Crenshaw Youth Group

When I say I am a Christian

2010-08-03T15:42:00.000-07:00

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!

~ by Maya Angelou

When you say you're a Christian...what do you say?

2010-07-13T16:31:00.001-07:00

This is your life.

Are you who want to be?

Are you at least heading that way?

2010-06-27T11:28:00.001-07:00

At worship at the park starting worship service.

Man Can They Eat!!

2010-06-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

2010-06-15T18:23:00.001-07:00

What do you want to most improve about your walk with God?

Please give to me or email your response to "horacejohnsonjr@gmail.com" by June 30th

School Supply Drive for the Bole School in Ethiopia

2010-04-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

Who Is My Neighbor?

Luke 10:25-37

School Supply Drive for the Bole School in Ethiopia

Crenshaw Church of Christ Youth Ministry asks you to donate school supplies to benefit the Bole Church of Christ School in Ethiopia. We will ship the much needed items weekly. Items most needed include: pencils, pens, markers, paper, & folders.

The items to be donated can either be shipped to Crenshaw Church of Christ or deposited in the specially marked containers in both the front and rear entrances.

For more information, contact Horace Johnson at (310)469-8101

Eating with the Crew at Friday Night Live

2010-04-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

“Give ‘em Hell!” Uh…Nope, Give ‘em Hope!!

2010-04-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

I think one thing that is missing in our message to the youth is hope. With so much violence and sexual impurity in the schools, youth are freaking out. We need to make sure we are not condemning the people who are being saturated with the world’s devices, and not showing them the way they can cope and find victory. Instead, we have to show them the cross with all of its mercy, grace and hope.

The last thing our youth need is to walk into an environment where someone tells them they that if they don’t change they are going to hell! (MAYBE that’s one of the reasons why youth are people are dropping out of church like crazy!)

I say don’t “give ‘em hell” –but GIVE THEM HOPE! (I heard someone last week say last week that Hope is on the endangered species list…that people NEED hope, but they aren’t turning to the church for it!)

The life of Jesus gives us HOPE that God actually wants us in a relationship with Him.

The cross gives us HOPE that there is no condemnation for those in Christ.

The empty tomb gives us HOPE that He can conquer anything that we face.

Our youth need HOPE!

Don’t misunderstand…I’m not saying, “go easy and don’t call out sin!” The problem is that many youth workers want to call out the sin but not point to the Savior who paid for that sin and in whom is COMPLETE forgiveness and RESTORATION to a God that is desperate to reach people!

The message should be a message of HOPE…and with the world being as dark as it is the church should be shining brighter than EVER before!

We don’t shatter darkness by condemning people…but by pointing them to Christ, the One who shatters condemnation!

Give ‘em hope!

2010-04-15T09:09:00.001-07:00

Service is the rent we pay for living.

Our love for God should lead us to help His children when they are in need.

For the young ladies in the group

2010-04-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Ladies Auxiliary for Christian Education

Presents:

MISS L.A.C.E. 2010

April 17, 2010

1:00-3:00pm

Book Club

Crenshaw Church of Christ

2719 W. Martin Luther King Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90008

Guest Speaker:

Keleigh Crigler Hadley

Christian, Wife, Mother, Writer

Preacher’s KIDS Secrets and Salvation

Daughter of Willard & Ellen Crigler

Refreshments will be served

2010 Additional State Conference letter

2010-03-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

For 2010 California State Youth Conference attendees:
I look forward to experiencing the 2010 California Youth Conference with you next weekend. I wanted to just drop you a short note to remind you of a couple of things before we go on our spiritual journey together.

• Arrive at Rorex Hall at 12:00pm on Friday.

• Bring only two pieces of luggage (one carry on and one piece to load under the bus).

• Bring enough clothes for the entire weekend.

• The dress code has been clarified

Females: No Strapless Blouses OR Dresses, NO Halter Tops, NO Backs out, NO Cleavage showing.
Males & Females: NO Super low rise PANTS (Revealing your bottom) JEANS CAN BE WORN ON FRIDAY, SUNDAY, AND MONDAY. NO JEANS ARE TO BE WORN ON SATURDAY. SLACKS, KHAKIS, PANTSUITS, DRESSSES, OR SKIRTS should be worn all day.

