Archive for the ‘Resources’ Category
May 13th, 2012 | 
Author: Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.
– 1 Samuel 16:19-20 (NIV)
by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
God’s calling was not an issue for the boy who worshipped God in the sheep fields. Many people worry that they have missed their calling, but David reminds us that God can open any door that He wants when the time is right. So don’t fret over your calling, focus on God and be content with Him alone. He knows where you are, even if you feel that you are alone in a field.
Posted in This video clip has made a LOT OF NEWS in the past few
days, so we thought we’d help you address the volatile subject with a small
group discussion resource on our SPIRITUAL
GROWTH AGENDA page.
Discussion
Starter: The
Bulls**t in the Bible
WARNING: Let us say right from the start that
this small group discussion contains VERY, VERY COARSE dialogue. We readily
acknowledge that this small group discussion isn’t for every youth ministry
group. The topic of discussion (homosexuality) is not only a very sensitive
one, but the way in which it is
Brought to you by The Source for Youth Ministry
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Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.
– Psalm 31:9 (NIV)
by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
The Psalmist reminds us to be fully aware of the things that are going on in our soul. To try to act like we are happy when we are filled with pain is not only unhealthy—it’s unbiblical! Don’t let the pressure of optimism force you to deny your pain; the Bible calls us to confront our feelings, then take those feelings to Jesus. When we are honest with ourselves we are in the place to be honest with God.
I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
– 2 Corinthians 11:6 (NIV)
by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
The apostle Paul made it clear that his trust was not in the way that he communicated, but the knowledge that he had in Jesus. In our entertainment culture, it is important to not miss the treasures that lie in people who look plain, ordinary and even boring. Think of it: Paul probably would have been overlooked by our current standards for spiritual leaders. What are we possibly missing today simply because we are looking at talent instead of content?
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
– Psalm 119:147-148 (NIV)
by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
The Psalmist is speaking here of guarding our prayer time with God. There are many things that can keep us from the Father. Many times these distractions are not overtly bad. A job can get too busy. Needed rest turns into hours wasted in entertainment. But we need to make sure that we make appointments with God that we keep. Find out the best time that you can give God and put it in your schedule book. You’ll be glad that you did.
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
– Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)
by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
When we are wronged the first reaction can be a desire for revenge—to make the offender pay for the pain they have inflicted upon us. But that only creates more pain and hatred in an ever-increasing circle. Godly love is willing to pay the emotional payment for the wrong done. It is not easy, but in the long run, only love can cover over the deeds and heal the heart.
16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
– Proverbs 6:16, 19 (NIV)
by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
When the Old Testament presents a number plus one, the last point is usually what the other points are about. Someone who purposely misrepresents facts and a person who causes divisions among the community of faith are in dangerous territory, because covert actions within the church are never seen in a good light. It’s time for the church to keep these behaviors from flourishing. May we preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
From discipline to duty, Gen. Patton gets to lead…
MORE FROM: YouthWorker.com
Something was lost in translation…
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16 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
– Proverbs 6:16, 18 (NIV)
by Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
The proverb is describing the enemies of unity. How many secret plans have been made to disrupt an initiative? And how many rash actions have gone on that destabilize a community when they are trying to accomplish something for God? The Bible is clear on ways to address concerns in a community, but these destructive patterns have severe consequences.