Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

  Who Are You Listening To

By: Lisa


Who are you listening to?

Just the a few weeks ago I was about to start heading home from school when I saw a girl sitting down looking upset who I had never seen before. Keep in mind that I was absolutely dead to the world, I had just done a lot of exams that day and I felt absolutely drained. But some nagging feeling inside of me told me to go talk to her. God told me to talk to her so after a lot of thinking and feeling annoyed at God I went and said hey. Turns out she had a lot on at the moment and I could relate being in the exact same situation. We spoke for hours that night, as I talked to her about a lot of things in her life. Just before I went to bed she told me that she was on the verge of committing suicide that she felt she had no one to talk to. But she said when she found someone with something in common to her it helped her so much, even if I couldn’t fix the problem it helped to have someone to talk to.

Wouldn’t it be nice if when God wanted to tell us something an Almighty deep voice would shout down from above? Or God would send an angel to us in the middle of the night to let us know what is in His will for us? Man it would make things a lot easier.

But God doesn’t exactly always work like that. More often He gives us subtle hints and shows us through things. And these things are not to be ignored. Ever had that nagging feeling that you thought God wanted you to do something but you didn’t because you thought that it wouldn’t be right for you? There are so many ways that God can speak to us, through scripture, through out dreams, through our thoughts, through other people and through anything!

Now I’m not saying to listen to every thought of message you get. If it’s a thought that contradicts the bible REFUSE TO BELIEVE IT. "…Test the spirits to see whether they be of God." (I John 4:1). As long as you follow God’s Word, His Bible and as long as you check the messages you receive with His Word, you are safe. If you have ANY doubts you should spend some time in prayer about it. Follow Jesus and you will not be misled. In other words, God’s Word is God’s criteria for us to know for sure if we are led by the liar, the deceiver or by God’s Holy Spirit. Who are you listening to?

[Soldier4Christ]

  What Happened To Christmas?

By: Matt Crawford


For we are the temple of the Living God. As God has said: 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.'" 2 Corinthians 6:16b)

Has anyone heard about "Christ" being taken out of Christmas in the Denver parade and in the New Jersey school?  Since our cherished holiday is targeted like this, it should just be another reminder that God says we are to be the salt and the light of this world. That means that God has left us in the world for a purpose, and expects us to do His will - being His body in the world, and acting as He would act: loving and showing His character. The holiday is about a gift, about love. But we cannot rely on two days out of a whole year to be the only reminders of God's grace and love to the world. While "Merry Christmas" is being taken off of school signs and department store decorations, we have to be the replacement.

God lives in us and should be the reminder of his great sacrifice, Jesus. If we throw a fit because people want to take Christ out of Christmas, yet we don't have Christ-like love and grace for the world to show them the holiday is really valid, then to them it's just a bunch of religious folk, whining because they aren't the majority and they don't get their float in the parade.

Even if "Merry Christmas" is taken off the sign or off the wall, and manger scenes aren't allowed, "Merry Christmas" can't be taken off our lips. The account of the virgin birth can't be taken from our minds. Most of all, God's love for other people, including non-believers and even enemies of Christianity (which is the very essence of the Christian holidays) cannot be taken out of our hearts.

Slowly I'm learning that all my outrage about the latest exploit of a world trying to be rid of God, amounts to nothing. Ten times more potent is the softening of my heart and loving sinners. In fact, if I get all up in arms about how the world is taking away my religion or religious rights, yet I don't have the true fruits of the religion - what a sad joke I am. 

The Christmas season is all about God sending a gift to those who were far from deserving. And that means us. That also means to the godless people who want to take Christ out of Christmas. "For while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." So while every effort to keep the true meaning of the holiday in the public square is good, if we ourselves are not a walking holiday to God's love for sinners at all times - our efforts are a hypocritical waste. My response to the day's controversy is to be the holiday.

[Soldier4Christ]

  At The Name of Jesus

By: Adam R. Rinehart


"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.  Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:5-11   (NKJV)

If you were to ask me what were my favorite set of Christmas verses, I would have to say Philippians 2:5-11.  Oh yeah, it is not the classic “Mary and Joseph” verse, but it has more to do with Christmas, our salvation, and how we should be Christ-like than anything else.

