More Announcements

We are having a volleyball and badminton tournament at our house Saturday, May 31 for those 12 to 16. If you did not get my e-mail, or have not RSVPed please do so at mjlukavsky@yahoo.com.

More stuff....

~Announcements~

Some things going on this week:

May 31- The Dunham's are moving! Another great serving opportunity

Also, our dear Ming is graduating. Congratulations, Ming!

June 1- Guy's cooking competition (for those 16 and older, for space reasons). Come to Susie and Jessica's house at 6:00 for some fun and fellowship and to watch the guys sweat it out before our panel of judges. Guys are cooking either desserts or appetizers and girls are providing dinner and prizes.

New Attitude goodness

~Charlie's Thoughts~

So some of us have just returned from New Attitude, so I thought I'd give you a summary.

In short, it was amazing. Yes, it was great to be with 3,499 other godly singles, singing, praying and fellowshipping together. Yes, John Piper, CJ Mahaney, Mark Dever, Al Mohler and Josh Harris are incredibly gifted speakers. And yes, the NA Band is quite talented. But all this would have meant nothing if God were not present. But He was! Every worship time was wonderfully joyful, and I could feel the Holy Spirit's real presence. As we sung time-honored songs, He made their truths really clear to me. I found myself jumping for joy all week. Meanwhile, the messages, all centered around the theme of valuing God's word, were very interesting and immensely practical. Every morning we also had community groups (kinda like care groups with 300+ people) where we discussed the previous day's messages. Although I thought my use of the bible was actually a strong suit of mine coming in, I quickly realized how much I can grow. The Bible is not a task, something that is read every day like a school textbook. It is the words of God, speaking to me, more beautiful and more worthy than anything you can imagine- my delight. Also, I realized how much I need that time spent meditating on God's words every day in order to keep from being bogged down in my self-concern. And finally, I need to memorize scripture so it's there with me in temptation.

What you should do:
- Download the messages: http://www.newattitude.org/liveblog/
- At the above site, you can view the live blog written at the conference, which summarizes the messages
- Before listening to the messages, list here what you currently do as far as daily devotions if you like. The point is not to compare but to share helpful techniques you have used or confess areas where you are not as strong.
- After listening to the messages, post what you think you should change about your view of the Bible

I will ask Stephen and Ming, who were also at the conference to sum up their thoughts as well for your encouragement.

In Christ,
Charlie

Interview with Brett and Alex Harris

Here is a interview with Brett and Alex Harris. Check it out HERE. It's a radio interview, so this is not a moive. It had me stumped at first.

Grace

~Eli's Musings~

Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his
name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they
comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You
anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and
I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

As I was reading this text tonight I was reminded of the
wonderful and merciful grace that God has shown us. This shows us
that he is our provider and protector in all times. Though this
passage brings forth many interpretations, his grace has stood out to
me. As Paul wrote to the Ephesians that it is by Grace that we are
saved, through faith and not of ourselves, it is the gift of God.
The song we sang this past Sunday still rings in my mind of the
grace upon grace falling down. Who am I but once an object of wrath by
my very nature to receive the blessings of a holy God? I dare but
look in the mirror and see the scars of a darkened path of being lost
and seeking the treasures and pleasures of my own heart and I ask why
such a sinner as me would receive any grace at all?
But I am reminded that he loved me first and he formed me in my
mother's womb and though my first cry was a cry of unknowing selfish
want. I see the father looking down and him knowing the wonderful
things that I would be able to do for his kingdom, and not my own.
For he knows all things; and everything is possible through him.
Every time I humble myself, regardless of where I am, I stand in
amazement of his grace. It is enough! It overfills the cup that I hold
and drink. Nothing is more satisfying knowing that it will never dry and
never stop overflowing the cup of my life. I am a very blessed
(young) man to have received the grace of the father to be saved
through my faith in him. There's no turning back now that we follow Christ. Then again who would want to turn back to the emptiness of this world? If I could go
back, I'd beat some sense into my formal self and point him in the
right direction. What a joy it is to serve among brothers and sisters
of Grace Community Church who have a genuine love for the father, what
a blessing. I hope this brings some encouragement or strengthens your week
and remember what Brent spoke about Sunday about the punishment and
pain that Christ suffered on the cross for each and every one of us.
What a sacrifice! Just the very thought of the pain that he suffered
numbs me to the very core and gives me a greater appreciation of God's
love for me.

