2013: Dreaming Big With God

What’s ahead for 2013? I’ve been seeking the Lord and asking what He wants to accomplish this year in His youth! Change is on the horizon, and it’s good!

New Foundation Course for Teens on Wednesday Nights

The 4RRRRs (Reach Relate, Raise, and Release) continue to guide us; this charge was given to me last February and the Youth Pastors Conference in Orlando. This year Impact Student Ministries (6^th-12^th grades) in conjunction with the oversight of Gulf Coast Church’s (GCC) Pastor, Keith Jones, plan to start a foundational course for our youth that will involve a graduation service. This course will be offered and repeat for new teens (6^th – 12^th grade) that come throughout the year.  This will ensure that our teens understand the basic principles, sacraments, and primary AG beliefs, which are all grounded in the Word of God. This is the “raise” part of the 4RRRRs!

New Classes for Kids in Preschool- 12th on Wednesday Nights

As January begins, we are excited to announce that preschool to Kindergarten students will be having Wednesday school in the church, and grades 1^st-5^th will also be having their own lesson that will take place in the classroom in the Life Center. It is important to note that we must adhere to these locations to ensure that everyone gets their age appropriate teaching and are properly supervised. Before church starts and between 6:15-6:45, any siblings that attend without a parent must be with Ms. Jolene Wood in the Life Center sitting at a table and eating. If not, they can come at 6:45 and then go to their own class.

IMPACT’S FOCUS: Knowing God, Serving, Commitment, Leadership, Fellowship, Respect, and Out-Reach

Our direction and theme this year is serving and commitment. All of this (commitment and service) is good, but if Christ is not the focus of our lives and we are not committed to Him, it's serving amiss or not true service at all. If you’re going to serve on a youth praise team etc, your life needs to be one of transparency (see through) and walking in true Christianity. If you are going to be a greeter at the door (“relate”), you still need to be commitment to the things of God. For example, if you sing, one is not on this team solely because they love to sing, though this may be a small aspect; instead, they are serving using their God given gifts to lead others with humility. In fact, they should be almost invisible leading others towards Christ in any facet of ministry! 

 Another consideration is doing something that needs to be done because God has asked you to do it or an elder or leader over you has asked you. A true leader sees a need and fills is to their best ability. If it needs to be done, do it. It might not be your cup-of-tea or type-of-candy, but you are willing to serve and do because you are committed to God and the vision of the pastors you serve. If you don’t know God, the things of God, or do not have a relationship with God, you need to step back, pray, and take the foundational course, though we will all take it the first time. It is our responsibility to teach and train you in the things of God. Once we have completed all classes of this course for the first time and teens are REALLY ready to commit, then they will placed in a serving role, though they will be accountable to myself, Pastor Keith, an adult youth leader, and a teen leader. The idea of building on a faulty foundation is not a good one. Therefore, we must make sure your foundation is strong! Once you commit, you are expected to be at church on Sunday mornings too. You may serve part of the time, but you need to be in church hearing the Word of God from Pastor Keith too!

Though concept of commitment, service, and leadership, are dirty words for some or may even scare people when they think about it, everyone is some type of leader and has a sphere of influence, if not in public, then at home, at work, or in a small circle of friends. I hear so many people say they are a follower etc, but when I look at our worldly leaders, I see that there are both good and pure leaders, as well as unGodly leaders. There is also the Malcolm in the middle leaders, who are hypocrites. Nevertheless, every one of them has a sphere of influence. We are all leaders. Imagine a world with a strong force of Godly teen leaders reaching the world one parent, student, friend, etc at a time.

In short, every one of us has a sphere of influence too! As we continue to teach and train you, it is also in preparation to release you into leading a ministry here, elsewhere, or even on-the-job ministry leading. We want to do as God has instructed and develop true Godly leaders. Stormy Anders is a perfect example of this concept; she was reached, related too, raised, and released under the ministry of GCC. She is going to Alaska in June on a missions trip and we will continue to raise money to support her!  

