Category Archives: Ministry
Tools
Every one likes free stuff so today I’ll hook you up with a freebie! A question I often get is “How’d you know that?” or “where did you find that”, here is my secret… Biblestudytools.com. It’s a go to resource for me. Want to know what a scripture is in Greek or Hebrew? biblestudytools.com is the place to find out. Maybe you’d like to see the same verse in multiple versions, biblestudytools.com gets that done too. Daily bible reading plans, commentary, and more articles than you’d care read can all be found on biblestudytools.com
So there you have it. It’s a great website I use it often. I hope that helps you out.
If you know of another resource that might help someone out post the link below, let’s share some resources!
p.thad
Stuff In My Head
I haven’t actually written any thing in a while, so I thought it was about time. I have a bunch of things brewing in my thoughts right now, however the biggest thing I’m processing is an understanding of Matthew 5:5. It says, “Blessed are the meek, they will inherit the earth.” At face value this might not make a lot of sense! It may even feel untrue in the light of modern culture. But I think Jesus’s words hold profound truth if we dig a little deeper into what the words actually mean. I’m really excited to unpack this thought of the meek inheriting the earth this weekend at ABC Church. I would love it if you’re in the Colorado springs area and could join us as we continue our series entitled “On a mountainside with Jesus” Sunday morning at 9 or 10:40 AM. I hope to see you there!!
p.thad
Blessed
I’m excited to finish up our move tomorrow. I live in Colorado Springs. That just feels good to say. Moving on. On our trip there has been one recurring theme of conversation in our car. That theme is how blessed we are. I know everyone is blessed, has been blessed, or will be blessed at some point in life. But for whatever reason our family has been flooded with blessing recently. Over the last few years God has been so good to me, to the point others have noticed. I’ve been called lucky, spoiled, and favored. You know what… it’s true! It hit me today as I was reading Galatians 3 why.
Galatians 3:9 – “So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.”
Faith and blessing go hand in hand. As I have put my faith in God and do everything I can to follow his word, by the covenant God made with Abraham, I am blessed. That doesn’t mean I don’t face obstacles. In fact the biggest most visible blessing came from the obstacles. So instead of freaking out when something stands in the way, we pray and use our faith. I could make this post 1,000,000 words long giving examples. I won’t do that. The truth is that when you walk in faith you position your self to let God give you a miracle blessing. I wonder how many blessings people let go by because they gave up when faced with an obstacle. Faith is a powerful thing to say the least. Faith in God will return blessings into your life. So walk in faith and be blessed!
p.thad
Changes…
It’s been a while since my last post. There’s a reason. Life has changed for the White family. Maybe you’ve already heard, Mikal and I are moving from Soldotna, and the Soldotna Church of God to Colorado Springs, Co. The first question I’ve been asked by just about everyone so far is “what happened?” Let’s get it out of the way. Nothing “happened”. Both Mikal and I felt that God was changing our hearts and calling us on to a different place. Then a door opened. After a lot of prayer, thought, and discussion, we chose to accept the student ministries pastor position at Austin Bluffs Community Church. I know that’s not as interesting as if there were a big drama story attached and it’s natural to want to think something went wrong. But the truth is we love the Soldotna Church of God and all the people we’ve been blessed to know over the past 5 years. We just believe that God has a new assignment for us. I can’t even begin to thank Pastors Alan and Miriam for everything they’ve done for our family! The whole church for that matter. You’ve all blessed us and poured into us so much. It truly has been an amazing time for us. So from the bottom of my heart I say THANK YOU! You’ve been a bright spot in our family’s lives.
Just as a chapter of life closes, a new one begins. We will be moving early next week! Starting our journey towards what God has for us next as we join ABC Church and the Ministry team in Colorado. On the lighter side, I’m sure they have no clue what they’ve just gotten themselves into. None of us will ever be the same again.
p.thad
In the world but NOT of it.
Here is a short rant for ya:
I just got like my 10 millionth invite to the “find 6 billion Christians on facebook” group. (ok a little sarcasm there) All I have to say is…. why? I know the the argument here. We are in the world but not of it. We are set apart, made holy, I get it. But as followers of Christ should we really make ourselves part of an exclusive “group”? These groups do say we are exclusive! I saw an invite for a “Christian Twitter” thing the other day. The tag line was something to the effect of “twitter for us” us meaning Christians. It drives me crazy! If we are real followers of Christ then the bible says, “They will know you by your LOVE.” I’m sure the creator of these groups and things mean well, but having a relationship with Jesus isn’t about groups. In-fact Jesus’ last word were, “Go into all the WORLD and make disciples.”
Rant over – here’s the practical.
