� Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.�
God knows our desires, he knows that it is like a craving that we long for and request for. He hears us every time we ask for it. And God loves it when we ask for it, he put them there. It was in his plans for your life, when he grasped you, So Jesus loves when you grasp the plan and vision he has for your life. The devil can not take your dreams away, but we can. If you don't have faith in God, pray and ask for it, it will just sweep away the seed God has given you. God said if you never give up, I won't either. Even if they may seem to BIG and impossible, remember MK 10:27 "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." So, don't ever give up! Cause in MK 11:24 It says, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." And those of you who are waiting, It is the hardest thing! But the time when we are waiting is the most important time so don't take it for granted.
Cause it is a precious time maybe even more precious than your dream. It is just you and God, Know one else knows the work that he is doing in you life, and when you get closer to your dream it is just some much Joy, something words can not describe! Dreams are a wonderful thing that God has given you, we must pray and trust in God and delight our self's in the lord than he will give you the desires of your heart. It may take days, months or years, but God promised it to you, SO IF YOU DON'T GIVE UP, HE WON'T EITHER!
Extra time in the Word: Psalms 37
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Psalms+37
Hebrews 2:18
�Because He himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those
who are being tempted.�
Jesus was human just like us. He saw his friends and family suffering with the same kinds of sins and temptations we face today. Jesus was even tempted many times by Satan. To be tempted is not a sin unless you act on it. This can be very difficult at times, Satan puts ideas in our heads and it's hard to control them with out Christ's help. Christ wants to help us make the right decisions and he understands the human temptations we go through. So next time you are just the slightest bit tempted, take it to Jesus, no matter how big or little, pray and repent, and Christ will give you all the strength and love you could ever need to stand up for what's right and He will lead you away from your temptations. James 4:7 tells us, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." 2 Timothy 2:22 also says, "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." By turning to Christ with our troubles, and running from evil we are crushing Satan flatter than a pop can on the highway! Praise God, for "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Extra time in the Word: Hebrews 2
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Hebrews+2
-Isaiah 41:13�
�For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you."
As soon as I read this verse, I immediately thought of it as a great Back To School verse. I know that many of you who attend public school must be just a little apprehensive about how safe your school will be. I have the privilege of being home schooled but, however, I can imagine your fear.
This verse tells us that God will be right there, all the time, holding our hand and watching over each of us individually! That's something metal detectors and security guards CAN'T do -- can't get much better then that, huh? So as you all head back to school, know that God IS there beside you and doesn't want you to fear earthly things such as man and weapons. He is able to (and will!) protect us from any kind of harm! What an AWESOME GOD!!!!
Extra time in the Word: Isaiah 41
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Isaiah+41
Isaiah 61:6-7
�And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.� (NIV)
Being ashamed of something we have done in the past or maybe something that was done to us is what the devil uses against us. When people are bound in shame sometimes it shows up in other areas of our lives, to help hide the pain. Sometimes we seek approval from others to give us self worth. This can also keep us from feeling like we are truly loved and accepted by Jesus. If you are living in guilt and shame you need to pray and tell God you want to get rid of it. Remember Satan is the accuser of the brethren and he is always trying to dig up some dirt on us to keep us from being effective in our walk with God. God is right there waiting for you, you can exchange that guilt for freedom and dignity. This is another reason Christ died for you and me and so we can be victorious and share His love and freedom with others.
Extra time in the Word:Isaiah 61
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Isaiah+61
Written by Jul Eaton, 15 from Townville, South Carolina.
II Corinthians 1:3,4
�Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.�
*Do you realize what you have? Have you ever stopped to think about how fortunate we are to live in this country and reap all the benefits we do?
Mark Stewart is a missionary in Kenya, Africa. He was at our church Sunday night and he told us what's happening in Africa. He's working with the "slum kids" in the capitol city, and there is an estimated 50,000 homeless kids in that one city alone. He described vividly the typical street scenes that he sees daily: Young boys, anywhere from 10 to 20 years old, have plastic containers strapped around their necks that are filled with glue and they are continuously sniffing/inhaling it to keep a high. They climb to the tops of garbage heaps, which he said are usually around 8-10 feet high, and find their daily food. Food from trash heaps. And we get upset when the waitress gets our order mixed up or takes too long in bringing it to us. America is the most richly blessed nation in this entire world. We have all that we need and more right at our fingertips. We buy what we need or want, use it up or throw it out, and buy more. And we still complain. I get upset when someone has a cute outfit and I wish I could've found it first; and right now there is a 12 year old boy sniffing glue and digging through a trash heap to find something to feed his bloated body.
Extra time in the Word: 2 Corinthians 1
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?2+Corinthians+1
My name is Brandon, I'm 15 from South Carolina
1st Timothy 4:12-13
" Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."
