May 29, 2007
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Congratulations
3. Something for Your Heart
4. Surf Report
5. Birthdays
6. Picture In Need of A Caption
7. Forgettable Fact
8. Potent Quotables
9. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
MS Guys Grub Camp
Middle School guys make plans now to be with us at Grub Camp this year! On June 22 we head up the Clackamas River to Indian Henry campground for the camping experience of your lifetime! You won't want to miss this one! Go here now to download a flyer with all the info. you need to know!
Check out pictures of last year's adventure here.
New Music
Our CD Library has just been updated with new music! Check it out this week and find new releases from, The Beautiful Republic, Building 429, Cool Hand Luke, Joel Engle, Flatfoot 56, KJ52, Pettidee, Reliant K, and Seventh Day Slumber. Unfamiliar with one of these bands or artists? Just click on their name to learn more!
Please remember CDs may only be checked out for a period of one week so that everyone can enjoy them. We also ask that please do not copy or burn CDs.
Summer Calendar
Be sure to be with us this Sunday for the unveiling of the 2007 Summer Calendar. There's lots of great things happening this summer and you won't want to miss out on any of it!
2. CONGRATULATIONS
Congrats go out to Jacob Eitzen and the Westside Christian High School Concert Choir for placing first in the 3A division at state competition at George Fox University!
3. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
Deuteronomy 15:11
If there's one thing you need to know about God, it's that he has a soft spot in his heart for the underdog. The needy. Those who're often overlooked in our society.
What's more, God has a special place in his heart for people who side with the underdog. People who reach out to the needy. People who refuse to overlook the less fortunate.
We're not talking about simply having a social conscience. Or feeling sorry for people in need. Take another look at the verse for this entry. Notice the word openhanded? That's for people who argue that it's enough just to care about or pray for people in need. You see, being openhanded requires personal interaction. It involves reaching out. Offering something of value--whether it's money, clothing, food, or time. Making a real difference in a person's life.
The good news is that anyone can do it. You don't have to be rich. You don't have to be outgoing. You don't have to live in a big city with homeless people or in a poor country. You can obey God's command to be openhanded to the needy regardless of your situation. Whether you realize it or not, you have something to give.
If you made up your mind to get involved in the life of someone in need, what could you do? Could you change the life of a younger kid (maybe even a sibling) in need of a mentor? Could you be an answer to prayer for a mentally challenged or wheelchair-bound student at your school? Could you supply enough money to buy a month's worth of food and medicine for an AIDS orphan in Africa?
The possibilities are endless! Look around, take the plunge, and find out how cool it is to help others.
For the scoop on God's commands concerning the needy, check out
Deuteronomy 15:1-11.
**
Taken from "Revolution Devotional" by Livingstone Corporation, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
4. SURF REPORT
~ Memorial Day
Calendar, history, prayers, e-cards, speeches, essays, and more
~ Memorial Day Word Search Game
An online word search game in honor of Memorial Day
5. BIRTHDAYS
We have got one birthday to celebrate this year! BIG BIRTHDAY WISHES go out this week to Lauren Vincent! We wish you the BEST Lauren!
6. PICTURE IN NEED OF A CAPTION
We had some fun last week with our Picture In Need Of A Caption. With 10 entries we have chosen a winner.
There's no "thumb" in peace, Brian
-Stephanie Cook
Honorable Mention:
Amusing middle schoolers since 1989
*(or how ever long 180 has been around)*
-Kelly Hurst
Well get your brains thinking again because we have got another one for you this week!
Submit your captions in the Comment section of this week's post.
7. FORGETTABLE FACT
A hedgehog's heart beats 190 times a minute on average and drops to only 20 beats per minute during hibernation.
8. POTENT QUOTABLES
"We who are left how shall we look again
Happily on the sun or feel the rain
Without remembering how they who went
Ungrudgingly and spent
Their lives for us loved, too, the sun and rain?"
