Lesson Recap - Anger Cure

Today's lesson was from John 13:1-17

Jesus is sitting in a room with his closest friends. One who is about to betray him, another who will act like he doesn't know him, and many others who will run away when He is captured. Jesus knows they are about to do this. He has them right where he wants them. And what he does next is amazing.

He gets up from the table, wraps a towel around his waist, pours water into a basin, and washes their feet.

Now, is that how we treat people who are about to deny us, betray us, and abandon us? Be truthful - we don't even think about it.

Serving strangers - easy. Serving friends - not so hard. But serving people who have or will hurt you? No chance - can't do it.

But this is the example and command Jesus gives us. It is a way to demonstrate the full extent of God's love. It is the path to blessing! (verses 1, 15, & 17)

Serving "enemies" is one of the hardest challenges to face as a follower of Christ. But there is no better way to deal with anger than to serve the person who made you angry. The cure for anger is serving.

The application for this week is to think about someone who has made you angry. Pray for them. Then think of someway you can serve them - and do it.

What an amazing way to demonstrate God's love, and cure any anger you are storing up. "That is the path of blessing"!

Lesson Recap!

Today's lesson was from Luke 22:14-27

If you had one week to live - what would you say to your loved ones? What would you want to communicate to them? What would you want them to remember?

When reading this passage, we find Jesus in this situation. This is his last supper with his loved ones. He knows he will be crucified soon. Jesus has one day to live - so it's crucial that he gets this point across, That life is best lived remembering HIM.

He takes a loaf of bread and breaks it into pieces. "This is my body given for you."
He takes a cup of wine. "This wine is a token of God's new covenant to save you - an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you"

Jesus had one last time to talk with them. He could have told them about all the mysteries of the universe. He could have made them rich. He could have told them anything - but he chose to break bread and pour wine.

The most important thing for them and us to understand is that our lives are best lived in remembrance of HIM. Remember - he died for us, you, me - so that we could live.

With that principle in mind, we challenged ourselves to tell someone close you care about them. Then, do one small (or big) act of service for them.

Life is best lived in remembrance of HIM.

How do I know if I am saved? - Lesson Recap

That was the question this morning..and the topic of our lesson. How do we know if we are saved? How do we know if we have eternal life?

Jesus talks about this with a man named Nicodemus in John 3:1-21

First, we must be "born of water". (v. 5) Or basically a human being, who has a set period of time on earth to receive eternal life. Our problem is that we think we will be a living human being forever and have plenty of time to work this out. I wish that was reality. Reality is that we have no clue when our time is up. Why not explore if there is an eternity, a God, and a way to Him?

Second, we must be "born of the Spirit". (v.5) Jesus states that "the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven", and compares this to the wind. Have you ever seen the wind? No. You see and feel the effects of the wind, but not the wind. Wind is invisible. Now, when God is working to bring you to him, you won't actually see Him. You will see and feel the effects of Him as he moves in your life. Take a second... What "coincidences" are going on in your life? Are people just showing up, talking to you about God? Do you have a pull deep down inside to go to Church or ask someone about Christ? Hmmmm...

Third, Jesus said, "everyone who believes in me will have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." OK, believe what exactly? That Jesus existed? Yes. That Jesus died for my mistakes, rebellion, wrongs...so I don't have to? Yes. That the only way to get right with God and live forever is through that death? Yes.

Finally, is there any evidence at all that you believe? Did you just say the words or do you really believe? Do you have any attitude changes? Do you love others? Do you have compassion for others where you may not have in the past? Do you want to give? Do you want to serve? You see, this kind of love that God gives us will compel you to change your ways. You can't help it, you just want to change. Not a process that happens overnight for most, but a lifechange should occur.

So, that's how to know.

Are you alive? Do you recognize your rebellion against God? Are you trusting the right one to deal with your rebellion? Is there any evidence of change?

Lesson Recap!

This morning was my first time back in Sunday School since the end of Jan. It felt good to be back and see everyone. Here is the lesson recap:

We discussed Luke 9:10-17.

