Prism

The term “Prism” is symbolic of what happens when a single ray of light hits a glass prism and reflects in multiple beautiful individual color bands.

Last night was the annual Prism Concert at Sebastian River High School. The enjoyed the last 2 years and was really looking forward to the evening. It has been great way to support our students and kick-off our holiday season.

This year was different...we almost were not able to go. We originally bought tickets for Friday night and then realized that we had double scheduled our calendar with a Disney Trip. Then we sold our tickets thinking that everything would sold out and we would not be able to go. But not so! We got tickets for opening nights sold out show.

I am so glad we did. This year was no exception! AWESOME! Two full hours of sheer entertainment. We were even able to talk Colin and believe it or not for 2 full hours he sit in his seat and he loved it. Drums, Horns, Dance...all orchestrated together to near perfection.

Thank you Elisa, Lisa, Katie, Frankie, Ashley, Jessica, Whit and the entire cast and staff for a great evening.

Pastor Joe

Inside My Weekend

Friday
11:15 am Thursday Night Left for Shopping
Shopped till 6:30 am
Slept in till 9:30
Rested around the house
Played Lego's
4:00 Shopped some more
Home 8:30
Sleep

Saturday
Slept in
Omelets for breakfast
Played Lego's
Decorated the outside of the House 3 hrs
Watched Football Tennessee vs. Kentucky
Sleep

Sunday
Designed PPT for service 6:00 am
Church James 5:7-12
Brief Meeting
Rest
Brought in the Christmas Decorations 13 Boxes
Put our Tree up
Watched Football
In Second Place Fantasy Football League // Bye this week
Family Devotion
Rest

Pastor Joe

Happy Thanksgiving Friends

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into God's presence with singing! Know that the Lord is God! It is he that made us, and we are his;we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

We have so many things to be thankful for! Family, friends, health, video games...but most of all that there is a God that is with us through the highs and lows of life. He understands. He Cares. He Desires a relationship with us. God values us above the worlds greatest landmark...WOW!

Summer, Colin and I want to wish you and your family HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Pastor Joe

Inside My Weekend

Friday
No Workout // Feeling Sick
1/2 day at the office
Picked Colin up and went to lunch
Rested at the House
Went to Outback for Dinner
Went to Building 429 Concert with family and middle school students
home 2:00 am

Saturday
Slept in // 9:30
Still not feeling well
Mowed the Yard (hopefully the last time this year)
Went to a Wedding reception for Kaitlin Irons at 2:00
Meant High School students at Operation Hope to had out food (over 700 served)
Watched the Tennessee vs. Vandy game. A WIN for the vols :)
rest

Sunday
Up early 6:00 am
Prepped PPT for church service
Left for Church 8:30
Pre-Marriage session with family
Pastor Message James 5:1-6
Lunch at home
Rest
Set-up new desk in Summer's room
Watched football
In Bed Early

Pastor Joe

Building 429 Concert

Last night's concert with After Edmund, Addison Road and Building 429 was off the charts. We took a group of middle school students to outback for dinner (my favorite restaurant) then headed over to Vero High for the concert at 10pm. It was really cold outside...but inside the temperature was rising.

The show did not end until 12:30! One of the ministries they were supporting was world vision an organization that for $30 a month allows you to sponsor a child in a third world country. I had the opportunity to take my son "Colin" with me and when challenged to sponsor a child he raised his had. I saw his child like faith and told my wife we need to follow his lead "even though he is only 5". He heard the story of the hurt and pain and he said he wanted to help. So, we have a little girl from Mexico that we are now sponsoring.

The comment below is from Jason the lead vocals on how they named the band 429.

Jason: It's actually based on Ephesians 4:29 which says "Let nothing unwholesome come out of your mouth, except that which is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." And that seemed like a pretty good place to take a stand. We play quite a few secular venues, and we're Christian guys and we want to wear our faith on our sleeve, but we don't want to slap somebody on the head with our Bible. So this seemed like the perfect way to do that, because the more people ask us what our name means, the more we have a chance to talk about what we believe.

I had seen Building 429 in concert in several different venues in years past...but last night placed them in my top 10 all time shows. The lights, music, and show was awesome.

On another note there was these two guys to the left of us and two rows down that decided that they were going to put on their own show for the audience. These two guys had no clue that they were even at a Christian concert...CLUELESS. These young man started dancing "Micheal Jackson" style and did not stop until the show ended. It made for a good laugh.

Thank you middle school for an awesome evening!

Pastor Joe

Teens turned aliens: How to communicate with kids in tough years

Parenting teens is a tough, stressful job these days, but the payoff can be huge with a reserve of patience and the drive to ask for help when needed.

Here are some strategies:

Declaration of independence

Adolescence is about struggle - for identity, independence - but the grab for power often competes with the intense need for reassurance at home and conformity among peers.

Teens may fight the leash while also taking comfort in it. Robin Goodman, a child psychologist and art therapist in New York City, suggests parents lengthen the tether, stay involved and step in sooner rather than later when newfound freedoms are abused. Remember, she said, defiance is a tool used by teens. It's nothing personal.

In the heat of the moment

Dr. Mark Goulston, a Los Angeles psychiatrist who once trained FBI hostage negotiators, said parents must leave behind their fear, denial and "don't ask, don't tell" avoidance of confrontation and trust their guts in recognizing potentially violent behavior.

To help rather than hinder, try calming down an upset adolescent in a heated moment by repeating what he says in a slow, measured tone. Hopefully, he'll begin to listen at the speed you're talking and feel validated, not violated.

Help! My teen is an alien!

