The GODencounters Blog

Endurance

2012-02-02T15:14:00.001-08:00

It seems that everywhere you look these days, it’s politics, politics, politics. The more you listen, the more negative it gets; often downright nasty! And you might be thinking to yourself that it’s never been this bad before…has it? Where we’ve moved beyond simple disagreement to outright hatred of those with ideas differing from ours…often even in the name of religion!
Jesus warns us about the toxic atmosphere we find ourselves in now. He said:

“Many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matt. 24:10-13

Does that sound like the nightly news to you? But Jesus doesn’t leave it at the doom and gloom. He gives us hope! “The one who endures…will be saved.” But with such overwhelming negativity everywhere, how can we do that? Peter, nearing the end of his life and having endured quite a lot of persecution has this advice for his fellow believers on how to endure:

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
“In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
“The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.
“So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away.” II Peter 1:3-10

So if you are feeling bogged down by the 24/7 onslaught of negativity, or if you’re struggling with something else all together, hang on to Jesus. Don’t be overwhelmed, but overcome with His help! After all, His promise to every one of us is “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.” (Heb. 13:5, Deut. 31:6, 8).
How great a Master we serve!
Encounter: How has Jesus been there for you this week?

Invisible by Tim Goff

2012-01-31T18:21:00.001-08:00

WORD: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:17, NIV.
THOUGHT: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1, NIV. Yes Lord I am reading this but… but that is sooooo NOT like me. I want to see, hear and then believe! I want to see your glory and see your face and see the way you smile with grace. I want to hear your voice, catch the tone and inflection of what you are saying and draw from THIS my trust. But you have chosen to make yourself “invisible.”
Jesus, you spoke about the importance of having eyes to see and ears to hear. Well do you want me to see you and hear your voice? I am waiting…. Lord you want me to follow you but how can I follow if I can not see and hear you? My senses are all I have to know what is going on around me. So what shall it be Lord? What good are eyes and ears if I can not see and hear you? Yet — You — healed the blind and gave them sight. Now I am really confused. Lord, I am beginning to understand that You must have a very different plan than what I would expect.
Open the eyes of my heart Lord and open the ears of my soul so that I may experience You Lord, for nothing I have, neither my eyes, ears, touch, smell, nor taste can do it for me. I can’t get in touch or hear You with my abilities. Therefore if I am to have fellowship with the Invisible — then it must be true that You meet your people by some other way. Is that what revelation is?
Okay I am starting to get it Lord. I need - to forget my expectations and abilities — and open my heart to inspiration from You. So Lord, since I can not seek You through my senses does this mean that I can not seek You at all; much less find You? After all how could I find You without my senses, for that is all I have. If so, then how does this all happen?
Is it possible that my worship of You is not so much about me seeking You but is rather my response to what You are already putting in my heart? Wow this is getting interesting
Lord (and heavy). If this is true, then my worship, prayers, songs and devotions are a free response to a heart-calling. You must have put there in the first place — Which means that since I cannot seek an invisible God then You are the One seeking me — and — and this means that all my spiritual strength and all my understanding of eternal things comes from You in the first place!! Whoa.
Yes Lord, then open the eyes of my heart and open the ears of my soul, that I can sense
Your presence and know You instead of all the images, sounds, smells, tastes and feelings I have so that I might know You. O that my response could be a reflection without fingerprints or smudges, of what You are allowing me to see in my heart about You. Thank You Lord for putting this love in my heart (and being invisible).
ENCOUNTER: What do you sense? [beyond your senses]

GODencounters: Pursuing a 24/7 Experience of Jesus

2009-04-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

Looking for a discipleship guide for your young adults? Eager to deepen the devotion of new generations to Jesus? GODencounters may be just what you are looking for.

GODencounters: Pursuing a 24/7 Experience of Jesus, which calls young adults into a deeper life with Christ, is long overdue. Young adults have long needed a voice that spoke directly to their spiritual, emotional, and social needs. Unique and out-of-the-ordinary, GODencounters will reach hearts where other printed books may not. Crafted by young adults and those who minister with them, GODencounters is different, interactive, thought provoking, introspective, and practical. I’m certain young adults who experience Jesus through GODencounters will be blessed in extraordinary ways.
- Bill Wood, Director, Atlantic Union Conference Youth & Young Adult Ministries

GODencounters: Pursuing a 24/7 Experience of Jesus explores the heart of a young adult movement recklessly living for GOD's renown. Authors Lynell LaMountain, Shayna Bailey, and A. Allan Martin, anchor an eclectic constellation of heartfelt entries which share an honest hunger to live in GOD's presence continually. Just released by Pacific Press, GODencounters is now available online or at your local Adventist Book Center.

