Week 1: You were MADE for a story much bigger than your own. (See Genesis 37-50, the life of Joseph) The Author has been writing a story much greater than you could ever imagine- and the good news is that the Author is entirely trustworthy! He ultimately works the story out for the good of those who love Jesus.

Week 2: You were MADE by God and for God. (See Psalm 139:13-18) Many people profess to believe this- but their lives show that they really don’t. It’s one thing to claim that all life is created by God and for God- it’s entirely a different matter to show the world that you truly believe it. Do you speak up for the unborn? Do you care for the fatherless? Do you care for those who are in need? When push comes to shove- do you really believe that your race/nationality is superior to others? All of these issues are settled when we truly believe that we were made by God for God.

Week 3: You were MADE to glorify God. (See 1 Kings 10-11, the life of Solomon) Though you may not feel like this is true- or even possible, the fact remains that this is the meaning of life. Your past does not dictate how God can use you. Have you allowed yourself to learn from your past? Instead of asking God, “Why did this happen to me?” try asking “God, what do you want me to learn from this?” Because ultimately- we must get to a place in life where we understand that true greatness is found in glorifying God.

The kicker in all of this: You are completely incapable of doing any of this unless you have the spirit of God living within you to enable you to fulfill your destiny. Check this out for more information: Ephesians 2:8-10.

“The LORD roars from Zion
and utters his voice from Jerusalem;
the pastures of the shepherds mourn,
and the top of Mount Carmel withers…
The lion has roared; 
who will not fear?
The LORD God has spoken;
who can but prophesy?” – Amos 1:2; 3:8

It will either be terrifying to stand before God – or incredibly freeing. The difference between the 2 stances is faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. What will you do when you stand before the LORD Almighty? Will you stand in confidence like this little girl? (click the pic & check it out) 

Check out Romans 5:1 for more information.

1. Memorize a book of the Bible

2. Go fishing in Alaska

3. Adopt at least 1 child from another culture

4. Punch a cougar in the face – just like this guy . . .

The beginning of Luke 10:40 tells us that Martha was distracted with much serving.  Now there was nothing wrong with serving, it was good.  She was serving Jesus and others who had come into her home, but all of a sudden she started to flip out… her busyness with what needed to be done and her perfectionism began to affect her and everyone else.

1. Her Busyness began to negatively affect her Emotions.  In an attempt to have everything ‘perfect’, she got frustrated, which led to her going off on everyone.
2. Her Busyness began to negatively affect her Relationships.  Martha flipped out on Mary accusing her of being lazy.  And then, she accused Jesus of not caring about her.
3. Her Busyness began to negatively affect her Spirituality.  She didn’t get it – She missed main priority.  Her duties in preparation of the whole event drew her away from Jesus.  She neglected Jesus while she took care of the ‘important’ work.

Now, Its easy to look at Martha and say, “Wow!  I can’t believe she did that!”

But if truth be told, many of us fall into this trap, especially during the Holidays.  So, the warning to all is…BEWARE of the Busyness trap!  YES, enjoy your time this Christmas with your family and friends, celebrating, and gift-giving, but don’t forget that its about JESUS, NOT YOU or how perfect it has to be.

Men, this Christmas, lead your families in worshiping Jesus and sharing how the gift of Grace, the Gospel, has transformed your lives.

Ask yourself, has the busyness of Christmas caused you to ignore Jesus?

-Joel

All leaders, whether of a family, business, church, or movement, have a kryptonite called PRIDE.  As we see in Dan 4:28-37, pride will blind you and lie to you.  We have seen leaders fall in business and church because of pride.  It will blind you from those you are hurting.  It will blind you of your sin.  And it will lie to you…making you think you are invincible.

The reality is that we are not invincible.  We are not Superman or Superwoman…we are just people who are in the position we are in or do what we do ONLY because of the GRACE of God!!

Don’t allow the sin of pride to destroy your leadership!  Take an inventory.  Is pride creeping in your leadership?

-Joel

Jesus was a disciple maker. He spent almost twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week with the same crew for three years. Sound familiar? He taught them all the time, just like Deuteronomy 6 tells parents to do. So as I begin blogging for children’s ministry for our church, I would like to start with discipleship. Any parent with a child living at home can benefit from learning how to disciple others from Jesus. Each week I look forward to giving you a little comparison of parenting and discipleship. Hopefully we can all learn together how to make disciples of our children, and then implement these practices into other areas of our lives. After all, Matthew 28 does tell us to make disciples of all nations. Shouldn’t we at least begin in our own homes?

~Jessica, Camp Leader, Camp 412

1. I’m reminded that I’ve been redeemed by Christ’s death on the Cross… We won’t have to experience death and we’ve been set free from the chains of sin (Rom. 6:11-14)
2. We just got this REALLY cool website!  Have you checked it out it…you are going to LOVE IT!  Take the time to look around if you haven’t already.
3. This Sunday we begin our PRESENCE SERIES.  We’ll be taking a look at the meaning of the King’s birth – It will be Great!  Be sure to get there on time- you don’t want to miss it!

Let us know, why are you excited about being part of 412CC?