Essential Nate

Day 40 (end)

2010-09-22T09:39:00.002-05:00

Day 40

Worship

Before reading today, spend a few minutes contemplating the idea of worship. What does worship mean? What does it look like? What are some ways that you worship?

Read Revelation 4:1-11.

In this passage in Revelation, John describes a vision he has of the throne room of the Almighty God. What stands out to you about His vision?

Read Revelation 4:1-11 again, slowly. Take in the details of the throne room of Heaven and the living creatures surrounding the throne.

What are the creatures doing? In verses 8-9, John explains what the creatures around the throne are saying and doing. They are worshipping God, giving Him praise. How long do they praise? It isn’t a 20-minute setlist or a 2-hour concert. They praise the Lord day and night; they do not rest from praising Him. How often to you spend time worshipping God?

Sometimes we get caught up in the stigma of worship. We think that worship is about singing the right songs and feeling a certain way. But worship isn’t about us. It isn’t a feeling or a lyric. Worship is acknowledging God for who He is and rightly responding to Him.

Spend a few minutes in worship of your Creator. Tell Him how powerful and awesome He is. Give Him praise for who He is and all that He has done.

When you’re ready, read Revelation 5:1-14.

No one is worthy of worship except God. He is the only One who deserves our time, efforts, energy, and adoration. What are other things in your life that you worship? Confess to the Lord your lack of praise and worship of Him. Spend some time praying through Revelation 4:8-11 and 5:9-12. Ask Him to draw you into His spirit and to raise you up as one who worships Him in spirit and in truth.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Script?

Day 39

2010-09-22T09:38:00.003-05:00

Day 39

Wisdom

Read James 1:1-4.

According to James, what are the byproducts of the trials we endure? Why?

Read James 1:5-8.

James encourages the reader to ask God for wisdom, particularly in the midst of trials, but he says to ask a certain way. He says to ask in faith, with no doubting. What does it mean to ask God for faith without doubting? When you ask of God, do you doubt? Why should we not doubt when asking God for wisdom?

Read James 1:9-20.

How do you see wisdom played out in this passage? What does wisdom look like?

Spend a few moments focused on wisdom. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:19 that even the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God. Ask the Lord to show you what His wisdom looks like. Ask Him for guidance in discerning His wisdom in the world around you.

Read James 1:21-27.

Where do you see wisdom in these verses?

How wise are you living? James makes the point that we are to be doers and not hearers only of the Word. Wisdom isn’t just a lofty, intangible concept to think on; it’s a characteristic to embody and apply. Where do you see wisdom in your life? In what areas of your life do you need to ask God for wisdom and then apply it?

Spend some time in prayer. Ask the Lord for wisdom, and then do not doubt when He answers. Commit to following the Lord and walking in His wisdom, rather than man’s.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 38

2010-09-22T09:38:00.000-05:00

Day 38

Faith

Before you begin reading today, stop and reflect for a few minutes. How would you describe your faith? What kind of faith do you want to have?

Spend a few minutes in prayer, asking God to grow your faith in new ways right now.

Read Hebrews 11:1-3.

How does the writer describe faith in the opening verse? What does he say that faith accomplishes? What is your faith accomplishing currently?

Read Hebrews 11:4-38.

Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Baak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and many others are all mentioned as having great faith. Why? Who are your heroes of faith? Why?

Take some time to review the stories of these who overcame by faith. What stands out to you about their stories? How did their faith change their lives? How does your faith change your life? Spend a few minutes in prayer asking the Lord to change your life through faith.

Read Hebrews 11:39-40.

The writer of Hebrews clarifies that all of those mentioned as heroes of faith continued to be faithful to God despite the fact that they did not receive the promise of God in their lifetime here on earth. They didn’t live for His fulfillment in this lifetime, but rather, they trusted in the Lord and lived by faith that He would provide something better—completion and perfection—in the life to come.

Where is your faith? Are you trusting God for fulfillment and promise for this lifetime alone or are you setting your sights to the things unseen (vs 1-3)?

Read Hebrews 12:1-2.

Pray. Examine your life and your faith before the Lord. Ask Him for clarity and discernment in setting your faith in Him and in His provision. Praise Him for His faithfulness.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 37

2010-09-22T09:35:00.003-05:00

Day 37

Church Conduct

Read 1 Timothy 4:12-16.

In his writing to Timothy, Paul instructs Timothy not to be shy or insecure because of his youth, but to set an example for the believers around him. Do you ever feel insecure because of your age? How does your age affect your actions as far as your faith is concerned?

Paul explains that Timothy should set an example for other believers in 6 areas of his life. What are those 6 areas? How do you personally set an example for other believers in those areas of your life?

Take a minute to stop and pray. Ask the Lord to help you be bold in setting an example for other believers through these 6 areas of your life. Ask Him to show you which areas you need to focus on improving as a leader and example of faith.

Read 1 Timothy 5:1-2.

Paul gives some specific instructions about how Timothy and his fellow believers ought to interact with one another. Does how you treat fellow believers line up with what Paul tells Timothy? Why or why not?

Read 1 Timothy 5:3-16.

How does Paul say that the church should care for widows? Why?

Read 1 Timothy 5:17-24.

Paul makes the point that elders in the church are to be treated with double honor. Is that the case in the church today? How do you treat those adults placed in leadership around you?

In his letter to Timothy, Paul outlines how the church as a body ought to treat one another. Spend a few minutes going back over these passages. Look for areas that stand out to you as needing improvement. Submit those areas to God in a prayer. Ask Him to help grow you in your respect and treatment of leadership and fellow believers, and also ask Him to grow the body as a whole.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 36

2010-09-22T09:35:00.000-05:00

Day 36

Pressing on

Trials are an inevitable part of life. Consider your journey right now. What trials are you experiencing currently?

Read Philippians 3:12-13.

Paul speaks about pressing on in the faith. Sometimes when we are under fire from the enemy in some area of our lives, we easily get discouraged. Paul says that he forgets things of the past and reaches forward to those things ahead of him. Are there things in your life from your past that you’re holding onto? What’s causing trials in your life and preventing you from pressing on? Spend a few minutes in prayer. Ask God to reveal to you those things to which you are clinging. Ask Him to help you let go of the things behind you so that you can press on to what He has in front of you. Thank Him for His endurance and steadfast love.

Read Philippians 3:14-15.

A major contributor to our discouragement is often where we set our sights. Setting our sights isn’t just about looking forward and not backward, but it’s also about looking upward and not around us. What have you been setting your sights on? Paul speaks of the prize as being in Christ Jesus. That is the reason we run this race: for Him and for Him alone. Spend a few minutes in prayer aligning yourself with how the Bible says we ought to run this race. Consider where your eyes have been fixed and commit now to fix your eyes on Christ as your prize.

Read Philippians 3:16.

It’s clear throughout Scripture that we were not created to run this race alone. We weren’t meant to endure hardships or trials on our own. Who in your life can you turn to when you’re discouraged in the midst of a trial? Who in your life may be needing to turn to you for encouragement in the midst of their trials? Spend some time in prayer. Praise the Lord for His provision and sustaining grace. Ask Him to reveal to you those people He’s placed in your life to share this race with. Ask Him to be your endurance and your sustenance as you press onward. Commit to setting your sights forward and upward.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 35

2010-09-22T09:34:00.003-05:00

Day 35

Sowing and reaping

Read Galatians 6:1-5.

Paul addresses the need for brothers and sisters to bear each others’ burdens. What does it mean to bear one anothers’ burdens? What stands in the way of bearing each others’ burdens in our lives? How are you at sharing your burdens? How about bearing others’ burdens?

Read Galatians 6:6-8.

So often our flesh gets in the way of accomplishing God’s purposes. We are too prideful or selfish or lazy to get down to the nitty gritty of sharing this journey together. We don’t open up or lend a hand to our brothers and sisters in need. Paul warns us to not be deceived, that God isn’t fooled by our actions even when we fool ourselves. What we sow, we reap.

Spend a few minutes examining your life through prayer. Ask God for clarity in discerning how you sow and reap. What kind of seeds are you sowing? What you are reaping will help you determine what you are sowing.

Read Galatians 6:9-10.

Paul encourages the Galatians to stay steady in doing good. Sometimes the harvest takes a lot of planting. We may sow seeds of the Spirit for a long time before we see them reaped. But we are to stay the course, to not grow weary. How are you feeling about the seeds you’re sowing? Are you investing in the lives of others? Are you doing good to and for those around you and planting seeds of everlasting life?

Pray. Ask the Lord to show you where you need to make adjustments to your sowing. Ask Him to guide you in bearing your brothers’ and sisters’ burdens. Thank Him for the blessing of relationships and His design for us to not walk alone. Commit to sowing seeds of the Spirit which will reap everlasting life.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 34

2010-09-22T09:34:00.000-05:00

Day 34

True Love

Consider the word love. What does “love” mean? Where do you see “love”? What does the world say “love” is? Spend a few minutes thinking about love. Jot down some of your thoughts.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.

