Listen...Carefully (Romans 2:12-16)

What a blessing it is to live in the country, society and culture we do. We are blessed with so many freedoms, so many rights, and access to information and products that have never before been so easily accessible. I was listening to a song on K-105 (I love country) and in it the singer mentioned that he was on a business video conference with another company... in CHINA. We all take for granted the ease of access we have to just about everything, or at least I am convinced that I do, and you know what else we take for granted? Access to the laws and precepts of heavenly father, he has given us a book that tells us quite clearly how he wants us to live our lives and things we should and should not do, we are blessed, tonight we are looking at Romans 2:12-16 and are going to be talking about the responsibility that comes with have the Bible and readily available access to it, and what that means for those who don't have access, or have never heard the laws and precepts of the Bible. Paul makes the answer clear in his writing and we will uncover the answer to and be asking many more questions tonight.

Back To Romans

Do you remember what the major event was in 2004? I Guess that's questionable isn't it, there was the Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction courtesy of Janet Jackson, "The Passion of the Christ" was released, Randy Johnson Pitched a perfect game for the Diamond Backs, George Bush won the Presidential election, but arguably the most globally significant event that took place was the earthquake and tsunami that hit the coast of India, do you remember that?

The earthquake was a magnitude 9.2 the largest ever recorded, the entire world shook .4 inches, almost a half an inch isn't that crazy? Followed by the devastating tsunami that killed nearly 230,000 people, all in a matter of hours. It took the entire world and $7billion dollars to recover from that event.

I was watching videos of the tsunami and there were people who acted several ways, some just stood on the beach and watch the awe and miracle of nature happen, as the tide went out, and then they saw the huge wave coming from miles away but just stood there, in awe and shock until it was too late to move, because they couldn't out run it. Others mostly natives saw what was going on and ran, like crazy, to get somewhere safe, they had seen a tsunami before and understood the power and danger that it carried and wanted to do nothing but find safety. And still another group of people sat in their homes or walked on their streets, shopped, talked, completely unaware of the danger that was heading their way, they never saw it coming. The impartial tsunami took everyone and everything in its path regardless of age, race, religion, social standing, or political power, it took everything and everyone.

My stomach turns thinking about that cold situation, and I grow really uneasy thinking about what if were there, what if it were me? I'm not special, I would have died just like the rest, the judgement of the tsunami, was so impartial.

Tonight at youth group we are going to be talking about the impartiality of the judgement of God, in Romans 2: 6-11. We will talk about how Gods judgement is for everyone, and regardless of how much good we do, we can never do enough. If we say we follow the law, then we are judged by the law which we cannot stand under, if we are not under the law, we are still going to be judged by the law which we could not stand under even if we wanted to. This brings us to a very grim situation doesn't it? Having to do something perfectly that we don't have the capability of doing yet never the less we fall victim to the impartiality of Gods judgement, and no matter who we are or where we are from we have all fallen victim to the reign of sin. Although we have to work our way towards it, we know that lurking in the light not too far ahead, is one with the power to stop the storm, calm the waters, and though he cant curb the judgement of God, he died so that we may be perfect in front of Him.

The Parable of The Hidden Treasure

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Matthew 13:44

How much is the Kingdom of Heaven worth? Tonight we answered that question as we talked through what exactly a parable is (A story that reveals something formerly unknown about Heaven or God) and what the truth behind the parable of the hidden treasure is. The students were able to talk through first of all who the parable was referring to, is it speaking of the price Jesus had to pay for us by being crucified? or is it speaking to the superlative value of Heaven and the fact that it is worth far more than we could ever sacrifice. So the question is what is it that we have that we can or need to sacrifice? Maybe its our time, Josh said that he needed to sacrifice some of his time to be in prayer. The other students also made the practical applications to their own lives as to what it is that they have that they would be willing to sacrifice for the Kingdom of Heaven. So what is the Kingdom of Heaven worth to you? Is it worth everything? It is worth anything? Let your life be a living sacrifice demonstrating to all what the Kingdom of Heaven is worth sacrificing, because after all, no matter how you look at it, its a good deal!

CDYC Sr. High Days 1 and 2

We hit the ground running! I dont think any of us were prepared for the packed schedule that we would be facing the first couple days of Sr. High CDYC! We had a very packed bus ride on the way to IWU and we watched the tempature rise 1 degree every 9 minutes on the way down, and just so you know how hott it was, when we got to IWU the bus tempature was 91 degrees! The kids took it well though, our kids sat in the back of the bus and played "Apples To Apples" the entire way while the students from fellowship filled the front of the bus.

Once we arrived, we unpacked all of our items and took them to our dorms and then sat down and ate our supper which was a piece of home, 5 dollar Little Ceasers pizzas. We didnt have much time though because the girls had to be at a basketball game immediately after supper, and then we had to be at our opening session, man was it busy.

Day 2 was much of the same if not more busy, the girls finished playing basketball they lost unfortunately and we then spent from 1 to 6 out in the hot sun watching Ivan play soccer, his team finished 3rd! Go Ivan!

