Jan. 31 - Day Eighteen

Hope everyone is doing well today. Hope you had a good day trying to live a transformed life. I was think back to the winter retreat, you know the retreat that feels like ages ago and I was wondering if anyone took me up on my offer to give your parents money to go out on a date. I would love to hear your story if you did and what their reaction was. I have heard a few good comments from parents regarding the change they saw in their students lives. Keep up the good work and remember don't let the routine of life keep you from being on fire for Him


Eph. 4:1-16
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Now there is a tough challenge! There are many times I don't feel worthy of the calling I have but thats where we have to be careful of feelings. They can make us do amazing things but they can also trick us into thinking false truths. It is our goal to live a life worthy of our calling but just because you or I mess up doesn't mean we are failures. Messing up and sinning is part of the struggle we have but we can't let that pull us away from God because we feel unworthy. It should be the opposite, when we are struggling we need to go to Him. Remember truth is truth no matter how you feel about it!!!

Jan. 30 - Day Seventeen

It was great to see everyone out tonight, I love having a good Wednesday night to see everyone and check up on what is going on. That is an important part of helping us to maintain our spiritual growth. Yet it becomes so much more than just showing up. That is the point of why we do the 180 challenge. It is about getting everyone to be successful with their spiritual walk the other 6 days a week. If I can get you to understand this value and discipline than you have a great start on maintaining your walk after you graduate youth ministry. Thanks for being out tonight, let me know what you thought


Eph. 3:14-21
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, I love this verse, I can still remember first time hearing this verse at a promise keepers event when I was 17. It crazy to think that God is able to do more than we can imagine, it gives me great hope because God is so much bigger than anything I can imagine. It also encourages me to know that there is power with in me and that I am capable of doing amazing things. Hope this encourages you as you live for Him today

Jan. 29 - Day Sixteen

It is great to have another day when your feeling better. I have to admit i am a baby when it comes to being sick but nothing is better than getting back to you feet. I think the same is true when we go through a dry spiritual season. At the end of that time or when God shows you something amazing you begin to appreciate it that much more. The problem is we get too comfortable and forget the "low" points to remember where God has taken us. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night. I have a special surprise for everyone, another one of our amazing leaders is going to share her testimony. Can't wait to see you there

Eph. 3:1-13

12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. It's crazy to think that we have the freedom and the right to approach God Almighty. I love to think of it as the creator of all the universe, lets me come into His house. Like I pulled up to a mansion and waved to the guards as I passed them by having been given the authority to walk right in. Not only that but I open the chambers to God's room and He greets me with open arms. Not only is God available to me, He also desires to actually listen to me. Make sure you take time today to approach your creator, make sure you say thanks for all His done.

Jan. 28 - Fifteen

So I was feeling bad all weekend missing my schedule blog entries even though I was sick. I went to bed Sunday night hoping to feel better the next day. Well, I woke up feel much better and went to go catch up on the entries and wouldn't you believe that the site was down!! I could get on it and I could sign in but it wouldn't let me write an entry. I really am sorry for missing the past few days, I felt like I was letting you down. And then it dawned on me, this is the goal of accountability. For us to understand we are not just doing this Christian thing alone, but others are counting on us to do our part. You see we don't just let ourselves down but we can have an effect on those around us. For me, knowing that many of you will read this each day, gives me the responsibility to write something everyday, thus helps me to stay committed to the 180 Challenge. So Thanks

Eph. 2:11-22
19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, Unfortunately we have a hard time understanding the relevance of some of these verses. But here in verse 19, Paul is sharing with the Gentiles that now they have the right to be citizens in God's family, a right that was only reserved for Jews up to this point. This was huge for the Gentiles it put them on par with the Jews and proved to everyone it doesn't matter who you are. The ground is all level when standing before the cross.

Jan. 27 - Fourteen

Eph. 2:1-10
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. If you don't know these verses I would highlight them and make sure you understand the importance of these verses. It is by grace that we have been saved!!! It has nothing to do with us, what we do or who we are but it is a gift from God. Notice also in verse 10 that we are created to do good works for God, once we receive His grace. All this has been predestined for us before the beginning of time. It is truly amazing grace to think that God would grant this to us even when we don't deserve it. Amazing!!!!!!

