LED BY THE SPIRIT - YOUTH MINISTRIES

Thankfulness!!

2009-11-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

I want to thank God for all of his blessings that he has bestowed in my life. I want to thank my family for their support and encouragement. Many times in our life we take for granted the days God has given to us. I look at all the tragedy that hit Fort Hood, TX, and Orlando, Fla. in the recent weeks, and think about the people who lost their lives. That day before the incidents happened they probably were with friends, family and just enjoying that precious gift of life. They never realized that the next day would be their last! And some never even thought about being ready to meet the Lord! Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 (KJV). I want to take time and reflect on what has happened in these past events. As a Christian leader am I living the life that reflects Christ! Do people see Jesus in me, and do I live as his disciple. Why do I ask this question? Because we are truly living in perilous times, in hard times, times of suffering and persecution. People need Jesus in their life and people need to see true Godly leadership. Are we being truly Godly leaders?
It is very refreshing, encouraging, humbling, and thought provoking to be educated and wanting to grow for ‘Christ’. But to grow in Christ and to reflect his love must be a way of life, it cannot be just a Sunday emotion, but an everyday transformation. Not just mere memorization of scripture, but a true application of God’s word in our lives. Not just talking a good talk, but truly walking and living it day by day. I want to be that person, that when people see me, they don’t see me, but they see the one who saved me! I need him every day of my life, I need his word, I need his presence, I need his healing touch, and I need his guiding hand. I need Jesus! The world also needs Jesus! They need to see Jesus in our lives. I am reminded of a great movie “The Secrets of Jonathon Sperry” and how the movie portrayed Christ’s forgiveness, and how we need to forgive as well. It also brought out the points that one person can affect change in people lives forever. As true Christians we should desire to want to be that person who affects change in people lives, and I want to be a vessel for him. I think of a song that alot of us sing “Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and Holy tried and true. With thanksgiving I will be a living sanctuary for you.” I want to be his ambassador, and I want to continue to be a light. But I have a lot of work that needs to be done. I must be refined by the fire of his word, and his daily presence. I must submit everything to him, to be a true minister of the gospel. I must be trained and mentored to be a man of God. Lord I pray that you set a fire and desire in my heart to serve you, to live for you, and to love with compassion. I need you every-day of my life. I need your word to correct, to instill, and to train me. I need your Holy Spirit to comfort and teach me your ways. I want to be a Godly leader for you. Oh Lord please hear my humble cry! I am calling out Light the Fire Again!

Lord I pray for all the youth of America, and I pray for our youth at our local church. Lord touch them like you never touched them before. Place a burden for you in their hearts, to truly live it day by day. Lord I pray for all the churches in America, ignite that fire of revival in all OUR hearts!!! Because we need you in our lives everyday, and you are the air that we BREATH!

What a mighty God we serve

2009-05-04T09:32:00.001-07:00

What a mighty God we serve. The God we serve provides all our needs, the desires that he has given to us, and the blessings in our life. But is all about Him, and not about who we are. God uses us as a vessel, to live in obedience and humility towards him and others. Don't ever think it is about who you are, or your abilities. God gave you those abilities and talents to be used for his Glory, instead we want the accolades and the praises from people, instead of wanting God to be praised. Again praises be to GOD. A humble and contrite heart is what God wants. Why? When a heart is fully surrendered to him, then God truly moves in our life. Oh Lord I pray for a humble heart, a heart that loves you, a heart that puts you first, a heart after you. Lord I also pray for our Youth at our church, and that they may see your true glory. To put you first in their life, to live by example, and to have a true relationship with Jesus our Lord. To allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives, and be a comforter to them. Lord we need you in our life.

Todd

Family Bowling Day Jan. 31st

2009-02-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

We all need fun and fellowship with other believers. Here are some pictures of our outing to the bowling ally. We had 6 lanes of fun. Enjoy.

A New Year and a New Challenge

2009-01-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2nd Timothy 4:7 - 8 NIV.

As we look forward to a new year in 2009, and the excitement of what God has in store for each and everyone of us. We need to first reflect on what God has done in our past, and how he has touched and changed our lives. Over the past year we concentrated on the "Led by the Sprit, to Lead by example", and to allow the word of God to not only be memorized but truly applied in our lives. My question is to you, have we truly depended on God, and have you applied his word in your life. So many times in my life I have placed limits by my faith to what God can do in my life. Have you placed limits to what God can do in your life?

If you truly want to see your family saved and hearts changed, then we must sincerely pray for God to truly change them. But first we must allow God to truly change our attitude and perspective in our lives. We must wholeheartly give God everything, and truly trust in him.

So for this year of 2009. Are we going to allow God to truly use us, to change our attitudes, our life styles, and to continue to press on as Paul wrote in 2nd Timothy.