 

This year our teen girls will begin to work with the WOW (Women of Worth) Leadership team through a youth representative. This representative will help plan and assist the team with arranging for males and females to help with set-up and clean-up, decorating the tables, and serving at the events.  We also hope the once the teens girls get established and understand the vision of WOW that their own ideas will become considered in planning events. For now, we will be hearers and doers and heed Pastor LaDonna Jones directions as they step up and begin serving.

 Our teen boys will help staff the food pantry by committing to work on Sundays from 1:00-3:00. If they commit to a day, they should show up. Like the girls, they will learn the process of how the ministry works. Tim and Cindy Krause are the contact people for this ministry. There are many other evangelism out-reach opportunities coming this year; my hope is to see the young men of God step out and be the leaders they are called to be! I look forward to seeing the teen boys assist in setting up the tables and chairs and tearing them down for activities that other ministries are sponsoring in the Life Center etc.

 Regarding “reaching”, Student Impact Ministries should also be telling others about Christ and leading the way towards Christ at school, in their homes, and at work. They may contact Christine Brunette and go out soul winning. They may also get involved in other ministries at the church. GCC is big on serving because the Word tells us to serve. They may start prayer circles at their schools and join in fellowship with other churches on their school campus to pray for their leaders and students. Join the Federal Christian Athletes (FCA) organization at your school.  In light of the recent school tragedy in Connecticut, I cannot see a better time as any to get prayer going at every school.  If you are told you cannot pray before the start of the school bell (before the first bell) and after the school bell (the final bell after teachers leave), you have been told wrong and your rights are being violated. If you need someone to contact the school board because you have “formally” been told by a principal that you cannot do this at your school AND your attempt to contact the school board has failed, please let me know.

 In January, we will attend the Speed-the-Light missions rally at West Coast Church. I cannot wait to see what the Lord speaks to our teens to raise. In retrospect, I spend a lot of time raising money for STL with water balloon fights and dying my hair last year. Though I support STL, I want to focus on fundraising for Fusion and camp this year much more than I did last year. In short, STL is something that the teens do outside of church to raise money for missionaries by having garage sales, making tape purses, selling candy bars or suckers, etc. We will have a bake sale this month to support STL, but after that, it’s on the teens to raise money. This year teens will be asked to keep track of what they donate in the offerings by using an envelope that says STL on it. In turn, I will have a spread sheet where I will keep a total for you. Why? Because students who raise at least $100 for STL in 2013 will be entered into the drawing at the 2014 STL rally. It’s usually two tickets to a Disney theme park. It’s always an amazing prize!

 Top 20 for 2013, Though There are Many More Hopes & Dreams in My Heart

1.    I am praying against all drama and gossip and believe we can be the head and not the tail; that we can be above and not beneath. That we can be an amazing committed people of God who understand what gossip is and does. What does this mean while in our bathrooms, outside the building, and even at school or on FB? Will your conversation at dinner be about what God is doing and your own lives? Can we talk about how awesome God is? Who can make some conversation starters for us to put out at the tables each week? Who can makes some flyers for the restroom and walls that you can send to me in a word document with scripture and a message to remind us here? Anyone?

2.    I am praying about and am going to enforce that we respect God and His building and His people. Therefore, we will not being throwing things on the floor, eating or drinking at our seats during service accept water in capped bottles, cell-phones continue to stay in the box, students will not roam the grounds or show up before 6:00 PM, students will sign-in and out, and all students will help with set-up and clean-up. If you need your phone on, you must tell an adult youth leader. If you get a text or phone call that you have been asked to leave etc, an adult needs to see the text and talk to a parent. Students come in and leave at the start and end times. We are responsible for you. During worship and the Word (the teaching etc), we will respect God by activity doing worship and actively listening. Adhere to drink and bathroom breaks. Do this before 7:00!  If you need prayer and are upset during any time, you must get an adult leader. You cannot take off and go to another room etc.  We will help clean up too! This is respect for the house of God.

3.    Prayer requests- we will continue to write prayer requests down and go for 5 minutes saying some out loud. After that, we will close in prayer.