Jan. 26 - Day Thirteen

I'm sorry I missed Saturday and Sunday, I was hit hard with the flu. It was crazy, I was playing rock band and all of a sudden I couldn't stand up anymore and had to go lay down, before I knew it I was sleeping for the next 16 hours! I hope your weekend was better than mine. But the good thing is that it has passed and I am feeling much better today.

Eph. 1:15-25
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. So who are the people in your life that you thank God for? Each of us have spiritual mentors that help guide and shape our spiritual direction. When Paul thought of the church in Ephesus he was so thankful for their faithful service. I have several amazing people in my life that I thank God for. I hope you do the same. Better yet don't just thank God for them but let them know that too, it may just be the encouragement they need.

Jan. 25 - Day Twelve

I can't imagine what life is going to look for eternity. I mean right now my humanism forces me think a certain way, 90% of that is selfish. So what will life look like when I don't have this fallen, human side to be any longer? What will I be consumed with when I know longer thinking about myself? Is that when I can truly worship God, when I can get rid of myself? Romans 8 talks about the pain we are all in right now waiting for that time when God will come back. Boy do I feel that pain, that tug of war inside of me. The best we can do is acknowledge this battle and ask God the Father for victory today, and then come back again tomorrow. Hope you are doing well, still praying for you.

Eph. 1:1-14
Hey new book.
There is so much in these opening verses of Ephesians it would be impossible to pick out just a few. I would encourage you not to just slim through this section but take your time and break it down. Stop at each point and right it out and then think about how that point connects with the others. Be lovers of the word and soak it up, that term lovers of the word is appropriate because you would never just be so flip about a person you loved, so don't be flip about God's word.

Jan. 24 - Day Eleven

Man, I woke up today feel great. Ever have one of those days? I'm usually I don't have good mornings, in fact I hate mornings but today something was different. I thank God for days like this morning because its cold outside and there is no sun but in my heart I know that I have an everlasting hope. Now the challenge will come if I can sustain that joy. Because I am sure that something will happen today that will not go as I wanted and I will lose that feeling real quick. But if my joy is based upon the goodness of the Lord then that never changes and I can keep on smiling away. Just a thought this morning, let me know what you think.


Gal. 6:11-18
14May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. Man there are a lot of things that I like to boast about and 90% of them have to do with me! Paul lays it out plain and simple in these two verses. The only thing that matters, the only thing with boasting about is what Christ has done. Kind of hits home for me today. My prayer is that today I would not boast about anything but only in what my savior has done for me. Lord, please keep my pride in check today.

Jan. 23 - Day Ten

Today is our first cell group since the winter retreat. Does that make you excited? I hope you are doing well at some of the decisions you made that weekend. If you haven't don't let that turn into a tale spin away from God, but get yourself out tonight and talk about it, then have your friends encourage to do better this week. Have those weekly checkups are so important in making things not turn into a bigger problem. God loves you and I so much He is always waiting for us to turn around and fall into His arms. Keep the comments coming!


Gal. 6:1-10
7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Remember this passage from the Winter Retreat? I hope you are out there trying to do good and reaping what you are sowing. Let me know how that is going I love to hear of you guys trying to do the things God wants us to do. Lets make this day and cell group night one that is helping others. Maybe you need to give some a call or pick them up, maybe you want to bring the snack tonight or an encouraging card to everyone. What ever it is lets start turning the tide to an atmosphere of doing good.

Jan. 22 - Day Nine

I heard on the news today that Heath Ledger died today. That is very sad to hear on for many reasons, one of them reminds me that our time is never guaranteed. I don't know exactly what happened to him but I think we all need to be on alert that our next breath we could be standing face to face with Jesus. The Bible tells us the moment we die that we will be with Him. That can help in the matter of seconds. It doesn't matter if you are rich or famous or well liked life is fragile and can be taken at any time. Don't wait for tomorrow but take every chance today to live it for God


Gal. 5:16-26
I love verse 22 that talks about the fruit of the Spirit. Notice that it isn't the fruit of Dan or the fruit of Joe but it is the fruit of the Spirit. So when we are living like the Spirit or close to God then these attributes come out and are visible towards everyone else that sees us. They can tell we are an apple tree by our fruit. They will telll we are believers in God by the fruit we display.

Jan. 21 - Day Eight

Sorry I missed yesterday, I didn't even realize it until I went to write today's. I thought I did but it must have been the day before. So how is the start of the second week going? It gets harder and harder to have constancy in your life but that is actually what we need to do. Growth helps must with the daily choices to do things God's way. Like what Pastor Josh talked about last week, the more we daily choose Him the farther that line appears to be and the less we are tempted by those things. I hope you are doing well, it is my prayer even now as I am writing this that you may be discovering for yourself that God is good.


