NS20

^"6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus."

(That's from Ephesians 2:6, NLT)

Read this verse a few times, and be sure you don't miss out on what this is saying!

What does it say to you about our Savior's love?

Thanks for reading....check back tomorrow for another post and check your phones too!

Have a superb Saturday.

NS19

^...."5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)"

(That's from Ephesians 2:5, NLT)

I feel like this verse could be read and focused on for the next few days. To me, it's great news to read. To know that I don't have to live by or respond to my evil desires and live a life that is dry and dead.....and that my sins committed are covered! My sinful nature/ being= covered as well! I have freedom when I live according to His grace and love!!! And it is only by His grace that I have been saved....I didn't do anything to deserve it either!

If Christ lives in you- you have life! Live like it!

Use this verse to challenge yourself. Is there anything in your life that doesn't reflect the life Jesus gave you?

Check back tomorrow for another post...check your phones too!

Have a fantastic Friday!

NS18

"4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,"

(That's from Ephesians 2:4, NLT)

Be sure to check your phones and back here on the blog tomorrow for the next verse!

Have a good Thursday!

NS17

^"3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. "

(That is from Ephesians 2:3, NLT) (The verse texted out to all was from the CEV of the Bible.)

The next few weeks worth of verses will be right out of the book of Ephesians- which is written by the same guy who wrote 1 Timothy. His name is Paul, and in this book, he writes a lot about what it means to be 'made alive in Christ', and the sort of plans that God has for our future.

( BTW-Thanks to everyone for dealing with the extreme texting shorthand! YOU ARE AWESOME if you where able to make out what the verse said!)

In this verse, it's important to understand that Paul is saying we where born sinners. It's in our nature to sin. We sin, and fail at satisfying God's justice system- leaving us with the penalty of death.

Use this verse to deepen your understanding in why we need a savior who justifies us before God.

Check back here, on the Summer Fuel Blog, for another verse tomorrow!

&Have a wonderful Wednesday!

NS16

^"17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen."

(That's 1 Timothy 1:17, NLT)

Over the past week, we've been reading from first Timothy. This verse wraps it up, and I couldn't think of a better way to do so!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for more!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

NS15

^"16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life."

(This is from 1 Timothy 1:16, NLT) (The verse sent out via text messaging was from the NIV of the Bible.)

**TO ALL YOU TEXTERS: Allow me to apologize for cutting that verse short. Unfortunately- our text messaging system only allows 133 characters...therefore only so much can go out at a time. Hopefully you are all 'text savvy' enough to understand what it says!

Okay. Back to 1st Timothy.

I find this verse encouraging, because it's all about God using our suffering, mistakes, weaknesses, and flaws to bring Him glory. That's what God did with Paul---He took the "worst of sinners", and used him to show other's His love, patience, strength, faithfulness, grace, and just all around goodness! But God didn't stop with Paul.....He saved you and I for that very reason as well! God wants to use our lives to tell other's about His love, His grace, and His life changing power.

When is the last time you did this?

Has God used your life as an example for others?

Can God use your life as an example of His greatness for others? (& since the answer is yes), then how?

Have a marvelous Monday!

NS14

^"15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'

—and I am the worst of them all."

(That's from 1 Timothy 1:15, NLV)

Wow. Preach it, Paul! Read this verse again, and try dissecting it bit by bit.

"This is a trustworthy saying,"

This just complements what we already know to be %100 true words from God, as it is found in the Bible. When we read this, our minds are being reassured that what we read is true. I love worshiping a God who was and is aware of how stubborn my mind can be even while reading Scripture.

"and everyone should accept it:"

This is simple to read...simple to understand....a bit challenging to do. Keep reading...

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

Don't miss this! Read it again. If you are a sinner, then Jesus came into the world to die for YOU. To save YOU. Because He loved YOU. YOU-- a sinner. Insane.

Oh...and not just you.Jesus came into the world to save: the rebellious, the addicts, the broken, the outcasts, the racists, the crooks, the skeptics, the gluttons, kidnappers, murderers, jerks, and liars, and the list could go on and on!

"—and I am the worst of them all."

