Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

Funeral Ready Believers



    The Lord's loved ones are precious to him; it grieves him when they die. (Psalm 116:15)

As I slowly drove away from the memorial service, my mind was racing a hundred different directions. Memories of the past, thoughts of the present, and worries about the future all struggled for resolution in the wake of a grievous situation. Yet one underlying question kept coming to the forefront of my reflections: what will they say at my memorial service?

Someone has said that you are not ready to live unless you are ready to die. This was incredibly evident to me after hearing Cyndi's family reminisce about her constant and unwavering commitment to Christ and fearless attitude towards death. She lived her life everyday as if it were her last, and that is why she left a greater legacy in 30 years than most people will in 100. As I sat towards the back and witnessed the hundreds upon hundreds of lives that were forever touched by one godly life, I realized that I have a long way to go.

Perhaps it sounds a bit morbid, but we all might do well to start visualizing what our funeral might be like. I'm not talking about a gloomy pre-occupation with our own mortality, rather that we should consider the attitude of one of the wisest men ever to have lived:

    It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time. (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

What a contrast to today's 'party on' mentality! Of course Solomon knew that since this life is a rapidly evaporating mist, we all should consider what kind of fragrance we will leave behind.

Allow me to suggest a valuable exercise relevant to this important topic. Take some time this weekend to reflect on three different areas that will have an enormous bearing on the day of your funeral.

   1. The Past

      Painful as this may be, it is a worthy undertaking. You must make certain that you have made peace with all people as much as it is possible. You do not want to carry bitterness and grudges to the grave. There is nothing you can do to change all that has come before you, so you might as well let it go before it destroys you.
   2. The Present

      Difficult as it may be, it is crucial to keep your mind on the moment. You need to live each moment in the power of the Spirit, considering others more important than yourself. Your basic and primary mission should be to "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27).
   3. The Future

      Unforeseeable as this may be, it is wise to plan ahead. Based on how you have lived your life so far, think about who would show up at your funeral. Think also about what the theme of the message would be if it accurately reflected your life. Consider who would step to the front if there was an 'open microphone' at your service, and what would they say.

If during your life you considered these areas and made the necessary changes, at the end of your life you would leave a precious legacy in your corner of the world, and you will be welcomed into heaven with these words: "well done, my good and faithful servant".

[Soldier4Christ]

Water in the Desert



    "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:25-34)

Perhaps this year you would really like to step out in faith and really 'go for it' with God. You would love to see Him do amazing things in and through you, but you're just not sure that He's aware of all that you are going to need. Or maybe as you look into the unforeseeable future of this year, you perceive potential depression, loneliness, and endless waiting for the things you would really like to have in your life.

Either way, consider this:

Many many years ago, God asked His people to step out in faith to follow Him. This calling wasn't easy, but it was the will of Jehovah. Moses gathered up the Israelites and marched them out in the desert in obedience to the Lord; but what was he going to do with them? They had to be fed, and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires more than a few happy meals. According to the Quartermaster General in the Army, it is reported that Moses would have to have had 1500 tons of food each day (which is 3,000,000 lbs!). To bring that much food each day would require two freight trains: each a mile long- which is a lot of donkeys back in that day.

Also keep in mind that they were out in the desert, and sand doesn't make very good cooking material, so they would have to have firewood to use in cooking the food. This would take 4000 tons of wood and a few more freight trains, each a mile long, just for one day. And just think, they were in transit for forty years (146,000 days).

They would also need water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes, it would take 11,000,000 gallons each day, and a freight train with tank cars, 1800 miles long, just to bring water.

One more thing- each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles long...that's a big campground!

Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt? I seriously doubt it. If he was thinking logically in any sense of the word, he would never had willingly taken the Israelites out in the desert. Yet stepping out in faith has very little to do with what meets the eye. Moses believed in God simply because God asked him to, and our Lord took care of all these amazing things for him.