• Bring some spending money. We are going to lunch before arriving at the Conference site. Also, there is a snack bar & Starbucks at the hotel, and we are attending the Knott’s Berry Farm on Sunday afternoon.

• Bring your bible.

• Bring your GREAT attitude with you when you arrive and keep it all weekend.

• Please, leave you cell phone at home. There are no cell phones allowed at the conference. If you need to call your parents, the youth workers have their phones and there are phones at the hotel.

The conference should end around 1pm on Monday. We should be back to the church no later than 3pm.

I can’t wait to see on Friday, April 2nd.

If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call.

Horace

Serve in the Food Pantry

2010-03-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

The Free Activation Offer on phones has been extended until March 24th

2010-03-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Cell Phone email to send to your family and friends to make money for the National Conference

2010-03-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Here is the email you can send to your friends and family to let them know about our cell phone business. Just make sure you put in your name for the user code and put you name at the bottom of the email:

I just started a new cell phone business online and I'm really excited because I now have access to some awesome cell phone deals that you can't really get at the stores. We've got a deal through AT&T where you get FREE activation (from March 12-24) and we've got a LOT of free Blackberry's, Touch phones, and other cell phones that you can get for AT&T.

The shipping is also free, so all you need to do is place your order online at my store - here's my store link:
http://www.tmiphones.com/
PROMO CODE: 46390
User Code :

Please let your friends and associates know about my store link in case they are considering upgrading their phone. I also have many free and cheap cell phone deals through T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and Nextel. Thanks!

Want to earn money to attend The National Youth Conference in Abilene, TX in July 2010 ?

2010-03-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Want to earn money to attend The National Youth Conference in Abilene, TX in July 2010 ?

StartCollecting.

StartRecycling.

StartEarning.

Bring in old cell phones, movies, video games, and other electronic gadgets. Any brands. Any models. We will us this and other methods to earn money for us to attend the conference in July. Any questions about this and other programs, contact Horace @ 310-469-8101 or horacejohnsonjr@yahoo.com.

Cell Phone Recycling business is under way!!

2010-03-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

I started the recycling part of our business yesterday. I requested people to visit our website (nvr2young@gazelle.com) to donate gadgets such as cell phones and laptops to us. Steven Brice in Texas has asked his contacts to let everyone know about it. The word is out!!! We are going to the National Youth Conference this year. I can feel it!!

Here is what I put in the email:

I am hosting an online gadget drive through Gazelle to raise money for Crenshaw Youth Group, and would love your support.

A gadget drive is a new way to fundraise that turns your used electronics (laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras & more) into cash to support a cause. Contributing to my drive is simple. Just visit my drive webpage, find the value of the gadgets you would like to donate, and send them to Gazelle (shipping is free). The value will go to support Crenshaw Youth Group and their planned trip to the National Youth Conference in Abilene, TX in July. We hope to travel with at least 20 youth to an unforgettable spiritual journey.

If you would like to donate, please check out my drive's page to learn more and track my progress. You will receive a confirmation of your donation by email, and I will be notified as soon as you make your donation.

http://Nvr2Young.gazelle.com/

Thank you for your support,

Horace Johnson

Girls vs Boys Bowling Tournament

2010-03-09T14:09:00.001-08:00

Well we went bowling this weekend and the girls won!! They averaged 64 and boys averaged 49. I guess the girls are better athletes than the boys.

We Still Have Today!

2010-03-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

Wow…it’s crazy how time flies! It’s already MARCH 2010.

As we embark upon a new month in a new year with new challenges, we have to remember that some things should remain the same. We should continue to put Jesus first in all things (Luke 9:23-26) and follow his teachings (John 8:31). I know it's not a simple task and that sometimes we get down on ourselves because we aren't where we would like to be in our walks' with Christ. We; however, should leave all those concerns in the past! What's important is that we have a desire to strengthen our faith and that we began to take the necessary steps to do it. And what's really encouraging is that we still have today!