- Wilfred Wilson Gibson
"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."
- Joseph Campbell
===========our|sponsor===========
BECOME A MAN OF GOD
Learn the lessons of what it means to become a man of God through the Revolution Devotional. Each day's entry contains a Bible verse, a devotional thought, further Scripture reading, and a fun list. It makes spending time in the Word a little easier to do.
Learn more or purchase "Revolution Devotional" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
9. PARTING SHOT
Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river.
1. 180 News
2. Congratulations
3. Something for Your Heart
4. Surf Report
5. Birthdays
6. Picture In Need of A Caption
7. Forgettable Fact
8. Potent Quotables
9. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
MS Guys Grub Camp
Middle School guys make plans now to be with us at Grub Camp this year! On June 22 we head up the Clackamas River to Indian Henry campground for the camping experience of your lifetime! You won't want to miss this one! Go here now to download a flyer with all the info. you need to know!
Check out pictures of last year's adventure here.New Music
Our CD Library has just been updated with new music! Check it out this week and find new releases from, The Beautiful Republic, Building 429, Cool Hand Luke, Joel Engle, Flatfoot 56, KJ52, Pettidee, Reliant K, and Seventh Day Slumber. Unfamiliar with one of these bands or artists? Just click on their name to learn more!
Please remember CDs may only be checked out for a period of one week so that everyone can enjoy them. We also ask that please do not copy or burn CDs.
Summer Calendar
Be sure to be with us this Sunday for the unveiling of the 2007 Summer Calendar. There's lots of great things happening this summer and you won't want to miss out on any of it!
2. CONGRATULATIONS
Congrats go out to Jacob Eitzen and the Westside Christian High School Concert Choir for placing first in the 3A division at state competition at George Fox University!
3. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
Deuteronomy 15:11
If there's one thing you need to know about God, it's that he has a soft spot in his heart for the underdog. The needy. Those who're often overlooked in our society.
What's more, God has a special place in his heart for people who side with the underdog. People who reach out to the needy. People who refuse to overlook the less fortunate.
We're not talking about simply having a social conscience. Or feeling sorry for people in need. Take another look at the verse for this entry. Notice the word openhanded? That's for people who argue that it's enough just to care about or pray for people in need. You see, being openhanded requires personal interaction. It involves reaching out. Offering something of value--whether it's money, clothing, food, or time. Making a real difference in a person's life.
The good news is that anyone can do it. You don't have to be rich. You don't have to be outgoing. You don't have to live in a big city with homeless people or in a poor country. You can obey God's command to be openhanded to the needy regardless of your situation. Whether you realize it or not, you have something to give.
If you made up your mind to get involved in the life of someone in need, what could you do? Could you change the life of a younger kid (maybe even a sibling) in need of a mentor? Could you be an answer to prayer for a mentally challenged or wheelchair-bound student at your school? Could you supply enough money to buy a month's worth of food and medicine for an AIDS orphan in Africa?
The possibilities are endless! Look around, take the plunge, and find out how cool it is to help others.
For the scoop on God's commands concerning the needy, check out
Deuteronomy 15:1-11.
**
Taken from "Revolution Devotional" by Livingstone Corporation, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
4. SURF REPORT
~ Memorial Day
Calendar, history, prayers, e-cards, speeches, essays, and more
~ Memorial Day Word Search Game
An online word search game in honor of Memorial Day
5. BIRTHDAYS
We have got one birthday to celebrate this year! BIG BIRTHDAY WISHES go out this week to Lauren Vincent! We wish you the BEST Lauren!
6. PICTURE IN NEED OF A CAPTION
We had some fun last week with our Picture In Need Of A Caption. With 10 entries we have chosen a winner.
There's no "thumb" in peace, Brian-Stephanie Cook
Honorable Mention:
Amusing middle schoolers since 1989
*(or how ever long 180 has been around)*
-Kelly Hurst
Well get your brains thinking again because we have got another one for you this week!
