Although I would say the number of quality Christian Albums was down in 2011, there were still a number of great songs recorded and to narrow it down to 10 was hard. So here are my top 33 in descending order. I will try to attach a link to listen to them if at all possible.
#33 Mandisa - Waiting for Tomorrow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5VlRwoaf8k James 4:13,14
#32 Hawk Nelson - Crazy Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js_hgkHQ6Bc&ob=av2e John 15:13,14
#31 Downhere - Seek http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBSWwnZfNPs Isa. 55:6
#30 Anthem Lights - Freedom Into Slavery http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e0zmRvDA-k Gal 5:13
#29 Seventh Day Slumber - Pieces http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mLbhSJNIGI Luke 20:18
#28 Casey Darnell - Awakening http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bixp1KBFI3Y Acts 2
#27 David Crowder with Lecrae - Shadows http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkCAPguf6-Q&feature=related Luke 24:17-47
#26 Royal Tailor - Freefall http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FqM1ipUk3Q Matt. 4:19,20
#25 Blessid Union of Souls - Sweet Providence http://www.myspace.com/music/player?sid=79806586&ac=now James 4:10
#24 Royal Tailor - Death of Me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofKfJRXEMko Col. 3:1-17
#23 Benjah with Rachel Lampa - Not Alone http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adWH1uTkKhw John 14:16-20
#22 Needtobreathe - Devil's Been Talkin' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3f3RIQ_hfI John 8:44
#21 Benjah - Third World Family http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djm31L5ZU1Q Matt 25:31-46
#20 Jamie Grace - Show Jesus - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4p9CdXCPWE Phil.2:15
#19 New Life Worship - Bless the Lord http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpjMngzmw1Q Ps. 34:1
#18 Satellites and Sirens - Black Sheep - No link (try Spotify) 1John 3:16,17
#17 Needtobreathe - Oohs and Ahhs - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBGDoxkk_nI 1John 2:15-17
#16 Worth Dying For - Through Your Eyes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpil_EUahps&feature=related Heb 11:13-16
#15 Benjah - On Grace I stand - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEqO6qhqBRI Rom. 5:2
#14 Worth Dying For - Never Look Back http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu2r2kB63lU Luke 9:62
#13 Switchfoot - War Inside - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-gacGvULO8 Rom 7:21-25
#12 Ronnie Freeman - Finished- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyh1Feh9lyY john 19:30
#11 Worth Dying For - No Love Greater http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzGUXcOXnfc 1John 3:1
#10 Leeland - Not Afraid Anymore http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhvNs6l2oCU 1John 4:18
#9 Chris Tomlin - All To Us (live at passion) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2f9bxxKaTo Gen 15:1
#8 PRo - Beautiful http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LDLkcV1EuQ Ps.45:11
#7 Over The Rhine - Within Without (rough mix) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjXTDTJAfQU John 4
#6 Mandisa with TobyMac - Good Morning http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1ovNZTpVcU Psalm 5:3
#5 Switchfoot - Restless http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFlScJ32_qw Ecc.3:11
#4 Bethel Live - One Thing Remains http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot6JKzTSby0 Job 13:15
#3 Needtobreathe - Slumber http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN_ze7QVYKg&ob=av2e Isa. 58:6-10
#2 Warr Acres - Savior Crucified http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmuoBA05JkM 1Cor. 15:25-27
#1 Switchfoot - Afterlife http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNPId2u3sW8 Ps.88:9-13
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Kid's Devotion - Self Image
1. Watch the following video
2. Doug trivia - What is Skeeter's little brother's name?
3. Why was Doug afraid to have his picture taken?
4. Was he the only one afraid?
5. Why did Doug suddenly feel like he had a big nose? What does this tell you about pointing out things on people?
6. How did this change Doug's behavior?
7. Read Ps.139:13-16 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20139:13-16&version=MSG Isa. 45:9-12 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2045:9-12&version=NLT and Ps 45:11 http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=king+enthralled&searchtype=all&version1=102&spanbegin=1&spanend=73 and Eph.2:10 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%202:10&version=NLT .What do these passages tell you about the way you look?
8. Why did Doug feel better about the way he looked?
Note to parents; In this video, Doug is told by Dale that he has a big nose. Of course Doug has had one his whole life but when someone pointed it out it became that much "bigger". We have to be very careful about pointing things out on people because everyone is insecure. (4 people tried to fake illness to get out of pictures and Roger was self-conscious about pointy hair) We should rather be the ones like Patty who says things to complement and build up people. Kids also need to remember that God made them just the way they are to be uniquely different from everyone on the planet and He thinks you are beautiful.