Below find 6 Accountability Questions that should encourage us in our walk and help us be an encouragement to others. Each month at least one of the accountability questions will be a topic of discussion on the blog.

6 Accountability Questions

Did you accomplish your spiritual goals for this month? Did you pray for others? Did you have a daily quiet time with God?
What did you do to enhance your relationship with your parents and/or guardian?
In What ways has God blessed you this month? And/ or what disappointment consumed your thoughts this month?
Have you shared your faith? In what ways? How can you improve? Have you had an opportunity with a non-Christian?
Where are you academically right now? Are things under control? Are things under anxiety?
What do you see as the number one need for the month?

Is there a particular accountability question that you need to focus on this month?

What's your story?

2010-02-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

Hey guys. I really want you to check out this video. It's people telling their testimony with few choice words. It's actually really powerful and I found myself relating to a number of the people even though they were from a different ethnic background than me.

As you watch, think. Do you have a testimony? A story of where God has brought you from? A time when you saw God's awesome power clearly on display? A changed life? A changed perspective?

After you think about your story, think about how you express to God that you are grateful that He brought you through. Leave a comment and tell me what your cardboard would say.

P.S.-I really liked 3:29, 4:46, 5:57, 6:30, 7:49. How about you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX4VQmcaGiQ

Youth Conference Meeting

2010-01-25T16:07:00.000-08:00

We had a great meeting yesterday. The enthusiam and excitement was very high in anticipation of a great upcoming youth conference. We discussed all the rules for a succesful youth conference. We are going to the Marriot in Irvine this year. Even though it is not far away, we are looking for forward to a great retreat from the day to day routine.

I am hopeful of having at least 30 people attend the youth conference from Crenshaw alone.

2010 California State Youth Conference

2010-01-05T16:04:00.000-08:00

It's that time again!

The 2010 California State Youth Conference is coming up soon. It is the first weekend in April. The registration packets are available for pick up and completion. The mandatory meeting to discuss the details and arrangements for the conference is January 24th at 1pm in Rorex Hall.

The meeting is mandatory for all youth, parents of youth, and youth workers who are planning on attending the youth conference this year.

The registration packets will passed out at the meeting; but they are also now available for pick-up in the foyer of the church, or by requesting one by sending an email to : "hjohnson@crenshawchurchofchrist.org"

Daily Bible Readings for December 2009

2009-11-29T10:33:00.000-08:00

Daily Bible Readings
December 2009

God
December 1 Exodus 18:11
December 2 Deuteronomy 30:15-16
December 3 Psalm 116:5
December 4 Psalm 139:7-10
December 5 Isaiah 45:5-7
December 6 Romans 11:22
December 7 I Corinthians 8:6
December 8 II Corinthians 13:11

Jesus
December 9 Matthew 1:18-21
December 10 Matthew 28:20
December 11 Luke 23:44-48
December 12 John 1:14
December 13 John 8:12
December 14 John 10:9
December 15 Acts 4:11-12
December 16 Romans 5:1-2
December 17 Colossians 2:5-7
December 18 II Timothy 1:9-10
December 19 Hebrews 1:2-3
December 20 Hebrews 2:17
December 21 Hebrews 4:15-16
December 22 Revelation 1:17
December 23 Revelation 22:20

Grace
December 24 Nehemiah 9:16-17
December 25 Psalm 78:37-39
December 26 Psalm 84:11
December 27 Psalm 103:8-10
December 28 Isaiah 30:18
December 29 John 1:16
December 30 Ephesians 1:7-9
December 31 Ephesians 2:5

2009-11-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

Sudden Impact

Be Transformed By the Renewing Of Your Mind

It is really sad. Janie walks down the hall between classes. She goes to her locker and stands there alone. As she goes through every school day no one stops just to hang out and chat for awhile with her. Why, because she is not physically attractive at all. As a matter of fact she has over heard people calling her ugly. She has overheard boys kidding each other about going out with her. She has never done anything to hurt anyone; she is just not physically attractive. Oh, she tries to do better but quiet frankly it is hopeless. Janie finally admitted that her looks were her problem and she comes to you for help.
How would you handle this situation?

