2009 Youth Rally ~ July 8-11 in Ames, Iowa
June 22, 2009
Camp Jefferson
Camp Jefferson, for 3-8th graders, will be held July 24-26. This is a WELS camp held near the Kansas border. Living Hope has sent a good number of kids to Camp Jefferson over the years. Lots of adult supervison, campfires, Bible study, tubing, archery, crafts, plenty of memories.
May 13, 2009
Fear, Guilt…and then Forgiveness & Peace
So, what makes you nervous? What brings fear to your heart, or anxiety? I would think that the possibility that your life could be in danger would make you afraid. Of course, guilt is powerful, too. A guilty conscience can cause lots of anxiety, lots of nervousness.
On Easter Sunday evening, Jesus’ followers had both issues. First, they thought their lives might have been on the line. After all, the Jewish religious leaders had put Jesus to death – how hard would it be for them to get the disciples? Additionally, they were struggling with guilt. For whatever reason they hadn’t quite gotten it, hadn’t paid attention when Jesus told them He’d rise from the dead. Now they’ve gotten several reports that He HAS risen. If He really has, how would He deal with them? In anger and judgment? Let’s find out.
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” (John 20:19-20 NIV)
In the place of fear, there’s now forgiveness. Why? Because of the reality that Jesus had really died, Jesus had really risen. The sight of Jesus’ nail-scarred – but risen! – hands drove fear out of their hearts!
So picture Jesus: He’s standing in front of you, smiling, hands outstretched. You can see the nail scars on His hands. He says to you, “Peace be with you.” There in His Word of peace, in His nail-scarred, risen hands – is the antidote to fear, all fear. For there, in the hands and words of Jesus – there’s forgiveness.
Prayer thoughts: Jesus, my risen Savior, often I’m nervous and afraid. Forgive me! Focus my attention on Your nail-scarred, risen hands, that I might see clearly that my sins are forgiven, and that I’m at peace with You. In your name I pray. Amen.
April 29, 2009
Perspective…How big are you?
BEYOND OUR SUN, IT’S A BIG UNIVERSE.
ANTARES IS THE 15th BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE SKY. IT IS MORE THAN 1000 LIGHT YEARS AWAY.
HOW BIG ARE YOU?
NOW, TRY TO WRAP YOUR MIND AROUND THIS………
THIS IS A HUBBLE TELESCOPE ULTRA-DEEP FIELD INFRARED VIEW OF COUNTLESS
‘ENTIRE’ GALAXIES BILLIONS OF LIGHT-YEARS AWAY.
BELOW, IS A CLOSE-UP OF ONE OF THE DARKEST REGIONS OF THE
PHOTO ABOVE.
HUMBLING, ISN’T IT?
NOW HOW BIG ARE YOU?
AND HOW BIG ARE THE THINGS THAT UPSET YOU TODAY?
KEEP LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE.
AND DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!
IT’S ALL UNDER CONTROL.
Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone-
while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?
(God speaking to Job; see Job 38)
April 2, 2009
EVERYDAY Videos for Teens
The Everyday video series is a chance to explore real-life situations many teens face, and how to deal with them as dearly loved children of God. Some are meant to make you think. Others are meant to clearly show you the way. All of them, God-willing, will draw you into a closer, deeper relationship with your Savior, Jesus. That’s what He wants everyday. That’s what we need everyday. By the power of the Spirit, that’s what we seek everyday.
March 25, 2009