To me, Christmas is not all of the presents, the food, and all of the other material things that the world has turned it into being.  To me, Christmas is the fact that Jesus did not consider it to be robbery to be equal with God, but he made Himself into the form of a servant and came to this earth for the purpose of dying on the cross for our sin. What a Christmas Present!

Christmas is Jesus!  What a name?  Sure, he has other names, but about the name Jesus.......got it in your mind.  Now look at vs. 9-11, “Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”   How powerful!   Let us exalt Him!  At that name, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. How powerful!  Let us exalt Him more.

I challenge you to think about that at the beginning of this Christmas season.  Jesus came to this earth in the form of a servant in order to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.  Ultimately, the best Christmas present ever. Think about His name and that every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.  Let us exalt Him? Are we doing that? Are we seeing Him as the ultimate servant?   Are we servants ourselves?  Are we following Jesus and His example?  Not only this Christmas Season, but on a daily basis.  What a Christmas present it would be if we could start following Jesus and His example more in our lives.  May God's Grace Abound In You!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Take My Yoke

By: Matt Crawford


“Gentle and Humble "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls," (Matthew 11:29).

Ever found yourself being too critical? Ever said something with good intentions to a person, only to find out they were too sensitive as yet to hear your comments, or that maybe you should've just stayed quiet - and the ensuing argument left you both walking away confused or hurt? If someone has a problem, at what point do you keep your mouth shut, or at what point do you speak on it? Need God's wisdom to know when to practice silence with love?

A few days ago I met a person who had a lot of bitterness from their past. I immediately sensed it and felt for them. I decided I should tell them how noticeable their anger was, and that they could be freed from it. The person acknowledged their bitterness, but immediately became defensive and directed their anger to me. I made some comments in response to that, which probably didn't use the judgment I should've, and the argument described above happened. When it was over, this person had me pegged as the type of guy who gives Christians a bad name. Instead of seeing me as attempting to be an earnest and helpful brother, they viewed me as dissecting them and being over-critical. Whoever was in the right, I felt there was definitely a better way I could've handled myself. If by any chance that person gets this devotional, I want them to know I am very sorry, and th! at I would've wrote them and explained myself with more detail and gentleness, had I known how to contact them. I hope they will forgive me, and take me simply as a brother whose intentions are only good - and also know that I am praying for them, and praying to become more gentle and Christ-like in my relationships with people.


All of us believers have on occasion to speak to a person like I did, and we always want to help. Maybe we see something about that person that we think we should point out. Nobody I know would intentionally say something hurtful to a person unless they felt the issue needed to be addressed - and our intentions are always good. The only problem is that you never know where a person is in their own lives - whether they are aware of and working on their issues, how sensitive they can be, where they are spiritually, or even if they have an unknown psychological issue that could throw a monkey-wrench in the whole conversation. Back in my angry, depressed days, anybody who tried to help me address my faults, no matter what their approach, became an enemy and a hypocrite, condescending - and anything they said was an insult.


Number one, we should learn not to be critical or judgmental. We should look at the plank in our own eye before we try to take the speck out of our brother's eye. But of course, if we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, we can't just ignore our brother or sister's problems and pretend they don't exist. Our responsibility to each other is to always try to lift each other up and help each other out. So how do we know how or when to act and when to be silent and let God work it out? We have to do what we were so eager to do when we first became Christians, and that's take Jesus' yoke on ourselves. He said he is gentle and humble in heart, and that's how we need to be. We can ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?"

But we need the grace of God and the Holy Spirit that was in Jesus to give us the answer and equip us with power to be like Him. I don't know whether the person I mentioned above was in such bitterness that anything I said would've been seen as an insult, or whether my main mistake was continuing the argument when I saw the conversation becoming fruitless. The main thing I walked away with was a sense of how, as Christians, we can run rough-shod over people without noticing it. Whether right or wrong, I had a profound burden to become more like Jesus in my dealings with people. Remember, as a Christian, you are going to attract people whose problems go beyond the day-to-day life you may know. People who come to you may be depressives, rape victims, schizophrenics, or just people who have absolutely no faith in people - even Christians - so be good to them. And since all believers are called to be ministers of the gospel to those they come into contact with, we'd better know ! how to be like Jesus - gentle, humble, sensitive, and most of all, loving - in our dealings with people.

