A good friend of mine has a fun clown Christmas video you can watch at www.timewithdizzy.com. Take a look and have a totally awesome Merry Christmas!

Pastor Randy

Star Shining Brightly!

In the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Prince Caspian comes to an island just before the end of the world. On this island, a person named Ramandu and his daughter live. They also "glow." The daughter's name is Lilliandil (pronounced "Lil-ee-ann-dil"). We find out that Ramandu is a "star" that is once again gaining his energy by eating fireberries. He will one day head back into the sky. Though he was a "person," Ramandu was also a star.

Lilliandil looks like a beautiful young lady. After Caspian travels out to the end of the world, he comes back and asks her to marry him. Which she does. Lilliandil becomes the Queen of Narnia!

At the Christmastime, we also think about the STAR that lit the way to Jesus. When the wisemen followed the star, they were able to find Jesus and worship him. Read about that in Matthew 2:1-11.

We can lead people to Jesus too. When we live lives that "shine for Jesus" by having good attitudes and kind actions, people see that Jesus love is really in us.

Matthew 5:16 talks about that. Do you remember it? Check it out in your Bible.

Also, Daniel 12:3 says that YOU can be like a Christmas star! Take a moment and read that one today too.

Merry Christmas!

We Need To Be Un-Dragoned

Eustace the Dragon
In "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," Eustace Scrubb had a transformation. ...and he needed one! Eustace had a bad attitude, and he was very arrogant and selfish. He always thought of himself first, and tried to make himself look better than others.

He had "dragonish" thoughts...and they eventually changed him into that VERY thing...a dragon! Proverbs 23:7 tells us, "as he thinks within himself, so he is."

But, he was not hopeless. Eustace could change, if he allowed Aslan to help him.

We also need God's help to change and become the people God has designed us to be. Read these verses today to learn more about that:

Romans 12:2,
1 Peter 1:14,15
Ephesians 2:8-10
2 Corinthians 5:17

Who Let the Dogs In?!!!

During this past month our children raised over $,1250 for the Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge! Pastor Randy and Mr. Vic both said that if the kids raised that much money, that they would eat DOG FOOD! So, this past Sunday morning...it happened!

Kids cheered and laughed and Mr. Vic and Pastor Randy both were willing to sacrifice their tastebuds (and stomachs!) in order to help kids around the world hear about the love of Jesus!

Great job, kids! And great job, Mr. Vic and Pastor Randy!

Deathwater Island

In the "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" the crew finds a lake where the water turns items to gold. Prince Caspian and Edmund begin to argue about who owns the lake. It reminded me of the scripture in 1 Timothy 6:9-11. Take time to read this important scripture.

Secondly, plan now to join other families at the Carmike Theater in Willmar on Wednesday, December 15 to view the "Dawn Treader" movie inspired by C.S. Lewis' book!

There Is Another World!

C.S.Lewis made up a number of stories in a fantasy place called Narnia. At times, people would travel from our world through some magical way into the land of Narnia.

We know that we all are destined for another place...another very real place. It's called heaven. Jesus himself came from there, was born as a baby, grew up and became a man, died on the cross for our sins and has returned heaven. But, before he left, he made a promise that he would come back and take us to be with him. Read what he said in John 14:1-3.

While we enjoy imagining about make-believe places like Narnia...never forget that there REALLY IS another place that YOU BELONG! It's a wonderful place where you will get to live with HIM forever!

Imagine!

God has great things in store for you! Ephesians 3:20 says that God can do more than we can even ask or imagine!

C.S. Lewis (a smart college professor)wrote a number of books for children called "The Chronicles of Narnia." He used his imagination to take people into the imaginary world of Narnia.

Even though there's all kinds of imaginary adventures...many of they stories and lessons that we see can help us understand more about spiritual lessons and REAL things that are recorded in the Bible.

The Bible is totally true. The Narnia stories are make-believe. But the truths are totally true too.

Jesus had people use their imaginations as he told them stories. His stories were told so people would think about spiritual truths. God wants us to use our imaginations!

When you think of how great God is and the great things He can do... you do not even come close to how great He really is! Read Ephesians 3:19 & 20. God wants to do great things in your life too!

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During this time of Thanksgiving, enjoy watching Pastor Randy's friend, "Dizzy" at www.timewithdizzy.com She is learning a lesson about giving thanks. Enjoy!

Let's Make A Deal

Today we talked about how all of our choices bring results. When we make bad choices, it brings bad results. When we make good choices, it brings good results.

Sometimes we don't know what choices to make. That's when we really should follow the direction of Proverbs 3:5,6. Take a look at that scripture today

Have a great week, and see you next Sunday for the first in a series of services based on "The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the DawnTreader."

