Hey guys! It's so good to be back on the blog!
This week at Varsity, we talked about difficulties. The interesting thing is, difficulties come in all shapes and sizes. At Varsity, we talked about Peter and his imprisonment, but J.C. stressed that we may be facing similar obstacles that just seem smaller. God cares about all of our problems, difficulties and obstacles. Maybe you're concerned about balancing school, a part-time job, friends, D-team and Varsity. Maybe you're moving to a new place and worried about making friends. Maybe you (or other people) have issues with the way you look, the way you dress, the way you act. Maybe you're struggling with unfair or absent parents. The "maybes" can go on forever!
The answer to our difficulties lies with Christ. Just like Peter, who was put in jail even though he wasn't doing anything illegal (he was just preaching the good news of Christ!), we can endure difficulty with Jesus. Why? Because He promised never to "leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5, NIV). He also "causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (Romans 8:28, NLT). God knows what is best for us and He has it in mind. He will never leave us. He will never turn around and pretend He doesn't know us. He will never play cruel jokes on us just to be mean. God is working for good behind the scenes of our lives. How amazing is that?
When faced with an obstacle, difficulty or problem... pray. But don't just say: "God, I hate my life." Say: "God, this is what happened today. This is how I feel about it. I know You are concerned for my well-being and I know You love me. I trust You and Your plan in my life with this situation." Yeah, it's hard! But it's how you can realize that God is in control.
Remember this verse when you are facing difficulties: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3, NIV) James is saying that these problems, these trials, only make us stronger. There is hope beyond your present predicament. Ask God to show you.
Alex W / Message Writer
Showing posts with label Alex. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alex. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Alex on #Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Alex on #YouAretheChurch
You may have learned the little adage, "Here's the church and here's the steeple; Open the door and see all the people" when you were in Sunday school. It's a cute reminder of where we go on Sundays and/or Wednesdays, but it's also a bit misleading.
The first "church" was formed by a group of Jesus's followers after Jesus rose up into heaven. These guys and gals met in each other's homes or outside. In fact, the early church did not have an actual church building until 300 years after Jesus was around. This group is considered the first church because they were the first to organize and begin preaching -- not the first to build a building!
For information about the first church, we turn to the book of Acts, right after the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and right before Romans. (... Okay, don't lose me here! I'll post the verses.) The early church provides us with a great example of how a church should act. Keep in mind that the church is not a building. It's a group of people who love God and have accepted His son as their Savior.
1. Believers should be connecting with other believers!
Acts says: "...all the believers met together in one place" and "They worshiped together at the Temple each day [and] met in homes for the Lord’s Supper..." (2:44, 26)
We connect at Varsity on Wednesday nights, but also during the week at D-Teams and at Varsity Unplugged meetings.
We serve the homeless through Homeless on Tuesdays with Varsity. You can also volunteer to serve at Varsity by working the lights or sound or checking-in or greeting students.
3. Believers should devote themselves to learning!
"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching..." (2:42)
This is more than just hanging out at Varsity each week. This is grabbing a Bible and reading it for yourself. This is listening closely to Josh's message and relating it to your life.
The first "church" was formed by a group of Jesus's followers after Jesus rose up into heaven. These guys and gals met in each other's homes or outside. In fact, the early church did not have an actual church building until 300 years after Jesus was around. This group is considered the first church because they were the first to organize and begin preaching -- not the first to build a building!
For information about the first church, we turn to the book of Acts, right after the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and right before Romans. (... Okay, don't lose me here! I'll post the verses.) The early church provides us with a great example of how a church should act. Keep in mind that the church is not a building. It's a group of people who love God and have accepted His son as their Savior.
1. Believers should be connecting with other believers!
Acts says: "...all the believers met together in one place" and "They worshiped together at the Temple each day [and] met in homes for the Lord’s Supper..." (2:44, 26)
We connect at Varsity on Wednesday nights, but also during the week at D-Teams and at Varsity Unplugged meetings.
2. Believers should be meeting the needs of others in love!
"[T]he believers devoted themselves to ... sharing in meals" (2:42). They also "... sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need." (2:45)We serve the homeless through Homeless on Tuesdays with Varsity. You can also volunteer to serve at Varsity by working the lights or sound or checking-in or greeting students.
