Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

The Devil Made You Do it?

For most of teenage America, school is back in session. Time to clean out crusty Christmas cobwebs from the cranium and jump back on the highway of higher education. So while we're at it, please allow me to increase your intellect with an interesting phrase:

    Hobson's choice • HAHB-suhnz-choyss [IMG] • (noun) : an apparently free choice when there is no real alternative

    Example sentence:
    "You can either eat the dinner I have served you or go hungry," said Mother, presenting the grumbling children with a classic Hobson's choice.

Did you know?

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Thomas Hobson worked as a licensed carrier of passengers, letters, and parcels between Cambridge and London, England. He kept horses for this purpose and rented them to university students when he wasn't using them. Of course, the students always wanted their favorite horses, and consequently a few of Hobson's animals became overworked. To correct the situation, Hobson began a strict rotation system, giving each customer the choice of taking the horse nearest the stable door or none at all. This rule became known as "Hobson's choice," and soon people were using that term to mean "no choice at all" in all kinds of situations.

Based on Merriam - Webster's Collegiate(R) Dictionary, 10th Edition.

Great - now you can impress your friends and family with cool trivial knowledge and a bigger vocabulary...but don't miss the bigger principle here.

Did you also know?

Satan is the ultimate master at offering a Hobson's choice to you and me everyday of our lives.

At every opportunity Satan can find, he presents sin-filled scenarios with apparently bad options- which come cleverly disguised as a 'free' choice, when in reality there is no real alternative. This is what it looks like:

    * Party with your friends or end up unpopular/unhappy
    * Lie or get into serious trouble
    * Have sex or be known as a weirdo (or worse)
    * Skip church or end up bored
    * Get angry or people will push you around

Get the picture? Satan hurls the Hobson's choice at you at least once a day, painting the bad road with pretty signs. He lies about the alternative to get you to believe that sin is the only way to get your needs fulfilled.

How do you handle the Hobson? Probably your best bet is to imitate Jesus when the devil tried it on Him:

Then Jesus was led out into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted there by the Devil. For forty days and forty nights he ate nothing and became very hungry. Then the Devil came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, change these stones into loaves of bread." But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say,

    `People need more than bread for their life;
    they must feed on every word of God.' "

    Then the Devil took him to Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, "If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, `He orders his angels to protect you. And they will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.' " Jesus responded,

    "The Scriptures also say, `Do not test the Lord your God.' "

    Next the Devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the nations of the world and all their glory. "I will give it all to you," he said, "if you will only kneel down and worship me." "Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say,

    `You must worship the Lord your God;
    serve only him.' "

    Then the Devil went away, and angels came and cared for Jesus. (Matthew 4:1-11)

Christ knew that the only way to see the Hobson coming is to look through the lenses of the Bible. You have to be able to see life God's way to know that Satan is blinding you.

So what are you waiting for? Are you tired of believing the Deceiver? Jump into a regular study of Scripture and pretty soon you'll know your Hobson from a hole in the ground.

[Soldier4Christ]

Christmas Cookies

This time of year, I generally start what I call the "Christmas Chow Down". I'm pretty sure that my body thinks that we are headed for a nuclear winter where no food will be found. So about any time of the day you will see me with a fistful 'o food in search of additional vittles. Come to think of it, it would probably be a good idea to just attach a feed bag to my face.

It seems to me that this is the way we should be spiritually. So hungry for God's Word that we should have a verse or two in our 'hands' that we are devouring. Or better yet, if we could attach a Bible feeding bag to the mouth of our soul - I'm sure we all would live out the true meaning of Christmas. So here are four Christmas 'cookies' designed to give you a little different perspective for each day.
Tuesday

    Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)

Thoughts about today's verse

We crave food at regular intervals during the day. During this holiday season food occupies our thoughts and fills up our activities. But deep in our soul is a hunger, a soul hunger. It cannot be filled by food, drink, or chemicals. This hunger was the desire built into us by our Creator, placed there when he knit us together in our mother's womb. This hunger can only be satiated by Jesus.
My Prayer

Please fill me, my Father, with Jesus. Give me today, my Daily Bread, that I may find life in all its fullness. Precious Lord, Jesus my brother and Savior, fill me and touch me with your presence so that I can serve you by blessing those around me with your grace. Amen.
Wednesday

    When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Thoughts about today's verse

Darkness is more than a symbol; it is a pervasive way of living and viewing the world. Darkness is the place of deception, evil, crime, predators, sin, and death. To follow Jesus means to bring him our heart and let him cast everything from the darkness that plagues us on the inside so we don't have to be afraid of the darkness on the outside. In this way, Jesus gives us light, but it is a light that does more than fill a dark room. This is a light that illumines the heart.
My Prayer

