Forum posts to 'Teens Positive Connection'

Desire is Not Enough

Admin h — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:34:07 -0400

Proverbs 13:4 – The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Many times you’ll hear people say that if you really want something, you can have it. However, this verse teaches us that desire is not enough. A definition for the word sluggard is “a lazy person,” so this verse may well be paraphrased, “The lazy person desires, but he still doesn’t have anything.” Just wanting it doesn’t get the job done. The verse goes on to tell us that the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Now, when we see the word “fat,” we automatically think of things that we don’t want for our lives; however, this verse speaks of a diligent person being overrun with blessings (a fat soul). Sounds like a good thing, right? In other words, the diligent person not only desires something, but does what is necessary to acquire it. God rewards this diligence with an abundance of blessings.
Today we are looking at a generation of teenagers who desire many of the things of this life – cars, motorcycles, money, fancy houses, nice jobs, popularity – but they don’t really want to work for it. So remember, the lazy person desires something, but he never gets it – he has nothing. Do you want to be fat? In the soul, that is! Diligence is the key. Desire good things, be willing to work for what you want, and watch as God honors your hard work with an abundance of blessings. Matthew Henry notes in his commentary of Proverbs that “this is especially true in spiritual affairs. Those that rest in idle wishes know not what the advantages of religion are; whereas those that take pains in the service of God find both the pleasure and profit of it.” Be diligent in the service of God!
Article contributed by Ardy Parlin

Posted to: Desire is Not Enough

ERM Facebook Group

Brad Hoezee — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:11:26 -0400

Encounter Revival Ministries would like to announce the launching of our official Facebook group. Although alumni member Darren Wagner started this group, the staff of Encounter Revival Ministries will now administrate the group (many thanks to Darren for all of his work on getting the group to where it was). You can expect current announcements, pictures, videos, recent sermon Podcasts, scheduling information and more.
The staff of Encounter encourages you to inform your Facebook friends that Encounter is up and running on Facebook. This is not simply limited to alumni, but would include anyone who wants to hear regularly from Encounter.
Thanks for your participation in this endeavor as we proclaim the truths of God’s Word for revival and spiritual awakening.
Group Link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2226248545

Posted to: ERM Facebook Group

Spring Cleaning

Brad Hoezee — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:49:40 -0400

Ok, I’ll admit it. There is one thing I dislike about living in Pennsylvania - the winter time. Oh, I like snow, but only when I’m skiing or sledding. Once a year is plenty for me! I don’t like the cold that accompanies it. I don’t like wearing coats all the time. I don’t like having to wash the salt off my car every week. I don’t like scraping my windshield when I want to go somewhere. I guess all of these intense feelings of dislike stem from the fact that I grew up in good ol’ South Carolina. But you know, there is one thing I like about the winter…spring always follows it. The faithfulness of the seasons is very comforting to me. There is something about the spring air that rejuvenates me.
Now, when we talk about spring, we often hear about spring cleaning. You know what I’m talking about. This is when your Mom goes crazy and makes you help her move everything in the house that’s not nailed down so she can clean under it, around it, behind it, on top of it, and everywhere else she can reach. Your house gets a complete wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor cleaning. If you sit on the couch for more than 5 seconds without moving, you get cleaned. At least, that’s what it was like at my house growing up. And of course, that cleaning frenzy includes YOUR room! Well, if you’re like most, you are probably not incredibly excited about this new found exuberance for cleaning that has suddenly overtaken your mother. But, you know it’s a good thing to do, so you help her on her week-long project of making the house look immaculate! It’s then that you realize that your room has not been cleaned really well since last spring. So there are piles of unorganized things overtaking your closet; there are old clothes that you’ll never wear again just taking up space in your closet, or under your bed, depending on where you threw them. There is clutter on your nightstand and dresser, and dust everywhere that has been collecting all winter. Then you finally realize, “Wow, I better do something about this mess.”
Well, just like we examine our house after the winter time and do some major cleaning, so ought we to examine our spiritual condition. Has dust been collecting? Have you piled up little sins in the corner hoping it won’t make a difference? Has your walk with God become stagnant? Have you become unconnected from the Vine as John 15 warns us not to do? If so, then allow the change in the seasons to be a reminder to you that you need to clean out your heart also, and allow God to change you for His glory. Paul, in the book of Ephesians, put it this way: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
So I embrace the spring! The new life on the trees and plants is a reminder to me that I need to be willing to change, to not be content with my current spiritual walk. My cry to God is the cry of David when he said in the Psalms, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” This must be a daily cry to God. To remain connected to the Vine means being daily in the Word, growing, and ridding our lives of the old, sinful nature. For our lives, a once a year overhaul just doesn’t work. The dirt piles up way too quickly, and Satan gets a foothold on our hearts. If this is where you find yourself, remember that God is faithful. He is waiting to create in you a clean heart if you will just humble yourself before Him! Just as spring always follows the winter, God will do a new work in you also. But you must submit to Him.
So when you’re cleaning your room, be reminded that God is much more concerned with the “dust” in the crevices of your heart then the dust under your bed (but you should clean that too!).
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalms 51:10
Ah, yes, the Spring!! Bring it on!!
Signing off,
The Philster