4.    Fusion is Nov. 15^th and 16^th in Daytona Beach! I want to take us all! Let’s get focused and keep raising money!

5.    Valentines banquet to raise money for fusion! I need a team of people to volunteer to plan, set-up, schedule workers, work, and clean-up. If we offered a baby-sitting by donation that night we could make money on that too!

6.    Communion once a month after we complete the foundation course.

7.    There will be prayer nights and seeking God services here.

8.    I am believing God for a worship band. These members must be committed and have had taken our foundation course too. Our worship leader moved to Ohio over Christmas. Changes are in the air. For now, we will focus on the foundation course.

9.    Easter song- we need to pick one that will incorporate flags into it.

10.                       The youth are going to run and sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter this year. I need your help!!!! We may also do one in the park on Good Friday!

11.                       There will be a Christmas program again next year, but we will begin it much earlier and have practices outside of church too.

12.                       Leadership meetings will begin once we complete our foundation course.

13.                       Fear Factor- we need to design tickets for Fear Factor nights to pass out at schools and bus-stops. Anyone that wants to help design this, please see myself tonight. This is part of “reaching and relating”. Once we get through our course, we will incorporate Karaoke, Fear Factor, and Themed nights where we sing, preach, and display art about a certain theme.

14.                       STL parking lot party will be moved inside to the Life Center on Friday night @5:00, January 25th. We will hang out and do Karaoke with Ms. Tracy! Maybe even do a little electric slide in the back of the church! Then we will head out to West Coach church in Englewood.

15.                       I need a 2013 permission slip for every person here. This permission slip covers trips, outings, and while you are here on our property. Both sides need to be filled out. I must also have an updated green or yellow slip on every person here. We need updated addresses etc. If you move or get a new phone, fill out a new slip and circle the changes!

16.                       T-shirts are coming- $11.00 each soon! Let’s wear them at school etc!

17.                       I am praying for a younger couple to come and partner with us; I’d like to see a young adults ministry at GCC.

18.                       I am believing for high school teens that will commit to singing on the Sunday worship team and commit to all of the practices under the leadership of Pastor LaDonna Jones. I am believing for a youth drama team that will meet outside of Weds. Night. I am believing for more committed girls and boys to our dance team (Tues. nights). I am believing for ideas and ways to reach our very own teens parents. Do you think they would come to a production you put on a Weds. Night that was about the love of God etc. What ideas to do you have? Would they come to a dinner just for them in the Life Center? Can we reach our parents by being a true example of Christ by respecting them and doing the right things?

19.                       I need two teen youth that will work together each week and help me by getting the offering buckets, choosing three people for that and setting up the laptop and sound. This means you need to be here at 6:00 every week.  I also need two to three teen boys that set up tables at 6:00 every week. Who are you? See me after service.

20.                       I am believing for a youth that will read their Bible at least once a day and take a few moments to talk to God about their day! Will you put Him first?

 
Let’s just say I am dreaming a very big God dream for 2013! Will you believe with me?  Let’s pray about our new year and what God is going to do in and through us! Pray for us as we write the Foundation course using resources to bring you a very comprehensive understanding of the things of God.

God bless you!

Pastor Illy and Don

 

Hope Is Alive

My message today is to bring you encouragement: hope is alive. Hope comes from God (1) and not anything else!  What do you see with your eyes today (2)? What is your point of focus? Are you looking for hope and living in faith (3)? Dictionary.com tells us that “despair is the opposite of hope”. If you are looking for despair, you are going to see it; but if you are looking for hope, you will see it. You have to see hope with spiritual eyes. These supernatural eyes see beyond your current situation, its turmoil and struggle, and they see your future. Do you have these spiritual eyes? If you don’t, you need to ask God to give them to you. How else can one live above their circumstances (4)? Paul learned to find contentment, while living life on earth and to look to God for help and deliverance. Paul also understood that there are always troubles to face, but with God we can face anything!  Paul also tells us not think it’s odd if trials occur (5). Knowing this FACT helps us to look above and beyond them to the author and finisher of our faith, whose name is Jesus (6).  When we look to Jesus, we will not grow weary and lose heart!  Let’s face it. There is only one true hope, and His name is Jesus (7)!

