news@thespot

"God's gonna Cut You Down"

2009-08-24T09:32:00.001-04:00

This is a video used before a sermon series... Good work Elevation church!

"God's Gonna Cut You Down" Support Video from Elevation Church on Vimeo.

God Of This City

2009-03-17T08:11:00.002-04:00

Wow... a prophetic word that can be sung over your home, wher eu reside, where u live...

New Creation

2009-01-05T14:49:00.003-05:00

The dude gets painted while he is singing on stage.

The words of the chorus... "You have taken my old skin and made it new again."

WOW.

"And all I can do is give back to you again."

Verse 1 :
Holy Spirit Hovering Over The Deep
Speak Out The Light And Let It Flood Into Me
Whisper The Word That Gave Creation Her Form
Im Searching For A Life That Hasnt Been There Before

Pre-Chorus:
Speak Light Into The Darkness
Breathe Life Into My Lungs
Fill My Soul As Deep As The Ocean
Im Reaching For Your Love

Chorus:
All That I Can Do Is Give It Back To You
Youve Taken My Old Skin And Made It New Again
All That I Can Do Is Give It Back To You
Youve Taken My Old Skin And Made It New Again

You Have Made Me New, A New Creation
All New, A New Creation

Verse 2:
Holy Spirit Hovering Over The Deep
Bring Out The Colors That My Hearts Yet To See
The Nights On Fire For The Warmth Of Your Love
But Every Hour Theres A Rising Sun

Pre-Chorus:
Speak Light Into The Darkness
Breathe Life Into My Lungs
Fill My Soul As Deep As The Ocean
Im Reaching For Your Love

Chorus:
All That I Can Do Is Give It Back To You
Youve Taken My Old Skin And Made It New Again
All That I Can Do Is Give It Back To You
Youve Taken My Old Skin And Made It New Again

You Have Made Me New, A New Creation
All New, A New Creation
Brand New, A New Creation

Some REAL Words

2009-01-05T14:39:00.002-05:00

The later part of Zephaniah chapter 3 is pretty much a bundle of encouragement. Instead of breaking it down, i'd rather just cut and paste these REAL words from God to me.

Zephaniah 3.14-20 [MSG]

14-15So sing, Daughter Zion!
Raise the rafters, Israel!
Daughter Jerusalem,
be happy! celebrate!
God has reversed his judgments against you
and sent your enemies off chasing their tails.
From now on, God is Israel's king,
in charge at the center.
There's nothing to fear from evil
ever again!

16-17Jerusalem will be told:
"Don't be afraid.
Dear Zion,
don't despair.
Your God is present among you,
a strong Warrior there to save you.
Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love
and delight you with his songs.

18-20"The accumulated sorrows of your exile
will dissipate.
I, your God, will get rid of them for you.
You've carried those burdens long enough.
At the same time, I'll get rid of all those
who've made your life miserable.
I'll heal the maimed;
I'll bring home the homeless.
In the very countries where they were hated
they will be venerated.
On Judgment Day
I'll bring you back home—a great family gathering!
You'll be famous and honored
all over the world.
You'll see it with your own eyes—
all those painful partings turned into reunions!"
God's Promise.

Just A Thought

2009-01-05T14:07:00.002-05:00

Had a mentor stop by and he said these words: When you stand firm on what you know God says, one of two things happen-- you create a crisis or a change. Either way. When you stand firm, something has to happen. God is faithful to His word. No doubt about it. So it will cause the environment, the atmosphere around you to either clash with you or change with you. Something will break or something will change.

Good words I say.

new: me

2009-01-03T13:22:00.002-05:00

Love the show on NBC called the "Biggest Loser." In fact, a new season starts this coming Tuesday. Every January people get the itch to start all over, redo themselves, change something about themselves or their circumstances, better themselves. The Biggest Loser is all about people wanting to change their physical look and along with it their mental and emotional state.

We love NEW things. New toys, new movies, new shows, new clothes, new hair styles, the latest looks, trends-- the in thing-- the new thing. Even God is in the NEW business. In 2 Corinthians 5.17 it says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

Although you may be familiar with that verse of scripture, do you live it? Do you find it hard to make it a reality in your life? Do you feel like a new creation? What do we have to do to become new?

First step, first... Repent from he OLD. Tell God you are sincerely sorry for your PAST. In Jeremiah 31.19 it says: " I turned away from God, but then I was sorry. I kicked myself for my stupidity! I was thoroughly ashamed of all I did in my younger days." Before moving on to the new you, repent and separate from the old you.

The Dancing Atwoods

2008-12-21T20:50:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

His Eye

2008-12-08T13:41:00.002-05:00

Before heading off to TEXAS for the Thanksgiving Holidays, I ran across Psalms 32.8 and I gotta tell ya: It carried me through mentally and spiritually.

It reads in the NKJV:
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye."

What stuck out to me the most was that God will guide us WITH HIS EYES.

Ever been directed by someone's eyes? They look at you and then they "point" to where they want you to go or where they want you to look without saying a word. Just their eyes move and you know to follow them?

We should be so close to God that we can see where His eyes wants us to go.
It's a gentle nudge. An ebbing, a flowing. Nothing harsh or course about it.

My prayer: Instruct me. Teach me in the way I should go. Guide me with your eye.

