God's Direction First *

2 Chronicles 18:3-4

3 for Israel’s King Ahab asked Judah’s King Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?”
He replied to him, “I am as you are, my people as your people; we will be with you in the battle.” 4 But Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “First, please ask what the Lord’s will is.”

Ahab and Jehoshaphat had a very close alliance. When Ahab asks Jehoshaphat if he would go to battle with him, Jehoshaphat affirms their alliance and says he would, BUT "FIRST, please ask what the Lord's will is."

Many times through out our lives we are asked by others, both close to and not so close to us, to engage in certain activities or to go certain directions. Often times those offers and friendships seem good to us and are great opportunities. However, may we learn a great lesson from King Jehoshaphat, no matter how great the friendship or opportunity, let us always BUT FIRST ask the Lord what his will is!

Learn Something!

If you are a leader, then you are a learner. Leader's never stop learning!

Did you know that if you listen to carefully selected audio books, Cd's, pod casts, etc.., for 20 minutes a day for one year, you could gain the equivalent to a university diploma? The world is filled with a wealth of knowledge. With the Internet at our fingertips almost any bit of data is there for the taking.

You can also learn from others by observing and studying what they do. There are amazing people around you everyday. Many who are brilliant, bright and successful. Don't take them for granted! What a privilege to be exposed to them. Take notes on what they do and how they do it. Pay close attention.

Target people that you want to learn from and ask them out to lunch. For the price of lunch, many times you can gain a lot of great wisdom and insights. Prepare in advance a list of questions that you want to ask and then while dining fire away. Most of the time, people love to share what they know and feel good about helping others out. So, don't miss out on gaining new knowledge. Target someone you admire and ask them to lunch. Don't wait!

You can also learn a lot from yourself. That's right, everyday you can learn from what you do or don't do, from trial and error. Keep a journal or log of what you do through out the day. Record what worked and what did not work. Make adjustments where needed. The only thing needed to learn from yourself is a few moments to reflect and record.

The key ingredient to learning is desire. Anyone who desires to learn will. No one will ever become more than they are today if they don't first seek to learn new things. What are you waiting for...go learn something!

Tuesday's service was incredible. The way these young people worship and go for God at camp is incredible. If they would keep up this type of pursuit at home we could win the world. It looked liked 30-35 students raised their hands stating they had been baptised with the Holy Spirit.

Afterwards, it was raining hard. We had to keep everyone in the Chapel and release 2-3 teams at a time to go to the Snack Shack and then bring there stuff back to the Chapel. We showed "Living It" a Christian skateboard/bike extreme sports video, which lasted about 45 minutes. Once all the kids had a chance go to the Snack Shop, we had our Late Night and then turned in for the evening.

This morning, students were challenged to "Clothe" themselves in the things of the Lord. Everyday we have choices and when we "Put On" those things that are of Christ we walk in His power and authority. The illustration was given of a police officer directing traffic. When in uniform, the officer is able to control traffic. When out of uniform, he would hold no authority and would probably just get run right over. When we "Clothe" ourselves in the things of Christ, we walk in His authority and the world is then unable to plow us over!

After a rainy day yesterday, today is simply beautiful! Lot's of sunshine and warm temps! The students are having a blast! That is what's going on here at SNED Camps...we'll update more later. Oh yea, check out all of the latest pics and video footage by going to www.snedyouth.com and clicking on the Summer Camps icon. Blessings!

Junior High Camp Explosion

The camp was quiet, in waiting for the arrival of our SNED junior highers. Calmness was in the camp as the staff discussed the events of the upcoming week. As time allowed, Leader's and Rec Staff shared in sipping coffee and telling summer camp war stories.

Then everything changed! In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the roar of a bus could be heard coming down the long drive way toward the Wrights Lodge. Adrenaline began to rush in each staff member in anticipation of what was about to happen.

As one staff member went to the door window to look out, we could hear the sound of air brakes quickly bringing the bus to a stop. For a brief moment, there was complete silence. Other staff members made their way to windows or onto the porch to watch what was about to happen.