God is giving the youth a direct call to be on fire for him. Christians have the awesome task of representing Christ in everything they do. Just one on fire Christian can start a chain reaction. At first some people will think they are just putting on a show for a couple of weeks but eventually they will see what God actually means to you and he will start working on their heart. Don't be afraid because in Psalm 23 God says that he walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death. Whatever this shadow of death is for you God is there. What an awesome concept. A holy and all powerful God wants to be your friend. He wants all your fears, joys, and he wants to be able to share them with you. When I think of this verse a song that DC talk sings called "In the Light" comes to mind and reminds me of my call to be a light for all to see. Many times in school or out in the world Christians are the only way people see Christ. Praise God today for letting you be a witness for never-ending life with a Agape loving God.
Extra time in the Word:1 Timothy 4
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?1+Timothy+4
Isaiah 55:6
�Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.�
Who is your favorite television star? If someone told you you had the opportunity to meet them in person wouldn't you be thrilled? What about your favorite music group? What lengths would you go to meet them? How about God, our creator? What lengths do you go to to spend time with Him each and everyday? After all he is the one who made you. He is the one who sent His Son Jesus to this earth to live and die for each one of us so we could have eternal life. He is the one who forgives all our sins and heals us from diseases, ransoms us from death and surrounds us with love and tender mercies. He is the one who fills our lives with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle.. All of this and heaven too. Why not go and spend time with Him today.
Extra time in the Word, Psalms 103
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Psalm+103
Philippians 4:6
�In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.�
People say when they are going through a rough time is that "all we can do is pray" but that is so powerful! Sometimes we act like that is a last resort and then we don't even believe it will do any good. Prayer does make a difference! A lot of times right before the answer comes we give up and stop praying because we think God is saying no, but the enemy loves for us to stop praying he wants to discourage us because he knows the victory is ours but he does not want us to know it. James 5:16 says "The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results". John 15:7,8 "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". So the next time you get discouraged about praying read these scriptures and be encouraged and know that your prayers are not in vain.
Extra time in the Word:Philippians 4
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Philippians+4
2 Corinthians 3:17
"Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom"
Did you know the word "cope" is not in the bible? In todays society, we are taught that we must learn to cope with our problems. Alcoholics Anonymous teaches the people at their meetings that they will always be alcoholics. People that have been abused are taught that they are victims and chances are they will grow up and abuse. If you are a Child of God then you do not have to just "cope" with your problems. You are above what society says and teaches. This scripture says where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. If you are a Christian then you have the Holy Spirit in you. John 14:16,17 "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth." Galatians 4:6 "Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." What area of your life are you coping with that you need true freedom in?
Extra time in the Word:2Cor. 3
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?2+Corinthians+3
Written by Sara, 13, from Buffalo, MN
Mark 8:38 (NIV)
"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes into his Father's glory with the holy angels."
Have you heard of the tradition 'See You at the Pole'? It is an annual tradition for me, but also for everyone else around the nation. It is the 2nd Wed. of September every year.You meet around your flagpole before school. This event takes place to give students like yourself an opportunity to pray for your school, leaders, other teachers, and friends. Last year I led the one at my school and it was really cool. It gives you a chance to see what other Christian kids there are in your school. I encourage you to go and please do not think that you do not want to go because your friends might laugh at you because if you do then you need to reread the verse above. Would you want to be standing in front of God on the day of your judgement and he ask you why you didn't stand up for your faith in front of your friends. And do not be afraid to go by yourself. You aren't there alone. GOD will be there with you.
Extra time in the Word:Mark 8
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Mark+8
Luke 12:31,32
"Steep yourself in God-reality, God initiative, God-provisions. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don't be afraid of missing out....The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself."
So many people use the excuse that if they serve God, they will have to give up many things. This scripture simply tells us that we are not to be afraid of missing out on things that God wants us to have the very kingdom itself. Isn't it amazing that we can serve a God that cares about every single detail of our lives and wants us to have the very best? Psalm 145:16 "You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." Proverbs 10:24 "The desire of the righteous shall be granted." All we have to do is "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these things shall be added unto you." Remember God knows our needs better than we do.
Extra time in the Word:Luke 12
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Luke+12
This was written by Andy of IL
Matt. 6:9-13
"Pray then in this way 'Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name Thy kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is on heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever, amen."
Some people don't know how to pray. What they don't know is God tells us in this verse exactly how to pray we just don't know it. He doesn't mean to pray this exact prayer every single time, this is just an example of how to pray. First, "Our father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name" this tells us first to address him as God and give glory to him. "Thy kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is on heaven." tells us to give in to him and know that he is in control of everything on earth and in heaven. The next phrase "Give us this day our daily bread" tells us to ask for what we were praying for. "And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors." tells us to ask for forgiveness for our sins and to forgive the people who have done sins against us. "And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil" tells us to ask that we not be lead into temptation and be delivered from evil. "For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever, amen." this is the closing and we need to give glory to God again.
Extra time in the Word: Matthew. 6
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Matthew+6