Romans 15:7
"Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring
praise to God."
In your mind, remember when there was a new kid at school. When you first met that person, what did you think? "Ew, she's smells weird, I don't want to be near her." Or "He has to many zits. Who wants to be friends with him?" Or you go to a youth conference, and you meet a pastor's kid. What do you think? "She's to perfect." Well, have I got news for you. I'm a pastor's kid. And I think it's time we quite judging our classmates, teammates, etc., because of their parent's job or their zits or anything that falls under the category "weird"! I'm a normal teenager. I'll admit I've messed up. And peeps call me goody two shoes because I'm a don't smoke, don't drink kind of person. We need to put on God's glasses and look on the inside. No, I'm not saying you have to be a surgeon to look on the inside. Wrong kind of inside! I'm saying look past the person's physical appearance and straight at the heart. Does he need a friend because his parents are going though a divorce? Could she use a hand with her homework? And most important, does she need Christ? Those are the kind of things we should look for.
Extra time in the Word: Romans 15
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Romans+15
Stephen Keene, 18, Paducah, KY
[email protected]
Galatians 2: 20
�I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.�
This has always been my favorite verse!! Sometimes, we as Christians forget what we really here to do, which is to give out Christ and Christ's love to a hurting world! We often get wrapped up in being a "good Christian" with all of our t-shirts and wristbands(which are all good, don't get me wrong) that proclaim Christ love, but all the while, forgetting to share Christ in a personal way with those who are around us.
When the Apostle Paul challenges us to be "crucified with Christ" that means that in every part of our being; what comes out of our mouth, what we watch, what we listen to, and how we live our lives is to be a reflection of Christ in us, and that every action we take should be God-centered!
God loves YOU with an deep, intense, and passionate love that cannot, nor ever will fade! That is what led Him to this Earth and that is what led Him to the Cross; His pursuing passionate love for people that needed a Savior. Now that we have this faith should we merely let it sit around and collect dust in the corner of our hearts? NO! It has to be, and NEEDS to be shared with everyone around us that we come into contact with. Imagine back to when you didn't have Christ, what were you like then? How is your life different now? Why not change someone else's life?! God has given you the privilege of letting others know about Him shouldn't we take FULL advantage of it? We should be ecstatic to share Jesus with everyone because of what he has done for us and in us! But sometimes we need reassurance of what we are here to do, which is to allow Christ to remake us and empty of us of ourselves so that we are filled with the love of God that is visible to others who are desperately searching for Him and don't know it.
Extra time in the Word: Galatians 2
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Galatians+2
From A Teen in Alhambra, California
[email protected]
Psalm 37:7 (NIV)
"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their wicked ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
"The LORD will fight for you; you only need be still."
Many times we are so caught up in our lives that we forget to have time with God. We even forget to ask him about the simplest things. We believe we can do everything by ourselves. I know certainly that was how I was before I was up at winter retreat. I have had the best time at my winter retreat. I was able to have the opportunity to actually be still. In that time I have learned, as well, the discipline of meditation. I believe that they can easily go together. I have learned more about myself and a little more about God. What I want you to do now is find a verse if you don't already have one and use the time you have and be awe-struck by God. Learn to put your trust in Him and he will be able to bless you that much more.
Extra time in the Word: Psalm 37
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Psalm+37
Written by Sarah, 16, DE. [email protected]
2 Corinthians 4:17
"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
I have claimed this verse for my personal promise for 2000. I have had some incredibly hard and difficult things happen in my life this past year, and it has been hard not to just give up all together. About 6 months ago, I was very seriously considering suicide. But, someone saw my struggles and reached out to me and pulled me back to God. No, the troubles did not just "disappear", but already I can see the wonders God is performing in my life!
It is so awesome and marveling to think that all these trials and crises that we as teens so commonly go through are only temporary and our suffering for God is earning us an eternal treasure through Him!
Whether you are being ridiculed and mocked for you faith in Jesus, or are going through some "ordinary" tough times, remember that all that you are going through is not in vain. God sees all that is happening and He will not only stand right beside you through it all, but He will also reward you incredibly for sticking with Him!