Gal. 5:1-15
13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. My prayer is that this would be true for each of us. May we stop devouring each other but learn to serve one another. Let me know what you think.

Jan. 20 - Day Seven

Almost there, tomorrow will mark one week, seven days. So how did you do? How many days did you spend with God? Did you notice a difference in those days? How about prayer times? Did God answer any prayers that you made? For me it is encouraging to look back over the week and see the many things that God showed me. Personally speaking it was a good week to get back into routine, recover from the retreat and continue the long and hard daily grind of following Christ. One thing God taught be was today in Sunday School Nate Albrecht was sharing some insights he saw in Ezekiel 34 about shepherds and sheep. And the one part that God talks about caring for the needy but also breaking the strong. It reminded me that a shepherd sometimes has to brake a sheep's leg in order to keep that sheep from wandering. Sounds kind of harsh but when you think of the other possibilities like a wild animal getting that sheep or it fall off a cliff or wandering so far it never comes back, a simple breaking of the leg keeps that sheep close to the shepherd. A great reminder of brokenness before God. I am sure glad that God can use other believers to share a lesson with me. Thanks Nate!


Gal. 4:21-31
Did you ever just read scriptures and say huh? Lets be honest there are some times that scripture can be confusing and difficult to understand. Don't beat yourself up over it, but talk about it with someone that might have an answer. The story of Hagar and Sarai, is found in Genesis 16 and is a great picture of God's timing verses our timing. If today's reading was difficult to understand then go to Genesis 16 and read about this story, if you have further questions then comment on the blog and I will respond. Hope you start this week out on the right foot.

Jan. 19 - Day Six

Well, I here some of you passed my text already. Yes I purposely missed a section in Gal. 3 to see if you are doing your 180 Challenge. Good job to those that caught my purposeful miss. Now if that story won't get you guys writing a comment then I don't know what will. The purpose of this site is to do it together and so far I am the only one writing. Should I conclude I am the only one doing this 180 Challenge? I am having a hard time talking to myself, lets get at this together and see what God is doing in our midst. I love hearing how God is speaking to your heart as well. Still praying for you and still opening up His word everyday.

Gal. 4:1-20
I can't believe sometimes that God would give me the right to be one of His children. The Bible talks about being an heir. I see all the time rich kids living off of their parents name and wonder what that would be like to have everything you want right at your fingertips and yet never do I understand that is what God has given us. Although it is even better than that because its more than just money and God knows what is best for us. Whereas money can give you more problems, God gives us exactly what we need. So the next time you are feeling down and unworthy just remember that God considers you a child of His. One that will receive an inheritance of eternal reward. You are important and special to the Him, you are His child.

Jan. 18 - Day Five

Its amazing to think that just one week ago we were leaving for the winter retreat. Time really does go by fast. It is also easy to see how we can slip up with our times with God. I mean, one day goes by then another and another, then we start to feel guilty and ashamed so that pushes us away and finally its been several weeks and now it complete just isn't part of our daily routine. That is why it is so important to be a part of a group that helps you to remember to spend time with God. We are creatures of habit but the key is to get the right habits. My prayer is that this week was a good begin for you, if not don't waste another day wishing and hoping, but take the time right now to spend with God

Gal. 3:1-14
Our faith is based solely on the righteousness that comes from Christ. Not by human effort or our desire to work harder. God grants us His righteousness by His grace, so what does that mean for us? Do we just sit around and wait for God's righteousness? Well, take a look at what Abraham did. By faith he did what God told him to do and by faith he acted about his faith. So yes we wait upon the Lord but don't pretend that God isn't saying anything, His Word should be speaking to us daily. Make sure we are in that Word and then we act upon what we read. Love you, keep strong in Him. Love to hear from you

Jan. 17 - Day Four

Man, I am still buzzing from last night and seeing everyone. Especially hearing Mike's testimony. It is awesome to see how God can transform a life like his simple by reading His word. If that doesn't encourage you open up the Bible and read it for yourself man I don't know what will. One word of advice to all of us, is don't wait until you are at the bottom to start looking up. Do it now before you have to go through some of that pain and sorrow. Sometimes we aren't as fortunate to have another chance, sometimes all it takes is one wrong decision and we are dealing with those consequences for life. But God is good and He has been good to each one of us. Love you guys, keep loving Him

Gal. 2:11-21
I love this verse in Gal. 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ, I no longer live. I wish that was true in my life ever day I breath. That simple, so why can't I do it? Our selfish desires must be put into check everyday of our lives and it never goes away its a constant battle. So stay close to Him and keep short accounts with others, allowing people in your life help you and guide you when need it and always be humbled enough to respond. God is good and He has given us all we need in Him, trust that.