Use the verses below to help with your answer:
Isaiah 52:13-53:12; I Corinthians 1:22; II Corinthians 5:16-21; Romans 12:1-8. I Timothy 2:9-10

Daily Bible Readings for November 2009

2009-11-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

Daily Bible Readings
November 2009

Christian
November 13 John 13:34-35
November 14 II Corinthians 3:16-17
November 15 II Corinthians 5:17
November 16 Galatians 3:3
November 17 Colossians 2:6-7
November 18 II Timothy 2:19
November 19 II Peter 1:5-8
November 20 I John 1:17

Lifestyle
November 21 Proverbs 10:5
November 22 Ephesians 4:1-3
November 23 Ephesians 5:1-2
November 24 II Timothy 3:2-5
November 25 Hebrews 3:14
November 26 II Peter 1:5-9; II Peter 3:11-14

Church
November 27 II Timothy 2:19; Hebrews 13:7
November 28 Psalm 122:1; Ephesians 2:19
November 29 Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:42-47
November 30 Ephesians 1:22-23

September Friday Night Live devotion

2009-10-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

A day at UCLA

2009-08-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

The youth summer camp visited UCLA two weeks ago. the campus was huge. But it was a great experience.

Enjoying a meal at the conference

2009-05-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Us at the 2009 California State Youth Conference

2009-05-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

What if you only had Six Months To Live?

2009-05-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you only had 6 months to live?

Would you live differently?

What would you change?

Would you treat people differently?

Would you live life to the fullest?

Most of us waste our lives with “when and then” thinking, believing that “when” this or that happens, “then” we will really start living and do something for God that really matters. That approach is guaranteed to leave you with regrets.

If you think that you are too young to think this way, Jesus was just twelve when He said, “I must be about my Father’s business.” Just twenty-one years later, He could say to the Father, “I have completed the work You gave me to do.”

If we all had that kind of focus and dedication in our lives, there’s no telling what God would accomplish in our the world!

Your time on earth is limited.

Most of us, if we knew we only had one month to live, would live differently. We would be more authentic about who we are and more deliberate about how we spend our time. But such a contrast begs the question: What keeps us from living this way now?

Why can’t all of us live more like we’re dying? Isn’t that how we were meant to live in the first place? To discover what we’re made for and to utilize our unique gifts in the limited amount of time we’re given?

I believe that the 6-monts-to-live lifestyle is unique. If we all live as if we only had a short time left on this earth, we would spend it differently, in ways unique to us, and yet I believe we would all experience more fulfilling lives that could leave a legacy for eternity.

Will you try it with me?

Submission equals sacrifice

2009-05-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I think disturbs me the most about Christians (including myself) is that we think that Christianity is about what we can get from God.
Our prayers are slanted that way, “Bless me…give me…help me...forgive me...protect me.”
Our motives are slanted that way, “If I do this for God then He may bless me by giving me…”

BUT…the Scriptures teach so clearly that when we become a follower of Jesus we are saying to Him, “I will submit to what YOU want me to be…I will do what YOU want me to do.”
AND…MOST people do not have a problem with believing the sentence above–UNTIL it requires us to actually make some sort of sacrifice.

We will follow Jesus…UNTIL it impacts our dating life or marriage.
We will follow Jesus…UNTIL it begins to impact us financially.
We will follow Jesus…UNTIL it begins to impact our time.
We will follow Jesus…UNTIL it begins to impact our social schedule.
We will follow Jesus…UNTIL it begins to impact our sleep
BUT…one of the things I am seeing over and over again in the Scriptures is that a true follower of Jesus Christ held nothing as sacred (Look at Acts 4:32-37 as an example -- WOW!!).

When someone in the Scriptures was submitting their life to Christ, it was complete and total surrender and not “submission based on convenience.”