Perhaps you are looking out at the landscape of your year, and it looks like a desert. Maybe you have no clue (from an earthly perspective) how God is going to come through for you. Believe me, if God can supply every physical and spiritual need for 2,000,000 desert wanderers over the span of 40 years; I'm pretty sure He can take care of you and me in 2002.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Aliens are Coming



    Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. (I Peter 2:11)

When some of us hear the word "alien", we immediately picture the bald headed, big eyed, three fingered freaky dudes that have been watching us for years and abducting people who watch too much Sci-Fi channel.

Well, maybe. And certainly I wouldn't want to spoil a good conspiracy theory- but actually the word alien has a much broader definition: let's ask Mr. Webster-

    Pronunciation: 'A-lE-&n, 'Al-y&n
    Function: adjective
    Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin alienus, from alius
    Date: 14th century1 a: belonging or relating to another person, place, or thing b: relating, belonging, or owing allegiance to another country or government 2: differing in nature or character typically to the point of incompatibility


The Apostle Peter calls all believers "aliens"- and for good reason!

    * We have been purchased by the blood of Christ- therefore we belong to Him
    * We relate to God alone as our Creator and Sustainer
    * We have a citizenship in heaven
    * We pledge our allegiance to the Lamb of God

Those are all things that make us aliens by definition. Yet have you ever stopped to think about how we should also be aliens by lifestyle? Look at what Webster said: "differing in nature or character typically to the point of incompatibility".

This is the difficult part, isn't it? Most of us are fine being categorized as an alien by God, but heavily resist being 'caught' by the world as a foreigner. We would rather compromise our convictions than be classified as incompatible with the culture. Perhaps we all could use a refresher course on what it means to live as true "strangers" in this world- so here's an excerpt from the "X-ianity Files"-

Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others trusted God and were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free. They placed their hope in the resurrection to a better life. Some were mocked, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons. Some died by stoning, and some were sawed in half; others were killed with the sword. Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, hungry and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world. They wandered over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All of these people we have mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.

    For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race. (Hebrews 11:32-40)

Keep in mind, these believers were not treated this way because they carried the biggest Bible on the block and sang the loudest at church meetings. These men and women resisted the popular culture of the day and stood strongly for what they believed, no matter what the consequences. Their nature was to speak the truth in love, think the thoughts of God, and act as if this world was not their home. They abstained from sinful desires, because they knew that they were only staying a little while. They told everyone they knew about the forgiveness of God, because they weren't concerned about peer pressure.

This week, consider whether you qualify as an "alien and stranger" in your attitudes, actions, and thoughts. Let me give you a slogan that might help you in this struggle:
The Popular Culture Will Never Endorse Biblical Christianity

Yep, it's true. Oh, they'll endorse a health and wealth, happy go lucky, 401K Christianity- but that's not the way of the Cross. In fact, if your desire is to be popular, wealthy, and/or powerful- then you just jumped off the alien spaceship.

[Soldier4Christ]

Somebody Else Can Do It



    "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, `Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. (John 4:34-36)

We are all saddened to learn this week of the passing of one of our church's most valuable members: Somebody Else. Somebody's departure created a huge vacancy that will be very difficult to fill. Else has been a part of the ministry for many years, and as long as anyone can remember, Somebody did far more than a normal person's share of the ministry. Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results: "Somebody Else can lead that group." Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, a meeting to attend, a team to serve on, one name was on everyone's list - Somebody Else. "Let Somebody Else do it" was a common refrain heard throughout the church.

Perhaps Somebody's greatest contribution was in the area of evangelism. Surrounding the church is a neighborhood full of unsaved people. When we heard about all the opportunities to share the gospel and invite people, we realized immediately that Somebody Else would jump right on it. Why should we have to muster the courage to share our faith with our friends when sooner or later Somebody Else would do it?

For some reason, Somebody's favorite verse was:

    "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1-2).

Somebody actually considered God's agenda more important than his own. He decided that trusting Christ for "fire insurance" was not enough- so Somebody decided to make a difference for the Kingdom with his life. I'm glad Somebody did!

