Thursday Morning Coffee Break

This morning, how about your favorite cup of black coffee?  Sure, you can add cream or sugar if you'd like.  Enjoy!

We're into the second week of our All In series.  This week: Charge!  On July 2, 1863, Col. Joshua Chamberlain and his 300 soldier regiment were all that was left between the Confederates and certain defeat for the Union at the Battle of Gettysburg.  At 2:30pm, the Confederate Army charged, but Chamberlain and his army held their ground.  It was followed by a second, third, fourth and fifth charge.  Only 80 Union soldiers survived.  In that moment, Chamberlain, a 34 year old school teacher, took a stand that would change history.  Rather than surrender, without reinforcements and with only one round of ammunition per soldier, Chamberlain climbed onto a stone, and gave the command to charge!  With fixed bayonets, his men charged an army that vastly outnumbered them.  That day, they won what ranks as one of the most improbable victories in military history.  80 Union soldiers captured 4,000 Confederate soldiers in 5 minutes flat.  It is believed that if Chamberlain had not taken his stand at Gettysburg, the battle would have been lost, and with it, the war.

Many people play it safe, retreat when things get tough, and slip into predictable and familiar patters.  Christians who are ALL IN take risks, charge forward even when it is tough, and are willing to try new things if there is a chance it will forward the cause of Jesus Christ.

Parent-Teen ConnectTake turns answering and discussing the following questions with your teens this week.  Create meaningful conversation.  Adjust questions as needed.  Use one or two of these to begin a conversation.  Look for teachable moments - at home, in the car, wherever.  Pray and ask God to provide you opportunities to have spiritual conversations with your teens.

1. Tell about a time when felt outnumbered, shot at, or knocked down.  How did you respond in that difficult life situation?  How did you experience God's presence with you?
2. What are ways you see the church charging forward and making a difference for Jesus Christ in the world today?
3. How can you engage in the ministry of our local church in a way that will forward the powerful work of Jesus Christ in our community?