May 14, 2007
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Junior High RIOT
Hey Middle Schoolers this is the week and Friday is the day! If you are registered to go with us to the RIOT here is what you need to know.
• We will leave the church at 5:00 on Friday and return at 5:15 on Saturday.
• Please eat dinner before you arrive on Friday.
• Bring a sleeping bag and pillow along with anything else you need for an overnight.
• Please leave at home all electronics and anything of value.
• Bring spending money for t-shirts, snacks, etc. (Optional)
Jonathan Lopez Toledo
We recently received an updated picture and information on Jonathan Lopez Toledo, one of the two Compassion children we sponsor.
Jonathan lives in the coastal community of Arriaga, home to approximately 38,000 residents. Typical houses are constructed of dirt floors, adobe walls and thatch roofs. The most commonly spoken language is Spanish.
The regional diet consists of maize, beans, fish, bread and rice. Common health problems in the area include parasites, malnutrition, alcoholism, diarrhea, respiratory disorders, drug addiction and dehydration. Most adults in Arriaga are unemployed but some work as street market vendors and earn the equivalent of $141 per month. The community needs employment opportunities, suitable housing and drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs.
Our continual sponsorship allows the staff of Vision 2000 Student Center, the project Jonathan is involved with, provide him with Bible teaching, medical care, health and hygiene campaigns, opportunities for community service, tutoring, motivational conferences and educational classes. In addition, non-schooled children received literacy training. The center staff also provides educational workshops for Jonathan's parents.
Our ongoing prayer and support is making a big difference in Jonathan's life. Both Jonathan and our other sponsored child, Karla, love to receive letters from us. If you would like to personally write either Jonathan or Karla please email us your letter to 180@180students.com and we will be sure to send it on.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Banners of Identity...continued from last week.
*Banner #2: God's love culminated in Jesus' life.*
Many people believe in an aloof God, one who created the universe and then left it to its own devices. They believe that he's still out there somewhere but that he has little interest or involvement in our everyday lives.
If that were the case--if God really were an aloof, distant deity--there would be no reason for this book. If the Creator didn't care about other people, there would be no reason for us to care about them, either. There would be no reason to think about anyone but ourselves.
However, we believe in God Jehovah--the One who sent his Son to die on the cross--so we have an actual model of God's love. A living, breathing model who walked the earth 2,000 years ago.
Regarding that model, Jesus, the apostle Paul wrote, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15). If Jesus is the image of the invisible God, it makes sense to survey his actions here on earth to discover God's will for us on this planet. And if Jesus is the image of God the Father, then we can be imitators of God by imitating Jesus. Got that?
Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:9-13).
Jesus loves those who follow him. But he didn't limit his love to those who served in his ministry. Jesus showed genuine compassion to all people. He healed a man with leprosy (Matthew 8:2-4). He cast demons out of possessed people (Luke 9:38-43). He raised folks from the dead (Luke 7:11-17).
Jesus helped people inside his circle of friends and outside his sphere of influence. He modeled what it means to see beyond the needs of self, to look into the hearts of others. He recognized people's needs and dealt with them in ways that made those people feel loved and cared for. Keep in mind, too, that Jesus performed miracles for sinners. He didn't require people to be holy to receive his help.
When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment in all of Scripture is, he 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. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40).
If those are the two most important instructions in Scripture, Christians need to evaluate every decision, every action, and every thought in light of those commands. If I am supposed to love God with everything inside me, then all my actions need to be filtered through that commandment. And if I'm supposed to love my neighbor as myself, I need to figure out who my neighbor is.
*Banner #3: God loves neighbors.*
Five thousand men and several thousand women gathered near a hillside to hear Jesus speak. The crowd was one of the largest of Jesus' earthly ministry. The people listened intently to his every word, hoping for something that would change their lives. Little did they know what lay in store for them.
After Jesus finished speaking, his disciples suggested that he adjourn the meeting and send the people into the surrounding towns to find food to eat. After all, the hour was getting late and the people were getting hungry.
Jesus had a better idea. He told his disciples to provide the food. They must have thought he was joking. Feeding a crowd of that size would have cost five months' wages at least. All they had was five loaves of bread and two fish.
Can you picture the scene? Jesus probably rolled his eyes at his disciples' lack of vision and faith before he instructed them to bring him the bread and fish. Quickly and efficiently, he multiplied the supplies on hand until everyone in the crowd had his or her fill. Afterward the leftovers filled 12 baskets (see Matthew 14:13-21). [Speaking of food, we want to know if you are reading this week's Something For Your Heart. Be the fourth person to email us at newsletter@180students.com to let us know you are reading and you will receive two large Hershey bars on Sunday!]
Jesus wasn't concerned about the financial bottom line of his ministry. He didn't collect money for expenses from his followers. He didn't require people to join some "Holy Fellowship of Jesus Believers." He met people's needs with no strings attached. He loved his neighbors.
