Verses for Meditation from the book of Psalm

Psalm 34:1 - I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.

Psalm 103:2-5 - Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Psalm 98:1 - Sing a new song to the Lord telling about his mighty deeds! For he has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness.

Psalm 141:8 - My eyes are upon You, O God the Lord, In You I take refuge.

Psalm 138:1 - I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart. When I called, you answered; you made me bold and stouthearted.

Psalm 100:1,2 - Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing.

ARIZONA MISSION TRIP

"We don't just expose our children to things that matter. Can you imagine the disaster we'd have if we simply 'exposed' teenagers to driving?" - Kendra Dean

As a youth worker and a youth minister, I long for teenagers to develop a consequential faith that impacts every facet of their lives. Yet, in a world where church seems less relevant to many people, it's a struggle to pass on a transformational faith to our teens.

I believe students want to make a difference in the world. Mission Trips are definitely a part of helping students develop a transformational faith. This past week, SMBC students truly touched the hearts of those working at the Naomi House, the children living at the Naomi House and the children on the Navajo Reservation. I was so blessed during our last worship service in Arizona as students shared what God had taught them during the mission trip. Christopher Basham quoted Colossians 3:23 and said that he truly understood that as he was working hard building a fence for Naomi's House, he was working for the Lord.

Update on MissionTrip in Arizona

We've had a great two days! We are about to leave Flagstaff and continue God's ministry in Joseph City, AZ. We've already seen God at work in creation and within each other! The power of connectedness is truly a blessing. We focused our devotion this morning on Philippians 2:12-13 - "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose."

We want to work out what God has worked in us! A group of us watched the sun set last night at the Grand Canyon and it was amazing. We asked God to simply move through us this week as we empty ourselves of materialism, greed, pride, anger and selfishness.

Our time at Slide Rock State Park was a blast. I am just thankful we are all safe after spending a day jumping off rocks at Slide Rock and walking/hiking parts of the Grand Canyon.

TO LOVE IS TO SERVE - WE are off to Arizona on Friday!

Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst after righteousness – for they will be filled!

Prayer

Lord, we are ready. We are ready to be your servants. We want to serve one another and serve those in Arizona. Some of us are new to mission trips and some of us have done this many times before now. We enter this week looking to please you. Help us to love one another without condition. We will tell the world about your eternal love this week!

Help us, Lord, to Hunger & Thirst after your righteousness! To be filled means we have to be emptied. Help our lives to be poured out this week!