Extra LVL - (Aug. 25-30th) - “A Surplus of Gratitude”
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Col. 2:6-8 and 4:3
In this day and age we are told that its all about stuff. Something new and shiny will make us happy and fill our void. As believers we know that only God can fill our void, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t fall into this deceptive philosophy. This week take inventory of all your stuff. Be thankful for it and check yourself to see if your treasure is really in heaven. Remember that in every situation we are to be thankful.
Commit: Going over the list on the back and taking inventory of your stuff. Be thankful for what you have as you take stock. When you find yourself wanting this week, remember God has provided.
Pray: That you’d be overwhelmed with what God has done for you. Pray that you’d feel his presence and blessing in your life. Pray that you’d have gratitude for everything you have.
Read: Matthew 6:19-17, 7:24-27, Luke 3:10-14, Hebrews 12:28 and Colossians 3:1-17
The Goal: To increase our gratitude and thankfulness. To increase our understanding of God’s love for us and our ability to serve others.
EXTRA: Sleep outside; Figure out how many days of food you have stored up at your house. Prepare a survival kit and construct a plan for the family in case of a disaster. Give away or sell stuff you don’t need as you are taking inventory.
Extra LVL - Aug. 25-30th) A Surplus of Gratitude
Extra LVL postponed
Extra LVL will be up soon, but in the meantime enjoy some free music. This band is so good and has a great way of making intimate lyrics so enjoyable that you'd think they are your own (only better).
Dog LVL (Aug. 11-16th) - "Detox/Mom I'm Going Sugar Free"
Dog LVL - (Aug. 11-16th) - “Detox/ Mom I’m Going Sugar Free”
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil. 4:8-9
Like with food, whatever we put in our body (whether by digestion or sense absorption), affects us. This is a week of living pure from distractions by replacing the distractions with things of Holy intent. This isn’t just about not doing things, but what you do to replace them. Some of you remember why camp was so good - you were in a community of friends talking and thinking of God in a place that was free from distractions. Remember!!! Please read 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 this week.
Commit: To tossing the routine of checking your phone every 5 minutes and sitting in front of the TV for comfort (etc). Commit to abstaining from the things on the “distraction” list and replace the time you would normally give to those distractions with something that will bring positive results.
Pray: That you’ll see how certain things are affecting you life. Pray that you’ll be released from these “vices” and given over to habits and practices that enlarge your heart and strengthen your mind to do the Lord’s will.
Community: This works best when in community, because we were designed for it. When abstaining from something, do the alternative with friends or family. Its more fun that way.
The Goal: To discover the power of living a life with the soul purpose of putting God first and doing his Will. The goal is to detox from the influences we have given our minds and lives over to.
The LIST: