are interested, let me know and talk to your parents. It's going to be a blast, don't miss out!!!

SOMEONE LEAVE A COMMENT!!!

In other news, the youth group took a trip down to Denver Rescue mission and had a great time this last week. That is not the only time we will be going, so be looking for more opportunities in the future.

Tomorrow

Hey, hope to see you guys at the coffee shop tomorrow. bring your friends, if it's nice, we'll head over to the park and play some games.

Each of us must decide what we stand for. What we say and do in life reflects who we are deep inside, and maybe more importantly whose we are. If God's fruit and God's nature dwells deep, that's what is going to come forth in our actions and in our speech.

Mother Teresa had a platform of love. She spent her life caring for those who were lost and lonely. Her book, In the Heart of the World (MJF Books, 1997), includes a prayer that reflects the spirit of her work: "Shine through me, and be in me, so that every soul I come in contact with may feel your presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me, but only you, O Lord!"

Rahab had a platform of faith. In the book of Joshua, we learn that Rahab had been living a life of sin as a prostitute. But she realized her need for redemption and hid Israelite spies who were being pursued by the King of Jericho (Joshua 2:1-21). She did not let her past or her pride get in the way of her belief in God.

Learning was central to the platform of Jesus' friend Mary. When Jesus visited the house of sisters Mary and Martha, Mary sat at Jesus' feet, setting her heart on every word that came from his mouth (Luke 10:38-42). Her sister, Martha, scurried around the house cleaning up, jealous that Mary was getting to spend time with Jesus and angry that she wasn't helping out. Mary's platform was to be a learner; Martha's was to be a pleaser. Each of them chose what she would be about that day when Jesus came to their home.

Bethany Hamilton's platform is focused on God's saving love. In 2003, at the age of 13, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing in Hawaii. Bethany lost her arm in the attack but chose to resume her professional surfing career and use this tragic experience as a platform to share what God had done in her life. Her deep and abiding faith became a catalyst for sharing the good news of Christ and the hope that is available even in the worst circumstances. Bethany's life is a speech testifying to the power of God's love.

We could list many other examples, the greatest of these being Christ, who never gave up his platform of love and forgiveness. His dream comes true every time one of his children turns to him for forgiveness and decides to live out the calling given to each of them.

Even if you never give a speech in a microphone, your life speaks to the world each day. What does your life say about what is most important to you? What message do people hear when they listen to the platform of your life?


*Have you felt afraid to share with a friend about something you believed strongly?

*What is unique about you? Could this uniqueness lead to a platform that could be used by God?

*Would your friends say you have a platform? If other were to look at the things you value in your life, how might they describe your platform? Try to be as honest as possible.

Escerpt from: https://shop.youthspecialties.com/store/product.php?productid=574

Who you are

We talked about identity this last week quite a bit. Here are just some of the things that God says about those who trust in Him.

The list is long. Read it all if you want, but just look at a few at a time, and focus on the ones that stand out to you.

I have purpose (Ephesians 1:9 & 3:11)

I have hope (Ephesians 1:12)

I am included (Ephesians 1:13)

I have been chosen and God desires me to bear fruit (John 15:1,5)

I have been shown the incomparable riches of God's grace (Ephesians 2:7)

God has expressed His kindness to me (Ephesians 2:7)

I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

I have peace (Ephesians 2:14)

I have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18)

I am secure (Ephesians 2:20)

I am a holy temple (Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 6:19)

I am a dwelling for the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:22)

God's power works through me (Ephesians 3:7)

I can approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)

I know there is a purpose for my sufferings (Ephesians 3:13)

I can grasp how wide, long, high and deep Christ's love is (Ephesians 3:18)

I am completed by God (Ephesians 3:19)

I can bring glory to God (Ephesians 3:21)

I can be humble, gentle, patient and lovingly tolerant of others (Ephesians 4:2)

I can be certain of God's truths and the lifestyle which He has called me to (Ephesians 4:17)

I can have a new attitude and a new lifestyle (Ephesians 4:21-32)

I can be kind and compassionate to others (Ephesians 4:32)

I can forgive others (Ephesians 4:32)

I am a light to others, and can exhibit goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:8-9)

I can understand what God's will is (Ephesians 5:17)

I can give thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:20)

I can be strong (Ephesians 6:10)

I am dead to sin (Romans 1:12)

I am not alone (Hebrews 13:5)

I am growing (Colossians 2:7)

I am prayed for by Jesus Christ (John 17:20-23)

I am united with other believers (John 17:20-23)

I am promised eternal life (John 6:47)

I am promised a full life (John 10:10)

I am victorious (I John 5:4)

My heart and mind is protected with God's peace (Philippians 4:7)

I am chosen and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12)

I am set free (Romans 8:2; John 8:32)

I am a light in the world (Matthew 5:14)

I am safe (I John 5:18)

I am healed from sin (I Peter 2:24)

I am not helpless (Philippians 4:13)

This week

Cafe time at the perfect cup on tuesday. After school til 4:30 Come hang out and relax after a busy day.

Remember, Jr. high is at the Berry's this week. We're alking about relationships again. Don't miss it. Mrs. Judson will even be there. Yay for the girls!!!

Temptation

Hey guys, just a few words about AXIS this morning. For those of you that weren't there, check out James 1:12-16 to know what we're talking about. that may raise more questions than give answers, but you know what, we're learning what God has to say in His word, and it's a growing process so questions are how we learn. please leave comments, e-mail questions, whatever!

We learned that it is not God who tempts us or brings circumstances into our lives to tempt us with evil. Rather, we talked about how he is first calling us to himself, to a relationship with Him. Then when things come across our path, our choices are our own, that is the gift of mankind, that we have a free will to choose what we want.

But we can choose 2 things. To live in a way that brings life (to us and others) Where do we learn to live this way? By learning from others who are putting God first, and by studying the Word of God to see what it has to say, and learn God's heart for us, and his wisdom. Which James 1:8 tells us, God is pleased to give to those who ask, in faith.

But if we are not seeking God first, then our selfish desires, which are always there, tend to take over and that can lead us to act on those desires we have, which are not usually good for us. And when we act, that is sin, we haven't given those thoughts up for what God desires for us, and we don't ask God for wisdom, in how to honor parents or siblings, or speak words of life to friends. Or sometimes just how to act at school. And we have nobody to blame but ourselves when we choose that. Because we have been offered a way out, and there is no temptation too great with God on our side, because he's given us all the resources for a way out.

Who do you usually blame?
Why don't we take responsibility for our actions?
Why don't we ask forgiveness?
Did you know you can start over anytime?
Do you know it gets easier to make those decisions if you practice?
But it's not usually easy......