Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

  His Masterpiece


"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us
to do." (Ephesians 2:10) NIV

Each one of us is God's masterpiece. We were carefully
planned out before God's brush ever hit the canvas. He
designed us to fit in where He wanted us to be. What
would have happened if Moses was born today? You don't
have to answer that. It is just an example. God has
placed us in the right time at the right place. It may
not seem like it but He has.

A few weeks ago God put it on my heart to learn how He
sees me. This is key in learning the fear of the
Lord. So I decided to find out where in the Bible it
tells me who I am in Christ.

Psalm 139:14 tells us that "...I am fearfully and
wonderfully made, marvelous are His works...." (NKJV)

We were also created in God's image.

God loved us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus
to die for us. Jesus died the most agonizing death
ever. He was crucified on the cross for our sins. He
took all our sins upon Himself. What a loving God we
serve. He was nailed to a tree for what we did. If
that doesn't tell you how God sees you than I don't
know what does. How could such a perfect God love such
an imperfect me?

If you would like to know more about how God sees us
then just email me. I will be more than happy to reply
to you and talk with you more. Also if you don't know
Christ and would like me to share the Gospel with you
let me know.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Grace

Romans 3:10- As it is written: There is none rightouss, not even one. (NIV)

  -Romans 10:19- Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.

  Through the law we are aware of sin, because no one can keep the law! For example, how many of you have ever broke one of the ten commandments? I know I have many times, and they have shown me that I am a sinner, and I need a savior.

  -Romans 3:23- For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

  If you are under the law, that means that you have to work for your salvation. That humanly cannot be done! That is why Jesus gives us grace.

  -John 1:17- For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

  You can only be "good" through Jesus. Through Jesus' grace we are forgiven and considered rightiouss before God, not by works. When Jesus dies on the cross his shed blood covered all of our sins, old, new, and future, so that we are clean and pure before a Holy God.

  -Romans 4:5- However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as rightousness.

  -Romans 4:7-8- Blessed are they whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.

Jesus died, taking our place so we wouldn't have to go to Hell. He died, because sin will uiltimatly cause your spirit and body to die. Things like sex, drugs, and alcohol, these things all lead to Hell.

Romans 6:23 says:  "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Grace is our gift from God, it's free, and you can't do anything to earn it.

  Well, some of you might be thinking, "Okay, well since nothing is coiunted against me, I can do what I want!" Of course not! It's Jesus that keeps us from stumbling and doing wrong. We have to constantly struggle with our desire to do bad things, but Jesus keeps us strong to resist them. That doesn't mean you will never fall though. When you do fall, God is always righ there to pick you up again.

-Romans 7:22-25- For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work within the member of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God- through Jesus Christ our Lord!

  Even though Jesus makes us strong, we willtumble and sin, so Jesus is like our defense attorney who stands up for us, when Satan is accusing us of what we did. Jesus makes us innocent before God! So, even if you mess up, you are not held accountable to the law, but are rightiouss by faith in Jesus to save you! If you do not know him, please give him your life today. He will make you blamless before a mighty God who has the power to send you to Heaven or Hell.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Homosexuality

In Romans 1.25-26 God talks about homosexuality, when I brought this up to
someone of that nature, he says it is caused from birth. Now I've heard
about this, but I do not know how to respond. If you could help me out, that
would be great!

I have received a lot of questions this time on this and feel that I need to
focus on this again. It seems that in the history of America that we have
faced many different mindsets, ideas, and issues on what is right and what
is wrong. At one time, there was once a general knowledge of all teen-agers
growing up on what was right and what was wrong. Now, it seems that what was
right is now labeled as wrong, and what was wrong now is labeled right. Now,
people and teenagers in America are making their own boundaries, rules, and
regulations. The foundations of our "first love" with decent morality, and
Biblical principles are being torn apart and ripped down the middle. People
are replacing the hole in their hearts not with the Spirit of God, but with
the things of this world that will ultimately fade away. The actions,
lifestyle, and the thoughts of homosexuality are just that, a passive way to
fill the hole in the hearts of its victims. Satan is using it to believe a
lie that God did not create us to be heterosexual, but to have whatever
sexual desire we wish.

Homosexuality is becoming more and more accepted in our society and some of
us as Christians are letting it slide just as well. Our churches are hiring
homosexual pastors, and we are letting homosexuals have leadership areas in
our churches. The problem is that homosexuality is sin. God made man and
woman to be in "His image" (Gen. 1:26) He made them to become one and to
work as one in order to multiply the earth, and be a family. People began to
practice homosexuality in the OT and God began to detest it then just as He
did in the NT and still does today, even to the point of destroying whole
cities because of the act. We have to realize that there is darkness in a
homosexual’s heart. They do not regard their body as sacred and pure before
God. Because of this God gave them over to a reprobate mind that knows no
boundaries where sin is concerned. God did this because He loves them and
they have rejected, ignored, and suppressed His truth. (Rom. 1) They filled
that hole in their hearts not with the truth, but what was in their minds
that will ultimately fade away deserving of only death as a punishment.

The problem is that homosexuality is definitely sin, but we alienate those
people by calling them names that are unmentionable in this devotional and
not socializing with them. The solution to their pain, loneliness, and
hardship never gets presented.