SHIFT

2008-12-02T09:39:00.004-05:00

During the Thanksgiving Holidays I had a chance to sit down and put pen to paper. (It's a lot different then sitting at a keyboard.) I sat down in a comfy chair outside The Limited Too in The Perimeter Mall in Atlanta. I had my leather bound journal with me and a pencil. I began to write. It started turning into some loose form of a poem/prayer to God and the word that kept creeping up was "SHIFT." The refrain was "shift me, shift me, shift me oh God to the right place."

I remember Pastor Mike Cowart had defined righteousness as "right positioning." Being at the right place at the right time. I'll add-- with the right intentions.

So my prayer for the past week or so is for God to SHIFT me to the right place. Shift my heart, shift my mind, shift my desires. That everything is in alignment with His will.

On Wednesday night, we will explore this SHIFTING. How does God shift us? Why? Are there benefits to being shifted? Are there negative consequences for not shifting? When does shifting end or is it a never-ending process?

Not Alone by Jason Upton

2008-11-09T07:09:00.001-05:00

You're not alone, you're not alone... I never leave you!
Jason Upton You are not alone

Sweet Sweet Sweet

2008-10-27T14:55:00.000-04:00

A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION from Carlos Lascano on Vimeo.

Baggage Claim

2008-10-22T09:57:00.004-04:00

When you go on a trip... You pack the stuff you thik you will need. How silly of us if we were going to the Bahamas for summer vacation and we not only packed huge coats and mittens, but decided to take the computer (not the laptop mind you) along with the monitor and the printer, and maybe for the three day trip-- take enough clothes for a whole month?

In our our journey to get closer with God as well as grow to be be more like Jesus, God says don't take any baggage with you. He tells us in Matthew 11.28 "If you are tired of carrying heavy loads, come to me and I will giv eyou rest." And in 1 Peter 5.7 it says "Cast all your cares (anxiety, worry, stress) on God for he will care (he will stress, he will do the worrying) for you."

Before continuing on your trip, give all the excess stuff you don't need to God. Leave all the baggage with Him. he will more than gladly take it from you.

Fuego De Dios (Fire Of God)

2008-10-22T09:47:00.002-04:00

When I first got serious with God I read nothing but the NIV Bible. After a while, I searched for other translations to get a better understanding of God's word. I moved to the NKJV. It was a fresh revelation. Not because it was better than the NIV but because it was different. After a few years immeresed in the NKJV and having highlighted and written note sin my Bible I felt it was time to move on. My next step? The Message version. What a difference. Again, not better, just different.

I find I get a freshness as well from singing and listening to music in Spanish. I fell in love with "Mighty To Save" by Hillsong a while ago. And like most things, the "first love" wanes. However, I heard it in Spanish and the goose-bumps returned. I added a song I have never heard in English called Fuego De Dios (I think the Hillsong song is actually called Fire Fall Down). But I love the chant... Fuego De Dios consumenos! (Fire of God, consume us.)

Thought I'd share.

Fuego de Dios

Dios Puede Salvar (Mighty To Save)

Jump, Jump

2008-10-15T15:45:00.001-04:00

Praise You In This Storm

2008-09-10T09:05:00.002-04:00

When going through something-- not just anything-- but something crushing, breath takingly awful-- there may be a point you think "God should have stepped in by now!" When a problem, situation and issue seems like it will probably take your life away or you wish you were dead instead of going through heartache-- What will your response be to God? Will you choose to give up on Him? Or will you increase your devotion to Him?

Praise You In This Storm
by Casting Crowns in Lifesong

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Splash Around!

2008-04-28T08:33:00.006-04:00

Reading this month's Esquire Magazine there was a short article about the differences between boys and girls. It used the example of taking a bath. When a girl finishes taking a bath, there's no mess, no water, not a drip outside the tub. After a few minutes, a boy will have water dripping from the ceiling, the mat and curtains are soaked. The floor has huge puddles. Then, the article said this, "splash around!"

While driving, my mind wandered. "Splash Around!" Make a mess. Get dirty. Go wild. Don't live life so neat. Make a dent, an impact in your life and those around you.

And then my mind drifted to God. He doesn't operate cleanly. He doesn't operate within boundaries. He loves getting His hands dirty. He loves pushing up His sleeves and getting dirty. He loves a challenge. He loves a mess.

Are you living your life to "safe"? Do you not share your faith because of the fear of rejection? Do you make an impact in people's lives or are they unaffected by knowing you? When an opportunity to make a change presents itself, no matter how challenging it is, do you get excited or do you coward away?

I say "Splash Around!" I say get dirty. Get messy. Jump in head first. Don't allow fear to hold you back. Hostage. Free yourself. Be determined to spread your faith, who you believe in and why to the most people possible.

Matthew 28.20, the Message version reads : Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you.

This verse doesn't hold back. This verse splashes around. It says to go out and make an impact on everyone. Mark them! Everyone!
So I say to you: Don't get out of the bathtub without making a big splash.

HOSTAGE by FAKE

2008-04-24T11:50:00.003-04:00

Fakeness stops us from being who God wants us to be. Fakeness grips us and we can't move forward. Fakeness holds us hostage. Break free from being fake. How?