Extra time in the Word: 2 Corinthians 4
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?2+Corinthians+4
Written by Andy, 19
Student at Florida Christian College
e-mail: [email protected]
-1 Corinthians 10:13
" . . .I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I
might save some. I do this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in
its blessings."
Recently a friend of mine sent me a list of 36 questions she received from an atheist friend of hers. He said if she could answer the questions for him then he would reconsider his beliefs. Now his questions were from an atheist group in LA that he just borrowed from (I can send anyone the list of questions if you'd like) but I'm sure his concerns were probably very real for him even give someone a chance to answer them. However when this friend of mine showed me some of the answers she or another friend of her's came up with, I was fairly amazed. Every answer seemed more like a Sunday School automatic response with a Biblical reference, instead of a conscious attempt to address this person's real concern or question in a way they can understand.
As Christians we build our foundation on the rock solid reliability of God's Word and the gospel of Jesus we find within it. However, God has not made the truth in such a way that the Bible and faith are all we have at our disposal. There have been tremendous advances in the areas of Christian Evidences and Apologetics to show people that our faith in Christ is not a mindless or unreasonable one. In the verse above Paul talks about stepping out of our comfort zone as believers and being willing to become everything to everyone for the sake of that gospel to accomplish our goal of saving souls through Christ. I believe this calls not only for our knowledge of the Bible and strong personal relationship with God, but also our ability to have love and compassion for those with questions and doubts. Then we can understand the importance of meeting that person where they are at, and giving them answers that are helpful and relevant to them discovering the truth that awaits them in Jesus.
Extra time in the Word, 1 Corinthians 10
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?1+Corinthians+10
Rom 6:14
"14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but
under grace."
(NIV)
Whenever we face temptation, God promises a way of escape. Remember Satan will lie to you, cheat you, trick you, deceive you and try to get you into bondage if you let him. Just remember, God always tells you the truth and the truth will set you free. Satan cannot make you do anything, he doesn't have the power. All Satan can do is try to sell you the lies he is peddling. You make the choice whether to fall for his lies or command him to leave you! Sin always pays off with death, but Gods gift is eternal life! Next time you are tempted, ask God to show you the way of escape...it works every time.
Also, remember sin always takes you farther than you planned on going!
Extra time in the Word, Romans 6
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Romans+6
Written by Drew Weber age 13
Philippians 4:13
�I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.�
When I was at a summer camp for the blind, we did a high ropes coarse. I was very scared. This verse came into mind I said it over and over to myself and I made it all the way threw the course. So remember this verse when times are hard, or when you are very scared. And Christ will help you through anything.
(note from Bill Scott) Drew brings up a great point for all of us to really think about. I know that I have had times in my life when I wasn't able to do something because fear took over. The opposite of faith is fear. Accord to Philippians 4:13 we can do all things, even over come fear itself. Many of you today are struggling with fear, it has you backed into a corner. Let this devotional that Drew has written by an encouragement to you today!
Remember, you can do ANYTHING with God's help!
Extra time in the Word, Philippians 4
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Philippians+4
Psalm 18:6
�In my distress I called to the Lord: I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice: my cry came before him, into his ears,�
I don't know why but this verse stuck out. Just today I went swimming with my gym class. I left my cross in my locker. Then when I left I forgot my cross. I realized this about lunch time. Right away I felt pretty bad. I got it for my birthday from my best friend. So I prayed to God that he help me get it back. Then another friend told me to call the pool. I did and they said they would leave a message if they found it. So I prayed that they find it. When I got home there was a message saying they found it.