If there is something you feel you need to say to a person, even if it may be hurtful, make sure you are led by God first, and have a record of love and Christ-like gentleness towards that person to back up what you say. So even if your words hurt, because of your conduct, they will trust your good intentions. We've dealt before with seeking the Holy Spirit, and how important it is. This is just more confirmation of that, and more reason to pray for it. If you have asked for it and feel you haven't received it, keep asking! There are times when asking over and over for the same thing is not appropriate, but when it comes to the Spirit, Jesus himself said to be persistent. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is literally having Jesus living on the inside. What better way can you think of to take his yoke upon yourself than that? Pray for it, and wait expectantly. In the meantime, before you speak - pray! Ask yourself what Jesus would say or do in this situation, and whatever yo! u do - do it in love.

[Soldier4Christ]

  A Gift For Jesus

By: Tony B. Rhoda


For God so loved the world...

This is a special time of year not only for your family and friends but also for another special someone who often gets pushed aside during the holiday fling. It was this month some two thousand years ago when a virgin named Mary brought a little baby into this world. We have heard the story time and time again of how the King of Kings walked the earth, and the timeless tale of the One who came to seek and save the lost. But now two thousand years later, what meaning does it still hold?

As another Christmas is edging towards us. It seem like everyone is making a mad dash to the malls and outlet stores to find that certain something for that special someone. Trying to find the perfect gift is almost as hard as trying to find where you last had your TV remote. For some reason you find everything where you least expect it.

I was looking over the list and checking it twice. The last present was finally bought, wrapped, and placed under the tree. After I left the room satisfied with a job well done I suddenly had this feeling that I was forgetting someone. When I closed my eyes I started to pray and I finally realized whom I forgot. Out of all the people I hold close to my heart, the one I held the closest was left off my list. I laid awake trying to figure out what I could do. What do you give a God who has it all?

After a while, I sat down and started pray. During my quiet time with God I found out exactly what to do. God has everything, He can have any toy, or any tie. All He has to do is say the word and all of heaven and earth is at His fingertips. But out off all the possessions this world could offer, He could only care about one thing, and that's you. He doesn't want your money, or your CD's. The one thing He wants is what money can't buy and what only you can give. That's our lives, hearts, and soul. Even though it seems like sometimes God has it all. He has nothing if He doesn't have you. Take time and pray tonight and wrap the biggest gift of all. The gift we all have inside, our heart. Because when we give Him our heart and lives, we don't give a present that will be forgotten next year, but a gift that He will be able to treasure, for now, and all of eternity.

[Soldier4Christ]

  One Of His Sheep

By: Brittany Waller


"There were some shepherds in that part of that country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them." (Luke 2:8-9)

I was once a shepherd in a live nativity. We had a real baby for Jesus and live animals. As I sat in the cold of the night in the barn stroking the coat of the sheep at my feet, I couldn't help but live in the moment. To think of what it must have been like back in the day, witnessing the birth of Jesus, and trying desperately not to get bit by the sheep. It would have been an experience.

Even though I know the whole Christmas story by heart, it was as if I was living it for the first time. I looked up just as the angel was being lowered down from the ceiling, and I had to cover my eyes. Well, not because of the angel’s beauty or enchantment but, mainly because I was afraid she would fall on me.

All was going well and the reenactment of the nativity scene was almost finished. It was during this time that I really started thinking about what this was all about.

