the pulse

A Winter of Grace!

2009-10-15T10:53:00.006-04:00

Well, winter is knocking on the door. The holidays are only months away and soon we'll be rummaging through our closets for sweaters and coats. For me it's especially exciting. Winter is a very poignant time of year. It seems like fall reminds us just how fragile and weak our natural man is; but thankfully, winter sets in and reminds us of the grace of God. Psalms 51:7 and Isaiah 1:18 both speak of snow as the symbol of God's cleansing us from sin and unrighteousness. This reminds me of a friend of mine who always appreciated the beauty of snow. Not just because of how it looked (though it was marvelous) but mainly because of what it meant to him. When he saw snow covering his home or his surroundings, the picture of snow completely covering everything was symbolical of the peace that Jesus had given him as a believer. It reminded him of Christ's righteousness, life, and sacrifice and how those wonderful attributes of Christ cover us who believe; giving us peace, whereby now, all that is seen in us is white as snow. This picture of winter gives me great joy and comfort in the promises of our Lord.

When we gaze into the mirror and see ourselves for who we are, we must recognize our need for God's intervention, for God's unfailing love to come and rescue us from the deepest pits of sinful living, despair, and hopelessness. Christ is a wonderful Savior; He is the only Savior, the unique Savior of the world, and He is what makes Christianity different from every other religion on earth.

It is said that there are only two kinds of people in the world... 1) those who believe they must do something in order to save themselves and 2) those who believe there is nothing they can do to save themselves. We all know death is a certainty and that all succumb to its sting. What we need is a Savior! Young people, parents, go to Acts 13:13-52 and read Paul's wonderful declaration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Winter is a perfect time to find joy in the good news of Christ!

Please continue to pray for the new direction of our youth group as we have finished our Definitive Series in 1, 2 and 3 John. As always, I pray for each of you and know that anytime you have any questions or concerns, go to Mom and Dad especially, but also know that I am here and desire to help in any way I can.

Many Blessings and Much Regard,

*Drew - YYL

Embracing the Fall!

2009-08-17T11:37:00.002-04:00

Now that summer has come and gone... how have you changed? As days pass, bit by bit we are being molded by our beliefs, ideals, friends, families, news, and events. Considering the many different influences each of you encounter on a daily basis, it's safe to say that you should carefully consider the effects of all those different relationships. Hopefully you've grown in your understanding and application of God's Word, that is my ongoing prayer for each of you and I am sure your parents pray similarly. Do not believe for a second that fall is a hindrance to what you want to accomplish. School is more necessary than you might think. Education is a privilege not a right; also remember that having more than a fifth grade education places you in a rare category compared to the rest of the world! Study to learn and apply the same to your understanding the Scriptures. Now, is the best time for you to decide for yourself that learning is important. As teenagers, you are forming habits that will hard to reverse the older you get, so make knowing Scripture and prayer an important part of your daily efforts. Not in any legalistic obligation but as a desire to know and most importantly, love God.

It is my desire that we learn the significance of being like-minded as believers which is why study and learn together each Wednesday. It is also my desire that you carry knowledge and questions beyond Wednesdays into healthy relationships with your families and peers, especially with others within our Wednesday night group. Make an effort to grow together and holding each other accountable both spiritually and physically. Seeking truth in prayer and reading is no easy calling but when God initiates that desire, He places a seed of hunger that must be fed. Starvation is no way to live. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25. Those of us in Christ, live in the Spirit, so let us walk in the Spirit, taking steps towards righteousness, knowing truth, knowing Jesus, following Jesus as He leads.

This fall will be an exciting opportunity for us to collectively grow. Ask questions, search the Scriptures, pull mom or dad aside if you don't understand or need help, and don't forget you have leadership here in the church that will gladly help as well. I pray for you earnestly and hope that this fall will be meaningful for each of you.

*Drew

Definitely Spring!

2009-03-31T10:38:00.005-04:00

Spring has finally caught up to us. Lots of rain (which is so badly needed) means more reasons to be at youth on Wednesdays! Right? I think so and believe me, you'll want to be there.

Our next series finds us in 1 John. This particular letter sent out to many churches was authored by John the Apostle who was known as the "one whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23). This letter is extremely bold, and is a definitive account of truth as witnessed by John himself. What we learn from John here is that we can know for sure that there are definite sides to our Christian life. There are areas that we must and should be certain of which means these areas should be easily upheld. As Christians in the 21st century, we can be just as certain about our beliefs and ideals as John was long ago. I am calling each of us to live a definite life that is distinguished by bold convictions and determined action. John spoke of Jesus and His commands as if he knew the Savior of the World because he did know Him. We can speak and live just as certain because we can know the same Jesus. He is alive and His Word has not changed.

Hopefully, each of you will engage the text and live boldly for your King. John has some specific things on his heart when he wrote his first letter and we will make it our goal to know these specifics so we can know more about the person of Christ!

Remember to ask questions as often as you can; ask mom and dad, ask me and Pastor Noel, grab an elder or deacon, give us the chance to help. You are blessed in so many ways but especially because you have the Word of life watching, instigating, guiding, every step you take. Don't forget, Wednesday nights, the Pulse, at 6:30... I'll see ya there!

Bound!

2009-01-26T12:40:00.006-05:00

Hello all you young men and women!

Today is an exciting day... God in His grace has given us today to know Him more, serve Him more, love others more, to demonstrate the love that has captured our hearts through Christ. The pulse is going through a slight makeover for the new year to include a new vision concerning the lessons on Wednesdays. The new series will be called "Bound", a series on commitment, declaration, and dedication to the Lord Jesus.

Recall Nehemiah, after war and devastation, the Jews had just come out of exile to once again live in the now rebuilt Jerusalem. Nehemiah assembled the city to hear Ezra the scribe read the Book of the Law of Moses (the first 5 books of the bible, the Torah in Hebrew or Pentateuch in Greek). As the people heard the words of Moses, they became sorrowful; mourning over their sin as well as the sin of their ancestors. The Law had revealed to all of the city how incredibly just and gracious God is, which in turn revealed how incredibly unjust and disobedient they were. Nehemiah told everyone to rejoice instead of mourning, for God had been faithful to re-establish his people once more. Following that, the Levites and priests began to discuss with all the people a more in-depth understanding of the scriptures. And then days later, the entire city desired to repent and seek forgiveness, spending hours upon hours in prayer to God. The most amazing thing happens afterward, one of the Levites begins to pray on behalf of everyone. This prayer went through how God had always been faithful to Abraham, Moses, and to the Jews themselves, then he spoke to God about the people's disobedience (along with their ancestors). Now, what happens next is crucial; the man then prays declaring to God that the whole city desired to bind themselves to the Law, to God, to obeying His commands and scriptures. A covenant to specifically stop doing certain things that went against His will and law, and to start worshipping God as the Holy, King of Kings, in the expressed manner written in the scriptures.

This is where the pulse finds its heartbeat for the next couple of months. Have we merely believed without demonstration? Have we considered intentionally declaring to God our desire to be like His Son, our desire to know His law and scriptures, to being holy? Young men, young women, this declaration is important but its demonstration means everything. We will discuss and learn what it means to dedicate ourselves to God both verbally and physically just as the people during Nehemiah's time had determined to do. I am bound to Christ, to be like Him, to know His decrees (hence the past year's study on the commands of Christ), and to obey them, so I hope we come together for this purpose, to know and obey, in the year '09. Consider these words carefully! Blessings to all of you, I thoroughly enjoy being your youth leader!

*YYL

Enter the Winter!

2008-11-03T00:51:00.005-05:00

Wow, do I have some catchin up to do! Well, the pulse is really coming together. Many of our youth are remaining faithful to coming and learning each Wed night (now) and so far, I can definitely sense us growing closer to Christ and one another. These young people are so awesome and I will continue to pray for each of you every day. I pray that God will take each of your hearts and mold into His will for everything you do whether it be school, sports, chores, whatever, it doesn't matter, in Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." how awesome that we can work for the Lord. What a privilege! Do whatever you're doing unto Christ, He is our great motivation, we move and have our being in Him! Anyways... soon Nov 9th we will be having our Fast Sunday, which is international pray for the persecuted church day! Oh yeah, so mark your calendars and even if you cant be apart of that day with us, be sure to keep the persecuted church on your heart and in your prayers! Other events coming up include, the Turkey Bowl, Video Scavenger Hunt (Christmas), and a Worship N Smores night, with live music from your youth leader, Hollis and Micah so be sure to check in for those dates! Moving on... I hope for now though, the youth (and parents) will continue to pray for the direction of our country, church, and young people. Be sure to remain near to God, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8, during these times because let me tell you, in your teens is when you develop so much of your belief system. Don't let anyone persuade you with crafty words and deceiving acts, you know where to find truth anytime you want it... God's Word, the Scriptures, the Bible, here you can find all that you need to make the right decisions. Cling to Christ faithfully as His Spirit guides you into right action. Don't be afraid to do what is right, but rather look forward to it and encourage one another to stay strong. Share how Christ has changed your life, point others to the cross and His message of hope for those who believe. You guys are great and I am proud to be your youth leader! Keep it up and hopefully we'll catch up soon! *YYL

New Day, New Time!