How does Paul describe love to the Corinthians?

Read the passage again. How does the Bible’s description of love compare to how the world loves? How does it compare to how YOU love?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.

What is the most valuable thing in your life? We tend to use love as a measuring tool for defining significance and priority in our lives. But often times, we are quick to say we “love” things, posessions, ideas, etc. that are not really worthy of our love, yet we are skeptical or selfish when it comes to loving as we ought. If “the greatest of these is love,” how ought that affect how we live our lives?

Read through 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 again. As you read, evaluate your own life. Are you loving according to Scripture? Are you experiencing love according to Scripture?

Spend some time praying through verses 4-8. Ask the Lord to help you love like the Bible describes love. Ask Him to show you places where you can increase your love. Thank Him for His great love and the opportunity for us to know Him and love Him in return.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 33

2010-09-22T09:33:00.000-05:00

Day 33

Dead to sin but alive in God

Before you read, take a moment and concentrate on the idea of grace. It is because of grace that we have life, hope, a future. It is because of God’s grace that we are redeemed and we are seen as worthy. Spend a few moments soaking in the knowledge and power of God’s grace. Thank Him for His unending and unrelenting grace. Ask Him to open your eyes now as you seek to discover how to live in accordance to His grace and mercy.

Read Romans 6:1-4.

In spite of the fact that we are made free by grace, we do not receive the license to continue living in sin. In fact, to live in sin is not really to live at all, but it is to take on death. Do you ever take advantage of grace? How? Paul makes the point that since we as believers have been buried with Christ through His death, we are also raised to walk in new life with Him. What does it mean for you to be buried with Christ? What does it look like to walk in new life with Him?

Read Romans 6:5-11.

Paul goes on to say that not only are we dead to sin, but when we did die with Christ, we died to sin once and for all. We don’t have to live in sin. But it’s our choice. Do you live in sin or do you walk in righteousness with Christ?

Spend a few moments in prayer. Ask the Lord to examine your life and reveal to you how you’re living your life. Ask Him to show you areas of your life that you have not chosen to live in Christ. Thank Him for His grace in dying for you and in offering you the gift of living in Him.

In verse 11, Paul commands the Romans to “reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Will you reckon yourself dead to sin today? Maybe you have sin in your life that you need to confess. Spend time in prayer, confessing your sin before the Lord and asking His forgiveness.

Read Romans 6:12-20.

If you have confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are no longer a slave to sin. Commit yourself today to living and walking in righteousness with the Lord.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 32

2010-09-22T09:32:00.005-05:00

Day 32

The Early Church

Read Acts 4:32-37.

Acts gives us a picture of the early church and how it functioned. What strikes you most about how the believers interacted with one another? How does this model compare to believers today? What are similarities and differences between how you see the church operating today versus the church as described in Acts 4?

Read Acts 4:32-37 again, slowly.

Spend some time in prayer for the body today. Lift up your brothers and sisters in Christ. Ask God to show us how to operate as one body. Ask Him for His guidance for the church, that we would function as He intended.

Write down what the Lord says to you as you spend time pouring over the church.

What things do you see people lacking today both inside and outside of the church? How can you affect those situations?

Ask God to orchestrate and organize His body of believers to operate in ways the most glorify Him and show His love to others.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 31

2010-09-22T09:32:00.002-05:00

Day 31

Jesus’ Resurrectction & Ascension

Read John 19:38-42.

After Jesus’ death, His friends prepared His body and laid His body to rest. How would you feel to know Christ as friend and Savior, and have to prepare His body for burial? As humans in the physical world, they had to feel rather hopeless, knowing that their Lord had been crucified. Have you ever lost hope? What was your experience like?

Read John 20:1-10.

Mary Magdalene was the last to leave when Jesus dies and the first to visit His grave…but what does she find? What would your reaction be if you found the grave of your Lord empty? Mary did what most of us would do: she told someone. Peter arrived at the tomb, then John, to find nothing but Christ’s grave cloths. Unlike Mary’s reaction, Peter and John assess the situation and they believed. What did Peter and John believe? How do you react in unexpected situations; do you panic or do you believe?

Read John 20:11-13.

Take a look at Mary’s further reaction. She wept. The disciples have headed back home and she’s left alone and she breaks down. She didn’t get it yet. But what happened next changed everything…

Read John 20:14-16.

Hope was restored! Jesus appeared to Mary and called her by name, and everything changed for Mary. In the times that you have lost hope, what changes your perspective? To what do you cling?

Read Luke 24:36-53.

Jesus appeared to His disciples and their reaction was of disbelief. What did it take for them to believe that He was the living, breathing Son of God resurrected? After His visit with the disciples, Jesus led them to Bethany, where He blessed them and then ascended into Heaven. What was the disciples’ reaction to Christ’s ascension? How would you react?

Spend some time in prayer. Thank the Lord for renewing hope, for causing all things to work according to His plan. Praise Him for His death and resurrection that makes your life possible.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 30

2010-09-22T09:31:00.005-05:00

Day 30

Jesus’ Death

Read John 18:1-11 and John 19:1-16.

Jesus willlingly took the cup that the Lord had for Him. He willingly endured the mocking of the soldiers, the robe, the crown, the public humiliation. Why? Read John 15:13.

Spend a few minutes absorbing the truth that Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, willingly died for you, because He loves you. Take some time to focus on the concept of Christ’s love for you. Thank Him for His endless love and mercy that would lead Him to die in your place.

Read John 19:17-27.

Can you picture the scene? Hear the cries of mockery, the laughs, and cheers over Jesus’ death. See His loved ones looking on. Feel the weight of the sin that Christ carried as He bore the cross on His bruised and bloody back.

How do you think Jesus felt at this point? What about Jesus’ mother and loved ones?

Read John 19:28-30.

What is your reaction to Jesus’ death? How do you feel knowing that He loved and loves you enough to die for you? How does that affect how you live your life on a day-to-day basis?

Spend some time thanking God for His tremendous sacrifice and for His love for you. Ask Him to make you aware of the price He paid for you.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 29

2010-09-22T09:31:00.002-05:00

Day 29

Jesus’ final hours

Read Luke 22:31-34.

Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him. He knew that the end was coming, but that didn’t stop Jesus from seeking fellowship with the Father and encouraging His disciples to do the same and to also be on guard against temptation. It was no coincidence that Jesus knew of Peter’s future betrayal and then warned His friends of the temptation. Why would Jesus warn Peter of his betrayal? What good does it do for Peter to know in advance?

Read Luke 22:39-41.

In Jesus’ final hours on earth, He retreated. He sought the Father in a solitary place and asked his disciples to keep watch while He prayed. Notice He said to His disciples, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Why would Jesus instruct them to pray against temptation? How are you at following Jesus’ instructions to pray against temptation?

Read Luke 22:41-44.

In this passage, Jesus offered an honest yearning to the Father. Notice His plea: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Jesus knows the agony He is about to endure and, in His humanness, asks that the Father intervene. But in the same breath, He willingly submitted to the Father’s plan, acknowledging His power and authority. Are you so willing to submit to the Father’s plans, even if it means dying?

Spend some minutes in prayer. Consider your heart and open yourself honestly to the Father, as Jesus did in the garden. Tell the Lord where you honestly stand in surrendering to His will.

Read Luke 22:45-46.

When Jesus found His disciples sleeping, He again encouraged them to pray and fight against temptation. Spend some time asking the Lord to help you resist temptation in your life. Ask for His power and might to guide your steps so that you might fulfill His call, that He would not catch you sleeping in the hour of need.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 28

2010-09-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

Day 28

Take up your cross

Take some time to examine your heart before diving into Scripture. Where is your heart currently? How are your priorities? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your attention any areas of your heart and life that need adjusting. Ask Him to ready you for His truth today. Write down anything that He reveals as you are quiet before Him.

Read Mark 8:34-38.

Jesus proclaimed that in order to truly find ourselves, we must lose our lives for His sake. What does it mean to lose your life for His sake? What areas of your life reflect you and what areas reflect Jesus?

Ask the Lord to bring to mind areas of your life in which you have not lost yourself in Him. Ask Him to show you what it looks like to lose your life for His sake.

Read Luke 9:23-27.

Luke emphasized Jesus’ instructions to take up our cross daily to follow Him. Following Christ isn’t something to do half-heartedly; it’s a daily commitment, a daily journey. Spend a few minutes committing yourself to the Lord and to following Him on a daily basis. Ask Him for the endurance and guidance to follow Him daily.

Read Luke 9:57-62.

Following Jesus comes at no small price. Jesus demands that we give our all to Him…our routines, commitments, desires, relationships, comforts—everything. Are you willing to give all that you have and all that you are to follow Him? Pray through anything that you may be struggling with giving up. Confess that to the Lord and ask for His help in losing yourself to follow Him. Only in losing yourself will you truly be found.