God is our shepherd, and we are his sheep. Yes, you are a sheep! Hang with me I am drawing a mental picture. When Jesus was born, God used Him as a way of bringing his flock together. We are His followers and listen to His calling. Kind of like sheep to a shepherd! God is our light. Just as the angel's glory shone over the hills of Bethlehem that holy night, God will also lead his flock. So, light some candles this Christmas season and remember Jesus is the light of the world! Just don't burn yourself, always be safe with fire. Oh and don’t let the wax drip on your hand, it is really hot. Ok, and now I feel like I am your mother. So, I will go for now and say Merry Christmas to all, and to all a holy night.

[Soldier4Christ]

  What If?

By: Jeff Lappano


“Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’” Luke 1:38 (NKJV)

Today we are to look at a critical subject in the birth of the Lord Jesus, that being of his mom, Mary. Imagine the predicament that the angel, Gabriel, put the girl in. Bible scholars and historians tell us that the mother of the Savior was between the ages of 14 and 17. Scripture reveals that at this time she was unwed. In our minds the age factor seems the worst of the situation but in that culture it was commonplace for people to get married young and have families. The situation really surrounded around the fact that she was unmarried. If you read the Joseph’s side of the story, you’ll find that he wanted to do the right thing in the eyes of the law and put her away.

Once Mary totally understood that this was in the will of God, she was on board according to our text. She submitted herself to the will of God. What if she said to Gabriel, “Come back in a couple of months when I’m married, and we’ll do this thing?” Doesn’t that sound like a good, sound logical answer? Well of course it does, however let’s turn to the Word. Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Scripture tells us that should Mary have told Gabriel that the timing wasn’t right for this to happen, she would have missed out on the call of God for her life, for the Messiah must be born of a virgin as the prophecy indicated.

“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example.” Here we find an exhortation from Paul to Timothy. This was written several years after the resurrection of Christ, but yet Mary lived it. She didn’t care about anything but to adhere to the will of God for her life. As you open your presents on Christmas morning keep this in mind. Because the teenage girl decided to follow the will of God we’re celebrating the holiday. This holiday season I challenge you with the idea of not letting anyone looking down on you because you’re young. In your youth, you have a purpose and a call of God. I encourage you as Mary did: follow hard after whatever it is that God is calling you to.

[Soldier4Christ]

  The Guiding Star

By: Brittany Waller


"...the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was." (Matthew 2:9)

Why is it that we are always looking for signs? Whether it happens to be a sign from God or an actual road sign. It almost consumes us at times, especially if we are trying to follow the signs to the mall.

In the time of Jesus there was no such thing as a road sign. So, God chose to guide the three wise men with a star. What a great idea, because guys never stop to ask for directions!

Even if God gave us a star to guide us today, we probably still wouldn't see it. During the Christmas season we are too busy attempting to wrap presents, burning Christmas cookies, and sending cards to relatives we don't even know anymore.

So, let’s try something different this year, let’s push away the details of Christmas that about make us pull out our hair. Let us focus on God and take the time to kneel down and thank him for all our blessings. Even if there is no neon sign with blinking lights sent from God, know that He is still there. You are the twinkle in His eye, and if you follow him you will never lose your way, even if you don't have the directions.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Where God Works

By: Beth Hays


Notice the way God does things; then fall into line. Don't fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked? (Eccles. 7:13) NLT

   
An Elder at my church paraphrases this verse wonderfully. He says: "Look for where God is working and then join Him." I wish I had known that last year...

There is a student-led Bible Study at my school. I went to it last year for about four months, dragging my behind out of bed each morning a half-an-hour earlier than usual. Every week we came against the same conflict. There was no challenge, no excitement, and no real purpose. If I focused really hard on what was being said occasionally I could get something out of it. But, usually I just concentrated on the scripture and tried not to let the lesson bog me down. It's terrible to say of a Bible study isn't it?

I forced myself to endure this half-an-hour learning nothing and bored to death in a place where no one could sense the presence of God. I don't think it was the teacher; He's a great person. I don't think it was the lessons, I'll bet they could be made valuable. But, it was the lack of challenge to grow in God. Truthfully, no one was allowing God to work.

Meanwhile, I failed to look around my youth group. There were tons of people who truly thirsted for more knowledge of God. There were people waiting to be taught. Seeing the harvest waiting, the same elder who first showed me this principle encouraged me to pray about starting a Bible study myself.