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we
may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

Faith, Hope, Trust, Love

~Stephen's Thoughts~

So I stumbled upon this quote by Smith Wigglesworth earlier today and figured I'd just share my thoughts about it. Anyways, what was the quote?

"Great faith is the product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials."

Something I've always struggled with is doing hard things. One area specifically can just be when different kinds of trials role around. My struggle is trusting God with the outcome of whatever it may be. My focus normally shifts to fear on what will come to pass. I can tend to get so caught up on how I want things to work out but then have this dreading fear that it won't work out.

When the trial has to do with some form of repeating sin in my life I'll get discouraged. I'll start to think "I can't do this". Actually, that's very true - I can't do it. Anyways, I can't do it on my own, I don't have to though - God's right here with me.

I want to grow, I want to make the right choices, and I want to have that lasting faith. But I can just get so caught up with what a mess I am right now, I start to question God's plan. Isn't this the whole idea behind the quote though? We won't get that faith without being thrown into the fire of trials first.

We must make that choice to trust God, which believe me I know is easier said than done. It's always hard for me to know through and through during those trials God's plan is the best one. I get scared of what may happen if I lose what I want or something won't work out how I want it to. But that just goes to show I'm too focused on the wrong thing. I'm too focused on what I want for my little kingdom rather then what the best outcome will be.

And doesn't the lack of faith speak volumes. Doesn't it just show a lack of belief in God's love for me? Honestly I think the more we grasp God's love for us the more faith we'll have in Him. When we come to realize how much he loves us and so how much he wants the best for us we can start to trust Him more for that outcome.

Yes, often times it burns us deep. What if someone you love ends up leaving you for someone else? What if someone you love dies? What if you're wrongly accused and convicted of some crime? What if some grand scheme you have comes crashing down on you? What if with a move you leave your friends behind? We must trust the God loves us with a deep, unfathomable, undeniable, unconditional love and with that have faith that because of that his plan is the best. Maybe through our trials we'll gain some form of a testimony which will aid others, maybe that plain of ours which failed will help us to triumph latter in something better which far exceeds anything we could have hoped for.

Trust me; I'm more preaching this to myself then anyone who would read this. Anyways, it's prolly a mess and I'm the only one who can understand it, but it's just my thoughts... However scary that is.

Sin is Dead!

~Charlie's Thoughts~

As I was doing my devotions today, one passage stuck out to me as wonderfully encouraging:

Isa 14:3-7:

And it will be in the day when the LORD gives you rest from your pain and turmoil and harsh service in which you have been enslaved, 4that you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon, and say, "How the oppressor has ceased, And how fury has ceased! 5"The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, The scepter of rulers 6Which used to strike the peoples in fury with unceasing strokes, Which subdued the nations in anger with unrestrained persecution. 7"The whole earth is at rest and is quiet; They break forth into shouts of joy.

Now Isaiah was speaking to the Israelites, referring to their oppressors, the Babylonians. But the verse is equally applicable to our former oppressor, sin. When you think about the Cross, remember that Jesus not only forgave our sin, but He crushed it. It which once ruled our every thought and deed no longer can make us do anything. Our souls formerly groaned under the weight of our sin, but now we are free- in fact, we can rejoice over our dead enemy's body. Yet, we have not won, God has. He rules, and now He reigns in our hearts. "Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered." I pray this encourages your hearts.

In Christ,

Charlie

What's Going On...