Holy God who lives in glorious and irrepressible light, I praise you for sending Jesus to cast away the dark fears that so easily envelope me. I pray for strength and courage to not only live in the light, but show others their way to the light.
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Thursday

    Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it in full." (John 10:7 and 9-10)

Thoughts about today's verse

Jesus came to the world to give us life. He didn't come to bring us rules, or judgment, or fear, or work. Jesus came to give us life in its fullest form. While we know that this is promised to us when we go to be with him for all eternity, John wants us to clearly hear that Jesus' promise to give us life begins right now! Not JUST life later, but also life NOW!
My Prayer

Almighty God, I confess that sometimes I play life too carefully, not risking failure and loss and not reaching for your opportunities and your concerns. Give me a heart that yearns to live life in all its fullness by seeking after your will, Jesus' example, and the Holy Spirit's leading in my decisions today and always. Through Jesus I ask this to your glory. Amen.
Friday

    [Jesus said,] "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25)

Thoughts about today's verse

This is the most important question you will ever answer.

Do you really believe this? Do you believe that when you died with Christ in baptism through faith, that you died the most significant death and that your physical death will not separate you from Jesus? All of life, even all of eternity for you, hangs on this one question.
My Prayer

Almighty and Everlasting Father, I believe that because you have adopted me into your family, death will never claim me. Help me live with new vigor and confidence knowing that Satan cannot have me and death cannot claim me because I am yours through Jesus. In my precious Redeemer I pray. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

The God Test

Seems like we all (at one time or another) have questions for God. "Why is life not fair? Where were you when I needed you? Why can't I win the lottery?" and so on.

Perhaps instead of focusing on the inquiries we have for the Infinite Almighty, we should consider what questions He may or may not have for us hapless humans. So here is a little list that should give you a good start on studying for heavenly quiz day...(I even added Scripture back-up to help make the point!)

    God won't ask what kind of car you drove, but He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation. "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." (Matthew 5:41)

    God won't ask the square footage of your house, but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home. "Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.' (Luke 15:1-2)

    God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe. "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:42)

    God won't ask about your social status; but He'll ask what kind of class you displayed. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

    God won't ask how many material possessions you had, but He'll ask if they dictated your life. "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. (Matthew 6:24)

    God won't ask what your highest salary was, but He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:23)

    God won't ask how much overtime you worked, but He'll ask if your overtime work was for yourself or for your family. "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (I Timothy 5:

    God won't ask how many promotions you received, but He'll ask how you promoted others. "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Matthew 20:16)

    God won't ask what your job title was, but He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Colossians 3:23)

    God won't ask what you did to help yourself, but He'll ask what you did to help others. "And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" (Matthew 5:47)

    God won't ask how many friends you had, but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend. "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)

    God won't ask what you did to protect your rights, but He'll ask what you did to protect the rights of others. "But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast". (I Corinthians 9:15)

    God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, but He'll ask how you treated your neighbors. "To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." (Mark 12:33)

    God won't ask about the color of your skin, but He'll ask about the content of your character. "In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." (Matthew 23:28)

    God won't ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but He'll ask how many times they didn't. "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor". (Exodus 16:20)

    God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation, but He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell. "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:21)

[Soldier4Christ]

Remember?

Of course you remember where you were and what you were doing on September 11, 2001...who doesn't? Gut wrenching news followed by heart breaking images. The American illusion of safety shattered and the presence of evil realized. What is different about you since last year? If the events of that day haven't changed you in significant ways, you dishonor the memory of those who perished.

How have I changed? Bear with me as I share a few random transformations that have occurred over the preceding 365 days.
I wear different glasses.

Actually I don't wear glasses at all...what I mean is that I see the world in a different way. We all have our 'lenses' through which we interpret our planet, and mine was radically altered that day. It used to be pretty easy to see most people as petty, proud, passionless and pent-up. Maybe some of us still are, but I am trying to see folks through the spectacles of the Spirit:

    When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36)

I wear a different watch.

Ever feel like there are so many things you want to do, but you just don't have the time? Friend, time is all you have. This past year I have looked at my watch not thinking about what is coming up, but rather about what opportunity I am possibly wasting.

It's the two extra minutes of conversation with a lonely friend, a second hug for loved ones, a thank you prayer to God for an amazing sunset, a phone call to someone you need to forgive...you get the idea. Now when I think about what time it is, I try to be very careful, then, how I live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
I wear different shoes.