Spend some time losing yourself in Him right now. “Whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Luke 9:24

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 27

2010-08-13T17:17:00.000-05:00

Day 27

Following Him

Read Luke 12:8-9.

Jesus expressed a simple, yet profound message: Confess Him and He will confess you. And vice-versa. What does it mean to confess Christ? Do you confess Him on a daily basis in your life? Why or why not?

Read Luke 12:49-53.

Confessing Jesus as Lord in our lives will not always be easy. In fact, even Jesus Himself said that it will cause great division to follow Him. Are you willing to sacrifice relationships with others in order to confess Christ and follow Him?

Spend some time in prayer. Ask the Lord to search your heart and know your desires. Tell Him about your struggles and victories in confessing and following Him. Ask Him for strength and courage to stand firm for Him.

Read Luke 25-33.

Along with following Christ comes a high price. Being sold out for Him means that we are sold out for nothing else, but rather, we forsake all else for the purpose of following and knowing Him. Is there anything in your life that hinders you from following Christ completely? What is standing in your way? Spend some time praying and write down things that the Lord may be leading you to give up in order to follow Him.

Thank the Lord for the opportunity to follow Him. Praise Him for His mercy and grace in guiding your steps as you learn to confess and follow Him. Ask for His continued guidance and discernment in forsaking anything that hinders your following of Him.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 26

2010-08-13T17:16:00.002-05:00

Day 26

Jesus walks on water

Read Matthew 14:22-26.

Jesus was off alone, doing His own thing when a storm rises up, stirring fear in the hearts of the disciples out to sea. Naturally, Jesus tended to them, and their immediate reaction to the Lord is one of fear. How do you react in the midst of a storm? Do you respond with fear when Jesus shows up?

Read Matthew 14:27.

Notice Jesus’ reaction to the disciples’ fear. He commanded them not only to ditch the fear, but to actually do the opposite and, “Be of good cheer!” This required a change of attitude for the disciples, a change of trust from their circumstances to their Savior. What or who do you trust in times of trouble? How does your attitude need to change? Spend a few minutes asking God to search your heart and help you adjust your perspective. Confess to Him how you’ve been handling the storms and commit to trusting Him no matter what your circumstances.

Read Matthew 14:28-29.

Even though Jesus had already instructed the disciples to shift their attitudes, Peter doubted and questioned the Lord. In what areas of your life do you doubt? Make a list of ways you struggle with trusting Jesus.

Read Matthew 14:31-32.

Peter’s perspective shifted from doubt to faith and back to doubt again. But notice how Jesus dealt with Him. Jesus continued to stretch out His hand and catch Peter, in spite of his lack of trust. Jesus challenged Peter with a simple question: “Why did you doubt?” Why do you doubt? What is Jesus offering to lead you through right now? Will you trust Him?

Read Matthew 14:33.

Only with Jesus’ power is the impossible made possible. Only through trusting Him are we able to truly worship Him as the Son of God. Spend a few minutes worshiping God. Praise Him for His power and presence in your life. Thank Him for His grace in extending His hand in spite of our doubt.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 25

2010-08-13T17:15:00.003-05:00

Day 25

Do not worry

Read Luke 12:22-26.

It has been said, “Worrying is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.” Jesus affirmed this point in His teaching with His challenge in verse 25. None of us can add an inch to our height, or a second to our lives by worrying about something.

What worries plague you on a daily basis? Make a list of your worries.

How do you handle them?

Read Luke 12:27-30.

Most of us spend way too much time worrying about what others think about our appearance, thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus points out that God takes care of even the grass of the field, which is here one minute, and then tomorrow gone. God clothes even the lilies and the grass, surely He cares for us so much more than that. So, what have we to worry about?

Spend a few minutes soaking in God’s love for you. Think on His protection and how He provides for you. Thank Him for His grace and mercy in tending to your every need.

Read Luke 12:31.

Rather than worry, what should we do? Jesus says to “Seek the kingdom of God…” What does that look like?

Ask the Lord to show you what it means to seek His kingdom. Commit to seeking Him first, above your needs and concerns. Trust in the Lord to provide and meet your needs. Thank Him for His divine provision.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 24

2010-08-13T17:15:00.000-05:00

Day 24

The Beatitudes

Read Matthew 5:1-2.

Jesus sat on the mountain and the disciples’ immediate reaction is to come to Him. They knew he had something to say. Is that your reaction to Christ? Are you eager to come, sit at Jesus’ feet to absorb His truth?

Take a minute and ready your heart before the Lord. Ask Him to quiet your soul so that you can hear His truth today.

Read Matthew 5:3-12.

Jesus began His teaching using a word that we don’t use quite so often today: blessed. What does it mean to be “blessed”?

In Greek, the word “blessed” was used to describe the kind of happiness that comes from receiving divine favor. In our terms, we might use the word “happy.” Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which includes these Beatitudes, was a response to His call for believers to, “Repent!” How do the Beatitudes speak to your life?

Read Matthew 5:3-12 again, slowly.

How do your perspective, attitude, and actions line up with what Jesus teaches here?

Take some time and pray through verses 3-10, asking the Lord to conform you to His Word. Thank God for His blessing, for His divine favor that He offers those who walk according to His Word.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 23

2010-08-13T17:14:00.000-05:00

Day 23

Resisting Temptation

Read Matthew 4:1-4.

When Jesus wandered in the desert, Satan tempted Him first by appealing to His physical need of hunger. Satan knew a potential weakness of Jesus and attacked. Notice how Jesus responded to the enemy’s attack in verse 4. He responded with Truth. How do you respond to Satan’s attacks?

How do you sense the enemy attacking you personally?

Read Matthew 4:5-7.

Again, Satan tempted Jesus, this time by appealing to His power. Yet Jesus resisted the enemy’s temptation. Jesus consistently used the Word of God to rebuke Satan and His lies. What lies of Satan have you believed?

Read Matthew 4:8-11.

One last time, Satan tempted Jesus, and Jesus’ response is the same: Truth. Jesus resisted the devil’s schemes in tempting His hunger, physical security, and His heart. In what areas of your life are you tempted? How do you resist?

Through proclaiming Truth, Jesus caused the devil to flee and allowed angels to attend to Him.

Pray now asking God for the strength to resist temptation in your life. Thank Jesus for setting the example for how we are to react to Satan’s lies. Ask Him to show you clearly lies that you have believed and ask Him to abolish those lies in your life. Commit to “worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only,” as Jesus did in verse 10.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Day 22

2010-08-13T17:13:00.002-05:00

Day 22

Prepare the way

Read Matthew 3:1-3.

John the Baptist had a simple message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” To repent requires a change in attitude and perspective; it means changing directions from following sin to seeking righteousness. In your own words, what does it mean to “repent”?

John the Baptist preceded Jesus in birth, ministry, and death. How did John’s message urging people to repent pave the way for Jesus’ ministry?

What sin in your life do you need to repent from?

Ask God for His forgiveness. Ask Him to help you turn around and walk His way.

Read verses 13-14.

Jesus asked John the Baptist to baptize Him. John’s initial reaction was to protest. Why would John want to prevent baptizing Christ?

Read verse 15.

Jesus insisted that John baptize Him so that He could fulfill all righteousness. Even though Jesus was and is without sin, He was baptized. Jesus’ baptism showed His joining with other believers through baptism, His support of John’s ministry, and His fulfillment of the Father’s will. Jesus walked in obedience with the Lord and set the example for what we as believers are called to do.

Read verses 16-17.

Thank Jesus for His example. Ask God to help you follow Christ’s example of obedience.

Lord, thank you for your desire for righteousness. Thank you that we can follow Christ’s example. Show me how to live my life in such a way that you look down and are well pleased with me. Amen.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Days 20-21

2010-08-13T17:11:00.000-05:00

Day 20

The Return

Read Nehemiah 1-3 and Ezra 1.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

What was the report from Jerusalem that Nehemiah received?
What was Nehemiah’s job?
What did Nehemiah want to do in Jerusalem?
How did Nehemiah organize the work to get it accomplished?
What prophet’s words were fulfilled through Cyrus king of Persia?

After reading and answering the question, spend time praying.

Thank God for His faithfulness. Thank Him for holding true to His word. Thank God for how he works through history to bring about His purposes.

Understanding the Old Testament: The return of the exiles to the Promised Land showed God’s faithfulness despite the peoples’ lack of faithfulness. God brought the people back to the land He had promised their forefathers even though Israel had repeatedly served other gods, turned from God and disobeyed His commandments.

God is faithful. He provides a way for all of us to come into a relationship with Him (as we were intended to be since the beginning of time) despite our repeatedly serving other gods, turning from Him and disobeying His commands. It is through Jesus that we can know forgiveness and deliverance from sin. Through Jesus, we can come into a relationship with God.

Day 21

Jesus’ Birth

Read Matthew 1:18-25.

