Why Wait?

We've been studying the book of Acts & the early church in our teen Sunday school class. (We haven't gotten very far at this point. We've been in the first chapter for over a month.) In Acts 1:4, Jesus told the disciples to go back to Jerusalem and "wait for the promise of the Father." 10 days later "when the day of Pentecost was fully come," they finally experienced the promise of the Father. An interesting question, that I don't have the answer for is, why did Jesus want them to wait for 10 days? Why didn't they recieve the power of the Holy Spirit right there on Mt. Olives as Jesus ascended back into Heaven? Think about that one today.

What is Wisdom?

The whole of Proverbs can be summed up in one word - wisdom. There are 3 parts to Biblical wisdom. There is the accumulation of Biblical principles. In the book of Proverbs it is refered to as knowledge. (Proverbs 2:3-4) Next comes the assimilation of Biblical principles. In the book of Proverbs it is refered to as understanding. (Proverbs 2:5-6) This is the part of Biblical wisdom where, with the Holy Spirit's help, you get a firm grasp on the understanding and meaning of those priniciples that you have eagerly sought to accumulate. The final part of Biblical wisdom is the application of those accumulated & assumilated Biblical principles. (3 John 4)

Young people are simple. Proverbs 7:7 says so. Being simple is not necessarily a bad thing. (It is if a young person stays simple!) A simple person is neither wise or foolish but can be easily influenced either way. That was the point King Solomon was trying to make with his son - "You are simple, I want you to become wise!" (Proverbs 1:1-7)

We all need to develop more Godly wisdom. It is found in the pages of God's Book - the Bible! Spend time in it each day. Encourage your children to spend time in God's Word!

Do they know how a Christian should act?

It is common knowledge among the men that I play basketball with in the mornings at the YMCA that I am an associate pastor at a local church. This morning, as I was sitting on the sidelines waiting for the next game, to players came toward the sidelines both of them going for the ball. When the ball went out of bounds several of the players looked at me and asked who the ball went off of. I told them who the ball went off of and then a couple of players on the court began to playful bicker about whether I was right or not. It was at that time that one of the other player loudly said, "Hey! He's a minister. He's not going to lie!"

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Although I am not trying to pat myself on the back, let me ask you, "What is your testimony saying to others?"

Why?

For those of you who teach Sunday school or Children's Church, let me ask you a question: Why should your class listen to your lesson tomorrow? Do you build your lesson so that it is very clear to your students that they need to listen? Something to think about.

The Wilds - Day 4

It really is hard to believe that the week is almost over. Only 2 more days before we come home. I'm sure that most of the parents are eager to see their children and, although some of the young people are looking forward to going home, they would still love to see this week continue.

Evangelist DeGarde's message in chapel this morning was very good and powerful. The title was, "5 ways the God displays His power." His text was Jonah chapter 3. I don't have my notes right here with me so I can't give you the points. The one point that has stuck is, "God displays His power through preaching!" (1 Corinthians 1:18)

This afternoon we were able to have Family Reunion with the juniors and the teenagers. We took time for the teens to share a spiritual testimony from the week (and a "fun" testimony). From the teen's testimonies I must ask the parents, "Are you being a hinderance or a help in your teenager's spiritual walk?"

Tonight, we went to the junior's service where Jeremy Frazer preached a message entitled, "How to block Satan's attacks!" Several of the young people responded to the message.

Moms and Dads, I must ask a favor of you. On Saturday, when we get home, please let your young people rest for awhile first before you pepper them with a lot of questions about how their week was. They are going to extremely tired and may not be too excited (right after they get home) to answer a lot of questions.

Also, we will give the young people the opportunity to give their testimonies on Sunday night while the experiences are fresh on their minds and hearts.

The Wilds - Spoke Tag

The Wilds - Day 4 in Photos