Who are your neighbors? Let me offer you a few hints. Some of them are white and some are black. Some are short and some are tall. Some are overweight and some are thin. Everyone in your sphere of influence, everyone you encounter today, and everyone you ever encounter who has needs are your neighbors. It's not your job to discriminate between those who will receive your love and those who won't. Sometimes God puts people in your life who are hard to love. But you still have to love them. It's not your business to decide who receives your grace. Your job is to love your neighbor as you love yourself.
To answer the question, "How?" I invite you on a journey beyond your normal comfort boundaries. As you go through life, you are going to encounter many different groups of people who are crying out for love. They don't need patronizing; they need neighbors who truly care for them. Leave your preconceived notions behind. Open your mind to the possibilities of what will happen when God's people race to reach out to those who have long been discarded. Love them not for what they do but because God loves them. Introduce them to the loving Jesus who will be their key to the gates of heaven. Come along and LOVE THIS!
**
Taken from "Love This!" by Andy Braner, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Stay Teen: A National campaign to prevent teen pregnancy
~ Youth Theological Initiative: The Summer Academy is a month-long residential program for juniors and seniors in high school to explore the complex questions about religion
4. BIRTHDAYS
This week's birthday honors go out to....... CJ IRVING! Happy Birthday CJ!! We wish you the best!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
We had a great time at our High School Beach Retreat just over a week ago. Now you re-live the memories with this video!
You will also notice a whole collection of past 180 videos included. Enjoy!
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Apples are more efficient than caffeine in keeping people awake in the morning.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"I picked up a man from the street, and he was eaten up alive from worms. Nobody could stand him, and he was smelling so badly. I went to him to clean him, and he asked, 'Why do you do this?' I said, 'Because I love you.'"
- Mother Teresa
"Grace is the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God to mankind."
- Matthew Henry
===========our|sponsor===========
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR...AND THEN SOME!
Accept the challenge to make a difference in your own world by loving the people who are often ignored or unloved by most of the Christian culture--the people who are homeless, homosexuals, elderly, your enemies, and more.
Learn more or purchase "Love This!" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
If you eat a live frog in the morning, nothing worse will happen to either of you for the rest of the day.
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Junior High RIOT
Hey Middle Schoolers this is the week and Friday is the day! If you are registered to go with us to the RIOT here is what you need to know.
• We will leave the church at 5:00 on Friday and return at 5:15 on Saturday.
• Please eat dinner before you arrive on Friday.
• Bring a sleeping bag and pillow along with anything else you need for an overnight.
• Please leave at home all electronics and anything of value.
• Bring spending money for t-shirts, snacks, etc. (Optional)
Jonathan Lopez Toledo
We recently received an updated picture and information on Jonathan Lopez Toledo, one of the two Compassion children we sponsor.
Jonathan lives in the coastal community of Arriaga, home to approximately 38,000 residents. Typical houses are constructed of dirt floors, adobe walls and thatch roofs. The most commonly spoken language is Spanish.
The regional diet consists of maize, beans, fish, bread and rice. Common health problems in the area include parasites, malnutrition, alcoholism, diarrhea, respiratory disorders, drug addiction and dehydration. Most adults in Arriaga are unemployed but some work as street market vendors and earn the equivalent of $141 per month. The community needs employment opportunities, suitable housing and drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs.
Our continual sponsorship allows the staff of Vision 2000 Student Center, the project Jonathan is involved with, provide him with Bible teaching, medical care, health and hygiene campaigns, opportunities for community service, tutoring, motivational conferences and educational classes. In addition, non-schooled children received literacy training. The center staff also provides educational workshops for Jonathan's parents.
Our ongoing prayer and support is making a big difference in Jonathan's life. Both Jonathan and our other sponsored child, Karla, love to receive letters from us. If you would like to personally write either Jonathan or Karla please email us your letter to 180@180students.com and we will be sure to send it on.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Banners of Identity...continued from last week.
*Banner #2: God's love culminated in Jesus' life.*
Many people believe in an aloof God, one who created the universe and then left it to its own devices. They believe that he's still out there somewhere but that he has little interest or involvement in our everyday lives.
If that were the case--if God really were an aloof, distant deity--there would be no reason for this book. If the Creator didn't care about other people, there would be no reason for us to care about them, either. There would be no reason to think about anyone but ourselves.
However, we believe in God Jehovah--the One who sent his Son to die on the cross--so we have an actual model of God's love. A living, breathing model who walked the earth 2,000 years ago.
Regarding that model, Jesus, the apostle Paul wrote, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15). If Jesus is the image of the invisible God, it makes sense to survey his actions here on earth to discover God's will for us on this planet. And if Jesus is the image of God the Father, then we can be imitators of God by imitating Jesus. Got that?
Jesus said, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:9-13).
