be-attitudes

This morning I had the privilege of sharing everything I know about Matthew 5:2-12. It obviously is not much, because I threw in a couple jokes and stories and still finished in about 20 minutes. I did get some nice compliments though, so I thought it might be worth putting onto paper.
I like to refer to these statements as "be-attitudes" because they describe the attitudes that should be evident in my life.
The passage is taken from the "sermon on the mount" which ends with these words at the end of chapter 7, "...the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority and not like their teachers of the law." Not only was the content of the "speech" solid, but He clearly understood how spirituality works. The "teachers" at that time, and maybe now too, give their best advice based on their limited understanding, but the God-man, Jesus, spoke with authority. So the "blessed are those who" statements are not just good ideas, they really fall more into the category of the 10 Commandments.
The goal - to have the attributes of God evident in my life
"Blessed are the poor in spirit" is not talking about those who mope around feeling sorry for themselves. There are two Greek words for poor. One means "I ain't got much." But the word used in this verse means "I got nothin.'" It is important to understand that the first step towards spiritual maturity is admitting that when it comes to the relationship between me and God - I have nothing to offer. He offers me the free gift of salvation. I can't earn it. I can't be good enough. I can only admit that I have nothing to appease the almighty God and beg for mercy. Now God is full of mercy and eager to forgive, but I have to admit I am really, really poor when it comes to spiritual things.
Step one - confess that I am a sinner in need of God's mercy

New Website!!

Our new website just launched today! Horray, Horray! Today! oh, yeah!

www.twinlakescc.com

New Website

We have been working on updating our website for weeks, but it feels like years! I had no idea that it would be such a gruelling task. The concept is simple - provide an outlet for information, easily accessible, intuitive... But the amount of time put into editing information, researching other websites and trying to grab the best ideas, and working out the bugs - unbelievable. Can you tell that I am tired of the process? Anyway, enough whining - the site is almost done and will likely post in the next day or two. And it is sweet. The look is totally new and fresh. We are working on some branding around the "fun place to get serious" tag line. So the site has some fun elements, but still provides easy access to information. Check it out. www.twinlakescc.com

This is just SOME of what took place during Wintertainment at Twin Lakes Bible Camp this past weekend!
-Polar Bear Dipping into ice cold water on North Twin Lake
-Ginormous bon-fire at night on the frozen lake
-hot breakfast with friends
-laughter, sharing stories, getting to know new friends
-toasty warm beds after a great day in the winter snow
-chapel sessions with high energy worship
-being challenged with God's Word
-small group conversations with purpose
-DiscoICEteka~!!! (the kids know)
-We were blessed to have Stan Hayek and The Salt Company from Ames. God used them!
-Feedback was excellent: Many made comments like...BEST camp ever!! or most awesome winter retreat of my life. In fact, the word “awesome” was used in 14 camper comments!
-During small group time - a hardened heart was softened...and Jesus was invited in!! There were MANY more heart changes!!!

Here is what happened:
God has given us a great facility. God has blessed us with a staff who did an EXCELLENT job. God gave us counselors who care about the kids. God allowed The Salt Co. & Stan to be with us.
God used ALL OF THOSE key pieces to come together for one, great weekend with the campers. See the common denominator: God!!! God is at work here!!!! HE is!!! It's exciting to see.

If you were a camper - we miss you already and we will look for you this summer.
If you are a parent of camper - thanks for letting your child come!
If you were here to help - God used your willingness.
If you did not come - you are wanted next year.
If you support this ministry - SEE how God is using your support!! Thank you.

Please be watching for BIG NEWS coming next week!
In the meantime, stay warm on the inside,
Scott Larsen (for the whole team)
Twin Lakes Bible Camp

getting started

The decision to blog was really forged out of necessity. I really don't have anything new to say, but I need to keep saying the same old things. Camp is such an incredible to Kingdom building tool, that it would be ridiculous to stay quiet about it. Obviously it is God that changes peoples lives, but He chooses to work through human hands. Camp strategically presents the Gospel in a tangible way using genuine counselors and staff in an environment saturated with God's Word. Is it any wonder that so many people look back in their own lives to a camp experience as a pivotal part of their spiritual journey?
As the days and weeks pass, starting in 2010, these posts will hopefully bring glory to the Almighty God, by chronicaling His work in our world.

Scott Larsen - Director of Twin Lakes Christian Center