Missy was the kind of girl that everyone wanted to know. She had lots of friends, was always happy, always looked at the positive side of things, was always there for her friends, and always had the time to listen and make you smile. She was one of those people who, when you asked her how she was, never said bad, and 99% of the time her answer was "great." She always found joy in something, something that often many wondered where she got the strength to find it in.
"Ask, using my name and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy." John 16:24 NIV
Missy found her joy, and the joy she shared with others, in God. Her God, her Heavenly Father, and her best friend Jesus. That's how people always saw her as happy and cheerful. The past few days though, Missy had a strange feeling within her. She had a full day at school, went to volleyball, and now was at home finished with her homework. She sat on her bed holding her pillow in her arms, as out of no where tears began to pour down her cheeks. For a reason unbeknown to her, Missy couldn't stop crying. For the past days, sad feelings had building up inside of her, and her heart weighed heavy. Nothing in particular had been terribly wrong, but little things had piled up and eventually poured out. Missy needed peace with herself, and with her issues.
"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27
Friends, sometimes there are times in our life that pile up on us, and rain over us like rushing floods. But our God is there for us, to give us love, peace, joy, and an understanding.
Especially as teens, we go through times where sometimes we just don't know who we are anymore, but God is there to show us our path. "Cast all your cares upon him, for he cares for you." Turn your cares over to him.
(www.tddm.org)
Monday, May 16, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Compliments
Do you play a sport for school or for your town or city? Do you play an instrument? Do you sing in a band or for competition? Do you ride equestrian? Are you on the debate, chess, or math team? Are you on student council? Do you have anything that you are really good at such as painting, sculpture, or drama?
I thought so. How many of us can raise our hand to at least half of those questions. I am not saying that's a bad thing because I can too. Now though let me ask you another question.
Have you ever gotten a compliment on any of the things that you said yes to before? Ahhhh, I thought so. That's cool though because I am absolutely 100% positive that you deserved it. Think, though, for a second; after someone gave you that compliment, how did you feel? Those things make you feel pretty good don't they? It makes you feel successful, important, skillful, talented, noticed, popular, and all those things are good things, so if that is how you feel please don't feel that you have done anything wrong.
Today after a volleyball tournament, I began to think. I thought about all the players and how many compliments we take each day. The key two words in that sentence, though, are "we take". As Christians we know God our father, we know he made us and he loves us. He knows everything about us to the very first details.
Jesus said to them "through man this is impossible, but through God ALL things are possible." Matthew 19:26 NIV
Have you ever though about what you would be without God? Would you be able to do the things that you do, to the extent to which you do them? Would you be able to handle your schedule? Would you be you without the talents that God gave to you to make you special?
Next time that someone says "good job," or "awesome play," or anything like that to you, thank God; thank Him for making you who you are with the gifts that you have. And share with people who tell you these complimentary things how you got good at the things you do.
Live in His grace always.
(www.tddm.org)
I thought so. How many of us can raise our hand to at least half of those questions. I am not saying that's a bad thing because I can too. Now though let me ask you another question.
Have you ever gotten a compliment on any of the things that you said yes to before? Ahhhh, I thought so. That's cool though because I am absolutely 100% positive that you deserved it. Think, though, for a second; after someone gave you that compliment, how did you feel? Those things make you feel pretty good don't they? It makes you feel successful, important, skillful, talented, noticed, popular, and all those things are good things, so if that is how you feel please don't feel that you have done anything wrong.
Today after a volleyball tournament, I began to think. I thought about all the players and how many compliments we take each day. The key two words in that sentence, though, are "we take". As Christians we know God our father, we know he made us and he loves us. He knows everything about us to the very first details.
Jesus said to them "through man this is impossible, but through God ALL things are possible." Matthew 19:26 NIV
Have you ever though about what you would be without God? Would you be able to do the things that you do, to the extent to which you do them? Would you be able to handle your schedule? Would you be you without the talents that God gave to you to make you special?
Next time that someone says "good job," or "awesome play," or anything like that to you, thank God; thank Him for making you who you are with the gifts that you have. And share with people who tell you these complimentary things how you got good at the things you do.
Live in His grace always.
(www.tddm.org)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Fearing Fate
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 NLT
I was not about to take any chances. I knew death was quickly coming, and my ticket was about to be punched. As I sat down in the chair of doom, I realized I might not live to see another day. I realized it was time for my wisdom teeth to come out.
It would be an understatement to say that I was scared. The English language cannot comprehend the feelings and thoughts that raced through my head. But one thing was for sure. Before I went under, I was going to repent for everything I had ever done since I was born, from the time I took the little boy’s ice cream from him and ate it when I was in second grade to cheating on a math test I knew I was going to fail. I was cleaning my soul at 90 mph.
