Chop Chop

I feel we as Selah Youth ministries are moving forward with more strength and depth than ever before. After the Holy Culture retreat, the idea had sparked of how we need to build the individuals who have committed to serving Jesus. One of the first things we are doing as a youth leadership is gathering together on scheduled Thursday evenings and watching DVDs from the Preach the Word conference and having a time of Q&A afterwards to concentrate what is the need for the youth and how we can build them together. Also, I am currently working on a Bible note taking course through the book of 1 John called the Chop Chop, which the title was an inspiration from Ambassadors latest album called 'The Chop Chop' as we will take the word into bite size pieces and chew on every bit we can so we are thoroughly saturated with Gods nutritional word. I believe this will help build these young people in the knowledge of Gods word and stir that hunger for His presence and His will. We ask that you will continue to pray for the youth of this desert community of this whole Morongo Basin.

Holy Culture Retreat

Hey Family, 

We just got back from one of the best youth retreats we have ever been a part of. It was very solid and full of a lot of commitments to Jesus Christ and the study of His word. Our theme was Holy Culture which sprung from the verse in 1 Peter 2:9 that tells us that 'we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation'. The challenge was to learn about the Holy God we serve and how we to live a Holy life, totally set apart and unique unto Him. All the teachers from Pastor Pete, Evan Wickham, and Billy Weaver were on point and left the teens very challenged every time. 

At this point I feel very compelled to seek the Lords will on what to do to continue this stirring going on with these teens by building them in the word of God. It is very true how Paul said, 'Paul plants, Apollos waters, and God brings forth the increase', because that is what has been happening. It blew me away to wake up in the morning before the sunrise and head over to the chapel and see teens that were up and dressed before the sunrise meditating on the word before I was. I rejoice in all this and pray that this change will become contagious to all that hang around these hungry teens for the living God. 

Be Inspired,

Chris 'Wags' Wagner

Great Gain

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain" 1 Timothy 6:6 When we think of great gain, we may think of money, status, bling, and power. But, true gain is godliness, this means 'likeness of God'. In everything we do we should reflect His glory by hearing His word and acting upon it. This is also mixed with contentment, which means 'being satisfied with what you have, not desiring anything else'. Godliness with contentment is the great gain. When you are content only in God and giving Him glory you are truly satisfied. It is when you have come to the place of only thirsting for the living God like Psalm 42:1-2. It is when you understand and believe the words of Jesus, "What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?". What is your great gain? What will be your great gain this new year of 2009? Selah