oneway

Alright, so we're not DIGM anymore (what up oneway youth group!?!), but we haven't found a place to move the blog to yet, so for now we'll keep our thoughts in a familiar place until we can find a more suitable place to post.

If you haven't been to youth group lately, there is something in the air. A phrase keeps getting tossed around: "use words of life". Though I did not go to saturate, I have a feeling it came out of something that happened there. It seems as though we are being more intentional as a youth group about using positive words, encouraging words, sharing what God is doing and trying to make Him known for His goodness.

So here are some testimonies of what God is doing or has done in us recently.

Testimonies -

Eli: God reminds us through familiar things of what is He wants for our lives. Words of life are really important.

Zach C: God spoke a word to me that patience is a virtue and gave me an opportunity to practice.

Josh: "God keeps us on our toes."

Cody: God has blessed me with a loving family.

Sam: Grateful for everything. Because "none of us deserve the lives we have."

CJ: God moved things around so I could come to youth group when it didn't seem possible.

So, what is God doing in your life? Leave a comment. Tell someone about the goodness of God. Tell someone about what He is doing in your life. Stand up and stand out. Stand with boldness and courage. Let God be glorified by your actions and words.

Change.

Vacation is over. It’s time to get back to work. Wake up early...go to class...take notes...fall asleep...wake up...take more notes...come home...do homework...fall asleep....and start it all over the next day. Fun. But at least we know what we’re doing. It’s not like anything is different. We’re in the same place we left off in June. No where new...no where adventurous. No risk. No change. And the game isn’t changing anytime soon. The easy life. Don’t move, don’t grow. Just live. Use a little oxygen, give a little CO2...and keep on keepin’ on.


But what about the time between June and September? When we did something new?


Where were we then?
What were we there?
Where did the game change?

We did more than live. We went on an adventure. We breathed more than oxygen. We used that CO2 to cry out to the deep. We moved, we grew. We were changed. Did the game change for August? Or did it change for good?


Where are you now?
What are you now?
Time for a game-change.

Successfully Single

The Set:
Counting On God
Never Let Go
Better Is One Day
Enemy Has Been Defeated

Announcements: No youth group next week because of Jr. Camp Judah! So please take time o pray for that next week.

What does it mean to be single?
•Being separate
•Being unique
•Being whole

Does God call on your life depend on your relationship status?
"Your status may change, but your character won't. Develop character worthy of your calling." God is calling you to something for Him. If it so happens that someone else comes along to support you, that's great. But the other person shouldn't be the one affecting your calling.

What does our culture say about being single? The "You complete me" mentality. Singleness=incompleteness. This is false. Just false. God completes you. No human can possibly complete you.

What does God say about being single? Don't spend so much time looking for who you want that you have no time to be who you are. "You should be running so hard after God that eventually you'll look up and realize someone else running along side you."

What does it take to be in a successful relationship? Ephesians 5:25-"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." Being in a relationship relies on the strongest love imaginable. Agape.

Bottom-line-Psalm 37:4-"Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart."

Notes From the Peanut Gallery:
So, this is a very interesting topic...My thoughts on the subject are extremely complex and attempting to unravel my theories could get messy. My opinions aren't typical of a teenager, and I'm sure if I shared them here I would offend some people. But I digress. The important thing is that regardless of what your opinions are or what your facebook relationship status says, your heart is God's. Always. There's no possibility of differing opinion on that. However, I am interested in what you think a teenage relationship should look like. So please comment below with your opinion. Even though I'm sure you don't want to, that means you should all the more.

Shh! Secret Post!

So since I have administrative privileges on the DIBlog, I decided to make a (not-so-)secret post to prep you for my sermon tomorrow.  That's right,...Jeff is going to be speaking wednesday (why in the world is that the proper spelling?) If you (secretly) come up to me at some point before I start preaching and properly spell wednesday for me, I'll give you a dollar.  Well, truthfully, I won't have any cash on me, but I'll owe you a dollar and take you to Tim Horton's or something and buy you a prize (which admittedly will probably cost me more than a dollar).

Sermon title: Successfully Single

Let's be honest, there are few people more qualified to give this sermon... 

So here are some questions to think about:

1. What does it mean to be single? (don't overthink this one!)
2. Does God's call on your life depend on your relationship status? 
3. What does our culture say about being single - is it good or bad? neither? both?
4. What does God say about being single - is it good or bad? neither? both?
5. What does it take to be in a successful relationship?