Sarah Newton, author of the book "Help! My Teenager is an Alien," said parents must learn to translate the intergalactic language of their kids to help make things run smoothly. Some parents are fond of the opening lines: "I know how you feel" or "In my day."

But you don't know what it's like to be a teen today, so stop what you're doing, look them in the eyes and zip your lips. Try to see a situation from their point of view, not through your own filters. Make it clear you want to understand and need their help.

Be a parent, not a pal

Parenting is not a popularity contest. Don't be afraid for your child not to like you for a time over words spoken or rules imposed.

Mix criticism with praise. Be respectful, not insulting, and don't dismiss your teens' feelings or opinions as silly or senseless, said Rick Edwards, inpatient program director at the nonprofit Southwest Mental Health Center, a children's psychiatric hospital in San Antonio.

Let go of guilt

Dr. Jason Stein, a family therapist in Los Angeles, said parents of out-of-control teens are often vilified, leading to unnecessary guilt.

"As a parent you're not allowed to show your humanity and struggle. You're not allowed to say, 'I hate my kid.' We've stigmatized these kinds of parents," he said. "We need to acknowledge the struggle. You basically buck up and do the best you can."

By Leann Italie - Associated Press Writer

I Love You Dad

Below is an email that I recieved this morning from my son's t-ball coach Jay. His son has been in Afghanistan for about 2 weeks. It kinda puts all our problems in perspective...

-Pastor Joe

Monday, September 22, 2008 10:16:42 AM Dad, I do need a few things

1. An absentee ballot, if you could send me one. They have something here, but it closes before I get off work. I think it will be easier if you send me one compared to getting one sent online.

2. I'd like to purchase some land when I get back, somewhere in the mountains away from a town, maybe 5 acres or more. I've been looking, but time is crunched. I can't use my own computer, because everything here has to have security clearances and you can only use theirs. I was thinking NC, VA, maybe even TN. Just look into it, I believe it's going to be the only thing that is worth much soon. You can put a cabin up for 12000 dollars, they come in pieces and it takes like 3 days to put them up. One could buy some solar panels for small electronic devices such as laptops, cell phones, etc. The refrigerator and stove can be run off propane (I'll have to look into how expensive that is). That's pretty much how I want to live. The simple life. Walden, by Henry David Thoreau, is about Thoreau building his own cabin and living away from society for two years. It's very interesting what your priorities become out there. I tell you what, I will let you and mom build a vacation house on my land if you find me a good piece. Try to settle mom down about getting me stuff. I don't need things.

I am having trouble reading the Bible. I guess I have a pretty good overview of it and when I start reading it just sounds repetitive. I know that's wrong, but I just can't get into it. My prayer and worship are good. I struggle with other's intentions during their worship. We have this nut that changes his voice completely and gets very soft and dramatic when he prays, "Oh yes, Father God, I just want to thank you, Father God, we love you so much, Father God, Father God, you are awesome, Father God." I just want to shake him and say, "He knows his own name. You don't have to repeat it to Him religiously" (pun intended). It just reminds me of the people shouting prayers on the street corners just to be heard. It really messes with my head. Then I feel bad that my heart isn't where it's supposed to be when all of this is going on. You really have to push the "love others" around here. People are so ignorant thinking all Afghans are bad and complaining about any little obstruction to their daily priorities. "YOU SIGNED UP FOR THIS." Heaven forbid you have to do something that you don't enjoy! Just pray for me to have compassion and humility.

I already got into a little tiff when someone pushed me. I saw red and pushed back, which I shouldn't have done...I guess the stress is getting to me a little. 17 people have died since we've been here. They cart them down the road in a flatback humvee in their caskets with the American Flag draped over it. All available personnel line the streets with a salute. This usually happens at midnight, separating my sleep in two.

I know this letter sounds depressing, but I'm not depressed. I'm me, working continuously and thinking and trying to figure out what God wants from me in this chaotic world we all live in.

I love you Dad

Teen suicides dip, experts worry rate remains high

CHICAGO (AP) — The number of teen suicides has fallen slightly, but the rate remains disturbingly high, possibly fueled by drug warnings that have scared many from using antidepressants.

The suicide rate was about 4.5 per 100,000 in 2005, the most recent data available. That follows an 18% spike the previous year that alarmed experts when first reported.
That's because until then, suicides among 10- to 19-year-olds had been on a steady decline since 1996.

DRUGS: Illicit use actually dipped in 12- to 17-year-olds in '07
BETTER LIFE: Latest kids' health studies

Dr. David Fassler, a psychiatry professor at the University of Vermont, said the report suggests a "very disturbing" upward trend that correlates with a decline in teen use of antidepressants.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Ohio Food and Drug Administration Columbus University of Vermont University of Illinois-Chicago Nationwide Children Dr. David Fassler

That decline stems from the Food and Drug Administration's 2004 black-box warning label because of reports that the drugs can increase risks for suicidal tendencies.

Fassler, who wasn't involved in the new study, is among psychiatrists who believe the drugs' benefits, including treating depression that can lead to suicide, outweigh their risks. He said he has no financial ties to makers of antidepressants.

The new report shows the rate dropped by about 5% from 4.7 in 2004 — or from 1,983 suicides in 2004 to 1,883 in 2005.

That's still 600 more suicides than would have been expected had the earlier trend continued, said lead author Jeffrey Bridge, a researcher at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Patrick Tolan, director of the University of Illinois-Chicago's juvenile research institute, said it will be important to continue tracking teen suicides to see if the rate continues to decline or hovers at a higher than expected level.

Regardless, suicide remains a leading cause of teen deaths and "a major public health issue," he said.

