Quarry Grad!

Tonight, 7pm, worship center, be there!

We have some incredible young people who are running across the finish line of The Quarry. They deserve for us to honor them with our presence. See you there!

Then God said... And that is what happened

In Genesis chapter 1 we find the story of creation. In the New Living Translation you see a reoccurring theme: "Then God said... And that is what happened." Since the beginning of creation God has been saying things and then they have happened.

Too often we let circumstances determine what we believe. If all of creation obeyed and was created by what God said, then why not believe him at His word? I know for me, circumstances and life distort my perception of what God said and I begin to "look" instead of live. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) says, "we live by faith not by sight." When we "look" instead of live by faith we forget what God has said and this creates tremendous fear of our current situation.

• God said: "I will supply all your need." Philippians 4:19
• God said: "By my stripes you are healed." Isaiah 53:5
• God said: "I did not spare my own Son, so wont I give you everything else? Romans 8:32
• God said: "Ask and it will be given to you." Matt 7:7
• God said: "If you lack wisdom ask me and I'll give it to you." James 1:5
• God said: "The righteous will not be forsaken, nor will their children beg for bread." Psalm 37:25
• God said: "I have not given you a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7

What has God said to you lately? For your life, "then God said," that is what will happen. I'm getting my eyes off of my circumstances and life and getting my believe on the word of God. God has said he will take care of me and my family, therefore that is what will happen.

Take a moment today to consider your current state. Are you "looking" or living by faith? Has what God said become distorted in your life? Are you fearful of your current situation? Are your eyes telling you something different than what your heart knows to be the truth?

If your answers are contrary to faith, take a moment to pray this prayer.

"Father, forgive me for letting my circumstances dictate what I believe. I know that your Word is the truth. I believe that what you have said for my life will happen. Strengthen me to fight for my faith today. Give me peace to walk through this temporary situation. In Jesus name I pray, AMEN!"

Now go live by faith and not by sight!

U2's Top 10 list on Letterman

Here's a pretty funny video to check out...

9 Things I don't have time for... Those unwilling to change

One of my favorite things to do in this life is help people. I love it when God uses me to bring a piece of wisdom that changes someones life. In fact I'd drop almost anything to help someone that wants to change. If they have the desire I will do whatever is necessary to see them change and overcome.

The one thing I don't have time for is those that are unwilling to change. Every once and awhile someone will cross my path that knows all the right words to say, the emotions to show and is really only playing a game. They don't want to change, they just want to take up my time and I don't have time for it.

I love these people, pray for them and want to help them, but I don't have time for them because there are tons of others who want to change and could use my help. When I'm with someone who doesn't want change it steals from someone who does.

Make sure you are helping those who want to change. Love and pray for the ones who don't want change, but don't spend a lot of time with them. Go to those who really want change and connect them to Life.

How to tell if someone wants change:

• They ask for it - People who come to you and ask for help to change are serious, as long as the demonstrate the other points. Someone may say, "I need to talk to you," or "Will you please talk to so and so." This may or may not mean they want change. In the first few minutes of the conversation ask them simply, would you like to change? If it's a yes, move forward, if it's a no, end the conversation politely and pray for that person.
  
• They mention it - They may come to you and ask to talk, but someone who wants change will mention what they are going through and how they want to change. They will say things like. "I'm so tired of..., I can't stand it any more...," They will make statements that imply a desire to change. It's in their conversation, they mention it.
  
• They demonstrate it - People who want to change show a willingness to do so by demonstrating change in their life. This doesn't mean they will be perfect, but they make an effort to change. It is demonstrated by their actions.
  
• They pay for it - And I don't mean financially. When it gets really tough, they keep on pushing. When they feel like they can't make it they pay the price to continue. They give up things and they make decisions that cost them. Hard decisions that bring real change. People who want change pay the price of quality decisions to get change.
  

What you need to know about Texting...

Texting is a totally different language with rules that break down the grammatical standards our teachers tried so hard to uphold. It’s because of this that I want to give you some common words and meanings and the proper texting etiquette.

T9 or not T9 that is the question?
Have you ever wondered how someone was able to text you back so quickly when it takes you forever to send out a simple: “how are you?” Well they either have a full QWERTY Keyboard (like a computer keyboard) or they are using T9. T9 is recognition software that most phones have that allows you to text faster. If you are not using it ask someone who is text savvy to set it up for you and show you the ropes. It will change your texting life!