Submit your captions in the Comment section of this week's post.7. FORGETTABLE FACT
A hedgehog's heart beats 190 times a minute on average and drops to only 20 beats per minute during hibernation.
8. POTENT QUOTABLES
"We who are left how shall we look again
Happily on the sun or feel the rain
Without remembering how they who went
Ungrudgingly and spent
Their lives for us loved, too, the sun and rain?"
- Wilfred Wilson Gibson
"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."
- Joseph Campbell
===========our|sponsor===========
BECOME A MAN OF GOD
Learn the lessons of what it means to become a man of God through the Revolution Devotional. Each day's entry contains a Bible verse, a devotional thought, further Scripture reading, and a fun list. It makes spending time in the Word a little easier to do.
Learn more or purchase "Revolution Devotional" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
9. PARTING SHOT
Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river.
May 21, 2007
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Picture In Need of A Caption
5. (Un)Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Junior High RIOT
We survived yet another RIOT! With the exception of a few minor injuries we all made it back in one piece and had a great time!
Go here to see see all the pictures!
The Link
If you are in high school and have been with us on Wednesday nights you know of the good times we are having! Want to see for yourself? Click here to see pictures of last Wednesday night!
The Danger Zone
Good times are happening on Thursday night as well. Them Middle Schoolers are a crazy bunch and boy do they know how to have a good time! Check out all the action form last Thursday night right here!
Unclaimed Chocolate
Last week's prize of two big Hersey bars is still unclaimed! Want them? All you've got to do is read last week's newsletter real carefully and they can be yours!
Letter From Jonathan
In case you were not able to be with us on Sunday. Here is the most recent letter we have received from Jonathan Lopez Toledo, one of our Compassion Children. Read more about him in last week's post.
Dear Sponsors: Hello, I hope that when you receive my letter you are well. Thanks to God I am very well. I am doing well at school. I know how to read and I am learning to do additions. I thank you for the two presents you sent to me. With it I bought a nice backpack that I needed and my sport's uniform that I needed for my P.E. class at school. May God bless you. I say goodbye with much love. Jonathan
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Then I heard the voice of the LORD saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 6:8
Here's a situation that may seem familiar to you: In class, your teacher asks a question about something you forgot to study. Then she starts looking around the room for someone to answer it. You slink down in your seat, trying to make yourself invisible--praying that she won't pick you. Ever had an experience like that?
Unfortunately, many believers react the same way when it comes time to serve God. When they see a need or a service opportunity, they do everything they can to make themselves invisible, hoping that God will pick someone else to get involved.
And that's a mistake.
You see, Christian service isn't just about helping others. It's about pleasing God and drawing closer to him. The best way to strengthen your bond with your heavenly Father is through obedient acts of service. If you decline the opportunities he gives you to serve him, you're the one who will lose in the long run.
The good news is that God gives second chances. Right now, he may be looking for someone to explain forgiveness to a student at school who's struggling with guilt. He may be looking for someone to start a winter coat collection for the homeless people in your community. He may be looking for someone to share his love by hanging out with the guy at church who no one can stand.
Will you be that person? Will you step up to the plate like Isaiah did and say, "Here am I--send me"? Don't let excuses like busyness or inexperience stand in your way. Few people have enough free time to get involved in service projects. People who are serious about service make time. And most people who volunteer for service work have no idea what they're doing. However, they learn very quickly that when God calls someone, he also equips that person. He will not let a small matter such as lack of experience stand in the way of his work being done.
So what are you waiting for? It's time to volunteer!
Read more on Isaiah's assignment from God in Isaiah 6:1-13.
**
Taken from "Revolution Devotional" by Livingstone Corporation, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Volunteer Match
Where volunteering begins
~ The Amazing Change
A campaign to carry on Wilberforce's vision of mercy and justice
4. PICTURE IN NEED OF A CAPTION
This crazy shot of your fearless leaders was captured at the Junior High RIOT this last weekend. It is screaming for a good caption! Get your brains a thinkin' and your fingers a typin' and leave us your thoughts in the Comment section of this week's newsletter.