Love God, Love Others

I recently received a forward email from a group of friends that was really disappointing. Here is the email and my response. And yes I still love them :)

[the email]
I didn't watch this, but this article about the Rick Warren presidential forum was interesting:http://www.gopusa.com/theloft/?p=760

How an evangelical like Warren can side with Obama is beyond me...But per this article author, that's the way she interpreted what she saw... If Rick Warren is for that pro-baby killer, I'm not interested in anything else he has to say....He's said all he needs to say... TL

PS If McCain picks a pro-baby killer for his veep, he ain't gettin' my vote either.He's already p!$$ed me off with his pro-illegal immigration stance, but he'll step way over the line if he goes pro-'Choice' for VP.He's a really old 72 - I doubt that he'll last 4 years. So his veep choice is really important to me too....I'll go for that Constitution Party guy (I don't even know his name, but I'll find out if I have to) before McCain if he picks a 'Choicer'...

[my response]
Good morning friends,

I am concerned about the content of any email that is part of the Christian community and carries such critical and judging language. For so long the Church of Jesus Christ has pretended to be perfect and point fingers at the not perfect and the non-Christian community. If we all were truly honest with each other…the reason that we came to faith in Christ is because of our brokenness and need for the Master. The church community as we know it carries a hypocritical tag simply because we think we have arrived and the rest of the world...well you get the picture. We have grown up reciting, teaching, and even leading John 3:16. We have proclaimed that “God so loved the world” from the roof tops but forgot the second greatest commandment…”Love your neighbor”.

What saddens me is that we have failed to read on in the Gospel of John…particularly John 3:17. John 3:17 is clear “God did not come into the world to judge the world but save the world”. If the master “Jesus” did not come to judge the lost but save them then what right do we have. We have no authority to judge someone else or their motives (Matthew 7:1). Does that mean that we should not be responsible and form a Biblical world view? I think not! God has given us the Holy Spirit for discernment and the freedom to choose. When we lash out and speak negatively about a person, a group (Ephesians 4:29), point fingers (Luke 6:42) as the body of Christ I believe we miss the mark that God has called us to follow.

In conclusion agree or disagree with Obama, McCain or even Rick Warren…let’s work out our differences between ourselves and God. What if we began to pray for people instead of judging and condemning people? What if we began to pray for our leaders? What if we simply trust God “who is absolute” with the next presidential office. What if?

Check out this link http://www.theworkofthepeople.com/index.php?ct=store.details&pid=V00244

Pastor Joe

Teens Engage in Sexting

A funny picture or a flirty message on your phone may seem innocent enough, but what is your teen really saying when they send a text."Teenagers are having sex by the phone, sending flirty messages, meeting up to have sex," says 16 year old Rochellie Garcia."

On the one hand it can be kind of fun to get an erotic message over your email or on the phone," says Certified Sex Therapist Joyce Joseph. "But on the other hand none of that is really safe or private."It's known to teens as sexting, and though it doesn't always lead to a physical act, Joseph says it can confuse teenagers emotionally."

They're experimenting with sex but they aren't integrated in a holistic way that would be better for their self-esteem if they really understood what love was," says Joseph.

Teens who text may not have the chance to discuss those feelings with an adult, because one of the appeals of sexting is the ability to hide the behavior from parents. "I don't wanna talk on the phone that much, because my mom will ask me questions," says a teenage boy. "So I just text people.""It's your phone, it's your own private business," says 16 year old Mackenzie Hamblin. "So if you want to do that stuff go ahead."

Privacy may be part of the appeal, but what many teens don't realize is how easily the message or pictures they send can be forwarded to dozens of unwanted recipients."All you gotta do is take it and send it out, thinking it's funny," says Garcia. "But the boys you're sending it to can take it and put it on MySpace or put it somewhere where everyone can see it."

Last week former American Idol hopeful Colin Leahy made national news when he was arrested for sending sexually explicit text messages to a 12 year old boy. A situation Joseph says teens need to be aware of, and prepared to report. "If you've asked them to stop and they don't stop, and or the message is offensive to you, then you need to immediately act and block that number," says Joseph.

And as technology continues to change the ways teens can communicate, Joseph says parents need to monitor who their teens are talking to, and more importantly what they are talking about."It's really important that parents sit down and talk to their teenagers and help them to develop the emotional and intimacy skills," says Joseph. "So that when and if they are ready to be sexual that they are much more balanced."

Inside My Weekend

Friday
Worked out
Worked online making arrangements for a weekend getaway
Left at noon for Kennedy Space Center
At Arby’s on the way
Bought season passes for the family to KSC
Walked through a space shuttle – really cool
Checked in to the Country Inn
Swam for an hour or so in the pool
Was up late AAU basketball boys running the halls until 12:30am

Saturday
Slept in until 9:00
Jumped in the pool
Had a hot breakfast (eggs, sausage, toast)
Left for KSC
Road Shuttle Launch Experience
Had a Cubin Sandwich for lunch
Toured the rest of KSC
Went to Ron Jon’s Surf Shop (coco beach)
Saw 3 sharks
Picked up food from Publix
Dinner at the hotel
Crashed

Sunday
Slept in until 9:30

My anniversary :)
Hot breakfast (waffles, eggs, bagel, bacon)
Toured Ron Jon’s properties
Went to Ron Jon’s water park
Left for home
Unpacked
Watched Discovery Channel (shark week kick-off)
Crashed

Pastor Joe

Inside My Weekend

Friday
Worked out
Delivered food to a group of students (world changers)
Rested the rest of the day and hung out with the family.
Watched Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man’s Chest

Saturday
Worked in the yard
Prepped the pool
Worked around the house getting ready for mom
Went to a birthday party
Had an allergic reaction to shrimp
Picked mom up at the airport in Orlando at 9:05
Got home at 12:10

Sunday
Up early
Worship with the family
Lunch with the staff at the Verde’s home
Hung around the pool most of the afternoon
Home to rest for a few hours
Pre-Marriage session with a couple
Crashed

Pastor Joe

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight easily becomes the greatest superhero movie of all time. This is really hard for me to say since I am a SUPERMAN fan through and through. The movie shows a riveting performance by Heath Ledger playing the role of the Joker.