Jesus’ birth came through no ordinary circumstances. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. His father remained loyal to his mother, in spite of a seemingly scandalous situation. An angel appeared to both Mary and Joseph to explain Jesus’ birth. And He was predicted to save His people from the very beginning. What stands out to you the most about the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth?

Read Matthew 1:19-25 and then Luke 1:26-38.
Consider Mary and Joseph’s reaction to the news of Mary’s pregnancy. God worked in a way that was outside of what Mary and Joseph had planned. How do you react in unexpected circumstances? Are you open to God’s ways and timing?

Spend a few minutes focusing on the Lord and His plan. Thank Him for having a plan that is higher than yours. Ask Him to help you trust His plan and His timing. Spend some time surrendering to His plan for you.

Read Luke 2:8-20.
Through Jesus’ birth, prophecies were fulfilled, showing God’s trustworthiness and faithfulness. In what ways do you see God’s faithfulness in your life?

Thank the Lord for His faithfulness. Praise Him for His fulfillment of promises in Scripture and in your life now. Ask Him to show you His faithful hand in your life.

What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?

Days 18-19

2010-08-13T17:10:00.000-05:00

Day 18

A Tragic End

Read 2 Kings 17:6-23 & Jeremiah 52.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

Who captured Samaria, and what did he do with the people?
Why did God let Israel be defeated?
Were the people of Israel more like what God commanded them to be or more like the people they were supposed to stay away from?
Who captured Jerusalem, and what did they do to the city?
Why did Judah fall?
Where did the exiles go?

After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.

Thank God for His mercy in allowing us to not be facing exile (physically or spiritually). Thank Him for not giving up on people who are far from Him. Ask Him to help you to keep a pure heart and a faithful life.

Understanding the Old Testament: In the Old Testament the people of Israel associated their living in the Promised Land as their connection to God. Living in the land that God had given their forefathers made it possible to have a relationship with God. To be taken out of that land made it impossible to have a relationship with God. His presence was thought to be regional (only in the temple in Jerusalem).

Day 19

The Story of Some Exiles

Read Daniel 1:1. Continue as far as you can in the given time.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

What four exiles were named and talked about in this book?
What problems did Daniel encounter as an exile?
What problems did the other three exiles face?
How did the exiles face their problems?
Was God faithful to the exiles when they were in trouble?
What did God show Daniel about the end of days?

After reading and answering the question, spend time praying.

Thank God for the safety we enjoy. Thank Him for working in the lives of people who are close to Him or far away.

Understanding the Old Testament: For God to do such mighty acts as were seen in the lives of Daniel and others, God proved that He was bigger than a region. The people of God could have a relationship with God outside of the Promised Land, and God was powerful enough to protect His people in a hostile land.

Days 16-17

2010-08-13T17:09:00.000-05:00

Day 16

A Taste of Wisdom

Read Proverbs 1:1. Continue as far as you can in the given time.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

What is the beginning of knowledge?
What does Proverbs 3:5-10 say?
What is wisdom better than? More precious than?
What does Proverbs 3:27 teach?
How many chapters begin with the phrase “my son”?

After reading and answering the questions, spend time praying.

Ask God to show you your folly. Ask Him for wisdom. Pray about some of the Proverbs that specifically spoke to you.

Day 17

Wisdom Lost

Read 1 Kings 11-12.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

What did Solomon love that caused him to head down the wrong path as a king and a spiritual leader for the nation?
What happened to the kingdom of Israel that his father, David, passed on to Solomon?
Who were the new kings and who make up their “kingdoms”?
Were either of the new kings going to follow in the instruction that God gave David?

After reading and answering the questions, spend time praying.

Pray for God’s help in remaining faithful to Him and His commandments. Ask God to give you wisdom throughout your life. Thank God for being bigger than our sin.

Days 14-15

2010-08-13T17:07:00.000-05:00

Day 14

A Clean Heart

Read Psalm 51.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

Who wrote this Psalm?
Why did he write it?
What does the author want to be washed clean of?
What does the Lord delight in? (Hint: v6)
What will the author teach transgressors and sinners?
What does the Lord not delight in? (Hint : v16)

After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.

Ask God to show you your sin. Ask God to forgive your transgressions. Ask Him to give you a clean heart. Thank God for His love and forgiveness.

Day 15

The Wisest Man Ever

Read 1 Kings 1:28-4.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

Who was trying to take over as king?
Who became king?
What did David tell Solomon?
What did Solomon do to establish his reign? Who died?
What happened to fulfill the prophecy about the house of Eli in Shiloh? (Hint: 2:27)
What did Solomon ask from God that pleased God?
How famous was Solomon?

After reading and answering the questions, spend time praying.

Ask God for wisdom. Ask Him to help you have a heart that is right before Him. Thank Him for all of the good gifts He gives you.

Days 12-13

2010-07-29T15:05:00.000-05:00

Day 12

The Future of the Nation

Read 1 Samuel 16-20.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who was anointed King of Israel as Saul’s replacement?
How did Samuel find Him?
What did David do that made him famous in Israel?
How did Saul respond to David getting better press than Saul?
Who was Jonathan?
What did Saul do to try to kill David?

After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Express to God how grateful you are for His love. Ask Him to teach you how to love people the way that He does. Thank the Lord for the plans He has for your future.

Day 13

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

Read 2 Samuel 11-12:25.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What was David’s first mistake?
Who was Bathsheba?
What did David do to Uriah? Did this please the Lord?
Who was Nathan?
What happened to David and Bathsheba’s first child? Who was their second child?

After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Ask God to show you what you are doing wrong. Ask for His forgiveness. Thank Him for loving you despite your mistakes.

Understanding the Old Testament: David is in the lineage of Jesus. Jesus is the descendant who will sit on the throne of David and rule forever.

Days 10-11

2010-07-29T15:00:00.000-05:00

Day 10

Worthless and Worthwhile

Read 1 Samuel 1-3.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who was Eli?
Who were Samuel’s parents?
Who were Eli’s sons?
What did Eli’s sons do that was so bad?
How did the Lord call Samuel?
What was Eli’s response when he found out what the Lord told Samuel?

After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for loving you. Thank God for what He has done in your life in the past few months. Ask God to prepare you for serving Him so that you will not be worthless like Eli’s sons.

Day 11

A New Leader

Read 1 Samuel 8:19-13.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What request did the people of Israel make that made the Lord unhappy?
Who was the person chosen as king?
How did Saul run into Samuel?
What did Saul do to defeat the Ammonites?
What did Samuel say in his farewell address to Israel?
How did Saul mess up and lose the Lord’s blessing?

After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for giving you the Bible to read. Thank God for preserving a record of how men and women of old followed Him faithfully. Ask God to help you grow in wisdom and knowledge of Him.

Days 8-9

2010-07-29T14:57:00.000-05:00

Day 8

Don’t Judge Me

Read Joshua 1:1. Continue as far as you can in the given time.

As you read watch for the answers to the following questions.
Did the Israelites complete the conquest of the land as God had commanded them to?
Why did the Lord begin to raise up judges?
What made the judges so special? (Hint: 2:18)
Did the Lord drive out the nations that Israel left in the land?
List the first five judges as they appear in Scripture.
Which judge killed people with an ox goad?
What happened after a judge would deliver Israel? (Hint: 2:18-24)

After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer. Thank God for His watch and care over us. Thank Him for His faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness. Tell God about how your life is a lot like the way the Israelites were in the book of Judges.

Day 9

The Start of Something Good

Read the entire book of Ruth (it’s only 4 chapters).

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who was Ruth’s husband and mother-in-law?
What happened to Ruth’s husband?
Who did Ruth meet that was a possible new husband?
Why was Boaz a good guy?
How did Ruth announce her desire to be with Boaz?
What is a kinsman redeemer?

After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.

Thank God for redeeming you and making a way for everyone to be redeemed. Ask God to prepare you for your future spouse and to prepare him or her for you.

Understanding the Old Testament: Boaz and Ruth are found in the lineage of Jesus. Boaz was the kinsman redeemer (a redeemer from within the family, next-of-kin) for Ruth, like Christ is the kinsman redeemer for both Jews and Gentiles (for all within the human race).

Days 6-7

2010-07-29T14:55:00.001-05:00

Day 6

The 10 Commandments

Read Exodus 20.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
How many commandments did God give the people of Israel?
What are they, in order?
How many commandments deal with your relationship with God?
How many deal with your relationship with others?

After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for giving us the 10 commandments. Thank Him for giving us an understanding of how impossible it is for us to “be perfect.” Ask Him to show you your sin, and ask Him for forgiveness.

Understanding the Old Testament: It is impossible for anyone to keep all of these commandments. Jesus goes as far to say that if you lust, you commit adultery, or if you hate, you are guilty of murder. The New Testament uses the 10 Commandments as a way of helping us understand that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness that can only come through Jesus.

Day 7

Who will you serve?

Read Joshua 24 14-28.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What decision did the people of Israel have to make?
What was the choice of the people?
What was Joshua’s response to their decision?
What was made to the witness against Israel?
How old was Joshua when he died?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.