All of a sudden it happened. The door of the bus began to open and before any of us could take a breath, an explosion of junior high energy burst forth from with in the bus. Now, it was official. Junior High Camp had just begun!

Wow! What an awesome first day we had! From the first song of worship, led by Chosen from Valley Forge, to the altar time, these junior highers were pumped and ready meet their God. Reports tell us that many juniors high students raised their hands for salvation why several others rededicated their lives to the Lord.

We are excited this week to host Toby Schneckloth, DYD of Nebraska and master mind junior high communicator. Also, we are blessed to have the ministry of not only Chosen, but Appointed from Zion Bible College.

Please keep us in prayer through out the week. We believe this week will be a time these students will remember for the rest of their lives. Blessings!

Senior High Camp Day #2 Evening Service

Tonight was simply awesome! Another night of great worship...not just the music...students hungry and in pursuit of their God!

Konan preached on "The Greatest Question of All." Challenging every student that to make changes in their lives may be as easy as asking themselves, "Is this the wisest choice I can make?"

Too many students ask different questions like, "Is it really a sin if I...," or "I wander how far I can go without getting caught?" In this frame of mine the issue is always on the negative rather than than the TRUTH!

When we ask ourselves, "Is this the wisest choice I can make," truth will surely be found. Once truth is found as we obey and walk in wisdom that God gives, then blessings are sure to follow.

As Konan gave the invitation to the altars this evening they FILLED up fast. The students prayed and prayed. Then a spirit of worship broke loose and these students did not want to stop. They just kept worshipping and praising their Savior.

I really feel that God has been preparing the hearts of our students. I can see them getting closer and closer to that moment when all "Heaven" breaks loose in their lives and they will never be the same.

Please continue to pray with us that God will be able to complete the work that He led these students here for. I am confident He will. Blessings!

Senior High Camp Day #2

I have to say that Monday evenings service was probably one of the most powerful beginnings to a camp that I have experienced. Worship was incredible! These students from the start were worshipping their hearts out! Hungry for God! Wanting to connect with their Creator! Wanting to experience the love of Jesus!

All of this followed a powerful pre-service prayer time. Half of our campers chose to come to the optional pre-service prayer time. Pastor Elizer, had students come forward to pray. Wow! As they began to pray, many of them began to cry out to the Lord wanting desperately to be closer to Him. Their prayers were powerful! Their prayers were precious! Theirs prayers began our week!

Konan Stephens, our camp speaker, opened with a message entitled "Doors." Speaking about how all of us have a door to our lives behind which we stuff all the things we don't want anyone else to see. The truth is, however, that Jesus sees it all. He knows the real us that nobody else sees.

Konan encouraged every student to get real! God already knows the real us. Until we are honest and seek His forgiveness, we stay in bondage to all of Satan's lies. During altar call, Konan had all the Team Leaders go outside and line up facing the building. He then challenged all the students to "open" the door to their hidden world and to get honest with where they are really at inside. Symbolically, he asked for those students to open and walk through a door at the rear of the sanctuary. Then after opening and walking through they walked down the side of the building lined with their team leaders, praying for them. It was a powerful moment!

The students then came back into the sanctuary and went up to an old door and wrote what was hidden behind their doors with a marker, symbolically choosing to leave it all behind and to begin to walk in Truth! Wow! It was awesome!

Tuesday morning Pastor Bob, our district pastor, challenged our students in a very similar way. It was so confirming of what God is trying to do!

Now as I am writing this blog entry, our students are out in the great outdoors having FUN! Can't wait for this evenings service! Keep on praying! Blessings!

The Closing Day

Here we are it is the end of the week. In just a few minutes, kids will begin to wake, pack and clean. Many of them, exhausted from a week filled with so much activity. New friends, old friends, will sign each others shirts, hats, pillows or whatever other object they think will become that forever keepsake.

In just a few hours, they will begin the last portion of their camp summer adventure. The will pile into cars, vans, and buses and begin the trek back home. As they ride they will laugh, sing, tell jokes and then at some point many of them will fall asleep. As they begin to dose, they will review all the events of the week. The activities, the services, the meal times, those special moments in their rooms laughing and being silly. They will laugh again as they remember that prank that they weren't suppose to pull, but that came off so beautifully. Yes, for a brief moment on the drive home, many of them won't need a video to watch, they will simply relive the week with smile on their face.

