Georgia Youth Camp

I just got back from an amazing week at Camp Timberlake in Forsyth City.
And when I say amazing, I mean amazing.

Not only was meeting new people and getting to play team games fun, but the worship and sermons was fantastic too!
When I first came to know Jesus, every time I worshiped I usually ended up bawling my eyes out because I was just so overwhelmed by Him. When I was younger I also had a very hard time forgiving myself even when I knew Jesus had forgiven me for everything I'd done. But now, I have been able to accept and forgive myself that I was a sinner before I came into the grace of God and I can be happy while I worship because that's not separating me from God anymore.

Here's a few things I journaled during the sermons that I wanted to share-

• God is for the here and now not just for later.

Okay, this is so true. I had a friend tell me one time that she just wanted to have fun and live her life the way she wanted to and later on in life she'd submit to God. The main problem with this statement is that you are not promised tomorrow. You just aren't. You have no idea when you could cease to live. So why chance it? God is for today, tomorrow, next month.. not just when you want Him!

• You can only battle in the flesh for so long before you get tired.
• Fatigue will make a coward out of everyone.

You cannot go into a spiritual battle by yourself and expect to win. You will become fatigued and get tired and the enemy will take over.
In Ephesians 6:13-18 it says "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." 
So don't allow yourself to get fatigued. Put on the armor of God so you can win your battles over the devil.

• If you don't kill sin, it will kill you!
• Feed your faith and your fears will starve. 

If you're feeding into your fears and sinful nature instead of your faith, they will kill you. The devil is going to tempt us with things that are alluring and attractive in our eyes and spark our fears. But if you feed your faith the devil cannot touch you.

• If God called you to do it, He'll equip you to do it.

If God has called you to do something in life, whether it be a doctor, missionary, worship leader, teacher, youth pastor, etc... He will make it happen for you. So don't stress and worry! If it is in God's plan He will make it happen for you. Just make sure you're ready and willing to do it.

• God takes you in stages through life and what He has planned for you.

God may not reveal everything to you at once. Two years ago God told me I'd be doing work in Uganda. I had no idea how I'd do it or what I'd be doing there but Uganda was the first thing he revealed to me about my future. Last year God told me that I'm going to be a doctor. Still had no idea how that would happen since medical school is such a large sum of money. And in these past few months I've been called to join the Military. God is the Provider. So don't get frustrated when He won't reveal something to you all at once and don't worry about how you will make it happen, because He will make it all fall into place for you. Just make sure you have your eyes and ears open.

• The will of God is not boundaried by anyone's wants or wishes.

God really gets me on this point. A lot of the time, when I'm in the moment I'll just tell God, "I really want this! Make it work for me!" And it's like slapping God in the face. You may want that one relationship to work out or go on that big missionary trip with your church. But if it doesn't work out God is not doing it to hurt you. He just has something better for you planned. So don't get angry or upset with God if He doesn't give in to your wants and wishes. He knows what He's doing has something much more fantastic planned.