Thank God for His love. Thank Him for being faithful in His love for you despite your failures. Tell God what your choice will be: Will you choose to serve Him, yourself, stuff, popularity or other people? Say a prayer dedicating yourself to Him.

Understanding the Old Testament: We each face the same kind of decision: Will you chose to serve the Lord, or will you serve what the culture around you says is important?

Days 4-5

2010-07-23T11:55:00.003-05:00

Day 4

Joseph

Read Genesis 37:1. Continue to read as long as you can about Joseph and how God used him to keep His side of the covenant that was made with Abraham.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

Why did Joseph get sold into slavery?
How did Joseph get into trouble with Potiphar?
How did Joseph get out of jail?
How many of Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt looking for food?
What did Joseph do to his brothers when they asked for food?

After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray.

Tell God how grateful you are for His continual watch and care over us. Thank God for your family and ask Him to heal any wounds that you might be carrying with you from fights with your family.

Day 5

The Passover

Read Exodus 12-14:31.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What was supposed to be done with the blood of the Lamb during the Passover?
What happened when the Lord passed through Egypt during the Passover?
Why was the bread that the Israelites ate unleavened?
Who was supposed to observe the Passover?
Which way did God lead the people of Israel to get out of Egypt?
How did God lead them? By day and night?
What happened when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea?

After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.

In your own words, express to God your thankfulness for His protection for those who love Him.

Understanding the Old Testament: The blood of the Passover Lamb is a picture of the blood of Christ that was shed for the forgiveness of sin. Those who place their faith in Christ receive forgiveness for sin instead of punishment.

Days 2-3

2010-07-23T11:54:00.001-05:00

Day 2

The Fall & Murder

Read Genesis 3-4.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

What did Adam and Eve do to commit the first “sin”?
Why did Adam and Eve cover themselves?
What happened to the serpent? Man? Woman?
What were Cain and Abel’s jobs?
Who killed whom? Why?
When did people begin calling upon the name of the Lord?

After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray.

Thank God for your life. Ask Him to help you not commit murder in your heart by hating others. Ask God to give you understanding of how the Bible tells His story.

Understanding the Old Testament: The first prophecy about the Messiah happens in the passage you read today. Can you identify the prophecy? There are many prophecies about a coming Messiah in the Old Testament. Jesus is the only person to fulfill them all! The New Testament book of Matthew points out several prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.

Day 3

Abram to Abraham

Read Genesis 12:1. Continue as far as you can in the time given.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

Where did Abram come from?
To whom was Abram married?
Who was Lot?
In Genesis 15, what was God’s covenant with Abram?
In Genesis 17, what was God’s covenant with Abraham?
Name Abraham’s children.

After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray. Spend some time thanking God for what He is doing in your life. Be specific.

Understanding the Old Testament: The covenant with Abraham was about the circumcision of the flesh, and the use of circumcision in the New Testament is about the circumcision of the heart through repentance and faith.

Day 1

2010-07-23T11:51:00.000-05:00

Pastor Hosea Bilyeu has issued a challenge for the church: Read the Bible for 24 minutes, seven days a week. He refers to it as the "7/24 Challenge," and it's what I think is essential. We have written 40 Days of Devotionals to help and encourage you through your walk with Christ. Use them as part of your 7/24 Challenge. Post comments to let us know what God is teaching you and how He's using you through this time. Spread the word, and invite your friends and family to take part in the challenge.

please note: all 40 devotionals can also be found in the CAMP 2010 booklet.

Day 1

The Beginning

Read Genesis 1-2.

As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.

What is the order in which God created everything?
What were the names of the rivers that flowed out of Eden?
What was the one thing that was “off limits” to Adam and Eve?

After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray.

Thank God for creating everything and giving us life. Ask Him to help you spend the next 40 days getting to know Him better. Say a prayer in your own words expressing to God your desire to know Him and make Him known.

Understanding the Old Testament: From the beginning of time, everything God has created gives testimony to who God is and what He is capable of! God created man and woman and initiated a relationship with them. We were created to have a relationship with God. Sin is what has separated us from God and only by repentance and faith in Jesus can we enter into a relationship with God.

It's been a while...

2010-04-19T20:40:00.003-05:00

Well, I said that I was going to do this everyday for a year and that has not happened... so, I'll start again and admit that I'll miss a day or two every now and then. However, I will be totally honest and tell you the days I spend time with the Lord and the days I don't (nothing like accountability).

I've had some great time with the Lord over the past couple of months and today was another one!

I read from 1 Samuel 1-2.

Eli was a faithful priest but his sons were worthless. They took from the Israelites sacrifices to the Lord before the sacrifices were made. This was not smart! Even when Eli talked to his sons about it they were unrepentant. So, the Lord removed Eli's family from the priesthood and raised up another... Samuel.

Even though Eli was a devote man, his lack of action in regards to his sons wrong doing that caused his downfall.

We can all learn from this... we cannot turn a blind eye to wrongdoing when it is within our control to put a stop to it. Especially when it is the Lord who is being wronged!

May I never turn a deaf ear or a blind eye to wrongdoing, but instead may I take action and be obedient to You Lord!

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

2/23/10

2010-02-23T20:39:00.002-06:00

Spent time in Hebrews 8-10 today.

God spoke to me about the covenant that Christ fulfilled.

I'm feeling sick...

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

2/17/10

2010-02-17T22:15:00.002-06:00

Today I spent time reading Hebrew 11 and Matthew 7.

God spoke to me about living a life of faith and not simply holding to a profession of faith.

May I never hold to a profession, may I keep the faith!

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

2/16/10

2010-02-16T22:26:00.002-06:00

Today, I read repeatedly from Genesis 4 and Hebrews 11.

God spoke to me about the condition of Cain's heart toward God in worship and how it reflected the condition of his heart toward his brother (man).

May the condition of my heart never grow cold toward You, Lord. May my heart never grow cold towards man either.

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

2/15/10

2010-02-15T22:49:00.002-06:00

Today is my son's 4th birthday!

I read Psalm 117 & 118.

God spoke to me about His enduring love!

May I reflect on His enduring love everyday!

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

2/14/10

2010-02-14T22:49:00.002-06:00

So, I missed two days. I spend no time in the word... but I did pray throughout those days. I know, it doesn't count toward my goal. So, I'll keep trying!

Today, heard a great sermon by my pastor and spent time reading in Psalms since he preached from a Psalm.

I read Psalm 116 and spent time meditating on God's deliverance.

God spoke to me about how He has delivered me in the past.

May I always rejoice in Your deliverance in spite of the difficulties I face.

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

2/11/10

2010-02-11T22:15:00.002-06:00

Today I read Genesis 4 and Hebrews 11: 1-5

Cain and Abel. The Lord spoke to me about the manner in which I worship Him. Do I give Him my best or do I give Him what is left over.

May I give You only my best.

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

2/10/10

2010-02-10T21:50:00.002-06:00

Today I read Genesis 24-50. Wow... so much to learn from this book! I read about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph and how God blessed them all because He promised he would. Abraham's faith in God set the whole thing in motion.

God spoke to me about the faith of a father and the lasting effect it has on his sons.

May I have Abraham's kind of faith.

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

2/9/10

2010-02-09T21:30:00.002-06:00

Today I read Hebrews 3-5.

God spoke to me especially about Hebrews 4:11-13.

May I seek to enter Your rest Lord.

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

The 7/24 Challenge

2010-02-08T22:01:00.002-06:00

During the spring of 2009, my pastor, Hosea Bilyeu, challenged the staff at Ridgecrest Baptist Church to begin the 7/24 Challenge. This challenge is to read God's Word and listen to His voice for 24 minutes a day for 7 days every week.

I took the 7/24 Challenge to heart and began back in the spring of 2009. I also introduced it to the student ministry over the summer of 2009. Hosea introduced it to the entire church in the fall of 2009 and it has become part of our church-wide movement of Razing Hell.

I wish I could say that I've never missed a day, but sadly I have.

The reason for this post is to ask you to take the 7/24 Challenge with me! For the next 365 days, I plan to share with you what God is teaching me everyday as I attempt to faithfully spend time reading God's Word and listening to His voice.

2/8/10
Today I read Hebrews 1 & 2. God spoke to me regarding Hebrews 2:1-3a, "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"

Lord, help me to pay close attention to what I read in Your Word.

VH1 News Presents: The New Virginity

2010-01-19T15:10:00.003-06:00

There's a trendy pop culture movement that's burst into the mainstream to take a stand against our hyper-sexed society. It's born out of traditional values and sealed with promise rings, abstinence clubs and purity balls. It stars the likes of Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers, who've made headlines with their public pronouncements of sexual purity. It's a hip new calling card: virginity. (click to read full description.)

First airing is today at 4 p.m. Additional show times may be found here.

Life as I know it...

2009-11-18T11:31:00.003-06:00

Life as I know it is about to change.

