blog and podcast

We've kicked off a new opportunity to be involved in God's Kingdom work. Listen to the podcast or check out our bulletin board in the youth room to learn about "Loose Change to Loosen Chains. PETE

If we have parents, then we are familiar with arguments and disagreements. How do we disagree with our parents but still honor them as the Bible has commanded us to. I shared in this podcast a little of my struggle to honor my dad while still disagreeing with him. Josh Weidmann's book "Dad...if you only knew (8 things teens want to tell their dads but dont)" really encouraged me to not deny my need for my dad's love. It encouraged me to write a letter to my dad and open my life to him. It's a difficult balance to remain obedient to God by honoring our parents while still comunicating our needs to our parents. I would imagine that your parents don't know the majority of what is going on in your heart or in your head. I encourage you to be courageous in the Lord and talk to your dad and mom. If you are having a hard time with this, talk to me; I am here for you! PETE

I think another mark of a disciple of Christ must be humility. Philippians 2:5 says that our attitude should be the same as Christ - he humbled himself from his place in heaven and came to serve us. In the same way, we should not seek out our own glory, but in humility consider others better than ourselves. There is a common response of people after understanding God's love for them; it is one of humility. The feeling you get when you feel undeserving, small, unimportant, and yet so loved by the creator of the universe. God's love should create a response in our lives. Again in Chapter 2 of Philippians, Paul says that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. We need to respond with our words and actions. Both need to follow the example that Christ gave to us - to serve. PETE

I was reminded when I saw that dove outside the mall making a house with twigs that God will take care of me even greater than He takes care and provides for the birds. It takes a great faith to trust and believe in the power of God each and every day. The story of the centurion in Matthew chapter 8 is one of my favorite stories of great faith. It is tempting to think that God can only answer our prayers in ways that makes sense to you and I. The truth is, all things are under God's authority. He can cause things to happen just by of a Word. Do you believe like the centurion believed? Although this kind of faith is unique and uncommon, we should be in a passionate pursuit towards it. PETE