Who We Are in Christ

Hey all,

I was really encouraged by the message last night at Re:define (info listed on “Events” page).  Zach shared about spiritual warfare, specifically centering on this part of Jesus’ temptation: “The devil said to Him, ‘If you are the Son of God…’”  Luke 4:3.  All of Satan’s temptations toward Christ began with “If you are the Son of God…,” an attempt to create doubt in Jesus about His identity.  As Zach pointed out, our struggle as Christians most often isn’t, “Who is Jesus?” but rather the question, “Who are YOU in Christ?”  This is the area where Satan will often try to get us to waver, therefore diminishing our impact as children of God.

This morning my pastor was sharing on temptation, a topic we have covered over the last few weeks.  I love it when God reaches you with a message from all different angles.  It’s so awesome when He continues to press His truth into your heart, to make sure you “get it.”  My pastor was sharing specifically about the temptation to become arrogant toward God.  We often expect God to serve us and our desires.  He pointed out how when we are in love with our Father, we come from a standpoint of awe and devotion, which causes us to desire to live our lives for Him and HIS purposes, rather than expecting Him to fulfill ours.

As both Zach and my pastor pointed out, we need to continually remind ourselves of God’s awesome power and provision in our lives, of all that He has done for us, of His magnificent love and grace.  We need to remember that sometimes God takes us through a time of trial, just as Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert to be tempted (Luke 4:1-2).  While we know from Scripture that God does not tempt us (James 1:13-14), He does allow trials to bring us closer to Him and His desires for us.  We read this scripture in church today: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

I felt like God was encouraging me to remind my brothers and sisters that whatever temptation or trial you may face, continually remind yourself of who you are in Christ.  Don’t allow Satan’s lies to exist in your mind for even a moment.  Don’t play with them.  Do just as Jesus did and answer them right away with the Word of God and the authority that the Holy Spirit gives you.  If you struggle with just a general sense of being “down,” ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your thoughts to you so that you can “take them captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).  Continually renew your mind according to His Word with who you are in Christ (Romans 12:2)!

Check out the August, 2011 devotion link on the “Resources” page, there is a great chart of Scripture verses listed there as well!  I would highly encourage you to use those when you are feeling spiritually dry.

Many blessings and hope to see everyone soon,

Jacklyn

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

I recently read this passage of Scripture about going through adversity and trusting God:

“Answer me quickly, O LORD;  my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me  or I will be like those who go down to the pit.  Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:7-10

Sometimes we forget one of God’s most important promises given to us after Easter – the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus promised the sending of the Holy Spirit right before His death:  “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26.  We have the very Spirit of God living in us, ready to “lead us on level ground,” ready to show us God’s way AND ready to enable us to walk in it!

The Holy Spirit came upon the believers at Pentecost and radically changed their lives.  Do we allow the Holy Spirit to do that for us today?

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He Who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” Romans 8:26-27.

God bless,

Jacklyn

Easter Week

Easter is a time of re-birth and re-newal.  The coming of Spring reminds us of the new birth that our Savior, Jesus, has given us through His death and resurection.  Let us take the time to reflect on all that He has done for us, to thank Him for His great love!  Here is a devotion to read about the “Grit and Glory of Holy Week”: http://www.crosswalk.com/news/the-grit-and-glory-of-holy-week-11602108.html

Some awesome Easter verses:

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”  John 19:30

^“Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”  But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”  Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”  Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.‘”  John 20:24-29.

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.  And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.  After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.  Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.  For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.  Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.”  1 Corinthians 15:3-11

Praise Jesus!!

Sitting at Jesus’ Feet

A great reminder to take the time, despite busy schedules and stressful circumstances, to spend time with Jesus:

http://www.singleness.org/devo/dev_444.shtml

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Matthew 6:33.

God bless,

Jacklyn

Encouragement

Hi all,

This Friday we will be talking about being “On Fire for Christ in a Strange Land.”  I wanted to encourage everyone to begin praying about the areas where God is calling them to ministry.  Sometimes we can get so settled into the flow of things that we forget God’s greater vision for us in our jobs, schools, etc.

Recently I was inspired by the stories of Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin, two sports figures who are unashamed of using their platforms to glorify Christ.  They are a great example of two young adults who have committed their lives and abilities to God’s glory.  I want to live like that in whatever avenue God takes me.

Paul was mentoring Timothy, a young leader in the church, and wrote these inspiring words to him:

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12.

I wanted to share this encouragement and inspiration with all of you!

Many blessings and see you Friday!

Jacklyn

Fellowship

Hey all!

This time of year can be busy, as the holidays are over and we are getting back into the swing of classes and work.  We tend to get focused on our own agendas, how we are going to balance our various schedules, and stressed as more activities are thrown on our plates.  Or we may be in a season where we really don’t know where we are going or what we are doing, and are looking for activities.  Whatever your situation might be, I would like to encourage everyone to make an extra effort to connect with those around you, whether it’s inviting someone to the next coffee house, helping with an event at your church, or just taking time out in your schedule to meet a friend for lunch. 

I know we all get busy in our routines and are swamped with our own schedules.  I think it’s important for us as young adults to embrace this opportunity that we have to reach out to those in our school and work places, and make time to form relationships that will last for eternity.  Don’t be afraid to take some time out for fellowship!

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:24-25

Many blessings,

Jacklyn

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Want to wish all of you a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year.   We had an awesome turn-out at Friday’s coffee house!  Was great to celebrate Christmas with you all! 

If you are interested in a copy of the devotional we studied on God’s promises, check out the “Resources” link.

Continue to check out the Events page!  Don’t miss out!!!

Many blessings,

Jacklyn

Events

I want to encourage everyone to continue sharing your events.  I have spoken with several friends over the last few weeks and was very encouraged to hear that there are other young adults who are craving fellowship and working to create opportunities to bring people together.  We need as many opportunities as we can get, so don’t be afraid to step out and stretch yourself!  Post any events that you know of for young adults on the Events page.  We want to help South Jersey get connected! 

As the alert box above says, we are having another coffee house on December 16th to celebrate the Christmas season together.  This is going to be a special time of worship and celebrating Christ’s birth and the promises of God.  Come and join us!  Invite other young adults! 

God bless!

Jacklyn

Pics from Coffee House

Check out the Pictures tab on the right hand side of the page to see more pictures from CircuitBoard events!

 

Looking to Get Connected?

Hello all!

Need a place to alert other Christian young adults about an event you’re organizing?

Looking for opportunities to fellowship with other believers?

This is the place to post your events, to find events, and to get connected!

Click on the “Events” tab in the right hand corner of the page to find a listing of all the events going on for young adults, and also to share events!

Please share this page with your friends!