~Announcements~

First of all, thank all of you so much for coming and being apart of this community. As I have said before, I am really excited about Grace Community's prospects- because of all of your maturity.

Also, thanks to Ming for your wonderful posts. I encourage you all to read them (I know they are kinda long =)). How can you apply what Ming said to your life? Start a discussion!

Anyway, we have a couple events coming up- one just for fun and one to serve while having fun.

- On May 21, some of us are heading to AMC Northlake to watch Prince Caspian. The showing is at 7:20- we're meeting at 7:00. Talk to your parents and if you can go, have them email Jessica Robbins at marobbins@mi-connection.com. She is going to order the advance tickets. Good idea, Shannon!

- On May 16, the Layman's are moving out of their current house to a house down the street. This is a great opportunity for us to really serve another family in the church. The move is starting at 5:30. Guys, this is an especially good opportunity to do something hard- if you're not working. Girls are welcome, too. Let Mr. Lukavsky know if you are planning to go: mjlukavsky@yahoo.com don't forget to consult your parents if necessary.

Love you all!

-Charlie

If only...

~Ming's Thoughts~

"If only I knew what to do with my life, then I'd be happy."
Christian spin~~~
"If only I knew what God's calling was on my life, then I'd find complete satisfaction."

When we use statements, or if you're like me you may not say it but you think things like that, the underlying message is that if/when we figure it out the "If only..." we will find meaning, purpose, and satisfaction in it--whatever it may be.

I know, because sometimes I feel this way. Dozens of questions will run through my mind; If only I knew what God was going to do with my life. If only I knew if I was going to get married or be single. If only I knew if He'd called me to be a missionary. If only I knew what I should go to school for. If only I knew this. If only I knew that. If only...and on and on. It's enough to drive a person mad.

AND THEN--it's so obnoxious when I come across those people who have known what they want to do since they were two. [if you've always known what you wanted to do, please know I hold no hard feelings.] The people that couldn't imagine doing or pursuing anything else because they feel called to do it. They're life--or at least their plan for their life has a meaning and a purpose. Then there's indecisive me who just when she thinks she figured her life out--something comes up to ruin that facade.

Right now, I could go and say that you should only find your satisfaction in God and that I shouldn't need to know my calling to be satisfied or have purpose, but I'm not into saying stuff just to say it. So I've been thinking about it...(imagine that.=P) and while thinking about it-- came to the conclusion that although I may not need to know what I'm here for to be satisfied, it's pointless thinking about it; because I already know what I am here for==

I have been called by God to do something, and I have and will continue to find satisfaction in it---but it's not a matter of figuring out the "perfect"career, person, school, ect. No, it's not about that at all.

We do need to know---but we don't have to figure it out, we already know.

We're called to love God with every fiber of our being. And love people in an unexplainable way because we love God. We are called to-- love with an unconditional love, have joy all the time, have peace in the midst of the most trying circumstances, patience when we don't feel like it, kindness in everything we do, goodness in a sin saturated world, faith when all the odds are against us, gentleness, and self-control.

We know this, this is what gives our lives meaning and gives us purpose. So let's be satisfied, stop with the if only's, rest in the fact that we know what we are made for, and then do it.

Psalms 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Psalms 145:16
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
=)

~Ming's Thoughts~

You know when something sits in your head? You sit and you turn in over in your mind, you pull the thought like a thread, hoping at some~ point to come to an end. Well, this is a thought that I've been sitting on for the past week; ok maybe it hasn't been a whole week, but it has been a few days.

I've been thinking about grace, but a specific aspect of grace. I've been thinking about how God gives me grace to deal with anything and everything in my life right now. I have grace for this season, this week, this day, this moment in my life.

This is how my head is applying it right now, in regards to worrying.

Example [this actually isn't the best example but since I don't know who reads this blog—this will have to work.] What if I don't get into the nursing program?