Christmas Party 2008

2008-12-19T19:45:00.000-08:00

Youth Homecoming and Youth Group Pictures

2008-10-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

Epistles of Paul - Series #1 (Romans)

2008-08-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

In the next few weeks will be discussing and studying the "Epistles" of Paul. Below is from last nights lesson.

Book of Romans:
Letter written by Paul to Christians in Rome , while he was in Corinth.
Paul had heard of the Church at Rome, but he had never been there, nor had any of the apostles. Evidently the church had been started by Jews who had come to faith during the Pentecost (Acts 2). They spread the faith on their return to Rome, and the church grew. However the Emperor of this time – Emperor Claudius expelled Jews from the city (Acts 18:2) which was about A.D. 49. By the time Paul wrote the Romans (which was about A.D. 57 – 59) the majority of believers there were probably Gentiles.
At this time Rome was the economic and political center of the world.

The main theme of the letter is the salvation offered through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16 - 17

The Judgment of God (Rom 1.18-32) – For the wages of Sin is death.
¨Paul now begins into the main thrust of his letter. He begins by suggesting that some among them have taken up ungodliness and wickedness for which there will be wrath from God and "For the wages of sin is death... " Romans 6:23

Assurance of salvation – "...But For the Gift of God is eternal life." Romans 6:23
In chapters five through eight, Paul argues that believers can be assured of their hope in salvation, having been freed from the bondage of sin. Paul teaches that, through faith (3:28; 4:3), the faithful have been joined with Jesus (5:1) and freed from sin (6:1–2, 6:18). Believers should celebrate in the assurance of salvation (12:12). This promise is open to everyone since everyone has sinned (3:23) save the one who paid for all of them (3:24).

Transformation of believers – Changing Hearts
¨In Romans 7:1, Paul says that humans are under the law while we live: "Know ye not . . . that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?" However, Jesus' death on the cross makes believers dead to the law (7:4, "Wherefore, my brethren, ye are also become dead to the law by the body of Christ"). New Life Begins ( a Transforming Life)
¨From chapter 12 through the first part of chapter 15, Paul outlines how the Gospel transforms believers and the behaviour that results from such a transformation. He goes on to describe how believers should live: not under the law, but under the grace of God. If believers live in obedience to God and to rightfully delegated authority, (12:9–21; 13:1–10) study the scriptures, (and share them with others).

The ROMANS ROAD is a pathway you can walk.
It is a group of bible verses from the book of Romans in the New Testament. If you walk down this road you will end up understanding how to be saved.
Romans 3:23
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 6:23
"...The wages of sin is death..."
Understand that you deserve death for your sin.
Romans 6:23
"...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Ask God to forgive you and save you.
Romans 5:8
"God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"
Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change. His love bought you out of being a slave to sin. His love is what saves you. Not religion, or church membership.
God loves you! And reaches you right where you are.
Romans 10:13
"Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!"
Call out to God in the name of Jesus!
Romans 10:9,10
¨"...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."
¨If you know that God is knocking on your heart door,
¨ask Him to come into your heart.

Youth pics July 30, 2008

2008-07-31T07:36:00.001-07:00

Youth Service (07/27/08)

2008-07-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

The Portland Youth Crew did an awesome job Sunday worshipping the Lord. And I appreciate there efforts and faithfullness to fully being involved. GOOD JOB!!!! Below are some videos of the Youth Crew singing and being involved.

Portland Youth Crew singing Went to the Enemies Camp, Come Know is the Time to Worship, and You Oh Lord - By Third Day.

Portland Youth Crew - Christine and Heather singing RESCUE

Beech Bend 2008

2008-07-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

We had a great day of fun and fellowship. All 16 of us had a great time. Youth and children all had fun. Even the adults rode rides and tried to stay cool on this hot day. Thank you Lord for a beautiful day.

Who caught the big fish? July Church fishing trip!

2008-07-20T14:09:00.000-07:00

Danny fixing his rod.

Buddy staying cool caught a catfish.

Kim caught the
big one

Sarah's Fish

Relaxing on the edge. John/Mary and Stephen

Brother and Sister Ferrell
trying to catch the big fish.

July 23rd - Study Assignment for the Portland Youth Crew

2008-07-17T17:36:00.001-07:00

I would like for each every one of you to read the scripture below, and take in what it says. Just don't memorize, but take it to heart. This scripture will be a blessing to you, if you apply it. Next Wednesday let me know your thoughts and feelings of this scripture. The 1st thing I ask you to do is pray, clear your thoughts, and just read the scripture.

May God Bless each and everyone of you:

"Blessed is the man, Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,Nor stands in the path of sinners,Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree. Planted by the rivers of water,That brings forth its fruit in its season,Whose leaf also shall not wither;And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish." Psalms Chapter 1. NKJV

July 9th Youth Service "Are you a fisher of men?"