GODencounters: Pursuing a 24/7 Experience of Jesus offers new generations a holy invitation to live life in His presence. It is raw and honest about this life, offering real experiences and real encouragement from other GODfollowers. Young adults are not the only ones who will be transformed. I highly recommend GODencounters!
- James Black, Director, North American Division Youth & Young Adult Ministries [YPAC]

Available for bulk orders and special pricing, GODencounters, makes a great graduation or baptismal gift. It is a provocative discipleship study guide for individuals and young adult groups. Use it as a spiritual conversation starter with new generations, especially those who have left their faith or have yet to meet Jesus. Pick up GODencounters today, http://www.adventistbookcenter.com/GODencounters
For more information on bulk orders or special event pricing, contact Sharon Lewis at Pacific Press, 208-465-2544.

GODencounters Book Club

2008-08-23T06:15:00.001-07:00

We're reading Blackaby's Experiencing GOD and invite you to join in.
If you are not acquainted with this title, I have attached a book review to better familiarize you with this classic discipleship read: http://ignitionblog.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/join-us-in-experiencing-god-together/

Look for weekly blogs at the IGNITIONblog sharing thoughts and insights about each chapter. Feel free to invite others to join in too, even if they aren't close by; The web makes it simple to participate no matter where you or they are.

Beyond the blogs, find extended online discussions on
facebook - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2227038501
myspace - http://groups.myspace.com/GEbookclub
encounters cafe - http://www.GODencounters.org

Please join us. I am eager for your participation and hope this will be a GOD honoring way of deepening our devotion to Jesus.

GO WIDE

2008-06-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

New Jersey GODencounters will be held June 21 & 28, 2008, at the Tranquil Valley Retreat Center, milemarker 23, State Hwy 517, Tranquility, NJ 07879, with Matt Gamble, Malou Cornago, Oscar Rodriguez, Damian Chandler, and worship led by Jr Bonilla and the Cherry Hill Gang. Festivities begin at 10:00 AM. For more information call 609-392-7131 ext 211.

The theme this year is 'Go Wide!' however before we 'Go' for Jesus we must encounter Him and that is our goal for our time together. This jubilee celebration will be a time of worship, fellowship, networking, inspiration but above all time with our Creator.

For the first time at our New Jersey camp meeting we'll have a separate venue and location for young adult worship and fellowship. We're transforming the 'craft building' into the 'green room', a kick back sanctuary lounge for us to connect with God and each other. One of the features of this lounge will be a 'prayer room' where you can dialog with God experientially.

At sundown, we will conclude the meeting with a fun game of beach volleyball. Bring your game. Hope to see you there. For more information email njyouth@aol.com or call 609-392-7131 ext. 211.
-Laffit Cortez, pastorlaffit@aol.com

Worship 24/7

2008-06-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

Pennyslvania Conference GODencounters will be June 20 & 21, 2008, at the Blue Mountain Elementary Gym, 45 Woodland Terrace, Hamburg, PA 19526. Young adults are invited to enjoy refreshments, encounters cafe, and worship sessions featuring Matthew Gamble and artist, Erich Mace. Opening night is Friday at 7:00 PM. For more information go to http://www.paconference.org/article.php?id=137 or call Kris Eckenroth, 610-374-8331, ext. 212.

Worship as a Way of Life

2008-05-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

GODencounters is a growing movement of young adults wholeheartedly seeking a 24/7 experience with GOD, recklessly living for His renown.

When: May 28-31, 2008
Where: Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventist/Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, TN

Encounters Café: A time of relaxed worship and fellowship with intentional direction

Times/Details:
• Wednesday, May 28 @ 7:30pm: Encounters Café
Location: KR’s Place (student center on the 3rd floor of Wright Hall, Southern Adventist University)
Worship Leader: Frank Farkash

• Thursday, May 29 @7:30pm: Encounters Café
Location: KR’s Place
Worship Leader: Joe Horness

• Friday, May 30 @ 7:30pm: GODencounters Conference
Location: Collegedale Church Sanctuary
Worship Leader: Joe Horness
Featured Speaker: Sam Leonor

• Saturday, May 31 @ 10:00am: GODencounters Conference
Location: Collegedale Church Sanctuary
Worship Leader: Joe Horness
Featured Speaker: Sam Leonor

• Saturday, May 31 @ 7:00pm: GODencounters Conference
Location: Collegedale Church Sanctuary
Worship Leader: Frank Farkash
Featured Speaker: Sam Leonor

Accommodations: Rooms are available in Thatcher Hall at Southern Adventist University ($37/night). Reservations should be made through Linda Davis at the Georgia-Cumberland Conference Office: lindadavis@gccsda.com or 800.567.1844. ***Adventist Christian Fellowship students contact Lisa Hope for reduced room rate information (lisa@adventhouse.org)

If you have questions or need more information, contact Lisa Hope (lisa@adventhouse.org)

“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” -- Jeremiah 24/7

The Kingdom of GOD is a Party & U R Invited!