See more of the weekend's pictures here.
5. (UN)FORGETTABLE FACT
27 million people are in modern-day slavery across the world
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"When the story of these times gets written, we want it to say that we did all we could, and it was more than anyone could have imagined."
- Bono
"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can."
- John Wesley
"Many people don't have the freedoms you and I do. They don't own their time, money, food, or water--they don't even own themselves! These people can't come and go as they please. They are slaves. I'm not just talking about sweatshop labor here, I'm talking about slavery that is every bit as sick and ugly as it was in our country two hundred years ago. Some people might say that it's not their business just because these slaves are an ocean away, or have a different skin color. But we had better make it our business because: 'What if it were you?'"
- Zach Hunter
===========our|sponsor===========
BECOME A MAN OF GOD
Learn the lessons of what it means to become a man of God through the Revolution Devotional. Each day's entry contains a Bible verse, a devotional thought, further Scripture reading, and a fun list. It makes spending time in the Word a little easier to do.
Learn more or purchase "Revolution Devotional" here:
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Character is what you are. Reputation is what people think you are.
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Picture In Need of A Caption
5. (Un)Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
Junior High RIOT
We survived yet another RIOT! With the exception of a few minor injuries we all made it back in one piece and had a great time!
Go here to see see all the pictures!
The Link
If you are in high school and have been with us on Wednesday nights you know of the good times we are having! Want to see for yourself? Click here to see pictures of last Wednesday night!
The Danger Zone
Good times are happening on Thursday night as well. Them Middle Schoolers are a crazy bunch and boy do they know how to have a good time! Check out all the action form last Thursday night right here!
Unclaimed Chocolate
Last week's prize of two big Hersey bars is still unclaimed! Want them? All you've got to do is read last week's newsletter real carefully and they can be yours!
Letter From Jonathan
In case you were not able to be with us on Sunday. Here is the most recent letter we have received from Jonathan Lopez Toledo, one of our Compassion Children. Read more about him in last week's post.
Dear Sponsors: Hello, I hope that when you receive my letter you are well. Thanks to God I am very well. I am doing well at school. I know how to read and I am learning to do additions. I thank you for the two presents you sent to me. With it I bought a nice backpack that I needed and my sport's uniform that I needed for my P.E. class at school. May God bless you. I say goodbye with much love. Jonathan
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Then I heard the voice of the LORD saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 6:8
Here's a situation that may seem familiar to you: In class, your teacher asks a question about something you forgot to study. Then she starts looking around the room for someone to answer it. You slink down in your seat, trying to make yourself invisible--praying that she won't pick you. Ever had an experience like that?
Unfortunately, many believers react the same way when it comes time to serve God. When they see a need or a service opportunity, they do everything they can to make themselves invisible, hoping that God will pick someone else to get involved.
And that's a mistake.
You see, Christian service isn't just about helping others. It's about pleasing God and drawing closer to him. The best way to strengthen your bond with your heavenly Father is through obedient acts of service. If you decline the opportunities he gives you to serve him, you're the one who will lose in the long run.
The good news is that God gives second chances. Right now, he may be looking for someone to explain forgiveness to a student at school who's struggling with guilt. He may be looking for someone to start a winter coat collection for the homeless people in your community. He may be looking for someone to share his love by hanging out with the guy at church who no one can stand.
Will you be that person? Will you step up to the plate like Isaiah did and say, "Here am I--send me"? Don't let excuses like busyness or inexperience stand in your way. Few people have enough free time to get involved in service projects. People who are serious about service make time. And most people who volunteer for service work have no idea what they're doing. However, they learn very quickly that when God calls someone, he also equips that person. He will not let a small matter such as lack of experience stand in the way of his work being done.
