We had a picnic at lunch that was supposed to be a fake celebration for joseph's birthday. Luthia delivered a coded invitation to joseph's volunteer location this morning and he spent a lot of time decoding the message. At the picnic, we wished him a happy birthday, and andrea brought a cake/cookie.

After bible study in the evening, everyone parked their car around the corner of joseph's house and gathered inside. Some people arrived earlier in the evening and worked on decorating the house with a Superman theme. We had a couple false alarms where we through joseph had arrived, and lit the candles. When we discovered that it wasn't him, we had to put out the trick candles. That happened two or three times.

Finally he did arrive, and we gave him a grand surprise. His presents were a childish pillow and a naruto wristband. The rest of the evening was spent eating cake and building legos for a person building contest. Some people also had some fun singing.

Happy birthday joseph.

Devotion points:

Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith.
It's good to keep in mind that impurity in our lives makes us unfit for the silversmith's (God) purposes. To be used most effectively and efficiently, we need to consistantly purify ourselves by removing the dross (sin) from our lives with help from the silversmith.

If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence.
This verse reminded me about the discussion about gossip at the retreat.

Like a city whose walls are broken down, is a man who lacks self control.
When a city's walls are broken down, time and resources that would otherwise be improving and building up the city are instead used to rebuild the walls.

Bible study:

Good and bad company. Wise company is not just the physical interaction you have with people... It can also include things such as television, music, Internet, etc.

Gluttony is practical atheism. If the dead are not raised, let us eat and rink, for tomorrow we die. Denial of God leads to gluttony. The horror of sin gradually abates.

A prostitute is an unfaithful person. A prostitute acts like a companion but only at a price. When the prodigal son ran out of money, none came to his aid, and everyone abandoned him. Samson sought out the company of philistine women. He became like a city whose walls are broken down. His desire for foreign women cost him everything. It is against the calling of a Christian to be a companion of prostitutes.

A foolish man has no knowledge in his heart or on his lips. One who speaks without knowledge speaks to encourage you to sin. He who walks with the wise avoids a world of death. Paul laid down his life daily. He who wins souls is wise. After spending time with a person, are you more motivated for the kingdom of God or less? Wise friends will stick closer than a brother.

Seek out a wise man for the knowledge on his lips. God listens to our every conversation. Wise friends will give you a godly rebuke in a time of need. He who heeds discipline shows the way of life.

Your parents should be involved in your friendships. Your choice of friends is not your choice alone. Do your parents know who your friends are? Pursue a pure heart. A clean person does not want to associate with a dirty person. Of course, only Christ can purify the sinner. Consider all sorts of companions. Walk with and pursue the wise. Wisdom can be given. Your friends will grant you everlasting riches.