Friday, September 23, 2011

FAMILY PLUS High School - September 23

Hello HS Parents!


This past Wednesday night I discussed with your students some misconceptions we have about God's will. We talked about key questions that face students regarding their future and how difficult and unsettling it can be to feel that God sometimes remains quiet about those issues. I shared with them that in these times there is a kind of "test" we can run our choices through based on what Jesus said were the greatest, most important things (commandments): Love God. Love people. If we measure all of our actions within these boundaries - we can be fairly certain that we are in His will or being led toward it.


This Sunday morning we will be continuing our look at "Savior and King" in small group discussion, and will be looking at these (among other) questions:


  1. What are some things about which you are selfish? What are some things you have a hard time resisting?
  2. Where in your daily schedule do you have time to focus on Christ? What keeps you from focusing on Christ?
  3. What are some things for which people are willing to take a stand? Why would someone take a stand?


Scriptures for Sunday morning: Luke 9:23-26


My challenge for you this week is to find a time to share with your student a personal story or two you have about praying for God to show you His will about something in your life. Maybe it will have to do with a job, a relationship, or even something you were dealing with concerning your children. Try to share something that you felt God was unclear or silent about how you should act or react in that situation. Talk about how you processed those feelings and how you ultimately moved toward a decision (or opted not to move at all) if you did not receive a clear answer from God. Bringing this kind of subject up out-of-the-blue might feel a little awkward. Be looking for ways to insert this story intentionally into other conversations you're already having with your child.


REMINDERS: The fall mission trip to New Orleans is October 1-8. If you plan on making the trip, please sign up as soon as possible.


DATES: October 1-8

COST: $150


Please contact me if there is something I can pray about for you or your family.

-Michael

Saturday, September 17, 2011

FAMILY PLUS High School - September 17

Hello HS Parents!


This past Wednesday night I had a very direct conversation with your students during the teaching time. I reminded them that when we meet Jesus, He changes our lives and ultimately causes us to change how we live, talk, play, etc. It was a pretty heavy discussion where I called them to take a serious look at their lives and assess whether or not their lives reflected the grace and forgiveness they had received in Christ. Again, a pretty heavy time of reflection. We used for our context Judges chapter 6.


This coming Sunday morning we will continue our look at "Savior and King" in small group discussion. Here are a few questions your student might encounter:


1. How do we hear from Jesus? How do we know His voice?


2. When you want to secure something, what do you do or what do you use? WHy do we want things to be secure?


3. What does it mean for Jesus to know His sheep ? How can He know each one?



Don't forget that our Fall Mission Trip to New Orleans is just around the corner. Space for this trip is limited, so your student signing up as soon as possible is critical. Cost is $150 and covers travel, lodging, and food.


Challenge: This week, look for opportunities to model your faith to your student. If your actions are more like bad "re-actions" to what life seems to be throwing at you - you might give pause to ask what those reactions are modeling for your student. Step into the peace that Christ has brought to your life and allow that to guide your actions - AND your reactions!


Praying for you and your students....let me know if you want me to pray somethings specifically for you or your family.


-Michael

Friday, September 9, 2011

FAMILY PLUS High School - September 9

Hello HS Parents

This past Sunday we started a new series with your students called Savior and King. This series will focus on why Christ came into the world and what he desires for our lives. This particular study has the potential to be challenging as we will touch somewhat on lordship. The challenge is that many people are willing to make Christ their Savior, but draw the line at making him Lord of their lives.

We also started a new series on Wednesday nights called Labyrinth. This series will focus on helping students navigate their calling in life. We believe firmly that Christ has a plan for everyone and has uniquely gifted all of us to achieve His desire for us. This study will point us toward learning to step into His calling for us - even when we don't feel qualified for the task.

Don't forget that our Fall Mission Trip to New Orleans is just a few weeks away. Please make sure that your student is signed up. Cost is $150 and covers food, lodging, and travel.

Please let me know if there is something I can pray about for you or your family.

-Michael



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Friday, September 2, 2011

FAMILY PLUS High School - September 2

Hello HS Parents
This week we completed our four week series on service. We took a long look at our responsibility to be servants to others for the cause of Christ. Admittedly, it was a pretty difficult study to walk through with integrity - getting "me" out of the way is difficult for all of us.

This Sunday we will begin a new study entitled "Savior and King." this study will focus on why Christ came to earth and what His sacrifice means in and for our lives. Our Scripture for this Sunday will be John 6:32-40.

This week please consider continuing your focus on service with your students and modeling sevanthood for them. Let me know if there is something I can pray about for your family.

-Michael