For me and my family the end of the week is bitter-sweet. Glad in some ways to have a day back together as a family, but sad too as everyone parts and goes their own ways.

I have to say this in closing the week. What an outstanding Kids Camp Staff we had! Bill & Ann Reimels are outstanding camp coordinators. They and the team assembled from all over this district did an outstanding job loving on our SNED Kids!

Thank you Bill & Ann, Pat Lizotte, Kevin O'Connor, Chuck Gundersen, Tom McElhattan, Donna DeSantis, Kim Ravizza, Jay Mitchell and all of the Team Leaders, Rec Staff, other Support Staff and LIT's. Thank you for an awesome week!!

A special thank you to Karianne Groves and Nate Reimels for helping to catch all those camp memories on video! You can view those videos by going online to www.snedyouth.com or by going to YouTube and searching SNED Kids Camp 2009. Blessings!

SNED Kid's Camp Day 4

I was so busy yesterday that I did not get the chance to blog. However, I keep thinking it is yesterday so maybe it balances out!

Anyway, I can not believe how fast this week is slipping away! They arrive, they "camp hard," and then they leave to go back home...just like that...gone!

As a parent I realize with every passing year that it is just like that with our own children. The are born, they "grow hard," and then the leave to live their own lives. We have them for such a short time!

For this reason, I am reminded all the time of the importance of spending quality time with my children. I am reminded of how important it is to play with them, listen to them, spoil them, teach them, encourage them, and most of all to "Train them in the way they are to go so that when they are old they will not depart from it!"

Parents, pastors, leaders, please let me encourage you. Do not take the time God has granted you with these precious children for granted! Love them and spend your time wisely. Your investment will pay dividends you will never regret!!!

Thank you Lord for the privilege of our kid's. We love them! Help us in our responsibilities and may we cherish every moment!!! Amen!

SNED Kid's Camp Day #2

Yesterday was another awesome day spiritually. Numbers of kid's responded to an altar call for the baptism in the Holy Spirit and were filled. It was a precious moment. One I wish every parent was able to experience first hand.

Kidz Turn Ministries is doing a tremendous job of reaching our children. The have a great mixture of fun, games, humor and powerful worship and time in God's Word. They are a WIN every time they come!

It rained and was cool most of the day yesterday, but the kid's didn't care they had a blast! Please continue keeping us in your prayers. God's not done yet! We still have kid's that need His touch!

Blessings!

Kid's Camp Day 1

I am always amazed at how a group of people can come together from all different parts of a region and in a few hours we are working together to run a camp. When people come together in common mission things just seem to flow. I love camp!

There is nothing like the excitement of 160 kid's arriving with the excitement of being away from home and with friends for a whole week. Adventure fills their thoughts as they try to imagine what the week will be like.

That is what we experience every year on the first day of camp. Lot's of energy, high expectations and anticipation, and a group of people working together to give these kid's the experience of a lifetime (or at least a summer-time).

Overall things went real smooth today. Every student is settled in their cabins or in their rooms. First meal is over and was a great success. Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots, salad, corn bread, and chocolate pudding with whip topping. Yum, Yum!!

First service was off the charts. High energy worship, great games, Elmer was...Elmer, and God's Word spoke to these kid's in a powerful way! 30+ kid's gave their lives to the Lord, 20+ made sure their hearts were right with the Lord, and everyone can't wait til tomorrow's service.

Snack Shop frenzy ends the night. Ice Cream and crazy fun before turning in for the evening. By t he way moms and dads lights go out at 10 PM, or at least that's what's on the schedule.

Thank you for your prayers! Blessings!

What "Clothes" Are You Wearing?

Romans 13:14 "Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires."

Everyday we have a choice in how we are going to live our lives.  God gives each of us the opportunity to choose.  Deuteronomy 30:19 "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses.  I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make.  Oh that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live."  We must make the choice each day as to how we will live.