3. Why was Doug afraid to have his picture taken?
4. Was he the only one afraid?
5. Why did Doug suddenly feel like he had a big nose? What does this tell you about pointing out things on people?
6. How did this change Doug's behavior?
7. Read Ps.139:13-16 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20139:13-16&version=MSG Isa. 45:9-12 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2045:9-12&version=NLT and Ps 45:11 http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=king+enthralled&searchtype=all&version1=102&spanbegin=1&spanend=73 and Eph.2:10 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%202:10&version=NLT .What do these passages tell you about the way you look?
8. Why did Doug feel better about the way he looked?
Note to parents; In this video, Doug is told by Dale that he has a big nose. Of course Doug has had one his whole life but when someone pointed it out it became that much "bigger". We have to be very careful about pointing things out on people because everyone is insecure. (4 people tried to fake illness to get out of pictures and Roger was self-conscious about pointy hair) We should rather be the ones like Patty who says things to complement and build up people. Kids also need to remember that God made them just the way they are to be uniquely different from everyone on the planet and He thinks you are beautiful.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Growing in Christ Bible Study Genesis to Revelation Week 6
Genesis 22
1. How did God test Abraham?
2. Read the following passages to gain some insight into why God tests us and record your thoughts on each passage:
2Cor. 12:7
John 6:5-7
Deut 13:3-4
2Chron. 32:31
Luke 22:31,32
James 1:1-12
Deut 8:2-18
Judges 3:1-4
Jer. 35
Why did He test Abraham in your opinion?
3. Read Heb. 11:17-19. How was Abraham able to do this awful/amazing deed?
Read Heb 2:15. How does faith deliver us from the fear of death?
4. How is Genesis 22 symbolic of Christ. (List 2 ways)
1.
2.
5. Read James 2:21-24 and Gen. 22:16-18. Does this teach that we are saved by faith plus works?
What did Abraham have to do in Gen. 12:1-3?
What did Abraham have to do in Gen. 15:5-18?
Read Romans 4:9-22. Come up with a summary of how we are saved and what part works play?
Note to teachers/students - This is one of the most amazing passages in the Bible. As a parent, to put yourself in Abraham's place is unimaginable. Of course if you knew the ending before you started up the mountain I guess it would be possible (as long as you didn't tell your wife where you were going). And that is exactly what faith is - believing God is who He says He is and confidence that He will do all He has promised to do. Abraham knew God wasn't a child killer and that God had promised to make a great nation of Isaac. Since God doesn't lie, Abraham by faith could pass this test and become the "Father of Faith". Faith is what saved the OT saints as well as the NT saints. Faith isn't "faith" unless it is accompanied by actions. For Abe to say, "yes, I believe you will give me land and make Isaac into a great nation", but not leave Ur or not obey God and offer Isaac ,would show he really didn't believe God. It isn't faith plus works, it is faith that works. Sometimes God will give us tests to see if we have legit faith. Now that is complicated because He already knows if our faith is real, so these tests really are for our benefit to test and see if we have true faith. So why does God say to Abe, "Now I know..."? My guess is it was just what Abraham needed to hear to go to the next level. (see clip)
There are many symbols in the OT pointing to Christ and this is another. God had to sacrifice His one and only Son like Abe but in God's case, there was no ram caught in the thicket. Fortunately in our case, even though God demands death for our sins, he supplied His Son - our ram caught in the thicket - who paid our debt for our sin. WOW!!
1. How did God test Abraham?
2. Read the following passages to gain some insight into why God tests us and record your thoughts on each passage:
2Cor. 12:7
John 6:5-7
Deut 13:3-4
2Chron. 32:31
Luke 22:31,32
James 1:1-12
Deut 8:2-18
Judges 3:1-4
Jer. 35
Why did He test Abraham in your opinion?
3. Read Heb. 11:17-19. How was Abraham able to do this awful/amazing deed?
Read Heb 2:15. How does faith deliver us from the fear of death?
4. How is Genesis 22 symbolic of Christ. (List 2 ways)
1.
2.
5. Read James 2:21-24 and Gen. 22:16-18. Does this teach that we are saved by faith plus works?
What did Abraham have to do in Gen. 12:1-3?
What did Abraham have to do in Gen. 15:5-18?
Read Romans 4:9-22. Come up with a summary of how we are saved and what part works play?
