Happy Memorial Day!

Yesterday at Celebration, Jason taught from I John 2:18-29. The verses start out with a warning about antichrists and then remind the people that they are the opposite basically because they are filled with Christ. The antichrist's message is that there is another way, truth, and life outside of Christ. How often do I preach this message with my life! Lord, forgive me! The word love, abide, or dwell is mentioned several times, so we were challenged to live in Christ this week at always. Of course, this could be by hanging out with other believers, praying, reading the Bible, or other ways--things we hear all the time, but if we actually did them regularly, how our lives would be changed by Him! Jason also spoke about how the holy, perfect God of the universe comes to live in us when we follow Him. Think about that. If I remembered that truth every second of the day, I know my life would be very different. That's why John knew he had to remind the people of that. We have very short term memories! So, abide in Christ today and remember that He's abiding in you. Let Him change the way you think and live every second of the day!

Some thoughts from our worship leader

James Holt's Thoughts on the city...
Things I love about the city:
1.Summertime and the sense of community
2.People can't hide the things they struggle with
3.Churches work together across denominations
4.Salsa bands playing on the corner
5.Neighbors are always close (most of the time I like this)
6.Trains, Buses and Subways
7.Rooftop views and the Skyline
8.Block Parties and Barbecues in the street
9.Everything large, small, bright, dark, beautiful and not so beautiful is here.
Things I've Lost:
2 Cars
6 car stereos
1 Guitar
my desire to own things I am not willing to give up
my desire to move anywhere outside of a city

The mouths of babies will give you praise

Here are some thoughts from a member of our church and the leader of Kingdom Kids. The picture is of Brian praying at Kingdom Kids back in December and Ashli is holding the microphone.

Hmm... Let the little children come to me... for such is the kingdom of heaven... and many more. To hear a little kid prays sure does make one's heart happy. On Sunday, we were praying in small groups before we left to pick up kids for Kingdom Kids. Brian (Carmen's son who just turned four in April) was sitting with us. There were about 5 or 6 of us in a circle and we were taking turns praying. At one of the pauses, he started praying...yo, God's got to be working in this boy! Please pray that God would claim this boy as His and not let go of Him. It seems like he will be all for God or a mess of heartache and trouble. He prayed about things we were talking about. One lady began crying because she'd heard her little brother had been hit by a car. Brian prayed right after her: God, thank you for being good. Thank you for letting us come to Kingdom Kids. Please help boys and girls not to go in the streets without their moms and dads ... and more. Just want to share this little blessing with you. Thank you for impacting Brian's life and many others through your prayers. He's understand stuff a young 4 year old just doesn't get. Pray that it sinks deep into his heart. Ashli