In Isaiah 6 God shows up at church and Isaiah declares he is a sinner. After that declaration, an angle touches Isaiah's lips with a hot coal and takes away his sin. Then God asks, "Who can I send?" And Isaiah replies "Me!"

What happens here? First, Isaiah RECOGNIZES
that God is moving. It was pretty easy becuase of all the smoke, the angles and the Lord himself seated on a throne. We must recognize those moments in our life when God wants to speak to us. when God wants to grab our attention.

Secondly, Isaiah REVEALED himself to God. There is a difference between God knowing who we are (I mean, He created us, made us, formed us) and us deciding to reveal ourselves to God. Our real selves. Many times we prefer to smell like cheap fake perfume instead of letting God take a whiff of our real scent. "God I am a liar, a cheater, a doubter, an adulterer, a killer, a faker" Whatever you are, reveal yourself to God because then you can

RECEIVE God's forgiveness. The angles came down and passed the hot coal on his lips. Isaiah received his forgiveness only after he REVEALED himself to God.

And then the call went out and Isaiah RESPONDED. When ever you have an encounter with God, He will lay something in your heart. A desire. What will you do with it? Will you reject the calling He places n your heart? Or will you respond to it?

Reggie Dabbs Coming

2008-04-16T11:48:00.000-04:00

TONIGHT: HOSTAGE

2008-04-16T11:40:00.003-04:00

we all struggle with STUFF... sometimes that STUFF gets strong enough to hold us HOSTAGE... how do you get FREE when something controls your every breath?

Jesus tells us you cant take back your life from the STRONGMAN's control until you TIE him up.

Matthew 12:29
"How can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house."

Next Wednesday, March 5th

2008-02-26T11:10:00.002-05:00

Surrender

2008-02-14T10:34:00.003-05:00

This month we have been talking about "Surrender." What do we need to surrender to God? How do we go about surrendering things? Last night, we touched on who helps us when we are in the process of surrendering to God-- The Holy Spirit. His job as a counselor is to teach us and remind us of all things. Read about it in John 14.25-27.

The Tongue (A Good Video)

2008-02-14T10:33:00.000-05:00

OPEN UP and SAY AHH :: Message Intro from Ryan Hartsock on Vimeo.

Try These Games Out...

2008-02-07T10:37:00.000-05:00

I was roaming the internet for different youth church's and ran across "Shift Youth"... a pretty cool place. And they had a link to a free game site with simple, addictive games. Try them out after the jump.

My Promise To You...

2008-01-14T10:10:00.000-05:00

Between now and the last Wednesday of March, i promise to have something different and new for you during the turnaround hour (Wed's from 7PM to 8PM).

And coming the last Wednesday of this month: Spot Clubs.

2008 Goals

2008-01-14T10:07:00.000-05:00

What's your goals for the new year? There is a little saying that says "If you fail to prepare, then your preparing to fail." Whatever goals you have in your mind (whether they be short term or long term) make a plan to achieve those goals. Don't let them sit idly in your heart. Make them a reality.

Two Totally different Videos

2008-01-05T20:48:00.000-05:00

well not so different, they took place in the same place.. just different actors...

first up our very own pastor aaron singing... well you tell me what he is singing...

next up my lil' girl Corita and her new love-- cheerleading!

Irrational Love

2007-11-28T09:45:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought how irrational God's love is for us?
He promises He will never leave us, no matter what.
Don't we drop friends and sometimes even families because of arguments, misunderstandings?

And yet, in spite of all the times we have failed God, he still loves us.

I Call Your Name

2007-11-14T10:02:00.000-05:00

"I Call Your Name" lyrics:
Holy, Lord God Almighty
Ancient of days, Giver of faith
Lord, I need you
Worthy, Lord You're deserving
Of all I am, I lay me down
Lord, I need you

I call Your name
Lord, You reply
You bring your kingdom and stand by my side
Giver of life, all that I need
Father your everything that is precious to me
There is no one like you, Lord, in all the earth

Digno, Dios tu eres digno
de todo lo que soy
Lo pongo ha tus pies
Te necesito
Y te llamare, me contestaras
Y en un instante a mi lado tu estas
Y eres todo lo que necesito
Y en mi vida lo mas precioso

a cornacopia of stuff

2007-11-07T10:10:00.000-05:00

Amplify weekend was awesome. 35 students for 3 days, two nights-- it was fun, it was hard, it was exciting, it was tiring-- i have heard it all. Pictures coming soon.

love this song... the words "i'm not going back, i'm moving ahead, i'm here to declare to you, my past is over"-- turn 'em into a prayer!

Moving Forward

Next Wednesday is My Praize 2007: SCARS... we all have a story to tell... come join us as the students of Live Oak Church share their stories through dance, song and words.

Sign Up Now!

2007-10-10T10:49:00.000-04:00

Two great things happening...

Numero Uno: The 2nd Annual Talent Showcase. Sign up now to show off your God given talent. Singing? Dancing? Acting? Creating? Painting? Hoola Hooping? Bending? Eating? Whatever.

Numero Dos: Dare you to do something weird this Thanksgiving. Give of yourself by signing up to help serve dinner on Saturday, November 17th at Forsyth Park in Savannah. Sign up to be a part of a great thing.