Posted to: Spring Cleaning

Quiet Time Cautions

Brad Hoezee — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:40:57 -0400

Read: Matthew 6:5-8
Meditation: vs. 7 ("But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions...")
Explanation:
Chapter 6 of Matthew is in the middle of Jesus' known discourse, the Sermon on the Mount. Here Jesus pulls His disciples apart from the crowd to teach them in some of the weightier issue of the Christian life. Much of the emphasis of His teaching centered on the concept that God is more concerned with the condition of the heart than He is with the actions. He wasn't negating religious actions; He was simply teaching that "externals" are of no value apart from heart-felt obedience. This was a major issue for the Pharisees, and Christ didn't want His disciples to do the same.
One of the issues within this discourse was prayer. He was very concerned that His disciples understood the importance of it, and how to do it. One of the instructions given was "...use not vain repetitions..." Christ didn't have anything against repetition; He was concerned with "vain" repetition. Vain repetition is when you are babbling words without a purpose. When this happens, your prayers become useless.
Relationship to Quiet Time:
Having a Quiet Time (spending time with God every day for the purpose of cultivating a relationship with God that is life-changing) is one of the greatest disciplines of the Christian life. But unlike other spiritual disciplines, it is one that is repeated on a daily basis. You go to church once a week, youth activities once a month, but you have your Quiet Time every day. Anytime we do something on a repeated basis, we are in danger of it becoming "vain" like the prayers of the Pharisees. Knowing that the problem isn't with the principle of Quiet Time, we have to do what it takes to continue this discipline (repetition), while guarding against it becoming meaningless and purposeless (vain).
Tips for Avoiding a "Vain" Quiet Time
How Can I Keep My Quiet Time from becoming "Old Hat?"
Be cautious of a...
1. Quiet Time without a plan.
Know what you're doing when you show up.
2. Quiet Time without a tool.
A good devotional (tool) helps you with extra insight on a passage, keeps you organized and focused on an issue, etc.
3. Quiet Time without enough time.
10 minutes won't do. Be sure you allow yourself enough time to do it without rush.
4. Quiet Time without application.
If you'll give time to meditate on what you read, God will bring to your attention how it applies to you. Be patient.
5. Quiet Time without journaling.
Journaling will take discipline, but it is very helpful in "nailing down" your commitments.
6. Quiet Time without variety.
Stay out of routine and rut by changing up your plan and your devotionals regularly. Do what it takes to keep it "fresh."
And remember, nothing that is worthwhile comes easy, especially when you are dealing with spiritual things. Satan will be attacking you, trying to get you discouraged. Ask God to help you guard against his attacks. We are praying that many of you will make commitments to strengthen your devotional time with God.
In Christ,
The PC Staff

Posted to: Quiet Time Cautions

Honest Work is Blessed of God

Brad Hoezee — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:28:30 -0500

"Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase." --Proverbs 13:11
God promises that wealth received dishonestly or unfairly will certainly be reduced. It has become accepted practice for people in our society to cheat, steal, lie and bribe in order to get what they want. Although immediate gain may be realized, that gain will be lost in the long run.
The Bible puts a high premium on work. Man is expected to work to attain his desires. Gambling, get-rich-quick schemes, manipulating people and all sorts of other tactics are used by people in order to avoid hard work. Remember what God’s Word teaches – a person not willing to work is not worthy to eat.
Don’t get caught up in the “do-nothing” craze. Being a worker does not insure immediate riches, but as you are faithful and diligent in your work, in God’s time you will see His blessings on your life.

