Stories are the most powerful form of communication we have. They captivate our emotions, imaginations and intellect. They build community and have the power to impact our very soul. This isn't just a coincidence... It's by design. We were made by a great Storyteller to take part in and share the greatest story ever told.

As you seek to bear the image of your Creator, I pray that His love for you in Jesus is your greatest inspiration. Remember, you can't reflect him adequately on your own, and he doesn't ask you to! He gives us his Spirit to bear witness to his glory, to lead us into all truth and to transform us into the image of His Son.

By story we share what God has done, whether it be the story of our salvation or of His working in our day to day life. In this sharing we tell of both our struggles and triumphs, things others face each day, and how God has redeemed, is redeeming, or will redeem it. So, tell your story and use it as a bridge to lead into HIS story, the GREATEST story of all time, the story of a Father who loved us so much He sent His Son for our salvation.

The gospel of Jesus is not just something that we were saved and changed by, it’s something that we are continually being saved and changed by even after we accept it! If you are struggling with unbelief, don't think for one second that you are alone. Call out to God and ask him to help you overcome your unbelief.

We look forward to the future and how God will use this camp (and SFC Camp) to form our youth into disciples of Jesus who use their love of the outdoors to know God through His creation and to point others to faith in Jesus!

We must too, like David, pray this same prayer found in Psalm 139. In doing so, God draws us closer to Himself. He leads us in the way everlasting, something we do not fully comprehend. But one day we will, when we stand before God in Heaven; until then we need God's help and His Spirit's guiding.

In His Word you will grow in your relationship with Him, I assure you. If you're struggling with understanding it, do reach out to someone you know who can help. Just as the kings who were "good" had good company, so it will also benefit you. Pray for understanding of His Word, God desires for us to know Him and He is faithful to answer everything according to His will.

I pray that the peace of Christ takes the throne in my heart, and that every word, action, and thought will then flow through that peace. As long as Christ’s peace dictates my expressions, I can remain calm and confident that God will work through any conflict for my good.

I have more joy when I am not focused on me. The world would say the opposite - create your own joy, do what makes you happy. But God's design is so different. True, lasting joy comes from shifting our focus away from ourselves and unto Him. Together, let us intentionally, moment by moment, remember our place. In doing so shall come peace, joy, and so much more.

Scripture tells us that when we believe and put our faith in the person and work of Jesus and commit all that we are to him, He gives us new spiritual life with Him. It's out of our relationship with God that love takes root and results in spiritual fruit.

Relationships, even healthy ones, are messy. Sometimes they require us to downshift, slow down and come alongside someone in their place of need. Other times, healthy relationships challenge us to hit the gas and throw it into overdrive. That challenge looks different for each one of us, but the truth remains the same. Life is not meant to be lived alone!

These verses ring true in the current climate of our culture where so many leaders and institutions, both christian and non christian, are claiming to be the foremost source of help and hope for the future. The Psalmist goes on to remind us where our ultimate help and our hope should rest and even gives a list of reasons why!

There is freedom in letting people be people because that is God’s way. People were never supposed to be our number one priority. God always was. He designed us to have Himself first in our hearts. No wonder we feel hurt & frustrated, we aren’t putting first things first! In light of God’s wisdom we see people are faulty and they can’t be our joy or satisfaction. Not only that, when we love God first, we can love others better because we aren’t expecting them to be God to us.

But, the Bible clearly states that the rain falls on the evil and the good. If you follow wisdom, then your odds in life are better- and that’s logical. The Bible is actually very logical. What earthly benefit is it follow God? He is with you. Through highs and lows, even to the end of time. He guides.

We can’t live for God without God. We can’t put ourselves in auto-drive mode, and call it good. Our need for God’s help is obvious in the cross. We might be able to land that trick perfectly off that new rail, but we can’t truly perform up to God’s standard of perfection with our whole life. We know this because Jesus had to die. His death proves our flaws and brokenness – but it also proves His love that He would die WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS (Romans 5:8).

In other words, no matter what you find yourself doing: all things you do, in word and deed, provide opportunity to worship and glorify God. Whether you’re changing a diaper, standing in front of a sink with dirty dishes, sending emails at your office job, or chatting with a neighbor - opportunities are plenty!

The truth that I often need reminded of is that there are rules worth aligning myself with... Gods rule. It's only with His rule and reign in my life that I can grow and mature. This is true freedom- growing into what God has intended you to be for His glory and your good!

Our shared love for Jesus should unite us no matter how we vote, what music we like or what translation of the Bible we read. In Philippians 2 we see the apostle Paul's joy wasn't in ones team dominance, it was in one loves unity. Mom always said Philippians 2 was Jesus’ Christmas list. Let's give Him what he wants and by the power of the Spirit love one another.

If you are a follower of Jesus, God has placed you in your home, in your neighborhood, in your job, in your school, in your church for a reason. He wants to use you (yes you!) in those places to further His kingdom if only you are willing. You have unique abilities and relational avenues that no one else has and which God will use in the lives of those around you.