Once the IV entered my skin, I knew it was only a matter of minutes before I would be out. It was time to witness to the doctor. As the room began to spin, I told my doctor that Jesus loves him, and that if he would just accept him into his life, he would live forever. I told him about the heavens and the angels and the pretty birdies (at this point I was high on laughing gas, so I made up the concept of heaven as I went).
I remember waking up, and by the grace of God, I was still alive. I wish I would have seen the look on the doctor’s face. I wondered if he took mental notes on how much Novocain he should give his patients in the future. I encourage you this week to share the gospel with a friend. Don’t wait till your back is against a wall to ask for forgiveness of your sins, and don’t wait until a loved one is on the death bed before you share the gospel with them.
(www.tddm.org)
I was not about to take any chances. I knew death was quickly coming, and my ticket was about to be punched. As I sat down in the chair of doom, I realized I might not live to see another day. I realized it was time for my wisdom teeth to come out.
It would be an understatement to say that I was scared. The English language cannot comprehend the feelings and thoughts that raced through my head. But one thing was for sure. Before I went under, I was going to repent for everything I had ever done since I was born, from the time I took the little boy’s ice cream from him and ate it when I was in second grade to cheating on a math test I knew I was going to fail. I was cleaning my soul at 90 mph.
Once the IV entered my skin, I knew it was only a matter of minutes before I would be out. It was time to witness to the doctor. As the room began to spin, I told my doctor that Jesus loves him, and that if he would just accept him into his life, he would live forever. I told him about the heavens and the angels and the pretty birdies (at this point I was high on laughing gas, so I made up the concept of heaven as I went).
I remember waking up, and by the grace of God, I was still alive. I wish I would have seen the look on the doctor’s face. I wondered if he took mental notes on how much Novocain he should give his patients in the future. I encourage you this week to share the gospel with a friend. Don’t wait till your back is against a wall to ask for forgiveness of your sins, and don’t wait until a loved one is on the death bed before you share the gospel with them.
(www.tddm.org)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Born to Lie
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. Proverbs 12:22 NLT
We were born to lie. From an early age we find out the best way to avoid a punishment was to come up with an excuse, and there have been some classics. “I have no idea how that got there, honest.” “Seriously, the dog really did eat my homework.” “It wasn’t me, I was dead at the time!” Yet, it seems like our parents and teachers have some sort of special power to see right through our little white lies. I never really understood how sinful we are, even at birth, until I had children of my own.
I heard a loud bang and somehow my two year old son managed to build a tower out of toys and climb over the security gate that was intended on keeping him in his room. A couple of minutes later I hear another noise and this time I heard him climbing over the kitchen gate. Still half asleep I knew it was time to get up.
Before I could get dressed and out of the room I heard the strangest popping noise coming from the kitchen. This couldn’t be good. I quickly run out and to my surprise an egg goes soaring past my eyes and slams into the wall. I turn the corner and there he is covered in egg shells. “Kaiden! Did you open the refrigerator? He looked up at me with yolk dripping off his hand and says, “No daddy.” Wow, even at that age, he could look me straight in the eyes. As cute as it was, it proved my point.
The problem with lying is that it not only hurts your integrity but also can hurt others around you. Even if you can fool your friends and family there is still one you can’t trick. Take the time to think before you tell a lie and if you get caught in one, don’t use another lie just to cover it up. “Oh, I was just joking, I really didn’t mean that.” Seriously? Thankfully Jesus didn’t lie when he promised to die on the cross for our sins.
(www.tddm.org)
We were born to lie. From an early age we find out the best way to avoid a punishment was to come up with an excuse, and there have been some classics. “I have no idea how that got there, honest.” “Seriously, the dog really did eat my homework.” “It wasn’t me, I was dead at the time!” Yet, it seems like our parents and teachers have some sort of special power to see right through our little white lies. I never really understood how sinful we are, even at birth, until I had children of my own.
I heard a loud bang and somehow my two year old son managed to build a tower out of toys and climb over the security gate that was intended on keeping him in his room. A couple of minutes later I hear another noise and this time I heard him climbing over the kitchen gate. Still half asleep I knew it was time to get up.
Before I could get dressed and out of the room I heard the strangest popping noise coming from the kitchen. This couldn’t be good. I quickly run out and to my surprise an egg goes soaring past my eyes and slams into the wall. I turn the corner and there he is covered in egg shells. “Kaiden! Did you open the refrigerator? He looked up at me with yolk dripping off his hand and says, “No daddy.” Wow, even at that age, he could look me straight in the eyes. As cute as it was, it proved my point.
