Monthly Thought

July 2007

Will you step up?

As we approach camp, the excitement is getting unbearable and that is just for the leaders. But what we need to remember is that the main reason for camp is worshiping Jesus.

So many of us have renewed or committed our lives to Jesus but have fallen away when we return home. Think of Jesus as a coach and you are in His squad for the game. The team sheet goes on the wall and you are on the list, will you say "Yes I'll join you Lord". Or do you say "I'll be on the bench". You could make excuses like "I'm not ready yet or Lord choose someone else". I know I've said it enough times; we should be able to put our excuses aside because when the Lord calls we should be ready to answer.

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4 v18-22

Simon Peter dropped everything to follow Jesus into the game and gave 110% for him. At Whitaugh Park we are at summer training ready for when we go back to our lives away from camp. This is where you are called into the game, just like Simon and the others; you are called from the subs bench into the game. This is the time for you to make a decision. Do you give an excuse that means you can't join the game or do you get on the pitch and give 110% like Simon Peter did?

This isn't as easy as it seems like when we are on camp, the real world is a lot harder. Our non-Christian friends put all kinds of pressure to give up but you have to remember to stay strong and play your heart out. The young rich man in Matthew 19 v20-22 thought he had his life sorted but then Jesus asked him to sell everything he had and follow Him. He found it too hard and walked away sad because he realised that there was something he couldn't give up for Jesus. What can't you give up for Jesus and is really that important to you?

The week at camp will be amazing and there will be loads of great times and amazing worship. So have fun and be close to Jesus but remember to make that commitment to get into the game and play your heart out.

Toby Joyce