Jesus loves those who follow him. But he didn't limit his love to those who served in his ministry. Jesus showed genuine compassion to all people. He healed a man with leprosy (Matthew 8:2-4). He cast demons out of possessed people (Luke 9:38-43). He raised folks from the dead (Luke 7:11-17).
Jesus helped people inside his circle of friends and outside his sphere of influence. He modeled what it means to see beyond the needs of self, to look into the hearts of others. He recognized people's needs and dealt with them in ways that made those people feel loved and cared for. Keep in mind, too, that Jesus performed miracles for sinners. He didn't require people to be holy to receive his help.
When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment in all of Scripture is, he 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. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:37-40).
If those are the two most important instructions in Scripture, Christians need to evaluate every decision, every action, and every thought in light of those commands. If I am supposed to love God with everything inside me, then all my actions need to be filtered through that commandment. And if I'm supposed to love my neighbor as myself, I need to figure out who my neighbor is.
*Banner #3: God loves neighbors.*
Five thousand men and several thousand women gathered near a hillside to hear Jesus speak. The crowd was one of the largest of Jesus' earthly ministry. The people listened intently to his every word, hoping for something that would change their lives. Little did they know what lay in store for them.
After Jesus finished speaking, his disciples suggested that he adjourn the meeting and send the people into the surrounding towns to find food to eat. After all, the hour was getting late and the people were getting hungry.
Jesus had a better idea. He told his disciples to provide the food. They must have thought he was joking. Feeding a crowd of that size would have cost five months' wages at least. All they had was five loaves of bread and two fish.
Can you picture the scene? Jesus probably rolled his eyes at his disciples' lack of vision and faith before he instructed them to bring him the bread and fish. Quickly and efficiently, he multiplied the supplies on hand until everyone in the crowd had his or her fill. Afterward the leftovers filled 12 baskets (see Matthew 14:13-21). [Speaking of food, we want to know if you are reading this week's Something For Your Heart. Be the fourth person to email us at newsletter@180students.com to let us know you are reading and you will receive two large Hershey bars on Sunday!]
Jesus wasn't concerned about the financial bottom line of his ministry. He didn't collect money for expenses from his followers. He didn't require people to join some "Holy Fellowship of Jesus Believers." He met people's needs with no strings attached. He loved his neighbors.
Who are your neighbors? Let me offer you a few hints. Some of them are white and some are black. Some are short and some are tall. Some are overweight and some are thin. Everyone in your sphere of influence, everyone you encounter today, and everyone you ever encounter who has needs are your neighbors. It's not your job to discriminate between those who will receive your love and those who won't. Sometimes God puts people in your life who are hard to love. But you still have to love them. It's not your business to decide who receives your grace. Your job is to love your neighbor as you love yourself.
To answer the question, "How?" I invite you on a journey beyond your normal comfort boundaries. As you go through life, you are going to encounter many different groups of people who are crying out for love. They don't need patronizing; they need neighbors who truly care for them. Leave your preconceived notions behind. Open your mind to the possibilities of what will happen when God's people race to reach out to those who have long been discarded. Love them not for what they do but because God loves them. Introduce them to the loving Jesus who will be their key to the gates of heaven. Come along and LOVE THIS!
**
Taken from "Love This!" by Andy Braner, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Stay Teen: A National campaign to prevent teen pregnancy
~ Youth Theological Initiative: The Summer Academy is a month-long residential program for juniors and seniors in high school to explore the complex questions about religion
4. BIRTHDAYS
This week's birthday honors go out to....... CJ IRVING! Happy Birthday CJ!! We wish you the best!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
We had a great time at our High School Beach Retreat just over a week ago. Now you re-live the memories with this video!
You will also notice a whole collection of past 180 videos included. Enjoy!
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Apples are more efficient than caffeine in keeping people awake in the morning.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"I picked up a man from the street, and he was eaten up alive from worms. Nobody could stand him, and he was smelling so badly. I went to him to clean him, and he asked, 'Why do you do this?' I said, 'Because I love you.'"
- Mother Teresa
"Grace is the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God to mankind."
- Matthew Henry
===========our|sponsor===========
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR...AND THEN SOME!
Accept the challenge to make a difference in your own world by loving the people who are often ignored or unloved by most of the Christian culture--the people who are homeless, homosexuals, elderly, your enemies, and more.
Learn more or purchase "Love This!" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
If you eat a live frog in the morning, nothing worse will happen to either of you for the rest of the day.
Comments:
<< Home
I'm soooooooo happy Jonathan is sending us letters to keep in touch!!
I hope our money is really helping him and {Carla/Karla?}. From now on I will be bringing money to put in the offering. I usually don't because I forget to bring money. But I will start.
~Christine
Post a Comment
I hope our money is really helping him and {Carla/Karla?}. From now on I will be bringing money to put in the offering. I usually don't because I forget to bring money. But I will start.
~Christine
# posted by 
: 8:28 AM
: 8:28 AM<< Home