Loneliness

The Set:
Enough
'Til I See You


Mark Your Calendars:
July 16th: OneWay Splash
August 14th-19th:Senior Camp Judah

There is a different between being lonely and being alone. In the words of the great Relient K "Loneliness and solitude are two things not to get confused because I spend my solitude with You"(Therapy-Forget and Not Slow Down)

If you are feeling loneliness you can turn that into aloneness. Lonely has no purpose, alone can help you find your purpose.

How do you turn loneliness into aloneness?

Step 1: Recognize feelings of loneliness as God's cry for time with you. He misses you. When you feel lonely, God's wanting to talk to you.

Step 2: Talk back to your emotions. If you start thinking that no one cares about you or that you lonely, talk back. You're being lied to. You are always cared about.

Step 3: Learn to choose. You can always choose the way you go. You may not be able to choose the circumstances but you can choose your reaction to them.

Step 4 Reach out your others. Give out what you want to receive. If you give friendship you will get friendship. Look for others who are feeling lonely too.

Noted from the Peanut Gallery:
Technically this question was asked tonight but realistically no one who goes to Youth group read the blog so this is for all the rest of you. What are some good ways to reach out to someone when you are feeling lonely?

Hello, Old Friend.

So hey. We're back. It's been too long. How have you been? If you were wondering, I have been busy. School work has been very over bearing the last month or so, and I just recently faced some more technical difficulties. So thats why we haven't talked in so long. However, with special thanks to Josiah (middle name) Wilson, we are up and running.

So now for the Wednesday Wrap...

Now technically there wasn't a message tonight. There was a great time of worship, then some kickball outside. It was a very relaxing yet spiritual Wednesday.

Notes from the Peanut Gallery:
Well since theres not a message to ask you about, I thought it would be interesting to ask a random question. If you could be absolutely anywhere right now where would you be and why? That's it. A simple question for you to answer. You should have no problem with commenting on it. And as always feel free to comment on absolutely anything else you would like. Even if you're yelling at me for not blogging more...

Location:New York 19,Warsaw,United States

5 "Good" Reasons You Can't Always Hear God

The Set:

Yahweh
'Til I See You
My Soul Is Well

Announcements:
Bowling this Friday with the good people at Rooted. Be =at church at 6:45 and bring $5.
One Way-June 11th Costs $2

5 "Good" Reasons You Can't Always Hear God

1. To help us fall in love with Him, not with feeling of Him- You can't just be in love with how He feels, you have to fall in love with Him. Like at the beginning of a relationship you may enjoy being around the person, but you still don't know really know the person. There's a point in any mature relationship that you don't just love the way that the other person makes you feel, but you fall in love with the person themselves. (That's a sermon for another time.)
2. To develop our spiritual roots- A tree in a swamp has smaller roots because they're constantly around water. When wind comes they get knocked over easier. In drier areas, roots go down deep to find the water. God won't always be obviously there. Sometimes you have to dig and find him.
3. To cultivate a dependence on God's word- If you can't find God at the surface, a good place to dig is in the Bible. No where in the Bible is spiritual feelings equated with spiritual realities. Truth isn't always felt. Times will come when you have to search for the truth. Is what your feeling true? or is what God saying true. He spent time on each and everyone of our personalities for a reason. Even if you don't feel like reading
4. God knows we need dark times of rest to stay healthy- Rest is an important part of life. It's common for time of quietness to follow time of God speaking. You have to trust the God knows what's best for you.
5. The enemy realizes your potential and wants to discourage you- The greatest potential is met by the greatest challenges. The more God wants to use you for the more the enemy is going to try and distract you.

Notes from the Peanut Gallery:
So tonight, the question is this. Have you ever had a "dry time" where you didn't hear God. How did you respond to this? Feel free to comment. I know you're reading this. The last Wednesday Wrap was viewed 42 times with 1 comment. Feel free to comment about anything you want even if you don't feel like answering the question above.

The Game: Congratulations on reading this post. You have done well. To reward you I have something for you...come to me on Wednesday with a piece of paper that says "I <3 the DIBLOG" and I'll give you your prize. If you try and write it on wednesday....you will be punished. Severely.

Patience Is A Virtue

Due to technical difficulties and other circumstances, there will not be a Wednesday Wrap this week. Sorry for the inconvenience....


I'm trying to come up with some sort of catchy way to end this but nothings coming to mind...so....bye....I guess....for now.

Why is Prayer Difficult?

The Set:
Oneway
Never Let Go
I Want to Know You
'Till I See You

Announcements:

• Bowling - Friday may 20 - 5$ for bowling and pizza - with rooted
• Junior camp staff opportunity, senior camp participant opportunity
• Total 30hf $ raised - 1423.03
• The Facewall: Don't forget about the Facewall we're doing to better get to know each other...yes it is based off of Seinfeld. We're hoping it works out better than that.
  