Kids Church

A few years ago, Donovan Kuehl came to Kids Church and put this together. He wanted our families to see a bit of what happens on a Sunday morning. Please know that parents are always welcome to sit in on a Sunday morning with their child. It's great to experience church together with your child in a place where your child will be nurtured.

God bless you!

Attitude Towards Others

A song was played on a video we watched about the Good Samaritan. Here are the words:

My hands are the Lord’s hands. Without me, how can his work be done? I will reach where he would reach: Loving kindness in my touch. I will be his healing touch to everyone.

My feet are the Lord’s feet. Without me, how can he walk with the poor? I will go where he would go, blessing others as I do. For him, I’ll walk where I’d never walk before. Help me Lord, let me give to my neighbor what you would give if you were here. Help me, Lord. Let me live so my neighbor will know you are always near.

My mouth is the Lord’ mouth. Without me, how can this voice be heard? I will say what you would say, speaking love and life each day, and everyone who’s near will hear his word.

God wants us to have attitudes that put others first. ...loving attitudes. ...kind attitudes. ...helpful attitudes.

Luke 10:25-37 records Jesus talking about this exact thing. Take some time to read that story today. Then take some time to think and pray about who you may help. Then DO it!

Fear?

2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

God does not want you to be full of fear! I think of some of the characters in the Wizard of Oz and all of their fears.

The scarecrow was afraid of fire. The tinman was afraid of rusting. The lion was afraid of everything!

The scarecrow did not have a brain. The tinman did not have a heart. The lion did not have courage. We all are a little like each of them at times.

Think about this: 2 Timothy 1:7 shares that God helps us in each of these areas.

The lion felt powerless. ...but God wants to give us power.
The tinman had no heart. ...but God IS love.
The scarecrow didn't have a brain. ...but God wants to help us know what to think. He gives us a sound (peacefully complete) mind.

When you are afraid, you can pray and ask God to help you and fill you with His power, His love, and His thoughts.

Knowing God's Word

This past Sunday we spent time reviewing what we have learned from God's Word over the past couple of months. We reviewed using all kinds of fun games. Thanks for coming!

It's important to know God's Word. Read these verses to find out why:

Psalm 119:9-11, Matthew 24:35, Psalm 119:105, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:1-3

Who Is Jesus? My Helper

Psalm 46:1 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Jesus understands our troubles and our struggles. Read Hebrews 4:15 tells us that.

Jesus wants to help us through the presence and power of His Holy Spirit. This is why he went away, so He could send us a helper.

Read John 16:5-8. Here is where Jesus says that he would send His Holy Spirit to to help us and to guide us.

Remember, God's plan is for your good. Here are some verses you may read to encourage you this week.

Jeremiah 29:11,
Psalm 54:7,
Psalm 70:5,
Psalm 61:2-4

Jesus - My Eternal Hope

The power of God resides in, and is evidenced, throughout the life of Jesus. Even in the time of Christ's death, the power of God was shown in a lot of different ways. You can read about some of that amazing stuff in Matthew 27:45-54.

1 John 5:4,5 tells us that Jesus is the winner, and that those who place their whole trust and faith in him will also be winners.

Jesus went through tough stuff, but did not give up. You can know, that even if you have tough times, Jesus is there to help you. You can place your faith, trust and hope in him.

Read Jeremiah 29:11. God is for you!

Jesus - My Healer

Philippians 4:19 says, "My God shall supply all your need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

God knows what you need. When you are not feeling well, God knows what you need to be healthy too. He wants to help you with that. Jesus paid the price so you can be healed when you are sick. (Read Isaiah 53:5)

Peter understood that God wants people to be healthy. When he was walking by a crippled man, Peter saw that the man had faith and wanted to be healed. Peter also knew that Jesus had paid the price so that we can be healed. You can read about this happening in Acts 3:1-8.

God wants you to be healthy in body and soul. (See 3 John 2.) So take care of yourself! Put good things into your body, and into your heart and mind. And when you don't feel well, know that Jesus has provided for your healing.

Jesus - My Substitute

We had an incredible day as our kids participated in our BGMC Bike Day fundraiser. People around the world will be impacted by the work and giving that came together at this special time. Through BGMC, many supplies, equipment, and literature are provided for missionaries to use in helping people. Thanks to all who participated!

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We also took time to talk about Jesus taking our place -- being our substitute -- when it came to paying the price for our sin. (Thank you, Jesus!)

Here are some verses to read about that:

Romans 6:23,
Romans 3:22-26
Galatians 3:13

Because Jesus took our place, sin and death and the penalty for sin have all been taken care of by him, for us. Take time to think about that today, and give praise to God for being your substitute.

