Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

  Being Complete

By: Adam R. Rinehart


1 John 2:5
But if anyone obeys his word, God's love[ 2:5 Or word, love for God] is truly made complete in him.

Spumoni has to be my most favorite ice cream in the world.  Granted with it being the end of October, and ice cream shops closing it get harder to find unless you go to the grocery store and buy some which is exactly what I did this afternoon. 

The chocolate, spumoni with fruit, almonds and pistachio ice cream make it a dream of a delicatessen for you palette.   If you were to have just one ingredient without the other it would definitely not be complete.  Taking the chocolate away makes a different flavor, and definitely taking the pistachio away ruins it all together.

As I was thinking about eating my ice cream this evening after supper, I remember how complete that it made my supper and also how Christ after He rose from the dead gave us the opportunity when we accept Him as our personal Savior to be complete in Him.   Without the blood of Christ, righteousness, justification and being made holy in the eyes of God would never happen.  You cannot have one without the other.  You cannot be righteous without being justified, and you cannot be holy without being righteous.  Christ took care of all of those aspects on the cross in order for us to have that completeness in Him which comes not only from that, but also from obedience to Him.

Today as you look at who you are, remember that you are complete in Christ.  That He has commanded us to show that completed heart in Him by truly living in obedience to His Word.  May we do that today and forever more.  May God’s Grace Abound In You.

[Soldier4Christ]

  An Encounter of Healing

By: Beth Hays


Matthew 9:19-22 (NLT)
    As Jesus and the disciples were going to the official's home, [20] a woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, [21] for she thought, "If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed."
    [22] Jesus turned around and said to her, "Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was healed at that moment.

   
Can you imagine the shame that must have lived in this woman’s heart? She had lived with a terrible disease and couldn’t find healing anywhere. It tore her up from the inside out and she had to live with pain day after day. People with illness in those days were despised and rejected. Can you imagine her pain?

And what an intrusion it would have been considered to be to go up the Savior and touch his robe. To go, without permission, and touch a divine piece of clothing.

In all honesty, Jesus should have responded in indignity or anger. He had every right to condemn this woman. He would have been supported if he had cast her away and ignored her plea.

But, he didn’t. He turned around and I can imagine lovingly looked into her eyes and told her that she would be made well. But, that isn’t even the best part, my friends. He looked at this despised woman, rejected by all, and called her his daughter. What a joyful moment! He could have looked at her in shame, but He wanted her as His own child. Then, he told her to be encouraged. He wanted her to know that he supported her. And then, he reassured her that she was healed.

What a path we are called to follow? Are you in need of healing my friends? Healing from deep emotional wounds that control your thoughts and penetrate your dreams? Are you longing to be delivered from shame that plagues you? I have such wonderful news. All we have to do is approach our father and reach out and touch His robe. Then, precious ones, He will look upon you, remind you that He is your Daddy and wants to take care if you. He will encourage and support you. And, precious brothers and sisters, He will heal you. All you have to do is reach out in faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Use your gift

By: Jeff Lappano


“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one other another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)

I’m sure that as you read this verse, your thinking it doesn’t apply to me because I don’t have any gifts so why finish reading? Give me just a few moments to share what I believe what the Lord wants you the young people to know. “Every man” is better translated as everyone. That’s right, you have a gift, even if you didn’t know it.

Ok well maybe the argument of God not revealing to you what your gift could work. However, as we continue to study, we’ll see that statement invalid as well. Lets take a moment and study the word “received” in the Greek. The Greek does not give us the picture of us putting out our hands and getting the gift. The Greek defines this as “to get a hold of”.

Romans 11:29 say the gifts and the call of God are without repentance. Jeremiah 1:6 say that before we came out of or mother’s womb there was an ordination to our lives. He had a purpose and plan for our lives, and the gifts he has given us are meant to help us move in the call of God on our lives.

Romans and Jeremiah tell us that we already have the gifts, so what is next? You have to find out what your gifts are! As Peter said in the original Greek, “Get a hold of the gifts”! You have to find out for yourself what your gifts are and then go from there in developing them.

