He Is Alive

For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing

even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the

thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Our God is a living God. He lives and works all around us, including through us. I know many believe He is real, but how often are our actions saying that He is alive today. A lot of times we like to make excuses and say that by going to church or working in a church or ministry it shows that we believe God is “alive.” To many that is more than enough in showing He is real and truly alive. I don’t think it’s enough though; being a child of God is all about having an intimate and growing relationship with God. Once we decide to follow God were placing ALL our trust in Him, and that means obedience without fear of the risks. It means knowing He will protect us and give us the proper tools to overcome any obstacles.

Being a child of God involves being obedient and trusting in Him with whatever He asks us to do. We serve an amazing all powerful God who is capable of turning all bad into good and making the impossible possible. It’s never easy getting out of our comfort zones but it’s not just about us anymore. Sometimes simply being obedient to what God is calling us to do could be not for us but for the sake of others who may need God’s love to light up their path. We may not know the reason behind His call, but our job is to simply be obedient. Here’s a list of things God calls us to do throughout our whole lives. As your reading through the list ask yourself, “How am I living this out? Can those around me tell I am producing good fruit?”

1: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment.

2: The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

3. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

4. If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:1-25)

5. "Go and make disciples (tell them about #1 above) of all nations (of everyone in the world), baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:20)

6. 'And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God'. (Micah 6:8)

7. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:14)

Specific Praises and Prayer Requests for New Tech and George McGovern:

(Antonio works with Collision students in these 2 schools)

Thank God for all that He’s been doing at New Tech High. There has been so much growth not only in numbers but in interest of wanting to hear God’s word and doing more with it. The students are so constant and God is just doing amazing things in the students’ hearts.

Pray that God would speak through the New Tech High student leaders as they are discussing the lessons on a series on prayer. Also pray as well that they would be living examples of Christ.

At George McGovern Middle School pray that there would be consistency in those coming to Collision. Also pray that God would use Collision students to spark a flame for God in others’ hearts.

Pray that God would reveal to us, through the relationship we have with churches and youth ministries, those that are in the church that go to George Mc Govern Middle School. Pray that those students would come together in unity to start a movement of God at their school.

Prayer and Praise for the ministry in general:

Praise and prayer for financial provision for ministry and the staff.

Praise and pray for more volunteers. We have a need for another volunteer in Harrisburg, a volunteer to pregnant mothers, and volunteers for 50+ Native American youth.

Pray for more student leaders and student missionaries at Washington High School.

Pray for God-given plans for this summer. We would like to add 60 more volunteers over the summer.

#AntonioOlivaresJohnson