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 When we walk down the halls at school, we all notice the kids who 'stick out' from the crowd. They stick out in many different ways . It could be the way they dress with crazy colors, or dressed all in black. It could be because they are so loud and outgoing or because they are so shy. Whatever it is, we all notice these people. But do you ever think of what could happen if we tried to stick out in a different way? If we tried to stick out and be different from everyone else for God. It doesn't have to be in a drastic way of standing on the lunch table and preaching to everyone. Sometimes it's the small little things that can touch someone in a special way. Simple things you wouldn't even think people would notice. But they do. Something as simple as smiling at a stranger, helping someone pick up their books, or maybe holding a door open for someone. Little things like this will help us stick out.

Matthew 5:14-16 says  You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.

If we tried to be like the city on a hill that can't be hidden, people would begin to notice our actions and ask questions like: Why are you so happy and nice all the time? And questions like that can open doors for a conversation.  But we wont get those questions until we start being different from everyone else. Random acts of kindness can be one of the best ways to show love. People will notice.

Guys i really want to encourage you to start thinking about this, and really try to stick out at school. It's something that I need to work on too. And something that may be difficult,  because we tend to think about ourselves more than others, and what will we get out of this. But that is something we all need to really strive to forget about, its not about us.

Luke 17:10 says  In the same way, when you obey me you should say, we are not worthy of praise, we are servants who have simply done our duty.
 
The thing is, we don't deserve to get a pat on the back, or a good job for showing love. That's something that should just be given. Part of our purpose on earth is to love others. That was one of Gods commands to us, so we just need to take the command we were given and obey.

And guys, I know it's tough to do things out of the ordinary when no one else is, but i really challenge you all to take this to heart. People will notice our actions if we take this seriously and do this for God.

 Jasmine (Senior Central High School)

I want to issue a challenge for our Northpoint Students.  I would like to ask you to write a devotion for you and your fellow students. 

Here is the criteria: 

1. Topic must be something that relates to every day life.

2. You need to use scripture to support your devotion.

3. Needs to be a devotion that can be read within 5 minutes.

Please submit devotions to Pastor Gerad's email: pastorgerad@northpointsm.com

Please include your name, grade, school, and a title for your devotion.

Everyone who meets the criteria and has their devotion published on the blog will get a $20.00 discount on their Summer Camp Registration.

I see the differnt movies that are out about spiritual matters and I wonder who's power are we really looking for.  This Sunday night I will be sharing about movies, entertainment and ideas that draw our focus.  See you this Sunday night @ 5:30pm

 Pastor Gerad Strong

For your informations: If you are entering in catagories like video, poems, artwork, photography, ect. then those items will be due with your application on Jan. 20!  Please be sure to have your items in to be sure you have a chance at judging.  If you have any questions please call me at 605-342-5415 or email me at pastorgerad@northpointsm.com