Christopher Nolan, Christian Bale and Heath Ledger together craft the most unique, eerie, and enjoyable villain to date. The Joker's role in the movie fits into the puzzle so perfectly, as he just drops in with no indication of how or why he came to Gotham City. But nonetheless, Heath's role only plays a small part in the grand scale of this movie.

Unlike the predictions for this movie, the Joker was not the main focus throughout the film. Batman has just as big of a role as the Joker, as well as Harvey Dent and Commissioner Gordon.

The movie puts each character as the main focus throughout different parts of the film. One second you think this character is the threat; the next second is another character. But the movie had one big plot that came solemnly from the Joker. He was just trying to prove a point, that anyone can become corrupt. Hence the line "You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the hero." And that is exactly what The Dark Knight sticks to.

From the opening scene to the final film credit I found myself on the edge of my seat! My trip home was stellar. Every expectation, emotion, and superhero hype was meant and far exceeded!

Go see this movie; it is more worth your ticket cost than any other movie this year.

Pastor Joe

Inside MY Weekend

Friday
Worked out
Day off turned into a work day (focused on 24.7 budget and team apps)
Listened to several new podcast (180 in Tulsa)
Designed video for Memorial Service (Luke Webb)

Saturday
Mowed my yard
Prepped the pool
Picked up Ron
Loaded gear for Memorial Service
Memorial Service for Luke Webb (4 year old boy) was at the Vero Beach Inn at 2:00
Nice pasta dinner at the house (thanks Summer)
Worked on the new 24.7 building with Ron until 10:30

Sunday
Up early (yikes)
Prepared for world changers
Picked up world changers at local school (group of 9)
Best worship (music) that I have experienced at Lakeside since the merge
Pastor spoke on the game of life (the Rich Young Ruler)
Served lunch to world changers
Visited home site where world changers are working this week
Home to rest for a few hours
Pre-Marriage session with a couple
Crashed

Pastor Joe

Superman Collection

In 1990, I began a journey that has lasted now almost 19 years. I was in a small city in the heart of east Tennessee when over the radio I heard “Superman is dead”! The first thing that came to my mind was “NO WAY” Superman can’t be dead! The marketing add worked and that weekend I went out and bought the death comic of superman. The rest is history!

For the last 18+ years I have been collecting anything superman and now have over 750 pieces in my collection and growing. Most of this collection is in cases and stored away in closet for protection from sunlight, etc.

The first of the year we signed up at the local library to display our collection. We were given a large display case in the entrance and a glass case to side of that. We loaded up and Colin, myself and one of our students (Rebecca) displayed 200 pieces of our collection for our friends and community.

Our collection will be on display and the Sebastian North County Library for the month of July. Here are a few pics we took the day we set up.

One day I am sure that I will pass my collection on to my son.

Pastor Joe

3Story: Summer Series Intro

Who’s Who in Your Circle?

I. It’s stories more than Steps. Acts 17:27-28 // 3 Story is about brining three stories together in a natural way. It is not taking people through a sequence of predetermined steps.

II. It’s honesty more than perfection. Philippians 3:9, 12-14 // 3 Story ask us to be honest, not perfect.

III. It’s them more than you. I Thessalonians 2:8 // 3 Story allows our friends to be who they are as we discover their story.

IV. It’s questions more than answers. John 4:1-30 // 3 Story is more about asking question then giving answers.

V. It’s listening more than telling. Colossians 4:6 // 3 Story starts out with listening not preaching // People listen to people who listen.

VI. It’s the Holy Spirit more than a program. Romans 8:26-30 // 3 Story means being led by the Holy Spirit in our relationship // It’s about bringing Jesus story into a relationship at just the right time.

VII. It’s HOPE more than judgment. I Peter 3:15-16a // 3 Story is about sharing our own need for Jesus rather than judging other peoples lifestyles, words and choices.

VIII. It’s Circular more than linear. John 4:1-30 // Jesus story doesn’t come to everybody in the same order or with the same words.

IX. It’s love more than knowledge. I Corinthians 13:1-2, 13 // Love wins people’s hearts // The Biblical view of love.

X. It’ contributing more than controlling. I Peter 3:16a // It’s about allowing conversations to flow freely.

Pastor Joe

MADE: Part II Becoming Sheep

We want to begin tonight looking at an animal that God see’s us as.

SHEEP!

All over the Bible God see’s us as sheep and Himself as a Shepherd

John 10:11,14
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep . . . I am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me”

So tonight we are going to talk about becoming Sheep

Toughest Tongue Twister: The sixth sick sheikh's sixth sheep's sick.

I. Admit that I NEED the shepherd. A little about shepherds

The shepherd protects the sheep from…
Thieves
Wolves
Provides for them
Takes total care of them

It’s the same thing that the shepherd wants to do for us.

But the first thing that I have to do is admit that I need him.

We totally need God! He is our good shepherd.

II. Follow the LEAD of the shepherd.

A key role of the shepherd was to lead the sheep.

He would lead them to
water,
fields to graze in,
shady areas to stay cool

Without the shepherd sheep were lost.

Simply admitting that we NEED God isn’t where our journey ends…

it’s where it begins.