So what are you waiting for? It's time to volunteer!
Read more on Isaiah's assignment from God in Isaiah 6:1-13.
**
Taken from "Revolution Devotional" by Livingstone Corporation, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Volunteer Match
Where volunteering begins
~ The Amazing Change
A campaign to carry on Wilberforce's vision of mercy and justice
4. PICTURE IN NEED OF A CAPTION
This crazy shot of your fearless leaders was captured at the Junior High RIOT this last weekend. It is screaming for a good caption! Get your brains a thinkin' and your fingers a typin' and leave us your thoughts in the Comment section of this week's newsletter.
See more of the weekend's pictures here.5. (UN)FORGETTABLE FACT
27 million people are in modern-day slavery across the world
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"When the story of these times gets written, we want it to say that we did all we could, and it was more than anyone could have imagined."
- Bono
"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can."
- John Wesley
"Many people don't have the freedoms you and I do. They don't own their time, money, food, or water--they don't even own themselves! These people can't come and go as they please. They are slaves. I'm not just talking about sweatshop labor here, I'm talking about slavery that is every bit as sick and ugly as it was in our country two hundred years ago. Some people might say that it's not their business just because these slaves are an ocean away, or have a different skin color. But we had better make it our business because: 'What if it were you?'"
- Zach Hunter
===========our|sponsor===========
BECOME A MAN OF GOD
Learn the lessons of what it means to become a man of God through the Revolution Devotional. Each day's entry contains a Bible verse, a devotional thought, further Scripture reading, and a fun list. It makes spending time in the Word a little easier to do.
Learn more or purchase "Revolution Devotional" here:
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Character is what you are. Reputation is what people think you are.
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.
May 7, 2007
Contents
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
High School Beach Retreat
We are back and we are changed! God did incredible things in each of our hearts this last weekend at our beach retreat! We had a great times of worship, listening to God, playing on the beach, and hanging out with each other.
Check out all the pictures here.
Second Wednesday Worship
We enjoyed some incredible times of worship over the weekend at our beach retreat. High Schoolers join us this Wednesday night for our final 2W2 of the school year. Let's come together and continue to experience what God accomplished in our hearts over the weekend.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
We're spending some time focusing on loving others with devotions from "Love This!" for the next couple weeks.
BANNERS OF IDENTITY
If you've ever been to a college football game, you know the key element of the experience--even more than tailgating--is identification with the team. Some people wear jerseys. Some people sport hats, flags, or stickers. Some people drive cars painted with their team's colors. Almost everyone who attends has some "banner of identity" that brands him or her as a fan.
Along those same lines, there are banners that brand Christians as "fans" (or followers) of Christ. That is, certain truths need to be evident in our lives for everyone to see.
*Banner #1: God's love is lavish.*
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." (1 John 3:1)
God's love is lavish. In fact, your very existence can be credited to a God who created you out of love. He made you special (Genesis 1:26). He created you from nothing and set you apart from the plants and animals. He made you the culmination of all creation. He desires the best for you because he created you to experience the best life has to offer.
He even knew you before you were born. The Bible says he knit you in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13). He made your heart beat. He started your brain waves firing. He gave you muscles and created your personality before you came into the world.
He didn't create you to condemn you. He didn't create you for judgment. He didn't create you to make bad decisions and live in sin. But he accounted for that possibility. He provided for you from the beginning of time.
But that's only the tip of his love. When sin threatened to keep you apart from him for eternity, he made the ultimate sacrifice to prevent that from happening. He sent his only Son--one who was perfect, completely innocent of sin--to endure the punishment you deserve for your sin. God allowed his Son to be tortured and murdered for something you did.
And guess what! He didn't just do it for you. He did it for the whole of humanity. He did it for the kid sitting alone in the corner of the cafeteria. He did it for your next-door neighbor. He did it for the girl addicted to drugs. He did it for the guy caught in a homosexual lifestyle. He did it for the prostitute on the corner. The Bible says, "For God so loved the WORLD" (John 3:16).