FLOW Now

2007-10-09T10:46:00.001-04:00

The dictionary defines fasting as a period of self-denial. To deny the body what it wants.... hmmmm. Seems to me that this discipline of fasting might have the stigma of being just for adults. Or even better-- for the older adults. Whatever the case, "fasting is not for me. I'm too young. I'm too busy. I don't understand it."

Whatever the excuse, it doesn't jive. LOYC has talked about the importance of fasting in the past. It brings us closer to God. It helps us get our body (the fleshy desires if you will) in check. So that is why we are calling all our LOYC students to FLOW for the month of October. FLOW stand for Fasting Lunch On Wednesdays. Each Wednesday at lunch, push the plate aside and pray. Pray for what? Glad you asked...
1. Fast & Pray for our AMPLIFY weekend. For teenagers to encounter God in a fresh way.
2. Fast & Pray for our youth church. For a true hunger and thirst for God and His Word.
3. Fast & Pray for yourself. Whatever you need, make it known to God.

Links about fasting: All About God, Spiritual Disciplines, Why Fast?

my tv: heroes

2007-10-08T16:43:00.001-04:00

Wrap Me In Your Arms

2007-10-03T09:17:00.000-04:00

my tv: the biggest loser

2007-10-01T11:29:00.001-04:00

I am loving "The Biggest Loser." It comes on Tuesday nights at 8PM and you get to follow 16 or so individuals who struggle with physical and health complications due to weight. What attracts me to this show is the determination these contestants exhibit. They are put through emotional and physical stress. They are forced to admit their shortcomings to themselves-- ON NATIONAL TV!... and yet, they have a goal and those that are not detoured, those that are determined-- make it to the end. God wants us to develop that muscle of determination. If we start something, let's finish it up. I think we find it easier to quit, give up-- but those that are determined to finish get the reward.

well.. i've gone and done it

2007-09-19T16:25:00.000-04:00

shoot, i tried to hold out but loyc now has a myspace page. in no way am i trying to get you to have one. but my thought is-- if i can our youth church out there and get more traffic into our blog page so they can read about what we are doing maybe get interested in, ummm... GOD! then let's try it.

Next Week!

2007-09-18T10:05:00.000-04:00

Sign Up Now!

2007-09-12T16:17:00.000-04:00

If you want to participate in our first ever Hot Dog eating Contest during Tonnage-- Sign Up Now!

my tv: lost: FLASHFORWARD

2007-09-12T11:46:00.001-04:00

I know. I know. I've already talked about my favorite TV show before. But it was more than a year ago. And seeing as I'll have to wait till FEB 2008 to see any new episodes-- I think you can bare with me. Besides... The subject matter at hand I think will be helpful.

For three years Lost has followed the lives of these plane crash survivors. And each episode follows the life of one survivor using flashbacks of their life before the plane crash. So for about 66 some odd episodes we have gathered information about these peoples past.

However, in a great twist-- the season finale of season three had us following what we thought was Jack Shepherd's past yet again. But some things were out of wack. And finally, near the end-- it is revealed that the flashbacks we were seeing were actually FLASHFORWARDS of what life is going to be after they get rescued.

I am not of the thought that we must ignore our past. In most cases, we are the product of what has happened to us. Sometimes that is good (a good upbringing usually produces a well mannered young adult). However, there are times that bad, sometimes horrible things happen and that in turn shapes us as we grow.

In Isaiah 43.18 part b, God says: Do not dwell on the past. Dwell means to to live or stay as a permanent resident. To reside in a place. And God is saying don't live your life in the past. Don't let your mind get stuck thinking about everything that has happened to you (whether it be good or bad). Either way, dwelling in the past has you facing in the wrong direction. Dwelling in the past has you ignoring the present and oblivious to the future.

Instead-- God offers this bit of wisdom in the book of Proverbs: Fix your gaze directly in front of you. Your eyes are in the front of your head for a reason. If not, you'd be stumbling. God wants us to have our gaze fixed on what is coming to us, not what has passed by us.

Is He saying that what happened in the past is not important? Nope. He is saying that it isn't as important as what is going to happen in the future. We need to put our past in perspective. It is what has happened. Now lets' be excited for what is coming ahead.

Instead continuing more seasons of "Lost" with flashbacks, the creator of the show has said that now they have turned a pivotal point. From now on there will be FLASHFOWARDS to show where these characters are going to be in the future.

If a show that has no real importance knows the value of looking ahead and not dwelling on the past-- then we definitely need to learn the benefits of fixing our gaze on what is in front of us.

Tomorrow night...

2007-09-11T17:07:00.001-04:00

I choose to never forget

2007-09-11T08:19:00.000-04:00

Thank you God that I live in a country that was established with Faith in You. Thank you that I was born in a country that fights for freedom. I understand few things. But I believe in You. And today God, I remember what happened 6 years ago. I choose to not forget. I choose to observe a moment of silence with my President today as a sign of solidarity, unity, patriotism. Because of the heinous actions that occurred on September 11th, 2001 we have church members who are on the frontlines, I have teenagers who continually ask for prayers for moms and dads deployed overseas, and I have a four year old daughter who is growing up in a different world than I did. I pray for my President-- give him wisdom, courage and strength. I pray for our troops-- protect them from harm and bring them home quickly and safely. I pray that in all things You work for the good of those who love You. Amen.