Life is best when we FOLLOW God!

Thought for the week:
Am I PART of his FLOCK?

Pastor Joe

MADE: Part I Becoming Clay

Reality TV: American Idol, Survivor 18, The Mole, Extreme Makeover, Dancing With the Stars, Amazing Race, Rock Star, The Biggest loser, The Apprentice, America’s Got Talent, America’s Top Model, Beauty and the Geek, Real World, Making the Band, America’s Best Dance Crew, The Bachelor, Made…

It all about being the next…

MTV: Made making them into something they’re not.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

We are all unique and made differently, but there are a few things that we are all made to be!

Isaiah 64:8
And yet, LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand

ill: Clay and Pottery

Why Become Clay?

1. Clay is soft.

This relates to our lives in that God wants our hearts to be soft. Is your heart soft?

When you see some hurt, do you hurt? Don’t let your heart get hard from the craziness of life.

Where in your life do you need to be softened?

Relationships, parents, the needy, friends, to the good things in life…

2. Clay is moldable.

We need to stay moldable in our lives . . . open to change and allow God to make & shape us into whatever he wants.

Take a look at what you wrote down for what you want to become when you get older . . . some will become that when you get older, but most won’t . . . this isn’t bad; it’s just that God has something better planned for your life (me & football dreams).

As you strive to be moldable, it’s important that God is the one who molds you.

Isaiah 64:8—Who/what are you allowing to be your potter?

God is our potter and we must allow him to do his work.

Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful!”

He has made us and you need to know that he only makes masterpieces!


Thought for the week:
Am I on my way to becoming clay?

Pastor Joe

2008 Grad Service at 24.7

Temptation 5: Par-tay!

It's Friday night, and a little voice says, "College is your last chance (or maybe your first) to really party before entering the 'real world.' And besides, who's going to get hurt if you drink a few beers, do a few drugs, look at pornography or sleep with someone here and there? Just have fun!"

Strategy: Plan faithful fun
Find friends who want to have fun, but who want to honor God. Commit to accountability with them. Be an initiator! Plan a party of your own that involves good food, good music, good movies, etc., but leaves out the drugs, alcohol and sexual immorality.

The Word: 1 Corinthians 15:33 (see also Genesis 39), "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'"

Temptation 4: Giving in to promiscuity

Dorm life, even on a Christian college campus, can mean three things: freedom, loneliness and a lot more time with the opposite sex. That's not all bad, but it opens the door to sexual temptations. Add to that pressure from friends and the media to "get a boy/girl friend" or "get more physical," and this is a serious danger zone.

Strategy: Make a plan now
Decide before you get to college how you will handle sexual temptation. What are your limits? How committed are you to sexual purity?
Remember that it's God's will for you not only to remain physically pure, but to guard your heart as well. Learn how to develop godly friendships with both guys and girls and have fun hanging out in groups. Limit the amount of time you're alone in one-on-one situations, even if you feel strongly about the other person.

The Word: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Temptation 3: Buying into the "no moral absolutes" lie

If you go to a secular university you will be told, in one way or another, that most worldviews, philosophies and religions are equally good. Nothing can be known for sure. "If it works for you, go for it!"

Your Profs and peers might try to make you feel silly about believing that Jesus is the only way to God. You might want to fudge your beliefs just a little to be accepted.
Strategy: Commit to representing Christ to your campus

Don't be surprised that non-Christians don't agree with you. Turn it around, and make your campus your mission field! You'll be amazed at how your own faith grows when you're loving and reaching out to others.

The Word: John 14:6 (check out Acts 4:12 and the rest of Acts as well), "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
Temptation 2: Doubting your faith

Too many Christian teens ride into college on their parents' faith. When challenged by intelligent and reasonable sounding but unbelieving professors and students, they're more likely to shrug off their faith because they don't own it, or harbor doubts without really looking for the answers.
Strategy: Ask the right people the hard questions

There are answers to the tough questions about what we believe. Dig in for yourself. Get to know the specifics of your faith. Ask wise and trusted Christians about your doubts and questions before you go to college, if possible. With their help, you will be able to boldly defend your faith when others challenge you.

When you get to college, be sure to hook up with a solid local church where you can find community, biblical teaching, wise counsel and accountability.

The Word: 1 Peter 3:14-15, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.’Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.'"

Temptation 1: Letting your relationship with God slide

During your first months at college, you might feel overwhelmed with your classes (this ain't high school, baby!) and all the activities going on around you. You'll have sporting events to attend, roommates to get to know, midnight coffee (or ice cream or taco) runs. It will be easy for God to get squeezed out of your schedule.

Strategy: Make an appointment
College is definitely not the time to drift away from Jesus. The key is to set aside time each day to talk to God and dig into His Word. Stick to that appointment! Think of it as your most important class of the day -- and pay attention to what your Teacher has to say.

The Word: Matthew 22:37-38, "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."

Pastor Joe

The Tri-Rail

This past Saturday The Family made plans to take Colin (our son) on his first train ride…the TRI-RAIL. Now, Colin has rode the steam engine at Disney, the monorails, and even visited a few train stations but this was the first official BIG (as we would say around the house) train ride.

So, it’s Saturday morning and we are on our way to the Train Station in North West Palm Beach were our plans were to board the tri-rail and travel south to Miami for lunch. We arrived 30 minutes early, paid for our tickets and then anxiously awaited those all famous words “All Aboard”. This is where the journey got really interesting…five minutes before the all aboard call my wife read the sign that said this train heading south to city of West Palm had been cancelled! Apparently, there was a body on the track and the local authorities were in route. So, they had buses routed in to take us 20 minutes south to the next station.