My wife and I are expecting our second child in May of 2010. This child brings with it a variety of emotions, as well as expectations and questions. As far as my emotions go, I'm so excited about having a new little one in the house... I'm nervous for my wife during the pregnancy, labor and delivery... I'm anxious to see how our 3-year-old will respond to having a newborn around... and I'm full of joy when thinking of the promise of this new life!

My expectations with this pregnancy are closer to reality (at least I think so). I expect to have no sleep for a good long while once baby gets here. I expect to be on full-time dad duty with our 3-year-old, while my wife recovers and takes care of a newborn. I expect to have even less one-on-one time with my wife after baby arrives. I expect to fall head-over-heals in love with our second child (just like I am with our first). I expect to learn even more about how amazing my wife is (both as a wife and a mother) with the arrival of baby. I expect that I'll become a better follower of Christ, man, husband and father as God teaches me how to be a father to another child.

My questions are pretty ordinary ones (I think). Questions like: How are we gonna afford another child? How are we gonna afford a vehicle with more space? How long will it be before this baby sleeps through the night? What are we gonna name this one? What will the gender of the baby be? Will the Boston Celtics win the title again this season? Ok, the last one is not really necessary. Of course the Celtics are gonna win the title this season!

So, my life is changing.

I've got to say, I'm glad. Don't get me wrong, I love the life I have now. It's just that I am excited about what God has in store! He is in control! Worrying will do me no good! Whatever comes along, I have the Spirit of God living in me. God has promised that nothing will take me out of His hand, Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us! So I can face the future with peace of mind and being calm in my spirit.

I'm so glad that God is with us. I'm grateful that God is with me (even though I still don't have it all together).

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

Dreams and Visions

2009-10-28T10:47:00.005-05:00

Several years ago, while I was the student pastor at First Baptist Raytown, I was able to see the fulfillment of a dream in the completion of an amazing student facility called "the Underground." For more pictures, click here.

Recently, I have been blessed with an opportunity to see another dream come to fulfillment! It is called the Mobile Church Unit, or MCU!

Here is an article written by my assistant, Julie Johnson, for our church newsletter to explain the MCU! Enjoy!

MCU

For Ralphie Parker in 1983’s A Christmas Story, it was an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model BB rifle with a compass in the stock. The dream, though, -- regardless of how passionate or factual it was presented – was always met with the begrudging response, “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

Fast forward 26 years. It’s April 2009. Dr. Nate Bock, the student pastor at Ridgecrest, has just returned to Springfield from a student ministry leaders conference where another pastor told the story of how his ministry took a bread truck and made it into a portable stage.

“For awhile, I had been trying to think of a way to have a presence in the community,” Bock recalls. “I wanted to find a way to take Ridgecrest into neighborhoods and to school campuses. I knew the bread truck wasn’t the idea I was looking for, so I started praying for clarity.”

As he traveled Republic Road on that fateful day, he moved west, past PriceCutter and its makeshift used car lot. “And there it was,” he says, “the van.” But not just any van. The van that caught Bock’s eye was a black 1989 Ford Econoline E150.

“My original thought was the A-Team,” confesses Vickie Hicks, a parent and teacher in the student ministry. “But beyond that, I was intrigued.”

The van, now known as the Mobile Church Unit, or MCU, was presented to Ridgecrest’s leadership team the next day. “I shared the idea of using the van to be a presence in the community, to make connections, to build relationships and to be outward focused,” Bock explains. “Then I showed pictures of the van. It received a lot of laughs at first, but Hosea said, ‘I like it; go for it.’ I began to share the idea with people in the student ministry, and before I knew it, God provided.”

And He hasn’t stopped. The MCU was paid for with donations “of people who believe in the vision of being outward focused in a unique way,” Bock explains. “The MCU has been known to make grown men, even big, tough guys, giggle. There is something about the first time you see what lies behind the back doors and what is packed away in the cargo area that causes such wonder and anticipation that you cannot help but giggle in excitement. Trust me, I’ve heard a lot of giggles.”

Be it the giggle of a man or the glow from a screen, people are curious. “It’s a wonderful attraction to make students want to come over and talk and hangout with us,” says Joe Lamar, a senior in the student ministry. “It’s a good way to interact with other students in the Springfield and surrounding areas and build relationships with them that could eventually lead them to Christ.” Emilee Garrison, 8th grade, agrees. “It’s such a great outreach opportunity.”

In August, Bock took the MCU, along with volunteers, Poweraide and water to two local high schools. The group served numerous organizations, such as band, softball and football, as well as the coaches and directors of each. “In a two-week timeframe, we made connections with more than 400 area students and the adults that work with them,” Bock says. “In fact, one of the coaches started attending church at Ridgecrest the following week.”

Although the student ministry provided water to sports teams two years ago, the practice had little effect. “The difference is the MCU,” he says. “We are recognizable. Students see the MCU on campus and immediately take notice and ask questions. The MCU helps us start conversations. It opens the door for us to be an influence in our community.”

Hicks has also experienced this in her professional life and as part of the Road Crew, a team of students and parents who set up/tear down, serve, start conversations, pray, cook and share Christ during MCU events. “I really think the MCU can become a presence,” she says. “It draws people in by allowing them to have an encounter with Christians and to help them become familiar with Ridgecrest – no obligation, no cost. I have talked it up at work and in the community. People think it’s brilliant.”

In addition to the outreach in August, the MCU hosted tailgate parties through October at area high schools. The manner of his students left Bock impressed. “I’ve already seen students talk about the MCU, invite others to church, talk about Christ’s love and give food to hungry people. It’s truly amazing what God is already doing through the Road Crew.”

The feeling isn’t lost on Road Crew members Kayla Whorton, freshman, and Hicks’ daughter, Hannah Hicks, also a freshman. “I like to be involved because making other people laugh and smile is what makes my day,” Hannah says. “Serving with the MCU has just been really fun and a good experience meeting people.” Whorton agrees. “It’s a ton of fun just to talk to people and serve them just because we can. I like to talk to people at the games and see how they are doing.”

If you would like more information about being part of the MCU and its events – tailgating, backyard Bible school in neighborhoods, sports camps in neighborhoods, block parties, etc. – or if you would like details of Bock’s dream of another MCU – a Ford Transit Connect – or his dream of a discipleship/missions program, please call the student ministry at 885.5232.

“We need your prayer support,” he adds. “Everywhere the MCU goes, we are razing Hell. Pray for God’s mighty right hand to be on us and the MCU. Pray for the salvation of everyone who encounters the MCU.”

Feel the need...

2009-09-26T13:42:00.003-05:00

Lately, it seems that God is bringing to my attention two things, prayer and Scripture intake.

In fact, it seems that my soul is yearning for more time in prayer and in God's word than ever before.

I don't know why this is... but if I had to guess, I would say that God is trying to prepare me for something... or maybe I just need to spend more time with Him!

Either way, I am certain about what I need to do.

Will you join me? Will you spend at least 24 minutes every day in God's Word listening for His voice. And then spend at least 10 minutes three times a day in prayer.

This is my minimum. What will you do?

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

I'm trying to understand...

2009-09-16T11:17:00.004-05:00

I spent some time this morning reading from the book of Nahum. From this Old Testament minor prophet, I am learning about God's jealous avenging wrath, slowness to anger, great power, vengeance and goodness toward Nineveh, Israel, and the nations.

As I read this book, I see how the author goes back and forth between (1) telling of God's great anger and vengeance toward his enemies and (2) God's goodness and love for those who take refuge in Him.

There is a great truth to be seen here.

God is right in being jealous, angry, and avenging with a people that are full of evil. God extended mercy to Nineveh by allowing them to repent from their evil ways and turn to Him -- as seen in the book of Jonah, which was written some time between 783 B.C. to 772 B.C -- before turning away from him again and going back to their evil ways -- taking the ten northern tribes, Israel, captive in 722 B.C. Yet God was still slow to anger.

But Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire after 702 B.C., continued to do wicked and horrible things. Nahum 1:11 says, "From you came one who plotted evil against the LORD," giving depth to the idea that Nineveh was evil. No only did they act wickedly toward people and nations, they actually thought up new ways to be evil toward the One who had given them mercy and love.

The Lord is just in acting as he did toward Nineveh. In fact, if he did not act in this manner towards them, then he would be unjust. He could not allow such evil to continue, especially after being so patient and showing so much mercy towards them. He would be going against who He is if he allowed it to go on too long.

So, what is my point with all of this...am I talking about the world today?...am I talking about America?... am I talking about the church?...where am I going with this?

God is just. He will not allow injustice to go on for long. And just like in the case of Nineveh, He will pour out his wrath to put a stop to injustice. God will not apologize for ending injustice. In fact, Nahum shows us that he will go to great lengths to make a spectacle of those responsible for injustice. God poured out his wrath on Nineveh through the Babylonians. Nineveh was decimated in 612 B.C. by the armies of the Babylonians and Medes.