The question I am praying and wrestling through personally right now is, “Is there any area of my life that I have declared ‘off limits’ to God?”

I challenge you to do the same.

Jesus SACRIFICED …and He calls us to do the same (you know, the whole “take up your cross and follow me” thing!)

Submission equals sacrifice!

Conference call annoncement

2009-05-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Announcing a conference call for our youth group today at 8:00pm. The call will give us a chance to make sure everyone is up to date on the upcoming event this weekend and in the coming weeks.

We will also take prayer requests and just take a minute to see how everyone is doing. The phone number to call is 1-605-475-6333, and the access code is 44141.

This weekend at the senior event, we will serve hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, water, soda, and other snacks to be offered to attendees. We will discuss our needs from everyone. We need to know when people can help. The event starts at 11am and ends at 3pm. We need help with setup at 9am and breakdown and clean-up when the event ends.

This event is a fundraiser and a service event also. We will assist the senior ministry with whatever they need and we will work to make sure the youth ministry’s refreshment stand gives us the vital funds we can use for future youth events.

Let me know what you think we should have at the refreshment stand.

Talk to you on Thursday at 8.

Please call on time.

Spending time with God

2009-05-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

He knelt down on his knees…and prayed
as was his custom since early days.
Daniel 6:10

In one region of Africa, the first converts to Christianity were very diligent about praying. In fact, the believers each had their own special place outside the village where they went to pray in solitude. The villagers reached these “prayer rooms” by using their own private footpaths through the brush. When grass began to grow over one of these trials, it was evident that the person to whom it belonged was not praying very much.

Because these new Christians were concerned for each other’s spiritual welfare, a unique custom sprang up. Whenever anyone noticed an overgrown “prayer path,” he or she would go to the person and lovingly warn, “Friend, there’s grass on your path!”

Have you met with the Lord yet today? Do you regularly come to “the throne of grace” to “obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need? (Hebrew 4:16). Is there “grass on your path”?

No day is well spent without spending time with God.

Ladies at the youth conference

2009-05-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Some of our ladies at the Youth Conference. Don't they look nice!!

I will lift up my eyes

2009-05-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

I will lift up my eyes.
Psalm 121:1

A woman who did a lot of research at home began to have difficulty with her vision, so she went to see an eye doctor. After a thorough exam, he said, “Your eyes are extremely tired. They need rest”

“But that’s impossible,” she replied. “My work requires that I use them all the time.”

After thinking for a moment, he said, “Do you have any wide views of the countryside from your home?”

“Yes,” she answered. “From the front porch I can see the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”

The specialist replied, “The next time your eyes get tired, gaze steadily at the mountains for ten to twenty minutes. That will rest your eyes.”

What is true in the physical realm is also true in the spiritual. The eyes of the soul grow tired from focusing on our problems. But if we turn our attention to the far horizon of God’s love, we gain a new perspective. We experience the rest we so desperately need.

When your burden is too much to bear, trust God’s tender care.

Give thanks to the Lord

2009-04-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

When time is pressing don't cancel your time with God. Use this quiet time suggestion to meditate on the Lord. It is simple, yet powerful:

Read the Passage
Sing a song of praise in response
Pray for the Father to instill the principle in your life

Principle: Give Thanks to the Lord.
Passage: Psalm 105:1-4
Praise: "Thank You Lord" by Dennis Jernigan
Prayer: Father, I thank you for remembering me on the cross. Thank you for taking my sin debt away. Thank you for being faithful even in the midst of my unfaithfulness.

Hang out before conference

2009-03-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hello Crenshaw Youth,

Conference is coming real soon!
Are you ready?
Some of you remember that I like for us to leave for the conference with the prayers of the church with us. I would like for everyone to respond to the invitation from the minister for prayer requests on Sunday in the service by walking down to the front of the church.

You do not have say anything. I will make the request for prayer for the group.

To make this easier this year, I am requesting that all conference attendees meet at the house across the street from the building at 7:30am. Please be on time.