Jesus, Our Shepherd

Jesus loves you and cares for you. He provides all of your needs. He wants to guide you and direct you as you walk along your path of life. Psalm 23 tells us about how Jesus cares for us.(Take time to read that today)

Read John 10:1-5 and 11-16 too. It tells us that we are like the sheep of Jesus' flock. We need to listen to his voice and then follow Him!

Take time today to listen to what He has to say to you. You can do that as you read your Bible, pray, and just take some "quiet time" away from other busy noisey things.

Thank him for being your good shepherd! He loves and cares for you.

Who Is Jesus? My Best Friend

Do U have a BFF?

When Jesus came to earth, he came because he wanted to restore friendship between you and God. He loves you so much! Before you even KNEW him, he KNEW you and LOVED you! Romans 5:8 talks about that. Take a look at that verse. Also, John 15:13.

1 Samuel chapter 20 tells about two best friends - David and Jonathan. They went through a hard time, but still cared deeply for each other. This is a great friendship you can read about. They ended up having to split up...

One thing you can know about Jesus, He wants to be your BFF. Yes, Best Friend FOREVER. And he said that he will never split up!

Hebrews 13:5 records, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

In Matthew 28:20 Jesus says, "...I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Take time to talk with him and listen to him. Know that he's not going to leave you even when things are hard. He wants to be your BFF.

Jesus - My Example

Kids look for people to follow. They look up to all different kinds of folks...
...football players,
...singers,
...music groups,
...baseball players,
...NASCAR drivers,
...television stars,
...grandparents,
...dads,
...moms,
...coaches,
...and more.

But, the greatest example you can follow is Jesus. Often, when people ask me what part of the Bible they should read, I tell them to start with the book of Mark. We can learn alot about Jesus life, attitudes, words and actions by reading the books called "the gospels." (Mark is one of them.)

Take some time today, and think about Jesus. What was he like? What should you change in your life and attitude to be more like him? If you pray about that, he will talk to you and help you know too.

God bless you this week!

Falling Down

Hey there!

Ever fall down and go "boom!"? Ouch! It hurts to fall.

Adam and Eve "fell down" when they chose to do what they wanted instead of obeying God. That's called "sin." And Romans 3:23 says that all of us have done that. We've sinned. We've had wrong attitudes, wrong thoughts, and wrong actions.

The bad news is -- When you or I sin, it causes us to be spiritually separated from God. Ouch! That hurts.

The good news is -- Jesus paid the price for our sin and disobedience so that we can be forgiven, and now have a new relationship with God. That's awesome!

When Jesus paid the price, it wasn't with money, or a checkbook, or a credit card. He used something FAR more valuable. He used His very own blood! People can live without money...but they cannot live without blood. Jesus used his own innocent, precious blood to pay the spiritual price for our sins. But, he did NOT stay dead. He came back to life. And now we can talk to him and ask for forgiveness, and he freely gives it to anyone who sincerely asks.

Romans 10:9,10 says, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified (made right), and it is with you mouth that you confess and are saved (from the penalty of sin)."

If you have not done that yet, you can pray right there where you are! You don't need to wait until you are at church. God hears you when you pray it and mean it.

You may read more scriptures about Jesus paying for your sins right here:

Matthew 26:28
Romans 8:1,2
Colossians 2:13,14
Hebrews 7:27b
Hebrews 10:10

In My Beginning

God has ALWAYS had a great love and a great plan for your life!

Psalm 139:3,4 says, "You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say..."

God loves you, created you and has a great plan for your life!

Do you remember Ephesians 3:18? Look it up and be encouraged!

And each time that you see a bird swooping down, remember Luke 12:6,7.

Have a great week with Jesus!

Sword of the Spirit

Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit... It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

God's Word can cut deep into our thoughts and attitudes! Sometimes, when we are tempted to do what is wrong...thinking the wrong thoughts... God's Word can cut right through that temptation to the "heart of the matter."

That's why it's important that we learn what it says in the Bible, God's Word. Once we LEARN it...then we can USE it. But, how do we use it if we have never learned it?

It's like this. A young boy wants to ride his bike to Dairy Queen for ice cream. He's been told that he can have his favorite DQ treat for FREE, but he has to get there in the next 5 minutes. He pulls his bike out of the garage. The problem is this: He has never taken time to learn how to ride a bike!

Sounds silly, doesn't it? It would be silly if someone had a bicycle for years, but never learned to ride it.

Some people are the same way with their Bibles though. They OWN a Bible. But they have never really used it. ....that's sad.