When I was a little kid in Sunday School, we used to sing a song called 'Oh Be Careful'. One of the verses went like this:

    Oh be careful little feet, where you go
    Oh be careful little feet, where you go
    For the Father up above is looking
    Down in love
    So be careful little feet, where you go.

I thought that meant that I should avoid any and all places of temptation, and it probably does- but now to me it has an additional meaning as well. For most of us, our feet serve to take us where we can get our needs met. I go to the store because I'm hungry, to the bank because I need money, to the movies because I'm bored, to the gym so I can look like an American Idol- etc. etc.

Perhaps God gave us feet to be able to go places where we can help meet the needs of others. There are lonely, sick, imprisoned, and hungry people who go to the grave with the thought that nobody cared. We should be careful that our little feet don't just go places that are all about us.

"Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, `Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his demons! For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me anything to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me no clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.' (Matthew 25:41-43)

Is there something wrong with taking some time this week to remember, reflect, mourn, and grieve? Am I knocking lighting candles and turning on headlights?

Nah...I just want to challenge you to also use this anniversary as a reminder that life is a gift- so unwrap it and seize the day before it's gone!

[Soldier4Christ]

Got School?



    "Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:12-13)

School is back in session! (No kidding Lane, thank you so much for bringing up such a painful subject. While you're at it, why don't you give me a nice paper cut, and pour lemon juice on it?)

School is ultimately about being educated...but don't forget to keep the main thing the main thing. Try grading yourself with the list below, and see how well you are being schooled.

    If I learn my ABCs, can read 600 words per minute, and can write with perfect penmanship, but have not been shown how to communicate with the Designer of all language, I have not been educated.

    If I can deliver an eloquent speech and persuade you with my stunning logic, but have not been instructed in God's wisdom, I have not been educated.

    If I have read Shakespeare and John Locke and can discuss their writings with keen insight, but have not read the greatest of all books - the Bible - and have no knowledge of its personal importance, I have not been educated.

    If I have memorized addition facts, multiplication tables, and chemical formulas, but have never been disciplined to hide God's Word in my heart, I have not been educated.

    If I can explain the law of gravity and Einstein's theory of relativity, but have never been instructed in the unchangeable laws of the One Who orders our universe, I have not been educated.

    If I can classify animals by their family, genus and species, and can write a lengthy scientific paper that wins an award, but have not been introduced to the Maker's purpose for all creation, I have not been educated.

    If I can recite the Gettysburg Address and the Preamble to the Constitution, but have not been informed of the hand of God in the history of our country, I have not been educated.

    If I can play the piano, the violin, six other instruments, and can write music that moves men to tears, but have not been taught to listen to the Director of the universe and worship him, I have not been educated.

    If I can run cross-country races, star in basketball, and do 100 push-ups without stopping, but have never been shown how to bend my spirit to do God's will, I have not been educated.

    If I can identify a Picasso, describe the style of da Vinci, and even paint a portrait that earns an A+, but have not learned that all harmony and beauty comes from a relationship with God, I have not been educated.

    If I graduate with a perfect 4.0 and am accepted at the best university with a full scholarship, but have not been guided into a career of God's choosing for me,
    I have not been educated.

    If I become a good citizen, voting at each election and fighting for what is moral and right, but have not been told of the sinfulness of mankind and our hopelessness without Christ, I have not been educated.

    However...

    If one day I see the world as God sees it, and come to know Him, Whom to know is life eternal, and glorify God by fulfilling His purpose for me-

    Then, I have been educated!

[Soldier4Christ]

Christian Life: Flat as a Pancake?



    "But many who are first will be last; and the last, first." (Matthew 19:30)

A mother was preparing pancakes for her 5-year-old son Kevin and 3-year-old son Ryan. When the boys started arguing over who would get the first tasty pancake, she saw a great opportunity to teach them a Biblical lesson.

    "Boys" she said, "if Jesus were sitting here this morning, He would say 'let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'"

    Kevin turned to his brother and said, "Ryan, today you get to be Jesus!"

I'm afraid there are far too many 'Kevin Christians' in the church today...sitting at the table of life letting others be Jesus because it might cost them something personally.

We can have the fish on the car, the WWJD bracelet on our wrists, and the Bible on the coffee table, but it's what's inside that counts!

So what are the 'pancakes' in your life that make it difficult to be Christlike? Here are a few that the Bible lists:

    "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24)

Here is a big lie: when you get what you want you'll be happy...wrong! True contentment can only be found in serving God. If the almighty buck has a hold on you, drop it like a bad habit- because it is!