Moral of the story is God hears you when you ask for help. The best part is he will help. So don't be afraid to ask for help even when the task/problem is small he will hear and help. So remember to pray. God Bless
Extra time in the Word, Psalm 18
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Psalm+18
Written by:
Elizabeth from Clemmons, NC
[email protected]
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
�Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices when the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.�
1 John 2:16
�For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and the pride in our possessions. These are not from the father. They are from this evil world.�
The first passage explains that love is not just a feeling but how you act on that feeling. Love is shown by your actions. When you truly love someone you are patient with them and kind to them. You do not rub anything in their face and you do not bring up bad things from their past. You keep through them through every situation no matter how hard it may be. The relationship is one of pure unselfishness.
Today, many times love is confused with lust though they are exact opposites in God's eyes. Lust tares you apart from the Lord; it is purely physical and very shallow. We witness lust everyday. Every time you turn on the TV, commercials blare out at you, tempting you to want what society finds acceptable. Lust makes us focus on the flesh and earthly possessions when we should be focusing on the spirit and Jesus Christ. So, next time you want something or are attracted to someone, make sure it is because of love and not lust.
Extra time in the Word, 1 Corinthians 13
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?1+Corinthians+13
By Kate Siscoe, 13, Delavan, Illinois
Hebrews 13:5b
"I will never leave you, nor forsake you."
It seems that the Christian walk is like a roller coaster. One minute your praising God for the wonderful things He has blessed you with, and the next, you are having doubts that God really exists. You are often tossed about in temptation, and at times, you give in. You need to know that God always gives you a choice with temptation, and this verse gives you that hope. You could decide to in, or use the path God has laid out for you. God is always with you, even when you doubt, even when you are at school, even at your job. God loves you, and He cares for you, and He is always by your side. I challenge you to believe that God is right there 24/7. Let faith answer the door when fear and doubt knock.
Extra time in the Word, Hebrews 13
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Hebrews+13
Written by Rachel from CA. I'm 14
James 1:22
"And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So
don't fool yourselves."
This verse is used a lot by the band Nailed Promise-awesome metal band.
It's a cool one. It's talking about the Bible. If you break it up, ....It's a message to obey, not just to listen to. Some people just read the Bible only when they go to church and have their "Sunday Shoes" on. They keep it in that dusty old shelf after. When you read it, you're supposed to apply it to your life and listen to God's still small voice. Share with your friends what you learn, bring your Bible to school. If you get in trouble, oh well, God said if you follow Me-you will get persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12). I go to a Lutheran school, but I don't believe some stuff because some is catholic. I have my rights of not doing it. People know I'm a Christian, and some push me away like they don't need Christ, but they know of Him. There's a difference.
You can know of Him but not know Him (personally) and have a relationship with Him. That's all Christianity is-a relationship between Jesus and you.
Extra time in the Word, James 1
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?James+1
Written by Kate, 13, Illinois
Romans 8:5,9
"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the spirit have their minds set on what the spirit desires..... you, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit lives in you." NIV
You probably know drugs give you a high but then drop you into the pits. Once your hooked, you gotta have them. Most burglaries, prostitution, and teen pregnancies are drug related. Druggies don't live very long. You are smart if you stay away from drugs. Lots of things that aren't as scary as alcohol or drugs can still be in control of your life. Sports, good grades, money, friends, a boyfriend or girlfriend can fill your time and thoughts until you become addicted. Remember Romans 8 and be sure the only thing in control of your life is the Holy Spirit.
Extra time in the Word, James 1
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?James+1
Isaiah 61:1,2
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me... He has sent me to comfort the broken-hearted...to tell those who mourn that the time of God's favor to them has come"
How many of us have suffered from a broken heart? Probably most of us at one time or another. Whether it is from a broken relationship from a boyfriend or girlfriend or a death in the family. God left the Holy Spirit here on this earth to comfort us in our time of need. I really do not know how anyone in this world gets by with out God in their lives, when they have to go through such terrible things as a death in the family. I know when my Mom passed away suddenly even though I was numb I still had such an overwhelming peace through it all and it was only the peace of God that could have gotten me through that time. Psalm 34:18 says "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit". If you are going through a tough time right now study this scripture closely and thank the Lord for His peace and comfort that only He can give you.
Extra time in the Word, Isaiah 61:1
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Isaiah 61+1