Picture woodstock without the bands... this was the scene. There were probably 10,000 men, women, and children spread out all over the hillside just to see and hear Jesus.

Late in the day, they realized there was no food - and Jesus looked at his team of 12 and said, "You feed them!" Of all ways to feed the people, Jesus took that route. Why? He could have snapped his fingers and made everyone a Big Mac right then. But why say to his team.."You feed them"?

Well...maybe it's because he wanted them to participate in the work he was doing. He wanted them to serve, talk to, and feed all these people.

And nothing has changed. Jesus wants us to participate in his work. He could snap his fingers and serve, talk to, and feed everyone in this world if he wanted. But he doesn't take that route. He says to us...."You feed them."

The question is: Will we just sit there and say, "Impossible"??? Or will we try to serve, talk to, and feed others? Only one of these decisions allows you to participate in the work of God. Don't miss out!

7 Day Challenge - Day 7

And on the 7th day, they rested....

I will post final thoughts on this tomorrow.

Invisible Children

Today we didn't have a lesson. Instead we were visited by the folks at INVISIBLE CHILDREN.
They shared with us an incredible story of the displaced children in Uganda. These are kids who have been abandonded, face fear of being abducted, and have no chance without us. My heart goes out to these kids. Invisible Children, Inc's goal is to spread awareness and raise money to help. See the clip below. There is a serious injustice going on against children in Uganda - anything you can do to help would be great. Visit the site, get involved if you can.

MSNBC won an emmy for their report on the issue. Read the article here.

Invisible Children: Rough Cut Trailer

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7 Day Challenge - Day 6

Almost home on the challenge. It's been tough over the weekend to keep up with the routine.

PRAY I have prayed, but sparingly. I prayed that God will keep Lauran and Elizabeth Anne healthy and safe.
READ I read in 1 Peter 4. There is so much in this chapter that I am going to stay in it for a couple of days. Verse 1 says, "So then, Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning." I don't think I wake up in the morning with the attitude like, "Ok I am ready to suffer like Jesus did on the cross today!" But the Bible tells us to arm yourselves with this attitude. Are we prepared to face our battles, temptations, struggles in life with this same intensity? The intensity that says, "temptor, you are going to have to nail me to a cross to get me to do that or say that!" I prayed for that kind of attitude and strength to face life.
HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS I am starting to get a complex.
TELL SOMEONE ABOUT GOD Not yet...

7 Day Challenge - Day 5

We are still going strong in our challenge. Hope you are too!

PRAY I continue to pray for our family and my "two" girls! I am also praying for God to allow me to be a part of something new and creative that he is doing. I am not sure what that is just yet - but it would be something exciting.
READ I read in 1 Peter this morning, but for some reason just couldn't focus.
HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS Still working on this and the one below.
TELL SOMEONE ABOUT GOD I really am trying to be intentional about this but just can work in a conversation. So, I'll keep at it.

7 Day Challenge - Day 4

You know, having to post what I am doing is really helping me see a pattern. I think I need more diversity in my prayer life. Also, I don't seem to do the whole people thing too well. This has been a good exercise!

PRAY I prayed after and during reading, see below. I also prayed for my "two" girls. : )
READ I read through 1 Peter 2:12-3:18. During this time, I came up with this simple thought. God wants us to be "no matter what" people. I need to be a "no matter what guy." Respect my leaders and authorities - no matter what. Love my wife - no matter what. Love my critics and enemies - no matter what. God tells us to do these things no matter what circumstances you are in, no matter what the other person does, no matter what - we are to love them! That my friends is one tall order! So I prayed for God to help me be a "no matter what" guy today!
HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS Nobody likes me! : )
TELL SOMEONE ABOUT GOD Mmmmm....not yet.