This week, I encourage you to take time to read your Bible. Join Kid's Clubs this Fall. Join Junior BIBLE Quiz. Be a part of our church programs that help you learn the Bible, and take time to read the Bible at home too. It's important!

Here are some verses for you to read:

Psalm 1:1-3
Psalm 119:11
Psalm 119:105
Joshua 1:7,8
2 Timothy 2:15 & 3:14-17

God's Army: Overcoming Temptation

We are in a spiritual fight. And sometimes that fight is not outside of us, but INSIDE of us. We fight against temptation in our thoughts, our attitudes, our hearts, and our minds.

Liz taught us 1 Corinthians 10:13. It says, "...God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand..."

When you are tempted, the Holy Spirit will be right there with you, reminding you that He will help you to do what is right. Just remember to do what is right, even if you do not FEEL like it. "Do what is right, and the feelings will follow."

Jesus chose to do what was right, even when it was hard. You may read about how Jesus handled temptation in Matthew 4:1-11.

Other great verses to remember are Psalm 37:4 and James 1:14,15. Take some time to read them today!

------Have a great week!--------

See you on August 15 for B.G.M.C. Sunday!

Pirates: A Heroes Adventure - Heroes Do the Right Thing!

Do what is right and the feelings will follow.
Sometimes we don't feel like doing what is right, but when we do the right thing even when don't want to we soon feel happy and satisfied that we made the right choice. Right choices please God, so we need to know what He thinks and think how He thinks.

True heroes do the right thing, in Daniel chapter 3 we can read about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They had a choice to make, they could do the wrong thing and worship the statue of the king, or they could do the right thing and only worship God. They made the right choice, even though it meant being thrown in a fiery furnace! Maybe Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn't feel like making the right choice, but they did, making them true heroes. God blessed them for making the right choice, by protecting them and saving them from the fiery furnace. They we thrown in but they did not get bunered, and when they came out they didn't even smell like smoke. God protected them.

So, "do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Pirates: A Heroes Adventure!

Ohoy there! We have had four fantastic nights of Vacation Bible School with over 500 children attending! We learned about God's plan for each of us to be heroes and how He helps us to do that.

Don't miss Kids Church this next Sunday morning as we do our last lesson from "Pirates: A Heroes Adventure." See you there, mateys!

Good News Shoes

Ephesians 6: 14,15 "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

Shoes are very important, they protect our feet and not only keep them from getting dirty, but also from getting hurt. It is also imported to carry the good news, or the gospel of Jesus in our hearts. The gospel protects us spiritually, very much like our shoes do.

"Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:26, 27

In Rome there used to be spiky pits in the roads covered with leaves to hid them, so that when armies came to attack they would injure their feet and not be able to fight. On the road of our lives sometimes we go through hard times that are hidden so that we could not see that they where coming. This is why it is important to wear your Gospel Shoes! They keep your safe when you go though hard times.

Righteousness

A man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:16

God wants us to have a clean heart, in fact when God created man there was nothing evil or wicked in him at all. But, when Adam and Eve sinned they because unrighteous. Being unrighteous means that you are no longer in right standing with God. This makes our hearts feel guilty and sad. Often times people try to fix there guilt by attempting to cover up the problem. But no matter how hard we try, there is only one way to have a clean heart again. And that way is Jesus. God send his Son Jesus to die for us so that the punishment for our sins would be paid and we would be righteous is God's eyes again. So when we accept what Jesus did for us on the cross we are made right before God.

Fourth of July

"One nation, under God."

That's what we say in the pledge of allegiance. We understand that our country is here because it started out being led by a group of folks who tried to do what was pleasing to God.

Pastor Keith mentioned a quote that says, "America is great, because America is good. When America ceases (stops) being good, it will stop being great."

Our country needs to continue to do what is good!

James 4:17 says, "Anyone who knows the good he ought to do, but doesn't do it, sins."

Are there good things we could do, and should do, as citizens of the United States of America?

What are some of those things we, as Christians, should do?

Are there things we can do to help take care of our country?

What things should we pray about that will help our country be good and do good?

Be thankful today, for this great country that you may live in! ...and look for ways to do what is good as a Christian and as an American!

The Belt of Truth

God is good...all the time!

For the next couple of weeks we will be talking about the armor of God. Last sunday we talked about the Belt of Truth. Ephesians 6:14 says, "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist"

We learned that a truth we can live by is that God is good all the time. Is God good just some of the time? Only in the happy times? No! God is good ALL the time! Nahum 1:7 says, "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble." This is the truth that we hold on to, our belt of truth. God is good (all the time!) and will be there for us in the good times and the bad times.

Dinosaur Sunday

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." but what about dinosaurs?