So as we look at the motive and character of God, it's important to see the banner of his lavish love hanging over humanity. He loves, and for us to know him, we need to love, too.
**
Taken from "Love This!" by Andy Braner, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Panda Cam: Check out the panda exhibit at the San Diego Zoo.
~ Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?: Take the online quiz to find out!
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got two people celebrating birthdays this week! We wish both and Michelle Cook and Rebecca Farquhar the best of birthdays!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY girls!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
This week we present not one video but rather a whole list of videos! Enjoy the fun memories that these videos bring back!
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
The Nestles haven't run Nestle since 1875.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Though we cannot think alike may we not love alike?"
- John Wesley
"Where love is, God is."
- Henry Drummond
===========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
Time is what keeps everything from happening at once.
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
High School Beach Retreat
We are back and we are changed! God did incredible things in each of our hearts this last weekend at our beach retreat! We had a great times of worship, listening to God, playing on the beach, and hanging out with each other.
Check out all the pictures here.
Second Wednesday Worship
We enjoyed some incredible times of worship over the weekend at our beach retreat. High Schoolers join us this Wednesday night for our final 2W2 of the school year. Let's come together and continue to experience what God accomplished in our hearts over the weekend.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
We're spending some time focusing on loving others with devotions from "Love This!" for the next couple weeks.
BANNERS OF IDENTITY
If you've ever been to a college football game, you know the key element of the experience--even more than tailgating--is identification with the team. Some people wear jerseys. Some people sport hats, flags, or stickers. Some people drive cars painted with their team's colors. Almost everyone who attends has some "banner of identity" that brands him or her as a fan.
Along those same lines, there are banners that brand Christians as "fans" (or followers) of Christ. That is, certain truths need to be evident in our lives for everyone to see.
*Banner #1: God's love is lavish.*
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." (1 John 3:1)
God's love is lavish. In fact, your very existence can be credited to a God who created you out of love. He made you special (Genesis 1:26). He created you from nothing and set you apart from the plants and animals. He made you the culmination of all creation. He desires the best for you because he created you to experience the best life has to offer.
He even knew you before you were born. The Bible says he knit you in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13). He made your heart beat. He started your brain waves firing. He gave you muscles and created your personality before you came into the world.
He didn't create you to condemn you. He didn't create you for judgment. He didn't create you to make bad decisions and live in sin. But he accounted for that possibility. He provided for you from the beginning of time.
But that's only the tip of his love. When sin threatened to keep you apart from him for eternity, he made the ultimate sacrifice to prevent that from happening. He sent his only Son--one who was perfect, completely innocent of sin--to endure the punishment you deserve for your sin. God allowed his Son to be tortured and murdered for something you did.
And guess what! He didn't just do it for you. He did it for the whole of humanity. He did it for the kid sitting alone in the corner of the cafeteria. He did it for your next-door neighbor. He did it for the girl addicted to drugs. He did it for the guy caught in a homosexual lifestyle. He did it for the prostitute on the corner. The Bible says, "For God so loved the WORLD" (John 3:16).
So as we look at the motive and character of God, it's important to see the banner of his lavish love hanging over humanity. He loves, and for us to know him, we need to love, too.
**
Taken from "Love This!" by Andy Braner, copyright 2006, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Panda Cam: Check out the panda exhibit at the San Diego Zoo.
~ Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?: Take the online quiz to find out!
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got two people celebrating birthdays this week! We wish both and Michelle Cook and Rebecca Farquhar the best of birthdays!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY girls!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
This week we present not one video but rather a whole list of videos! Enjoy the fun memories that these videos bring back!
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
The Nestles haven't run Nestle since 1875.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Though we cannot think alike may we not love alike?"
- John Wesley
"Where love is, God is."
- Henry Drummond
===========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
Time is what keeps everything from happening at once.