I can't worry about this now, I'm not allowed to. It hasn't happened, I don't have grace for it, because it's nonexistent. It's not a reality in my life [at least right now] so it is pointless to fret about.

See, there's comfort for me in that, I have grace for this season, day, and moment.

I will always have enough grace to deal with whatever comes my way. The thing I listed above may never happen, but if it does happen--God will give me grace to deal with it. In other words I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

No matter what happens in my life, no matter what God does with it, no matter God puts in my life--I will have enough grace.

He stretches me, yes, but never more than I can take.

If God is pruning me in an area, then it means that he wants to see growth. That he will see growth in this area of my life, even if I don't really want it. I mean want to grow, we all do, but what I mean is that I might not want to experience what I need to experience in order to grow. Does that make sense?

The amazing thing about my God is that he has a much bigger ideal than simply what I want. He doesn't limit himself to only using things that I'm comfortable with him using and He doesn't limit himself to taking away the things that I'm ok with him taking.

Oh no.

My God will strip away anything. The things that I cling to the most, the things that I love the most, the things that I define myself by the most. The things that I treasure.

Will it hurt? Yes. I can assure you it will. Giving up things that you love or having them taken away, never would be considered by the world to be a pleasant experience. Yes, God does comfort us and gives us strength. For the sake of being honest though, at least in my life, there are times where it just plain hurts. There are times when I can't see past the bend in the road and where I don't have any idea what God will do with me or my life. There at times where I am scared of the unknown; where I cannot use reason to explain it all away and give it purpose.

God is more interested in building faith than keeping and protecting me in a bubble.

It is in the times that I cannot reason, that faith must step in. (the other alternative is that I go insane, which some could argue has already happened, but that's besides the point.)

I know that sounds cliché, but I don't mean it in a cliché way. I don't mean it as a band-aid answer if you're hurting and you can't see the past this difficult time in you life right now. I'm not saying this because I think it's just the right thing to say so I'm going to just spit it out.

No, I say it because I really truly honestly believe this. I know it's not easy, I know. I know it is a whole lot easier to say than to do, but faith and trust are so worth it.

Verses that I love--

James 1:2-4
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

1st Peter 1:3-9
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him.

Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

[This is kind of a rambling post, I'm sorry about that. If I said anything wrong or something doesn't make sense please let me know. Part of me doesn't even want to post this simply because I'm not exactly sure it's what fits on this sort of blog, I was very tempted to just stick this on my blog so I wouldn't have to worry about it not being the right kind of post. But then I realized that was just pride and fear of man and I needed to get over myself. =P So here it is...]

The Ideas Post

~Announcements~

Ok, so now that I know that there are people out there, checking this blog, I think it is time to get this thing up and running. Thank you so much for joining up! I really feel like God is doing something great in this generation, and I would love for us, the young people of Grace Community Church, to be apart of it. I am so excited!

So what's the point of this website? While I kinda laid this out in my first post, I'll try to make a little bit more sense.

I would love for us gracers to continue to form a cohesive group, where we can really help each other with accountability, discussion and application, and having fun. This is not my blog. The point is not for me to post and then all of you comment on it, saying how great what I said was. The point is for us to make this website our own. Bring up whatever questions, thoughts or discussions you have, prayer requests, struggles with sin, whatever. That's why I am allowing people other than just me to post. I am looking for these people that I am allowing to post to lead the discussion!

A second purpose is help us get organized. As more people join (hopefully), I would like to take ideas for events and get-togethers and post them here, instead of sending church-wide emails. Not everything we do has to involve everyone in the church! However, if you are heading to go see a baseball game or a movie and you want to invite anyone to come, post here. That way, we are getting time for fellowship and fun, but it's not a huge event, and there's no controversy about age groups or people not getting invited, etc.

Whew! Well, those are my plans for this blog. What would you like to see? Any suggestions are VERY welcome. Thanks for being apart of this, I know this is just the start of what God is doing.

- Charlie