In the King James Version of this verse, it reads,"...that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." How low is the Lord willing to go to save sinners? Who is he willing to forgive?

Here, Paul is claiming (by his own admission) to be the worst sinner of them all. I find it interesting that he doesn't say he was the worst sinner, or that he was the chief. Paul says "Of whom I AM".

-Of the people you know, whose lives have been radically transformed by Christ, like Paul?

-How has God changed your heart?

-Is this change apparent to others? & why or why not?

I pray that you ask yourselves those questions as you reflect on this verse!

Have a fantastic Sunday!

NS13

^"14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."

(That's from 1 Timothy 1:14, NIV)

If you read more about Paul in the New Testament, you find that he is driven by this urge to share his story and God's grace with others. Paul had experienced the wonder of God's undeserved kindness...Paul had experienced God's grace!

Under God's justice- Paul was worthy of death.

Under God's grace, that is found in Jesus alone- Paul was given a New Start!

According to Romans 3:23....

Under God's justice- you are worthy of death.

According to Romans 3:24....

Under God's grace, that is found in Jesus alone- you are given a New Start!

(Or..."New Shot, New Story" if you will...)

Reflect on the grace that Jesus has given you in your life.

How has Jesus shown you "faith" &" love" in your life?

In what ways does your life proclaim God's grace?

Are you willing to share God's grace with others like Paul did?

I pray that you reflect on these verses in a real way. I pray that you let them transform you!

Have a wonderful Saturday!

*(For more on Paul and his 'grace sharing'- check out Acts 24!)

NS12

^"13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief."

(That's from 1 Timothy 1:13, NIV)

This is Paul's description of himself before Jesus saved him. He refers to himself as a "blasphemer", a "persecutor", and a "violent man". In a nut shell, Paul is a sinner. Despite all that, Jesus saved Paul. He loved Paul, forgave Paul, and used Paul in incredible ways.

Do you have a 'Paul' story?

What words would you use to describe yourself before Jesus changed your heart?

Perhaps they aren't as dramatic as "persecutor"- or maybe they are. No matter what sin we've been involved in- God's grace is still more than enough for us, and we are in no more or less desperate need of it!

Maybe take a few minutes to reflect on how awesome God's mercy is and how undeserving we truly are.

For more on Paul's story, check out Acts Chapters 7, 8, & 9.

NS 11

Today's verse starts a new 20-day section of thoughts from Paul. Paul was this guy like many of us who thought he was living life pretty good only to have God show up and change him forever. I hope as you read a verse a day from his story and his prayers for us, that you will continue to reflect on how God is changing YOU!

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service." - 1 Timothy 1:12

NS 10

Today's verse is...

¹⁹ When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.

This verse wraps up our NS Scripture from Proverbs 10:10-29. We're continuing to pray that God is helping you tell a new story with your lives as you take on this new shot at reading Scripture.

Check back tomorrow for another NS update, and thanks again for reading!

NS 9

¹⁸ He who conceals his hatred has lying lips,
and whoever spreads slander is a fool.

Reflect on this, and check back tomorrow. Have a great day!

NS 8

¹⁷ He who heeds discipline shows the way to life,
but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Read this verse a few times and don't forget to ask yourself:

How is what I'm reading going to change my life or alter my course?
How will this challenge me in my current state of being?

NS 7

16 The wages of the righteous bring them life,
but the income of the wicked brings them punishment.

Be sure to check back tomorrow- and thanks for reading and being awesome by taking on this challenge!

NS 6

Today's verse is...

¹⁵ The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,
but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

Maybe ask yourself- "What does this really mean?"

NS 5

¹⁴ Wise men store up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

Read over this Scripture a few times, and then ask yourself how this could apply to you and your daily life.

Thanks for reading-- and don't forget to check back tomorrow for another NS up-date!

NS 4

¹³ Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning,
but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

NS 3

¹² Hatred stirs up dissension,
but love covers over all wrongs.

(dis·sen·sion n.- Difference of opinion; disagreement.)

Hopefully you'll reflect on this, and think of how it can apply to your life.

Keep checking back for daily NS updates!

Thanks!

NS 2

Today's verse is...

11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.

