Casting Crowns - Who Am I

"Lose My Soul" Study

This week we are going to look a very popular song, Lose my Soul, by Toby Mac. Great song, awesome message! This is going to be an awesome study, buckle up! :)






We first start out by watching the above video. Then have a short discussion. Then we will watch the music video for the song, shown below. Then we break down the lyrics also shown below, line by line, too detailed to do here, but read the words closly, there is a great message in there!




Lyrics:
Toby Mac : Lose My Soul

Father God, I am clay in your hands,
Help me to stay that way through all life's demands,
'Cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me,
And every little thing I make up my mind to be,
Like I'm gonna be a daddy whose in the mix,
And I'm gonna be a husband who stays legit,
And I pray that I'm an artist who rises above,
The road that is wide and filled with self love,
Everything that I see draws me,
Though it's only in You that I can truly see that its a feast for the eyes- a low blow to purpose.
And I'm a little kid at a three ring circus.

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.

(Mr. Franklin, Step up to the mic sir)

The paparazzi flashes, and that they think that it's you,
But they don't know that who you are is not what you do,
True, we get it twisted when we peak at the charts,
Yo before we part from the start,
Where's your heart?
You a punk, hustler?
Tell me what's your title,
America has no more stars, now we call them idols,
You sit idle, While we teach prosperity,
The first thing to prosper should be inside of me.
We're free...
Not because of 22's on the range,
But Christ came in range, we said yes now we changed,
Not the same, even though I made a fall,
Since I got that call, no more Saul, now I'm Paul.
(YEP!)

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
Don't wanna walk away,
Don't wanna walk away

How do I sense the tide that's rising?
De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity,
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
It's hypnotizing me from living in light of eternity,
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity.

(Lord what we gon do,We're relying on you,
all eyes are on you Lord,
all eyes are on you, all eyes are on you Jesus.)

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
(Don't let me lose my soul, my soul.)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(This is my honesty, Father, won't you cover me.)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(Don't wanna walk away, and all those people say)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(Don't wanna lose, I don't wanna lose my soul.)

Lord forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world,
That fight for our love, and our passion,
As our eyes are open wide and on you.
Grant us the privilege of your world view,
And may your kingdom be, what wakes us up, and lays us down.

(Hallelujah, Don't wanna lose our soul,
No, Don't wanna lose my soul.)

Hey excuse me,
I'm looking or the after party,
Toby,
Haha, yeah, last door on the left, you'll hear it.
Thanks,
No problem.

Don't let me lose my soul, I never wanna walk away,
I don't wanna lose my soul,
No, no, no.
Don't let me, don't let me, lose my soul,
I don't wanna walk away,
Don't let me walk away,
Na na na na no,
Don't let me lose, my soul,
I'm never gonna walk away.


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Then we read and study the related scripture:

Related Scripture:

Mark 8:36 (New International Version)
36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

Matthew 16:26 (New International Version)
26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Dear Santa ( AWESOME VIDEO)

Let's let the video do all the talking......................

The Altar and the Door Study

Today, we are looking at the song by Casting Crowns, The Altar and the Door.....

Ok, here is a video of The Altar and the Door, from a Casting Crowns concert, sorry, it is taken with a hand held camera and is a bit shaky, but a great song, and concert!!!!!!! I saw them in concert, great concert, although I cannot take credit for this video, found it on youtube......ROCK ON !!!!!!



Casting Crowns

The Altar And The Door lyrics

Careless, I am reckless
I'm a wrong-way-travelin'-slowly-unraveling shell of a man
Burnt out, I'm so numb now
That the fire's just an ember way down in the
corner of my cold, cold heart

Lord, this time I'll make it right, here
at the altar I lay my life
Your kingdom come but my will was done,
my heart is broken as I...

Cry, like so many times before
But my eyes are dry before I leave the floor, oh Lord
I try but this time, Jesus, how can I be sure I
will not lose my follow through
Between the altar and the door

Here at the altar, oh my world so black and white
How could I ever falter
What You've shown me to be right

I'm trying so hard to stop trying so hard
Just let You be who You are
Lord, who You are in me
Jesus, I'm trying so hard to stop trying so hard
Just let You be who You are
Lord, who You are in me

Oh Lord, I

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Message:
I can be happy when things are going well.

I can love others when they show love to me.

I can be nice to those who show me kindness.

I can forgive those that forgive me.

I can be fully devoted to the work of Christ…on Sunday mornings.

However…

Can I be happy in times of trouble?

Can I love those that are hateful toward me?

Can I be kind to those that spit in my face?

Can I forgive those that may never forgive me?

Can I be a Christian on fire for God on a Thursday morning?

It’s Sunday, but Monday’s coming
It is easy to serve God with utmost sincerity and devotion on Sunday mornings. I can feel something ignite inside of me when I hear a stirring sermon. I feel moved to be more committed to reaching out to those that need Christ. I feel like a Holy Saint of God on Sunday morning, but then…

Monday morning comes. I’m still a Christian, but the fire is gone. It is out. No flames. No heat. No passion to do the work of Christ. Why is there such a disconnect from one day to the next?