Threshold

2007-09-06T10:17:00.001-04:00

Last night we discussed what a threshold is... a passage from something to something else. In 1 Corinthians 13.11 it says that when I was a child, I talked, thought and reasoned like a child. Now that I have become a man (woman), I have put those childish ways behind me.

As a teen: are you putting childish talk and actions behind you?
As a Christ-follower: are you putting worldly talk and actions behind you?

Are you maturing? When you decide to cross the threshold, you step into harder choices, responsibility, and there is greater expectations of you. However, there are also awesome benefits to crossing over: with more responsibility comes greater rewards, with maturity comes greater freedom.

Read Joshua 1. In it you will see that God tells Joshua, Moses' right hand man, that it is time to stop wandering in the desert and cross the Jordan river into the "promised land." Finally the children of Israel are getting what God has promised them... what they have to do is cross over. Threshold hold again. Stop thinking like they have been thinking for the past 40 years (survival mode) and start thinking like warriors.

Decide today to cross the threshold. To leave the old ways of thinking and doing things behind you. To say that "When I was a child I used to talk, think and act like a child... but now I have decided to put those things behind me."

Do We Over Dress For God?

2007-09-06T08:28:00.000-04:00

In the third chapter of Genesis, we read the fall of man-- the entrance of sin into the world through disobedience. What's interesting is that Adam and Eve's solution to their problem was to cover it up with clothing. They sowed some fig leaves together to hide their nakedness. When God came a-knockin', he was taken back by their new threads. Before, nothing stood in the way of God and Adam. They talked intimately. God saw Adam. All of Adam. And now, Adam was standing before God with some man made clothing.

Question is: Do we over dress for God? Do we stand naked, figuratively speaking, in front of God? Or do we have certain things that we hide from Him?

God doesn't want man made obstacles to stand between us. He wants us to come to Him vulnerable, raw, trusting that God will protect us and care for us. But when we keep issues, hurts, problems to ourselves-- we are not showing Him that we trust Him.

By all means, dress up for the world. But for God... be "naked" in front of Him. Be real. Be open. Be truthful. He won't disappoint.

Israel Houghton & New Breed

2007-09-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

They came out with a new cd, "A Deeper Level," yesterday... remember this song from winterfest?

Are you a Christ-Follower or a Christian?

2007-09-04T08:08:00.000-04:00

Jesus The Know-It-All

2007-09-04T07:25:00.000-04:00

Was listening to a podcast, and the preacher asked: "What are the characteristics of Jesus?" He then quickly answered saying "Everyone will say Good, Loving, Merciful, Forgiving but they forget to say Friend of the Sinner." But by the time he had said the last line I had already thought of one that I don't think makes anyone's list: Jesus The Know-It-All. You know the sarcastic, smart aleck dude that has a quick response to everything. That's Jesus.
Incident after incident, Jesus would totally crush those who were against him with a few words. When the teachers of the law were accusing Jesus of working for the Devil, he told them that a house divided can stand. It shut them up. When people started talking about His disciples picking grain on the Day of Rest, Jesus didn't hesitate to tell them about David eating food. Again, Jesus being the quick witted dude that he is shutting everyone up. Time after time, Jesus kept those that were against him looking dumb.
However, Jesus was fair. If someone had a quick witted response to something HE had said, he would acknowledge it. When a Greek woman came to Jesus asking Him to help her demon possessed daughter, Jesus said that He was on earth to help the Jewish children first and he wasn't going to take food away from them. The woman then responded that even dogs get scraps from the children's table. Because of her quick witted response, Jesus helped her daughter. When a soldier asked Jesus to heal his son, Jesus was so pleased with the soldiers statement on obedience and authority that the son was healed immediately.
I know it may seem weird to call Jesus a smart aleck... and it probably won't help you get of of talking back to mom and dad... But imagining Jesus shutting up those that were trying to make him look bad with just a few mere words-- makes me proud to say the guy is my Savior. Check it out. Re-read the first four books on the New Testament.

Sept InfoPage

2007-09-02T09:08:00.001-04:00

Looking for the brave ones...

2007-09-01T22:45:00.000-04:00

We are planning this year's "My Praize" for Wednesday, November 14. This years theme is "Scars." We want people to walk away believeing in the power of showing off our scars. Our scars are indications that we survived something. While hiding our scars may be easier-- I believe God wants us to show them off. Showing our scars and telling our stories (the churchy term is testimonies) will help some one else. Scars can be from past hurt, abuse, relationships, disappointments-- some scars can be seen ( i have a scar on my forehead from a baseball) and most are invisible to the naked eye.
Are there any brave ones out there willing to share their scar story? Email me, write me, tlak to me. Be brave! Help someone else who is going through what you have already overcome.

Did she answer the question?

2007-09-01T22:41:00.000-04:00

Pretty simple: Miss South Carolina answering a question on Miss Teen USA. After watching, you think she answered the question?

Cora's 1st Day Of School (Pre-K)

2007-08-17T21:39:00.000-04:00

some summerfest 2007 pics

2007-08-17T21:07:00.000-04:00

strike a pose

in the gulf

sisters?

all smiles

the whole gang on sunday

the ladies before service

JesusBack

2007-08-13T11:15:00.000-04:00

two parodies by youth groups..

For The Parents...