Thanks for checking out the blog--We're praying that you let this verse challenge you, and don't forget to check back tomorrow for another NS update!

NS DAY 1

^{At FUEL this Sunday, we were challenged to read the Bible to change who we are. Each day between now and August 15th, we will be sending a new verse for you to reflect on and apply to your life. We're going to take a new look at Scripture as we let it change our lives. As you read the verse a few times over, practice asking these questions:
How is what I'm reading going to change my life or alter my course?
How will this challenge me in my current state of being?
You may want to journal these responses as a way of internalizing what you read!}

^{The next 10 days will be scripture found in Proverbs chapter 10:}

¹⁰ He who winks maliciously causes grief,
and a chattering fool comes to ruin.

Thanks for checking out the Summer Fuel Blog! We're praying that as you take a new shot at reading scripture God will help you tell a new story with your lives. Thanks again- and check back tomorrow for another NS up-date!

The Final Winner Is...

Congratulations Olivia Bell!

Congratulations Olivia! You have won the final Fuel Mobile Movie Trivia question!

The correct answer was: Saint Bernard

Thanks for playing guys, and we’ll see you tomorrow for FUEL @ 5PM in the NLC!

Don’t miss out….it’s gonna be a lot of fun! (And don’t forget to bring a friend!)

WINNER! WINNER!

Congratulations Avery Kempton-- for being the first to text back the correct answer!!! (Which was Tom Hanks)

You've won today's movie trivia question!

If you're sad because you didn't win....cheer up! You have the chance to play one more time tomorrow!

Avery, you can pick up your prize at FUEL which is this Sunday, July 11th, @ 5PM in the NLC!!!

Only 2 more days guys! See you Sunday!

Chap Stick

Today's Text Trivia Winner Is.....

Amanda Aviles!!!

Congratulations Amanda! You can come pick up your prize this Sunday at FUEL!

The correct answer was 'Dog', but 'German Shepard' would have worked too.

Thanks for playing everyone! You still have 2 more chances to become the winner of the Texting Trivia!

3 DAYS UNTIL THE NEXT SUMMER FUEL! GET EXCITED! SEE YOU THERE!

Desert Battle

Desert Battle!

Today's Text Trivia Winner!

Hey students! Today's text trivia winner is

Alex Dowlin!

We would have taken Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, or George Clooney. Thanks again for your texts.

4 days till Fuel! Get pumped! I hear they are doing more greenscreen films...

Nemo

Our very own Ethan Magness making his underwater debut! Enjoy this clip from Finding Nemo.

Today's Winner!

Today's trivia text winner with an answer of Davey Jones is...

Bella Ashe!!!

Thanks for your texts; they have been fantastic! You can pick up your prize this Sunday at Fuel from 5-8. Invite your friends, it's gonna be epic!!!

Floating Head

Enjoy!

Sorry for the delay

Today's text trivia winner is Stephanie Harris! Thanks for playing and you can pick up your prize at FUEL this Sunday from 5-8!

Check back for more videos and pictures! Happy Tuesday

Text Trivia Winner

And the winner is: Hannah Appel! Congratulations Hannah.

The correct answer is: beavers

You can pick up your magnificent prize at FUEL on July 11th from 5-8! Don't forget to check back and see all the fun videos and pictures we are going to put up! Happy Friday!

SF

Darth Maul

Check out this hysterical Darth Maul video from Summer Fuel!



Check back later for today's movie trivia question and for your chance to win a great prize!

It's Trivia Time!

Can you believe that we are only ten days away from our next FUEL?

Post your answer in the comments below! Include your first and last name in the post so that we can be ready to give you your prize on July 11th. The first person to answer correctly wins!

So here it is:

Whose name did Rocky Balboa shout from the boxing ring in the first Rocky movie?

Good luck!!

UPDATE: Congratulations, to Lauren Duzan!! You can pick up your fabulous prize on Sunday July 11th at Fuel from 5 till 8PM.

TEN Days to Go!

The second Summer Fuel is July 11th. That is ten days away. Be sure to invite your friends and get ready for a great night of fun and frivolity. Also, be sure to check back here for videos and photos from the first week and lots of information about all the fun on July 11th.

Plus trivia contests start tonight!