[airIam2worship]

Amen Brother, some people think that their gift needs to be something spectacular. That is not always true. People have to trust God with their talent as small as it may seem to them. If you don't mind I'd like to use an example. My daughter wanted to play the flute when she began middle school, she had no idea even which end her lips were to be placed on. We were 'veeeerrrry' patient listening to those awful notes, and I thank God, because today less than 2 years later, not only is she playing the flute excellently, she has learned to read music, and much to my surprise she has composed some of her own music, which she proudly rehearsed for to our music director at church. She wants to play for the Lord. That, she found out is one of her gifts, her second gift comes naturally she makes people laugh even without trying.

[Soldier4Christ]

Amen sister, people do tend to overlook their God given gifts and go in search for specific ones. It warmed my heart to hear your story of your daughters gifts. I pray that she does not loose sight on them and is able to use them for the Lord in tremendous ways.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Secondhand Salvation

By: Beth Hays


Don't just say, 'We're safe-we're the descendants of Abraham.' That proves nothing. God can change these stones here into children of Abraham. (Matthew 3:9) NLT

I think I was lucky. I grew up in a home in which God wasn’t the “popular” thing to do. I grew up in an environment that required a lot of courage to be a Christian. Why was I lucky? Because of my lack of acceptance as a Christian, my beliefs were forced to stand many trials. If after all of that, I am still a believer than my faith is definitely real.
   
But, how many do you know that go to church simply because their parents do? How many do you see every day that claim to know God because their family is a “Christian home”? How much easier is it to follow in a parent’s footsteps than to analyze what we really believe?

I praise God that I never fell into that trap. But, I see many who do. You may be one of them, my friend. Are you in this race for Jesus simply because it is the “right thing to do”? Then, precious one, you are in it for the wrong reasons.

If Jesus reassured his friends that they couldn’t rely on Abraham to save them, you can’t rely on your parents to save you. Your faith has to be personal. It can’t be based on another’s beliefs.

If you are in that place right now, my friend. Start analyzing what you believe. Take a deep look at your heart. Then, take a long look at our God. If you truly want a REAL faith, seek it. God won’t leave you empty-handed. But, NEVER settle for secondhand salvation.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Saying The Pledge

By: Tony B. Rhoda



"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." (Matt 6:7-8) NKJV.

Do you sometimes get into the habit of doing things over and over again to a point where it loses it's meaning? Maybe it is not the meaning, but it becomes boring or just meaningless? Sometimes, something can be so obvious that you wouldn't even be able to recognize it. Try saying one word again and again. If you keep saying it, does it even sound like a word after a while?

The other day I remembered my senior year in high school and it was revealed to me exactly how much routine can set in if you're not careful. I remember the morning announcements coming on and I was just about to fall asleep on my desk. However, it was time to stand up and say the pledge. After staying up late the night before, saying the pledge was the last thing I wanted to do, especially after I had found the one comfortable spot on my desk. The teacher then tapped me on the shoulder and gave me that look that students just dread, especially at 7:15 a.m. So I got up and said the pledge like I did every morning.

How do you say the pledge after 12 or so years? Well, with me it was a half asleep, groggy voice, that was longing to spend the next 45 minutes finding that comfortable spot on my desk again. I didn't care, and I sure didn't even think about why I was saying it while I was doing it. At 7:15 in the morning there isn't a lot on your mind except sleep and that was what my mind was determined to do.

Now let's switch the pledge to prayer. Is it something that you feel you have to do? Or maybe you just say it before you got o bed at night, with that same groggy voice that you wake up saying the pledge with. Maybe you say that same boring prayer every night. If we talked to our boyfriends or girlfriends like we say the pledge..well I'll let you fill in the blank. Think about your prayer life, do you really pray with all your heart to the Lord. Do you go into great detail and go out of your way to give thanks? Or has praying become this hassle that you feel you just have to do to get it off of your chest. I challenge you to take the time to talk to the Lord. Remember the guy that died on the cross so that you can go to heaven? Don't take that lightly. God Bless and Keep The Faith!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Fear Factor

By: Jeff Lappano


“For God has not given us a spirit of fear” 2 Timothy 1:7a (NKJV)

Last time I brought forth the Word we started looking at our gifts. We established through the Word that each and every one of us has a gift that helps us accomplish the call of God on our life. But there is so much more that needs to be learned.