Somebody Else was a wonderful person, sometimes appearing extraordinary; but a person can only do so much. Were the truth known, everybody expected too much of Somebody Else. Now Somebody Else is gone! We wonder what we are going to do. Somebody Else left a wonderful example to follow, but who is going to follow it? Who is going to do the things Somebody Else did?

Perhaps now that we realize Somebody Else is gone, there will be those of us who decide to invest our time and effort in the churches we attend. Since Somebody Else is gone, it has to be you. Is there Somebody out there?

[Soldier4Christ]

Meet the Beetles



    So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! ( I Corinthians 10:12)

No doubt, I am a very blessed individual. I have the extreme privilege of living near some of the most breathtaking mountains in the world: the Colorado Rockies. One of the most impressive elements atop those massive peaks are the colossal trees that tower over the panoramic vistas. They started as seedlings on the slopes of the mountains over 500 years ago, and for centuries they have stood tall despite the enduring violent winds, lightning strikes, blizzards, and even avalanches. Yet if you travel long enough and hike deep enough into the forest, you will find some of these once-towering trees scarcely more than a mound of decaying wood.

What caused their demise? Poor diet? Lack of sunscreen? Natural disasters? Surprisingly enough, none of these factors contributed to their downfall. The culprit was a horde of beetles that spent their time gnawing away until those skyscrapers of nature surrendered to those tiny pests and toppled over. Sometimes all it takes to collapse mighty objects is a miniscule nuisance.

Perhaps you consider yourself a sturdy tree in God's forest. For long years you have stood tall on the Rock of Ages. You have resisted the tempests of temptation, managed misfortune, and were self-assured in the strength supplied by the Savior. If so, congratulations! Yet I have one question for you: have you met the beetles? No, not the pop sensation group from the sixties. I'm referring to the subtle threats to our spiritual condition. Sometimes they are hard to see, and their devastating effect is hardly felt until it is too late. They are the little sins that begin to eat away at our lives--little lies, little compromises with greed, lust, gossip, idolatry, pride, and a host of other seemingly small sins that in reality form a perilous pack. Take heed, because the beetles will gradually corrode your character and wreck your witness for Christ!

Song of Solomon 2:15 states "Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines." This intriguing Old Testament verse should sound a loud alarm in our consciences. We must not tolerate the little evils that eat away at the roots of our lives. Let's confess those "tiny" evils to God now, before they lead to a big fall.

[Soldier4Christ]

What are you Laughing at?



    Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:9-10

Wait a minute, is God opposed to laughter? Is it more godly to have a look on your face that would freeze water?

I don't think so...

James is referring to people who have a backwards view of humor. Christians who make the temporary pleasure of sin the source of their happiness, and get 'bummed out' when they think of spiritual things. Their love of the Lord stops cold when it makes demands on their 'pet sins'. So God is essentially saying: "Look, you need to change your attitude, because sin isn't funny- it cost the life of my Son".

Take a look at the examples below, you might catch a better glimpse of what James is trying to communicate.

    * Funny how we set our clocks to arise at 6:00 am or 7:00 am to be at school by 8:00, yet when Sunday comes we can't get to church by 11:00 am to praise the One who gave us minds to learn!
    * Funny how we call God our Father and Jesus our brother, but find it hard to introduce them to our family.
    * Funny how small "our" sins seem, but how big "their" sins are.
    * Funny how we demand justice for others, but expect mercy from God.
    * Funny how much difficult it is to learn the gospel well enough to tell others, but how easy it is understand and explain the latest gossip about someone else.
    * Funny how we can't think of anything to say when we pray, but don't have any difficulty thinking of things to talk about to a friend.
    * Funny how we are so quick to take directions from a total stranger when we are lost, but are hesitant to take God's direction for our lives.
    * Funny how so many churchgoers sing "Standing on the Promises", but all they do is sit on the premises.
    * Funny how people want God to answer their prayers, but refuse to listen to His counsel.
    * Funny how we sing about our future in heaven, but live only for today on earth.
    * Funny how people think they are going to Heaven, but don't think there is a Hell.
    * Funny how it is okay to blame God for evil and suffering in the world, but it is not necessary to thank Him for what is good and pleasant.
    * Funny how when something goes wrong, we cry, "Lord, why me?", but when something goes right, we think, "Hey, it must be me!"
    * Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world is going to hell.
    * Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
    * Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do not have to believe, think, say, or do anything the Bible says.
      Funny how people can say, "I believe in God", but still follow Satan who also "believes" in God.
    * Funny how you can send a thousand 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
    * Funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass freely through cyber space, but the public discussion of Jesus is suppressed in the school and workplace.
    * Funny how someone can be so fired up for Christ on Sunday, but be an invisible Christian the rest of the week.

