STIX 'N STONES

Would You Rather. . .?

Recently I purchased a game called, "Would You Rather?"  The game is filled with questions that begin with the phrase (of course) "WOULD YOU RATHER. . . ?"  The idea is to give an answer to each question as if you had only the 2 listed options to choose from.  An answer of "neither" or "I don't know" isn't acceptable (just to keep it more fun).  Most of the questions are ridiculously crazy, but that's what makes if entertaining!

I've used variations of the game at parties and small groups.  It can be a resource for sparking conversation.  Here are some of the questions:

1) WOULD YOU RATHER spend one year in a hotel room with a funky smell in it OR with a really uncomfortable bed in it?

2) WOULD YOU RATHER have one million dollars to you today OR ten million in ten years?

3) WOULD YOU RATHER have everything you eat taste sweet OR everything you eat taste salty?

4) WOULD YOU RATHER always take a cold shower OR always get one hour less sleep than you need to be fully rested?

5) WOULD YOU RATHER have to wear scuba flippers during all waking hours for a month OR have to wear a huge, festive sombrero and carry a large trumpet with you everywhere for a month?

6) WOULD YOU RATHER speak like a static radio (fading in and out) your entire life OR sing every word you speak?

7) WOULD YOU RATHER have body odor that can be detected across the room OR be hairy like Bigfoot?

8) WOULD YOU RATHER have your nose grow 1/4 inch a year OR your ears grow 1/2 inch per year?

9) WOULD YOU RATHER spend 3 weeks in a lifeboat with a person who talks incessantly about his or her medical problems OR with somebody who has a chronic, wet, hacking cough?

10) WOULD YOU RATHER live in a world without antibiotics OR without anesthesia?

11) WOULD YOU RATHER speak for only a minute each day OR stand for only a minute each day?

12) WOULD YOU RATHER have to let 30 five-year-old children have the complete run of your apartment for 3 hours with no rules OR let 2 sea lions have the complete run of your apartment for one hour?

Teenagers Involved With Ministry

I love to see teenagers involved with ministry.  I have used the following Scripture as theme for many years.  1 Timothy 4:12, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."  I think many people often set limits as to what young people can do, but God has a completely different perspective.  In the Scripture I just quoted, Paul was challenging Timothy (very possibly a teenager at the time) to set an example for others to follow.  Since God doesn't put limits on young people, why should we?

In the world of sports, teenagers are often recruited for their superstar potential and raw talent.  In the same way, it's my vision to unleash the God-given abilities of teenagers and to use them to make a difference in our world today.  I believe this makes God's heart smile. 

One of the ways we do this is through our youth worship bands.  I LOVE the fact that all of our youth worship bands are made up entirely of teenagers.  They do an amazing job.  You should see how talented they are!  (I can say this because there is no credit that goes to me).  Joy Robinson is our adult director and coordinator who has been working with our youth worship bands for the past couple of years.  I'm so grateful for her investment into the lives of the students.  Joy has a gift for maximizing their musical talents and gifts and turning them into something very special.

Last night was one of the those nights when I reflected on how proud I am of our teenagers.  Jessica S. led worship at our Sr. High 2Twenty service for the first time.  She did an outstanding job.  What's the best part about this?  It's Jessica's age.  She just started 9th grade about a week ago.  Who says you're too young to be used by God?! 

Amazing Teenagers

Too often when the word "teenager" is mentioned, it brings a negative response, almost like it's a "bad word."  That's why I want to take a moment to recognize some AMAZING TEENAGERS who are contributing, helping others, and living a life that pleases God.  

This week during Kidz Kaboom, there are around 70 teenagers who are serving hundreds of children on the campus of APC.   These teenagers arrive at 7:30am each morning to prepare themselves spiritually (through prayer and worship) and to prepare the facility for the day.  Their work is not completed until around 3pm.  They want to make sure the experience for the children is as fun, exciting, and life-changing as possible.  They do so many things such as: cleaning, leading songs, working with pre-schoolers, teaching basketball drills, praying with kids and much more. 

I am so proud of these teenagers!  They are truly AMAZING!  Thank you so much for all of your hard work and commitment to make this week possible.  You are doing a fantastic job!

Kidz Kaboom Rallies

We're into our 2nd day of Kidz Kaboom (a day camp for kids in elementary school).  We have 350-400 kids from the community taking part in this week's activities.  One of the primary parts of Kidz Kaboom is the rally that takes place each afternoon.  It's a time when everyone gathers together for creative Bible stories, fun, games, music, puppets and more.  Everything is communicated in a creative way using lighting, theatrical smoke, costumes, multi-media, dance, skits and amazing set designs.  Since the theme this year is "Wild West," everything is programmed with a western twist to it.  

One of my favorite parts is when the kids gather together at the front for worship .  It's a fantastic sight wathching hundreds of children lift their hands and worship Jesus.  Wow!  I'm so glad that my own children are being exposed to the presence of God and are able to worship in a corporate setting like this at such a young age. 

