Psalm 139

Today, we are looking at and studying Psalm 139. We will follow along in our bible, then stop and discuss what we just read.

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God knows everything about us, even the number of hairs on our heads, and still he accepts lovesus.

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.

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.

The Refinery @ Lee United Methodist Church

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

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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.’”

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

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.

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

1st Jr. High Meeting a Success!

We had a great Jr. High meeting. We all meet at the Youth House after school on Tuesday. We had 6 Jr. High youth attend.

We got to know a little more about one another, went over the youth house rules, talked about the upcoming September 13th Jr & Sr High Pool Party. (MEDICAL RELEASES NEED TO BE COMPLETED, NOTARIZED and TURNED IN BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN AN OFF CAMPUS ACTIVITY, so be sure to return your forms to me ASAP!!)

We went over the prayer/praise easel. Closed in prayer and then had free time.

We all had a blast playing, foosball and pool (Down to one pool stick, anybody have a spare? Pool with one pool stick is interesting.)

Sr. & Jr. High Canoe / Camping Trip Highlights

We all arrived back on Saturday safe and sound. We all had a great time! Thank you to Mr. mark for the Friday Night Campfire Devotional, and Mr. Spence for the slip n slide, always a hit!

We met at the church around 2:00pm Friday, and arrived back at approx. 2:30 or so, I was too tired to look at my watch! We were gone about 24 hours, and got about 2 hours sleep :) .But we had fun!

Sr. High Wednesday Night Bible Study 8-14-08

We all meet for dinner in the hall at 6:00pm and made our way over to the youth house at about 6:40, we got an early start last night! We had 7 youth in attendance. Jabaris missed us, so he came back for a visit, good to see him again.

We started Sr. High Bible Study by putting our prayer requests and praises on the Easel pad. We had a hard time deciding where to put Jabaris getting his driver license in a few days, so we decided to add it to both. :)

Candice and Brandi were missing so we sent them a quick text telling them we missed them. Then we put our phones away, since we do not want to be disturbed during study! :) We all love this rule, don't we? ;)

We studied what it means to renew something, including our relationship with God.

Wiktionary defines Renew as:
To make new again; to restore to freshness, perfection, or vigor; to give new life to; to rejuvenate; to reestablish; to recreate; to rebuild.

To make new spiritually; to regenerate.
Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Rom. xii. 2.

We went to the word for more:

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

We had a good discussion on renewing, all participated and had a good overall study.

We then broke for free time, we visited, Jammed out to some Toby Mac, played pool and foosball. About 8:00 or so, Rezinko, and Arron came to see us and shoot some pool after the class they were attending ended.

Check the Youth Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall

We also will be posting Jr. & Sr. High events, and photos in the Fellowship Hall for reference.

Sr. High FUN in the Youth House!

The Sr. High Youth met in the Youth House last night. We had 9 YOUTH PRESENT! What a blessing it was! Thanks to Cheryl R. and Carla for tidying up the place! Made a 100% difference!!!!

We got to know each other a little more with our Skittles ice breaker. Boy everyone LOVES skittles, if they only knew ahead of time.... :)

We went over the Rules of the Youth House, they are posted on the wall.

I had a form for all the youth to fill out, so I could get to know them all a little better.

Then we all sent Jabaris a text, telling him we missed him being in the group. (He just left for football camp at FAMU.)

We discussed our new prayer easel. At the start of our meeting all youth are welcome to write their prayer request and praises on this easel pad. It will be kept as a journal. We hope to look back throughout the year and see how a prayer request turns into a praise!

We then discussed a verse out of 1 Corinthians, we all learned something new from this reading, it was educating to all of us present.


Overall a great night was had by all! Looking forward to doing it again next week!

Jason

SR & JR High Canoe / Camping Trip Planned for Fri.-Sat. August 15th-16th

Who's ready for another Canoe and Camping trip down the Suwannee river? We plan on leaving the church around 2:00-2:15 on Friday afternoon the 15th, and returning back at the church around 12-1pm Saturday the 16th.

All JR and SR High students are invited, BRING A FRIEND!!!!!

What you need to bring:
Sleeping Bag
Pillow
Swimsuit
Change of Dry Clothes

We will supply:
Tents
Food
Canoe
Slip n Slide

Who's going? Click the comments button below and let me know.

See you there!

Jason

Canoe / Camping Trip This Friday - Saturday

Time for another Canoe Trip down the Suwanee river. We will be leaving the Church at approx. 3:00 pm on Friday. We will return on Saturday between 1 & 3pm.

Things to bring:
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Swim Suit

We will provide the canoe's, food, drink, and fun. Oh ya, I think Spence is bringing the Slip n Slide!!!!

Warren Willis Youth Summer Camp 2008

A great time was had by all who attended! Youth will be returning from camp at the Church at approx. 3:00pm today. (Saturday)