7 Day Challenge - Day 3

If you are keeping up with the challenge, then congrats - you are halfway there! I know that even though it has only been 3 days, it may seem like a burden to keep going. Hang in there - keep it up, it gets easier and easier to continue after a week. Here are my updates for Day 3

PRAY I prayed mostly for Lauran and our baby this morning.
READ I read through 1 Peter 2:1-12, and found a good explanation as to why God wants us to obey him. "This is so you can show others the goodness of God" & "Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God.." So, I treat people nice, I forgive, I love, I help out - not for me, but so that they will somehow see God. That's a different way of looking at things huh?
TIME WITH FRIENDS Well, we couldn't make the time last night with friends. Although, I did watch American Idol. I have to say that the guy with the goatee was really good. So, still looking for this.
TELL SOMEONE ABOUT GOD Nothing to report - I need to work on this.

Day 3: Lauran's update

Pray: Today I simply prayed that God would teach me. That He would show me more of Himself and show me how to live more like Him.

Read: I read the second part of 1 Peter 2. Verse 21 says, "For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps..." I guess this is a good heart check for me. I already have His example. Am I being careful to follow it? Do I go about my day knowing my purpose or do I just go about my day? I am going to try to go through today being more intentional.

Hang out: I am going to lunch with a former co-worker.

Tell someone about God: Nothing to report yet. Like I said, I am going to try to be intentional today.

7 Day Challenge - Day 2

PRAY I did pray again this morning. I prayed after I read - see below.

READ I read through 1 Peter v. 13-25. Verse 14 says, "Obey God because you are his children. Don't slip back into your old ways of doing evil; you didn't know any better then." I prayed that I would never slip back into may old ways. Then, I got to verse 22 which says, "Now you can have sincere love for each other as brothers and sisters because you were cleansed from your sins when you accepted the truth of the Good News. So see to it that you really do love each other intensely with all your heart." Man, what a challenge! So, I asked God to help me with that one.

HANG OUT Friends over to watch American Idol tonight!

TELL SOMEONE ABOUT GOD Nothing new to report here. I did have a meeting with one of my accountabilty group partners today though. Does that count? : )

Day 2: Lauran's update

Pray: I prayed today mainly about being a good mom and a good friend. I want to be a godly example for our little girl, and I want to be the kind of friend to others that I want others to be for me. I want to learn how to love even more as that is the basis of who God is.

Read: I read the first part of 1 Peter 2 today. The first part of the chapter stood out to me the most. Verse 2 says, "As newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord." That got me thinking about how the milk we give our baby is essential to her life. Do I view God's word as that? Do I crave it like newborns crave milk? wow...what a reality check!!

Hang out: I got to spend time with my mom today during lunch. We have such a great friendship and bond, and I am eternally thankful for that. We will also have two of our best friends over tonight to watch American Idol!!! Jimmy and I are so thankful for friends that we can relax with and laugh with!

Tell Someone: I got the opportunity today to share with one of the teachers at one of my day cares just how blessed I feel to be able to have a child. I got to tell her that I view every child first and foremost as a gift from God. Their thought processes, their words, and their actions are so precious to me.

Day 1: Lauran's update

Sorry for the late post for Day 1...I'm new to the whole blogging thing. Here is my update:

Pray: I prayed this morning for my family, for my daycares and students, and for our Sunday School class. I prayed that each of you would know that you touch our lives.

Read: I read 1 Peter 1. Verse 13 stood out to me the most, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."...reminding me that I need to pay attention and be aware of where God is working instead of wandering through my day. God is working at all times around us, and we miss opportunities to share Him, love Him, and be loved by Him if we are not paying attention.

Hang Out: I taught classes at the studio tonight. It is a blessing to have the friends there that I do. Some I have known my whole life, and others I am just getting to know. It is also nice to share with these friends the same passion for dance.

That is it for me today. I hope everyone has a wonderful day!!

7 Day Challenge - DAY 1

We are starting a 7 Day challenge to Pray, Read, Spend time with friends, and Tell someone about God. (See post below) Here is how I am doing so far:

PRAY I did pray this morning. I prayed for the day. Thanked God for our family. I prayed for this challenge and the youth group.

READ I read in 1 Peter this morning too, the first 12 verses. I particularly liked v. 8-9 "You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. Your reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls." It is hard to believe and trust in something or someone you don't see. But I just do, and I am glad I do.

HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS Today was all work, no play. However, we are excited that we are having friends over tomorrow night!

TELL SOMEONE ABOUT GOD Didn't do that today. It's difficult to just open up about God in the midst of my daily activities. I will keep an eye out for tomorrow.

That's day 1 for me. Hope you are making strides too!

The Challenge to Follow

Today, we discussed Luke 5:1-11

Summary and our 7 Day Challenge



- Making a decision to follow Jesus will result in change. Both external and internal. It's this change that sometimes scares us.

- Peter has a decision to make, follow Jesus or remain a fisherman. Peter decides to put aside whatever fears he has and follows Jesus.

- Peter learns from Jesus. His life and heart is completely changed. His life is filled with amazing experiences. Experiences that he would have never dreamed could happen to him, an ordinary fisherman. (see Acts 4:13)

- The same invitation offered to Peter, is offered to us. Follow Jesus, and experience amazing changes in your life, both internal change and external change.

Our 7 Day Challenge to Follow

As a group, we are going to do our best to follow Jesus for 7 days. Here are the four things we are challenged with:

1) PRAY Each day for 7 days. (7 different prayers) Pray for others. Pray about what you read. Confess. Give Thanks.

2) READ Each day for 7 days. (read in 1 Peter) As we read, we will ask, "God, what do you want me to do?"

3) HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS At least one time during the next 7 days. Hang out with or even join a cell group. Enjoy time with friends. Laugh, talk, encourage. Pray together. Share your thoughts.

4) TELL SOMEONE ABOUT GOD At least one time during the next 7 days. Share your thoughts about God. Tell someone what Christ means to you.


Every day for the next 7 days - we will keep up with this challenge on this blog. Read about how Lauran and I are making it through the challenge. Feel free to sign in and leave a comment on how you are doing.

My prayer is that you will meet God during the next 7 days, and get a taste of what it is like to follow him.

Break-up Attempts

Today we talked through Luke 4:1-13

In this passage, Jesus suffers through 40 days of temptations. Following his example can help us as we face similar temptations.


Knowing the temptor's (or "the weasel's") strategy helps us. His ultimate goal is to try to break-up our relationship with God. Here are the ways he tempted Jesus:

Temptation 1 The temptation to meet a legitimate desire, illegitimately. Jesus was hungry, and he tempted Jesus to make bread from stones. Hunger is a legitimate desire. We all have real desires given to us from God. The desire for sex, happiness, acceptance, etc.. However, the weasel says - you need to meet those desires "my way". Jesus said, "Man needs more than bread for life." In other words - the only way those legit desires are going to be fulfilled is God's way.

Temptation 2 The temptation to take a shortcut to get a blessing. Jesus was offered authority over everything now - if he would worship the weasel. That meant no beatings, no suffering. Take the shortcut. We get the same temptation. "Take the shortcut - just cheat a little, just lie a little." You deserve that blessing, why wait for it - when you can have it now. All you have to do is compromise a little. Jesus said, You must worship God only - no shortcuts.

Temptation 3 The temptation to manipulate God to do what you want. Jesus was challenged to jump off a building because "surely God will save you." This is a sneaky temptation and looks like this: "God, I will do this, if you do that. It is deal making with God. Trying to force his hand. Jesus said, Do not test the Lord your God.

So, what can we do? We have to recognize and "rebuke". Recognize when we are being tempted. What situations do we usually get tempted in? Where are our weak spots? Recognizing when and where we usually get tempted is a good first step.

Then, if we just take a second in the heat of the temptation to say a quick prayer, or quote a principle, or even a verse - that is an enormous step in beating the temptation. We developed this prayer:

"Weasel, you will not break-up my relationship with God. God will meet my desires his way. God will give me his blessing in his time. God will deliver."

Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

10th Grade Group

These are the young adults that have to sit through our lessons every Sunday. Lord Help them!! : )

What is Baptism all about???

