Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

  Guilty, or Not Guilty?

By: Amber Owen


“For God can use sorrow in our lives to turn away from our sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow. But sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10)

I know that every one of us have been caught with our hand in the cookie jar a few times in our life.  Or maybe you’ve done something that you would think is worse than that.  I remember that I have a video tape of myself lying to my parents about how many gummy bears I took out of the candy dish when I was only allowed to have one (okay it’s not quite a cookie jar, but you get my meaning).  I watch that to this day and feel ashamed sometimes that I did it.  Why didn’t I do the right thing?  Was it because I didn’t know any better?  If that’s the answer, then why do I find myself still doing it to this day?  I start to let myself go down a road of self-bashing.  Why can’t I do anything right?

Do you ask yourself those questions?  Do you ever feel guilty about what you have done wrong in the past?  No matter what I do sometimes, I can’t seem to forgive myself of my sins and learn from what I’ve done wrong.  My mind gets so clouded with thoughts of self-doubt, pity, and indignation.  I get so caught up in these behaviors that I become self centered and insensitive.  I have even gotten to the point where I am paranoid of the effects of my decisions.  I have a great fear that I’m going to do something wrong again, and I can never trust myself to make the decisions that I need to in life.

In the verse above, Paul was proud of how the Corinthians took their sorrow and changed their behavior, when he wrote a previous letter pointing out their faults as Christians for they were not living Godly lives.  They did the complete opposite of what I would have done. When we do something wrong, God wants us to be sorry for what we have done and repent.  Part of that process is feeling the sorrow, or recognizing what we have done wrong and then asking for forgiveness. There is a fine line between sorrow and guilt.  God does not want us to feel guilty, because it causes those feelings of doubt and behaviors of selfishness, which are all works of Satan.  When we feel guilty, or have “sorrow without repentance,” we are ignoring the very reason why Jesus died for us: forgiveness.

Guilty, or not guilty?  Are you going to ignore the most valuable and precious gift that our Father in Heaven has given us?  When you do something wrong, learn from it. The next time you regret what you have done, thank God for it!  Recognize that the sorrow that you are feeling is a sign that Jesus is alive in your life!  Use that sorrow as a turning point to focus your life on God’s will.   

[Soldier4Christ]

  Safe Sleeping

By: Beth Hays


”The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.” (Psalm 121:5) NLT

I was created to be a mommy. There are few things I can tell you with absolute certainty about who I am. That is one of them. I have had the opportunity to put this into practice countless times. I have practically raised a precious little boy named Eli. He’s three and a half, and yesterday I had the wonderful privilege of taking him for a couple days and caring for him. He’s my baby boy. 

When it was time for him to go to bed, he started to worry. He was away from home and didn’t want to go to sleep (at three and half sleep must be the worst punishment in the world, which means you miss eight hours of action!). He was starting to get fussy and irritable and my dad was getting frustrated with him. So, I took him into the room in which he would be sleeping, sat down beside him, rubbed his back, and sung to him. Within ten minutes, he was fast asleep.

How did he fall asleep so fast? He felt safe. He knew that I would be there and wouldn’t let anyone harm him. Sometimes, I miss that—falling to sleep knowing someone was sitting by my bed to protect me. Then, today, I stumbled across this verse, literally stumbled. I was walking in my room and my Bible was on the floor. I tripped over it and it opened to a page with this verse inscribed in a picture. My heart smiled when I read it.

Do you realize we have a God who will do for us exactly what I did for my Eli? He will watch over us. A few verses earlier in this Psalm, it says that our God never sleeps. Even while we are asleep, our God watches over us. He will be our protective shade! Wow! What a picture. He will be the shield between us and the things we are afraid of. He will keep us safe.

So, as you lie down tonight, it is my prayer that you will be able to feel the presence of God sitting beside you on your bed, watching over you, as you drift off to sleep knowing you are eternally safe in His hands.

