The Update

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Did you miss the Famine? Did you go, and you can’t wait to relive the memories? Either way, we’ve got a visual tour of memory lane ready for your viewing. So check the video from last weekend’s 30 Hour Famine.

[E-mail and RSS readers, there’s a video embedded, so visit The Update: Online to check it out]

Update: Dan & Jess Anderson collectively sent me the 3rd e-mail for the iTunes gift card. Thanks to everyone who sent a message (and some sweet videos & pictures & such). We'll be doing more giveaways in the future, so stay tuned.

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There are new pictures online! You can head over to our Flickr group and check out pictures from Junior High MEA Retreat, Senior High MEA Retreat, and the Halloween Bonfire. Enjoy! 

The Update: November 11, 2008 from NSL on Vimeo.

Note:
E-mail and RSS readers, you’ll have to go here to watch the video.

-by Luke Trouten
This week our country elected it’s next President. A look at the popular vote reminds us that the country is basically split in half politically. (53% Obama vs. 47% McCain). There is a divide that widens whenever we elect a new leader, and a resentment that arises on the losing side.

This stems from too many people relying too heavily on the influence and actions of our nation’s leader.

The words “hope” and “change” practically grew on trees this year, as candidates in dozens of races evoked them as the new standard for political progress. Entire campaigns were based on the idea of restoring hope and bringing change.

The obvious insight is that we are a country that desperately needs hope, and deeply desires the change it would take to have that hope restored. The problem is many spent Tuesday waiting around to see if the result of the election would bring them the hope they want.

“We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it.)” That’s Romans 8:24. There is nothing that a new president will bring to our world that can overshadow the things that a relationship with Jesus already provides. While every president faces a time when citizens are disappointed by his decisions, “… this hope will not lead to dissapointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” [Romans 5:5]

And that love, not a political party, will be what brings the change we hope for in our world. Every political issue has already been addressed by Jesus.

The Economy
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. [2 Corinthians 9:8]

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
[Matthew 6:25]

Caring for the poor
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. [2 Corinthians 9:7]

National Security
We have been rescued from our enemies
      so we can serve God without fear, [Luke 1:74]

You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! [Matthew 5:43-44]

Crime and Punishment
So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. [2 Peter 2:9]

And it could go on.

The point is this, despite who you rooted for or what you think needs to happen in Washington, the purest and most reasonable shot we have at providing hope and bringing positive change does not come from filling in a circle on a ballot, but from living the way Jesus asks his followers to live.

Failing at that makes us a useless lamp [Matthew 5:15]. Sending politicians instead of light into the dark parts of this world. It makes us meaningless.

Attempting it makes us the salt of the earth that Jesus spoke of [Matthew 5:13]. Battling the decaying world and becoming the spice that brings flavor to life. It creates a force for good that will overshadow any legislation ever passed, speech ever given, or political movement ever organized.

Don’t wait for an elected official to bring change. Don’t use elections as your only source of hope. Don’t blame politicians for our lack of effort.

So when you want to get in-the-know about all that’s hip and happening at Northwood Student Life there are a whole bunch of ways to get informed. You can check out the

· NSL Website
· The Update: Online (the blog where you are right now)
· The Update: inbox edition
· The NSL Facebook Group
· NSL Flickr Page
· NSL YouTube Channel

And now we’re proud to add to this collection, the weekly video update.

The Update: Video Edition is the newest way to stay up to date with the latest and greatest at Northwood Student Life. We thought it would be an interesting new way to share information with you. So each week we’ll put out a new video, and with any luck it’ll be an even better way to keep up with everything you need to know.

So without further adieu, here is the first episode:

The Update: November 4, 2008 from NSL on Vimeo.

Let us know in the comments what you think and how we can improve future episodes.

Which would be worse?

Being jealous or being angry.

(answer in the comments)