Check out Job 40:15-24 and Job 41:1,8,9,12-33. Can you believe it? God talks about dinosaurs in the bible! Job 40 tells us of the mighty Behemoth, and Job 41 talks about the fearsome Leviathan!

Did you know that a dinosaur is a giant lizard? Lizards never stop growing. Before Noah and the big flood, people and animals lived a long time. Noah was 600 years old when he built the ark! Can you imagine how big a 600 year old lizard would be? I'm thinking it would be about the size of a dinosaur.

God of Creation

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."

It's clear that this world didn't just happen by accident! A whole bunch of puzzle pieces didn't just fly up in the air and connect together to make a complete puzzle that we call this world...or this universe! God created the heaven and the earth!

Take time to read Colossians 1:16, 17 right now.

Then read Genesis 1:27.

Because He made us and everything else in this world , Psalm 24:1 is also true! (Read that too!)

You can know that you are SPECIAL! You are VALUABLE! God created you UNIQUELY to be someone special to Him.

You were not not an accident. You didn't just happen by chance...accidentally evolving from a frog or a fish or a monkey!

God has a wonderful plan for your life. You can talk to Him about that (as you pray.) Live in such a way that it shows you belong to the Creator of the universe.

If you can quote these verses one of the next two Sundays, you will receive a reward in Kid's Church! (We have been working on memorizing them with actions in Kid's Church.)

Proverbs 4:23-27
Above all else, guard your heart
for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth.
Keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead.
Fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left.
Keep your foot from evil.

Guard Your Feet

Proverbs 4:26,27 says "Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."

It is very important to let God guide our feet and the paths that we take. We should not go places where we will end up doing what is wrong. We have two choices, we can either follow the path of righteousness that God has placed before us, or we can move in other, harmful directions away from Him.

In Psalm 23:1-4 we can see that God wants to guide us in the right direction and protect us with His rod and staff.

Colossians 1:10 says, "Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

While you are practicing guarding you feet, why not take a walk with your family?

Promotion Sunday!

Sunday, June 6, is promotion Sunday at the AG Church.

In the Sunday morning adult services, our graduating seniors will be honored. Also, all of our grade school aged kids will officially move up a grade. Kindergartners will be moving into Kids Church as new first graders. Sixth graders may continue to attend Kids Church through the summer as seventh graders.

Congratulations kids! It's been a good school year, and now we're heading into a great summer!

Guard Your Eyes

Proverbs 4:23-25 Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth. Keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you.

It helps us to guard our hearts if we will be careful about what we focus on. The things we look at will influence our attitudes, our thoughts, and our spiritual life too!

Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." The things we think about, ...the things we talk about, ...the things we look at, should be tested by this verse. Does it help us think about good, clean wholesome, eternally-important things? ...or does it make us think about selfish, sinful, temporary earth-bound things?

Philippians 4:8 says, "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." Usually, the things that we watch and look at are the things we end up thinking about. So what kinds of things are you watching on t.v., or on DVD, or on the computer, or ...?

Hebrews 12:2 tells us something we should focus on. Take a moment and look at that verse!

Have a great week!

Guard Your Tongue

The Bible tells us that we should be careful with the words that we speak. We can use them to help people, or to hurt them.

Proverbs 18:12 says, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

We talked about how Peter used a sword to hurt someone in the garden of Gethsemane. You can read more about that in Luke 22:45-54. In John's listing of this event, he tells us that it was Peter who did this. (John 18).

Just as a person can be hurt with a sword, a person can be hurt by someone's words.

Psalm 19:14 is a prayer. It says, "May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord..."

We need to speak words that honor God. If we will do what Proverbs 4:24 says, we will honor God with our words.

For more information on how important it is to use good words, read James 3:2-12.

Guard Your Heart

In Luke 5:22 Jesus said to the Pharisees, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?" Jesus knew that what a person thinks in one's heart is very very important. That's why the Bible tells us, "Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." (KJV) That means, you will become what you think about. If you think about selfish things, you will become selfish. If you think about godly things, you will become godly. If you think mean thoughts, you will become mean. Your actions will follow along with the thoughts you always have.

That's why we pray and ask God to cleanse our hearts and minds. Read the scripture found in Psalm 51:10-15.

God wants to help make our hearts clean...and then we need to do our part and guard what we allow into our hearts and minds!

Here are the words for a great song that we heard in kids church today. It's called, "GO!"

* * * * Go! Gotta Go! Go! Gotta Go! Go! Walk away. * * * * *

Where do I begin when it comes to sin? It’s a tricky little mess to get in.

You think it doesn’t matter then your world begins to shatter

and that’s where Jesus comes in.

How do you deal with the things that are real

that get you down and take joy away?

You look it in the eye and you tell it “bye bye”

‘cause you are strong, so stand up and say.