I have to admit, I was quite nervous. I'd never done that sort of thing before. I didn't know how to teach, didn't know where to start, and didn't know who to invite. All I knew was that God was evidently working in the young girls in my youth group. So, I took up the challenge. Today I lead a discipleship group that God is actively working in. I went from a lack of challenge to abundant challenge, even as the leader. I think God speaks to me more than anyone! Instead of wasting my time where religion is stale, I am gaining joy from true growth.

My challenge to you today is not necessarily to start a Bible Study (though it might be). But, it is to look around your sphere of influence. Where is God working? What can you do to join Him?

[Soldier4Christ]

  The God of Impossibility

By: Beth Hays


Elisha replied, "Hear this message from the LORD! This is what the LORD says: By this time tomorrow in the markets of Samaria, five quarts of fine flour will cost only half an ounce of silver, and ten quarts of barley grain will cost only half an ounce of silver."
The officer assisting the king said to the man of God, "That couldn't happen even if the LORD opened the windows of heaven!"
But Elisha replied, "You will see it happen, but you won't be able to eat any of it!"
So it was true that five quarts of fine flour were sold that day for half an ounce of silver, and ten quarts of barley grain were sold for half an ounce of silver, just as the LORD had promised. (2 Kings 7:1-2, 16)

Let's put this in modern-day terms. Elisha told the people that tomorrow CD's would be a nickel apiece and meal at McDonald's would only cost a penny. These were unbelievably low prices. So, of course this officer told the prophet that even God could do that-it was impossible.

We do that to God a lot don't we? We tell Him that it is impossible-that even He, the God of this universe couldn't do THAT. No, people can't just get better from terminal illness. No, mountains can't crumble from nothing. No, God, even you can't make people come alive again. Yet, he's done all this and more. We limit God to our human perspective, when in reality He's blown that limiting box away with His amazing miracles.

Just as in this example in scripture, sometime people who don't believe, end up limiting themselves as well as God. For instance, a pastor who feels really called to a certain church stays where He is because it's more comfortable. Then, He finds out that he was EXACTLY what was needed. And usually by that time, it is too late. Don't limit God. Not only are you limiting a Being so far greater than your possible comprehension, but also you are limiting the possibilities of the miracles God is ready and willing to work through you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Obedient Service

By: Steve Briesacher


I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your
bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your
spiritual service of worship.  Romans 12:1 (NASB)

Paul wrote these words almost 2000 years ago to the first Christians, yet
still today we struggle with the practical aspects of living a life
pleasing to God. The hustle and bustle of the 21st century has, however,
left many of us struggling to find ways to live for God. What exactly does
it mean to be a living sacrifice Holy and acceptable to God? To find out
we need break this verse down to its individual instructions.

Let us first take a closer look at the first line. In it Paul is urging
the brethren (Christians), by the mercies of God. Obviously Paul is saying
that this is important information he is trying to pass on to us. Now, by
saying, by the mercies of God?, I believe Paul is letting us know that on
our own we will be incapable of following what comes next. It is by the
mercies of God that we will be able to do what he is instructing,
essentially by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Then he follows by saying, to present your bodies a living and Holy
sacrifice?. He is speaking here of our physical bodies as being both
living and a Holy sacrifice (Holy meaning set apart for God). So we can
conclude here that, our physical bodies must be sacrificed (sanctified and
Holy) in some way, which is acceptable to God. He obviously does not mean
physical death because the sacrifice is living. So how do we sacrifice
ourselves alive then? The answer to this is to look at the basic
definition of sacrifice. Essentially to sacrifice something means to give
something up. I believe that Paul is trying to remind us that we are to
give up our old sinful natures as a spiritual act of worship to God. But
how can we do that, especially since we are still living in a fallen,
sinful world full of temptations? The answer to this is in the next verse.

Paul goes on to say in verse 2, and do not be conformed to this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the
will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. The key
here is to not be conformed to this world. In other words, don't follow
the ways of the world. Don't become like the world around you.

