My time at R.S.C.

      Hi! I just got back from helping out at our regional A.C.E. student convention. I had a great time and was very blessed by the preaching and the good attitudes I saw. I know that among Christians, there's a lot of variety in convictions and standards, but no matter how different we may feel about different things, spending time with other Christians is always rewarding. As children of God we may sometimes disagree with our other 'siblings' but I love it when people can put their differences beside and just focus on building each other up in Christ! The Bible says that people will know we're Christian by our love for one another. Especially because of our love for the brethren.
       During the awards ceremony when the students were being awarded for the things that they had competed in, I thought a lot about what it's going to be like in Heaven when God rewards His people for the works they have done. At convention, there were students who had beautiful work that may not have gotten a ribbon because they might not have followed everything in the rule book. In Heaven there's going to be people who have done GREAT works, but because they didn't follow God's rule book, and they didn't have the charity that is supposed to fill our hearts, their works will be burned up. I also got a glimpse of how awesome it would be to have a handful of 1st place ribbons (crowns) to cast at Jesus' feet. I was really blessed by watching the students strive for excellence. I know sometimes in our Christian lives, we don't always get 1st place ribbons because our performances aren't done exactly the way God's rule book commands, but we should never be discouraged with 2nd or 3rd place, (or lower,) we should simply do our best with the Lord's help and strive for excellence, so that someday, we may be able to cast many crowns at Jesus's feet. We're not competing Against other Christians for prizes in Heaven, we're competing WITH other Christians.

    I Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

Colossians 3:23 - And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

2 Timothy 2:5 - And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

We enjoyed some special time of singing and praising the Lord together!

 I was able to help organize some of the ribbons before some of the awards were given out.

So remember to stay motivated. Allow others to challenge and provoke you to good works, so that someday in Heaven, you might have many crowns to cast at Jesus's feet!