When the going gets tough, those who are in Christ hope in Him all day long (8). Now that does not mean that one who is a Christian and for a short moment loses sight of their hope and anchor (9), who is Jesus, that he or she is out of Christ’s love. The word reminds us, through the prophet Jeremiah, that we have a hope and a future (10). If we are in Christ, we are in His love (11 & 12). The Bible is clear and states that nothing can separate us from God’s love: not famine, persecution, and or present troubles hardships (13).

The world throws us a despairing message most of the time; but if we are in His word (the Bible), we know and remember that hope is ever present (14) and that devil is a liar (15). Staying in the word helps us  fight the bombarding  attacks we face day-after-day, like a loss of a job, home, a relationship, etc. The devil wants to hit us where he can hurt us the best. But if we stand strong and take heart (16) like Job did amidst his trials or tests (17), we see that in the end, God will restore it all (18). Job knew God at the start of his test, but at the end he really knew Him! Job 42:5 states, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” (19). He knew a God that is there no matter what. He was with him in despair and devastation.  Friends, times are bad and the Bible tells us that in the last days it will harder to live (20), but our times are in His hands (21). We know that we have hope because God is our savoir and anchor, but we also know that there is hope as we go through the process. The Bible tells us that we will suffer as Christ did, but in these sufferings comes hope:

Romans 5:3-5 ³ Not only so, but we^[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5:3-5&version=NIV)

There is truly a hope for you in God (22). Hope will not disappoint (23). Hope will come and restore you (24). If you believe in Jesus, you have this hope (25)! If you know someone who is down, please share this info with them. Please lead them to the only one true hope there is!

Footnotes from www.biblegateway.com to ponder:

1.       Psalm 62:5
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

2.       Psalm 39:7
“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.

3.       2 Corinthians 5:7
For we live by faith, not by sight.

4.       Philippians 4:11
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

5.       1 Peter 4:12
[ Suffering for Being a Christian ] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

6.     Hebrews 12:1-3 New International Version (NIV)

12-1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12:1-3&version=NIV

7.       Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

8.       Psalm 25:5
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

9.       Hebrews 6:19
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

10.   Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

11.   Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

12.   Romans 8:39
neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

13.   Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

14.   Psalm 71:14
As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.

15.   John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

16.   Psalm 31:24 Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

17.   Job 23:10
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

18.   Job 33:26
then that person can pray to God and find favor with him, they will see God’s face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being.

19.   Job 42:5 ^- My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2042:5&version=NIV

20.   2 Timothy 3:1
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.

21.   Psalm 31:15
My times are in your hands;

22.   Proverbs 23:18
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

23.   Romans 5:5
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

24.   Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

25.   1 Peter 1:3
[ Praise to God for a Living Hope ] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Beautiful Things - Gungor Lyric Video

We serve an amazing God who makes beautiful things out of dust and out of us. It doesn't matter what state of mind you are in or what physical or emotional condition you are in right now because the word of our God is true! It doesn’t matter what lies the enemy has told you (John 10:10) through people, yourself, or circumstances. It’s time to see what the Lord has said about you, His bride: Song of Solomon 4:6-7 says, “The sweet, fragrant curves of your body, the soft, spiced contours of your flesh Invite me, and I come. I stay until dawn breathes its light and night slips away. You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.” It’s says that you are beautiful and flawless in God’s eyes!

No, you might not think you see the evidence of His beauty or flawlessness in yourself, but it exists because He says that it does.   He is busy taking care of all of the other stuff around you, but you need to focus in on God and what He is trying to do inside of you. Look to the word and renew your spirit and mind daily, find revelation in the word of God about your life. What does the Bible says about you, how to live, and this life is true. There is more to life than you can even imagine: Philippians 3:20-21 says, “But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.” This tells me He is taking care of it all. That’s when He is making beautiful things, and this is a process of transformation. This is not a quick fix, but until it is complete, we know that God see the full picture. We have to trust God and not believe what others have said about us.