    "Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14)

Some people are happy to follow Jesus until they fall in love with the wrong person or get hooked up with the wrong group of friends. Just keep in mind that if Jesus isn't your best friend, He is no friend at all.

    "And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me." (Luke 14:27)

This one pretty much sums it up, doesn't it? Carrying your own cross means you take a intense look at your life to find the things that come between you and your Lord, then nail them to the cross with brutal force...daily!

    "The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is the hand over your whole self--all your wishes and precautions--to Christ."

    - C.S. Lewis--Mere Christianity

Trust me on this one: the second pancake is worth the wait.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Sounds of Silence



    "My dear brothers, take note of this: everyone one should be quick to listen, slow to speak..." (James 1:19)

    "I'm sorry, what did you say again?"

That question probably grates on your nerves, especially when you feel like you expressed yourself clearly.

Everyone loves to be heard. Hopefully we all have in our lives at least one person that listens...I mean really listens to us. A person who not only hears what we're saying, but they also know how to read in between the lines. If you don't know someone like this, you probably long to know someone who listens well.

God wants us to not only know someone like that, he wants us to be someone like that. "Be quick to listen, slow to speak" is not just a nice idea- it's a command (y'know- like, not an option?)

So let me give you a "quick to listen, slow to speak" test:

    When someone is talking to you do you...

       1. ...listen to them with full concentration?
       2. ...listen well at first be get easily distracted mentally?
       3. ...find yourself planning your response before they are done talking?
       4. ...completely miss what they said in the first place?

    In conversations do you tend to...

       1. ...wait until the person speaking is totally finished?
       2. ...cut them off at the soonest possible natural break in the conservation?
       3. ...overpower the conversation right off the bat?
       4. ...tell them to shut up until you say so?

    When communicating with another person do you...

       1. ...ask questions to get a clear picture of what the other person is saying?
       2. ...listen well until you're bored?
       3. ...start talking about yourself or your view point as soon as possible?
       4. ...fall asleep in the middle of the conversation?

    1 = Good Listener
    3 = Adequate Listener
    3 = Lousy Listener
    4 = Seek professional help

Following this command is not only important in relationships, it is also very key when it comes to evangelism. Put simply, if you learn to listen well you will be a godly magnet to others. Your classmates will find themselves gravitating toward you. They'll start "opening up" and begin sharing with you some of their greatest dreams and deepest hurts. Opportunities to share the gospel abound with those who learn to listen.

Most of us are not natural listeners. We love to talk. Whether it be telling stories, sharing biblical insight, or just giving our personal opinions our expertise is typically speaking and not listening. One of the things that has helped me is learning how to rephrase what has been said, or ask questions of the person speaking. I continue doing this until they feel that I understand them. I have had to force myself to "be quick to listen, slow to speak..."

You can improve as well. As you do, you'll become a better friend and more effective in sharing your faith. When people feel understood, they feel validated and encouraged. Many times when they reach that point, God will open the door for them to hear the gospel from you.

[Soldier4Christ]

I Argued With God

One day I was feeling sorry for myself (as I often do), so I decided to get into a debate with God. I made up a list of all the things that were wrong with my life, and all the excuses I had for not serving Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Funny thing is, getting into a debate with God is not such a great idea. Here's how it went:

    I said," It's impossible for me to live for You"
    He said," All things are possible. "(Luke 18:27)

    I said," I'm too tired to follow You"
    He said," I will give I rest." (Mt 11:28-30)

    I said," Nobody really loves me."
    He said," I love you." (Jn 3:16)

    I said," I can't go on facing each day."
    He said," My grace is sufficient."(II Cor. 12:19)

    I said," I can't figure things out "
    He said," I will direct your steps." (Prov.20:24)

    I said," I can't do it."
    He said," I can do all things." Phil 4:13)

    I said," I'm not able."
    He said," I am able." (II Cor 9:

    I said," It's not worth it."
    He said," It will be worth it." (Rom. 8:28)

    I said," I can't forgive myself,"
    He said ," I forgive you. (1 Jn 1:9 & Rom 8:1)

    I said," I can't manage."
    He said," I will supply all your needs." (Phil 4:19)

    I said," I'm afraid."
    He said," I have not given I a spirit of fear." (II Tim 1:7)

    I said," I'm always worried and frustrated."
    He said," Cast all your cares on me." (1 Pet. 5:7)

    I said," I don't have enough faith."
    He said," I've given everyone a measure of faith." (Rom. 12:

    I said," I'm not smart enough."
    He said," I give you wisdom. (1 Cor. 1:30)

    I said," I feel all alone."
    He said," I will never leave you or forsake you. " (Heb. 13:5)

As you can tell, I lost the argument, but I gained a whole new perspective! I guess sometimes when you lose, you really do win.