No! Don’t want it. Not gonna hear it.

No! And I don’t care what you say.

Go! Don’t need it. Not gonna have it.

Go! Just turn your head. Walk away.

Go! Gotta Go!

When you got that funny feeling that sin is not appealing,

But temptation stands in your way.

You go to the Word, repeat what you’ve heard.

This is how you make it one more day.

How do you deal with the things that are real

that get you down and take joy away?

You look it in the eye and you tell it “bye bye”

‘cause you are strong, so stand up and say.

No! Don’t want it. Not gonna hear it.

No! And I don’t care what you say

Go! Don’t need it. Not gonna have it.

Go! Just turn your head. Walk away.

Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! You gotta go!

Talents For the Lord

God has given everyone different gifts and abilities. But, each person also has the choice to develop their skills! Just because you are not good at something right away, does not mean that you should quit! Maybe you just need to practice.

Usually, no one starts "good" at something. The more you practice, the better you will become.

Read some of these scriptures to find out about different talents that people used in Bible times. They used these talents to honor God and to help others.

Exodus 36:37

Acts 18:3,4

Acts 10:6

Luke 8:1-3

1 Chronicles 15:16

What new talent are you working on?

A friend of mine once said to me, "Before you can be good, you have to be willing to be bad." Many people quit trying right away if they are not good at something. Don't do that! Maybe you have a hidden talent that God will use, if you'll just take the time to practice.

Do your best. Try some different things. Don't give up if you are not good at something right away. And, use your talents to help others and do God's work.

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Don't forget to check out http://www.bgmckids.ag.org/ and read the story, "Egypt: The Big Snake." Come next Sunday and tell Miss Renee how big the snake was that stopped people from traveling on the road, and you will receive a prize. (AND, it's B.G.M.C. Sunday.)

Committed to Train!

The word "train" often means that a person is learning to do what is right, even if he does not feel like it. Sometimes our feelings lead us to do things we should not do -- things that do not honor God and do not honor other people. Sometimes our feelings may even lead us to do things that are BAD for us!

Take a moment and read what Paul has to say about going through training. See 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Paul is saying that he is going to ignore his feelings at times, and make himself do what is right!

Great athletes have learned that there are times they have to FORCE themselves to ignore their physical pain and just keep on going!

Also read 1 Timothy 4:8. Paul shares that physical training is good --- but there's a certain kind of training that is even MORE important for each and every one of us. What is it?

I know that at times training is not fun. (Hebrews 12:7-11 talks about that.) But, I know that the more I do something, eventually it becomes easier. So, don't give up doing what is right, even if it's hard!

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NEXT SUNDAY IS "TALENT SUNDAY" IN KID'S CHURCH!

Plan to come to kids church on Sunday, May 9th and share a talent! Bring a creation, a craft, or a drawing. Plan to sing a song, share a poem, do a drama, or show a project from school. It's kind of like "show and tell". When you come Sunday morning, check in with Pastor Randy to find out when you may share your talent during the service. It's going to be fun! See you there!

Little Things Can Become Big

Romans 4:16,17 tells us about Abraham, the father of our faith. God blessed Abraham and Sarah because they trusted God.

Verse 17 tells us that our God is a God who "...calls things that are not, as though they were." That means that even when things are not in existence--they are not there--that God can speak and call them into being. God can make great stuff out of NOTHING!

Read Genesis 1:1-11 and 14-20. Here you will see that God did GREAT stuff with basically nothing!

Later, we read that David was a young guy whom God used to win a great victory. David did not have experience as a warrior, but he stood up and put himself in a place where God could use him. He trusted God to guide him and give him the power to do what needed to be done. You can read about that in 1 Samuel chapter 17. It's awesome how God used David.

In the same way, God will use what little you have to do great things too! You just have to be willing and keep on doing your best.

Remember, God doesn't expect you to be the best, but He does expect you to do YOUR best.

May the Lord bless you and help you as you do your best for Him today!

Prayer Brings Life

Matthew 6:8-13 records the example that Jesus gave to his disciples for prayer.

It is important that you stay connected with God through prayer. It's like the hose that brings the water to the fresh flowers. Prayer connects us to God and keeps our relationship with him fresh, growing and sweet smelling!

Remember to "give God 5" each day this week!

5 minutes of prayer
5 minutes of Bible reading
5 minutes of praise and worship.

See you soon!

Pastor Randy

I Have Life Even After Death

This past Sunday we talked about how Jesus rose from the dead, and he defeated death for us too!

John 11:25 tells us that Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies."

Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. It tells us that after our spirit and soul separate from our body, the REAL part of us continues to live on with Jesus. How cool is that!