Fine words, but how exactly do we accomplish such a thing? The world we
live in is desperately wicked (Genesis 6:5) Then the Lord saw that
wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the
thoughts of his heart was only evil continually?). If we continue to live
in it as we are then we too shall fall with it. Paul then tells us to be
transformed by the renewing? of our minds. This change will come
essentially with a change of mind. Yet, simply saying we will change our
minds, are only empty words until we back them up with some kind of
action. It all comes down to this; on our own we can do nothing, but
through the blood of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can
accomplish this. What I am getting at is this; that it is not rituals,
traditions, or even religion that saves us, but a simple relationship
between God and us. That is the action Paul is trying to get across to us
here. That is the purpose of our lives here. We are to learn to love God,
as he loved us.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Are You Jealous?

By: Janet Adams


Have you ever been jealous?

Yes, of course you have.

Jealousy is one of the ugliest of emotions. It can make a total rational person go crazy. Sometime the jealousy is intentionally provoked. Like when someone plans and goes out of their way to make you feel jealous. Most of the times the situation has little basis for it. Like when you feel jealous because you think someone is better or nicer looking, but they really aren't. These are things that we perceive to be so. Where there is frequent and strong manifestation of the emotion, the real cause is usually inside of us. It comes from our own inadequacy and insecurity. They call jealousy the "green eyed monster." It can take a pleasant person and turn them upside down.

Jealousy is there with siblings in every home. One might like something the other has better than his own. One could get jealous over the other spending more time watching TV or staying up late. There are all kinds of simple normal jealousies.

As parents we try to make the child feel a good self-worth and security so their fears are put to rest stopping the jealousy.

When jealousy takes over a person and makes them want to slander or injure the person who they are jealous of then this take on a more deeper meaning. Love in Christ for our brothers and sisters shouldn't bring on such rages of jealousy. I have to admit I remember when some other girl would hang around the guy I liked, I would get upset or mad. I would talk bad about her to my friends and hope no one would like her, especially the guy I liked. I can remember feeling just terrible about myself. This emotion can really get us into a bad situation. When all is said and done, we could have really hurt someone. Talking bad of someone and causing them to have a bad reputation is hard to get over. Most of the feelings are inside of us and we really have no basis to feel this way. We should take these insecurities and bad feelings to the Lord in prayer and let him put a stop to them. Stop these feeling before they get out of hand, do not let others make you jealous, even when they do it on purpose. Most of the time if someone is jealous of you they will do things to try to make you jealous.  It is a nasty circle.  When you feel jealousy for little petty reasons, don't allow it to enter your mind, tell yourself you will not allow yourself to think this way and take it to God in prayer. Nothing can hurt you but what you allow yourself to perceive. To let these small twinges of jealousy manifest will make us sick, like a cancer. Looking in my Bible for verses on jealousy, I found a list about jealousy.


Jealousy can:
<>< tear believers apart
<>< make you feel even worse
<>< cause a strong dividing force
<>< cause blind anger and rage
<>< cause us to loose self control
<>< can lead to other sins
<>< leads to criticism
<>< not let us see the danger, don't underestimate it
<>< causes war

God does not want you to be jealous, you are beautiful and wonderfully made just the way you are. You are special, you are YOU!!!!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Endless Masks

By: Beth Hays


Laughter can conceal a heavy heart; when the laughter ends, the grief remains. (Proverbs 14:13)

       I remember talking to an old youth pastor about wearing masks in ministry. When I told her I was the queen of them, she replied: "Then, I am the princess!" It strikes a chord in me to remember that conversation. I have since found such a true, inner joy that masks are no longer needed as long as I live in God's presence.

       But, the past few weeks have been a different story. I sunk back into my old way of life. I started to fall into sin. But, even worse, my inner being started to harden and I started to stray from the joy I has found. I was thrown from God's presence by the circumstances surrounding me, or so I thought. Truthfully, I stepped willingly. But, regardless, I started to put on my old masks. I started to pretend to be happy and pretend to worship. I started to say formal prayers instead of talking to God from my heart.