Note to teachers/students - This is one of the most amazing passages in the Bible. As a parent, to put yourself in Abraham's place is unimaginable. Of course if you knew the ending before you started up the mountain I guess it would be possible (as long as you didn't tell your wife where you were going). And that is exactly what faith is - believing God is who He says He is and confidence that He will do all He has promised to do. Abraham knew God wasn't a child killer and that God had promised to make a great nation of Isaac. Since God doesn't lie, Abraham by faith could pass this test and become the "Father of Faith". Faith is what saved the OT saints as well as the NT saints. Faith isn't "faith" unless it is accompanied by actions. For Abe to say, "yes, I believe you will give me land and make Isaac into a great nation", but not leave Ur or not obey God and offer Isaac ,would show he really didn't believe God. It isn't faith plus works, it is faith that works. Sometimes God will give us tests to see if we have legit faith. Now that is complicated because He already knows if our faith is real, so these tests really are for our benefit to test and see if we have true faith. So why does God say to Abe, "Now I know..."? My guess is it was just what Abraham needed to hear to go to the next level. (see clip)
There are many symbols in the OT pointing to Christ and this is another. God had to sacrifice His one and only Son like Abe but in God's case, there was no ram caught in the thicket. Fortunately in our case, even though God demands death for our sins, he supplied His Son - our ram caught in the thicket - who paid our debt for our sin. WOW!!
Friday, December 2, 2011
My Top 10 Christian Albums of the Year 2011
Since it appears no more good music is coming out this year, here are my top 10 albums!! (Top 30 songs will be coming soon)
#10 Usually one of the best albums of the year, this one felt a little more thrown together at the last moment. Still some good stuff by Chris Tomlin and David Crowder and nice moments with LeCrae.
#10 Usually one of the best albums of the year, this one felt a little more thrown together at the last moment. Still some good stuff by Chris Tomlin and David Crowder and nice moments with LeCrae.
#9 I had never heard Manafest before. He is rap and rock mixed (think a harder version of TobyMac) and has catchy infectious songs. The problem is the lyrics are very superficial and the moments he talks live makes him sound a little like a punk. Still fun to listen to.
#8 Never heard of these guys either. A relatively new rock band that is very "Christian" in lyrics and in my mind has passed up Kutless and Red. TFK and Decemberadio are probably better but they didn't put out anything new this year.
#7 Awesome voice (probably the best female voice in Christian music IMO) with good meaningful and non-trite songs. Catchy melodies. I should rank this higher except this is so K-Love friendly
#6 The Boy Bands return!! Remind me of Plus One only more R&B. Great voices good songs. One of the best new artists of the year.
#5 This album as a whole is very uneven. A number of the songs aren't very good. However the ones that are are amazing! A number of people have attempted rock worship but this band succeeds. Think Flyleaf doing worship.
#4 Best new artist of the year, IMO, from Atlanta 19 year old who plays the guitar, writes her music, and sings very insightful, fun, singable, Christian songs. I can't get enough! Where did they find her?
#3 Fresh off touring with Taylor Swift (thats how good these guys are) comes their new album. A lot of relational songs here, less "Christian" than I would like, but still head and shoulders talent wise above most other Christian bands that I have to include them here. An album you can give your nonchristian friends and not be ashamed of.
#2 Obviously my most controversial choice but I just love the R&B, Rap, Raggae sound. Solid all the way through with good Christian lyrics. I love it!! My taste exactly, and since it's my blog I'm putting it at #2.
#1 Like Aaron Rodgers and MVP, the choice is obvious. Possibly their best ever, and one of their most Christian ever. Heavy, insightful lyrics, talented artists, melodic songs - if every Christian artist was this good maybe our teens wouldn't be listening to secular music. Buy this one. Give it to friends. Support this group. Go to their concerts...
Monday, November 28, 2011
Growing in Christ Bible Study Genesis to Revelation. Week 5
Genesis 13:5 - Genesis 21
Read Genesis 13:1-9. What caused Lot and Abraham to separate?
What does that say to you about possessions?
What does this tell you about Abraham, that he let Lot choose?
Read Gen. 12:6,7. What enabled Abraham to allow Lot to choose first?
How does faith enable you to live at peace in the world?
Read Gen. 13:10,11. How did Lot choose where he would live?
Read 2 Cor.5:7. How does this story relate to this verse?
Look at Lot's different locations: Gen.13:12,13
14:12
19:1
19:18-21
19:30,31
What are some lessons you learn from studying these locations?