[Soldier4Christ]

  The Open Door

By: Jeff Lappano


“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia writes: These are the words of Him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.  I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Revelation 3:7-11)

I would like to begin by studying the city of Philadelphia. Philadelphia is where Alafiehir is located. Its name is derived from Attalus II (159-138 BC), whose truth and loyalty to his brother, Eumenes, won him the epithet, or nickname, Philadelphus (Brotherly Love). Being on a major trade route between the east and west, it had an open door for evangelism. The synagogue of Satan refers to the fact that the Jews follow Satan, whose name means slanderer. In slandering God's people, clearly, the Jews in particular were troubling these early churches as Acts demonstrates. Isaiah prophesied concerning Christ in chapter 22 and verse 22, “The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder. So he shall open, and no one shall shut; and he shall shut, and no one shall open.” This verse means that Jesus holds absolute power and authority over who enters his kingdom, see Revelations 1:18 which says, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” Eliakim, the palace administrator, was to be robed with authority and given the key to the house of David (Isa 22:20-22, 36:3), he is the one who decides who will see the king.

Although they were a tiny group with little strength, theirs was a door that God had provided and therefore no one could shut. They had kept his word and did not deny Jesus therefore He will acknowledge them before their enemies.

What is the open door? To answer that, let me ask you, what should be the heartbeat of the church? Of course it should be winning the lost world for the sake of Christ. Paul, who made three missionary journeys himself, uses the open door through his letters. Let’s look at one of those instances. 1 Corinthians 16:9, “For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” There was a door opened by Christ for the apostle to boldly preach the gospel. I am sure that Paul understood the concept of if a door is opened for you, its good to go though it. The Philadelphian church was commended of the Lord for the same concept as well.

The final thought I want to touch on comes from verse 11 where Christ says, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” What was it that the church had? I believe that they trusted immensely on Christ. Though it was a small church. Being in the place where they were, they took the opportunity to win people for Christ. Christ says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

And what does the word, “crown” mean? The Greek translation really doesn’t have to do with a physical crown, but rather what allows one to get a crown, which is victory. Translated, this means that the church needed to continue to hold on to what they had so no one could take their victory.

Believer, may I challenge you with one more word from Paul, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Hold on to your victory by holding to your faith in Christ Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Creating a Craving

By: Beth Hays


“Taste, and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!” (Psalm 34: NLT

How did you come to know who God is? In fact, do you remember your first encounter with Him? Not the first time you heard about Him, though it might have been, but think back to the first time you EXPERIENCED Him. Close your eyes for a moment and remember what that felt like.  Now, come back to reality. How do you feel? What are you thinking?

You know what comes to my mind? Hunger. I remember the peace, the joy, the embrace of that moment, and the many that have followed. I remember the closeness and love memories which still blow through my mind. And, I’m hungry, I guess, we can call it a craving. I want more. I want that depth, and to go even deeper. One taste of God and all I want is more. Maybe that is what David was talking about when he penned this well-known verse.  One taste of God and I have spent every moment since loving and worshipping Him. One taste—that’s all it took.

I could stop here, with a nice little reminder to satisfy your craving for more, but I’m not going to!  You see, there are so many people we see every day who have yet to taste and develop that craving. All it will take is for them to taste and EXPERIENCE our God and they will forever want more. But, how do we get them to taste? Simple! We create a craving. You and I, by living lives of love and grace will create a desire in them to know what makes us different. Every kind word, gesture of acceptance, deed of service, and act of love can show this world what they are missing.

Will you work to create a craving for our God in your family members, friends, neighbors, and strangers? Will you do it for your enemies? Show this world what it is missing as you lead them to taste the goodness of the Lord as you have experienced Him. You make more of a difference than you know.

[BLAD]

Pastor Roger I have a request if possible.  Can I copy a devotion?  My plan is to email it to the youth, I am ministering to.  One every week, i send e-mails to our youth. My e-mails are sometime devotions, bible verses or things to ponder about.  for them to grow in there Christian lives, so i read some of your teens devotion and they are good.  So if you allow me to copy a devotion, i would appreciate it.  It is a great help.

[Soldier4Christ]

Please feel free to do so.