2008-04-18T05:28:00.001-07:00

40 Days of GODencounters

2008-04-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago a handful of young adults began a journey, returning to the heart of worship. Coined GODencounters it was and still is their desire to see new generations wholeheartedly pursue a 24/7 experience of the living GOD. With thousands of young adults poised to gather throughout the country,
daring to deepen their intimacy with Christ,
recklessly living for His renown,
GODencounters begins as it has for the past 7 years--

inviting you to join us in 40 days of prayer and devotion.

Over the coming days find at the IGNITION blog and at the GODencounters website devotional entries to aid in your prayers and meditation on the theme-- Jubilee.

As we prepare for the GODencounters Conference, coming Memorial Day weekend to Central Florida, we are reminded that the Kingdom of GOD is a Party. We seek to experience the joy of the Living God in all that we are, in all that we do, and in all that say. We are learning to live a life of joyous celebration because of our Lord and Savior Jesusrejoicing and joining in His delight.

In addition to the Florida gathering, a GODencounters Conference will be held the following weekend in Tennessee, just outside of Chattanooga; a GODfest will come to San Luis Obispo the end of May.

The latter part of June will see GODencounters Conferences coming to Washington State, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Texas will soon reveal the GODencounters weekends slated to occur throughout the Lone Star state. So there are many gatherings to pray over, but as significant is our desire to pray over the transformation process GOD is working in young adult lives daily.

So we intend to pray with intensity over these days seeking to follow GOD's footsteps and joining Him in what He is doing.
We aim to give focus to GOD in these 40 days, continuing to be morphed into a reflection of Jesus.
We are ignited to disciple and be discipled.
And we are inviting YOU. Come and join us in these days of GODencounters.

encounters cafe this summer near you

2008-03-30T04:15:00.000-07:00

Were you inspired in some way by the encounters cafe held at IGNITION?

You may not know this, but Texas Conference under the guidance of Lane Campbell and direction of Sheri Denny created that experience for us at significant expense. Sheri traveled in an hour commute, on several days, staying very late to orchestrate and design, leaving back for home at times in the wee hours of the morning. Lane worked diligently to gather resources and spent from their ministry budget to make the cafe exceptional.

If you were blessed, would love to have you post a comment on our IGNITION blog of your thoughts and gratitude: http://ignitionblog.wordpress.com/2008/03/29/enjoy-encounters-cafe-various-locations-this-summer/
Also know that the encounters cafe will be held across the Division in conjunction with GODencounters (www.GODencounters.org) gatherings planned throughout the summer. You may just want to pop in on an encounters cafe closest to you.

Visit our blog or facebook group for more vital announcements of exciting developments and coming gatherings.

IGNITION Sparks Young Adult Discipleship

2008-03-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of young adults gathered in Dallas, TX, last month, eager to worship, disciple, and revolutionize ministry to their peers. The IGNITION blog offers a young adult account of the gathering, as well as articulates a 40-day of prayer campaign that has followed the event. In addition, photos from IGNITION can be found in their Facebook group. What's next? Join in the days of prayer and discover with them what GOD reveals.

The Kingdom Of GOD is a Party!

2008-01-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

Calling All Young Adults & Those Who Minister With Them...

2007-12-18T06:49:00.001-08:00

Fueled by Worship, Ignited to Disciple, Sparking a Revolution

2007-12-12T02:19:00.000-08:00

Young Adult Summit: IGNITION, February 14 - 17, 2008, will be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel, 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, TX 75201. Young adults and those invested in ministering with them are invited to the summit featuring George Barna, Matthew Gamble, Eddie Hipolite, Elia King, Ann Roda, Adrienne Townsend, & True!mprov. For more information and to register go to http://ypac.adventistmeetings.com or call 800-732-7587.

Atlantic Union Conference GODencounters Retreat

2007-12-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

GODENCOUNTERS RETREAT @ CAMP WINNEKEAG

GODencounters Retreat: "Transition--It's Your Choice" will be held February 1-3, 2008, at Camp Winnekeag, Ashburnham, Massachusetts. Featuring Ron Pickell, Willy Brown & Woody, Eliezer and Eliel Olivera. Cost is $70 per person (bring your own linens) or $35 for Sabbath only. Collegians and young adults (18-35 years old) are invited. For more information go to www.atlantic-union.org/godencounters2008.html, call 978-368-8333, or email youthministries@atlanticunion.org

