*"I can't believe you fell for that."
Monday, December 12, 2011
In your head
Just in case you have a song stuck in your head....we have the solution! (we can't decide if it's a good solution or not...but....)
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Food For Thought- Day 2
Today's food for thought is a blog post from our friends at the RAMP! You can read the story of Jesus and Judas in Matthew, Mark, Luke, AND John.
When we think about it, Judas was just a person like you or I. He had choices to make everyday- just like we do...
In reading his story it becomes obvious that our CHOICES MATTER.
CHOOSE WISELY....
Betraying Jesus
Posted on February 1st, 2011. -Micah Wood
When we think about it, Judas was just a person like you or I. He had choices to make everyday- just like we do...
In reading his story it becomes obvious that our CHOICES MATTER.
CHOOSE WISELY....
Betraying Jesus
Posted on February 1st, 2011. -Micah Wood
Most of us are offended at the thought that we could possibly betray Jesus. At the suggestion that such a thing is possible, we immediately start overcompensating by pledging our allegiance to Him with great fervor and zeal. We’re like Peter who declared to Jesus: “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble!” (Matt. 26:33). In just a few hours, Peter would deny Jesus three times. Our hearts are much more easily deceived than we realize.
In fact, I think far too many of us have already begun the process of betraying Jesus, though we still consider ourselves disciples and are probably sitting in the company of other disciples. We think that just because we have not technically done anything to weaken our commitment then we are in the clear. This thinking was certainly true of Judas.
On the very night Judas betrayed Jesus, he sat at a table with Jesus and among other disciples who deeply loved Him. Everything about Judas’ environment seemed right. However, Matthew records, “Then Judas, who was betraying [Jesus] . . .” (26:25). Wait a minute. Judas hadn’t yet given Jesus the kiss in the garden. He hadn’t yet led the religious leaders to Jesus with clubs and spears, but Matthew says that he was already in the process of betrayal.
Though on the outside Judas seemed to be as committed as Peter or John, something was awry. Prior to this last supper, Judas had already asked the chief priests what they would give him to betray Jesus. All his activity among disciples was right, but the process of betrayal had begun when Judas asked this question.
We don’t realize the deadly nature of our questions. Whenever we consider what it will cost us to play with sin, we have already begun to betray Jesus. Whenever we look at temptation and wonder if we could get away with it, betrayal is already deep within our hearts. A Judas Iscariot doesn’t start by bringing a mob into a garden to arrest Jesus. He starts by calculating the cost of compromise and asking if it is worth it.
Today, our outward activities may seem great. We may look like we’re at the table with Jesus and His disciples, but what questions have we been asking behind closed doors? Are we living righteous because of burning love for Jesus or because no one has offered the right price for our compromise yet?
Damon Thompson has often said that until we are sold out, we’ll always be for sale. Until we see the beauty of the One who breaks the bread and pours the wine, we’ll always be asking secret questions. God, open our eyes and change our hearts.
"...I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life..." Deuteronomy 30
Monday, October 17, 2011
Food for Thought- Day 1
Your life has PURPOSE...
Disciple Now | Purpose from Sherwood Church on Vimeo.
Ephesians 2:1-10 NIV
Made Alive in Christ
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Jeremiah 1:5-8 NIV
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
“Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Think about that...God doesn't just want you to live an empty life. He has a purpose and plan for YOU! So, LIVE YOUR LIFE ON PURPOSE!
Disciple Now | Purpose from Sherwood Church on Vimeo.
Ephesians 2:1-10 NIV
Made Alive in Christ
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Jeremiah 1:5-8 NIV
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
“Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Think about that...God doesn't just want you to live an empty life. He has a purpose and plan for YOU! So, LIVE YOUR LIFE ON PURPOSE!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Hey Guys,
I wanted to hop on here and let you know about this story. (http://www.news4jax.com/news/29225166/detail.html)
These youth pastors were driving home from watching a football game last night when they had an accident. You can read the full story on the link but in the end: the wife survived and the husband went to be with Jesus.
After our accident, we received cards, letters, and prayers for our Garage family from ALL OVER. I want to give each of you the opportunity to PAY IT FORWARD. This youth pastor and youth group are hurting and have their own aftermath to walk through. I know Bobby and I will be sending some things to her and to their youth group. If any of you want to send something- even if it's just a short note- please let us know and we will send it all together.
Since the accident, (more than EVER) I look for every opportunity I can to help people who are hurting. It's something we are called to do as christians-in our everyday lives but even still- I've actually thought about putting a name to it-as an intentional ministry....The Mackenzie Project...
Anyway, if you want to be a part of sending anything to this Florida church, please let us know!
We love each and EVERY one of you,
Cat
I wanted to hop on here and let you know about this story. (http://www.news4jax.com/news/29225166/detail.html)
These youth pastors were driving home from watching a football game last night when they had an accident. You can read the full story on the link but in the end: the wife survived and the husband went to be with Jesus.
After our accident, we received cards, letters, and prayers for our Garage family from ALL OVER. I want to give each of you the opportunity to PAY IT FORWARD. This youth pastor and youth group are hurting and have their own aftermath to walk through. I know Bobby and I will be sending some things to her and to their youth group. If any of you want to send something- even if it's just a short note- please let us know and we will send it all together.
Since the accident, (more than EVER) I look for every opportunity I can to help people who are hurting. It's something we are called to do as christians-in our everyday lives but even still- I've actually thought about putting a name to it-as an intentional ministry....The Mackenzie Project...
Anyway, if you want to be a part of sending anything to this Florida church, please let us know!
We love each and EVERY one of you,
Cat
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
GENDER DEFENDER!!!!
2 Things!
1. This Sunday night there is an encounter service at Destiny with a special speaker! (whose last name we don't know how to spell!) :0P BUT we hear he is an amazing speaker (especially for youth)- so don't miss out!
2. You all know the bonfire is this Saturday night (#BeaBringer) -but don't forget it's also the GENDER DEFENDER conclusion!
1. This Sunday night there is an encounter service at Destiny with a special speaker! (whose last name we don't know how to spell!) :0P BUT we hear he is an amazing speaker (especially for youth)- so don't miss out!
2. You all know the bonfire is this Saturday night (#BeaBringer) -but don't forget it's also the GENDER DEFENDER conclusion!
Our team has been working hard on an awesome obstacle course for our final competition! (Thanks to Nick & Rachel Musgrove!) So bring as many people as you can- it's going to be a good time!
....& the girls are going to win. ehem!
See you guys Saturday!
-Cat
Monday, September 12, 2011
THIS WEEKEND!!!
This Saturday!
Where: The Taylor's House
When: Saturday @ 5PM
Who: The Garage & FRIENDS
BE THERE.
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