[BLAD]

Please feel free to do so.

Thanks.  God bless

Blad

[Soldier4Christ]

  Who Are You Serving?

By: Jeff Lappano


"To the angel of the church in Pergamum writes: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: you have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” Revelation 2:12- 16 (KJV)

This capital city is where Satan has his throne, the serpent, the symbol of healing of the pagan god, Asclepiads, was everywhere in the city. It was also a center of Caesar worship, it had a temple dedicated to Rome and it also had many heathen temples. The awesome thing about this situation is that Jesus knows that they are living where Satan seemingly reigns, which must bring comfort to the church.

The Greek translation reveals to us that “witness,” literally, is being a martyr. Pergamum didn’t have the privilege or freedom of religion as we so enjoy in the United States, and therefore, was martyred for his openness concerning his faith in Christ. Even though there is a great Commended, Christ also dealt with some sin in the church. What was it? They were introduced to, and began practicing the teachings of Balaam. They involve compromise with the world. They were taught that it was okay to eat foods offered to idols as well as engage in
sexual immorality, which of course were both false teachings.

From other teachings in the New Testament we should know that the church is to be holy and separate from the world; in the world but not of it. Christ first commands them to repent, that is the whole church for allowing this sin within and in particular those actually committing the sin. If they do not repent, He will fight against them, who hold to the teachings of the Nicolations, not against the church as a whole. Christ teaches that we cannot serve two masters. You can either serve Christ or the devil. You either live for one or the other.

If you are “walking the fence”, or trying to serve both of them, that’s a terrible situation. You can be happy church going Christians on the outside, but not at all living for God in your heart. I want to challenge you to make a decision for which you will live for. The choices are either the Kingdom of Light or the Kingdom of Darkness. If you choose to live for God, I’m asking you to do one thing which we find in the words of our Lord Jesus—please repent and make the that 180 degree turn away from that sin your involved in. For it’s my desire that you don’t feel the wrath reserved for those who do not repent of trying to live for the things of the world and things of Christ at the same time.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Because He Loved Me First

By: Beth Hays


”A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) NIV

I was driving home from work today and learned an amazing lesson. There was some heavy construction on one of the roads and the two lanes merged into one. I didn’t realize this for quite some time and the other drivers thought I was cutting in line when I wanted back in and  they wouldn’t let me in. Just about the time I hit desperation, someone let me in. I was so grateful that when someone else needed to join our lane, I let her. And when yet another car was unable to get into the lane, she let him in. Notice only the ones who had been let in were willing to let someone else in.

I had to smile; it was like a chain reaction. And it dawned on me how upset we all could have been. It was late and everyone was barely moving and frustrated. No one wanted to be there, let alone be further back in line because of a car that didn’t know what he was doing. Yet, because someone showed me kindness, I showed someone else that same kindness. And because of my kindness, yet another was shown mercy. Do you see the connection yet?

I always used to wonder how in the world people became so loving so gentle and selfless. I was a cruel and heartless child, truly, and just didn’t understand it. I have come to realize it is in experiencing the great and unending love of God in a very real way that we are able to pass that along. No one can show selfless love without knowing what it feels like. And just as I let a car in because I knew what it was like to be let in, so people love because they know how amazing it is to be loved.

Have you felt the real and overwhelming love that pours from our Daddy’s heart? Has it left you in awe with its completeness and gentleness? Can you imagine how many around you need to feel that same love? Pass along the greatest gift you have ever been given and see if it doesn’t completely change both of you in the process.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Toughest of Times

By: Tony B. Rhoda


“But you, oh Lord, are a shield to me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head. (Psalm 3:3) NKJV”

Let's face it we all have bad days. Times when nothing seems to go your way and nights when it would be in your best interest to just to fall asleep and pray that tomorrow brings forth a better day.
 
I woke up the other morning with a pounding headache, and a stuffed nose that made it awfully difficult to breathe. I rolled out of bed and headed for school. After weaving through what seemed like an endless traffic jam, I dashed through the door into first period as the bell rang. I remembered I had a test in that period and my notes were laying on my desk, along with my lunch money for the day. All this before 7:30 a.m. "Wow, this was going to be a fun day," I thought to myself.