God wants to hear what's on your heart. But He also wants you to hear whats on His heart.

5 reasons it is hard to wait and listen for Jesus
1. I don't have the time- Make time. There is always at least 5 minutes each day that you have free. If you came to this blog from facebook....that means you were on facebook....you see where I'm going with this?
2. I don't have a place.-Make a place. You have to look for it but there is always a place. Go for a walk, or sit in a closet, God can meet you anywhere.
3. I forget about it-Make it a habit. It should be just as common as brushing your teeth.
4. It's boring-Make an effort. Change something. Move. Prayer doesn't have to be simple "God bless America....God bless my parents....Bless that guy that brings my shopping cart from the thing." Make it exciting.
5. Nothing happens- Make room for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is your best tool when you feel like nothing is happening. Regardless of the situation, the Holy Spirit is ready and wanting to come and take over. Wait for Jesus. He's been waiting for you.

Notes from the Peanut Gallery:
So Ben asked at the beginning why you think praying is difficult. So, I figured I would open this part comment section...or the facebook comment section....either one works....works very well....even if you're reading this a month from now you can still comment...just saying....anyway I was wondering if their are any special ways that YOU try and make prayer better, less boring, that sort of thing. So comment below.

Words To Live By

The Set:

• Never Let Go by Matt Redman
• 'Til I See You by Hillsong
• Holy and Anointed One by Vineyard

Sermon: Luke Mauer

Words to live by. Everyone should have verses to base their life on. Something to push themselves to God's calling.

Mark 12:30-32-Think about others. Reach out. Respect them, and help them to the best of your ability. (Sonicflood makes shoveling the driveway easier...btw)



Ephesians 6:1-3 Honor your parents. They know what is best for you and are looking out for you. You get a reward for it. It removes fighting.

Psalm 100:1-2 Worship. Worshiping God is a "great communication" with God. If you worship and then wait a while in silence. Don't think of it as an obligation. Give worship joyfully. Do anything with joy and love and cheer and He loves it more and you get a lot more out of it. Don't be worried about what other people think of you. Be an example.

Matthew 5:14-16 Be a light to others. Be joyful in your life to bring joy to others lives.

Notes From the Peanut Gallery:

The challenge for tonight was to find the verses in your life that you want to devote your life to. So, that's what I would like to open up to you all to COMMENT about. What verses do you live by? What have you etched on the tablet of your heart? For me, Proverbs 3:3 has been running through my mind a lot since I went to NYC. "Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart." (Message). That's it for this weeks Wednesday Wrap (<--------Now that's catchy. Just came up with it too).

A Belated Post

So we've had tons of comments about us forgetting to post last Wednesday. (By a ton, I mean one which is 20% of our all time comments) So along with an apology how 'bout 100 pictures of little bunnies to make you feel better...

Happy? Good. Now for our internetisized youth group. First a worship song. Since I'm in control I'll post my favorite worship song even though some might say they don't like this version...its clearly the best. Just wait for 3:30 and tell me if you aren't weeping like a little girl.

Next for the message. Ben was planning on playing this on Wednesday and we would all discuss it. Instead you can watch it here. And you can comment below, or on the facebook link that led you here. It's actually a pretty funny video. So the question is... Does the video reflect your prayer time? and if so what can you change?

BREAKING NEWS

There will be no DI service this Wednesday. Instead we will be posting a few videos here and open up the comments for discussion. Also, to all those going to IMPACT check out the tab above. That's it for now. Check back tomorrow for our blogified youth service.

Weekend Question

So today is Sunday...a few days since Wednesday which means you have more than likely completely forgotten about what Ben spoke about Wednesday night...well if you actually forgot there's a helpful little blog post to remind you. I'll wait for you to read it and come back...

....


You didn't actually go did you....you just went down to this paragraph right?...yeah I thought so.


Regardless, now is a pretty good point to assess your prayer walk the past few days. Did the card help you? Did you find new ways to pray? Have you drawn closer to God in a way words can't describe? Have you felt a calling to go to Albania for five years to be a missionary? If so, comment below! (Anyone else catch that little rhyme...yeah....I'm tired...and I use an unhealthy amount of ellipses...) Even if you didn't do anything new or have any story feel free to comment on absolutely anything you think is relevant to this blog or DI. We'd love to hear your feedback! It also helps boost our self-esteem about writing this blog!


