When you miss out on big trips like the youth winter rendezvous, you never really care. You weren’t there. You had a fun time at home. You didn’t miss much, or so you think.
But for those teens who go on these trips, life-changing decisions are made. Literally. I’m not saying it happens every time. I’m not saying it happens to every person. What I’m saying is this… A camp or retreat with a concentrated focus on spiritual growth could very well shape who you will be for the rest of your life. It did for me! And I’m sure it has for many of you.
But if you didn’t go… No big deal. You don’t know what you missed, so who cares, right? The youth Winter rendezvous this year was amazing, but you can barely get a sense of how good it was through the pictures or the stories. You had to have been there.
God spoke to me through the preaching on honor, and God challenged me in several ways. I couldn’t go to sleep on Thursday night because I was thinking so much about it. All friday night and Saturday morning I was reflecting on the games, the conversations, and the preaching. What a blessing. God is so good to us. Think about it… when was the last time God really spoke to you?
-Bro. Ryan
TIES – Guys, feel free to take 2 or 3 ties, if you want. I got about 35 new ties for Christmas ($2 each!) and purged out some of my old ties for you to take. Some are old, some are new. I wore ALL of them, so it’s not like they’re some old, dumb ties. ☺ I promise.
GREET MISSIONARIES JOE AND KELLA WYNNE – They are with us all day today. Missionaries to Mexico.
MISSIONARY JASON STEPHENS – next week. Missionary to Honduras.
MISSIONS COMMITMENT – Pray all month about what God would have you commit to missions this year. Consider giving by faith to a weekly or monthly amount that YOU cannot do… and only GOD can do (faith!). The last Sunday in January is the day we commit.
Be Thou Exalted, O God! (song 21)
I will praise Thee, O Lord, among the people.
I will sing unto Thee among the nations.
For Thy mercy is great unto the heavens. Be Thou exalted, O God.
Let Thy glory be above all the earth,
Let Thy glory be above all the earth.
I will praise Thee, O Lord,
Among the people.
I will sing unto Thee among the nations.
For Thy mercy is great unto the heavens and Thy truth unto the clouds.
As the Hart Longs (song 26)
As longs the hart for flowing streams,
So longs my soul for You, O God
My soul does thirst for the living God
When shall I come to see Your face?
My tears have fed me day and night,
While some have said, “Where is your God?”
But I recall as my soul pours dry
The days of peace within Your house.
Why do I mourn and toil within,
When it is mine to hope in God?
I shall again sing praise to Him,
He is my help, He is my God.