As the morning turned into afternoon, I opened my Bible and read a few passages on the crucifixion of Jesus. Now, there was someone who was having a bad day. Not only was he hung on a cross, but he was beaten, whipped, spat on, and even tortured. Why? Because He loved us so much that He would go through every bit of pain just to insure that you could spend eternity with Him.

After reading over the scripture, I started to relate it to my situation. "I thought I was having a bad day." But, what if Jesus would have woke up on the wrong side of the bed on the morning He was supposed to die for our sins. What if He would have felt bad, and decided He wasn't willing to go through the pain of being nailed to a cross. What if when He saw that it was going to be a bad day, and He decided to not die for us. We are so grateful for the fact that Jesus did die for our sins. We are so thankful that even on our worst days, we would never have to go through what He did. Just let us not forget that when everything seems to be crashing down, Jesus died so that we could be built back up.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Here's Your Sign

By: Steve Self


“Now, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see,” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).

You know what? God listens. I want you to know that every time you pray, God hears you. God calls us to step out on faith and to trust in Him. Jesus tells us that as we are going into the world and telling people about Him that He will be with us always. Too many times we want to see signs rather than see God. We need to quit focusing on trying to find a heavenly prompting and start focusing on the One who created heaven in the first place. 

My drive to work is about forty minutes long each way, which means I spend about an hour and twenty minutes in the car each day. It gives me plenty of time to pray, worship, reflect, think or even cool down. As I was driving home today, I noticed that not everything on my route was a sign. I get to see a lot of chemical plants, trees, grass, roads, malls, businesses, bridges, other cars, pedestrians and stop-lights too. I wondered what it would be like if I only looked at the signs on the way and you know what I realized? I would be missing a lot of things that God and man created for me to enjoy along the way. Actually, if I was only focused on the signs I would drive off of the road and lose my way or I would hit another car. If you've ever driven down a country road you would know that sometimes you have to drive for miles before you see a sign.

I realized that faith works the same way too. Jesus gives us a road to follow, He asks us to follow Him. As we follow Him He gives us signs on our walk to point us in the right direction, but He never expects us to follow them alone. As a matter of fact, if we attempt to follow the signs alone, we quit trusting Jesus and start trusting in signs. Driving down the road is like reading the Bible and praying daily, it's solid and it will help us get to where we need to go (I'm not talking about salvation, I'm talking about seeing and following God). Signs only come up to act as part of our “God-given On-Star system”; they are a means to an end. Signs are not an end in themselves.

Faith is the trust that God is actually working, even when we don't see Him. Quit asking God for signs and respond to Him by doing what He wants you to do—and that is to follow Him. As you go about your daily life praying and reading your bible, signs will come up. You will never have to ask for a sign when you are looking for God. As you follow Him, you will see them automatically. Don't make the mistake of looking only for signs; if you do you will lose track of what God wants you to do. God wants you to follow Him. If you spend all your time looking for signs to follow, you will soon notice that you are not following Christ at all; you are just simply standing in the middle of the road looking around for a pretty sign. Too often when we are busy looking for a sign, we don't notice other traffic headed our way that usually ends up hitting us.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Everything

By: Matt Crawford


"His divine power has given us everything that has to do with life and Godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue:" (2nd Peter 1:3)

Recently I had a serious life issue come up. I came to a point where I had to have a confirmation one way or another regarding this matter, and I needed it right away. It was a situation where, if I was wrong, I would be walking on thin ice and would have to kill the idea immediately. So that night, I prayed to God that He would settle the matter once and for all, so I could simply follow His plan for me. The very next day, I got a devotional writing, via e-mail, from a brother in Christ, who had no way at all of knowing what I had prayed the night before.  His devotional had biblical counseling on the exact issue I was seeking help with. I had an immediate need, and God gave an immediate response.