So I'll start off the comments with my own little "prayer story". I'll be honest and say that I sort of doubted that the little card would help me at all. I thought it was just another little diddy to put in my Bible or something. However, on Thursday, I had realized that the card had gotten stuffed into my cell phone over night and ended up in my pocket for most of the day. So, every time I put my hand in my pocket, I would feel the card and think to pray. This was surprisingly effective and I still have that card in my pocket right now. So that's it for me... Again if anyone has any feedback or questions or anything feel free to comment. (Now I'm just sounding desperate...)

Simple Prayer

Worship setlist:

• Counting on God by Desperation Band
• How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin
• Holy Awesome by hopeLight
• The More I Seek You by Gateway Worship
• ...free worship...
• I Want To Fall In Love With You by Jars of Clay

Sermon summary:

Ben spoke to us about why it is that some people seem more "spiritual" or like better Christians than others. He used examples like Elijah's life.

Honest prayer leads to a deeper relationship

Prayer doesn't need to be as complicated as we make it. God would rather have 10 seconds of honest prayer than 3 hours of "religious" prayer.

He would rather walk with you and develop relationship with you. Take a few minutes each day and talk to God. Don't be waiting for "the moment".

We wait for the perfect moment to pray and we miss all the possible moments.

Smith Wigglesworth (a revivalist who would regularly see people get healed when he prayed for them) spent no more than 20 minutes praying each day. But he also never went more than 20 minutes without praying.

When should you pray? whenever you think of it
How long should you pray? as long as you can be honest for
Where can you pray? anywhere - in the shower, riding on the bus, during lunch

Challenge: commit to praying a few minutes a day, a few times a week, and see how your relationship with God develops.

The B-I-B-L-E

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)" NIV.

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (Romans 8:26)" NIV.

Personal Notes: As Ben was saying, prayer is not meant to be some long winded list of everything you can think of to gain some sort of heavenly brownie points. (Heavenly brownies?...sounds delicious...) Realistically prayer should be honest and simple. If you keep in mind that God is always ready to talk to you, there is really no reason to hesitate. There are a few ways that I have found interesting to try and start praying if you find it difficult to get started.

1. Cell phone- I don't remember who told me about this idea but I found it rather interesting. Basically, you just put your cell phone up and start talking. It gives a kind of platform to make prayer more "real". Knowing that God is on the other end, you can just keep talking to God. It's also an interesting way to pray while in a public place, like walking down the street or something (Just make sure the ringer is on silent so that it doesn't ring while your "talking" that type of thing will get you strange looks.).
2. Pen & Paper- This is another good way to pray because you know exactly what you're saying. Sometimes when praying, you can forget what exactly you're doing and start thinking about something completely different. ex. "God, please be with me tomorrow in school as I take that test in math. I really need the good grade to raise my average. Did I do that study guide? I wonder if I can copy it from *insert girl's name here*. Yeah that'll give me an excuse to talk to *insert girl's name here*..." and on and on it goes. Pen and Paper keeps you on track with exactly what you want to say to God.
3. Bible-There really is nothing better than to read the Bible when you want to hear from God. There isn't a problem you're facing that a Psalm can't help you through. There's 150 of them. Trust me. There's one for you.
   

An In-Depth Introduction

So in case you were wondering what the deal with the new blog is... here is an introduction of what you can expect to find.

• Wednesday night recaps - sermon summary and worship setlist.
• Funny blogs - things that are just for fun.
• Not so funny blogs - things that are meant to leave you thinking and challenged.
• Semi-serious blogs - things that are mostly for fun, but maybe a little thought provoking.
• In-depth introductions of things - a list of everything that might show up on the blog.
• Highlights from events - like what was great about the 30 Hour Famine.
• Upcoming events - who's ready for IMPACT11?!
• Announcements - make sure that you close the door if you leave the youth room.
• Bulleted lists.
• item #1
• item #2
• item #3 (In case you're wondering what a bulleted list is.)
  
• Comments - if you have something to say that is.
• Music Videos-Partyin' Partyin' Yeah!
  
• Hopefully more. Maybe less.

So check it out later. Get involved with what you find here by commenting (feel free to leave suggestions for what you'd like to see) and share it on Facebook!

How do we respond when hard things happen?

This week Ben spoke to us about what to do when difficult things that don't make sense happen.

He spoke about John 11 when Lazarus was raised from the dead.  Jesus knew that something good and glorifying was about to happen, but still wept at the pain he saw his close friends experiencing.  His heart is full of love for us. 

Be challenged to be honest with God when you are struggling with something.

Check out this additional resource from Don Miller.

Welcome to the DIGM Blog

Welcome to the DIGM Blog.

We hope you will be encouraged by the things you find here.  Please join with us and comment on what you find interesting.  Share meaningful blog posts with others.

Be blessed by God's grace and His peace.