[Soldier4Christ]

Sole Train!

    If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that"

    -Jesus

So perhaps you have gone to church for quite some time now-that's great! The only problem with that scenario is that there is good news and bad news.

The good news is this: having attended church for a while, you have been exposed to the truth of God's word and (hopefully) have been growing in your faith.

The bad news? Having attended church for a while, you have been exposed to the truth of God's word and (had better) been growing in your faith.

It is an awesome privilege to live in a place where we can worship God freely. Yet with that opportunity comes responsibility. God is not overly pleased with His children who sit in church, soak up the truth, and squander the chance to live more Christlike in their lives.

And just how do we know if we are living more like Jesus? Let me eliminate some of the so-called 'standards' for being a good Christian.

    * It isn't about how many verses we know
    * It isn't about how much money we give
    * It isn't about how loud we sing, how often we say 'religious' phrases, or even how many people we tell about God.

What is it about?

If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever. (I Corinthians 13:1-3)

That's right, it's all about the love. Not the sentimental sappy smooshy kind, but the self-sacrificing surrendering sort. Here's a story I came across that illustrates the point:

    Our Souls (soles) Touched

    My alarm went off -- it was Sunday again; I was tired -- it was my one day to sleep in, but the guilt I'd have felt the rest of the day would have been too much, so I'd go; I'd pray.

    I showered and shaved, adjusted suit and tie, Got there and swung into a pew just in time. Bowing my head in humble prayer before I closed my eyes, I saw that the shoe of the man next to me was touching my own, and I sighed.

    With plenty of room on either side, I thought, "why do our soles have to touch?" It bothered me so; he was glued to my shoe, but it didn't seem to bother him much.

    Then the prayer began: "Heavenly Father," someone said-- But I thought, "Does this man with the shoes have no pride?" They were dusty, worn, scratched end to end. What's worse, there were holes on the side!

    "Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on. The shoe man said a quiet "amen." I tried to focus on the prayer, but my thoughts were on his shoes again.

    Aren't we supposed to look our best when walking through that door? "Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer ended and songs of praise began. The shoe man was loud, sounding proud as he sang. He lifted the rafters; his hands raised high; The Lord surely heard his voice from the sky.

    Then the offering was passed; what I threw in was steep.
    The shoe man reached into his pockets, so deep, and I tried to see what he pulled out to put in, then I heard a soft "clink," as when silver hits tin.

    The sermon bored me to tears--And no lie--It was the same for the shoe man, for tears fell from his eyes.

    At the end of the service, as is custom here, we must greet the visitors and show them good cheer. But I was moved inside to want to meet this man, so after the closing, I shook his hand.

    He was old, his skin dark, his hair a mess. I thanked him for coming, for being our guest He said, "My name's Charlie, glad to meet you, my friend," And there were tears in his eyes--but he had a wide grin.

    "Let me explain," he said, wiping his eyes. "I've been coming for months, and you're the first to say, 'Hi.' I know I don't look like all the rest, But I always try to look my best. I polish my shoes before my long walk, but by the time I get here they're as dirty as chalk."

    My heart fell to my knees, but I held back my tears, He continued, "And I must apologize for sitting so near. But I know when I get here, I must look a sight, and I thought. .. If I touched you, our souls might unite."

    I was silent for a moment knowing anything I said would pale in comparison, so I spoke from my heart not my head.
    "Oh, you've touched me," I said. "And taught me, in part, that the best of a man is what's in his heart." The rest, I thought, this man will never know . . . How thankful I am that he touched my soul!

    (Author Unknown)

[Soldier4Christ]

Unfinished Business

We've all heard of the Apostle Peter. The big fisherman with the (sometimes) overzealous tongue who denied Christ three times in a public square. Yet not long after that heartbreaking event, he was used by God in spectacular ways. He preached a sermon, and 3000 people trusted Christ. For decades he risked his possessions, family, and even his very life to preach the gospel. He wrote part of the New Testament, and eventually was killed for refusing to deny Christ. The man who was at one time afraid of a servant girl became a Jesus freak in the evil Roman Empire. His form of execution was crucifixion like Christ- and he was so in love with his Master that he asked his executioners to crucify him upside down out of respect for Jesus. Now in my book, most people don't change. The timid remain timid, the stubborn stay stubborn, and so on...what happened to Peter that completely turned him around?