We will have a short devotion and refreshments before we head over to worship. We will sit together and worship as a group (just like we will do at the conference).

We will attend bible study and go bowling and have lunch together afterwards.
I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to spend time together as a group before we head off to conference on April 10th.

Don’t forget your essays are due April 5th. If you are not attending worship on Sunday, then it would be a good idea to email your essay Saturday night.

If you have any questions or problems, please let me know.

Horace Johnson

2009 Youth Conference Rally

2009-03-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Fontana Youth Day

2009-01-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

Fontana Youth Day - February 15th. Fontana Church of Christ. If you want to attend, please put your name on the on sign up sheet in the front of the church by February 8th. We need to make sure we have adequate transportation.

Volunteering

2009-01-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

Let me know if you are interested in Volunteering at the Los Angeles County Food Bank. Compton's youth group does it once a year. I thought would be a good thing for us to do as a group. Let me know what you think.

Something to consider

2008-12-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

How does God know that you love Him?

Got Book

2008-12-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

I hope you think this is funny...

2009 California State Youth Conference

2008-12-08T22:33:00.001-08:00

Announcing the 2009 California State Youth Conference to be held on
April 10th - 13th, 2009 in Mount Hermon, California.

The cost is $185. The application will be passed out at the Jan. 25th meeting.
This includes transportation and the registration to the event.

To be eligible to attend the event you must be an active member of the youth group:
1. Attendance to at least 2 Friday Night Live events before conference
2. Attendance to at least 2 citywide youth events
3. Attendance to at least one bible class per week
4. Attendance to the mandatory youth conference parent/attendee meeting on 1/25/2009
5. Composition of essay due by 9pm February 28,2009 (topic to be named later)

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these new rules please let me know.

Christmas Linebacker

2008-11-25T16:46:00.000-08:00

Check out the Christmas Linebacker

He keeps the "Christ" in Christmas.

You can save your parents life - early signs of stroke

2008-11-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) .

She said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6 pm Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

It only takes a minute to read this...A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally.

He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE.....Remember the '3' steps, STR .

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster.The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S.... Ask the individual to SMILE.
T..... Ask the person to TALKand SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently, e.g. It is sunny out today)
R ....Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other,that is also an indication of a stroke.

Do We Really Honor God?

2008-11-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

Do We Really Honor God?
God makes an important and very specific promise in I Samuel 2:30. The Bible says, "But now the Lord declares: I promise that I will honor those who honor me, and those who despise me will be considered insignificant." Eli was very old and he began to hear things that his sons were doing. They were having improper relationships with the women who served at the gate of the tent of meeting. Eli told his sons that the thing he was hearing about them was not good and the news was spreading fast. Eli's sons would not listen to him; they just ignored the warnings of their father and of God.

How are you doing with your attitudes and actions? I remember when I was a teen that I felt like my Christianity was fulfilled if I attended Sunday school and church and if I went on Wednesday nights I would get extra credit from God. Being a Christian teen is more than just showing by your actions it's showing by your action, your attitude and your heart.

Read I Samuel 2:22-36 and you will see the seriousness of God's promises.

November Friday Night Live

2008-10-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Everyone is invited to this months FNL on Friday, November 21, 2008 at 7pm. We will have a great time of food, fun, and fellowship. See you there!!!

Ventura Youth Rally trip cancelled

2008-09-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

We are not going to attend the Ventura youth rally this year. I hope we will be able to attend the youth next year

School supply drive

2008-08-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

We had a great time putting together the supplies we received. We have put together at least 25 complete school supply backpacks so far. We have even given away at least 6 backpacks to people who needed it.

It is going great so far. We will let our congregation know that the backpacks are ready to be given out starting Sunday morning after the worship services.

School Supply drive

2008-08-21T12:56:00.001-07:00

We over 20 bags of school supplies received so far. I am going to buy some supplies this weekend with the donations we received from our congregation. I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday to start putting together the bags to give away to people who need them.