Jan. 16 - Day Three

Haven't heard from too many of you out there, I pray that all is going well and you are spending time in the Word. I still haven't fully recovered from the lack of sleep but I am feeling better each day. It is a great encouragement and accountability to myself to have to come here each day and write something that God is doing. I have been praying for God to transform my thinking as well and last night out of nowhere I woke up and was reminded of something I needed to take care of. It is crazy, scary to think that when we truly desire to be transformed by God, He does. I hope to see everyone out tonight as Pastor Josh talks about being a flirt. It should be a great follow up to the weekend plus we would love to see everyone out and celebrate a great weekend. Hope all is going well, let me know.

Gal. 2:1-10
The thing that was cool about today's reading was that Paul took others along side of him when he went and did ministry. Here he tells us that he took Titus and Timothy with him. This shows me two important lessons, first the Christian faith was never meant to be walked alone and second the importance of passing your faith on to someone else. Every time Paul took some one with him he was able to pass on some important part of his faith. We as believers are always in the business of investing in others. So who do you invest in? Who do you "take with you" in your spiritual journey? It's a challenging thought.

Jan. 15 - Day Two

Good day everyone,
Its a fine Tuesday morning and hopefully you are starting to feel back into the swing of things. Well not all things, hopefully you have enjoyed two days of reading His Word and challenging yourself to live a transformed life. Has anyone had a great experience doing something totally out of the blue for someone else? Have you asked your parents how you can honor them more? Don't let the feelings and emotions of the retreat slip by without you following through. I've been praying that God will use this time to transform our thinking. Please feel free to post a response on this website on how things are going, I would love to hear from each one of you.

Gal. 1:11-23
Wow, talk about a truly transformed life, Paul is it. Here in this section he shares his life story and this guy was radically changed for Christ. He want from hurting and killing Christians to becoming one of them!!! Now God was using him to reach a brand new group of people and spreading His word everywhere. Ever wonder if God wants to use you like he did Paul? We will never know unless we completely trust Him. Paul let go of everything to follow God, we must follow his example.

Jan. 14 - Day One

Winter Retreat 2008 was AWESOME!!!!
I woke up this morning feeling a lot of different emotions. First I was extremely tired, but more than that I woke up excited. I woke up thinking today was the beginning of a journey that we all are about to take together. An opportunity to let God's Word transform our thinking and our actions. So how is your first day going? Did you wake up this morning and dedicate the day to thinking differently? Are you ready to turn your back to the world's thinking and let God's word transform you? This past weekend was great to get away and it was challenging to look at families but the real challenge is living daily the way that God desires. Lets do this together. Please sign in and post a response about the weekend or the first day back. I'm praying that God will use this time to transform your hearts.

Day 1 Galatians 1:1-1:10

Verse 10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

What a great verse to check your motives and priorities. Is God the focus of what you are trying to do? If so, then you need to be committed daily to talk and listen to Him. The way God does things are complete opposite to our thinking and the world's. That requires us to work that much harder at knowing His will. Make sure you take your time today to hear from God.

180 Challenge

I accept the 180 challenge over the next 36 days. Each day I wake up and completely turn my life towards God. Over the next thirty-six days I will invite ONE unsaved friend to youth group, spend EIGHT minutes with God a day in three different ways. Eight minutes reading my Bible, eight minutes praying and eight minutes journaling what God has done. And finally I will have ZERO tolerance for anything that might intervene with my relationship with God.


180 Challenge: Transform
1. Memorize
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

2. Encourage a brother/sister in the Lord daily, NO MORE tear down, its time to build each other up

3. Read through the books of Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, & Philippians (journal what God teaches you, then live it out!)

4. Find a way to live Selfless each day - one act of kindness each day that is a direct opposite of how the world lives.

5. Turn off distractions - Limit your need for noise in your life. Put boundaries around the things (computer, TV, cell phones, video games) that take away from hearing God’s voice