Read 2Peter 2:7. Will Lot be in Heaven? What does this teach us?
Read Genesis 14:21-24 and Genesis 23:3-18. Why would Abraham not take gifts from these people?
How does faith enable you to withstand temptations of getting wealth from questionable sources?
Read Gen. 14:18-20 and Heb. 7:1-25. Who was Melchizadek?
How does the writer of Hebrews say he foreshadowed Christ? Give 5 ways
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Note to students/teachers: Abraham, as we will study more in the next lesson is the "Father of Faith". There are several faith lessons to learn in these passages. First of all, God promised him that he would inherit all of the land of Canaan. Therefore, when Lot's possessions and Abraham's possessions got too big for the both of them to coexist, (isn't it interesting what damage possessions do to relationships, peace, etc.) Abraham, in humility and meekness could easily allow Lot to choose first. Abraham knew he would get it all in the end anyway. Isn't that awesome! We can let others be more important than us on this Earth and not insist on our rights because we have an inheritance that noone can take away. We can let other people feel more important than us because actually, God stops by my house for dinner. Can you top that?
Lot, although I would guess a reprobate who tasted the good things of God yet chose the world and is doomed for hell, actually is in Heaven and called a just man. That goes to show you that we can't judge people because only God knows their heart. Certainly however, by following the lust of the eyes and pride of life (1John 2:15) he got drawn into the wickedness of Sodom and lost everything including his wife, his home, his possessions, his dignity, and the morality of his daughters and ended up living in a cave. He went on to sire 2 nations both of which would be exceedingly wicked and thorns in the Israelite's flesh. He is the proverbial man that gets to Heaven smelling like smoke. (1Cor.3:15)
Another result of Abraham's faith is that he could look at riches of this world and not be tempted by them. Why? Because God promised to give him everything. He didn't need to take any tainted wealth or be indebted to anyone except God. How many Godly people have ruined their lives because of a desire for Earthly wealth? (1Tim. 6:6-10) We have riches untold waiting for us in Heaven. Let's seek those. (Matt.6:33).
Lastly, we see the another allusion to Christ in Melchizadek. Some even think he is a Christophony or an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ in the OT. Anyway, as seen in Hebrews, he becomes an important figure to explain the new priesthood that Christ brings into place. Imagine offering sacrifices your whole life for the forgiveness of sins and then being told you don't have to anymore. The theology of Melchizadek became important in this transition.
Read Genesis 13:1-9. What caused Lot and Abraham to separate?
What does that say to you about possessions?
What does this tell you about Abraham, that he let Lot choose?
Read Gen. 12:6,7. What enabled Abraham to allow Lot to choose first?
How does faith enable you to live at peace in the world?
Read Gen. 13:10,11. How did Lot choose where he would live?
Read 2 Cor.5:7. How does this story relate to this verse?
Look at Lot's different locations: Gen.13:12,13
14:12
19:1
19:18-21
19:30,31
What are some lessons you learn from studying these locations?
Read 2Peter 2:7. Will Lot be in Heaven? What does this teach us?
Read Genesis 14:21-24 and Genesis 23:3-18. Why would Abraham not take gifts from these people?
How does faith enable you to withstand temptations of getting wealth from questionable sources?
Read Gen. 14:18-20 and Heb. 7:1-25. Who was Melchizadek?
How does the writer of Hebrews say he foreshadowed Christ? Give 5 ways
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Note to students/teachers: Abraham, as we will study more in the next lesson is the "Father of Faith". There are several faith lessons to learn in these passages. First of all, God promised him that he would inherit all of the land of Canaan. Therefore, when Lot's possessions and Abraham's possessions got too big for the both of them to coexist, (isn't it interesting what damage possessions do to relationships, peace, etc.) Abraham, in humility and meekness could easily allow Lot to choose first. Abraham knew he would get it all in the end anyway. Isn't that awesome! We can let others be more important than us on this Earth and not insist on our rights because we have an inheritance that noone can take away. We can let other people feel more important than us because actually, God stops by my house for dinner. Can you top that?
