Will your treasure last forever?

I want to thank all the leaders that helped at Jr. High ministry last night, and welcome the newest leader, Mr. Mark. You are all an inspiration to the perserverance and faithfulness of a servant of God.
I was looking at the clock last night at 6:20pm and became worried that the snow would stop everyone from coming to youth group. But God continually proves to be faithful despite the odds. The jr. highers went above and beyond with their insight into the treasures in heaven that await us.
A not so funny thing happened to me this morning before I went to class. I had been working on paper for my British Empire history class for weeks. When I was finally ready to print and be done with it, I receive an error and the whole paper was lost. For about twenty minutes I sat stunned and frantic because the paper was due in less than an hour. Thankfully God has blessed me with a wife that keeps me in check. She reminded that God continually shows grace and the teacher may show grace to me as well. Grace-a gift that I do not deserve.
Long story short, I was given that grace and was able to rewrite the paper.
But I learned two thinsg from this: 1.)We as Christians will have tough times, but God has a plan and reason for EVERYTHING He does; and 2.) Satan will do whatever he can to take the joy out of life.
Serving Christ,
Graham

Expectations and Endurance

Are you perfect? No seriously, think about that question for a moment. We had an interesting conversation last night at youth. We've been reading and focusing on Hebrews 12:1-3 (Thanks to Rachel, Joy, Kelli, and Tori I will NEVER forget those verses). In it, the writer of Hebrews uses the words perseverance and endurance to describe how we should continue to press on despite any circumstances. Then we looked at Matthew 18 (The Story of the Unmerciful Servant).

Are other people perfect? No seriously, think about that question for a moment. If you aren't perfect and other people aren't perfect, then why do we expect them to be? We related this to the idea of enduring one another (as Christians). If, as Hebrews says, to "Consider [Jesus] who endured such opposition from such sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart," then how much more should we as sinful people endure one another?

Jesus tells the Story of the Unmerciful Servant in answer to Peter's question, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? (verse 21)"It's as if Peter is asking Jesus for a cut-and-dry formula for forgiveness (because any more than 7 times would be ridiculous, right?). Precisely. I'll let you read Matthew 18 for the rest of the details. As Kevin says, "you can dig and dig at this passage and continue to find things."

For Him,

Joe

Reminder: Senior High Youth - don't forget your "30 minute" assignment this week! Stay in the Word, get some quiet time with God, and pray with your prayer partner. See you at 5:30 next Sunday night for the Food Drive!