Are you laughing?

Funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me.

Are you thinking?

Oh wait...maybe all this isn't so "funny" after all.

[Soldier4Christ]

Columbine Crossroads



    "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (II Timothy 4:7)

It was just another dry and sunny summer day in the Roman Empire. An outspoken Jew named Paul had been causing trouble among the local religious leaders. Here was another Jesus Freak proclaiming that Christ was the only way to God. Hadn't he learned his lesson? If you go against the flow, you may be swept under. Like so many other Christians in Rome, he was asked to deny Christ at the point of a sword. Did he listen? Absolutely not! In fact he looked straight at his executioners and proclaimed his eternal allegiance.

At the end of his life Paul penned these words to Timothy, his young protégé, "...I have finished the race..." In other words, he completed the course that God had prepared for him. His life may have ended during his prime, but he died without regrets.

It was also just another wet and overcast day in Littleton, Colorado. An outspoken student named Cassie had been boldly living out her faith among the local middle-class teenagers. Here was another Jesus Freak proclaiming that Christ was the only way to God. Hadn't she learned her lesson? If you go against the flow, you may be swept under. However, unlike most Christians in America, she was asked to deny Christ at the point of a gun. Did she listen? Absolutely not! In fact, she looked into the eyes of her executioner and pledged her eternal allegiance.

Just like the Apostle Paul and Cassie, you have a choice to make with your life. You can either waste it in earthly pursuits or invest it in heavenly causes.

My challenge to you today is to start strong, run steady and finish well.

Start strong by making a choice to be absolutely committed to your Lord. Eliminate the word "compromise" from your vocabulary.

Run steady by choosing to pace yourself over the long haul. Your service to Christ is much more like a marathon than a 100-meter dash.

Finish well by refusing to deny Christ through word or deed. Take responsibility day after day, month after month, and year after year.

Keep your eyes on the prize. Stay focused on Jesus Christ by making this verse your daily motto:

    "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of God" (Hebrews 12:2).

[Soldier4Christ]

The Popularity Conspiracy



    "Am I now trying to win the approval of men or God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10)

Most teenagers are involved in an enormous conspiracy. A secret mission engulfs their minds. They think about it during the day and dream about it at night. It is the quiet quest for acceptance, the secret search for significance, otherwise known as the popularity conspiracy.

Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with being popular. As a matter of fact, for much of Jesus' ministry He was the most popular person in Palestine. Matthew 15:30 tell us that "Great crowds came to him..."

Being popular is not the problem. Being absorbed by it is. When Christian teens become consumed with popularity, their spiritual walk can be poisoned with sin.
They mutate from being God-pleasers into people-pleasers. They stop seeing themselves through the eyes of God and start measuring themselves by the mirrors of the crowds.

In the dusty pages of the Old Testament lurked a man consumed by popularity. His name was Absalom. His father was the famous King David. Deep down in the secret chambers of Absalom's heart he seethed with jealousy for his dad's national popularity. So he devised a plan to seize the reigns of recognition from his unknowing father. He stood at the city gates and waited for people to come to the city who desired to gain an audience with the King. When Absalom met these people he would befriend them, listen to their problems and then say " If only I were appointed judge of the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or a case, should come to me and I would see that he gets justice" (II Samuel 15:4) As a result of his popularity quest "he stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (II Samuel 15:6). In other words, his conspiracy worked... for awhile anyway.