Now don’t get all offended and defensive on me here cause you in a “group”. Our church has a facebook group and it’s useful to get information out quickly. That’s not what I’m talking about here. I just see many people using these groups as a source of identity. Even groups as big as denominations. Once an older gentleman in a church I was on staff at told me that if he wasn’t ‘Church of God’ he would be ashamed. While I think it was half way a joke, the truth is many people find their identity in what church they go to. Often people will ask me what I do for a living, my usual answer is “I work with students.” If I’m pressed on the issue I’ll tell them that I’m a youth pastor, but not unless I have to. Why you might ask, am I ashamed of what I do? NO WAY! I love what I do! But I want people to see the difference in me, not hear about it. The point in all of this is we should be showing our love for God by living for him. Not by joining the latest group, using the christian product, and being so “set apart” that you can’t reach those who really need it.
p.thad
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Learning Something New PT.3
Well here we are again, only this week I don’t like the lesson I’m learning. The last two were fun lessons, things I enjoyed. This week however is a hard one that I don’t like at all. I was reading my bible, (witch I highly recommend) when out of now where a verse I’ve read literally dozens of times hits me in the face.
Romans 14:1 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
This arguing thing is hard for me. I like to be right. I like to make sure others know I’m right. But this last week I’ve been trying my hardest not to argue about anything. Ohh man it’s not easy! But I’m working on it. The thing that I’ve found about arguing is that most arguments are about opinion or perspective. Neither of witch is a good reason to argue. Of course every one has an opinion, regardless of right or wrong, arguing seldom changes things. I believe in debate, there are two side to every coin, there is room for sharing your point of view. But if it escalates to arguing, chances are, you’ve already lost.
p.thad
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Omega Summer Slam
Hey all,
There have been a lot of questions about our upcomming Youth Conference “Omega Summer Slam” (Yeah I know it’s a cool name). So I though I would take a moment to get you the details so your in “the Know”. The dates are Aug. 5th-8th. It starts Wednesday night at 6:45p in the main church building. (105 West Redoubt Ave. Soldotna AK) & it ends Saturday at 11:00a out at Alaska Christian Retreat. (End of Deville rd. Mile marker 89 on the Sterling HWY.) The cost is only $25, you can’t beat that deal anywhere. Your student will need clothes for the 3 days (we will be playing paintball so dress appropriately), sleeping bag, personal items i.e. Toothbrush toothpaste and deodorant (No stinky kids please!), & we will have a snack bar open so they may purchase snacks if they wish. Also they will need a bible, the permission slip and a great attitude! All the main meals are included, transportation from the the church Wednesday night is included, and all the activities are included! We will have a registration table at the church Wednesday night, that is when all money and permission slips are due. If you have other questions or need to talk please feel free to call us (907) 262-4729 is our office number. Or you can email me direct HERE, or connect on FACEBOOK.
I’m so looking forward to spending time with our student as we play, worship, and grow together at this event!
p.thad
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These Are The Days of Our Lives
Gone is another week.
I’m not sure how it happens but when I get busy my blog get neglected, and my email inbox overflows. So if your waiting for a reply it’s coming I promise! Anyway just wanted to post an answer to a question I’ve been asked a few times now… The last 2 messages I’ve spoke are recorded and you can get a copy by emailing HERE. I think the cd costs a couple bucks. The message titles are “Church” and “Live Free” get a copy I know it will help you!
Also I have started a “Lunch Devo” thing that you can get either of two ways. I post to twitter, you can follow me HERE. Or you can “friend” me on facebook HERE. Either way you’ll get a quick thought and a scripture around lunch time most days.
Hope this stuff helps you! Please feel free to leave comments or email me anytime. I really do respond as quickly as possible. Hope to hear from you!!
Have a great week!
p.thad
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Vacation Time
I always feel bad when I go so long in between post, but you know how life goes! Right now we’re in Hermiston OR staying with family. But this past Wednesday I was invited to speak at OneChurch Youth Group in Hermiston. Just one word… WOW! OneChurch has it going on! Right before I got into the word I snapped a quick pic with them.
Me @ OneChurch
This trip has been alot of fun I got to speak in a four square church in 2 morning services last Sunday, and this comming Sunday I’ll be doing a little something in an Assembly of God church. This trip is flying by way to fast but we’re having a great time.
Later
p.thad
Question of the day…
I’m reading proverbs today and this statement slaps me in the face…
“Honor is no more associated with fools than snow with summer or rain with harvest.” – Proverbs 26:1
So here’s the question: What are you associated with? When people think of you what is it they think?
Yesterday I got one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received. My pastor thanked me for having Integrity. Though I try extremely hard to have integrity I know that I fall short from time to time. But the incredible compliment to be associated with Integrity was huge for me.
Your actions ultimately control what people think about you. I would say that more often than not if people in general think your mean… then your mean. Or if they think your nice… your nice. If they think your a fool… you guessed it, your a fool. I know there are exceptions to this but i think in general this is true. So the question must be answered, What are you associated with? Go ask some people to be honest with you and find out what they think about you. You might be surprised. But it will be good feedback you can use to improve your self and your relationships with others.
Love ya,
p.thad