Let’s not forget that as we come to the Lord daily, we are changed into His image one day at a time (2 Corinthians 3:12-18). Likewise, His beauty and what He made us is more visible to ourselves and others each day we give ourselves over to Him and yield to His plan and way for our life. When we begin to know who we are in God, when we begin to see the beauty that He has created in us; when we begin to believe that He has said about us, we can know that He makes beautiful things!

RRRR!!!!!!!!!

I went to be thinking last night about how much our youth group is going. Yes, as a whole, our numbers are growing, but was is happening in so many individuals is life changing.

For one, there are youth, who have found God and realized that He is the source and strength for their lives. They are new on their Christan journey. Admitting that we need help is the first step; learning to walk in His love is the next progression. When someone gets a hold of this idea and  sees a life changing impact in their lives, they cannot help but tell others. We are doing really well at reaching out to the youth in our community.We are taking God's love outside the four walls of the church.

Once we get them to come to church, we are learning to relate to them by being kind, friendly, and helping them get connected. People are looking for a safe place where they can belong, have fun, and also, have people who can help bare one another's burdens. While all of this is going on, leaders are being developed and taught of God.  These, in turn, will one day take what they have in God and become missionaries, preachers, teachers, nurses, doctors, etc. Giving up all that they have to God who saved and loved them.

Let's not forget that each step is important as we grow and walk with God. As a youth group, we have intiated this leadership mobilization  strategy based on the five-fold ministry. It iws working!

Reach out to others.
Relate to them,.
Raise them up.
Release them out to God's work on a greater scale.

Our Pastor's Messages IMPACT Our Lives

I am writing tonight because my heart has been heavy for sometime. This message is good for the young and old at heart. Our pastor is our pastor; we love him. He is the main one shepherding us next to Christ at Gulf Coast Church (GCC). The youth pastor is a bridge between the two. An assistant developer of the young, if you will, who will always be there for support; however, they can NEVER the take place of the main pastor. It's obvious that a Sunday school teacher or Childrens' church director is in the same role too!

At GCC,  it's an honor to be the youth pastor at Gulf Coast Church; my heart is in it! I have a passion for helping teens get to know God! I keep my focus on God as I seek Him to help them become more like Jesus, but I'm am just a stepping stone in my youth's lives. One day they will grow up and be completely full time "big church" peeps. But what I think some youth pastors forget is that the youth of the congregation really belong to the head pastor. It is important to know that your youth pastor should be submitted to God, to God's vision over the house, and that the youth pastor is not looking to start their own church. Instead, they are obediently supporting their pastor as their "youngins" as they "grow up" in God. Yes, there are many other supporting roles that a youth pastor undertakes in support of their main pastor; but in the end, the sheep do not belong to the youth pastor! The pastor will shepherd his sheep for most of their lives. Think about it!

 It's awesome that the Weds. night service is for the youth at our church, but so is the Sunday morning message too! It's great to volunteer and help in many other ministries on Sunday AM or any other time, but hearing the pastor's heart and message for the congregation is crucial. This takes place on Sunday morning. We also have a responsibility to get fed at home by reading our Bible and praying; however, we should never forget the impact our main pastor can have on our lives. For example, today's Sunday's AM message was about the importance of character. That people who have character and are willing to press in are less likely to just fall away. When the storm hits, people with character react correctly; people with little or no character, respond with little or no character. They run away from God and act in ways that does not glorify God. These poor choices make life harder; if they continue, they may completely fall away because of their lack of character. In short, this message is both for the old and young and heart! Character develops over time. It's as we walk with God and allow our hearts to be softened that we can yield to the peaceable fruit of righteousness one service at a time, one prayer at a time, and one moment at a time.

Finally, I am honored that so many of GCC's youth love me and our youth leaders, but don't forget who is the one who answers to God for their stewardship over you. It's not just me your youth pastor; it's Pastor Keith's too. Let's continue to pray for him. Let's get behind God's vision and keep inviting people/ teens out for both Weds. PM and Sun. AM services! Let's continue to give love offerings to Speed the Light and pay our tithes (10%) of our income to the house of God! Do volunteer, but make sure you are attending most of the Sunday AM church meetings. If you prefer to volunteer on Sunday AMs, maybe you can sit in the Weds. night's main service in the sanctuary instead. Don't forget how important it is to hear the heart of the main pastor!