2008-08-07T13:33:00.006-04:00

Well it's been quite awhile since I wrote to yall and I can assure you things are going well within Calvary Fellowship but truth be told, the pulse has been suffering over the last couple of months. Now I immediately expect to hear from many that the summer time is one of the lowest attendance periods in youth, and though I understand that there are various things going on during these busy months, I believe that discipleship is certainly not seasonal and that if anything the summer time is a perfect opportunity for youth to be more involved in their youth group, not less. When we truly examine ourselves and our time, it is paramount that we do all we can to encourage fellowship and discipleship as often as possible. Of course I say that with sincerity in love towards mainly the parents, so please understand that I simply must extend such an attitude of love to remind both the youth, and parents too, that I am committed to helping correctly guide the hearts and desires of our young people, to help them gain all that they need to follow our Lord.

With that being said, I am looking forward to the upcoming months as we move into a new time and day, Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, to see how God's people, and not necessairly the youth themselves, but the parents who must be committed to Calvary and to the youth group, develop a new desire to know Christ, proclaim His love, and encourage others with the truth. Over the summer I have come to know some of our youth more and each time we meet, I learn something new. There are fascinating young people within this group, they are committed to discipleship as am I, and some are beginning to lead. I hope I can encourage all of you, youth or parent, to daily encourage one another in the Lord, to seek together the will of God. This is an exciting time to be a part of the pulse, many have already voiced their excitement as well for the new day and time, as well as the many events that we have to offer like the Praise Festival on the 31st of August. I hope you understand the nature of this blog is meant to inspire not upset. I do hope all of you will become a part of this great opportunity to fellowship and grow as disciples of Christ!

Gettin Started!

2008-06-05T11:15:00.001-04:00

Well, as most of you know by now, 'the pulse' has finally become a weekly event! Beginning Tuesday, June 10th @6:00 PM we will still be meeting at the Calvary Fellowship offices on 15 Loop Rd.

I can honestly say that this is an exciting new direction for us and I hope that each one of you takes advantage of what's taking place this summer. We have events for every single month such as Night Vision, Water Bash, and Rescue Bowlin! We are going to have a good time no doubt but let me take a minute to make a grand suggestion...

For most of you, this time of year can't come fast enough; it's exciting, easy-going, and hey let's face it, there's no school (for some)! Anyways, I just wanted to remind you guys that if there was ever a time in your young lives for you to be actively pursuing our Savior... summer break would be the perfect opportunity. Most of you get a little extra time to snooze, others, spend the rest of the day playing video games and eatin' Doritos but if you are of Christ, and believe that He is worthy of your energy, efforts, and love, then I believe that with prayer and investigation you will and must find ways to reach out and love God and His people (remember the 'Greatest Commandment' Matthew 22:37). There are many things you and I can do to make a difference for the kingdom, and now is the time. Let's begin with discipleship; come out every Tuesday to receive some truth, be challenged, grow, and of course to have a little fun, then make an effort to serve or give yourself away by doing what God has called us to do. We are to love one another as Christ loved us, and this means that in every relationship, Mom, Dad, sister, brother, friend, neighbor, even strangers, everyone that you come in contact with deserves your loving kindness. So... share the gospel truth with someone you know or don't know, offer your services to your parents for a little while, take initiative and help with something you know needs to be done, go out of your way to be generous and courteous to strangers, this means getting out of the house and getting near other folks. Today is the day for us to make much of our King, and it starts right there in your own life, you must make that decision to love Him and others today... unconditionally, sacrificially, generously, this is a great calling and Jesus calls us all to commit to it! Let's make an effort together to reach out this summer to others and make a difference for Christ.

YYL,

*Drew

P.S. (If you ever need any ideas or want some more thoughts on what you can do, just give me or Vi a call anytime)

You found the pulse!

2008-05-07T10:28:00.000-04:00

Hello my brothas and sistas!

This is your home for all things 'the pulse'!

Find out what's happenin, what's going to happen, and what's already happened, right here, every day!

Vi and I are here as tools, as leaders, as examples of the love of Christ, and we hope you take advantage of our desire to help through all that's offered right here on this website.

Tell your friends, your family, classmates, homies, whoever about this awesome website so that we can attempt to reach out to as many people as we can.

Use this website in your efforts to share the gospel or encourage someone in the Lord. Tell them about it and together we will do our part to disciple whomever comes!

Thanks to each of you for visiting and being a part of the pulse!

We need all of you in order to have this fellowship live on!

As always, I'm here for you...

YYL (Your Youth Leader),

*Drew