Remember: I live in a body. I have a soul. I AM a spirit.

Your body is like a tent...it carries the REAL you around. Someday your tent will wear out...and God will clothe you with a new one.

So, when the earthly body wears out you still will not be done. The real you --the spiritual you--can live on with Jesus!

He Is Alive!

Happy Easter!

In John 11:25 it records Jesus saying, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies."

Jesus paid the price for us on the cross. 1 Corinthians 15:54 says, "Death has been swallowed up in victory." Jesus BEAT death!

You can read more about that in John 19:16-18 and 19:38-42 and 20:1-18.

He is risen!

Special Day For Girls Coming Up

On Saturday, April 17, two great events will be happening for our young ladies! Coming all the way from Washington D.C., Sheri Prescott will be sharing great inspiring insights to help girls live happy God-honoring lives.

At 1:00 at the Epicenter, Sheri will be doing a session for girls, aged 10 to 18, called "Purity - Real Beauty Worth Protecting." (Mom's are also welcome to attend.) This event is FREE of charge.

Sheri is a former "Miss Iowa" and has written material for girls with the Focus on the Family group. See more information about her at http://sheriprescott.blogspot.com/


Then, on Saturday evening is the annual Father & Daughter Banguet. Sheri will be talking about "A King and his Princess." Tickets are required for this banquet.


For more information, please contact the church at 235-2529 or call Dan & Jennifer Goetzman at 796-4048.

Show Honor

In Exodus 20:12, God commands us to honor our parents. He says, "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long on the earth."

God wants us to be humble and treat others with honor.

Take some time to read these verses:

1 Peter 2:17
Luke 18:20
Ephesians 6:2

What are some ideas you have to show honor to your parent?

You may be a blessings to your mom or dad by showing them honor. And if you will do that, God says that He will bless you too!

You Shall Not Steal!

Last Sunday we talked about coveting. Coveting is when you want someone else's stuff. Stealing is even worse. When one person takes what belongs to others, God is unhappy.

Ephesians 4:28 says, "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor with his hands." God expects each person to work for what he has. He doesn't want us to take it from others.

Take time to also read Exodus 20:15 and Matthew 19:18.

God's plan is take care of us and to bless us. Satan has another plan for us. It's found in John 10:10. Do you know what it says?

Do not imitate the devil! Let's all be more like Jesus. We can be, if we will be full of the Holy Spirit and obey God's Word.

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Thank you for your prayers while I am away ministering in Malaysia! God is doing great things, and I'm glad that I can be a part of them in Willmar and also all the way around the world. If you'ld like, you may find me on a map. I'm teaching at a conference and doing some children's program in Kuala Lumpor, Malaysia. I'll be flying back on Wednesday and Thursday. See you soon!

The Man Who Envies Falls!

One of the ten commandments God gave to the Israelites is found in Exodus 20:17. It says, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house...your neighbor's wife...servant...ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

That means you shouldn't look at other's stuff and want it for yourself. Each of us should be thankful for what we have, and also be happy for others if they have nice things. Read the scripture Romans 12:15 and also in 1 Corinthians 12:25,26.

Some guys in the Bible got really jealous of their brother, and did awful things to him. You can read about that in Genesis chapter 37. You may read about the end of the story in Genesis chapters 42-47. It's really interesting.

Decide today that you're going to rejoice with others when they are blessed. God wants to bless you too! It just may not be at the same time and in the same way as others. That's okay.

God bless you today!

Words That Hurt?

Proverbs 18:21 says, "The tongue has the power of life and death..."

Some people say, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."

That's not true! What people say can either help or hurt others. Take time to read these verses today, and decide to use your words to help, not hurt -- to to encourage, not criticize!

Proverbs 12:18,
Colossians 4:6,
Ephesians 4:15,
Psalm 1:1

The Truth About Lies

Some people think that lying is okay if it helps them get something they want. We see many times in the Bible when people made the bad decision to not tell the truth.

You may read about Annanias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-10. Also, you may read about Gehazi in 2 Kings chapter 5.

Remember Proverbs 21:6. "A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare." It is not worth it to lie!

Proverbs 6:16-19 lists 7 things God hates. Two of them have to do with lying!

Satan is a horrible being, and one of the bad things about him is that he lies ALL the time. (See John 8:44.) Do not follow the devil's example. Be like Jesus and speak the truth!

God Has A Plan For You!

Today, our guest "Big Dan" Rector talked with us about Jeremiah 29:11. Do you remember it? Take a look in your Bible to find it.

Also, do you remember the story of the three trees? What were the different things that they wanted to be? ...and do you remember what three things they ended up being?