Are you on a secret quest for popularity? Are you like Absolom, longing to hear the applause of others? The popularity conspiracy is a dead end. It ended in the premature death of young Absalom. It will end in disillusionment for you.

Those who bow at the altar of popularity will discover that their commitment to Christ has to take a back seat to their quest to be the best in the eyes of their friends. Their fire for souls will be quenched by the sea of self-absorption.

Don't buy the lie. The popularity conspiracy is a waste. Be a God-pleaser. Seek his applause alone.

[Soldier4Christ]

A Patriot for God



    So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

To most people, it's just a bunch of scribbled lines on an old piece of parchment under a glass case in a museum. That's why the majority of Americans have never stopped and pondered what actually happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Sad - because they are the brave souls who paved the way for the United States of America to become the great nation it is today.

Just for the record, these men didn't get to enjoy the freedoms we do. Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they?

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr, noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

This 4th of July we get together with family and friends, and enjoy the time off from work. But I would suggest taking a few moments to reflect and thank God for the astonishing sacrifices that were made so that we could enjoy freedom. As well, take some time to reflect on the One who made the ultimate sacrifice to acquire for us freedom from sin and death. Jesus was the ultimate revolutionary who bought our freedom from a life of chasing ridiculous things like money, fame, and power. The gospel is our declaration of independence, and we should have the same attitude as the men who signed the Declaration of Independence:

    "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Let this holiday remind you that we have been set free from a life of slavery to Satan, now we can proclaim the message of true spiritual independence to our friends and family. Dedicate yourself to being a patriot for God, then watch the spiritual fireworks begin!

[Soldier4Christ]

Maximizing Memorial Day



    The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. (I Timothy 2:1-3)

What is this Memorial Day thing all about anyway?

For some, it ends up being just another three-day weekend...hamburgers, hot dogs, and hullabaloo. It's kick-off time for the summer ahead- so spend time with family and friends, take in some sports, and be glad that you don't have school or work.

All that is fine and dandy, but maybe Memorial Day should be a little something more than just refreshments and revelry?
Consider these facts:

The origins of Memorial Day began a long time ago:

    "This day shall be designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance.

    If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us. Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time."

    John A. Logan, Commander in Chief- GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
    General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868

The original idea was to honor those who have given their lives in the Civil War to preserve the freedoms that we so easily take for granted today.

In 1950, Memorial Day was officially instituted, and although many are aware of this fact, few know the original objective behind it:

A law that was passed on May 11, 1950 instituting Memorial Day states that its original purpose is to serve as A DAY WHEN OUR NATION UNITES IN PRAYER.

Section 169g. Memorial Day as day of prayer for permanent peace--

    "The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day, by praying, each in accordance with his religious faith, for permanent peace; designating a period during such day in which all the people of the United States may unite in prayer for a permanent peace; calling upon all the people of the United States to unite in prayer at such time; and calling upon the newspapers, radio stations, and all other mediums of information to join in observing such day and period of prayer."

Memorial Day is not only supposed to be a national day of passivity, but also of prayer!

Last time I checked, America is in great need of God's help. We need to rally the troops and address our serious issues with serious prayer. If you're looking for a starting point, this prayer was given at the beginning of the opening session of the Kansas Senate by Rev. Joe Wright of Central Chrisian Church- and makes a great template for what all of us should be praying this weekend.

    "Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good.' But that is exactly what we have done.

    We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We confess that.

    We have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it Pluralism

    We have exploited the poor and called it lottery,

    We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare,

    We have killed our unborn and called it choice,

    We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable,

    We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem,

    We have abused power and called it politics,

    We have coveted our neighbors possessions and called it ambition,

    We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression,

    We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment,

    Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.

    Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent to direct us to the center of Your will and to openly ask these things in the name of Your Son, the living Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen!"

Please take some time on Monday to remember those who paid the ultimate price to give us freedom, and also lift up our great nation to the One who paid the ultimate debt to bring us forgiveness, because Uncle Sam needs us!

