Music (I'm sure it's part one or part of a mini series)

Hey afterSHOCK,

     So, Jen and I were going through some music that was requested for a party.  I hate to say that I was shocked when I read the lyrics and was aware of the content, but I was. 
     I know as a young person the beat and style of the music is what usually gets your attention. (hey, it works that way with all of us)  Once you decide you like a particular band or artist, you usually start to follow them on facebook, buy their cds, go to their concerts, read their tweets, and do whatever else they are involved with.  However, I have a million dollar question for you... Are you aware of the content, the language, and the topics the artists are pushing?!  If you are, why are you still listening?
     As a young person who is attempting to live a life that is holy and acceptable unto Christ, there are some things you MUST put to the side.  As a Christian young person, you are searching for the very heartbeat of God and learning to take a stand against such things as pre-marital sex, drugs, drinking, inappropriate behavior, and the like.  So how then can you take a stand against it, if you're singing along to it? 
     Jesus Christ himself said, "No man can serve two masters."  He went on to say that you will either love one and hate the other; stay close to one and despise the other. 
     The music you allow to play through your ipods and cd players WILL find a place in your heart and mind to grow.  As you follow the artist(s), you can and will be enticed by the lifestyle they portray and promote.  What may start out as liking the beat of the music can turn into; living the lifestyle the music promotes.
     If you're a young person on a journey towards Christ who desires to live for Him, worship Him, and serve Him; you need to take the time to go through that ipod artist database and through that cd case.  Don't have the lyrics?  Look 'em up... CHRISTIAN ARTISTS INCLUDED!  Just because they have a 'Christian' label does not mean they ARE Christian in content and lifestyle.
     Need some help on keeping the RIGHT musical influences?  Here's a good scripture to help.
     Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
     I love you young people, and I'm always praying for you.  Have questions?  Need some helpful insight?  Drop me a line.  I'll do whatever I can to help ya.
     To be continued....

     Love,
     DK
  

Ohio Mid-Winter Youth Retreat

SPEAKER:
MAIN SPEAKER:
Paul Price - Springdale, Arkansas

SPLIT SESSION SPEAKERS:Aaron Bounds - Josh McDonald
Cyndi Bounds - Kristin Keller
Pete Gardiner - Garrin Griffith
Paul & Brooke Pamer
Adam & Leslie Rios
Josh & Rachel Carson


SCHEDULE:
Friday, February 4, 2011
4:00pm - Registration Begins
8:00pm - Pre-Service
8:30pm – Service
11:00pm-2am - FREEZE
Akron University Field House (INDOOR FOOTBALL FIELD)
- Volleyball, SOFTBALL, Basketball, Dodgeball,
Ping Pong, Flag Football, Battle of the Bands!!!!!
Pizza & Pop FREE!!!!

Saturday, February 5, 2011
9:30am – Jump Start (Morning Wake Up Games) – Youth in Main Auditorium
9:30am – Youth Workers Gathering w/ Paul Pamer – (Coffee & Donuts) - Annex
9:45am - Split Sessions (Guys, Girls, PK’s, Young Adults, Seniors in HS)
11:00am – General Session w/ Paul Price (Everyone Together) – Main Auditorium

REGISTRATION:
Pastors admitted for FREE, but must Register for Entry
Early Registration - $25 (Due by January 15)
Late Registration - $35 (After January 15)
Send Registration to:
Mid-Winter Youth Retreat (Checks Payable to)
659 Locust St Coshocton Ohio 43812

HOTEL INFO:
Cambria Suites | Cost: $69 per night | 1787 Thorn Drive - Uniontown, OH, 44685-9573 | Phone: (330) 899-1990

Hampton Inn | Cost: $89 per night | S 880 Arlington rd. East - Akron, OH 44312 | Phone: 330-644-6579

Holiday Inn | Cost: $89 per night | S 880 Arlington rd. East - Akron, OH 44312 | Phone: 330-644-6579

Fairfield Inn & Suites | Cost: $69 per night | 1025 Interstate Pkwy - Akron, OH 44312 | Phone: 1-330-245-0041

10 - 15 Minute Prayer

Hey afterSHOCK,

     In class today we talked about prayer.  The power of prayer, why we pray, how to pray,.. we even talked about the prayer sandwich.  More specifically, I told you guys that if you would dedicate at least 10-15 minutes every day specifically to prayer you would see real growth in your spiritual lives.
     Well, I want to challenge you today.  Set a goal of prayer for at least 10-15 minutes every day.  Don't just do it because I'm challenging you, but do it because you want to see God move in your life.  Do it to so God can show Himself to you, reveal things to you, become close to you.  I have just one request, leave a comment here on the blog to let us know how much of a blessing your life is receiving because of your dedication.
     I promise you, if you will move towards God, He will move towards you!

     Love you afterSHOCK, you're a great group to lead!
     DK