Peace out!

We are Getting it Started! Why Can't You?

Dear Readers,
We are making a difference at our school, and you can too! If you live in a country where people are free to share their faith, why not take advantage of this gift and use it like we are?  Why not meet to pray each week and share one another's burden? Why not invite others out to find out about the amazing life of Christ?
Why not let your light shine and draw others to God throughout the school day? You can make an impact. See a teacher who you think might sponsor you club after school? If you run into problems, claim a table in the lunch room and do it right there on the same day every week.

Come on! What is stopping you?

What Do You Want to Be Known for at School this Year?

What do you want to be known for this year at school? As you look in the mirror and get ready for the 1st day of school, ask yourself this hard question. What you choose will make all of the difference!

I woke up this morning with this scripture in my head: Colossians 1:27 "...Christ in you, the hope of glory." (NIV). Yes, I should be up getting ready for the first day of school, but I had to deliver this message to you: "Christ in you, the hope of glory"! As you get all gussied up for the first day of school, don't forget that if you want to make an IMPACT,  it is what is inside of you that really counts. Today is the day! Your teacher doesn't know you, the new kids don't know you, and the ones that do, let them see who you really are. Now there is nothing wrong with wearing nice school clothes and shoes, but don't forget that you carry Christ inside. You carry the hope of this world in your heart; share Him whenever you can. You carry this mystery inside of you. In some ways, like Jesus's mother carried Him!

In the Message Bible, Paul talks about how common our preaching can be (see below). It is showing the love of Christ. Yes, there are times to stand up for God and to do the right thing. But sometimes doing the right thing is easy. Try showing God's love by a helping a student find a restroom, opening a door, smiling, sitting with a kid who is by themselves in the lunch room, and or saying hi. Reach out to others, despite how shy you might feel. Do it for Jesus.

After all, what do you want to be know for this year? Being cool or making an impact? I challenge you! Step out of your comfort zone and make an IMPACT!

Colossians 1:27 The Message (MSG)

^26-29This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%201:27&version=MSG


Please take time to reflect about this entry. What is God speaking to you? Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!

Are You Ready to Make An Impact?

Dear Readers,

If you know me, you are probably wondering why am I writing another blog? I am a teacher and youth pastor. I wish I had more time to spend with the youth at Gulf Coast Church and with  the readers that followed our summer blog all around the world.

There are times that I feel impressed to share a message. Sometimes it's when I am driving in my car, or worse yet, in the middle of  teaching a lesson at the high school. There is so much that needs to be communicated to a generation that is on fire for the King! Let's face it. There are times when we need to be encouraged, inspired, recharged, and motivated to spread the good news.

If I write anything at all, it will be from my heart. So, when you get it, remember how much God loves you and wants you to be all that you can be. Share your light. When you become tired and weary, get a recharge! When you are on fire for God, inspire and encourage others to find and follow God. We can make a difference!

As usual, you can find me and message me in FACEBOOK @ Illy Reich (Frontline- Student Ministries)!

God Bless You,

Pastor Illy Reich
Gulf Coast Church
North Port, Fl

Final Day 75: Psalm 75- Have You Grown on this Summer's Journey?

Dear Readers,

Psalm 75 is our final Psalm for this summer reading blog, but it doesn’t have to end here! It’s been a great journey! I’ve grown a lot. By keeping myself to writing this blog, it has actually helped me stay in the word when I was facing a very difficult trial with my mom’s health. This trial brought other distractions that attempted to ruffle my feathers, but I am standing fast in God. I have written this to remind you how important it is to stay in the word. So, keep it up and starting reading one chapter of a Bible book each day. I recommend the Message Bible or Fire Bible for teens. We will do the remaining Psalms next summer if the Lord leads!

Since this is a Psalm of thanksgiving, take some time to thank God for everything that He has done!