2007-08-13T10:34:00.000-04:00

Kirk Franklin covering "September"

Happy Birthday Blog Page

2007-08-11T16:32:00.001-04:00

student leadership network

2007-08-11T16:16:00.000-04:00

a new mentoring program starting in september
see pastor jesse immediately if you are interested

The Atwood Family-- Simpsonized

2007-08-11T13:25:00.000-04:00

listen to this...

2007-08-11T09:44:00.000-04:00

This month our focus is music. Music is a powerful weapon used for good or bad. It influences our moods, our thinking. Remember: God intended us to make music for Him (a vertical relationship of music going from our hearts to His ears). However, through ignorance or laziness, we have allowed the world to make music for us (A horizontal relationship with music in which we allow the world to control our thoughts and emotions). We must reduce our horizontal relationship with music and strengthen our our vertical relationship with music. I have posted some videos to compliment what we are talking about on Wednesdays.

"At The Cross"-- Many of you said this song touched you. Push play and worship.

"Hiding Place"-- Meditate on the words...

"Amazed"-- You can worship Go din so many different ways

"Alpha & Omage"-- Sometimes watching others worship moves us to worship

reggie dabbs...

2007-08-11T09:26:00.001-04:00

...with a cool youth group and a drum line

...and "sieze the day!"

funny man john gray from summerfest

2007-08-09T15:15:00.001-04:00

this dood made us all laugh (some more than others--priscilla) check him out

eddie james rawked at summerfest

2007-08-07T12:23:00.000-04:00

i can't even begin to explain this dude and his ministry... i'll just give you glimpses: he takes in kids off the street like the recovering cocaine addict who has been free for 6 months, or the backslid girl who was pimped out by her boyfriend for drugs or the muslim brother and sister who coverted to christianity and were kicked and beaten out of their house. found these on youtube enjoy...

this is their dance team: excalibur

singing

search results for eddie james

lemme share something

2007-07-27T19:57:00.001-04:00

I was studying for next Wednesday. We will be discussing Moses. And I ran across this and thought I would share:

"Within both Egyptian and Hebrew culture it was believed that a person's name revealed the very essence of one bearing it. It is for that reason that the Bible will sometimes explain a name (such as that of Moses, for example) or it will recount the changing of a name to better reflect a person (such as when Jacob became Israel and Abram became Abraham).
The ancient Egyptians and Hebrews took their belief that a name was to be the exact representation of the person one step further. They believed that to know a person's name was to know that person wholly and utterly, even to the extent of sometimes having power and authority over that person." from the devotion "I AM WHO I AM"

This makes the request Moses made of God even more profound. When Moses saw the burning bush and turned towards it, God called to Moses. He gave Moses the charge to go back to Egypt. AND THEN Moses asked, "Whom shall I say is sending me?" In a nutshell Moses was saying: I want to KNOW you. I want to know the real you. I want to wholly and utterly know God.

This in it of itself is amazing. From the get go, Moses wanted more than a superficial relationship with God. He wanted to know his NAME. His very being. His essence. His power. His authority.

Learn from Moses. Follow his lead. ASK GOD QUESTIONS. Get to know Him. Test Him. Confront Him. Turn around and see the burning bush. And when He calls your name, say "Here I Am."

july info_page

2007-07-26T11:59:00.000-04:00

in sync

2007-07-26T11:51:00.000-04:00

Psalms 26.3 says: So I never lose sight of your love, But keep in step with you, never missing a beat. [MSG]

God has a beat. A heart beat. We have to make His hearbeat our heartbeat. When it isn't, then we are off beat and we "sound" bad. But when we listen and learn (from His Word) his rhythm and immitate His beat, then He showers us with blessings (good stuff).

How do we get in sync with God?

S= be saved. This is the first, most basic step. The only way you can hear Him is to be a part of His family. You have to confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead.

Y= begin to yield. The Holy SPirit live sin you and is constantly speaking to you. Teaching you. Guiding you. You have to stop and listen to the still small voice. The more you yeild to his voice, the stronger it gets.

N= never give up. Even the most tight bands get off beat at times. It happens. When you get off beat from God, don't give up. Decide right now that no matter what you will strive to stay on beat. And if you have a set back, it won't stop you.

C= become contagious. People who are in sync with God are simply contagious. They have an inner peace and joy. They don't care who ridicules becuase having God's heartbeat makes them confident.

this & that

2007-07-19T11:54:00.001-04:00

The story goes as follows: God promised Abraham that his family would be so big-- you couldn't count 'em. Abraham waited what seemed like forever for the promise to come true. Finally, when Abraham and Sarah were very old, they had a son, Isaac. Then God decided to test Abraham. He told Abraham to give up his son.

Can you imagine the three day trek Abrham had to take to the moutain where he was going to sacrifice his son? There must have been tears. The inner turmoil.

God wants us to get rid of our "this" to make room for God's "that." Abraham's "this" was his son. God was testing him to see if his "this" would get in the way. Did Abraham love his "this" more than his God. Becuase Abrham did not spare his "this" then God promised to bless (good stuff) him tremendously.

