And I'm back in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Gooood morning Calvary Chapel youth! I received an interesting notification in my inbox the other day asking why it was that we no longer post on this message board. I think it was a dandy question, so I will let people know what is going down. Due to popular demand we are likely going to switch to a facebook group. It seems like many of the youth have them and it is a way to stay connected that is more mainstream then Blogger. No offense to the Blogger people, going Google is a valiant attempt to be mainstream but facebook seems to be more active. So, why are we not posting here? The universe is being facebookized, that's why. So, look for an announcement in sr. high youth about a new facebook opportunity soon.

Blessings,

I'm out.

Mark

Alrighty here we go again, back online and ready to roll. Here is the deal. I asked in class last Sunday if anyone was wanting to add a post on our blog on a regular basis. The offer is still out and as of yet no one has accepted. So, if anyone changes their mind and really wants to post, just email me your post on Sunday night and I will post it Monday morning when I get in to work.

BUT, to edify you...

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

So, how do you pray?

I read an interesting piece of study from an old dude named Charles Finny. He talks about this verse and how people need to pray in faith knowing that the Lord can answer prayer. So many people pray for a blessing, pray for an outpouring of the Spirit, or pray for a revival but never believe in their hearts that God can actually do what they are asking.

So, how do you pray?

We need to pray believing that God can and will answer our prayers. This is not a "name it and claim it" scripture that everything we ask for in our flesh will be ours. This isn't a "how to" get what you want. Its a "how do you pray?" God loves to come through for the saints, he loves it. He loves you.

So, how do you pray?

The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower

I was tired, bone tired really. After being on the go for two months flying around the continent for work related issues, a family funeral, a family wedding, and more work, I simply had nothing left. Our connection flight was canceled and I stood before the airline agent with my tired wife and kids, shell shocked from the whole event, knowing that I had just come to the end.

I know I never should have had to come to that realization in the first place. I know God is sovereign and watches over us, but in the hectic struggle to get home I did it again. You know what I mean, don't you? I took control of my own situation and made what I thought were the best choices to make my situation better. Where did it get me? It got me to the end of my self, I had no answers, so I let go of myself . . . and ran to God.

As my small family and I scurried off to catch yet another shuttle to yet another hotel waiting for our flight home the next day I felt . . . safe. While we took the escalator down to the shuttle area, angels flew over us and around us. We passed through those sliding glass doors and three men sat there singing, "Lean on Me, when you're not strong." A small thing, but there was no chance to it. God knew what we needed and He was and is totally in control.

Proverbs. 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe." Funny thing about strong towers, they don't move around on a whim. They are constant, they are safe, they are strong. The righteous run into it? What are they running from? How far from the tower did they have to go to realize they were in jeopardy?

What are you running from?

Which way are you running?

Hey, this is awesome. PTL! Now everybody can talk when not at church. Thanks Dean!!!

Well, I must say, I am thrilled that this amazing resource is now up and running. I hope that you will check in often and add comments when you feel you have something to say about our posts here. Pastor Mike and I have not yet worked out who is going to post when, but we will be posting something fairly often so check back for updates.

What we are seeking to do is post something that the Holy Spirit has put on our hearts, and you can comment on it from wherever you are. We are very interested in how God is leading you and growing you as you seeking to know him better. For now, take a look, try out the links if you want and let us know what you think about having this available to you. I have an email link on the site with which you can contact me, feel free to use it.

Blessings to you all,

Mark Hyde