Common Text Vernacular:

• LOL – laugh out loud
• U – you
• R – are
• Ur – Your
• Bout – about
• Gonna – going to
• Doin – doing
• Wats – what’s
• L8 – late used to say good-bye.
• TTYL – talk to you later
• Luv – love
• Ya – you
• Y? – Why
• 2 – to
• nm – not much
• Nbd – no big deal
• Np – no problem
• :-) , :-(, ;-) – smile, frown, wink
• K – ok
• Yup, ya – yes
• Kewl – cool
• B – be
• Sry – Sorry
• Sorta – sort of
• Kno – know
• 4 – for
• coupla – couple of
• ova – over
• BRB – be right back
• CUL – see you later
• C – see
• I <3 style="font-weight: bold;">Text etiquette or Textiquette

While there is no uniform code of ethics and etiquette for texting as someone who text’s so much I may need to wear a wrist brace for tendinitis I have come up with some personal guidelines to follow.

Beginning a textversation

Before you text figure out the purpose for the textversation. Are you asking a question, just chatting, do you need prayer? This will determine your approach.

When you want to text someone there are different protocols to follow. Use the same salutations that you would use in your verbal conversation. If you are close to someone you don’t always have to ask how he or she are doing. While it is polite it is not necessary, you can jump right to the point.

If it’s someone you are not very close to you should ask how they are doing, textversate for awhile they ask your question or chit chat.

If it’s the first time you are texting this person you should let them know who it is and proceed from there.

Replies

When you receive a text depending on the content they should be replied to as soon as possible. Now there are days where I do not return non-time sensitive texts for several hours because of my current situation, but they should be replied to.

If it’s time sensitive then the text should be replied to be for the time expires.

As soon as you reply you are saying I am available to engage in a textversation, so be ready to text back and forth until the conversation is over. Just like on the phone you don’t answer a question and then no respond to follow up questions or chitchat.

Keep reply’s brief using shorthand to communicate quickly.

Ending the Textversation

Always end the textversation with closure. A thank you if they answered your question and a goodbye, ttyl, cul, l8, luv ya or something that is appropriate lets you and the other party know this conversation is officially over and neither should expect a reply.

Plz add ur comments on what u kno bout texting. If you'd say idk n e thing bout texting let me know if this waz helpful.

9 Things I don't have time for... Prejudice

I checked out what the official definition of prejudice is and here is what Dictionary.com had to say for it:

• An unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason.
• Any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable.
• Unreasonable feelings, opinions, or attitudes, esp. of a hostile nature, regarding a racial, religious, or national group.

When we think about prejudice we often think about bullet point number three. Obviously I don't have time for that stuff. That is detrimental to human society as a whole and in Christ (Gal 3:28) there is neither Jew nor Greek (racial and national prejudice), nor male or female (Gender prejudice).

I'm talking about a more sutle and often accepted form of prejudice. The kind of prejudice where we look at someone and by what we see we have a preconceived opinion about them either positive or negative.

For instance, someone walks into the church dressed in the best clothes money could buy and instantly we think, "wow, they've got it together. I want to meet them." Or someone walks in and they appear to be wearing clothes that have never been washed and we think, "Oh God, please don't let them sit by me."

Prejudice. Deciding who we will reach out to, sit by, talk with without know at all the content of that persons character and heart, or the situation they find themselves in. Prejudice can drive people out of the church faster than anything else.

I don't have time for it. Every person who walks across our path can benefit from the love that is within us. I don't have time for it so apply the following in my interaction with people.

1. Look - I don't look at someone and see Armani or Value Village. When I look at other people I see a person who is loved by, made by and paid for the same God who loved me, made me and paid for me through his death. Even though we are preprogrammed to judge by appearance fight it and look the way God looks. QUESTIONS: How do you look at people? Do you formulate and opinion and move forward or do you recognize the value in each person God has made?
   
2. Love - Love does not see with natural eyes, but rather the eyes of a God who died for us. Love fights the natural urges to judge by appearance, hygiene and attitude. Love pushes past it all, breaks down the walls and cares about others. Love conquers prejudice. QUESTIONS: Who do you love? Do you love the person standing on the side of the road asking for a hand out like God loves you? Would you be willing to lay down your life for them?
   
3. Listen - In listening you may find you have more or less in common with that person you had a preconceived opinion about. You may be the answer that person has been looking for. You may have the tools and skills they need for success. You may be the one who brings freedom to their life. Listen to them. They may be more broken or whole than they appear.

Prejudice - Unfair and unsubstantiated opinions about someone based on something external. I'm interested on what's happening inside of someone not how they look. I don't have time for prejudice and neither should you!

9 Things I don't have time for... Indifference

Complacency, apathy, and an I don't care attitude are all associated with indifference. Indifference means to show a lack of concern or interest or to be mediocre. Sadly I meet people every day that live their life with indifference. They are not concerned or interested in what is happening around them and as a result they live a very mediocre life.