The verse above says that God has given us everything that pertains to life and Godliness. That means that from the smallest to the greatest details of your life, He has a plan for them; and He is willing to give you what you need to follow that plan. Whether it be an issue in your ministry, your walk with Christ, or just details in your personal life—it may not always be immediate, as was the case for me—but He always gives what is needed for His will to be done. I can testify to that being true, because even what happened the other day with the devotional that answered  my prayers, has happened to me enough times that I am not surprised anymore.

It’s unfortunate that we sometimes water down our faith to a set of principles or virtues, or just theology, as opposed to relationship. Praying to God and expecting a literal answer, in whatever form, is not the norm in too many believers. Or if people believe He can answer, they don’t pray about certain things, because they are careless, or they think they are expected to use their own judgment in every event. I am guilty of both, and the result is always bad.

Words can’t describe how much more peace you have from knowing God will give you the right answer. Today’s Bible verse sets us straight, by telling us that He has given us everything. Life and Godliness are words that encompass every detail for the Christian. Whether it be school, church, ministry, relationships, home, finances, career, or even what kind of party to go to.

You have a God who has given everything for you. All you have to do is have the faith to accept that, and to trust him for answers and guidance in everything. To not do so is actually un-Biblical.  We have a God who literally answers prayers. Try Him, and see! 

[Soldier4Christ]

  Open Doors

By: Matt Crawford


"They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. ‘Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people the full message of this new life.’" (Acts 2:18-20 NIV)

The Lord calls each one of us to a certain purpose, and gives us certain goals to accomplish in our lifetime. After we find out what these purposes and goals are, we usually embrace them, because the thing God gives us to do, He wires us to do when He created us. So, in most cases, we are eager to get rolling and do what it is God has planned for us. We start getting all these big ideas, and we formulate strategies to accomplish our mission using our own abilities. It is all a lot of fun and excitement, until reality hits us.

In most cases, when it comes to doing God's will in this world, there are huge obstacles in the way. One of my goals, for example, is to evangelize through rap music. For me, there are huge barriers to cross. Like, the fact that very little music with religious content gets played on mainstream airwaves. Rap music today is mainly shallow and void of any moral message, so what I am bringing is the opposite of what that audience is accustomed to. And pretty much all "Christian Rap" gets labeled as such and pigeon-holed in to a category that only Christians listen to. So, you have hundreds of artists all saying the same thing, getting minimal to no airplay, and hundreds of albums only available through Christian outlets that a secular audience doesn't know even exists. So, how am I supposed to get my message to secular people instead of "preaching to the choir"? Human logic says I should alter my message, but God's logic is different. 

The apostles in the above verse faced similar situations. Not only was their message being publicly opposed—the powers that be, were stirring everyone up against it—and they got tossed in the slammer on top of it. The audience the apostles were supposed to reach was out in the public square, not in the jail. Now, unless one of them was a locksmith or an escape artist, it was completely impossible for them to accomplish the goal God had set for them. Not to mention the armed guards outside. I'm sure asked God what on earth was He thinking, letting them get locked up?  How were they supposed to get their job done now? But God sent an angel who literally did the impossible. He unlocked the gates and walked them right past their guards without being spotted, and told them to tell the people the "full message." That day, they were in the temple courts, reaching exactly who they had been told to reach.

Our God-given mission is the same way. If God tells us what to do, we can use our God-given gifts as well as we can, but in the end, it is only His hand that can allow us to fulfill what He planned. Toning down or altering our message won't help things. Compromising won't advance our cause.  Just like He opened the prison gates, He will open the gates for you, and deliver you to where He wants you to be heard and seen. And once there, you will be free to give the "full message of this new life" to everyone with ears.  Rely on His strength and His timing (not your own wisdom) to open the doors for you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Road Trip

By: Steve Self


Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Matthew 16:24 (The Message)

As we grow and mature in our lives, we are raised to take control and do what needs to be done.  But as we turn our lives over to Christ, Jesus tells us it’s time to be dependant on Him, letting Him make the moves and do what needs to be done.  Jesus is the driver of the car of our life.