Consistency With God - "Take 10"

We often hear that we should spend time with God, but the truth is, many people often don't know exactly what to do during that "time with God."  It can almost seem like a daunting task!  To overcome this obstacle, I've created something called "Take 10."  It's a daily devotional guide that we publish for teenagers every month, but it's really applicable to people of all ages.  The concept behind this tool is simple, yet powerful.  The challenge is to take at least 10 minutes of every day to spend with God in prayer and Bible reading.  For each day of the month there is a chapter to read from the Bible, some prayer points, and a Scripture to meditate on or memorize.

Here's today's exert from the "Take 10" devotional guide:

Scripture Reading: Mark Chapter 4

Prayer Points: Philippians 1:9-11
"Cause my love to increase more and more in knowledge and depth of insight."

• Pray that your life would be captivated with love for Jesus.  Take some time to tell God how much you love Him. 

"Help me to discern what is best and to be pure and blameless until the day of Christ."

• Pray that every evil thought that doesn't line up with Christ would be defeated in your life.
• Surrender yourself to God and ask him to make you pure in your thoughts, actions, relationships, words and desires.

"Fill me with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God."

• Pray that the following "fruits of the Spirit" would be evident in your life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  (Example: "God, give me {list the fruit of the Spirit} in my life today.  Remove anything in my life that keeps you from producing this quality in me.  Change me to live with more {list the fruit of the Spirit} so that I will be more like Jesus.")

Scripture For Meditation: Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 

Video Parody - What Is Love?

This was a video parody that some of our students made for the retreat this past weekend.  Check it out!

An Amazing 2Twenty Retreat

This past weekend we hosted a retreat for students in grades 6th - 12th.  It was a fantastic time in every way.  There was: roller blading/skating, indoor soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, competitions and more.  Fun was in the air!  The only thing it didn't include was much sleep (I'm still recovering from that one).

But it wasn't just fun and games.  There were many lives that were changed.  During the day we had small group discussion sessions as well as topical breakouts taught by some of our leaders.  We also held nightly services where students renewed their commitment to Christ, were filled with the Holy Spirit, received healing, and made decisions that will definitely impact their futures.  It was a wonderful sight to see them pursuing Jesus and worshipping with all of their hearts.  There was such a great atmosphere there.  God is moving on this young generation!   

Black and Gold Night @ 2Twenty

We are declaring Wednesday, Jan. 28th and Friday, Jan. 30th as "Black and Gold Night" in our 2Twenty services.  Wear your black and gold to support the Steelers going to the Superbowl!  There will be a prize each night for the Best Dressed Steeler Fan!  Spread the word. . .

A Lot Of Changed Lives

Last night in at one of our weekly 2Twenty services, I was reflecting on the great things that God did in the year 2008.  One of the things that stands out to me the most is the month of October.  In that month alone we had 160 teenagers give their lives to Jesus!  I'm so proud of all the volunteers, leaders and students who worked so hard to see so many lives changed.  As I think back on the changed lives from that particular month, there are a couple of stories that come to my mind.

#1 - There was a young middle school girl who attends 2Twenty and wanted to do something in the month of October to impact other students at her school.  But she was very intimidated because she felt inadequate, shy and self-conscious.  She really questioned whether or not she could make a difference.  Nevertheless, she pushed through her fears and took up the challenge to invite several people who didn't know Jesus to the outreach services we were conducting.  3 of her friends gave their life to Jesus as a result!  Now, all of them are completely changed! 

#2 - There was also a 10th grader who came for the first time in October as well.  She was invited by another student who just recently got saved several months ago.  After one of the 2Twenty services that month, this new 10th grader came up to me with tears in her eyes and said, "I never knew Jesus loved me like that.  I always had a different perspective of who God was.  Now I know that he cares.  In fact, I gave my life to Jesus tonight!"  But the story doesn't end there.  The very next week she came back and approached me as soon as she walked in the doors.  With great excitement in her eyes she said, "Guess what?  I read the entire book of John this week!"  She then went on to introduce me to 5 or 6 of her friends that she brought with her for the first time.  By the end of the night, every single one of those friends had given their lives to Jesus too!   

These are just a couple of the great things that are happening in the lives of students.  The Gospel is having a multiplication effect on teenagers in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. I believe we have just begun! 

Are You A Crowd Pleaser or Influencer?

Last night in one of our weekly 2Twenty Youth Ministry services, I talked about the idea of living your life to please God instead of pleasing the "crowd."  One of the most important "skills" that young people can learn is the ability to STAND ALONE by living a life that pleases Christ.  There is the constant temptation to follow what everyone else is doing, whether it is moral, ethical, or not.  It takes courage and "guts" to stand up for your faith and what you believe.  While it's difficult, it's not impossible.  In fact, I believe that students can live as Christ-influencers in their culture.  That's what God has intended for them to be! 

Let me just say that I'm so proud of our students and the way they are pursuing God.  Their worship really inspires me!