The bus ride was great except the driver took us to the wrong station. Once he realized what he had done…he quickly re-routed us to the right station where the train was waiting for us. We boarded the train and quickly moved to the second floor where we found 4 seats and settled in for the next hour and forty minute trip to Miami.

After we unloaded Miami we headed to the transit system for a trip to Bayside for lunch. We had to go through a terminal that required you to validate your ticket to pass through. Once I put my ticket in nothing came out…in other words it got stuck. For the next 20 minutes I waited for a tec to show up to get my ticket out of the machine only to find out there was no one even on duty. So, I ended up buying another ticket. They did inform me that I could write a letter to the company asking for a refund. The tickets are only $4.

Once through we boarded the Metrorail. I have to be honest we knew were we wanted to go but had no idea how to get there. After asking several locals we learned that we needed to get off at the Government station stop and board the metro mover which would take us downtown to Bayside.

When we boarded the metro mover I quickly noticed that there was no one driving! This subway type cart was operated by some person in a hub in another part of the city. They had cameras that watched to make sure that everyone had loaded safely then they closed the doors and away you go. It was a little weird but really fast and fun.

Once we got to Bayside we walked around checked out the cruise ships then went to lunch at Bubba Gump’s. The food was fantastic! The atmosphere was great! And the service was excellent! We even got to see the original shoes that Forrest Gump wore in the move.
After we finished we loaded the metro mover, then the metrorail which landed us safely back at the Tri-Rail train station where we were taking the train back to West Palm.

Our trip back was very entertaining to say the least. There was a gentleman in the seat in front of me that felt the need to share very loudly his political agenda and his position on life. His talk lasted about 20 minutes and then he was gone.

We arrived in West Palm around 8:15…we originally expected to back in Sebastian by 3:00. We loaded the car and ended our son’s adventuress first BIG train ride. What started out to be a 4-6 Hours experience turned out to be almost 13 hours.

Pastor Joe

It’s Lisa the intern

Hey guys, It’s Lisa the intern, here at 24.7.

For those who don’t really know me I figured I would introduce myself. I started attending church at Lakeside Fellowship about a year ago, in March. Quickly thereafter I started going to 24.7.

I gave my life to God in May, and was approached soon after by Pastor Joe about an internship. I was beyond stoked to begin my journey as an intern. My internship this year has been a blessing and an exciting experience; from the wonderful trips we went on, to just being able to be backstage and on board with the team has been awesome. I love being an intern.

I have learned so much from the staff and from the students. My highlights of the week are always Wednesday nights and Sundays. This year I have seen so many lives radically changed by God, I am excited to see what God has planned for me in my future.

I hope that God continues to use me and the rest of the staff to help spread his word and start a revolution.

I hope you guys have a great week.

~Lisa

HOW TO ANNOY YOUR FAMILY: Part 3 - God Can Heal Your Family’s Pain

Two Causes of Pain within Families:

Disrespect: Attitude of rebellion against Parents
Disobedience: Actions of rebellion against Parents

REALIZE there is HOPE for your family

1. God CARES about your pain more than you do
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy. And he is the God of all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble so that we can comfort others when they have trouble. We can comfort them with the same comfort that God gives us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

2. God CAN HEAL every wound
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people
(Matthew 4:23).

If anyone belongs to Christ, then he is made new. The old things have gone; everything is made new! (2 Corinthians 5:17).

REWRITE your role in your family relationships

1. DRAW near to God
When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, "If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed”
(Mark 5:27-28).

Come near to God, and God will come near to you. You are sinners. So clean sin out of your lives. You are trying to follow God and the world at the same time (James 4:8).

2. Discover GOD’S PLAN for your life
“I know what I have planned for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

3. DON’T give up
I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong in spirit. He will give you that strength through his Spirit . . . I pray that you can understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is . . . Christ’s love is greater than any person can ever know (Ephesians 3:17-18).

No matter what your pain is:

1. You are not alone
2. There is help available

Pastor Joe

HOW TO ANNOY YOUR FAMILY: Part II – Are You Part of the Problem or the Solution?

WIN - LOOSE

Philippians 2:3-4
Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they’re doing.

Me First Attitude or Others-Centered Actions
1. You can TEAR DOWN and lose or you can BUILD UP and win with your words

Why don’t you ever understand anything I tell you?
You’re so dumb!
His mom/his dad let’s them do this.
Why can’t you be a little bit more like them?
Why can’t you be a normal parent for once?
I hate you!

Ephesians 4:29
When you talk, do not say harmful things. But say what people need—Words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will help those who listen to you.

Proverbs 12:18
Careless words stab like a sword. But wise words bring healing.

One kind word a day – for the more advanced let’s try a sentence.

Don’t look at your mom and say you don’t look so heavy in that dress…

Like you walk by your brother and go, NICE!
I love you, Mom.

Remember if you want to lose have "a me" first attitude…if you want to win have an others first attitude.

2. You can be UNGRATEFUL and lose, or be THANKFUL and win

It’s amazing to how deserving I think I am sometimes.
How much I think I deserve to get and the need to be served by my family.

Growing up how unthankful I was. US News did a study and on a middle income family it takes 1.5 million to raise a child in the US.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.

Candy Handout

Write a letter this week: #1 Dad Shirt/Letter

You can be ungrateful and lose or you can be thankful and win.

3. You can be BITTER and lose or you can FORGIVE and win

I can give you a multitude of reasons why you are bitter at your mom, dad, brother, sister, grandmother, etc…

I can tell you that forgiving is a very difficult thing

Those of you that are Christians, you are never more like Jesus than when you forgive.
Begin to annoy and shock your family by just offering forgiveness.