When I was a child, I rode all over the place with my parents.  We would run errands, go on trips, go get the car fixed, go to the store or go visiting people.  As a child I didn’t have a lot of say in where we went.  When my parents wanted to go somewhere, they loaded me in the car and we were off.

Sometimes as my parents were getting ready to leave for a long trip, they would spend a lot of extra time in the house to make sure we had everything we needed.  I would get impatient and start moving around in my seat.  I would take off my seat-belt and start walking around the car or even get out and stand in the driveway until the driver came back at which time I got in trouble for not being in my place in the car.

Jesus calls us to be the little child in the back of the car.  In our Christian life, Jesus has many destinations He wants us to go with Him to.  He wants us going with Him to school and the hospital, on trips, etc.  Jesus has many different places He’s working and many different places He wants to show us.  We need to realize that in our faith, we like the little child in the back of the car and He expects us to put on our seatbelt and ride.

Too often we try to be in the driver’s seat and take off without Him, but we would totally lose our way without the person who knows where we are going.  Sometimes it can get uncomfortable sitting in the backseat without the car running or the A/C on, but what we need to realize is that in these waiting periods, Jesus is making sure we have everything we need to go on an extended trip.  He will never let us go somewhere unprepared.  Sometimes, we need to have faith and trust in that waiting.  Let’s put our focus on staying in the car and belted in, so that we will be ready to go when Jesus puts the car in drive. 

You may be at a place in your life right now where you are waiting on Jesus to make a move and it feels like you have to wait forever.  Let me make you this promise, Jesus is at work and will bless you.  Some people look at this waiting as a time for patience to be built, some people look at this time as a time of unanswered prayers, some people look at it as a time of non-blessings or being out-of-season for a ministry.  No matter what is true of the circumstances, Jesus looks at it as planning for the trip.  Let Him plan, remember He’s not preparing Himself for the trip, He’s preparing you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Trading Places with Jesus

By: Beth Hays


But Christ rescued us from the Law's curse, when he became a curse in our place. This is because the Scriptures say that anyone who is nailed to a tree is under a curse. (Galatians 3:13) CEV

Beth: Oh God, I feel so messed up. I’ve taken so many priceless gifts and ruined them. I have hurt you desperately. It’s been one thing after another. I’ve delivered blow after blow to your scarred, broken body and even more to your shattered soul. I have hurt you. And all the good in me will never make up for that. So, I’m gonna stop trying. No more lists of reasons why you should love me. No more pity parties. No more masks. No more actions without love. All I have is me: the messed up, almost hopeless, unlovable, hurting soul that I am. But, it’s yours. If you’ll take this mess, it’s yours. No more pleads to hold me. No more enabling. No emotions. Just the naked truth all I am if you want me, I’m all yours.

God: Want you? I long for you as one thirsts in the desert. But, I can’t simply come and take you. We have to make a trade my life for yours, your way for mine, My heart for yours, all of you for all of me. Are you willing to give me every part of you and take on every part of me?

Beth: Oh Jesus, my heart longs to. But, I know what I’m getting into, your heart that bleeds for the hurting, your holiness that makes right decisions, your joy that never loses its intensity, your death, the end of life, and your resurrection that sets me apart as a miracle. All these things are such high standards, such a different manner of living. Did I mention your persecution? Society will hate me, mock me, and kill me. And I will love them. All of you, for all of me? How could I make such a trade? But how could I resist? I WILL. I’M YOURS. You’re mine. I want your heart, your holiness, your joy, your death, your resurrection, your love, and even your persecution. Have my heart, my selfishness, my depression, my neediness, my spite, my sarcasm, my lust, my bitterness, my worldly happiness. I’m all yours, You’re all mine. Wow, what a trade!

This is an actual journal entry I wrote in May of this year, and I felt it worthy of sharing. This was my journey into pouring out all of me and filling me with all of Him. I was crucified on that tree and raised with Him. He was hurt in my place. I hope for just a moment you can see what a HUGE price your life cost Him. And what a small price it will cost us to clothe ourselves with Christ. May God touch your heart with a new hope and fire today.