After Ivan finished his games we all went to the dinning commons together to have supper together (you would not believe the unity with this group) and they had pork chops, and all kinds of good stuff! After supper we had session which was really awesome, the band was rocking and the speaker is a very serious get to the point kind of guy (which our kids enjoy) and got them thinking alot. After session we had our group meeting and we talked about what would happen if we changed our lives from God being a part of lives, to our lives being a part of God, what a conversation. The kids are soaking in so much, and they are loving being here. Thanks for all your prayers, and continue to pray hard for our students, they are getting it! God is working! Let us continue to pettition God on thier behalves. Well it has been very busy and we are very tired, so bon voyage! (is that how ya spell that?) Later!

Cole, Lindsey, Amber and the Students!

P.S. The internet connection is not that great in our new location so i am not able to upload photo's this time, but i will when we get back, Check back often!

Jr. High CDYC Day 3

Today was a day defined by Sports. We were busy from the time we left lunch until we sat down to eat supper. We were running back and forth from volleyball to soccer. Our students really improved in thier volleyball skills and had a great time playing, they showed great sportsmanship to one another as well as to the opposing teams. They were a great example to all who were watching! Also today Michaela and Hannah Carteau played on a free agent team in the tournament bracket of girls soccer. This is the most competitive bracket for girls soccer here at CDYC and none of the girls had ever met some of thier teamates so you know how well a team like that usually plays, well to cut to the chase a big congratulations to both of the girls because they both received 1st place medals because THEY WON! We are so proud of them for that, but also for the volleyball team and the way they played.
As for our sessions today they continue to build to this climax and we are getting close, today it was a great challenge on loving. Tonight we talked in our small groups about why it is important to love one another, and why it is important to love mom and dad, and why it is important to love brothers and sisters. I believe the girls, and Josh were really challenged to look at how they treat thier siblings and the impact they may and are having on them. You should be proud of your children, but continue to ask them the tough questions and remind them of the challenges they recieved here to love each other, and everyone.
Well we are on our way home tommorrow after lunch so we will be home about 1:00-1:30 so you can pick up your tired, and inspired children then! We cant wait to see you and your kids cant either. Here are the pictures for today!
Au Revior (Thats Goodbye in french!)
Cole, Lindsey, Amber, Josh, Michaela, Hannah, Hannah, Sammie, Carly, Catherine and Shelby.

Jr. High CDYC Day 2

HAPPY FATHERS DAY! From all the students to all the fathers. They Wanted me to make sure and relay the message! The students also wanted us to tell you that they are really having a good time and the food is great! Well we have come to the end of the second day and today the students each learned that thier Father in heaven is CRAZY in love with them. They were challenged and probed to find out if there may be something in thier lives that stops them from excepting this love, it was a a very good lesson and discussion.

Today our girls basketball team which consisted of Hannah Cook, Hannah Carteau, Catherine Graham, and Michaela Cook, played two games, they won one and lost one, not too bad. They had a great time doing and that is really all that matters! There are pictures of their games below, be sure and check them out.
Also today Catherine performed on her violin in front of the judges (and all of us) and done and amazing job! Go Catherine!

It has been a really fun couple of days, and the students are starting to show signs of fatigue (and so are we) so we all agreed that tonight would be an early night so rest easy parents because we are going to be too! Our bedtime is 10:45 tonight and that was actually a mutual decision between us and the students, you have raised them well! There is so much going on here im not sure what all to tell you.

The students are having a really good time in the session with the band that is leading the worship and the very funny and captivating speaker. You can see pictures of the speaker below and a video of the band and your students SHOUTING in worship check those out also.(Technical Difficulties with the videos though, Stay tuned for those!)

Continue to pray for the students while they are here that God will:
1. Keep them safe as they play their sports tommorrow (Soccer and Volleyball)
2. Would work in thier lives in some significant way that they can take back with them and continue to build on.
3. That the students would be able to continue with decisions they have already made while they have been here.
4. For safe travels as we head for home on Tuesday morning.
Adios for now!
Cole Lindsey and Amber. (And of course the students, lol)
P.S. IF ANYONE IS READING THIS LEAVE A COMMENT SO I KNOW YOU'RE OUT THERE. IT WOULD BE ENCOURAGING TO THE KIDS AS WELL.

CDYC Jr. High Day 1

Well here we are. We all 12 made it safely to CDYC 2009 and have completed our first day! The day was filled with all sorts of fun and events, from the inflatable games to dodgeball to the first experience with the cafeteria everything was new to most and a good time.
We started out with the morning session and they introduced the the "Unleashed" theme based off of Hebrews 12:2. We got a run down of the rules and off we went, lunch was great the kids have everything from spaghetti, to Josh's drink concauction which consisted of diet Mountain dew, Mountain dew, Sprite, Tropicana Melon, Lemonade, and anything else citrusy. But don't worry they all finsihed thier meals off with a healthy (okay, heaping) dose of ice cream, and josh even found a way to work that into his drinks (he was pretty entertaining to all today).
We are looking forward to another good day tommorrow and we will have more pictures and information for you then. Enjoy the Pictures!
God Bless.Cole, Lindsey and Amber. And of Course the Kids.