God's wrath will come against all injustice at some point. And God is just in bringing his wrath. He is perfect yet allows injustice and wrong doing to go unpunished for a time so that man might repent of evil and live for God.

I'm trying to understand what I need to do to stop injustice. Obviously, God cares about justice. He has taken action against it over and over again, and --each time -- he uses humans to carry out His plan. So, where do I start?

I am Nate and this is what I think is essential.

Summer is almost over...

2009-08-10T15:45:00.005-05:00

In the student minstry we have experienced an amazing summer!

Mission Trips...amazing!

Camp...God moved in our students (here is a picture of us at the Bock family farm)!

Lately, God has continued to move and we are looking forward to a busy and hopefully fruitful start to school!

Small Groups...we are jumping into new teacher training and connecting students with new teachers for the upcoming school year!

Off Campus "Home Groups"...I am praying for God to raise up 10 students who would agree to start an off campus Bible study group and boldly tell others about Christ!

Fall Calendar...our publicity piece for all events in the fall of '09! It will be out in a couple weeks!

fALL nighter...our Fall Retreat! It will be unreal!

This is only a small portion of what is happening right now with rbcstudents. We also have a new weekly schedule starting in September! We will have student worship services on Sunday nights and discipleship and serving on Wednesday nights.

Anyway, this is what is on my mind! All of these changes and what God is going to do in us during the fall of 2009! Pray for God sized things!

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

The Summer Rush

2009-06-16T21:31:00.011-05:00

The past month has been full of ministry, missions and fun! At the end of May, I had the honor of baptizing Jesus (on my right) and Cristian (on my left), brothers who came to know Christ at our DNOW back in February! They look like they could be my sons...

Then, I started the summer missions rush with Hammer, Nails & More in Park Hills, MO. I took a group of 40 students and sponsors on a 4 day journey of work projects and Vacation Bible School (VBS).

Next, I joined with 18 students and adults to spend a week doing missions in a 1 Mile radius around our church, Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Every evening the students worked with VBS & VBX alongside the rest of Ridgecrest, while working in the community each morning and afternoon. It was a very worthwhile trip!

Another group of 15 went to Camp Barnabas to provide support during Term 3 of the summer camp schedule. These students and adults walked through life with 7-15 year-old campers with special needs. I'm certian that everyone on that trip was dramatically changed by the end of their 8 days.

Since then, I've officiated a wedding in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; played guitar in a wedding in Kansas City, Missouri; and been crazy busy preparing for rbcstudents CAMP Missions as well as trying to get the MCU (Mobile Church Unit, see previous post) ready to go by August 15th (my self imposed deadline).

Summer has been busy so far, but the next two months look even busier! I can't wait to see what God does!

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

My Time with Amarillo

2009-06-09T22:04:00.006-05:00

From May 31-June 5, I had the privilege of being the speaker for First Baptist Church of Amarillo's student ministry. We had an incredible week while at Sky Ranch at Cave Springs in Quapaw, OK.

During the week I taught over two different topics. In the four morning sessions, we discussed the beliefs of Christianity compared to four other religions (Judaism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness, & Islam). In the evening sessions, we discussed the Omniscience of God (in Christ's Supremacy, in His Blessing, in His Love, in the Future). The students did an outstanding job of asking questions, taking instruction, and following the Lord's direction as they responded to His word.

I was blessed (and amazed) by the students, sponsors and staff from FBC Amarillo. I have been to a lot of camps in my lifetime with many different groups of students, but I've never seen a group of students (rbcstudents excluded) have so much fun together while being so attentive to what God was teaching them!

I learned a lot from watching my friend Bradley lead his team of staff and sponsors through the week. I also learned a lot about leading students! Thanks, Bradley (and FBC Amarillo), for letting me be part of your CAMP!

After such a great week, I started thinking about our upcoming CAMP for rbcstudents! I am so excited about our time coming up (July 16-20) at Hannibal-LaGrange College! We are going to have an amazing time!

I am Nate, and this is what I think is essential.

Your Ministry

2009-05-26T12:29:00.003-05:00

I have a re-occurring dream about student ministry, but it's not identical everytime. Let me explain. I'm not talking about a dream I have while I'm asleep. I'm talking about a dream like what Martin Luther King, jr. had ("I have a dream..."). The kind of dream I have is one of a near future where things are different than they are in my present reality. So to tell you about the dream, I need to start by defining my present reality.

PRESENT REALITY
It has been two and a half years since I came to Ridgecrest. At that time, we continued some of the existing programs (Sunday morning Bible Study, Wednesday night service, D-Team), while only beginning a few "new" things (mission trip training, overseas missions, annual parent party, BASH w/ After Party, MIX events). All-in-all, we didn't change too much. It was, for the most part, a very smooth transition.

Since then, we've seen God do some pretty amazing stuff (for example, in 2008 we had 122 participate in student missions, our average weekly attendance grew by 35% , and we began serving the poor multiple times a month as a part of D-Team). Over all, I've been pleased with what has taken place thus far.

However, I don't think we've reached the full potential of our students. By-in-large, in the past two and a half years, we've not seen our students' friends coming to know Christ. We've not seen our students get passionate about sharing Christ with others. We've not seen a large increase in the number of students participating in ministry (serving others) on a weekly basis.

This leads me to believe that it is time for some changes to take place. The old saying is, "Keep doing what you're doing; keep getting what you've got." Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for the student ministry at Ridgecrest, the students who are involved and the volunteers who make ministry possible. But I cannot ignore the fact that students are not getting involved in ministering to others. I think that getting students active in sharing their faith is more important than continuing the status quo. It's more important than "playing it safe" with our programming. So this is my present reality.

I HAVE A DREAM
In my dream...which is the same, but different each time...I see students who don't just show up for services each week. I see students actively sharing their faith through serving others. Students leading Bible Studies in their homes. Students sharing Christ with their neighborhoods. Students passionately worshiping God in their school gymnasiums. Students who are not bored with the idea of church, but are invigerated by being the church! Students who are not only part of a ministry, but students who have a ministry!

Sound good?!?!

The great thing about my dream is that in it, students from all backgrounds, social networks, and geographic areas are involved. They are active in ministry (sharing Christ) in a way that best fits their situation! They get to do what is most comfortable to them or what is the most uncomfortable -- but they are active in sharing Christ!

What does this mean for rbcstudents? It means that you have an opportunity to be the church and not just show up for church. It means that you can...
...lead a Home Group (a home Bible study you lead for your friends).
...do the My World Project (serve fellow students at your school through clubs, sports, and organizations).
...try to Rock Your Block (reach your neighborhood through backyard Bible schools or sports camps).
...be part of our Road Crew (the ministry team with the Mobile Church Unit).

These are just a few ideas. You might have more!

Here is the short answer for how my dream is different, yet the same...every student owns (is active in) ministry and none of the ministries look the same!

For rbcstudents a shift is coming this fall. A shift from doing church to being the church.

I'm Nate, and this is what I think is essential.

The Mobile Church Unit

2009-05-04T11:27:00.004-05:00

For awhile now, I've been toying with the idea of finding a vehicle that we could use in our community for various opportunities of outreach. A vehicle that we could use at local schools (tailgates, serving Gatorade to teams, on-campus Bible studies and services). A vehicle that we could use at "Rock Your Block" (our backyard, week-long camps and/or vbs... coming in the summer of 2010). A vehicle that will allow others to see Ridgecrest Baptist Church's students in "motion," making an impact in their community for Christ!

In April, I attended METRO (a conference I attend every year), where I heard from two other student ministers that have similar vehicles. After the conference, I had greater clarity about using such a vehicle! I began praying that the Lord would show me what to do next!

Upon returning to Springfield, as I drove past our local Republic Road car lot (you know the one ... the PriceCutter parking lot) there it was ... a 1989, Ford Econoline E150, with 83,xxx original miles...the van! As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was just what I was looking for!

So the following Monday, we had an all-day leadership staff meeting where we were to present our outreach plans for 2010. I shared the plan for the student ministry, with part of the plan including the van! I showed pictures to everyone around the table and after a lot of laughing, kidding around and my promising that I was serious, our executive pastor named it the Mobile Church Unit (MCU). So now, I talk about the "MCU" not "the van"! Here are some pictures!

Seriously, put a red strip down the side with a spoiler on top and you've got the A-Team van!

About a year ago, someone gave a donation to the student ministry for "something creative," so I've been waiting and praying! The MCU is pretty creative, so I talked to the family that donated. They felt is was a great idea! We now have a van that we want to turn into an MCU. To do that, we will have to do some work to get it ready for the Fall.

Here is a short list:

1. sound system (able to be a PA or car stereo)

2. rear projection screen and projector

3. custom detailing/vinyl wrap on exterior

4. tie-down system in floor and on walls to hold coolers/grills/etc. in place while traveling

5. flooring

6. trailer hitch/tow package

7. custom panelling on inside of rear doors

8. mounting for projector/sound system amps/etc.