Mom, I was thinking about something I said to you the other day and I’ve got to tell you I am sorry…will you forgive me?

Ephesians 4:31-32
Stop being bitter or angry or mad! Quarreling, harsh words and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.

You want to win in your family you have to learn to forgive.

Closing:

You can do this on your OWN and lose or you can ask GOD for wisdom and win

Colossians 1:9-10
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.

Pastor Joe

Inside MY Weekend

Friday:
Day off with Colin
Follow-up doctor visit for Colin’s ears
Dentist appointment for me
Home Depot visit for new water filter
Went shopping with the Family

Saturday:
Mowed my yard
Colin had a t-ball game
Colin and I got hair cuts
Got 4 train books from the local library
Had some friends over for dinner…tried a new steak marinade (not so good)
Watched Toy Story-Great Movie
Fell asleep early

Sunday:
Great worship this morning
Pastor taught Colossians 3:18-4:1
Reminded me the greater role that I have as a husband
Had a meeting after church – Discovering Lakeside (designed to inform people in the many ways they can understand and partner with us)
Writing this blog and waiting for our high school students to show up for our varsity life group.
Will have family devotion time tonight
Excited about the week…

Pastor Joe

HOW TO ANNOY YOUR FAMILY: Part I Making Radical Changes That Will Surprise Everyone

Parents are Clueless – Let me explain

1. God CREATED families (Cain and Able . . . trouble since the beginning) There is a start to humanity
Brother kills brother

Sister Story

Family is the one thing that will influence you for the rest your life

Broken Family

Pain
Anger
Distrust
Yelling
Hurt
Loneliness
Disconnect
Turmoil

This picture is not God’s design for the family

Love
Fun
Memories
Hope
Trust
Laughter
Safety

2. God has given GUIDELINES for families

· Drivers Ed
· Mission Mexico
· Skydiving

God’s given us guidelines not to quench fun, but to give us freedom.

I will obey your teachings forever and ever. So I will live in freedom because I want to follow your orders (Psalm 119:44, 45).

Some Basic Realizations Regarding Success with Your Family

1. Realize that a healthy family BRINGS LIFE

Maybe you are the Problem

Children, obey your parents the way the Lord wants. This is the right thing to do. The command says, “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first command that has a promise with it (Ephesians 6:1-2).


2. Realize that you can control YOUR ATTITUDE

Here is my rule of thumb for counseling…You live under your parents roof…OBEY Your Parents.
Each person among you must respect his mother and father . . . I am the Lord your God (Leviticus 19:3).

Pastor Joe

Easter Family Picture

Hey Friends, I just wanted to share with you a family photo that was taken this Easter on the porch of our church. I remember when my mom used to make the comment “honey, time flies as you get older". As a young boy that seemed crazy...now as a young man :) it makes total sense! It seems like yesterday that we were bringing Colin home from the hospital and look at him now.

Believe it or not time does fly. Yesterday seemed like Y2K, this past weekend I was in a retreat with two guys that I went to school with. Maybe that does not seem like that big a deal but we started school together in 1st grade. This is what blows me away...we graduated together in 1985...yikes. Live each day like there is no tomorrow...why? Because time sure does fly!

Pastor Joe

Music // Worship without Interuption

Tonight at 24.7, we had an entire night of musical worship. No message, just 10 songs, an offering and some closing announcements. It has been a long time since I have been able to lead an entire hour of music. I really miss it.

Music creates such an instant connection. You say something over and over again and people won't get it, but put it in a song and somehow information transforms. "Conjunction Junction what's your function? Hooking up words and phrases and clauses..." communicates so much better than "an uninflected function word that serves to conjoin words or phrases or clauses or sentences." It's so easy to say or instruct "surrender everything to God" but when you sing "Jesus, I surrender" it somehow penetrates the soul. That's because for most people, singing is honest. It is hard to sincerely sing without being sincere. We can lie in prose, but somehow melody forces us to tell the truth.

Tonight there were students kneeling and crying out to God. Sincere prayers that were not coaxed or prodded - there was no come to Jesus speech. The spirit of God used the music to move them. I could hardly hold back tears as I tried to sing. It was incredible. It was also tiring.
After a 10 song set, I am completely exhausted. There is something about crying out at the top of your lungs that will wear you out. It is a special exhaustion that is brought on by worship. Not just worship in the form of music either, but most forms.

I worked construction for many years with my father and would often come home exhausted; however, my exhaustion was mainly physical, sometimes mental, but my spirit never felt the impact. It was like there was something inside of me that wanted to "do more" even though my body could not handle it. I have also worshiped through construction. Various missions or church projects have given me more than my share of days doing manual labor and somehow the exhaustion from those days is different. At the end of those days when you rest it is like you are really resting. Your whole self is on the same page and sleep feels good.

I know that sounds weird, but for me, sleep doesn't always feel good. It does not hurt or anything, but it takes me a while to fall asleep at night. My mind, my spirit, tend to keep me up as they wander through my day and my future. I find myself asking, "Why do I need to sleep? There is so much more to do." So sleep becomes less rest and more a "if I don't do this I'll die" thing.

But tonight, I do not think I will have trouble sleeping. You see, I don't have to think about the day or the future. By exhausting myself through worship, I have fulfilled my day. There is nothing better that I could have done with my day. As for tomorrow, who worries about tomorrow when they had such a great today?

What if in Mathew 6 when Jesus says "do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own", he wasn't telling us not to worry as much as he was telling us to make today count.

Worry that tomorrow could be like today? On a day where you feel you have completely fulfilled your destiny, you do not worry, instead you have hope of seeing another day of the same.
Perhaps this is why the bible says that the true act of worship is to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. (Rom 12:1) Whether through song, justice or whatever God has called you to do, when you have pushed your body to exhaustion through worship it is worship in the truest form.