[Soldier4Christ]

One Nation; Under Who?



    Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:35-38)

Two recent articles in the LA TIMES have struck a nerve in my heart. First is the news of this week's ruling (for the western US) that the Pledge of Allegiance is unconstitutional because of the phrase "one nation under God." I'll leave the details to your own media, but can't help but wonder about the gentleman who brought the lawsuit. He does not believe in God, nor by extension heaven and hell.

But one day he will. He's 49 years old, so sometime in the next 50 years or so he will close his eyes for the last time in this lifetime and will open them in eternity. At that moment he will lose all doubt in the existence of a holy God. He will also realize that his own sins have separated him from God, and that it's too late to receive the gift of forgiveness that was offered to him up to the moment he died. Perhaps part of the torment he will experience for all eternity is that he, by his own choice, rejected that gift.

The other article, which appeared on page 1 of the LA TIMES, deals with the church's abandonment of the concept of hell. It seems people don't want to hear about it any longer, so preachers have stopped warning their flocks about it. Catch this: here's a secular publication castigating the church for ignoring Jesus Christ's central purpose for the church; helping lost sinners escape the horrors of hell and finding the way to heaven. He came to seek and save the lost, and has purposed to use His church to reach them.

But now I need to search my own heart. Do I really believe in hell? If so, why am I so blasé about my unsaved family going there? I've already shared the gospel with them to the extent they'll listen, but why am I not on my knees agonizing over
them in prayer? And why am I so casual with the gospel with my neighbors? And my co-workers?

    God does exist. So does heaven. So does hell. If we both truly believe in hell and truly care for those the Lord has placed within our circles of relationships, then may our hearts break for the lost such that we do something about it.

    Eric Van Deusen

[Soldier4Christ]

Put Down the Burger and Look Up



    The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. (I Timothy 2:1-3)

What is this Memorial Day thing all about anyway?

For some, it ends up being just another three-day weekend...hamburgers, hot dogs, and hullabaloo. It's kick-off time for the summer ahead- so spend time with family and friends, take in some sports, and be glad that you don't have school or work.

All that is fine and dandy, but maybe Memorial Day should be a little something more than just refreshments and revelry?
Consider these facts:

The origins of Memorial Day began a long time ago:

    "This day shall be designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance.

    If our eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us. Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time."

    John A. Logan, Commander in Chief- GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
    General Orders No.11, WASHINGTON, D.C., May 5, 1868

    The original idea was to honor those who have given their lives in the Civil War to preserve the freedoms that we so easily take for granted today.

    In 1950, Memorial Day was officially instituted, and although many are aware of this fact, few know the original objective behind it:

    A law that was passed on May 11, 1950 instituting Memorial Day states that its original purpose is to serve as A DAY WHEN OUR NATION UNITES IN PRAYER.

    Section 169g. Memorial Day as day of prayer for permanent peace--

    "The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day, by praying, each in accordance with his religious faith, for permanent peace; designating a period during such day in which all the people of the United States may unite in prayer for a permanent peace; calling upon all the people of the United States to unite in prayer at such time; and calling upon the newspapers, radio stations, and all other mediums of information to join in observing such day and period of prayer."

Memorial Day is not only supposed to be a national day of passivity, but also of prayer!

Last time I checked, America is in great need of God's help. We need to rally the troops and address our serious issues with serious prayer. If you're looking for a starting point, this prayer was given at the beginning of the opening session of the Kansas Senate by Rev. Joe Wright of Central Chrisian Church- and makes a great template for what all of us should be praying this weekend.

    "Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good.' But that is exactly what we have done.

    We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We confess that.

    We have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it Pluralism

    We have exploited the poor and called it lottery,

    We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare,

    We have killed our unborn and called it choice,

    We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable,

    We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem,

    We have abused power and called it politics,

    We have coveted our neighbors possessions and called it ambition,

    We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression,

    We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment,

    Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.

    Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent to direct us to the center of Your will and to openly ask these things in the name of Your Son, the living Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen!"

