SuMMeR-tiMe!!

What's Up CWC Youth and Young Adults?!

Summertime is here! I'm subconsciously hearing DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince in the background, playing "...Summer, Summer, Summertime, Time to sit back and unwind." (For people under the age of 21 you have no clue what I'm talking about... google it! lol) I miss the days of summer when it seemed like for a season responsibilities would vanish and the only thing on the agenda was having fun. Now instead of the sun, pressure becomes the source of heat, causing drops of worry, anxiety, and frustration to bead against my forehead, but one thing remains true, He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty, God is the best source of shade.

I was meditating on the word that Pastor preached Sunday morning, and God really met me. I can't stress it enough there is something special that takes place when all distractions of television, radio, computers, and telephones are off and its just quiet time with God, it is as if you can hear Him speak so clearly in that still small voice. (I Kings 19:12).

I have been thinking about how genuine worship requires us to empty ourselves of everything we are, so God can fill us with all of who He is. This is not always easily accomplished. Think about all that we are, our past, our preconceived notions, everything we have been taught right or wrong has made us who we are today, and God requires us relinquish all of it and lay it at His feet. Paul said in Philippians 3:1-10, (please read it is really fascinating) everything that he's learned and obtained he counted it as dung (rubbish, refuse...I could go into further detail, but I'll stop right there) so that he could win Christ.

My desire for my Christ is present, but the question is does my desire for Jesus, supersede my desire to hold on and maintain me? My behavior has been shaped by my experiences, and I am not sure if I want to be that vulnerable before God or anyone else, because I place myself in jeopardy of being hurt. Or if I let go of what I love the most, what will I be left with? I will submit to you that whatever you are holding on to is occupying the space that God wants to have in your life. With God it is all or nothing. Paul begs us that we present our bodies a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God, and doesn't deem this a large request, but calls it our reasonable service. (Romans 12:1) I am adopting Paul's mentality of dying daily (I Corinthians 15:31) Less of me and more of Jesus is my prayer. When we let go completely of who we and relinquish control to God He can mold us and make us in his image and in his likeness, and prepares us for all that he wants to deposit in us.

Just as Pastor Woods spoke to us, IF my people who are called by name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Here is the prescription for a move of God! This summer, let's turn up the heat. Let's take our individual relationships with God to another level through empting ourselves, so God can fill us with His presence and power.

This Summer I want to see everyone at our Christian Education Sessions, the young adult classes have truly become word encounters with God, and thank you all for your biblical questions via phone and email, they have stretched me and caused my to dig deeper in the word for biblical answers. Regardless of which service you attend, please participate in Christian Education. Also Bible Study is imperative, so that we can gain be shaped through solid biblical teaching. On each 3rd Saturday @ 12 noon it will be a day for the family, youth and young adults will meet right here at the church for a few hours of spiritual enrichment, fun, and fellowship. Don't miss it! I am striving for at least 50 young adults on 3rd Saturday! Finally, just a sneak peak of events to come... 1.) We are working on a youth blog page will let you know the release date for that. 2.) On July 31st we will be attending a youth conference in Stockton , and riding down together, and then going to dinner afterwards. 3.) Our Fall all night prayer will be perhaps the greatest one we have ever had, it will be "A Walk through the Temple " that's all I can say right now, it is going to be crazy!!!

I love you all more than you will ever know. Call or email anytime! mrchrisf@hotmail.com or 510 823 4389.

Blessings,
Christopher FosterYouth Pastor, Covenant Worship Centeraka Pastor Chris aka PC (Mahini and Tonesha) aka PastoferFoster (Ain) aka C-Note (Brandelyn, Jennifer, Tiana, Lal, Terrance) Those are all of the nicknames I could think that you all have given thus far...wait aka Fireman (Leandrew and Kasey)