Psalm 75 -New Living Translation (NLT)

For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph. A song to be sung to the tune “Do Not Destroy!”

¹ We thank you, O God!
    We give thanks because you are near.
    People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds.

² God says, “At the time I have planned,
    I will bring justice against the wicked.
³ When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil,
    I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude

⁴ “I warned the proud, ‘Stop your boasting!’
    I told the wicked, ‘Don’t raise your fists!
⁵ Don’t raise your fists in defiance at the heavens
    or speak with such arrogance.’”
⁶ For no one on earth—from east or west,
    or even from the wilderness—
    should raise a defiant fist.^[a]
7 It is God alone who judges;
    he decides who will rise and who will fall.
⁸ For the Lord holds a cup in his hand
    that is full of foaming wine mixed with spices.
He pours out the wine in judgment,
    and all the wicked must drink it,
    draining it to the dregs.

⁹ But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
    I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
¹⁰ For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked,
    but I will increase the power of the godly.”

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2075&version=NLT

Please take time to reflect about this Psalm. What is God speaking to you?  Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!

You can always contact me with any concerns that you have! God bless you!

Day 74: Psalm 74- Does God Seem Silent?



Dear Readers,

Psalm 74

Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

A maskil of Asaph.

74 God, why have you turned away from us for so long?
    Why are you still angry with us, your own flock?
² Remember the people you bought so long ago.

    You saved us, and we belong to you.
And remember Mount Zion, the place where you lived.
³ God, come walk through these ancient ruins.
    Come back to the Holy Place that the enemy destroyed.

⁴ The enemy shouted their war cries in the Temple.
    They put up their flags there to show they had won the war.
⁵ Their soldiers attacked the doors,

    like workmen chopping down trees.
⁶ Using axes and hatchets,
    they smashed the carved panels inside.
⁷ They burned down your Holy Place.
    It was built to honor your name,
    but they pulled it down to the ground.
⁸ The enemy decided to crush us completely.
    They burned every holy place ^[a] in the country.
⁹ We do not see any of our signs. ^[b]
    There are no more prophets.
    And no one knows how long this will last.
¹⁰ God, how much longer will the enemy make fun of us?
    Will you let them insult your name forever?
¹¹ Why won’t you help us?
    Use your power to defeat our enemies!
¹² God, you have been our King for a long time.
    You have saved us many times on this earth.
¹³ With your great power you split open the sea
    and broke the heads of the sea monster.
¹⁴ Yes, you smashed the heads of Leviathan ^[c]
    and left his body for animals to eat.
¹⁵ You make the springs and rivers flow,
    and you make the rivers dry up.
¹⁶ You control the day and the night.
    You made the sun and the moon.
¹⁷ You set the limits for everything on earth.
    And you created summer and winter.
¹⁸ LORD, remember, the enemy insulted you!
    Those foolish people hate your name!
¹⁹ Don’t give us like a helpless dove to those wild animals.
    Never forget your poor, suffering people.
²⁰ Remember the agreement you gave us,
    because violence fills every dark place in this land.
²¹ Your people were treated badly.
    Don’t let them be hurt anymore.
    Let your poor, helpless people praise you.
²² God, get up and defend yourself!
    Remember, those fools challenged you.
²³ Don’t forget the shouts of your enemies.
    They insulted you again and again.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+74&version=ERV

When I read Psalm 74, the words persistent and perseverance come to mind! I know it looks like Asaph is complaining a lot here; instead, I see it as one who is reminding God about what He said He would do for His people. He even tells God about the bad press that God is getting with the insults people are slandering Him with (verse 23).  Verse 22 is a call to action: “God, get up and defend yourself!” Asaph is not going to take this sitting down. He is going to keep pleading with God and reminding Him of His covenant toward them (v2). When God seems silent, this is what we should do too!

Please take time to reflect about this Psalm. What is God speaking to you?  Feel free to email me @ illyguana@hotmail.com with any questions or concerns. You can also send me a message in FB to Illy Reich (Frontline-student Ministries)!