3. Believers should devote themselves to learning!
"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching..." (2:42)
This is more than just hanging out at Varsity each week. This is grabbing a Bible and reading it for yourself. This is listening closely to Josh's message and relating it to your life.
4. Believers should be participating in people being saved!
"And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved." (2:27)
Okay, it's important to note that God is saving people. We are just participants! You can bring your friends to Varsity or attend a Baptism service (the next one is June 28th, along with our Independence Day celebration).
5. Believers should be celebrating God in worship!
"They worshiped together at the Temple each day ... while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people." (2:46) Worship is not just singing to God. Worship is acknowledging that there is something greater than you and me. Worship is giving God the glory he deserves. We do this through singing, raising our hands while we sing, even obeying God's direction. It's saying: "God is more important than me. God has a plan for my life. It's His plan, not mine."
Are you living like a believer? Remember, you are the church.
Verses above taken from Acts 2:42-47, New Living Translation
Alex / Message Writer
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Alex on #Temptation
There you are... holding your cellphone in one hand, a question posed by the person on the other end of the phone. Kate is texting you, and she says that Cole says that Phil says that Elizabeth knows for sure that one of the really cute guys from your math class will be at Susie's house party tonight. You seriously consider going. So what if you don't know Susie very well? So what if her parents aren't going to be there? So what if your dad won't let you out of the house after 10 p.m.? You'd really like to be at the party!
Oops. Temptation! It's lurking around every corner. You really, really, really want to do something. In this case, hang out at Susie's party with the nice-looking guy from PreCal -- even though it's past your curfew and there'll probably be drinking at this party. So, what do you do? Do you give in to the temptation? Go to the party even though you know you shouldn't? Or do you choose not to give in? And how?
Tonight at Varsity Josh reminded us (as if we needed reminding! LOL) that summer's upon us! And with summer freedom comes summer boredom. With summer boredom comes summer mistakes, like heading over to Susie's party. All kinds of things will be happening at this party that could cause serious dilemmas in your future.
Like us, another young man faced some tricky situations thousands of years ago, as recorded in the book of Genesis. Joseph, after being sold into slavery by his 11 brothers, rose to a high position of authority in Potiphar's house. He was like Potiphar's 'right-hand man' or 'personal assistant'. He was also a pretty good-lookin' fellow! Potiphar's wife began to take notice of Joseph and invited him to sleep with her. (Genesis 39:6&7) Temptation! So what did Joseph do? Verse 8 says, "But he refused." When Mrs. Potiphar continued to demand him, he "ran out of the house." (verse 12)
So what about that text message from Kate? You're in a tempting situation just like Joseph was. My advice? Take a deep breath. Then refuse. Tell her the truth like Joseph did in verses 8-9: "'Look,' he told her, 'my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. ... How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.'" Tell her you have a curfew to keep. Tell her you don't want to be where there's drinking going on. And don't back down! When Joseph ran away from Potiphar's wife, she grabbed his cloak and it came off. He ran away, naked, as she held on to his clothes. She told Potiphar and the rest of his servants that Joseph had tried to rape her. Guess what? Joseph was put in jail -- but he had done the right thing! (verses 13-20)
It probably won't be easy saying no to temptation. Especially when it seems like all your friends are saying yes. But God will work your situation out, just like He did for Joseph. In Genesis chapter 41, verse 41, Joseph is put in charge of all of Egypt! It's better to change your location or a relationship to avoid temptation than to give in to temptation.
Comment with some thoughts about temptation or share what your breakout group discussed!
-- Alex W / Message Writer
Oops. Temptation! It's lurking around every corner. You really, really, really want to do something. In this case, hang out at Susie's party with the nice-looking guy from PreCal -- even though it's past your curfew and there'll probably be drinking at this party. So, what do you do? Do you give in to the temptation? Go to the party even though you know you shouldn't? Or do you choose not to give in? And how?
Tonight at Varsity Josh reminded us (as if we needed reminding! LOL) that summer's upon us! And with summer freedom comes summer boredom. With summer boredom comes summer mistakes, like heading over to Susie's party. All kinds of things will be happening at this party that could cause serious dilemmas in your future.