2008-07-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

Are you a Fishers of Men...

2008-07-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

"And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishermen. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him. Matthew 4: 18 – 22 KJV"

How do you become Fishers of Men?
(A) You must be willing to follow :
”And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” Matt. 4:20
Who did they follow? They were following Jesus. Who are you following? Will you allow yourself to be humbled and follow Christ as your saviour.
(B) You must be willing to learn:
Jesus lead by example and taught the disciples by his actions and attitude towards the sick, the oppressed, and the unsaved. Mark Chpt 1
(C) You need be prepared:
..James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, mending their nets; and he called them Matt. 4:21
Mending - “to render complete, to prepare or to strengthen.”
Be sure of your salvation and calling – 2 Peter 1 : 5 – 8
(D) Your testimony is a powerful tool:
How Jesus saved you and changed your life . 25He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. John 9:25
(E) Be prayed up:
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15
(F) Right Process:
Spirit-filled man or woman of God pointing a lost sinner to Jesus Christ. "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Acts 1:8 KJV
(G) Find the honey hole and begin fishing… Ask any fisherman and they will tell you where there catching all the fish, and that place is the spot they call the honey hole.
(H) Be patient
What did Jesus say to Peter and to Andrew, “I will make you to become fishers of men.” He was saying with training, discipline, and a positive attitude towards God, they would get there, but it would take some time! Jesus saw the potential in their lives.

Jesus sees our potential in our lives, but it is our choice to follow him, to do his will and become Fishers of Men. My question to you will you become his Fishers of Men.

Youth pictures from June

2008-07-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

Children Singing - Obey the Lord

2008-06-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

Good Job to Little John, Joshua, Madison, Sarah, and McKenzie for singing Obey the Lord. Click on here to view video.

Thanks,
Todd

Thank You For Giving To The Lord

2008-06-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

Bro. Ferrell and I would to like thank everyone who came out and helped on the church clean-up day, last saturday June 6th. To all the youth / adults for painting the back room and doing a great job: Tosha, Christine, Stephen, Heather, Kimmi, Autumn, Robert,Peggy, Sarah-Sarah and Mary. To all cleaning the inside of the church: Helen, Mary, and Betty. And to the guys who helped outside on the roof, other repairs, and the flag pole: Buddy, Owen, Edward, Robert and John. And especially Little John and Joshua for painting the pole.

Good Job everyone.

"Led by the Spirit"
Todd

ON GOOD SOIL?

2008-05-28T12:11:00.001-07:00

How many of us have ever felt, or have felt like that when a message is preached or taught to us, we receive with gladness but then we soon forget? Or we are at church and fill the Lord tugging at our hearts, and we come to the alter and we fill Gods hand on us, but then when we walk out the door and we haven't changed at all? Why? Perhaps we have let the cares of this world choke our seed that was planted, or perhaps we are not truly grounded in the word. Or perhaps we haven't let God truly have his way in our lives? I don't know the reason? But tonights lesson will perhaps shed some insight on this? In the book of Matthew chapter 13 Jesus spoke about a parable of the seed that was sown on 4 different soils. 18"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown." Matthew 13:18 -23

ARE YOU GOOD SOIL???

OR WILL YOU LET THE ENEMY COME AND SNATCH AWAY THE SEED IN YOUR HEART.

OR WILL YOU HAVE NO ROOT, AND THE SEED ONLY LASTS A SHORT TIME.

OR WILL YOU LET THE CARES OF THIS LIFE CHOKE THE SEED THAT IS PLANTED IN YOUR HEART.

OR WILL YOU BE GOOD SOIL??

He wants to be with You.

2008-05-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

In tonights lesson we talked about why do some people go their own way, and run away from Gods calling in their life. Many of us have been running the wrong direction, we feel that if we can only do things our own way, live our own life, we can be satisfied. Well that was exactly what the prodigal son thought and he did, he walked away from the good that he had in his life. The life of a father that loved him, everything that he could need he had, food and shelter. But he threw it all away. "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. Luke 15: 11 - 16.
Does this sound familar? Is this you? Are running from God, and doing your own thing in life? Then my question to you, are you truly satisfied? The prodigal son realized how much he had lost, and how satisfied he was not!!!
"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:17 - 20.
But what was awesome in this parable that Jesus was speaking on was that we were all like the prodigal son, and one day we came to our senses, and ran back to our fathers arms, and he was waiting with open arms. Will you keep running or will you let Jesus be with You. The choice my friend is yours, and yours alone.

