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Spiritual Maturity is Overrated – The Godhead of God – Logos Free Book

By on May 16, 2012 in sam reflects

With God, you never really become  a master of the material. Most journeys are about mastery. Academics, career, hobbies, skills – in most things you start off with a little interest and you end up having mastered a skill, or position, or knowledge set.  One starts off as an amateur,  and drives toward… maturity. A Christian progress has similarities, certainly. Foolishness, wisdom, [...]

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April Fun Days..

By on April 26, 2012 in sam reflects, sights and sounds

We are clearly way overdue for some pictures of Colette – I think most of you visit this blog just for that. – Spring has been busy, but we really had a great Easter with family, and we’ve been able to spend some time exploring the Island (day trip to Long Beach) and taking shots [...]

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Preaching in Romans…

By on March 16, 2012 in ministry, sam reflects

I had opportunity the last two weeks to study and share God’s word with our morning services – it was a little different for me because I preaching sermons in Pastor Stephen’s Romans series. But I had a lot of fun thinking about how to interpret and apply sermons on “persecution” and “weeping with those who weep”. – I want to share those messages with my blog readers:

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Days in the Life (of youth ministry?)

By on March 5, 2012 in sam reflects, sights and sounds

I wanted to share some video I’ve posted in the last couple days – I think they’re hilarious (or possibly awesome..)… too good not to share at least.   The first video is from our Winter Retreat at Camp Spofford – The retreat was really incredible - hopefully I’ll also post some video of some of the [...]

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Reminders are needed… Gospel Cliff’s Notes

By on February 2, 2012 in ministry, sam reflects, things we read

I’ve had a lot of conversations in the last couple weeks about how Christians can live with a sharp disconnect between what they believe and how they act. Inconsistency, hypocrisy, lack of character – we have lots of different labels  for something that we both hate in others and, when we’re brutally honest, see in ourselves. [...]

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A night of prayer…

By on January 19, 2012 in ministry, sam reflects

You do not have… because you do not ask. James 4:2b– Implies something very powerful. It points to an incredible connection between our action of simple prayer and God’s bold deeds.  A simple sentence that reminds me to pray. One of my favorite nights of youth group events is our Prayer Night. About twice a [...]

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One month with Logos Bible Software

One month with Logos Bible Software

By on December 15, 2011 in sam reflects, shout outs

I have long been one of those book snobs who looks down his glasses-indented nose at people whose primary book source is computer software. I think it was because I knew people who used Bible software as a substitute for studying, and I think there’s something spiritual that happens when someone studies the Bible well. [...]

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Youth Group December Update

By on December 1, 2011 in ministry, sam reflects

Quick random thanks to God – Ilyia Wilson (14 year old youth group member with Lymphoma) got it PET scan last night and he is now… wait for it… CANCER FREE – God is really Good. Last month was amazing! I started listing some of the events we’ve had but it seemed like it was [...]

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Peacemaking is my preaching jam

By on November 18, 2011 in sam reflects, sights and sounds

I preach at my church sometimes  – this last Sunday, given the upcoming holidays and possible holiday “drama”,  I was really burdened to talk about Peacemaking. If you missed it give it a listen. (it’s the recording from the early service, I think I was more confident the second time around) Listen To Sunday’s Sermon: [...]

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My one defense – I’m righteous! Lord, I Need You

By on November 10, 2011 in sam reflects

My favorite new song off the newest Passion CD, is a hymn rewrite by Daniel Carson, Kristian Stanfill, Christy Nockels, Matt Maher, & Jesse Reeves called “Lord I Need You”. It is a powerful statement of trust in God mostly as a singable rewrite of “I Need Thee Every Hour”.  It’s not the most catchy [...]

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