From the looks of last week's poll, most of the poll takers consider themselves to be warm Christians. That's awesome. And it's no coincidence, especially if you are praying and reading the Word on a regular basis.

Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (Jon 15: 5-8)

His words are true. We must "remain in Him" if expect to grow. That is, if we are not connect to the Vine, we won't bear fruit. We can't do it on our own. We can't even expect our prayers for others to really work unless we are completely attached to Jesus.

Are you praying for a friend? Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."

I just love how Jesus uses His creation to explain His nature.

Is there someone in your life who has treated you badly and you just can't find the strength to forgive them? I know how you feel. But consider how Jesus treated His crucifiers. He said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). In Matthew 1, 21-35 we read one of Jesus' parables. In short, it says that God hays forgiven us for our sins against Him. So, we need to forgive those who sin against us. You say, "They don't deserve it." Maybe not, but neither do we. I believe Joyce Meyer said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping your enemy dies from it. Don't waste time. Forgive.

I just want to say that we do what we do because God is crazy about teenagers and so are we. As I look back on these pictures from NYC I remember how blessed we are. You are all great kids, each and every one of you. Over the past year we have grown close and there have been several moments that I will never forget. Just know that we are here for you. If you need someone to talk to, or to pray for you, we are available.

Last night at youth group we talked about how Satan is real and how he has an influence in our lives. Satan doesn't want you to believe that. And I'm sure some of you still don't. Or at least you don't want to believe it. If that describes you, then you have to realize that that IS Satan influencing you.

Realize that is the first step to having victory over Satan. It is also the first step in becoming mature in Christ. Take some time and think about all the ways you have let Satan into your lives. Ask God for forgiveness and turn away from those activities. Then just watch how He will change you.

Hey guys and gals. Our youth group, Revolution Cry, has a blog site. Feel free to check it out, leave comments, or whatever.

Amy and I want you all to know that we love what we do and we love you all too. We are so blessed that God has put you in our lives. We are trying not to let you down so pray for us.

Anyway, thanks for reading.