Lot, although I would guess a reprobate who tasted the good things of God yet chose the world and is doomed for hell, actually is in Heaven and called a just man. That goes to show you that we can't judge people because only God knows their heart. Certainly however, by following the lust of the eyes and pride of life (1John 2:15) he got drawn into the wickedness of Sodom and lost everything including his wife, his home, his possessions, his dignity, and the morality of his daughters and ended up living in a cave. He went on to sire 2 nations both of which would be exceedingly wicked and thorns in the Israelite's flesh. He is the proverbial man that gets to Heaven smelling like smoke. (1Cor.3:15)
Another result of Abraham's faith is that he could look at riches of this world and not be tempted by them. Why? Because God promised to give him everything. He didn't need to take any tainted wealth or be indebted to anyone except God. How many Godly people have ruined their lives because of a desire for Earthly wealth? (1Tim. 6:6-10) We have riches untold waiting for us in Heaven. Let's seek those. (Matt.6:33).
Lastly, we see the another allusion to Christ in Melchizadek. Some even think he is a Christophony or an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ in the OT. Anyway, as seen in Hebrews, he becomes an important figure to explain the new priesthood that Christ brings into place. Imagine offering sacrifices your whole life for the forgiveness of sins and then being told you don't have to anymore. The theology of Melchizadek became important in this transition.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Growing in Christ Bible Study Genesis to Revelation Week 4
Genesis 12 - 13:4 & 20:1-18
Initially, prior to sin, God's plan was to reveal himself directly to mankind (Gen.3:8,9). Look at the next 2 verses (and video) and explain why God can no longer directly make Himself known.
Habakkuk 1:13
Ex. 33:18-20
Read Genesis 12:2 & 1Chronicles 17:21. How did God choose to reveal Himslf to the world?
Look up the following verses and tell which unbeliever(s) saw God's attributes thru the Israelites and which attribute(s) they saw:
Gen. 21:22
Gen. 26:28
Gen. 30:27
Gen. 39:3,23
Gen. 41:38,39
Ex. 5:2
Ex. 7:4,5
Ex. 8:18,19
Ex. 10:16,17
Ex. 14:23-25
Ex. 18:7-12
Deut. 4:5-8
Josh. 2:8-11
Josh. 4:19-24
Josh. 5:1
Josh. 9:9-11,24,25
1Kings 20:28
Ezek. 20:41 (also vs. 9,14,22 tell the problem with His plan to reveal Himself through them)
Ezek. 36:22,23
Dan. 2:46,47
Dan. 6: 25-27
Read Gen.12:3, Acts 3:25,26, Heb.1:3 & John 14:9,10. What is a second way that God chose to reveal Himself to the world?
Does it say in Gen. 12 & 13 why God chose Abraham of all the people on the Earth?
Read Deut 7:6,7. Does this give you any insight into why or why not Abraham/ the Israelites were chosen? Give an illustration from Genesis 12 and chapter 20 that shows Abraham's unworthiness.
Read Titus 3:5,6. How do we compare to Abraham in this?
Note to teachers/students - When sin entered into the world, God's relationship with mankind changed. He is too Holy to enter into a face to face relationship anymore, but instead He revealed Himself to the world through the people of Israel (the nation born from Abraham) and later through Jesus Christ, God come to Earth. Abraham had nothing in him to merit this Grace, all he did was obey in faith when given the offer. This is how it works for us. God offers us a relationship with Him through His son Jesus Christ (the one prophesied of in Gen. 12:3), not because we were good but basically because we were bad - yet "For God so loved the World..." Our response is to say yes and follow Him.
Initially, prior to sin, God's plan was to reveal himself directly to mankind (Gen.3:8,9). Look at the next 2 verses (and video) and explain why God can no longer directly make Himself known.
Habakkuk 1:13
Ex. 33:18-20
Read Genesis 12:2 & 1Chronicles 17:21. How did God choose to reveal Himslf to the world?
Look up the following verses and tell which unbeliever(s) saw God's attributes thru the Israelites and which attribute(s) they saw:
Gen. 21:22
Gen. 26:28
Gen. 30:27
Gen. 39:3,23
Gen. 41:38,39
Ex. 5:2
Ex. 7:4,5
Ex. 8:18,19
Ex. 10:16,17
Ex. 14:23-25
Ex. 18:7-12
Deut. 4:5-8
Josh. 2:8-11
Josh. 4:19-24
Josh. 5:1
Josh. 9:9-11,24,25
1Kings 20:28
Ezek. 20:41 (also vs. 9,14,22 tell the problem with His plan to reveal Himself through them)
Ezek. 36:22,23
Dan. 2:46,47
Dan. 6: 25-27
Read Gen.12:3, Acts 3:25,26, Heb.1:3 & John 14:9,10. What is a second way that God chose to reveal Himself to the world?
Does it say in Gen. 12 & 13 why God chose Abraham of all the people on the Earth?