Posted to: Honest Work is Blessed of God

Watch out for Thorns

Brad Hoezee — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:26:56 -0500

"Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them." -- Prov. 22:5
In the Bible the froward person is the one who ignores and refuses to heed the Word of God. What the froward person does not realize is that ignoring rules and guidelines does not eliminate them. As an athletic contest without rules would be ridiculous and chaotic, so also is life for the “froward” person. Thorns and snares may be difficulties, injuries, shattered dreams, broken hearts or ruined lives. True contentment that may have been is lost in the “thorns and snares.”
Notice the person who “keeps his soul” in the second part of the verse. This is the person who listens and obeys the Word of God, is careful about thoughts and associations, and guards his life and soul. Now “keeping your soul” does not mean you will never have problems. It is like walking through the woods. Some people are careful about the “thorns and snares” while others go through the woods recklessly. All go through, but some get scratched and bruised.

Posted to: Watch out for Thorns

Who Really Cares?

Brad Hoezee — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 06:40:11 -0500

Who Really Cares?
Who cares? Don’t you hear that a lot these days? Think about it. The philosophy of the world is this: “Do whatever you want, go where ever you want, look at whatever you want. Who cares? It’s your life; do what you want with it, right?” Wrong! If we fall into this lie we are giving our Enemy the victory and pushing God out of the picture, and ultimately our life. Why don’t we care about the way we live our lives?
One reason is we want to be accepted by all people. Let’s face it, we all want to be accepted and we want everyone to like us. However, we must see if our wants are clashing or going against God’s Word. As Christians we are called to be completely different than the world. It says in Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” That verse sums it all up—we must not let the world pull us down with the attitude of ‘who cares’!
Perhaps another reason might be that as Christians we have forgotten what we are living for. If we have, we need to ask ourselves some questions: What are we really living for? What is our purpose on earth? In Ecclesiastes 12:13 it says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” This verse simply states that in order to live a life that is pleasing to God we must obey Him, and obedience requires us to care about the way we live our lives. Not only have we forgotten what we are living for, we have also lost sight of our eternal home with the Lord.
It says in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Matthew 6:19-21 also talks about laying treasures up in heaven and not on this earth. This world is fading away, and if we are living for what it has to offer then we too will fade with it, and our life will account for nothing.
We must never forget our purpose in life, as well as our eternal home that the Lord has prepared for those who diligently serve and faithfully follow after Him. If we call ourselves Christians, then we must be different from this world. One verse that is a huge help in this battle is John 15:18, 19: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” WE MUST CARE ABOUT THE WAY WE LIVE OUR LIFE!! DO YOU?
Devotional Contributed by Caleb Frye (2nd year Encounter team member)

Posted to: Who Really Cares?

Global Games Extension

Brad Hoezee — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:38:32 -0400

Lou San Times
Olympians Showdown with Titans at the Global Games Coliseum
By Philip Drake
Global Games Resident Professional (which means absolutely nothing!)
The Olympians brought it strong in the latest showdown with their fierce competitors, the Titans! The contest was stretched out over 3 days and involved many grueling events such as Big Ball Bonanza, Extreme Frisbee, Big Ball V-ball, and the most heated of all events – Torch It!
On October 1 at 5:30pm, competitors from Leesburg Christian School in Leesburg, VA stepped onto the property of the Global Games Village at Mt. Lou San at the base of Blue Mtn. for the first time as they began their 3-day quest for gold. The events at the Global Games Village, which many thought were over in early August, were extended for this 3-day matchup. The Encounter members once again assumed their roles as “coaches” to facilitate this epic scenario, as they quickly bonded with their “athletes” for maximum effectiveness. Apart from the rivalry, the athletes enjoyed spending worthwhile time with their coaches at the Global Games Chapel learning more about God’s pattern for their lives. They learned lessons on teamwork and unity in the body of Christ at the Low Ropes Training Course. Through the sport of geocaching, the coaches were able to help their athletes understand how God’s Word is like the GPS tracker that guided them through the woods to their treasure. And through a time set aside for personal devotions, the athletes were able to cultivate their relationship with their heavenly Father – many for the first time in a long while.
Certainly, the highlight of this episode of the Global Games was the fireside testimonies shared by coaches and athletes alike, where it was evident that the events between the Olympians and the Titans took backstage to the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all those who attended the games.
To the readers/subscribers of this issue of the Lou San Times:
We thank God for this time with Leesburg Christian School and ask that you would please remember these students in your prayers. Many have made life-altering decisions and need the courage to stand up for those decisions, and the perseverance to carry them out. Thank you for your prayers and commitment to Mt. Lou San. We would encourage you to look for the next issue of the Lou San Times in the near future! God bless!

Posted to: Global Games Extension