Honor

We've been watching a great video series on Wednesday nights by John Bevere about honor. They're spectacular! I highly suggest you all come out and watch, they're absolutely LOADED with great info.

The video has sparked my interest in how we honor. Without picking on Americans, it has become increasingly popular to disregard or fight authority. I'm not sure where this started, but I know that the Bible says that there is no authority over us that wasn't appointed by God. Yes, that means your parents, teachers, coaches and pastors (hint hint) were put above you by God. While we can't be sure why this is, we can rest in the fact that God knows what He's doing. He doesn't require us to understand His ways, just that we obey them. And in obedience, you set yourself up for a HUGE blessing.

So, be careful how you judge authority. Trust that God knows what He's doing, and ask Him what you can learn from your authorities to become a better person.

Ken

Expectations

Why do expect more from God than we do ourselves?

We have the ability to change everything around us, but we look to God. Sure, He hears you, but what about the obvious things that are in our power? I think people miss their chance to change their life, or they miss their miracle because they're looking for an enormous, mystical move of God to change things in their lives. God shows Himself in many ways, and I believe He operates in the logical and feasible WAY more than we want Him to.

What's my point? Simply to rely on the intellect and strength God has given you. He loves you and wants to bless you and help you, but He also wants you to be able to walk in your own strength and faith. He is the author and finisher of our faith, meaning our finished faith is ready for action in our lives, as well as those around us!

Have a blessed week.

Ken

Get Involved

Hello All,

Here's something to consider: If Jesus called us home today, what's the first thing you'd say to Him? Right there, in the sky, what would you say? Is He partial to flattery? Could you compliment how white His robes are? Whoa, check out those gnarly wrist holes!

I can assure you the words will be stolen right from your lips. What would you say during the rapture to the risen Lord? As I describe it, the words seem to lose meaning. Talk becomes cheap in the wake of a move of God. This is the picture of our current situation. God is moving in this nation in a mighty way, and we have a part to play. Here's the kicker, are we talking about it or are we living it? Those talking about an event were probably the last ones there, or they heard about it and so forth. Don't get caught behind a move of God, finding yourself talking about it to others who weren't there. Be in the middle of it. Breathe the air of a revival and taste the move of the Spirit, because, when the time comes, isn't it much better to just look in the eyes of Jesus with understanding? Not a word needs to be said between those who partake of God's glory together.

Remember that God desires your involvement, not your play-by-play account.

Ken

Food!!!

Ripen yourself for the Harvest.

Welcome Thrivers:

The time is ripe, people. The field is ripe for the harvest.

We hear these lines thrown around a lot these days, especially in Christian circles. Here's a mind-blow for you: The "time" has been "ripe" since Jesus ascended to heaven! He told His disciples that the time was now, and that was 2,000 years ago! Why then do we wait for some huge move of God or some crazy revival to spread the love of Jesus? Don't get me wrong, revival is an essential part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but a pre-ordained move of God is not necessary to move and evangelize. The Bible says that in the end days, God will pour out His spirit on all flesh. Well, since the Spirit was given in the book of Acts, and that same Spirit lives in us today, why can't we just march out and touch some people?

If anyone was in church on Wednesday, you may have seen the spirit that is on Pastor Crea and the ministry here at PCC, a ministry that we all have a part in. That spirit was showing through him so brightly it was hard to miss. Crea understands God's heart. He gets it. So we should follow our shepherd into this new revival, one of practicality and conscience. One of love and healing and miracles.

My friends, it's time to get excited!

Peace and love,
Ken

Fun in the Sun!

We took a few teens down to the beach this past Sunday. We spent a good three hours playing volleyball and having a blast. Justice and Sophia did some surfing. Megan braved the 60 degree water on her boogie board. Ken, Cali and I knew better than to brave the Pacific temperatures. We chilled out on the beach and soaked up some sun.

Our Role as Youth

Vanity.

So, your week is going well. You've gotten good grades on all your projects and tests at school. You are very pleased, so you decide to go out and have a good time Friday night. I mean, why not? You've earned it! Good for you!

The Bible is very clear on what is acceptable and good in the sight of God. Our definition of "rewarding ourselves" is often very different from God's. The Bible actually does encourage us to rejoice and have fun. Ecclesiastes 11:9 says: Rejoice, O young man in your youth. And let your heart cheer you in your days of youth.

Wait, what?? Did the Bible just tell me to party? Let's read on. ...Walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes.

Ok, I'm sold. The Bible wants me to party AND do whatever I want? Your kidding, right? Let's finish the verse: But know that for all these God will bring you into judgement.
Oh man, so I'm still responsible for my actions, even though I'm young? YES!! You've heard me say at youth group "One of the greatest gifts God has given you is your youth." You see, we have a unique responsibility. God has gifted us with energy and passion and the talents and drive to do anything we set our minds and hearts to do. That's pretty exciting, but we, above all must answer for our actions. Don't believe the lie of the world, that you have to go crazy as a teenager, acting however you want and ignoring or bucking all authority. Embrace your responsibility as a young person!

God has placed in us the ability to totally psych up everyone around us. He wants us to exercise our youth, but within His perfect plan. So I encourage you all this week to celebrate your youth by seeking God's will for your power and energy. We can be God's hand incarnate on this earth, blessing and touching all who come in contact with us.

Peace and love to all,

Ken and Melanie