When we get rid of the "this" in our lives then God's good stuff has room. He wants to pour in to our lives with limit... but we have "this" things that stand in the way. "This" things take up our time, our energy, our money, our attention. Some examples of "this" things are...
Attitudes: Rebillious attitude. I-Don't-Care Attitudes. We need to break 'em. We need to dispose of our "this" attitude becuase God wants to give you good stuff like peace, love, joy.
Habits: Things we do over and over again. It may be web sites, chat rooms, relationships that do not advance our life as Christians. In fact, they detour us from our journey to be more like Christ.
Hobbies: Not every "this" in our life is necessarily bad. But some of us have so many things we doing that they push God further and further down the priority list. Evaluate your activies, you hobbies. Are you doing things that are just busy stuff and push God out of the way.

I challeng you to get rid of one "this" thing today. Just one! It can be the easiest thing. And when you get rid of that "this" thing in your life, you will realize that you are have made room for God's "that". His "that" is so much better. Perfect even.

Ziplock God

2007-07-15T17:10:00.000-04:00

My wife uses ziplock baggies for everything. Obviously for food-- sandwiches, crackers, fruit, vegetables-- but also for traveling-- jewelry, clothes, toiletries. She uses the plastic bags to separate, protect and keep things safe.

God is a ziplock kind of God. In John 10.27-30, Jesus says that no one (especially the Destroyer and Thief) can snatch them (sheep) out of his hands. When we put our life in God's hand, we know we will be protected and safe no matter what.

So how do we get in God's hand? Verse 27 says we must "listen and follow" him. To be underneath God's umbrella of protection, we must listen to Him and follow Him. We can listen to Him by attending church serves (like the turnaround on Wednesday nights and Sunday morning). But we don;t have to go to church to listen from God. We can read His word, meditate on Scripture, sing songs that praise Him.

How do we follow Him? Put what ever you "heard" while listening to Him into practice. The word "follow" is an action verb. So put your faith in action. When confronted with a choice between doing right and doing wrong-- chose to do right. To follow Him means to be like Him, do what He would do, speak like He would speak.

Personally, whenever I am disobedient or don't listen and follow Him, I step from underneath His umbrella of protection and feel vulnerable. Get under God's umbrella, ella, ella-- ehh ehh ehh.

Happy 29th Birthday Ms. Michal!

2007-07-12T08:43:00.000-04:00

Ms. Michal Turns 29 tomorrow (Friday) July 13th.

ziplock god

2007-07-05T11:39:00.000-04:00

John 10.27-29

looky looky

2007-07-03T19:02:00.000-04:00

the birdies laffing...

i would kick one too...

i classic...

the turnaround

2007-06-30T13:41:00.001-04:00

Coming Up...

2007-06-16T12:13:00.001-04:00

I Am Jospeh (part 1)

2007-06-14T17:42:00.000-04:00

The reason I am intrigued with Joseph is becuase he grew up in a household with a strong generational curse that was overflowing with lies, jealousy, favoritisim and adultery-- to name a few. Joseph grew up with one dad, four sets of mothers, four sets of siblings. That in it of itself is cause for deep anguish. Add to the fact that his brothers hate dhim so much that they beat him to the point of death and sold him into slavery. From Abraham to Joseph, I believe each generation had a chance to stop it but Joseph was the only one who said enough was enough. So I want to go through each generation and what they did and how the generational curse multiplied and carried over to the next generation hardache and pain.

So let's go through this slowly together. First up, Abraham...
ABRAHAM: When God told Abram to leave his father, family and his country and go to a place that God would show him-- Abram disobeyed because we find out he decided to bring his nephew Lot with him. Disobeying God brought hardship on Abram when it came to sharing the land. Having Lot around gave Abram extra problems. Lot also chose to live in Sodom and Gomorrah, and when God decided to destroy the cities because of their sin, Abraham had to intercede in behave of Lot. When Abraham and Sarah were crossing over into foreign lands, Abraham told Sarah to lie about thier relationship becuase Abraham feared death. He told Sarah to say they were brothers and sisters. This may seem like a small lie, but by following this family lineage, you will see that the lies get bigger and "badder" and I believe it started here. The ruler of the forgien land thought Sarah was attractive and treated Abram well. But God brought a curse on the ruler. He found out the truth about Sarah and Abram and sent them away. Fear make sus do crazy things. Wrong things. We have to take hold of fear. Take hold of our thoughts and make them obedient to Jesus Christ.
So far, we already see the seeds of disobedience and deception. However, I think it's important to note that in the book of Hebrews God still called Abraham His friend. So no matter what we do, there is still forgiveness for our sins and redemption. Thank God.

end of summer concert

2007-06-07T17:27:00.001-04:00

click on it to listen to thier new album

guess what this is all about

2007-05-28T20:32:00.001-04:00

re-reading through the family line of abraham, i found something really disturbing... each father passed on to the next generation un-godly examples of adultery, lying, jealousy-- to name a few. abraham was the father of isaac; issac was the father of jacob; jacob was the father of joseph. you realize that joseph grew up in a grossly dysfunctional family? he had one father, four sets of siblings from four different mothers, their was favoritism, jealousy, sexual deviance, lying, cheating, pain, cover up... and joseph decided it stopped with him.

June Info Page

2007-05-23T16:17:00.000-04:00

In July...