Today's lesson was on Baptism. What is it all about? What does it really mean? Why should I consider it? Read Luke 3:1-22

The best lesson I have ever heard on the subject was done about a year ago by Andy Stanley: Baptism - What's the Big Deal? (The inspriation for this lesson)

Quick Summary
- You will find many churches do it differently.
- Scripture should be the authority on this and not the traditions of the church.
- The word baptizo (Greek) means to wash, dip, immerse. It was a common word.
- Baptism is a public declaration of a new association
- Baptism for us means that we are publically associating ourselves with Jesus and his message.

If you have never been "washed" - my suggestion is to at least think about it.
Take these two steps in your investigation:
1) Listen to Andy's message linked above.
2) Talk to your local church, and if you are ready - then take the plunge!

We would love to hear stories or comments and invite anyone to share their past or upcoming experiences.

"Lesson Recap" - Turn (Luke 3:2-14)

One of the reasons for this blog is to give the youth we teach a place to recap the lesson and ask questions or give comments. So, every Sunday afternoon - we will post a "lesson recap". All lessons are crafted around one principal, value, or statment that we emphasize. Every lesson also comes with a something you can do. Feel free to read and comment on these even if you are not part of the youth group.

Below is the first recap: (Luke 3:2-14)

>"Turn from your sins, and turn to God, because the kingdom of heaven is near". Not a very popular saying huh? Who wants to have someone tell them how they should act? Who wants to hear that the way they are living is wrong? Not me. Not most people. Everytime I hear that type of teaching, it reminds me of those "fire and brimstone" small country church preachers who change their voices when they get up on the potium. You know the ole.."GOD SHALL BRING JUDGEMENT UPON THEE WITH FIRE AND GNASHING OF TEETH" type stuff. Man did I ever tune that out.

Can't we just have the part about Jesus forgives? Can't I live how I want to live and pull the Jesus card out when I get into trouble or am ready to go to heaven? I mean there is fun in living this way and all this statement does is take the "living out of life" - right? Why should I "turn"? Good questions. I think we can find some answers in this passage.

Starting in verse 8 John says, "Prove by the way you live that you have really turned to from your sins and turned to God. Don't just say, 'We're safe - we're the descendants of Abraham.' That proves nothing." In other words, there may not be safety in living in outright rebellion to God - no matter how much you go to church, know your Bible history, or perform your churchy rituals. (It is interesting to note that John is speaking to church people here)

We discussed two types of danger we can find ourselves in by living this way.

1) The obvious danger sin can bring. Things like addiction, guilt, shame, etc.

2) The eternal danger we don't think about. If I have this "can't I live how I want to live" attitude, then do I really know Jesus and does he have my back? Now, don't get mad, it's a serious question to consider.

So, what should we do? Those who heard this message firsthand had the same question. (See verses 11-14) John's answers were applicable to the people who asked him. To the corrupt tax collector, he said be honest. To the crooked soldier, he said stop extorting. So our answers should be applicable to us.

What are we into that we shouldn't be? Cheating on tests? Drugs? Gossip? Sexual sins? We focused on 5 things to turn from that we could possibly get into at this stage in life and discussed what to turn to.

- Physical pleasure (sex, drugs, drunkeness) turn to purity.
- Lying, cheating, stealing turn to honesty.
- Gossip or judging others turn to celebration (public encouragement).
- Disobeying authorities (parents, teachers) turn submission.
- Selfishness turn to serving others.

Next we handed out this simple prayer on a card to help:

Lord, please help me turn. I love you more than I love (cheating) I don't want to compromise my character for (this one cheat)

Finally, why? Why should I consider turning or changing my ways?

There really is a good reason that makes this principal not so hard to enjoy. "Turn from your sins, and turn to God, because the kingdom of heaven is near". Yes, the kingdom of heaven is near. Things like peace, joy, forgiveness, love, acceptance, purity, kindness, honesty, wholeness, and purpose are all near. These are the things we are all trying to obtain anyway. With this principal, God is trying to tell us is that we are going about it the wrong way. Just a little turn is all we need to find out what the "living" in life is really like.

As C.S. Lewis stated, "We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."

So, that's your recap and your one principal: "Turn from your sins, and turn to God because the kingdom of heaven is near."