School Supply Drive Update

2008-08-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

We have collected about 10 bags of "stuff" for the Drive. I expect to receive more school supplies in the next week. I have been contacted by a lot of people who want to donate money and supplies. I have faith in God that this event will be great. I ask for your prayers for this drive. I also ask for your help in asking people to donate supplies to this drive, so we can help as many people as possible..... Horace

New Baptisms at Friday Nite Live

2008-07-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

At the last Friday Nite Live event, both Julian & Jamal were baptized. Here a couple of pictures from their baptisms. I am very excited to call them my newest "brothers in Christ".

Congratulations Jamal & Julian!!

Backpack school supply program

2008-07-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Crenshaw Youth Group is seeking donations for its Backpack School Supply Program, which will provide needed school supplies for low-income children and teens. With the support of our congregation, our youth group hopes to provide a brand new backpack and the supplies needed to begin the school year. Parents of school-age children often anticipate spending hundreds of dollars preparing their children with back-to-school clothing and supplies, which many low-income families cannot afford.

How can you help?
The Backpack School Supply Program is in need of the following items:

Backpacks, pens, pencils, compasses, colored markers, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners with catchers, highlighters, scissors, rulers, glue stick, protractors, calculators, subject separators, scotch tape, binders (all sizes), college and wide ruled paper, pink erasers, book covers, white out, calculators, spiral notebooks, organizers.

All school supply or monetary donations need to be turned in no later than Wednesday, August 20. For more information about the Backpack School Supply Program, please contact Horace Johnson at horacejohnsonjr@yahoo.com.

Special Expectations

2008-06-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

One thing almost everyone wonders about is what God wants us to do. When it comes to expectations of God I always think of the verse Micah 6:8 “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

The first expectation is to act justly. One way you could rephrase this is to do just. Just is being honorable and fair in one’s dealings or actions. In Jeremiah 7:5-7 it says “If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.” God calls us to be fair to other people, not to do wrong to them for any reason. This goes back to the Ten Commandments where it says not to bare false witness.

The next is to love mercy. The parable of the unmerciful servant shows a great description of what mercy is as well as what it is not. It says in Matthew 18:32-34 “32Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.” Jesus had mercy on us when he died for us. Even though we didn’t deserve it, he still did it.

The final thing is to walk humbly with your God. Being humble is putting someone before you. When I hear the word humble I think of kneeling. Matthew 18:4 says “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” We need to learn that God is always with us through the good and the bad. God always knows what he is doing and has a purpose for everything.

Run for the weak

2008-06-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Too many times selfishness rules among us. Use this devotional to awaken yourself to "Run for the Weak!"

click on link to access the video

http://www.youtube.come/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE

1. Why did the father in this video do so much with his son?

2. Why did he choose to do something as difficult as a triathlons?

3. What difficult thing did The Father do for you? (John 3:16)

4. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

What does the Father do for us when we are weak?
What are we to do when others are weak?

5. Read John 8:1-11

How did Jesus treat this weak woman?
What does it teach us about the love we are to show to others?

6. Pray and ask the Lord to put someone "weak" in your path. Someone to run with. Someone to run for.

Some people as just here to annoy you

2008-06-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

Don't let them...A word of encouragement from Ruby

Staying Strong

2008-06-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Staying Strong

Sam Evans--13 years old

Staying strong is one of the most important actions you can take in your spiritual walk with God. There are many ways you can stay strong: understanding your Bible, keep a daily prayer journal, going to church, and having good reliable, Christian friends.

I know you have heard ever since you were little that you need to read your Bible everyday, but you also need to understand what you are reading. In Revelation 1:3 is says “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.” The word “heed” means to pay attention to or understand. This verse is praising the people who read and understand the Word.

One thing that I have done in the past is keep a prayer journal. I wrote down prayer requests for others as well as my self. One thing I found myself writing down many times is that I would be a light to others around me. Looking back on that journal now I realize that God has answered so many of my prayers and it has encouraged me even more. In Psalms 13:5 it says “I've thrown myself headlong into your arms— I'm celebrating your rescue. I'm singing at the top of my lungs, I'm so full of answered prayers.”