Some might think that he went to seminary, and all that great education transformed him. A nice idea, but there were no seminaries back then.

Perhaps he attended a cool youth conference or read some popular Christian books, and that's what revolutionized his walk with Christ? I don't think so.

One encounter with the Risen Savior changed everything. Here's what happened:

    After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"

    "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you."

    "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him.

    Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

    "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you."

    "Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said.

    Once more he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

    Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know I love you."

    Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep. The truth is, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will direct you and take you where you don't want to go." Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, "Follow me." (John 21:15-19)

Deep in his heart Peter must have still felt like a failure, and even though Jesus was back from the dead and acting very friendly towards him, I'm sure there was a nagging feeling of worthlessness in his heart. So in this scene, Jesus takes care of some unfinished business: namely- "Peter, you're still on the team..."

Is it any co-incidence that Jesus asked him three times if He loved Him? I don't think Christ was hard of hearing, rather that Peter was hard of heart. Jesus knew that for Peter the be the 'rock' of the church down the road, he was going to need his pride crushed into the dust, and his love raised to a new level.

Jesus says the same thing to us: "do you love me more than these?" Don't let anything get in the way of your love for Christ: sin, sorrow, pleasure, pain, friends, future, worries and wishes will all fight for first in your life- but you must bury them under the soil of your love for the Savior.

Perhaps this is a good week for you to have an encounter with Christ. Get alone and seek His face...when you find Him, picture His loving smile of compassion and forgiveness saying to you: "Follow Me".

[Soldier4Christ]

The Bible And Self-Image

It's been said that 'all truth is God's truth'- I wonder if that is true? Actually, when it comes to psychology, that statement definitely applies. Because any counseling principle that works (or in other words 'true'), is backed up in Scripture. Take for example the whole concept of self-concept. Psychologists didn't discover that notion, King Solomon did! Check it out:

    For as he (a person) thinks in his heart, so is he...(Proverbs 23:7)

In other words, oftentimes the way you think of yourself reflects heavily in your actions. Now certainly we as believers don't go for that current self-love psychobabble, but clearly there is definitely a connection between self-concept and service to God and others. So let me throw some self-perception tips your way, and show you where the Bible backs it up.

   1. Identify your strengths and your weaknesses. Accept those weaknesses which can't be changed and change those which you want to change. Acknowledge your strengths and use them wisely.
          * As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. (Romans 12:3)
   2. Accept your right to life and your equality with others and cultivate a sense of belonging. Love and be kind to yourself. Respect the rights of others and do not use other persons or allow yourself to be used.
          * Jesus replied, 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' (Matthew 22:37-39)
   3. Know right from wrong and negative from positive.
          * Then God instructed the people as follows:

            "I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in Egypt.

            "Do not worship any other gods besides me.

            "Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to
            them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god! I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generationsI lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations.

            "Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.

            "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then he rested on the seventh day. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

            "Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you.

            "Do not murder.

            "Do not commit adultery.

            "Do not steal.

            "Do not testify falsely against your neighbor.

            "Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbor owns." (Exodus 20:1-17)
   4. Always think through the consequences of your actions carefully and never lose sight of reality. When you have made your decision, communicate it assertively to those who need to know and take full responsibility for the consequences of your actions.
          * If you are wise and understand God's ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! (James 3:13)
   5. Remember that ups and downs are part of any normal life.
          * "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
            overcome the world." (John 16:33)
   6. Be honest with yourself and accept that the truth will not always be pleasant to face, neither does it always have to be spoken. Learn the art of forgiving yourself and of forgiving others.
          * But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. (I John 1:9)
   7. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and wallowing in self-pity--that gets you nowhere.
          * Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. (I Corinthians 16:13)

Hopefully these will get you thinking about yourself (and your life) the way God intended.

[Soldier4Christ]

Does God Think I'm A Fool?



    "But God said to him, `You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:20-21)

It might have been the day after a great feast, or it might have been the day after a family gathering, we don't know for sure. What we do know is that in Luke 12 there were two brothers who went to Jesus to settle an apparent "financial" matter. Evidently the younger brother was more than a little annoyed that his older sibling was going to get the family farm, while he was left with nothing. So he goes to Jesus and appeals to the authority of the Son of God to force his brother to divide the inheritance with him. After all, it only seems fair that big brother should cut him a little slack and boost his bank account- right?

So you might expect Jesus to say:

    "You're right, that seems to be the evenhanded way, let's sit down and see how we can divide this up equally."