       I have a spiritual mentor who cares enough about me not to let this become a lifestyle. He came up to me and asked what was going on. Because of my trust in Him, I shared my heart. I had tried so hard to cover up the anguish inside, but even when the masks were stripped away, I was still left with my pain. Solomon knew what He was talking about.

       This mentor of mine gave me a great suggestion: he told me that the masks didn't cut it-I needed the real thing. In order to achieve that I needed to take the focus off of me and place in on the One on whom it belongs-God. In short, He told me to worship-to express to God just what an awesome and amazing Being He is. My spiritual leader and I spent over three hours today talking and joyfully sharing in the joy that has returned to me. I have thrown away the masks. My circumstances haven't changed, nor has anything else. Anything, that is, except throwing away the masks. No more pretending. No more hiding. From now on only true joy (a happiness not dependent upon circumstances).

       Have you been hiding behind long worn-out masks? Have you been settling for a fake happiness rather than true joy? Throw them away today, my friend. The real thing is so much better and worth the effort!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Falling from Grace

By: Steven Self


Statement:

I can't be a Christian anymore.  I constantly fail, I'm not doing God's will.  Sometimes, it's just too hard.


Answer:

1 John 1:9 (NLT)

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.


It's so easy to feel let down by our own actions.  Even when we try and try to live a life for Christ, we still fail, we still fall, and we still get hurt.  We constantly find ourselves coming back to the foot of the cross asking God to forgive us.  The most important thing to remember is that we need to trust in God for His grace and forgiveness.


When we mess up, we tend to think that God is mad at us and that He won't listen to us.  Thats not even close to being true.  Even when we have a weakness that we intentionally fall in to, God is faithful to forgive us.  When we make a mistake, even when we do it over and over again, God knows how were attacked by Satan and the struggling we are doing.  He's sees our hearts and He knows the things that are beating us down. 

We all feel unworthy for God's forgiveness, that's because we are.  But the awesome part is that God loves and forgives us anyway.  We always try to set boundaries on God's grace and love, essentially telling Him "OK God, I've messed up on this, so you can't forgive me now."  You may be thinking "I don't say that.", but have you ever thought "God doesn't know all I've done, He won't forgive me for this."  When we do this were forgetting that God is in control and His grace, it is His to give, not ours to take.  Think about that last sentence for a while.

Dear child of God, He loves you more than you can imagine.  Jesus never said this walk will be easy.  As a matter of fact, He said the exact opposite.  He said it would be hard.  You will face hard times in your walk, there are ups and downs.  Regardless of whether your up or down, God is with you and faithfully loves you through them all.  Don't give up on your walk, or on your faith, because I can promise you that God won't give up on you.   

[Soldier4Christ]

  Arguing with God

By: Beth Hays


Shamefully, I must admit, I am the queen of arguing with God. When my mom first became ill I got angry...I told Him that He needed to heal her now. Well, he didn't and that infuriated me even more. When he called my nanny home to Him in heaven...I screamed at Him for hours. When he took away my best friend, I turned away from Him.

He lovingly accepted me back when I was willing. But, I didn't stop. He called me into ministry...I said no. I would not speak in front of people. I wanted a quiet, stable job. I didn't want to be a youth minister! Eventually, He got me to agree. Now, he's changing my heart so that not only am I doing it for Him...but I WANT to do it.

Today I was talking with my best friend Lauren. She is moving to France for a year to further her education there. I became so angry with God. Why would He put such an amazing person in my life and then let her walk away? I sobbed as I told her I was happy for her (which I was...but oh so sad for me). Then I sat down and opened my Bible.

Then the LORD said to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" (Job 40:1-2) NLT

OK...you win AGAIN God. Why do I ask such questions? Why do I doubt the judgment of the creator of this beautiful world? I will never understand why... But, I gave it to God. I handed Him my broken, lonely heart. I know His plan is so much bigger...and who am I to argue? If you are wrestling with God about a situation in your life...let this verse stop you in your tracks...just as it did for me. God knows what he is doing. Trust Him...and don't argue!