Spiked Student Ministries

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. – Ephesians 6:11

The city of Colorado Springs, is the home of the United States Olympic Training Center. Athletes from all over the country go there to train for the Olympic Games. And by the looks on their faces, they’re serious about it. They know they’ll have to compete against the best athletes in the world.
In the book of Jude, I find a similar sense of reality about the competition. Jude issues a warning to believers that we face a dangerous enemy. And the word pictures Jude paints of Satan’s followers are worthy of further study and consideration: He says they have gone the way of Cain and run greedily after the error of Balaam. He calls them clouds without rain; trees whose fruit withers; raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars for whom the blackness of darkness is reserved forever.

What does Jude tell us to do to prepare for this battle and gain the victory? “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life” (Jude 20-21).

Friend, that’s exactly what you and I need to do–continually build ourselves in the faith. We must guard our prayer times so that the pressures of daily living don’t crowd them out.

As I observe the Olympic athletes running, bicycling, and training around town, I’m reminded of my need to keep myself spiritually fit. It’s not a luxury, but a necessity for going head-to-head against a committed foe.

Prayer

Lord, help me to live each day on the basis of Your Word and what You’ve said I need to do to be spiritually fit. Amen.

To Ponder

Our enemy, Satan, is as real as if we could see him or touch him. We need to have a healthy respect for his subtle ways.

Devo – Navigators

by Doug Fields

There are so many areas of life that are damaging that we’re either unwilling and/or afraid to talk openly about. Porn is one of them.

I’m so tired of hearing about this! It breaks my heart when I see the grip it has on Christian leaders and it kills me knowing that our youth groups are full of teenagers who are dying in this battle/struggle.

I meet every week with a small group of 10th grade guys who I love deeply. They’re great kids, yet I know every single one of them struggles with lust/porn and is always one click away from a self-defeating spiral. This trap has a cost!

Neighboring youth worker and apologist, Sean McDowell wrote an interesting post on The Social Costs of Pornography. He writes:

Today’s pornography is different from any in the past in three ways. (1) Accessibility. The Internet has made porn ubiquitous. (2) Quality. Today’s porn is much more hardcore. (3) Consumption. Porn consumption has increased radically with the advent of the Internet. 69% of men and 10% of women report viewing pornography more than once a month. 87% of men admit using it in the past year. The researchers conclude, “In sum, there is evidence that more people—children, adolescents, and adults—are consuming pornography—sporadically, inadvertently, or chronically—than every before”.

Here are a few actions you and I might consider taking to help the awesome teenagers who are entrusted to our care and looking for help.

1. Be educated. Even if you are one of those who isn’t/hasn’t/won’t be tempted by pornography—that’s great…but, recognize that you’re in the minority. Don’t assume it’s not an issue for your teenagers. Get the facts. Do your homework. Know what’s happening.

2. Model accountability. I know there are dozens of great software and filter options out there, but I love the software developed by XXXchurch.com because it promotes accountability. We’re only as sick as our secrets and this software shares your “secret” with a friend—it forces you to talk about it when you fail. Check it out — for $7 a month it should be mandatory for family computers.

3. Talk openly. I took a risk when my small group was in 9th grade and said, “I’m just going to assume that pornography is an issue in your life. If it’s not, let us know—that’s great. But, based on my conversations with a lot of guys—I’m betting that you struggle with it.” Wow! That risk paid off. Great conversations followed. Guys signed each other for filters and accountability and it’s now an open subject in our small group. There was healing in them knowing that they’re not alone.

At times we run across stuff that just make you laugh….for know reason!

Band

Today in both Spiked HSM & Middle School we finished up the series “LSD”.  The last 4 weeks we have had some really good teaching in this series.  It has caused some good small group conversation and at home also.

Check out some pics from this Sunday.

November 6, 13 & 20th.  This is going to be a great series dealing with all the Junkmail we receive through the culture we live in.

POSTED BY REGGIE JOINER

The fall here at New Horizon Church is starting off Hot.  I just got back from my Honeymoon with Laura and we had a wonderful time.  Tonight I attended our 3rd parenting class of eight that will take place.  These classes have been so full of information and well taught by Rod & Susan Clayton.  I would recommend any parent(s) to come and soak in the great stuff.

We have also started our LSD (Love, Sex & Dating Series for our middle and high school students.  Here is the line up for this series:

Oct. 9 – Love - Chris Dula

Oct. 16 – Sex - Mrs. Dula

Oct. 23 –  Dating/Relationship Tim & Raylene  Merino

Oct. 30 – Question & Answer with Dwayne & Laura Sayre/Halloween Costume Dress up

We are so pumped about what is happening here at New Horizon Church.  Hope to see you this Sunday at 11am for middle school or 4:30 for high school.