I don't have time for this kind of attitude in my life. There are too many people who need the message I carry, the wisdom I've found and the faith that's within me for me to not care and yet it is so easy to slip into a place of indifference. It's easy to focus on myself and not really care about what's happening in other people. I don't have time for this, so to keep me passionate, interested and concerned I do the following:

1. Choose - I made a decision along time ago that I would rule my emotions and attitudes, they would not rule me, so I make a choice to be passionate and care even when I don't feel like it. I've established I don't have time for indifference, so even though I may "feel" that way I choose a different route. Every time my feelings line up with my choice eventually. QUESTION: When was the last time you made a choice to care?
   
2. Test - I constantly test and evaluate myself in this area. I'll read a story that should fire me up and evaluate my reaction to it. When I hear something that would normally stir me to action I evaluate my reaction and again make the right choice. QUESTION: Are you stirred to action by what you hear in areas that should fire you up?
   
3. Listen - There is a difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is what we do to receive information. Listening is what we do receive concern people. When we listen we hear peoples heart and begin to really care about their situations. I don't have concern information, I have concern for people. That's why I stop my mind, phone, eyes, and thoughts so I don't hear, but I listen. QUESTION: When was the last time you really stopped and listened?
   
4. Serve - The greatest way to squash indifference I've found is to take action. Every time I don't feel concern, I stop, examine a need that will bring concern, and I meet that need. When I don't feel like it the most is when I serve the hardest. Something happens when you metaphorically pick up a towel and wash someone's feet. You can't do that without caring. Serving when done out a heart to care will produce concern and kill indifference. QUESTION: Who was the last person you served?

Life is too short and there are too many broken people that need our concern, care and compassion. I don't have time for indifference and neither should you!

9 Things I don't have time for...

Time is an interesting thing. We spend most of our lives trying to speed it up, slow it down, relive it, fast forward through it, create more of it, fill it and empty it, but one thing remains the same we cannot do any of these things. Time is the only thing we cannot create more of and because of that we have to ask ourselves some questions.

As we go through this life the question is not will my time be full, but what and/or whom will fill my time?

Ask yourself What/whom will fill my time? Below is a list of things I don't have time for which I will expand upon further this week.

I don't have time for...

1. Indifference
2. Prejudice
3. Those unwilling to change
4. Insecurity
5. Prayer
6. Distraction
   
7. Sin
8. Fear
9. Uncontrolled emotions
   

Calling an audible this Sunday

It's only two weeks since the super bowl and already I miss football season *sigh* but I digress. It's no secret that I am a huge fan of number 18 of the Indianapolis Colts, Peyton Manning. He is the king of calling audibles. When he gets up to the line he observes the scene before him and if what he sees doesn't favor his play he will change it OR if another play they have will produce better results with what he sees he will change it.

Our play for this Sunday was to continue in our series, The Elephant in the Room in GRID 29:11. As we sat down to plan this weekend I began to see not that our current plan was no good, but what was happening in the main facility would be greatly beneficial for us. After seeing the whole plan I realized it was time to call an audible.

This Sunday there will be no GRID and we will be in main service. We will have reserved seating for us, so sit with us. It's going to be an amazing service that will be life changing, so get ready. We will return to The Elephant in The Room next Sunday. See you tomorrow!

Bible Reading Plan Week 6

Grid 29:11 Reading Plan
Week 6

Sunday, Feb 8th – Genesis - 20-23

Monday, Feb 9th – Judges 1-6

Tuesday, Feb 10th - Psalms 15-17

Wednesday, Feb 11th - Job 11-12

Thursday, Feb 12th - Isaiah 29-33

Friday, Feb 13th - Matthew 14-16

Saturday, Feb 14th - Romans 11-12

Each day pray that God reveals himself to you in each scripture before you begin. Also spend 10-15 minutes in prayer either before or after.

Reading Plan week 5

Grid 29:11 Reading Plan
Week 5

Sunday, Feb 1st – Genesis - 16-19

Monday, Feb 2nd – Joshua 21-24

Tuesday, Feb 3rd - Psalms 12-14

Wednesday, Feb 4th - Job 9-10

Thursday, Feb 5th - Isaiah 23-28

Friday, Feb 6th - Matthew 11-13

Saturday, Feb 7th - Romans 9-10

Each day pray that God reveals himself to you in each scripture before you begin. Also spend 10-15 minutes in prayer either before or after

The Fast Reading Plan and Prayer Points

Grid 29:11 Reading Plan
Week 4 with Fasting

Sunday, Jan 25th–Genesis - 12-15

Monday, Jan 26th–Joshua 16-20
1st day of fast – Pray for God to work in you what you are fasting.

Tuesday, Jan 27th - Psalms 9-11
2nd day – Pray for a spiritual awakening in our youth ministry

Wednesday, Jan 28th - Job 7-8
3rd day – Pray for strength and wisdom for your pastors, parents, politicians, friends and you.