GODencounter Retreat - Here I Am To Worship

2007-08-14T14:01:00.001-07:00

Collegians and young adults, ages 18-35 years old, are especially invited to the GODencounters Retreat to held August 31 - September 3, 2007, at Refreshing Mountain Camp, 455 Camp Road, Stevens, PA 17578. "Here I Am To Worship" is the theme of the weekend retreat featuring spiritual refreshment with Allan & Deirdre Martin, as well as recreation highlighted by a trip to Hershey Park on Sunday. Registration is available through August 23 via online at PlusLine.org or by calling 800-732-7587. Sponsored by New Jersey Young Adult Ministries. Contact Elaine Nieves, 609-392-7131, ext. 216, for more information.
-Elaine Nieves, mailto:NJYouth@aol.com

2007 GODencounters Conference

2007-05-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

"Reflecting the Son" is the theme of the 2007 GODencounters Conference to be held May 25th - June 2nd, at Forest Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church, 515 Harley Lester Lane, Apopka, FL 32703-6129. This free event begins Friday, May 25th, 7:30 PM, with featured worship leaders and artists including Acts of Renewal, Laurence Burn, Sam McKee and Sea of Glass. For more information, go to www.GODencounters.org or call 407-644-5000, extension 129.
-GODencounters, info@GODencounters.org

21 Days to Glory

2007-05-05T05:08:00.000-07:00

Three weeks can accomplish a lot of things. In a month’s worth of days, I could clean up the garage or get the yard into shape. With some devotion, I could lose 6 pounds, maybe more. Even if I were to leave out the weekends, I could finish a book that I have been toting around since the first of this year. Three weeks is a good chunk of time.

So how about spending a slice of time, for the next 21 days, praying for GODencounters?

To give us a focal point, this year is about morphing, and our theme is Reflecting the Son. Taken from 2Corinthians 3:17,18 (NIV) which says:
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Maybe you want to meditate on: freedom, reflect, glory, unveiled, transformed, likeness, Spirit.

There is another passage found in Romans which keys into transformation; Verses 1 and 2 read:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Some words you could add to your prayer list: mercy, offer, living sacrifice, holy, pleasing, spiritual act, worship, conform, pattern, renewing mind, God’s will, good, perfect.

What might happen if we gave 21 days towards conversations with Jesus? Maybe I could put my house in order. Or tend my spiritual garden. I could shed some excess weight/baggage. I would love to dive into another chapter of my life. How about you?

You’re invited to pray along with other GODfollowers. Find ample space in the cafe (http://cafe.GODencounters.org) to post your prayers if you wish, the prayer rooms are set up just for that purpose. Real time prayers with people in person works too.

21 days. What might happen?

MySpace Confessional

2007-03-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Forgive me MySpace for I have sinned.
I've never been to confession, especially not to you, but admittedly I need to come clean.

I have committed slander against you and all that embrace you as home. At times I've been condescending, if not down right judgemental. It's not that I have anything against sexy women or stupid men tricks, but it just felt better for me to declare I am somehow above the likes of those who gather here and call friends friends.

It's here that millions come, baggage, bravado and all, and yet find belonging. Baring all, at times literally, many find solace with kindred spirits. As strange as it is to hear my fingers utter this, there is community being built here, probably much like what happened when a 1st century carpenter showed up at a party on the wrong side of temple.

It occurred to me that my Hero, would be found here in MySpace. He would be saving the world, including cheerleaders, utubers, and bloggers, baring His soul with a recklessness that you would understand. His comments would likely sound like random sound bytes from indie short films, but I suspect I would find many of you calling Him Friend, maybe even list Him in your top 8.

I wonder where I would list Him.

So please accept my apology. I am truly sorry.

If only my church could be more like MySpace...but that is another blog. Thanks for hearing me out and your gracious consideration of my confession.

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http://blog.myspace.com/aallanmartin

My life. My card.

2007-02-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

My name...A Allan Martin

childhood ambition...to be just like my Dad
fondest memory...Disney fireworks colors reflecting off my fiance's tears
sound track...whatever my iTunes shuffle decides
retreat...long naps in the basement
wildest dream...win Survivor with unanimous castaway favor
proudest moment...sharing newborn daughter pictures
biggest challenge...stopping
alarm clock...not necessary
perfect day...includes roller coasters, funnel cake, and laughter
first job...lugging watermelons
indulgence...Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby
last purchase...milk
favorite movie...Matrix
inspiration...my family
My life...is wonder-filled
My card...is American Express

Young Adults Shelf Christianity...Why?

2007-01-22T03:57:00.000-08:00

Barna reports 61% of young adults discontinue being active in the church even if they were active as teens; Dudley suggests that over 50% of Adventist young adults leave the church in their twenties.

I would love to hear some of the reasons you think this is happening. Would even like to hear some examples you know of twenty-somethings leaving the church and why [even without their names].

Finally, would love to have your practical solutions/steps to remedy this situation, if it can be remedied.