I hear this verse preached a lot. Sometimes its taken out of context, and sometimes it isn’t when being preached on. If we were to add verses 5 and 6 to this text, we would have the full understanding that Paul was dealing very specifically with the fear that Timothy had concerning of ministering his gifts.

In the Greek, fear is defined as “timidity, fearfulness, or cowardice.” If you have just started out in operating in your gift, or have been doing so any amount of time, you know for a fact that fear is a big hindrance in ministering the gift that God gave you.

Timothy wasn’t the only one who had an issue of fear ministering his gifts. Jeremiah the prophet was in the same boat. Jeremiah 1:6 says, “Then I said, “Alas, Lord God! Behold I do not know how to speak because I am a youth.” I believe that if we tied 1Timothy 4 into 2 Timothy 1, and understand that Timothy was dealing with fear because of his age. The Devil uses fear of any kind to distract us from ministering our gifts.

So how do we overcome this obstacle? In both passages, the solution is made known! I think because Jeremiah’s key was made known to him specifically by the Lord so we’ll start there. Verses 7 and 8 says, “But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.” We must understand that the Lord is there to protect us!

Finally lets look at what Timothy was told by Paul at the end of verse 7 of 2 Timothy 1. “But of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. We must understand that the Holy Spirit will give us the power to minister the gifts he has given us. 1 Corinthians 13, which too deals with gifts says if your not ministering your gifts out of love, its going to be like a noisy gong, or clanging cymbal. A “sound mind” defined in the Greek is “self control”. This will tell us when and when not to minister our gifts, rather than being ruled by others, such as the spirit of fear.

[Soldier4Christ]

  The Pleading God

By: Matt Crawford


Isaiah 3:12-13 "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O’, my people, they which lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. The Lord stands to plead, and stands to judge the people."

In this chapter of Isaiah, a massive end times destruction because of sin is prophesized for Israel. This catalyst has taken away leaders, generals, speakers, scholars, all the old and wise, and the religious leaders and prophets. Young people, teens with no experience, are put into power because they are the only ones left with promising youthful energy. Women are also in power because all the men are dead from war. Desperate, people try to push anyone even remotely qualified into leadership, but many solemnly refuse. Chaos rules.

Yet in the midst of this, God stands up to plead for His people’s repentance. Standing up is very important, because in the Psalms He tells His messiah: "sit at my right side until I make your enemies your foot-stool." Yet here, we see the Lord stand up in desperate desire for the people to be saved. Sitting on the throne is an image of power, judgment, and collective calm. Yet in the midst of His judgment, He is moved to stand and plead.

In chapter 4, we see a very sudden shift in events. From despair and ruin, tormented by plagues, the jews are now protected by God with a cloud by day, and fire by night hovering over every dwelling place in Jerusalem. The word says that everyone counted among the living in that place will be saved, and called Holy. It says their sins are "washed away" by God Himself. The people have repented, and suddenly Jerusalem goes from a place of cursing, to a place shown by divine phenomenon to be holy and protected.

This tells me the heart of God desires salvation for people. The judgments God brings are shown for what they are: His last efforts to bring people back to Him through repentance, and to spare them from eternal punishment. Imagine almighty God, the world in His hands, soon to return to earth to judge it and to make the wicked tremble. Yet he stands in despair, saddened by what He must do to these people. He pleads with all His spirit for them to return and be spared. Then we see his utter joy and fierce love and protection for them as they repent. He is immediately moved to restore them, supernaturally protect them, and use His wonders to tell the world "these are my holy people," illustrating what He desires to do for all mankind.

If you ever prayed to know more of God, the person, here is your illustration.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Joyful Worship

By: Beth Hays


Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord.  (Psalm 89:15) NLT

Worship. I used to struggle with the real meaning of that word. I went to church on Sunday and sung a few songs, and even thought about them a little bit. I figured that was my “worship” quota for the day. I did sing praise-and-worship songs…isn’t that enough?