Jesus moves into the neighborhood
On Sundays we’re around “church people”. Everyone is there for worship, to sing the songs and listen to the pastor. Plus, God seems closer in church than anywhere else we could go during the week. We associate the church with the place where God hangs out. When we walk through those church doors we can leave Jesus behind. Apparently He is just too big to fit through that small of an opening.

The truth is Christ should be with us wherever we go. John 1:14 is an important verse for this very subject. The KJV says “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us”. The New Century Version says, “The Word became a human and lived among us”. While the “Message” interprets it as, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood”.

Mastering the Sunday/Monday transition
It doesn’t have to be this difficult. Christ has promised he’ll always be with us. We just tend to forget it. We need to:

- Stay in “constant” prayer. Don’t walk around with your eyes closed or you’ll run into something, but be in a constant mindset of prayer. Be aware of each situation and be prepared to seek God’s counsel.

- Read God’s word like you eat meals. I heard this from a wise (albeit pushy) man at Praise’s one day. For every meal you eat read at least one chapter of scripture. Remember that “..man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD”. Deuteronomy 8:3

- Be in fellowship with other believers. Whether it is friends from church, your spouse, or even a family member you need to have that connection. Hold each other accountable. Stoke each others spiritual fire so you don’t go from being Fired-up Frank on Sundays to Lukewarm Larry on Mondays.

The above lyrics sum it all up perfectly. Casting Crowns’ The Altar and the Door:

The above is from Bob's website, I take no credit for the message above, just thought it needed to be shared.


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East to West Study

This is our next Jr. and Sr. High Lesson. We will begin by watching the video, then we will disect the lyrics, line by line, and discuss what we see and what it means to us. Then we will back it up with scripture, and then, what the scripture means. Following this, we will watch the second video, from the lead singer of the band, telling us more about what the song means.

If you like this new format, please share. At any time you can click the comments link at the bottom of this study, and tell us what you think. Thanks again!




Lyrics:
Casting Crowns "East To West"

Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me

Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other

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Psalm 103:12 (New International Version)

12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

What does that mean?:

East and West can never meet. This is a symbolic portrait of God's forgiveness: When he forgives our sin, he seperates it from us and doesnt even remember it. We need never wallow in the past for God forgives and forgets. We tend to dredge up the ugly past, but God has wiped our record clean. If we are to follow God, we must model his forgiveness. When we forgive another, we must also forget the sin. Otherwise we have not truly forgiven.

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Bible Verse and Devotional - 1 Timothy 4:12

I wanted to share this with you all, I received it by email today.:

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Today's Bible Verse
1 Timothy 4:12

NIV
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

NLT
Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Devotional

The idealistic passions of youth must not be rationalized away or patronizingly pushed to the side. If you are younger, you are not only part of the church of tomorrow, you are also God's servant today. Serve him mightily and be an example to those who are older! If you are older, don't look down on the enthusiasm of youth, but encourage it and be inspired to emulate it! Let's remember, some of our best examples are those who are younger who serve our Lord with a vibrant faith!

Prayer: Father, thank you so much for energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate Christians who are in the younger years of their adulthood. Empower their witness, bless their service, and keep their hearts pure as they grow and mature in your service. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Chasen, Storyside:B, and Seventh Day Slumber Concert

Finally getting a chance to post some pictures from the Concert. We all had a great time, and MANY lives were changed that night. Words cannot describe October 26,2008.

A lot of the pictures turned out blurry, these are the best I have, sorry.

Just Pray!

The Refinery (Last Night)

We had a great study last night. Tried something new since we all seem to connect with music these days. Everyone in attendence agreed that music plays a huge part in their lives, and that they really enjoyed the message and study.

First we watched this video:



Then we went over the lyrics and what they meant to us, line by line.:

Casting Crowns: Slow fade

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see


Then we watched this video:



Then we read Psalm: 1: 1-3
BOOK I : Psalms 1-3
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

We had an awesome discussion afterwards, this was one of my favorite studies.

FREE CHRISTIAN ROCK CONCERT IN MADISON

Hello All!

We just wanted to let everyone know that there will be a Christian Rock Concert coming to Madison on October 26th,at 6:00pm at the Madison County Central School Gymnasium. The bands will be CHASIN, STORYSIDE B, and SEVENTH DAY SLUMBER. If you listen to Christian Rock, you know songs from each band.

This will be a FREE CONCERT! Please tell your friends, family, members at Church, people on the street everywhere!!!! Please Forward this message to your entire address book, please!

Sincerely,
Jason Archambault



CHASEN


STORYSIDE:B



SEVENTH DAY SLUMBER











SEVENTH DAY SLUMBER TESTIMONY







PLEASE, HELP US GET THE WORD OUT, THAT THESE BANDS ARE COMING TO MADISON ON OCTOBER 26th, for a FREE CONCERT ! Send an email to your entire address book, link to this site, leeumcyouth.blogspot.com , so they can see the videos. Lives will be touched, do your part!