Sometimes, our plans are not exactly what God has planned. But, if we will love Him, and serve Him, he will direct our paths so that everything can work together for good! (See Romans 8:28.)

Have a great week with Jesus!

Seeds of Discord

What thoughts are being planted in your heart and mind?

When a person plants seed, that person is called a sower. Read here about a person who planted bad seeds: Matthew 13:24-28.

When people say bad things about others, it's kind of like planting seeds of THORNS in other people's minds. Those bad words/thoughts can separate close friends. That's called "sowing discord, " or "sowing seeds of dissension."

God is not pleased when people say bad things about others, whether those things are true or false. Proverbs 6:16 lists seven different things that God hates. (Take a moment and look at that.) The last one that's listed is "...a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."

"Dissension" simply means, making other split up. God wants us to work together doing the right things. He wants Christians to work together in unity. Don't listen to people who are saying bad things about other people. It makes God mad when people talk like that.

Listen to the good, and encourage one another by saying good things!

Christ In You

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption of the world... - 2 Peter 1:3,4
God wants to work inside us and place his "divine nature" in our very hearts and souls. When a person asks Jesus to forgive him of his sins, that old sinful part is done away with. Just as Jesus died on the cross to get rid of sin, in the same way, we are to spiritually "kill" the evil desires that we sometimes have.

Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." The Spirit of Christ works in us when we invite Him too!

Here's a few more verses to read about this:

Galatians 5:24,
Romans 8:9,10,
2 Corinthians 5:17,
and Colossians 1:27 (This is the one for which we learned sign language. Remember?)

Each day we need to say, "Jesus, I will live for you. I will die to my own selfish desires. I choose you and your way." And the Holy Spirit will help you to do it!

Creativity In Ministry

Here is a brief video on creativity that I recently shared at our Children's Ministry Breakfast. Enjoy!

Snow Blast Event

We just had an incredible weekend with guest speaker, Del Wilson. On Sunday morning Del told us about Galatians 3:13. It says, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law...."

We know that through sin a curse came upon the world and upon mankind. This first time the curse came upon us is found in Genesis 3. Take some time to read about it right there.

Thankfully, Jesus came to earth and paid the price for us. 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 says, "You are not your own; you were bought at a price." Because Jesus paid the price, we are no longer under the curse of sin.

The curse of sin is separation from God. ...and that separation may last for an eternity.

I'm glad Jesus paid the price for you and for me!

All we have to do is what it says in Romans 10:9,10 to be set free from that penalty for sin. Go for it!

God bless you today! We love you.

Self Control

Galatians 5:22,23 lists areas where the Holy Spirit wants to help us grow in our lives. The final one listed is "self-control." God wants to help us to be self-controlled.

There are many areas in which we are all tempted. Each of us want to do what we FEEL like doing, but those are often not the good decisions.

Some people want to eat and eat and EAT because it tastes good. But it's better if each one controls himself.

Some people get mad about little things...but it's important to control oneself, even if a person is angry.

When a driver loses control of his car, people may get hurt! When a person loses control of his tongue, he may say things that hurt others.

When a person doesn't control what he watches on t.v. or the music he listens too, he may allow things into his heart and mind that can hurt him too.

God wants to help each of us to grow in this area of self control. God will help you if you will listen to him, and ask for His help.

Sometimes it's tough, but the Holy Spirit wants to grow this area of "self-control" in you and me.

Here's a few verses you can look at as a family. In what areas does God want to help you be self-controlled?

Ephesians 5:18
Proverbs 15:1
Psalm 101:3
Psalm 19:14

1 Peter 5:8 "Be self-controlled and alert." With God's help, you can!

-----Dont' forget! Snow Blast registrations are due NOW! Don't miss out on what many of our kids say is the GREATEST EVENT we do! (Even more than VBS!)

Polar Plunge!

Congratulations to all our kids! In 2009 we had 101 different children give money to our missions program - "Boys & Girls Missionary Challenge." These kids combined to raise these funds by doing fundraisers, praying, and sacrificially giving to help others know the love of God.

BGMC is a program that provides supplies to missionaries all over the world. These may be supplies for orphanages, missions outreaches, well-digging programs, AIDS education in Africa and more. Some of the BGMC funds are designated to help groups like Convoy of Hope that help in emergency relief areas like Haiti right now.

Many people don't know this -- but on the average -- for each dollar given to BGMC, somewhere in the world, a person accepts Christ as Savior and Lord. Realizing that each dollar given may mean a soul has been saved is just thrilling.

Think again. Our kids gave over $12,000 to the BGMC program. By God's grace may that come out to over 12,000 more people coming to know Jesus! Pray with me that it will be so!

Enjoy the pictures and video!