Then I experienced REAL worship. I stood in the very presence of God. That was mind-blowing. I stood in front of His throne and I told Him just how much I adored him. It was a place of intense love and gentle peace. It was incredible. And what followed that experience was a new depth of God. I desired to go back to that place. I longed for more reasons for worship, so I started to read the Word more. All of my pain left my focus because it was stayed on Him alone. And most of all, I was filled with overflowing joy.

Joy, my friends, is something much greater than happiness. You can only be happy when everything is going right. But, when your life is in shambles and you can still smile and praise God…that is joy at work. True joy is so much more beautiful than happiness and is all-consuming. You can’t lose it because it isn’t dependent upon circumstances. It’s yours for as long as you continue to worship.

Dear ones, hear God calling you gently into His presence and follow. Turn up some great music or sit in silence and tell Him how much you adore Him. He longs to hear from you. Know that when you do, your heart will know a new depth. Then, keep worshipping and experience the most amazing thing on this earth—pure worship.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Being Complete

By: Adam R. Rinehart


1 John 2:5
But if anyone obeys his word, God's love[ 2:5 Or word, love for God] is truly made complete in him.

Spumoni has to be my most favorite ice cream in the world.  Granted with it being the end of October, and ice cream shops closing it get harder to find unless you go to the grocery store and buy some which is exactly what I did this afternoon. 

The chocolate, spumoni with fruit, almonds and pistachio ice cream make it a dream of a delicatessen for you palette.   If you were to have just one ingredient without the other it would definitely not be complete.  Taking the chocolate away makes a different flavor, and definitely taking the pistachio away ruins it all together.

As I was thinking about eating my ice cream this evening after supper, I remember how complete that it made my supper and also how Christ after He rose from the dead gave us the opportunity when we accept Him as our personal Savior to be complete in Him.   Without the blood of Christ, righteousness, justification and being made holy in the eyes of God would never happen.  You cannot have one without the other.  You cannot be righteous without being justified, and you cannot be holy without being righteous.  Christ took care of all of those aspects on the cross in order for us to have that completeness in Him which comes not only from that, but also from obedience to Him.

Today as you look at who you are, remember that you are complete in Christ.  That He has commanded us to show that completed heart in Him by truly living in obedience to His Word.  May we do that today and forever more.  May God’s Grace Abound In You.

[Soldier4Christ]

  An Encounter of Healing

By: Beth Hays


Matthew 9:19-22 (NLT)
    As Jesus and the disciples were going to the official's home, [20] a woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, [21] for she thought, "If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed."
    [22] Jesus turned around and said to her, "Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was healed at that moment.

   
Can you imagine the shame that must have lived in this woman’s heart? She had lived with a terrible disease and couldn’t find healing anywhere. It tore her up from the inside out and she had to live with pain day after day. People with illness in those days were despised and rejected. Can you imagine her pain?

And what an intrusion it would have been considered to be to go up the Savior and touch his robe. To go, without permission, and touch a divine piece of clothing.

In all honesty, Jesus should have responded in indignity or anger. He had every right to condemn this woman. He would have been supported if he had cast her away and ignored her plea.

But, he didn’t. He turned around and I can imagine lovingly looked into her eyes and told her that she would be made well. But, that isn’t even the best part, my friends. He looked at this despised woman, rejected by all, and called her his daughter. What a joyful moment! He could have looked at her in shame, but He wanted her as His own child. Then, he told her to be encouraged. He wanted her to know that he supported her. And then, he reassured her that she was healed.

What a path we are called to follow? Are you in need of healing my friends? Healing from deep emotional wounds that control your thoughts and penetrate your dreams? Are you longing to be delivered from shame that plagues you? I have such wonderful news. All we have to do is approach our father and reach out and touch His robe. Then, precious ones, He will look upon you, remind you that He is your Daddy and wants to take care if you. He will encourage and support you. And, precious brothers and sisters, He will heal you. All you have to do is reach out in faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Use your gift

By: Jeff Lappano


“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one other another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)

I’m sure that as you read this verse, your thinking it doesn’t apply to me because I don’t have any gifts so why finish reading? Give me just a few moments to share what I believe what the Lord wants you the young people to know. “Every man” is better translated as everyone. That’s right, you have a gift, even if you didn’t know it.