Please take some time on Monday to remember those who paid the ultimate price to give us freedom, and also lift up our great nation to the One who paid the ultimate debt to bring us forgiveness, because Uncle Sam needs us!

[Soldier4Christ]

Satan's Plan for America



    Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. (Psalm 33:12)

I had this terrible dream in which I overheard Satan talking to his minions about destroying America. "Not all at once!" he said. "We must implement our strategy so slowly that hardly anyone notices the damage being done- until it's too late." And with that, he laid out his plan:

    "First, we get enough people to complain about prayer in our schools- enough protest to pass policies against it.

    Next, convince people that they better not read the Bible in school, the Bible that says "thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself."

    Then persuade parents that they shouldn't spank their children when they misbehave because their little personalities might be warped and we might damage their self-esteem.

    After that, let's let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won't even have to tell their parents.

    Then get some of our top elected officials to say that it doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs. Tell the people that it doesn't matter what anyone, including the President, does in private, as long as I have a job and the economy is good.

    Also, tell people it's ok to print magazines that degrade women, and call it wholesome, down-to-earth appreciation for the beauty of the female body.

    Then let's get the entertainment industry to make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence and illicit sex. And let's produce music that encourages rape, drugs murder, suicide and satanic themes. Tell them it is just entertainment, it has no adverse effect, and nobody takes it seriously.

    Before you know it, we will have this nation on its knees before us."

Good thing none of that has ever happened, because if it did we might now be asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

I suppose that if all those nightmarish scenarios became reality, the Church would represent the last best hope for a decaying society. Why? Because we are the 'called out ones', we are a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God..." (I Peter 2:9-10) We know the One who knows the way to heal a nation. Is that through protesting, legislating, and mounting massive political power? No- because God called us to be "salt and light", not placards and pickets. We would win the nation back by making commited disciples, not discourse. Is this a wake-up call?

[Soldier4Christ]

How the People of God Should Respond to a National Tragedy

September 11, 2001 now becomes a date that will be remembered as a devastating calamity to all Americans. The co-coordinated terrorist attack was a stab in the heart of the United States, leaving people with a profound sense of loss and helplessness. A myriad of questions surrounding this catastrophe surely abound, yet there is one query which must be considered by those who call themselves the people of God: how should I respond in the face of a national tragedy?

The prophet Jeremiah endured an overwhelming disaster during his ministry to the nation of Israel. His homeland had been overrun by enemy troops, and his compatriots had experienced wholesale devastation and slaughter. In the wake of Israel's demise Jeremiah penned the book of Lamentations, and in this inspired manuscript he offers a description of how the people of God should respond to a national tragedy.
First, we must turn to God with the words of prayer.

    "The hearts of the people cry out to the Lord. O wall of the Daughter of Zion, let your tears flow like a river day and night; give yourself no relief, your eyes no rest. Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street." (Lamentations 2:18-19)

From the depths of our hearts we must call out to God on behalf of the victims. Cry out to the Ancient of Days individually and collectively for mercy and justice to be dispensed.
Second, we must turn to people with the ministry of compassion.

    " My eyes fail from weeping, I am in torment within, my heart is poured out on the ground because my people are destroyed, because children and infants faint in the streets of the city." (Lamentations 2:11)

We are a nation in pain trying to make sense of a senseless tragedy. As Christians we must reach out to the direct and indirect victims of this calamity and "mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15). We have the opportunity to connect with people on a personal level and present the only true message of peace in the universe: the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.
Third, we must turn to ourselves with the lenses of repentance.

    "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." (Lamentations 3:40)

This day should serve as a reminder that though sin abounds, grace abounds even more. Let us look to our own spiritual condition to see if we have compromised with the ways of Satan and brought grief to the Savior. If so, the Father waits with open arms to receive us back into perfect fellowship with Him.
Finally, we must turn to the future with the outlook of hope.