Thursday, Jan 29th-Isaiah 18-22
4th day – Pray for breakthrough in your life, family, friends and ministry

Friday, Jan 30th - Matthew 8-10
5th day – Pray for salvation and discipleship like never before.

Saturday, Jan 31st-Romans 7-8
6th day – Pray for it to be finished in your life. Pray for God to move in our city and church.

The Fast

This past Sunday in GRID 29:11 we discussed the building block in our foundation of faith of fasting. Here is a snap shot of the message:

• Fasting is denying yourself something that you desire in order to align yourself with God, spend more time in prayer and the word and to overcome things in your life.
• We all have weaknesses, sin, ways of thinking, or brokenness in our life. Some of these things only come out with prayer and fasting.
• Read Isaiah 58:6-12 - This is what fasting is all about.

Beginning Monday January 26 to February 1st the youth ministry a.k.a. GRID 29:11 is going to fast. Here is what I am asking you to do:

1. Pick one thing in your life you want to overcome, this is what you will be fasting for.
2. Pick one thing you will fast. As I said on Sunday I don't want any body fasting food all six days. You can fast texting, Twitter, Internet, TV, Music, One day no food, next day eat, next day no food, etc... You can fast meat and only eat veggies. You can fast one meal a day. Pick something that will be difficult and challenging yet does not make life impossible.
3. ASK YOUR PARENTS. Go to mom and/or dad let them know you want to fast and what you want to fast and make sure they are okay with it.
4. Sunday the 25th pick up the reading plan with prayer points and participate!
5. Believe God to free you from the one thing and believe for God to move this year powerfully in GRID 29:11.

Today's Inauguration - My thoughts and prayer

When I woke up this morning I had an overwhelming sense to pray for our nation. Today marks a historic day that regardless of your political affiliation you cannot help but be proud of this moment. I am incredibly excited for the healing that will take place that the scars of decades of racial divide have left on our nation. As I watch the festivities and listened to the speech of our new President here are my thoughts.

• A day after we celebrated the life of a visionary and incredible man Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his dream has come true.
• What a moment in time for all races, colors and creeds! Our forefathers said all men were created equal and today that has come true. Regardless of the color of your skin you can achieve greatness in the greatest nation in the history of our earth.
• As stated multiple times by the media the peaceful transfer of power between presidents with differing views is a testament to the freedom of democracy that we enjoy.
• While I may not agree with every decision and stance our new President may make or take, I will honor him and pray for him.

Here is my prayer for President Barack Obama, his family and our nation:

Father, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to live in this great nation. A nation that you have ordained and set up to be a beacon of hope and freedom and one that is called to take Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. I thank you for our new President that you have ordained and set up to lead our nation. My prayer for him is that you would draw him to you. That you Holy Spirit would draw him to your presence to seek you in leading this nation. I pray his heart would be turned to you and that he would seek your wisdom and approval and not the opinion and approval of man. I ask that you would protect him from any and all evil. I recognize there are people who would inflict harm physically, emotionally and spiritually and I ask that you expose them and protect our president and his family. I ask that you give him the grace to lead us down the path you have made for us to walk. Grant him success in our economy. Help him to protect us. Always keep his heart turned toward the orphan, the widow and the poor. Now I ask for unity in our nation. Unity to grow and accomplish your will. I ask that the tears on many faces today would wash away the scars of a terrible past of division. Thank you that in you there is neither Jew or Greek, black, white, brown, red, yellow, male or female, but all are equal in you and created by you. Thank you for our nation cause it to prosper, cause it to heal and cause to be drawn again to your son Jesus, in his mighty name I pray... Amen.

Take a moment today and every day to pray for our President, our elected official, pastors, teachers, and anyone else in authority. This is a pivotal time in our nation and we need to continue to pray!

Reading Plan week 3

Grid 29:11 Reading Plan
Week 3

Sunday, Jan 18th – Genesis - 8-11

Monday, Jan 19th – Joshua 11-15

Tuesday, Jan 20th - Psalms 6-8

Wednesday, Jan 21st - Job 5-6

Thursday, Jan 22nd - Isaiah 12-17

Friday, Jan 23rd - Matthew 5-7

Saturday, Jan 24th - Romans 5-6

Each day pray that God reveals himself to you in each scripture before you begin. Also spend 10-15 minutes in prayer either before or after.

Grid 29:11 Reading Plan Week 2

• Sunday, Jan 11th – Genesis - 4-7
• Monday, Jan 12th - Joshua 6-10
• Tuesday, Jan 13th - Psalms 3-5
• Wednesday, Jan 14th - Job 3-4
• Thursday, Jan 15th - Isaiah 7-11
• Friday, Jan 16th - Matthew 3-4
• Saturday, Jan 17th - Romans 3-4

Each day pray that God reveals himself to you in each scripture before you begin. Also spend 10-15 minutes in prayer either before or after.