May God Bless Madison County!

Scavenger Hunt Starting NOW!!!! Follow along here for clues LIVE !!

Alltel has no control over, and is not responsible for, the content or use of this picture or the accompanying personal message.

SR High Bible Study 9-17-08 @ the Youth House

We had a great discussion, on our Character, and the Refining process.

We learned that the dictionary defines "Refine" as the following:
-to reduce to a pure state as with sugar, metal, or oil
-to free from moral imperfection
-to improve by pruning or polishing
-to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth, as with a refined person

We also looked at what the bible says about refining:

Proverbs 17:3 (New Living Translation)
3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,
but the Lord tests the heart.

Malachi 3:2-4 (New Living Translation)
2 “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. 3 He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. 4 Then once more the Lord will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past.

Zechariah 13:9 (New Living Translation)
9 I will bring that group through the fire
and make them pure.
I will refine them like silver
and purify them like gold.
They will call on my name,
and I will answer them.
I will say, ‘These are my people,’
and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”

9-13-08 Sr & Jr High POOL PARTY !!!

If you missed the pool party, you missed out on a great time!

Tuesday Jr. High Live 9-9-08

WOW! We had a big crowd today! We had 10 or 11, thought 11 but now looking through the pictures maybe 10? They move around so much, hard to keep up. :) Here are some pictures. We had a good study, continuing on renewal and what the world tells us about renewal.

Jason

Visiting Jabaris in Tallahassee

Monday (Labor Day) Myself, Misti and Merridy, headed off to Tallahassee to have lunch with Jabaris. We stopped by FAMU Campus to pick him up at his dorm, then went for lunch. Mmmmmmmm steak! We had a very nice visit with Jabaris, seems to be adjusting well to college life. He has a nice Dorm, right across from the Stadium!

Anyway, here is a picture from our visit, a little blurry, taken with my camera phone.

Just one more game ...........

Pastor Rich visited the Sr. High Wednesday night 9-3-08 at the Youth House. We had just finished our study and he eyed our Galatica game, (I think that was the one). Here's a picture.

Tuesday Jr. High Live 9-2-08

We had a great study and activities meeting today. We had 6 Youth in attendance, we had two first time Jr. High students participate. We studied the first section in Renewal. We are using the same study that we use for Sr. High, but tayloring it to Jr. High.

After study, we had free time, playing pool (with 2 broken pool sticks now), foosball, Dance Dance Revolution type game and we also brokeout the ol stand by, Pac Man.

(Photo taken with camera phone, thus the low quality.)

Talked about the up coming Pool Party, bring back those Medical Treatment forms!

Jason

JR & SR HIGH POOL PARTY SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

We will make another attempt at a back to School Pool Party, this time we will try it minus the hurricane, although, I was just watching the news, and there are 2 or 3 more storms lined up heading our way!!!! They should be gone in plenty of time for our party.

Where: Richard & Cheryl Archambault's House
(Call Jason for Directions 464-1556)
When: Saturday September 13th 1:00pm - 4:00pm
What: Pool Party and cook out
Who: All 6th-12th Grade Youth, that have turned in their medical treatment forms.
How: If you need a ride, call Jason @ 464-1556, we will work it out.

What do I need to bring?:
Bathing Suit
Towel
Signed & Notarized Medical Treatment form, if not already turned in. We will only need this once. It will be good for one year, so once we get it, you are good for all future activities.

See you Tuesday (Jr. High) or Wednesday (Sr. High)!

Jason

SR High Study RENEWAL Part 3

We had another great study, we finished the 3 part series on renewal. 7 Youth were in attendance. Here is some of the scripture we referenced.:

1 Samuel 12:21
21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless.

Proverbs 28:19
19 He who works his land will have abundant food,
but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

Proverbs 12:12
12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men,
but the root of the righteous flourishes.

Kings 17:15
15 They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their fathers and the warnings he had given them. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the LORD had ordered them, "Do not do as they do," and they did the things the LORD had forbidden them to do.

Exodus 34:6-7
6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."

Ephesians 6:10-18
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[b] 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.[c] 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Sr. High Wednesday Night Bible Study 8-20-08 (Renewal Part 2 - Mind, Body & Spirit)

We had a great bible study last night! So good, that when we reached our stopping point, the youth wanted to continue on with the next section. So continue we did! (Sorry for the bad Yoda impersonation) :)

We are continuing our lesson on Renewing our relationship with God. This week, we looked at Mind, Body and Spirit.

We read from:
Proverbs 3:
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.

1 Corinthians 6:
19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

1 Corinthians 10:
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Romans 12:
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Romans 12:
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Luke 21:
14 So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, 15 for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! 16 Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. 17 And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.[d] 18 But not a hair of your head will perish! 19 By standing firm, you will win your souls.

Something came up about how to get to heaven, good discussion, then we read:

John 14:
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

Overall a VERY GOOD STUDY! We then rocked to some Christian Rock, played pool and some foosball.