MONTHLY ARCHIVES: January 2009

Live Like It

Posted by phil

Read This Passage: 2 Peter 3:10-13
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness. —2 Peter 3:11

When you were little, you probably blew bubbles. Remember how they floated around for a few seconds and then disappeared? Compared to eternity, our lives are like bubbles. We are here for a moment, and then we’re gone. Our earth has been around for a long time, but one day it will be gone. It will be replaced with a new earth and a new heaven where things will be as God had always planned. Scripture says that -righteousness will dwell there.

In today’s Scripture passage, Peter gave us a clear picture of how this earth will end. The point is clear: this world and the things in it will not last. So the things we value the most probably shouldn’t be things that are fading away. Instead of putting our hopes in things of the world, we should be motivated to live for Christ. When it comes to spiritual things, we should definitely think long-term. We shouldn’t take any spiritual detours.

When it comes to prophecy, some Christians get confused. Some want to rush and get on with their lives before the end comes. Others shrug and think, “Why bother? The world is going to end and nothing will matter then anyway.” But God hasn’t called us to adopt these attitudes. Instead, He clearly tells us in today’s key verse that our lives are supposed to be characterized by “holy conduct and godliness.”

Keep your life focused on Christ and the things that matter to Him. Let the way you handle the everyday frustrations of your life testify to God. Live like someone who has hope, because you do. This world may fade, but you were made for eternity.

Real Choices
A thousand years from now, what will last from your life? Things of this world don’t last; only God will last for all eternity. Does that make any difference in the way you live your daily life?

Digging Deeper
Read the conclusion of today’s Scripture passage in 2 Peter 3:14-18. What do these verses teach you about how you should live?

Pray
Tell God why you look forward to the time when all things will be new. Ask Him to help you live your life in ways that bring glory to Him.


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Live Like It

Posted by anthologycreative

Read This Passage: 2 Peter 3:10-13
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness. —2 Peter 3:11

When you were little, you probably blew bubbles. Remember how they floated around for a few seconds and then disappeared? Compared to eternity, our lives are like bubbles. We are here for a moment, and then we’re gone. Our earth has been around for a long time, but one day it will be gone. It will be replaced with a new earth and a new heaven where things will be as God had always planned. Scripture says that -righteousness will dwell there.

In today’s Scripture passage, Peter gave us a clear picture of how this earth will end. The point is clear: this world and the things in it will not last. So the things we value the most probably shouldn’t be things that are fading away. Instead of putting our hopes in things of the world, we should be motivated to live for Christ. When it comes to spiritual things, we should definitely think long-term. We shouldn’t take any spiritual detours.

When it comes to prophecy, some Christians get confused. Some want to rush and get on with their lives before the end comes. Others shrug and think, “Why bother? The world is going to end and nothing will matter then anyway.” But God hasn’t called us to adopt these attitudes. Instead, He clearly tells us in today’s key verse that our lives are supposed to be characterized by “holy conduct and godliness.”

Keep your life focused on Christ and the things that matter to Him. Let the way you handle the everyday frustrations of your life testify to God. Live like someone who has hope, because you do. This world may fade, but you were made for eternity.

Real Choices
A thousand years from now, what will last from your life? Things of this world don’t last; only God will last for all eternity. Does that make any difference in the way you live your daily life?

Digging Deeper
Read the conclusion of today’s Scripture passage in 2 Peter 3:14-18. What do these verses teach you about how you should live?

Pray
Tell God why you look forward to the time when all things will be new. Ask Him to help you live your life in ways that bring glory to Him.


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A Berry Baby

Posted by phil

  

On January 2nd Phil Berry, our Assistant Director, became a dad to his 2nd little girl. No doubt a future Crestridger, Lily Eve Berry was born 6 lbs 9 oz and healthy as can be. Phil and his wife Amy are excited about introducing all of you this summer to their new daughter Lily.


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“Best of” Video Clips: Part 2

Posted by Karah

The new year is here and with it comes new video clips!  The first video shows the staff getting down and dirty at staff week last year.  During that week the staff does a lot (and I mean A LOT) of cleaning but they also have lots of fun in between as you’ll see!  The second clip is various boys throughout the summer showing everyone some mad skills…there is never a wrong time to bust out with some killer dance moves!  Keep checking back for the next “best of” installment.


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Hand Off

Posted by admin

Read This Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He abolishes all rule and all authority and power. —1 Corinthians 15:24

I was never good at relay races. Whether I was -handing the baton to the guy ahead of me or reaching for it, the team lost time if I was involved in the hand-off. But that mental picture of a relay race hand-off is important. It’s a very real picture of one person giving another person complete control over something.
That’s what today’s key verse is talking about. When Jesus returns, He’ll claim His people and hand His conquest over to God the Father.

According to Paul, there are some basic laws of Christianity. In other words, it all adds up. Once Adam sinned, death entered the human race. Christ conquered death, so we can conquer death and spend eternity with God. In the end, Christ will gain control of everything. When that happens, all will be as it should be.
Since Christ was resurrected, we know that the grave is not the end. Death is not the final word. Because of Christ’s resurrection, Christians have hope. Christianity is more than a do-good religion; it is the answer to life and death. It has eternal implications.

When Jesus returns, there won’t be any miscues. He’ll win the war; He’ll hand the kingdom over to His Father. Rest assured that God has everything under control, even the future. Don’t live in fear of the end of the world. You have hope.

Real Choices
Today’s devotion stressed that God has everything under control, even the future. Does that give you a sense of confidence and peace? Why or why not?

Digging Deeper
Read Hebrews 9:26-28. What do these verses teach you about Jesus’ return? How do these verses show you that God has everything under control?

Pray
Heavenly Father, I pray that I will be ready for the resurrection, and I look forward to the day everything is placed at Your feet.


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Hand Off

Posted by anthologycreative

Read This Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He abolishes all rule and all authority and power. —1 Corinthians 15:24

I was never good at relay races. Whether I was -handing the baton to the guy ahead of me or reaching for it, the team lost time if I was involved in the hand-off.  But that mental picture of a relay race hand-off is important. It’s a very real picture of one person giving another person complete control over something.
That’s what today’s key verse is talking about. When Jesus returns, He’ll claim His people and hand His conquest over to God the Father.

According to Paul, there are some basic laws of Christianity. In other words, it all adds up. Once Adam sinned, death entered the human race. Christ conquered death, so we can conquer death and spend eternity with God. In the end, Christ will gain control of everything. When that happens, all will be as it should be.
Since Christ was resurrected, we know that the grave is not the end. Death is not the final word. Because of Christ’s resurrection, Christians have hope. Christianity is more than a do-good religion; it is the answer to life and death. It has eternal implications.

When Jesus returns, there won’t be any miscues. He’ll win the war; He’ll hand the kingdom over to His Father. Rest assured that God has everything under control, even the future. Don’t live in fear of the end of the world. You have hope.

Real Choices
Today’s devotion stressed that God has everything under control, even the future. Does that give you a sense of confidence and peace? Why or why not?

Digging Deeper
Read Hebrews 9:26-28. What do these verses teach you about Jesus’ return? How do these verses show you that God has everything under control?

Pray
Heavenly Father, I pray that I will be ready for the resurrection, and I look forward to the day everything is placed at Your feet.


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