Like us, another young man faced some tricky situations thousands of years ago, as recorded in the book of Genesis. Joseph, after being sold into slavery by his 11 brothers, rose to a high position of authority in Potiphar's house. He was like Potiphar's 'right-hand man' or 'personal assistant'. He was also a pretty good-lookin' fellow! Potiphar's wife began to take notice of Joseph and invited him to sleep with her. (Genesis 39:6&7) Temptation! So what did Joseph do? Verse 8 says, "But he refused." When Mrs. Potiphar continued to demand him, he "ran out of the house." (verse 12)
So what about that text message from Kate? You're in a tempting situation just like Joseph was. My advice? Take a deep breath. Then refuse. Tell her the truth like Joseph did in verses 8-9: "'Look,' he told her, 'my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. ... How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.'" Tell her you have a curfew to keep. Tell her you don't want to be where there's drinking going on. And don't back down! When Joseph ran away from Potiphar's wife, she grabbed his cloak and it came off. He ran away, naked, as she held on to his clothes. She told Potiphar and the rest of his servants that Joseph had tried to rape her. Guess what? Joseph was put in jail -- but he had done the right thing! (verses 13-20)
It probably won't be easy saying no to temptation. Especially when it seems like all your friends are saying yes. But God will work your situation out, just like He did for Joseph. In Genesis chapter 41, verse 41, Joseph is put in charge of all of Egypt! It's better to change your location or a relationship to avoid temptation than to give in to temptation.
Comment with some thoughts about temptation or share what your breakout group discussed!
-- Alex W / Message Writer
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Alex on #PrepforVarsity
Hi guys! I'm Alex, and I'm a new writer for the #VarsityOne blog. I'll be summarizing the messages and sharing about what they mean to me each week.
Today, though, I just wanted to let you all know about how much work goes into Varsity each week. It's a ton! The adult leaders on staff at Brookwood meet on Thursdays to talk about what worked and what didn't work at Varsity. Our volunteer adult leaders also meet fairly often to discuss their work at Varsity. Our student leaders (#VarsityOne) meet once a month as well. In addition, some adults and students arrive at the South Campus at 3:30 to prepare for all the activities. The greeting and check-in groups have recently been formed -- they're reminded by fellow students during the week about when their group is volunteering. Then they arrive at the South Campus at 6 p.m. to start welcoming students, signing students in and stamping hands. We have adult leaders at the front desk and in the cafe; many students also work in the cafe. Students work the lights and sound under the direction of an adult. Students lead the breakout groups. Adults and students stay at Varsity pretty late, too, talking, eating dinner, playing basketball, playing the Wii... Students and adults set out and stack up the chairs each week. Then everything gets cleaned up! Whew!
This is a big thank you to all of the adults and students who make Varsity possible, including all of the behind the scenes stuff. These people and their hard work make it possible for us to worship God, hang out with our friends and meet new people each Wednesday.
Thanks!
Alex / Message Writer
Today, though, I just wanted to let you all know about how much work goes into Varsity each week. It's a ton! The adult leaders on staff at Brookwood meet on Thursdays to talk about what worked and what didn't work at Varsity. Our volunteer adult leaders also meet fairly often to discuss their work at Varsity. Our student leaders (#VarsityOne) meet once a month as well. In addition, some adults and students arrive at the South Campus at 3:30 to prepare for all the activities. The greeting and check-in groups have recently been formed -- they're reminded by fellow students during the week about when their group is volunteering. Then they arrive at the South Campus at 6 p.m. to start welcoming students, signing students in and stamping hands. We have adult leaders at the front desk and in the cafe; many students also work in the cafe. Students work the lights and sound under the direction of an adult. Students lead the breakout groups. Adults and students stay at Varsity pretty late, too, talking, eating dinner, playing basketball, playing the Wii... Students and adults set out and stack up the chairs each week. Then everything gets cleaned up! Whew!
This is a big thank you to all of the adults and students who make Varsity possible, including all of the behind the scenes stuff. These people and their hard work make it possible for us to worship God, hang out with our friends and meet new people each Wednesday.
Thanks!
Alex / Message Writer
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