Read Deut 7:6,7. Does this give you any insight into why or why not Abraham/ the Israelites were chosen? Give an illustration from Genesis 12 and chapter 20 that shows Abraham's unworthiness.
Read Titus 3:5,6. How do we compare to Abraham in this?
Note to teachers/students - When sin entered into the world, God's relationship with mankind changed. He is too Holy to enter into a face to face relationship anymore, but instead He revealed Himself to the world through the people of Israel (the nation born from Abraham) and later through Jesus Christ, God come to Earth. Abraham had nothing in him to merit this Grace, all he did was obey in faith when given the offer. This is how it works for us. God offers us a relationship with Him through His son Jesus Christ (the one prophesied of in Gen. 12:3), not because we were good but basically because we were bad - yet "For God so loved the World..." Our response is to say yes and follow Him.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Kid's Devotion - Risking being laughed at
1. Watch the Doug Video
2. Doug trivia - Who was the one friend of Doug's not embarrassed to be seen in a swim suit?
3. What happened to Doug at his grandma's house? How much time did he have to lose weight before the swim party? How did he do it? How much did he weigh after he lost it all? Was he anxious to swim then? Why not?
4. How many people were swimming when Doug got to the party? Why weren't they swimming? What does that tell you about people?
5. What made them all go into the pool? What does that tell you about people?
6. Read Judges 6:11-16. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=judges%206:11-16&version=MSG How did Gideon view himself? How did God view him? Whose opinion mattered? Tell the story of Gideon as best as you know it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xawbxc7wezM&feature=related (If you are unfamiliar or have an extra 6 minutes)
7. Read Philippians 1:12-14. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil%201:12-14&version=NLT Where was Paul in this passage? Why was he in jail? What did his imprisonment do to the other believers?
Note to parents: In this Doug episode, we see that Doug was self conscious because of his body image. (We will go into this topic more in a later episode where Doug discovers he has a big nose) The thing I wanted to focus on though is the surprising yet true revelation that all his friends (except Bebe) had the same feelings of imperfection that they were afraid to reveal. Our kids need to learn that noone has it all together and everyone is afraid of being laughed at. What they need to learn is that God sees them as a mighty warrior. He thinks they can do anything and His view is the only one that matters. Also they need to realize that when one person stands up and risks being made fun of, it usually frees everyone else up to do the same and be real and have fun. Maybe this is why kids get drunk - so they lose their inhibitions or blame their stupidness on the drink?? Or why costume parties are so raucous - because they can hide behind a mask?? Wouldn't it be great if our kids were bold to risk being made fun of because they are confident in who God thinks they are? Wouldn't that affect how bold they/we witness for Christ too, if we weren't afraid of being made fun of!
2. Doug trivia - Who was the one friend of Doug's not embarrassed to be seen in a swim suit?
3. What happened to Doug at his grandma's house? How much time did he have to lose weight before the swim party? How did he do it? How much did he weigh after he lost it all? Was he anxious to swim then? Why not?
4. How many people were swimming when Doug got to the party? Why weren't they swimming? What does that tell you about people?
5. What made them all go into the pool? What does that tell you about people?
6. Read Judges 6:11-16. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=judges%206:11-16&version=MSG How did Gideon view himself? How did God view him? Whose opinion mattered? Tell the story of Gideon as best as you know it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xawbxc7wezM&feature=related (If you are unfamiliar or have an extra 6 minutes)
7. Read Philippians 1:12-14. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=phil%201:12-14&version=NLT Where was Paul in this passage? Why was he in jail? What did his imprisonment do to the other believers?
Note to parents: In this Doug episode, we see that Doug was self conscious because of his body image. (We will go into this topic more in a later episode where Doug discovers he has a big nose) The thing I wanted to focus on though is the surprising yet true revelation that all his friends (except Bebe) had the same feelings of imperfection that they were afraid to reveal. Our kids need to learn that noone has it all together and everyone is afraid of being laughed at. What they need to learn is that God sees them as a mighty warrior. He thinks they can do anything and His view is the only one that matters. Also they need to realize that when one person stands up and risks being made fun of, it usually frees everyone else up to do the same and be real and have fun. Maybe this is why kids get drunk - so they lose their inhibitions or blame their stupidness on the drink?? Or why costume parties are so raucous - because they can hide behind a mask?? Wouldn't it be great if our kids were bold to risk being made fun of because they are confident in who God thinks they are? Wouldn't that affect how bold they/we witness for Christ too, if we weren't afraid of being made fun of!
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