What about the Grits?

I am currently reading a biography by Chuck Swindoll on the life of Paul. I must admit that as a teenager, Paul was one of my least favorite people in the Bible. I thought him to be arrogant and a know it all. But after reading Chuck's take on the man, I realized how incredibly humble Paul really was. He preferred to boast about his weaknesses than his strengths. How many people do you see do that nowadays?
He had passion and grit that matched few anywhere with an amazing preaching ability. But the thing that stands out most is his leadership ability. He never had the focus on himself; it was always on Christ. Paul stands as a reminder that the Bible is full of heroes that we can learn from over two thousand years later.
Serving Christ,
Graham

My T-Shirt is Glowing!!!

It is difficult to describe the amount of fun we had at Glow Night on Wednesday, and I'm sure the leaders and youth will agree. The countless number of glow sticks were used not only to provide a fun and safe place for the youth, but to help bring them to Christ. I was on a website on Sunday and read a startling quote: typical youth groups today are focused more on entertainment rather than evangelism. While it is important to have fun, we as Christians need to act as Christ did, speak as Christ did, and love as Christ did. Even though the it is not always the popular thing to do, we are not here to serve man, but God.
Serving Christ,
Graham

Why Wait?

I noticed something as I got home last night after youth group. God has a purpose for everything that happens. I became frustrated as I was setting up for the night, and I noticed that my powerpoint presentation had been deleted 15 minutes before Area 51 began. I wondered and prayed how I would be able to effectively show the juniors highers how important it is to wait on God. But as always, He comes through. As the lesson came to a close, a great youth leader brought up an amazing point about perseverance. I didn't need to worry about what would happen because God had it all figured out. I encourage all of you to reread Isaiah 40:31 to see exactly what He can accomplish if we let Him.
Serving Christ,
Graham

What's that word?

I'm drawing a blank right now!

I can't think of that word...
You know, when you can sense
God's Spirit moving through
a group of people and you
just sense that something good is happening. What on
earth is it called? It's like rekindling a flame that was on
the brink of extinguishment (can I say that?). It's like,
you have no idea what's about to happen, but you
know it's going to be something great. It's nerve-wracking,
yet exhilarating at the same time. It's mysterious, yet
refreshing; confounding, yet inspiring; unusual, yet
comforting. Huh, someone help me out. You know what
I'm talking about, right? Like when a group of people can
really open up and trust each other? Like when a group
of people want something more than what this
world has to offer? Like when a group of people
want to hold each other accountable, even though
it might hurt sometimes. Or like when a group of
people turn into a ministry. It might be as good
as watching Satan fall like lightning, but I'd
have to ask Jesus for an opinion on that one.

Gosh, I'm so upset I can't think of the word.
I guess it's almost cliche-ish anyway, so I
won't bother trying to remember. I think I'll
just bask in God's sunshine for a while and
see what happens. Yeah, that's what I'll do.

Come like a rushing wind,
Clothe us with power from on high,
Now set the captives free,
Leave us abandoned to Your praise.......

Hallelujah!

Joe