    "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21-23)

Days like these bring a flood of emotions. Anger, confusion, vulnerability, and sorrow inundate our state of mind like a torrential flood. Yet in the tempest we can hold securely to the Rock of Ages; he is the only One who can truly rebuild from the ashes of destruction.

[Soldier4Christ]

Do You Believe That?

At Dare 2 Share our goal is to train and equip teens to better communicate the gospel. We desire to evangelize a generation to evangelize the world! Therefore, I want to remind you of the importance of sharing your faith every chance you get. You hold the cure to sin and death. You have the answer to family and friends who are lost and hurting. I invite you to get excited about sharing your faith and become bold. Ya know, it's not a coincidence that the last commandment that Jesus left us with before returning to the Father is the Great Commission.

    "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

He has entrusted us with the most precious as well as the most powerful message ever known to this world!

    "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." (2 Corinthians 5:20)

I wanted to share with you a story that I stumbled upon when reading Let Me Tell You a Story by Tony Campolo. After reading this story, my entire perspective about sharing the powerful message of the gospel was completely transformed. I was deeply convicted, by the story and compelled to become more active to share how Jesus Christ changed my life.

In July of 1854 a man by the name of Charlie Peace was to be hung in London. He was a well-known criminal, whose choices had finally caught up with him. On the day of his hanging, a ceremony was held by the local church. As Charlie marched through the streets of people toward the gallows, the priest was reading from a prayer book saying, "Those who die without Christ experience hell, which is the pain of forever dying without the release which death itself can bring." At that Charlie looked back at the priest with a piercing look and shouted, "Do you believe that? Do you believe that?" The priest was shocked by Charlie's verbal assault and cautiously answered, "Well...I...suppose I do." Then suddenly Charlie said something amazing, "Well, I don't, but if I did, I'd get down on my hands and knees and crawl all over Great Britain, even if it were paved with pieces of broken glass, if I could just rescue one person from what you just told me."

Wow! That is harsh, but it should be absolutely true. We know that the consequence of life without Jesus is death, but if we really really believed this, we would be witnessing to every single person we come into contact with. I love the scripture in Romans 1:16 that says, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." We know the gospel is powerful because it has transformed our own lives. We also know the joy that a love relationship with Jesus offers, therefore we should give others the same opportunity to experience abundant life. However they will never experience life abundantly without hearing the Good News of Jesus who died to set them free!

If you do not share the message, who will? If you are serious in your relationship with Jesus, then you must be sharing, there are no excuses. If you are living a life for Christ it will be evident to all people and they will begin to ask you questions, and God's Word tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 that you must:

    "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

However it is important to note that the Holy Spirit will work in and through you to share this message, and also through the person you are sharing with. Just remember there is no greater testimony than the truth that Jesus reigns within you. All you must do is share from your heart, and let the Holy Spirit speak through you. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 says:

    "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

In other words, you don't need to have a fancy speech memorized, but a simple story about how God changed your life!

Lastly, I want to encourage you not only to share Jesus through words, but also through your actions. I know you have all heard the saying, "You may be the only Bible people may ever read," but it is the absolute truth. You are representing Jesus every second of the day, even when you think no one is looking. Therefore, you must always live in such a way that does not compromise the valuable gospel message. Everything from your thought life to social life must reflect His love and hope. Therefore, I encourage you with this scripture found in Matthew 5:16 "...Let you light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven." Many times people say they refuse to go to church or become a Christian because of all the hypocrites who call themselves Christians yet live another way. I urge you, please do not turn anyone away by your actions, let your words and actions be in sync! Let everyone see your inexpressible passion and excitement for the Gospel. Show the world that you would be willing to get on your knees and crawl across broken glass to share the life saving message of Jesus Christ!! We have been given the greatest responsibility as well as the greatest privilege to share the GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD!

Lord Jesus I pray that you would give me the boldness to share your message with everyone I come into contact with. Jesus I am willing to do whatever it takes to share this message with the world. I am ready Lord, but I cannot do this alone, I need you to guide me every step of the way. Help me not to waist one more minute, but see the vitality of sharing the gospel so people don't have to face hell.