Pastor Ron

Jesus Crucifixion // Very Graphic

Hey Friends, we have just finished a series called "Famous Last Words" at 24.7. Each week we were able to show the G rated version of the crucifixion. I have posted the crucifixion scene from the passion of the Christ. Please note that the video below is very graphic! This is what Jesus did for you...

T-Ball

I don't know who was more excited Mom, Dad or Colin. It was day 1 of t-ball and the excitement around the Maldonado home was growing. Colin and I spent the afternoon on Monday shopping. You have heard the phrase "shop till you drop" well that was the two of us.

We started out at Play it again sports...I can't believe how expensive baseball gear is. We picked up his helmet, glove, shoes, bat, and bag. By the end of that buy we had already exceeded our budget and still had to make a target run.
At target we picked up his water bottle, socks, and practice outfits. Then it was off to the house to try everything on and get ready for our son's first step on the field.

Everything fit…according to my wife you try things on while you are at the store. According to me you hold them up next to your kid and offer up a prayer. This time it worked in my favor.

Colin was the youngest one on the team (4) and thought he was in the majors. Needless to say the evening was awesome (Katie, Lisa, Karina and anyone else in that world) and Colin loved every second of practice.

His games are on Saturdays at 9 or 10 at the Barber Street Park and Baseball fields. Come on out and join us.

I posted a few pics of the evening…check them out.

Pastor Joe

Answering The Call

As the morning dawned, the sky turned from a dark black to purple to pink to blue. The men in the boats were used to seeing the sun rise. After all, they were fishermen! Their job required them to fish during the cool of the night when the fish were feeding. After a long night of fishing, all that was left was to clean the catch, mend the nets and sell the fish to those who sold in the markets.

For these men, fishing was a lucrative business. In fact, some of their catch would be salted down and transported all the way to Rome.

As they finished their work for the night, preparing to go home and sleep a few hours before they must return to their boats for another day's work, a man they all know passed by on the shore. He only spoke just a very few words to them, but those words would forever change the course of their lives.

Such may have been the scene there on the Sea of Galilee that morning when Jesus passed by the boats where Peter, John, Andrew and James were working. His call to those four men forever changed their lives!

This past Wednesday night at 24.7 we finished our new year's series "The Playbook for Life" covering the topic of "choices". Our focus was not on everyday choices like brushing your teeth, obeying your parents or cheating on a test (although it is important to make good decisions in these areas) but on the choice to answer the call to follow God through Jesus Christ.

God has not made us a puppet on a string Romans 6:23…He has given a choice to choose Him or reject Him. This invitation comes only from God himself…but when that invite comes it is time for us to respond.

You see Jesus calls Peter, James, Andrew and John to come and follow Him in Mark 1:16-20…maybe that same call…the call to enter into a relationship with the creator of everything is calling you to come and follow Him. Let me encourage you to listen to God and respond to Him by answering the call today.

Thanks for being part of the family at 24.7. If you would like to know how to begin a relationship with God please drop us an email at info@theofficial247.com

See you Wednesday!

Pastor Joe

Welcome

Welcome to the official 24.7 myspace page! Alot has been going around 24.7 the past month. As many of you know we have sold our youth ministry facility at Winter beach and have moved on to our main campus. This has brought many new challenges but overall the transition has been really smooth.

For the next few months 24.7 will look and feel different. Lights, food, games have taken a back seat as we prepare the final plans for our new facility. We want you to know that we are working overtime to ensure that 24.7 is a key leader for student ministry on the treasure coast. We anticipate breaking ground this spring.

All the other things that you come to love at 24.7...the music, big events, life groups, retreats, eventful summers, and the greatest friends on planet earth are still part of our regular Wednesday nights.

We have also launched a new web site http://www.theofficial247.com/ and a new youtube www.youtube.com/theofficial247 Here you can keep up with the latest info and get weekly messages and devo's.

Check back weekly for more blogs

Pastor Joe

FAMOUS LAST WORDS: Part III It is Finished!

Series: Famous Last Words

WK 1 Father, Forgive Them - Forgiveness

WK 2 My God, My God...Why?

WK 3 It is Finished...What?

Built a Bridge

1. God- Man (Earth)
2. Sin Romans 3:23
3. Romans 5:8
4. Cross- Built a Bridge John 3:16
5. Believe Romans 10:9-13

Pastor Joe

FAMOUS LAST WORDS: Part II MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY?

My God, My God, WHY?

Jesus is on the Cross… Why were they killing him? Why would the Father turn his back on him?

I. Why Do Bad Things Happen to People?

Why do Mom and dad’s abandon their children?
Why do 28,000 people die every day?
Why does a guy walk into Wendy’s and shot 5 people in cold blood?
WHY?
Why Hate?
Why Rejection?
Why do our friends betray us?

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:45-46

II. The Father Turned His back on Jesus because He became SIN.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

III. Jesus was forsaken so that we could be restored.
Made Whole
Free
Healed

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Pastor Joe

Famous Last Words: Part I Forgiveness

Old Testament Jesus fulfilled prophesy.
…he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12

Life

Jesus Reveals mans greatest need.
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28

But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins… Matthew 9:6

Upper Room – Garden – Trial – Cross

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals-one on his right, the other on his left. Luke 23:32-33

Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing...’
Luke 23:34

You’re Life

Pray for those who hurt you.
Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:28

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:43-44

Pray For Healing.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil…If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:17-18

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Why Forgiveness?

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15
Closing Screen

Pastor Joe