Yet to our surprise, Jesus doesn't even address the man's request directly. Instead, he uses this incident to teach us a very valuable lesson about greed. He goes on to tell the story about a guy who had a banner year, but instead of being generous, this tightfisted tightwad decides to just build bigger barns and take life as easy as possible. Jesus then goes on to tell us that God spoke to this man directly, calling him a "fool" and demanding his life.

Why such a harsh ending? After all, this man was a hard working conservative fellow who was only trying to build up his nest egg- right? Wrong. In point of fact, this man was a materialistic, self-indulgent dimwit who forgot where all possessions come from in the first place.

What Jesus was trying to get across to the two brothers is the same thing He is trying to communicate to us: don't be a blessing buffoon. What's a blessing buffoon?

    * A person who always thinks he/she never has enough
    * A person who is jealous of other people's blessings
    * A person who accumulates wealth only to spend it on himself/herself
    * A person who is not "rich towards God"

This weekend was a reminder of all the amazing blessings we have. My guess is that you have a roof over your head, clothes to wear, and food to eat. Perhaps you have so many blessings that you are wondering how you can tighten your grip on them. That's the wrong question. The question should be: how can I use my blessings to further the Kingdom of God?

Let's stop making the "bigger barn" plans, and focus on the "bigger Kingdom" strategy. Give of your money, time, and efforts to glorify Christ. Loosen up your greedy grips and share with those within your sphere of influence. Most importantly, let somebody in on the greatest blessing you have: salvation by grace alone. Don't bury the gospel message in your brain barn, spread the word to everyone you meet- because you may not have the chance tomorrow.

[Soldier4Christ]

God And The Seven Dwarves



    "Do everything without complaining"- Paul

I have an extremely deep theological question for you: what would God say to the Seven Dwarves? No really, when you think about it, the Seven Dwarves represent all the personality types of people. Therefore, once you answer the question, you know what verses might apply to your character traits. Let's give it a try:

    Bashful - Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. (2 Corinthians 3:12)

    Sneezy - Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:14)

    Dopey - "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?" (Proverbs 1:22)

    Doc - Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." (Luke 5:31)

    Sleepy - Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare. (Proverbs 20:13)

    Happy - Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. (James 5:13)

And of course there is one more: Grumpy - and you know what? God would have a lot to say to him. For example:

    Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. (Numbers 11:1)

    "How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. (Numbers 14:27)

    Do everything without complaining or arguing (Phil 2:14)

God is definitely not pleased with grumblers, whiners, protesters, complainers, and malcontent moaners. In fact, bellyaching believers very quickly get on God's nerves. Are you Grumpy? Here's a few statements that are common phrases of carping Christians:

Things are so unfair.

    * Why can't I have a boyfriend/girlfriend?
    * Why didn't God give me a lot of money?
    * Why does she get all the solos in church?
    * Why does he get the great assignments for the newspaper?
    * I never get any breaks
    * I hate my job/school/homelife!

And so on, and so on. But what's the big deal? I'll tell you...our complaining ultimately comes from our bitterness against God. When we are discontent and not thankful, we slap God in the face. We think we can run our lives a lot better than He can, and we don't mind telling Him so.

"Your point being . . . ?"

I know one person that could have complained and whined about life not being fair. He lived 2000 years ago, and He's the reason that I have any hope in this life whatsoever. What if He had said, "Hey, wait a minute! This isn't fair. I haven't done anything wrong. Why should I give My life for a bunch of miserable sinners? They don't deserve it."

Remember - we as Christians are the only Jesus that many people ever see. Grumblers paint a terrible picture of the Savior.

Are you a complainer who needs an attitude check? The best anti-grumbling medicine I know of is a thankful attitude. We as believers should be the most grateful people in the universe. Take some time this holiday weekend to make a list of all the things for which you are thankful- then carry it around with you to review anytime you start to give in to "grumpy-itis".

[Soldier4Christ]

Christian Turtles And Believer Bunnies



    "...yet one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forwrad to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14)

I've always loved stories- especially ones that teach us something about life. One of the great storywriters that I remember is a man named Aesop. He often used animals to communicate truths about people. One of my favorite Aesop's fables is the tale of the tortoise and the hare. The hare was a supercharged speedy runner who boasted that he was the swiftest animal in the forest. Nobody drag raced him because they knew they would get burned. Yet one day, an unlikely contender took on the bunny's challenge to compete: the not so quick turtle. The hare knew that he would blow the tortoise's shell off, but he still took on the challenge. The race started with the hare leaving the turtle in a cloud of dust and fur.

