“For I know my transgressions, my sin is ever before me”…”Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Psalm 51

Psalm 51 finds David pouring his heart of sin out to his Savior, confessing & repenting the conviction in his heart. The thing about David is this: it’s not enough for him to see the error of his ways. He has to return to the Lord. It’s not about apologizing and cowering in shame and humility. It’s about being broken and humbled and then taking his place as a child of God! This, my friends, is what it means to not only be forgiven but to live forgiven.

There is restoration. David spends verses 1-9 detailing his iniquity and his short-comings in the sight of the Lord. He then spends verses 10-19 in restoration. He says things like, “restore unto me the joy of my salvation” and “O Lord, open my lips that my mouth may declare Your praise.”

My dear friends, King David knew what it was like to sin and sin in big bad ways. He also knew what it meant to know God. He was deeply enthralled in a relationship with the Lord when he had his, um, run in with Bathsheeba (wanna know what happened? Ask me!). Not only did he know that he needed forgiveness but he knew that, in the Lord, forgiveness was his. This is truth: God’s forgiveness changes our lives. As children of the King, we get to be restored. We are given the right to ask forgiveness and then to be changed. Our God is so, so loving. He doesn’t want to just make us clean. He wants to make us clean and then loved. And beautiful. And new. And special. And anything else wonderful you can imagine.

My friends, let us live forgiven and see the restoration in our lives. See your iniquity as having halves: the first half for forgiveness, the second for restoration. Find a friend and talk about this! Where do you see your life being renewed? Where do you see your life needing renewal? It’s yours! It’s mine! Let’s live like we are new!

Until tomorrow,

Katie

MAY 1st

Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

When I read this verse I think to myself, “Katie, who are the cords in your life?” I have to wonder, who do I team up with when the going gets rough, who are the people that I choose to stand up with to be strong and safe?

Then I realize that no matter how I look at it, that third cord ought always be Christ. I can talk to my mom, my best friend, or Melissa. I can seek wisdom from my grandmother or encouragement from my friends. But none of that means anything if I do not recognize Christ as the third strand!

We are called to love one another and to love Christ. Let us see every relationship we have as an opportunity for accountability, as a triple-stranded cord. Our Lord is involved in every aspect of our lives, whether we choose to see Him or not. So, since He is there why not act like it? Let us be ever thankful and glad for each relationship we have and totally aware of Christ’s presence in each of those.

As the body, we are created for community. Find a friend to help keep you accountable for the next 31 days of devotionals.

You+ your friend + Christ = UNSTOPPABLE

So, let’s think about the cords in our lives, identify the strands and stand strong with them. Christ is our Lord and He saw it fit to give us community with one another.

I gotta tell ya, I’ve never been as happy as I am right now to find myself stranded and it’s because of the likes of you fine folk. Talk to you tomorrow. ☺

Katie

Hey Parents!

Its MAY!!! Here are a few updates!

Current Teaching Series: We have jumped into the book of 1 Corinthians! We will be studying this book until we launch into summer and focus on our summer theme (which is still a secret!). So far we have covered the issue of unity in the church, servant leadership, our role in holding each other accountable, and loving God in the place he has you. The rest of the series will cover the following: Freedom, worship, spiritual gifts, love, and hope for the church. We have been so blessed to see our high school students engage in Scripture. God has been moving powerfully in their hearts as they wrestle with integrating His commands into their EveryDayLife!

Summer Preview Night: YOU HAVE TO COME TO THIS!! You are invited on Wednesday, May 16^th to preview Summer 2012! We are inviting all parents of Junior High and High School students to come and get pumped about summer. The summer theme will be announced and you will get a chance to hear about the spiritual direction of the summer. We will talk about all of our trips, weekly events; give you a chance to ask questions, and an opportunity to sign up for River Romp. There will be funny videos, ice cream and a time of worship. You seriously don’t want to miss it.

Devotional Challenge: They say it only takes 21 days to create a habit….We are challenging the students to make a habit of spending time with God every day in the month of May. Every morning we will be posting a devotional on edlstudents.com. Pray that our students will encounter Christ in a deeper way as they make time to connect with Him every day. Please feel free to join us in the challenge!

Do you know how to shred guitar? Are you a Julliard trained dancer? Can you balance 26 cookie sheets on your forehead?

Well May 2nd is your night! Start practicing because on May 2nd we are having a night of Open Mic fun!

Hello

This year our EDL Missions Team will be heading to Bucerias, Mexico! We will be partnering with La Fuente Ministries to help support their current church planting effort. We will be helping with various work projects and also hosting a Vacation Bible School for the local kids. Our goal is to help support the Bucerias Missionaries in establishing and growing their church. Our prayer is that through the efforts of our VBS and various work projects the local people will be drawn the the church so they can be introduced to Jesus!

The team will be gone from July 1st through the 9th

Bucerias is located a couple hours outside of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Its a popular surfing location and tourist destination. However, outside of the city and into the jungle there is a church that was started 10 years ago. The church is there to meet the needs of the poor, needy, orphaned and those needing the hope of Jesus Christ

Check out the website at lafuenteriviera.com