The problem with lying is that it not only hurts your integrity but also can hurt others around you. Even if you can fool your friends and family there is still one you can’t trick. Take the time to think before you tell a lie and if you get caught in one, don’t use another lie just to cover it up. “Oh, I was just joking, I really didn’t mean that.” Seriously? Thankfully Jesus didn’t lie when he promised to die on the cross for our sins.
(www.tddm.org)
Friday, May 6, 2011
Loose Spark Plugs?
For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. -Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. I had just done an oil change on my car, and Dad recommended we run a compression test. (You don't need to know what that is- I didn't until yesterday.) While running the test, we discovered that the spark plugs were a lot looser than the service manual specified they should be. Once the test was done, we made sure the spark plugs were tightened to specs and fired up the car. It roared to life, sure as anything, but we were greeted by the sight and smell of blue smoke puffing out the exhaust pipe!
Now, for those of us who know about as much about cars as I did before I bought this one, blue smoke coming out the back is not a good sign. It means your car is burning much more oil than it ought to. As it turns out, the loose spark plugs were very likely left that way to cover up a more significant engine problem- the one causing the blue smoke. The car I bought two months ago is suddenly a lot closer to the end of its lifetime than I thought it was.
Sometimes sin problems in our lives can be covered up by cheap fixes like those loose spark plugs. When we find a problem in our attitude or habits and decide it's not worth the effort needed to fix it, we'll ignore it and deaden our consciences to it. However, the problem is still there- and often it gets worse when we fail to address it. Sin problems grow, and they affect our relationship with our Father in heaven. As with my engine, sooner or later there's going to be a breakdown. Fortunately, you and I know the Master Mechanic, and He's perfectly willing to fix the root problem- at no cost- if you're willing to swallow your pride and surrender your life to Him.
You know what strikes me as illogical? We often give a lot more attention to problems with our cars, our homes, our toys, or our bodies, than we give to spiritual problems in our own lives. Compared to your life, a car is completely disposable. A car will reach the end of its lifetime and fall apart; it serves its purpose and then we stop caring about it. You, however, will live forever. Shouldn't you then pay attention to warning signals in your life more so than signs that your car is falling apart? The Bible will let you diagnose any issues in your life; your loving Heavenly Father will help you overcome them. Don't wait until you're broken down on the side of the road to consult the manual and repair your engine.
(www.tddm.org)
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. I had just done an oil change on my car, and Dad recommended we run a compression test. (You don't need to know what that is- I didn't until yesterday.) While running the test, we discovered that the spark plugs were a lot looser than the service manual specified they should be. Once the test was done, we made sure the spark plugs were tightened to specs and fired up the car. It roared to life, sure as anything, but we were greeted by the sight and smell of blue smoke puffing out the exhaust pipe!
Now, for those of us who know about as much about cars as I did before I bought this one, blue smoke coming out the back is not a good sign. It means your car is burning much more oil than it ought to. As it turns out, the loose spark plugs were very likely left that way to cover up a more significant engine problem- the one causing the blue smoke. The car I bought two months ago is suddenly a lot closer to the end of its lifetime than I thought it was.
Sometimes sin problems in our lives can be covered up by cheap fixes like those loose spark plugs. When we find a problem in our attitude or habits and decide it's not worth the effort needed to fix it, we'll ignore it and deaden our consciences to it. However, the problem is still there- and often it gets worse when we fail to address it. Sin problems grow, and they affect our relationship with our Father in heaven. As with my engine, sooner or later there's going to be a breakdown. Fortunately, you and I know the Master Mechanic, and He's perfectly willing to fix the root problem- at no cost- if you're willing to swallow your pride and surrender your life to Him.
You know what strikes me as illogical? We often give a lot more attention to problems with our cars, our homes, our toys, or our bodies, than we give to spiritual problems in our own lives. Compared to your life, a car is completely disposable. A car will reach the end of its lifetime and fall apart; it serves its purpose and then we stop caring about it. You, however, will live forever. Shouldn't you then pay attention to warning signals in your life more so than signs that your car is falling apart? The Bible will let you diagnose any issues in your life; your loving Heavenly Father will help you overcome them. Don't wait until you're broken down on the side of the road to consult the manual and repair your engine.
(www.tddm.org)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Devote Summer Series
Don't forget about the new Summer Series the youth will be doing this year. Devoted...hiding His Word in our hearts.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
SPRING RETREAT THIS WEEKEND!!
As the weekend approaches be sure that you have all the forms and information you need. You can download a copy of the medical release form on the website, or fill out an online registration. Please contact the church office or Pastor Bill McCarter with any questions you may have. Prepare your heart for Refuge Retreat. Seek the Lord and ask Him to teach you all that He would desire. Be open to hear from Him this weekend!
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