Ok well maybe the argument of God not revealing to you what your gift could work. However, as we continue to study, we’ll see that statement invalid as well. Lets take a moment and study the word “received” in the Greek. The Greek does not give us the picture of us putting out our hands and getting the gift. The Greek defines this as “to get a hold of”.

Romans 11:29 say the gifts and the call of God are without repentance. Jeremiah 1:6 say that before we came out of or mother’s womb there was an ordination to our lives. He had a purpose and plan for our lives, and the gifts he has given us are meant to help us move in the call of God on our lives.

Romans and Jeremiah tell us that we already have the gifts, so what is next? You have to find out what your gifts are! As Peter said in the original Greek, “Get a hold of the gifts”! You have to find out for yourself what your gifts are and then go from there in developing them.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Secondhand Salvation

By: Beth Hays


Don't just say, 'We're safe-we're the descendants of Abraham.' That proves nothing. God can change these stones here into children of Abraham. (Matthew 3:9) NLT

I think I was lucky. I grew up in a home in which God wasn’t the “popular” thing to do. I grew up in an environment that required a lot of courage to be a Christian. Why was I lucky? Because of my lack of acceptance as a Christian, my beliefs were forced to stand many trials. If after all of that, I am still a believer than my faith is definitely real.
   
But, how many do you know that go to church simply because their parents do? How many do you see every day that claim to know God because their family is a “Christian home”? How much easier is it to follow in a parent’s footsteps than to analyze what we really believe?

I praise God that I never fell into that trap. But, I see many who do. You may be one of them, my friend. Are you in this race for Jesus simply because it is the “right thing to do”? Then, precious one, you are in it for the wrong reasons.

If Jesus reassured his friends that they couldn’t rely on Abraham to save them, you can’t rely on your parents to save you. Your faith has to be personal. It can’t be based on another’s beliefs.

If you are in that place right now, my friend. Start analyzing what you believe. Take a deep look at your heart. Then, take a long look at our God. If you truly want a REAL faith, seek it. God won’t leave you empty-handed. But, NEVER settle for secondhand salvation.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Saying The Pledge

By: Tony B. Rhoda



"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." (Matt 6:7-8) NKJV.

Do you sometimes get into the habit of doing things over and over again to a point where it loses it's meaning? Maybe it is not the meaning, but it becomes boring or just meaningless? Sometimes, something can be so obvious that you wouldn't even be able to recognize it. Try saying one word again and again. If you keep saying it, does it even sound like a word after a while?

The other day I remembered my senior year in high school and it was revealed to me exactly how much routine can set in if you're not careful. I remember the morning announcements coming on and I was just about to fall asleep on my desk. However, it was time to stand up and say the pledge. After staying up late the night before, saying the pledge was the last thing I wanted to do, especially after I had found the one comfortable spot on my desk. The teacher then tapped me on the shoulder and gave me that look that students just dread, especially at 7:15 a.m. So I got up and said the pledge like I did every morning.

How do you say the pledge after 12 or so years? Well, with me it was a half asleep, groggy voice, that was longing to spend the next 45 minutes finding that comfortable spot on my desk again. I didn't care, and I sure didn't even think about why I was saying it while I was doing it. At 7:15 in the morning there isn't a lot on your mind except sleep and that was what my mind was determined to do.

Now let's switch the pledge to prayer. Is it something that you feel you have to do? Or maybe you just say it before you got o bed at night, with that same groggy voice that you wake up saying the pledge with. Maybe you say that same boring prayer every night. If we talked to our boyfriends or girlfriends like we say the pledge..well I'll let you fill in the blank. Think about your prayer life, do you really pray with all your heart to the Lord. Do you go into great detail and go out of your way to give thanks? Or has praying become this hassle that you feel you just have to do to get it off of your chest. I challenge you to take the time to talk to the Lord. Remember the guy that died on the cross so that you can go to heaven? Don't take that lightly. God Bless and Keep The Faith!