Yet then, something interesting happened. On the way, the hare decided there was plenty of time for a nap. So while he snoozed for a while the tortoise kept plodding along. When the rabbit woke up, he couldn't see the tortoise anywhere, so he laughed and said, "He still hasn't caught up with me!" But as he ran toward the finish line, to his amazement he saw the tortoise crossing it. Slowly and steadily, the tortoise had won!

The Christian life is a race. Some believers are like the foolish rabbit- starting and stopping, running and napping. Yet in their pride and self-confidence, they lie down for spiritual "breaks", and oftentimes never get back into the race. They had a quick start with lots of energy and excitement, but when the race got difficult, and Christianity wasn't as much fun anymore, they dropped out.

Other believers are like turtles. They start slow, but they are determined to keep going. The ups and downs of the spiritual life don't deter them from keeping their eyes on the prize. They know that there are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity, so they just keep plodding along on the straight and narrow path.

Here are some characteristics of the two different animals- see which one better describes you.

Rabbit:
I'll serve Jesus as long as it's exciting and amusing. If church is fun, and God showers me with blessings, I'll keep going. Yet if it starts to get tough and
challenging, I think it's nap time.

Turtle:
I'll serve Jesus no matter what the cost. Whether I have blessing or trial is irrelevant. I know there are ups and downs, but through God's grace I'm going to press on.

A philosopher once said that the essential thing in heaven and on earth should be "long obedience in the same direction." Like the apostle Paul, make it your lifelong aim to press on toward your goal in Christ (Phil. 3:14). You'll be the one to win the prize.

[Soldier4Christ]

Frogs And Depression



    "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." (I John 1:9)

There once was a scientist who studied frogs. One day, the scientist put the frog on the ground and told it to jump. The frog jumped four feet. So the scientist wrote in his notebook, "frog with four feet, jumps four feet." So the scientist cut off one of one of the frog's legs. The scientist told the frog to jump. Frog jumped three feet. So the scientist wrote in his notebook, "frog with three feet, jumps three feet." So the scientist cut of another leg. He told the frog to jump. The frog jumped two feet. So the scientist wrote in his notebook "frog with two feet, jumps two feet."

The scientist cut off one more leg. He told the frog to jump. Frog jumped one foot. So the scientist wrote in his notebook, "frog with one foot, jumps one foot."

So the scientist cut off his last leg.

    "He said, "Frog jump. Frog jump. FROG JUMP!"

So the scientist wrote in his notebook, "Frog with no feet, goes deaf."

How many of us are "scientists" when it comes to our philosophy of life? Let me paraphrase the frog story to explain what I mean:

There once was a Christian who studied life. One day, the Christian felt depressed, so he put his life events into a journal to see if his observations would help him figure out the reason for his unhappiness. The first day, the Christian lied once, gossiped twice, and coveted once. So the Christian wrote in his journal: "day had four sins, felt depressed four times". So the Christian decided to always tell the truth, not gossip, and be satisfied with his life. The next day, the Christian was unforgiving once, and hot tempered in traffic twice. So the Christian wrote in his journal: "day had three sins, felt depressed three times". So the Christian decided to forgive his friend, and be patient (especially in traffic). The next day, the Christian skipped his devotions and watched TV all day, and he stuffed his face with a fist full of Fritos and a bowl of chili. So the Christian wrote in his journal: "day had two sins, felt depressed twice". So the Christian decided to not be slothful or gluttonous. The next day, the Christian visited all the wrong sites on the internet. So the Christian wrote in his journal: "day had one sin, felt depressed once". The next day, the Christian didn't commit one sin! So the Christian wrote in his journal: "life with no sin, gets depressing".

It's right there in our face, isn't it? We harbor known sin, knowing that it wreaks havoc on our personal lives, and knowing that confession and repentance will restore our fellowship with our Creator. Yet when the time comes to come clean before God, we suddenly become convinced that if we let go of that little pet sin, our lives will be "happy challenged".

Here's an excerpt from another person who kept a journal about his spiritual life, except he came to the right conclusion.

    "Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!

    Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Therefore, let all the godly confess their rebellion to you while there is time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory." (Psalm 32:1-7)

King David was a "scientist" for a while, but he was also a man after God's own heart. Eventually he realized that true satisfaction and joy in life is impossible to find without righteousness, and secret sins are the surest way to sadness.

I believe we are all smart enough to realize that a frog without legs is not going to get anywhere. Let's also be brainy enough to grasp this concept: life without righteousness is going nowhere fast.