That being said, look back at Romans 13:14.  Paul says to "clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ."  The choice.  Will I obey the Word and clothe myself in the presence of the Lord Jesus, or will I put on my own clothes and try to do this day on my own?

When we choose to "clothe ourselves, or to put on the presence of Jesus" do you understand what that means?  When we put on His presence, we are then encased in His power, peace, protection, healing, provision, joy, patience, and on and on.  We "put on" His authority, clearly marked as one of His children.

At Bethany A/G in Agawam, MA, they have to have a police officer direct traffic onto Main Street each Sunday.  Now I don't know the name of the officer, let's call him Tim (that's a cool name!).  Tim is a father of two, has a beautiful wife and loves his work.  He seems like just a normal guy.  

When Tim goes to direct traffic as a police officer, he puts on (or clothes himself with) his uniform and badge.  When he stands in the street to direct traffic everyone knows and understands the authority that comes from the uniform and badge that Tim wears.  When he puts his hand up, cars and trucks stop.  When he waves them on they begin to go again.  Why?  Because of the authority he has in wearing the uniform and badge.  It says, that he has been given authority and the right to do what he is doing by the city and or state.  

What do you think would happen if Tim tried to direct the traffic with out his uniform and badge?  It probably wouldn't be pretty!

Paul, instructs us here that everyday we are to choose to "put on or to clothe ourselves" with the presence (or the authority) of Jesus Christ.  When we do, we then can speak to the mountain and it will be cast into the sea.  When we do, we walk in His power and His strength and His victory.  Why, would anyone, once they have been given such a great gift, choose to not "put it on" and instead just wear plain clothes?  

Know Your Purpose and Take Action!

Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

Certainty of purpose is the first step toward the mark of achievement.  Enduring, lasting, effective, and noticed achievement will not take place if you are unsure of your purpose.  

Too often, people sail away seeking their own destination.  Many times, in course, their minds are changed and the sails get set in new directions.  For this reason much time, energy and resources are used up.  

It is for this reason that James says in chapter 1 and verse 5 that "if anyone lacks wisdom he should ask God for it, who will give it liberally and does not resent being asked."  Friends, God wants to reveal His purposes and plans to you.  When you are uncertain, He wants you to seek Him and as you do, he promises to give you an answer.

However, James goes on in verse 6 to give a warning.  He says that one should, "ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind."  Verse 7, "For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, (8) he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

Don't be like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind in every direction!  Seek God's purpose.   Then, once you feel you have it, be decisive.  Use your mind, the tool God has given you, and figure out what to do.  Take daily action toward achieving your purpose.  

Matthew 21:22 "IF you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  LISTEN, you will get exactly and only what you ask and work for!

"Successful people move on their own initiative, but they know where they are going before they start." -Napoleon Hill

  

Faith Preceeds Success...Always!

One of the struggles I have battled in my life is stepping out in greater faith.  A faith that exceeds my own abilities, strengths and talents.  After all, if it is something that I can do on my own then is it really faith?  

One of my responsibilities as a District Youth Director is our annual youth convention.  For the past four years we have held that event at churches within our district.  I had been feeling for some time that to grow we needed to move the event back to a civic center and open up the event to others outside of the Assemblies of God.  So, after two straight years of 1250 in attendance, my reps I and prayerfully made the decision to move to the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, MA.  

In order to make this happen from a financial standpoint, we would need 1500 paying students to remain at the same financial platform as the previous years.  To accomplish this we need an additional 250 students, approximately 33 additional students from each of our 9 sections.

About a week and a half ago, I had an anxiety attack thinking about the financial implications if we do not reach our goal of 1500 students.  I have done everything I can to make this happen.  We have promoted the event to 1000 churches outside of the Assemblies of God, we have ran 3 solid months of christian radio promotions, we have made phone calls, we have done the work.  

At the height of my anxiety, a friend called.  I shared what was going on and she and her husband prayed with me.  Immediately, I felt the anxiety being lifted.  A peace came over me, and at that moment I made the decision that I was going to walk in faith.  So, I let go and am currently giving God the opportunity to show forth His faithfulness.  I can't do any more than I have done, and God is going to have to do the rest.  