Going to church has been a huge impact on my everyday life. I find myself during the week looking forward to Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. My youth ministers have a wonderful gift on expressing their love for God everywhere they go. They have been and still are great mentors in my life. You might have someone like that at your church. Maybe your preacher, worship leader, elder, children’s minister, ect. My whole church keeps me at a spiritual high and helps through my daily life.

Friends are the people that you will find that have the biggest influence on your life. Job 31:21 says "If I've ever used my strength and influence to take advantage of the unfortunate, Go ahead, break both my arms, cut off all my fingers! The fear of God has kept me from these things— how else could I ever face him?” It is important that your friend and you have a good influence on each other. Start accountability groups with each other, these groups helped me a lot during this past year at school. One famous saying was that friends will either make you or brake you. My youth minister, Mr. Al, always says “in your life you will do 1 of 2 things, you will either take someone with you to heaven or you will take someone with you to hell.”

I cannot stress to you how important it is to stay strong in your spiritual walk. There are many more ways you can stay strong. Deuteronomy 31:6 says “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Handling Immodesty

2008-05-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

Handling Immodesty

by Brooklyn Goodman, age 14 eighth grade

She was so excited; they were going to the movies tonight. She was at Megan’s house, one of her friends from school. Megan had invited her and Lacey over to get ready for the movies. When she put on her blue jeans and a cute top, Megan looked at her and snickered, "Are you seriously going to wear that?" Feeling embarrassed, she replied, "Well do you have anything else I can wear?" After several try-ons she finally decided on a low cut top with a short skirt. When she looked in the mirror she felt very uncomfortable but wanted to fit in.

As they waited in line for popcorn he spotted her. She was just one line over from him. With her long blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes he couldn’t stop staring. He was thinking to himself how pretty she was, but why did she need to dress like that? Being a Christian guy, it’s sometimes hard for him to understand why girls think they have to dress a certain way to look good or to draw a guy’s attention. When she looked back at him he just dropped his head and looked at the floor. He was not interested.

She was going through a lot of peer pressure. Being a Christian girl, she knew what she wore was inappropriate, but because of the fact that her friends had made fun of what she was going to wear, it affected her decision. How does what you wear influence other teens? Do you pick out clothes that glorify God or yourself? Modest dressing allows others to see God in you. Immodest dress only allows others to see you.

In 1 Peter 3:3-5, Peter says that we (Christians) should be known for the beauty that comes within us. Also, the unfading quiet spirit is so precious to God and He wants us to be modest in our appearance and to not draw attention to ourselves by the way we dress (1 Timothy 2:9).

So when you pick out your clothes, make sure that your appearance is glorifying God and not yourself. Learn to overcome pressure from others and stand up for what you believe is right. Appearances are very important. Like the boy, whose first impression was, “Wow she’s pretty,” but immediately turned his attention away. Just remember, whatever you do, do it to the glory of God!

Friday Nite Live

2008-05-17T14:45:00.001-07:00

The youth group met last night at our monthly event "Friday Nite Live". We talked about the new contest that we started last night. I hope everyone is excited as I am about it. The first part will last for 3 months to see if everyone wants to keep it up. I hope to put interesting ideas for the group to work on.

Last night we played bible trivia. I had a great time. It was great to see how much of the bible the group knows.

We have a busy June coming up! I hope we a good turnout for all of the events coming up. Part of the group is going to Cpress CoC for their Impact! event today. I hope everyone has a great time.

Some of our Youth Group

2008-05-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

Leandra made a collage from some of the pictures she took at the 2006 California State Youth Conference

Friends Matter Devotion

2008-05-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd."

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friend's tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks."

They really should get lives. "He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!"

There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.

We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge s tack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are going to really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday! "He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.

I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem.

He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.

He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.Boy, sometimes I was jealous!

Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech.

So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!"

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.

"Thanks," he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began

"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.

Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach but mostly your friends.

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.

I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

"Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize its depth. Never underestimate the power of your actions.

With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse.

God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way.

Look for God in others.