We are Jars of Clay

2008-04-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

Will you let GOD mold you into the man or woman of God that he intends for you to be. He needs a willing vessel? A vessel that will allow him to make you into what he wants you to be?
“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. “ Isaiah 64:8 NIV “O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.” Jeremiah 18:6 NIV. During this molding and shaping process in our lives (which is daily), God also allows testing to help us mature? So he can shape us and grow us in his image? “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1: 2 -4 NIV
As we think to ourselves, why are going through this process? Why does it seem that everything happens? Perhaps the reason why we are going through this,is perhaps GOD is preparing us for his Ministry? Again daily molding and preparing us!
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then,death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. “ 2 Corinthians 4: 7 - 12 NIV

"Are You An Achan"

2008-04-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Are we following Gods instructions, our Pastors instructions, or our Leaders instructions. Or do we continue to disobey those instructions and do our own things in life. Tonight in youth we learned about one such man who disobeyed Gods instruction and his leaders (Joshua) instruction. The order was set forth by God to Joshua that when the walls of Jericho fell down, that to “Shout, for the LORD has given you the city! Now the city shall be doomed by the LORD to destruction, it and all who are in it. Only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. And you, by all means abstain from the accursed things, lest you become accursed when you take of the accursed things, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are consecrated to the LORD; they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.” Joshua 6:16 - 19 NKJV. But one of Joshua's men (Achan) disobeyed this instruction that was given and took some of the accursed things, and hid them in his tent. This disobedience led to destruction for some of Joshua's men as the faced against the men of Ai. "Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth Aven, on the east side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, “Go up and spy out the country.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, for the people of Ai are few.” So about three thousand men went up there from the people, but they fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men, for they chased them from before the gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them down on the descent; therefore the hearts of the people melted and became like water." Joshua 7:2 -5 NKJV. Joshua was very angry at what happened and could not understand why this happened to his men. But sin was in Joshua's camp, and one man's sin caused destruction. Just like us we let sin effect our lives, destruction comes. "For the wages of sin is death;" and in that day Achan paid the price for his sin by loosing his life see Joshua 7:19-20. But thank God that Jesus came and paid the ultimate price for our sins. "but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" Romans 6:23 KJV . And all we have to do is give our heart to Christ, and ask him to forgive us of our sins. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9 - 10 KJV.
We all need to think about our lives, and ask the Lord to examine our hearts to be "Led By The Spirit...." Romans 8:14. So we can Lead by Example.

One Night Lock-in

2008-03-22T15:12:00.000-07:00

Last night the Portland Youth Group attended the One Night Lock-in at the Civic Center in Galatin, TN. We had 26 youth that attended this lock-in that represented the Portland Church. The night was filled with basketball, swimming, racquetball, and other activities. I believe at this event there were approximately 280 Youth in attendance, that was awesome in itself. Many of the youth accepted or rededicated there lives towards Christ. What an awesome move of God. We have some pictures of the event attached. I also want compliment the Portland Youth that when on this event because they acted like young men and women God. Good Job Portland Youth!! And to God Be The Glory.

Todd

"Led by the Spirit"
Romans 8:14

Are You An Armor-bearer

2008-03-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

Our lesson for tonight was about being an armor-bearer, some one who will hold up the Pastors in the midst of the battle. You see when Joshua was fighting the Amalekites and when Moses arm drew tired and began to drop. The Amalekites began to win. But when Moses lifted his hands the battle was being won by Joshua. But he needed help, armor-bearers to lift his arms. Are you an Armor-Bearer. Will you lift up your Pastor, Youth Pastor, or Leaders in your church.
"But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat thereon. And Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one on the one side and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. Exodus 17:12 (EXODUS 17: 8 – 11)

"Led by the Spirit" - Romans 8:14

2008-03-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my Pastor and his wife, and my wife and I attended the Marriage Retreat that was held by the Church of God of Prophecy, Tennessee District, in Pigeon Forge. We were blessed to be able to attend this meeting, and God touched us mightily. To me it had a Revival meeting atmosphere (Bro. Mike Willingham was truly anointed by God), hearts were changed, lives were touched, and visions were made known. God led us to the scripture of Romans 8:14 "because those who are Led by the Spirit of God are Sons of God." And we took this to heart, and began teaching about being Led by the Spirit, to Lead by example in the Youth group. You know Leading by Example is very hard in our day of age, but remember we can't do it on our own, but we must have his Spirit to lead us, and direct our lives daily. We must strive daily with the following:

(a) To have the Fruits of the Spirit (which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” Galatians 5:22

(b) Being Led by the Spirit we will find help in our daily problems and in our praying. Philippians 4:13

(c) You will be empowered by God and do his will. Acts 1:8. Not our will but his will.

(d) Will become part of God’s plan to build up his Church. Eph. 4:12

And in last few weeks we have been really experiencing a move of God in our church, lives are being changed to Christ. And to GOD BE THE GLORY.