I am still having to walk in faith, but currently we are at around 1100 students pre-registered, that is about 220 more than pre-registered last year.  Will we hit our 1500?  I say yes!  God laid this on our hearts and we have been obedient.  He will be faithful as we walk in faith!  

Please pray with us for The Launch 2009.  It will be happening on April 24-25.  More so than the 1500 students, we are believing God for a great outpouring of His love and power!  Thank you for partnering with us in prayer.  You can also check out our website at www.thelaunchne.com.  Blessings!

What an awesome meeting we had at Zion Bible College.  God has done so many great miracles on behalf of this great college who is putting out so many wonderful preachers, missionaries and evangelists!  What a privilege to be able to be a part of such a great college.

It is great being back home!  Though I love being able to travel (love it), I do not enjoy being away from my family!  Besides the Lord, they are the most precious part of my life.  I thank God for the blessings of my wife and children.

This evening, we held a ceremony for Tytus celebrating his leaving behind his childish beginnings and entering into a season of growing towards manhood.  We presented him with some special books that talk about purity and adolescence and presented him with a very cool miniature sword that represents the real sword that he will be presented when he graduates for living a life of purity before God.  

We are quickly approaching The Launch, our youth conference.  We are expecting anywhere from 1200-1600 students.   I can't wait.  If you would like to check out The Launch you can go to www.thelaunchne.com.  

Easter Day 2009

This absolutely has to be my favorite day of the year.  When I think of all that Christ did for me when He didn't have to.  The other night, my family and I watched The Passion of the Christ by Mel Gibson.  What an awesome reminder of great price Christ paid for taking on our sins.  

What He went through was unthinkable!  All in the name of LOVE.  A love for you and a love for me. A love that we can not understand.  However, it is a love that has forever changed the world.  A love that changed my life!  Thank you Jesus for loving us so much, that you would go through the unthinkable in our place, so that we may have friendship with the Father!

This morning, Tina and I were late getting into the main sanctuary because we wanted to see our son in his skit down in Super Church.  By the time we arrived, there were no seats and people were standing everywhere.  We happened to walk in one door where they were putting out chairs and were able to grab them.  Then came in more people, and up on the screen we noticed "99" which in nursery talk means "HELP!"  

So, we looked at each other and decided to give up our seats and go help out in the nursery.  We were told that it was a record number of children in the nursery today.  I was so looking forward to this mornings service.  Yet, we were able to free up some parents, by giving our seats and going to watch children. 

As much as I was looking forward to service this morning, I was reminded that our willingness to give up our seats and help in the nursery is exactly what I needed today.  You see this life is not about me!  It is about loving God and loving people.  Christ set the example, and we this morning were blessed to have had the opportunity to give.   

Yes, Tina and I had a great time.  Children are awesome!  Loving and serving breeds great rewards.  We left church this morning with with the greatest reminder of Christ love that we would probably had missed had we stayed sitting in those chairs.  A reminder that Christ "gave" His life so that we might live!  That is what it is all about.

Lord, everyday, help us to give of ourselves to others, that they too might know and experience the power of your love.  Happy Easter!  We celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Ending One Era, Entering Another

I just can't believe that this was my daughter's last Easter Egg hunt.  Next year, she'll be too old.   It just seems like yesterday that we were taking her and our son to the church for their first New England Easter egg hunt, however that we ten year's ago.  

When we moved to New England ten year's ago, our daughter was two and our son was five months old.  It was so much fun watching them and video taping their every move as they picked up their eggs.  

Today, I found it was no different.  With the video camera in one hand and the digital camera in the other, they are still placing smiles on their dad and mom's face with little to no effort.  We are so proud of both of them.  Though another season is ending for our daughter, it is not the first for either nor will it be the last.  

I have found that it is so much fun to watch and participate in all the seasons.  I am looking forward to next year as once again my son picks up the eggs hoping to find the ones with coins in them, while my daughter works behind one of the tables helping to pass out the bags of candy.