2007-05-23T16:16:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow Night

2007-05-15T11:34:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night we'll conclude our series on "A Daily Dose Of..." with KINDNESS. To recap tho, we talked about FORGIVENESS on the first Wednesday of this month. Remeber: Un-forgiveness builds a wall of anger, bitterness and hatred. So forgive (free one from consequence, blame or guily) like God forgave us through His son. Last week we compared our life to a boat in FRIENDSHIP. We all have a boat and depending on who we allow on our boat will determine if our boat sinks or floats. Throw over board those that cause you to act, think or speak in negative ways.

That brings us to tomorrow night and KINDNESS. The only thing I want to say is that you hear a Bible story in a new way...

Really Really... Um... I Dunno

2007-05-15T10:00:00.001-04:00

Give me your opinion on this video...

This is pretty funny... no?

May Info Page

2007-05-03T09:21:00.000-04:00

Summerfest Button

2007-05-03T09:14:00.000-04:00

Click the sun and get all the summer fest info quickly.

Cora Playing Soccer

2007-05-03T09:13:00.000-04:00

check it

2007-05-02T11:25:00.000-04:00

holy hip hop dancers.. oxymoron?

kirk franklin discusses holy hip hop... da truth on tbn

beautiful song with images of christian soldiers

coming soon...

2007-05-01T11:50:00.000-04:00

at summerfest...

2007-05-01T08:57:00.000-04:00

Eddie James is leading Praise and Worship. I heard them a month ago at Sonfest. They were awesome. They have a cool multi-racial band and back-up singers including a converted Muslim who plays the bass or guitar. Check out his songs here.

John Gray is an interesting man. I had the privealge of driving him around during Sonfest. He is currently the singles pastor at Jentzen Franklin's church Free Worship Chapel. His passion is singing and ministering. He has toured with Kirk Franklin and DC Talk. Check out his songs here.

Summerfest 2007

2007-05-01T08:52:00.000-04:00

Click the above image to see the Bay Point Marriott Resort in Panama City Beach, FL
and go to www.mysummerfest.org to see who will be there.

Coming Up

2007-04-25T11:19:00.001-04:00

Tonight

2007-04-25T10:53:00.000-04:00

check 1, check 1

2007-04-25T10:40:00.000-04:00

check these videos out...
this one is by Group 1 Crew, an awesome new group. Bought there CD last week cuz it was only 7.99 as an introductory price. Worth it. Kinda a Black Eyed Peas type of vibe and look to them.

Toby Mac, formerly of DC Talk, has a new CD out called Portable Sounds. "No Ordinary Love" was taken from the album and put to some Japenese Anime. Cool vid.

KJ 52 has a new album out called The Yearbook. This song is an old KJ 52 song, but it's acted ot by a couple of novice video film makers. Laugh. I think it was made to be funny.

Tonight

2007-04-18T10:22:00.000-04:00

Virginia Tech Video

2007-04-17T16:01:00.000-04:00

No matter what the opinions are about how fast someone reponded, if the right thing was done... No matter the answers to questions about how did he get the gun, who is to blame... No matter all that. There will be plenty of time for discussing gun control, security procedures, prevention and blame... Right now, it's sad. Pray for all those directly affected by the shootings in Virginia Tech. The students, teachers, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, friends... Pray for strength.

Some Announcements

2007-04-10T10:08:00.000-04:00

Summerfest 2007 Info

2007-04-04T12:08:00.000-04:00

Dates: Fri, Aug 3rd thru Sun, Aug 5th
Location: Bay Point Marriott Resort | Panama City Beach, FL
Cost: $120* (hotel room and entrance to conference)
Only 15 slots open.
A $30 non-refundable deposit will secure you a spot.
You must make every payment on time.

Sun, May 13th = $30
Sun, June 17th = $30
Sun, July 15th = $30

*No money will be refunded after Sunday, July 1st, 2007.

Easter is this Sunday, April 7th

2007-04-04T12:05:00.000-04:00

What you think?

2007-03-28T14:52:00.000-04:00

So anyone watching American Idol? It's down to 10 contestants. One more will be voted off tonight. And this morning I open up my email tilted "Sanjaya's Twin" and up pops Esqueleto, Nacho Libre's sidekick. Personally, I am rooting for Melinda Dolittle. My sister is going for Blake. And some Church Of God people and Lee University Alumni are going for Phil Stacey (Lee U graduate and Church Of God boy.) If you are watching, who you going for?

Wednesday, April 4th at The Spot

2007-03-28T12:30:00.000-04:00

Do you remember the Scripture that says, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse. And now, because of that, the air is cleared...
Galatians 3.13-14 [MSG]

Brennen On Drums

2007-03-26T16:55:00.000-04:00

Our very own Brennen Baird went to Junior Teen Talent last weekend and got top prize in both drums and male vocals... Watch the boy work the drums... and pay special attention to the intense facial expressions.

Tongue Power in 3 Wednesdays

2007-03-26T16:28:00.000-04:00

"The tongue has the power of life and death..." Proverbs 18.21 [NIV]
"Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6.10 [NIV]
"Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God..." Hebrews 11.3 [KJV]

April Info Page

2007-03-21T10:36:00.000-04:00

Winterfest 2007 Foto

2007-03-14T10:14:00.000-04:00

Winterfest 2007 Fotos

2007-03-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

2007-03-07T12:16:00.000-05:00

Expect The Unexpected

2007-02-27T11:09:00.000-05:00

In 4 Wednesdays prepare to be a part of something we have never done before... Expect the unexpected... Starts March 21, 2007