9. mobile power system & auxiliary power supply (a long extension cord!)

I can't wait to see what God does through this MCU. We have some work to do to get it ready before August! Pray for us!

Also, if you know of anyone who might be willing to help knock a couple items off our list, please let me know!

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential!

Ministry, Kari and I

2009-03-18T21:55:00.003-05:00

My wife and I recently did a photo shoot with Randy Bacon (a photographer here in town). We had a great time and came out with some wonderful photos! One interesting part of these pictures, we did them all at the church.

This year celebrates my tenth anniversary in ministry. However, 2009 will mark the ninth anniversary of Kari and I tying the knot! Believe it or not, this is only the second time we've ever done a photo shoot and last time it was with our son. The dynamic was totally different without a young one! We laughed, smiled, cuddled, kissed, and pinched each other!

If you are one of my students looking for some kind of information about SEVEN (the perfect event) then let me tell you this hint...AR.

My Friend Brett

2009-03-03T21:05:00.005-06:00

I have a friend. Hard to believe I know...but I've known Brett since college. He is probably the funniest and most "fun" person I know. He married Amy, who was my summer camp sweetheart (in the first grade) and they have two beautiful children. He is incredibly talented in many ways including photography, video production, graphic design, playing the drums and preaching the Word! He joined my student ministry staff at First Baptist Raytown in May 2005 and is still doing great things there!

Brett recently had brain surgery (about three weeks ago) to remove a tumor (non cancerous), which resulted in the loss of hearing in one ear, and a loss of balance. Traumatic enough to say the least, but this week Brett was suffering from serious back pain so Amy took him to the hospital where they found a tumor on his back.

So, Brett will have surgery again next week which will take another four weeks (at least) to recover from. Please join me in praying for Brett, Amy and their kids as they are facing another difficult week followed by difficult weeks to come.

Brett's grin...classic! He was up to something! Picture taken at Kari's 30th surpise party!

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

DNOW pt 2

2009-03-02T22:02:00.002-06:00

DNOW ended over a week ago and I'm still processing all that God did.

We had two brothers (who came as guests) place their trust in Christ! We had one student surrender to the call to ministry! And we had many students rededicate their lives to Christ!

Throughout the weekend we had some intense times of worship, intimate one-on-one with the Lord, and a ton of fun!

Thanks to all who volunteered at DNOW! Thanks to all who came! Thanks to You Lord for meeting with us at DNOW '09!

DNOW pt 2

2009-03-02T22:01:00.001-06:00

DNOW 09

2009-02-19T12:24:00.010-06:00

Coming up this weekend is our big weekend retreat called DNOW! Every year I'm excited about this event because of what it does in the lives of our students (not to mention all of the fun and junk food)!

This year, we are kicking things off with The David Crowder Band! I'm expecting a "melt my face off" good time of rock 'n roll and worship (ok, so actually I think DCB would be classified as techno and worship, but you get the point)!

For me, personally, I think I'm most excited about the small group sessions and the impact that they will have on the individual students. There are five small group sessions that consist of teaching, practice, reflection, teaching, practice, & reflection. Everything the students are taught during the teaching time will immediately be put into practice and then discussed by the group.

What makes this so exciting for me is that our topic this year is "Secrets of the Secret Place: Secrets to finding intimacy with God." So everytime the students have "practice" they will be spending time alone with God, in His word, one-on-one with Him, practicing ways of growing closer to Him!

Throughout the weekend, each student will spend a minimum of 100 minutes alone with God!

This is why I'm so excited about DNOW! Spend 100 minutes alone with God, and there is no way you can remain the same!

Next time I post, I'll give you a recap of what God does during DNOW09!

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential!

focus

2009-02-10T10:54:00.004-06:00

It's Tuesday again -- my day to have some freedom in my schedule! My day started off with taking my son to school before heading to the office. When I arrived, I had email waiting for me, so I dove in!

I have a lot of student pastor friends who frequently send information about speakers, bands, and other "trade secrets" that they might have. My friend, Steve, from North Carolina sent me an email about a passionate young lady named Abby Tracy.

Abby is 22 years old and is a missionary to Uganda. While she was finishing college she raised $50,000 to build a home in Uganda so that she could get street kids off the street. If you are unaware, 51 percent of the population of Uganda is under 18. It is estimated that there are some 10,000 children living on the street, alone, with no family.

Abby, with no denominational backing or support, started this home and finds the funds to keep it going. She is passionate about saving these kids from the street and sharing the love of Christ with them. Her stories are quite remarkable.

Please take some time right now and visit her blog (http://africa-love.livejournal.com/). Mark it as a favorite and go back often.

Why am I pushing you to do this? This morning, I realized that my focus has been way off. Maybe your focus has been way off too.

May God grant us a renewed vision. May we have His vision for the nations, His vision for people, His vision for the work of the Kingdom.

I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.

I Heart Tuesday

2009-02-03T09:56:00.000-06:00

Tuesdays are great!

Many reasons come to mind as to why I think Tuesdays are great. One being "date night." Kari and I try to carve out time to get a bite to eat and enjoy each other's company while Landon enjoys the company of a babysitter!

Another reason...no meetings. Typically, I do not have meetings on Tuesdays so I get to do all of that office work that quickly builds up. I also get to do some worship planning and sermon prep, as well as have time with my office door closed!

But the reason this Tuesday is so special is because of new music! Record labels release new music on Tuesdays. While I'm not excited about any new releases, I am excited about some of the music I purchased on iTunes and now get to listen to and worship all day! No doubt these songs will work their way into our student worship services very soon!

Here is a list of what I'm listening to today:

"To Know Your Name" Artist: Hillsong Album: Saviour King

"Let Us Adore" Artist: Hillsong Album: Hillsong: God He Reigns

"More Than Life" Artist: Hillson United Album: The I Heart Revolution

"You Deserve" Artist: Hillsong Live Album: This Is our God

"Holy" Artist: Vinyard UK Album: Holy

As you can tell, I've been downloading Hillsong stuff! Not all of these are brand new songs, but I am finding them to be refreshing to my soul as I sing along and worship the living God!

Have a great Tuesday!

Nate

January's over.

2009-01-30T12:43:00.001-06:00

The next couple of days will be very busy for me. I've got YouthQuake all day on Saturday (literally, all day) and on Sunday following morning services I'll be back at the church at 3:30pm to get all set up and open the doors for the Super Bowl Party (Bring Your Own Living Room)! I'll get home at about 9:30-10pm each night, so no Landon and Daddy time this weekend.

Traditionally, January is usually a pretty slow month in student ministry, but January '09 has been packed! Oh well, only one more day! It has been a good month. I think we've got good momentum from the activities, events, and services we've had.

Two of the highlights of January have been (1) Ski | MISSIONS and (2) The Annual Parent Party.

(1) Ski | MISSIONS was a trip that didn't happen like I planned. Once on the bus took off to Colorado I received an emial from Chad (the missionary we were working with) telling me that everything we planned had fallen through. So, we had to try to figure out what God was up to! I've learned over the years (from my good friend Walker Moore) that, "Our disappointments are God's divine appointments!" (Day 1) After arriving at Copper Mountian we checked in our rooms, picked up our rental gear and hit the slopes! Chad came over after that night and talked with our group. We decided to send the group out that night with the purpose of iniatiating conversations with people so we could pray for them and/or tell them about Christ. Overall, the students did a good job of accomplishing what we sent them to do. Many students struck up converstaions, but none lead to any salvations. (Day 2) The weather was perfect and the skiing was great! The second night we prayer walked for an hour and then tried to engage others in converstaions that might lead to sharing Christ. It was a little easier on this night as the village was busy with visitors coming to see En Fuago (sp?), the big nighttime festival with street performers, fireworks, etc... On this night, I got to talk to a Doug who is one of the performers. We stood around a fire pit and he told of all he has experienced in his short life. What a story! All of us who were talking with Doug were blown away by how much he has lived though! I asked Doug if it was ok if I prayed for him. As he rode away on his bike he said "yes" and that was the last I saw of him. So, I've been praying for Doug. (Day 3) In short, I got lost in the back country (out of bounds) with two students and an intern for about three hours in all. We made it back, we left no one behind! Just before supper, Chad and his family came by to visit. I got to talk with him about 2010 and I got to pray for him and his wife and son. They don't get much help from groups like ours. Most just go to ski and relax. I pray that Chad and his family don't get discouraged! At the end of the trip we had all returned home saftely.

(2)The Annual Parent Party is a chance for me to see parents (some new to the ministry, some experienced), celebrate what God has done in the past year, and cast vision for the upcoming year. We had a great turnout of parents as well as our small group teachers. We had good converstaion, great food, and almost everybody took home a prize! I love getting with parents!

January was full of many other activities as well, not to mention that I was sick with the flu and strep during the month! I'm looking forward to February and to feeling better.

Pray for students to come to know Christ!
Nate