But, there is a solution to this problem, as well as to other sin in this
world, Christ. There is no reason for deserting homosexuals as friends.
Sure, homosexuality is sin, and I am not ignoring how serious the sin is,
but they are so lonely, and need the moral support in order to help them see
that through Christ they too can win the battle of who wins the hole in
their hearts. We have to remember that Jesus had the same problems when
people looked at Him for who he hung around. People looked at Him and said,
"Hey, why are you hanging around with the sinners, tax collectors,
fishermen, drunks, thieves, adulterers, and outcasts?" Jesus did these
things because of who He is, was, and especially for His love. Tell your
friends about Christ. Be friends to them in Christ, and pray that they will
begin to see Him in you. Try not to be so judgmental, but show them the love
that really needs to fill the hole in their hearts. They need to see the
heart of what the Gospel is! Which is the righteousness of God through Jesus
Christ His Son. What would happen if a homosexual would come into your
church? I know that earlier I said that we are putting them into leadership
in our churches, but what are we doing to show them that Jesus loves them,
and what they are doing is sin? Are we befriending them like I talked
about earlier so that they may see Jesus in us? May God‘s Grace Abound
in You.

Some verses that may help:

Lev. 18:22
Lev. 18:29
I Kings 14:24
Romans 1

[Soldier4Christ]

  God In Our Everyday Life



I recently read a statement made by Dr. Charles Stanley that said, "Christians often separate their spiritual life from their common everyday life.  God never intended that to be the approach you take."

How many times do we catch ourselves and think, "oh yeah there's God!" Sometimes we forget that we even have a God who watches over us and loves us.  We plow through life and try to do all the things that are expected of us, clean our rooms, study to get good grades, obey our parents, be on time at our jobs, etc. 

I can remember getting backed into a corner when I didn't study for a test and lied to go out with friends.  I remember getting a D on the test then getting grounded.  So what did that prove?  I was mad at my parents and upset because I couldn't see my friends, plus getting behind in class, well my life was all messed up.  Then in my desperation I cry out to God, "help me." And sad to say that these types of situations only get worse as you get older.  If it isn't a problem of the wrong decisions at school and home, it may be at college or on the job or with your own husband and children. 

We live minute to minute looking at what life dishes out then we do what we feel is best.  Most times we call out to God when we already mess up.  I know many times I would pray to God to help me out of a jam instead of constant prayer and following His will for me daily.  Oh what fool I was, doing my own thing, messing up and then calling on God to clean up my mess. He was always there for me and never let me down.  It wasn't until I was much older and had learned the hard way that it didn't have to be like this.  I can live my life in the world with God.  My spiritual life will be part of my everyday life.  This way I know I will have help making the right decisions. When I ask God to keep me from temptation, He will. 

When I ask for His guidance I know He will give it.  I lean on Him. This is not to say that I don't make mistakes, I do and will until I die.  But the difference now is that my life here is full of the Holy Spirit at all times.  It is in me, part of me and all I have to do is look to God for guidance, twice a day or 100 times a day. Just staying in His will keeps my head above water even before I know I am about to get a dunk.  This leads to peace and contentment in life.

"Therefore I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12 1-2

[Soldier4Christ]

  An Intimate Portrait


Let's take a trip back 2,000 years in time. Are you ready? Great! Buckle up, here we go. Zooooooommmmmmmmmm! All right, we're here. It's Friday afternoon, the day they crucified Jesus. Look over there. That's Calvary. Can you see the three crosses in the distance? On the two outside crosses hang thieves. Then the cross in the middle, that's Jesus. Oh quick, look at the foot of the cross. You see that? Those are two Roman soldiers, they're gambling to see who will receive the clothes of Jesus. We have another name for Him though. We call Him Savior.

      Let's move in a little closer. You see those thorns pressing on the brow of His head? Can you see the blood dripping off His cheek? Why would anyone go through this type of pain? Oh, and the one thief. He knows he's dying. So, he mocks Jesus. Listen to what he's saying. "If you are truly the Son of God, why don't you save yourself and us." Wow, you know that's a good question. I wonder why?

      Oh, but look, the other thief is about to reply. "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnations? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he looks to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom." Those are powerful words. What is Jesus doing? Oh, He is about to reply. I wonder what He will say? Will He yell at him? Condemn him for all of his sins? No, not this Man. "Assuredly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

      To actually be able to see this event would probably bring tears to most men's eyes. Just the thought of someone going through this much pain, this much suffering for us, is unreal. I'm here to try and show you, and tell you that this is very real. Jesus died for us, and this Easter, we should take time to look over these events. Try and picture what took place. Try and grasp the events as they really happened.

      He loves us with a love that will never be matched. More than a friend or loved one. He died so that we can have eternal life. Not just any death either. He was nailed to a tree to hang a slow and painful death, but He did it for you, for me. Paul once said, "We are all sinners, of whom I am the chief." Paul knew how bad a Christian he was, and he knew that Jesus would cover all of his sins with His blood.

      If today you're not sure if you have been saved, if you're not sure whether you would go to heaven if the world would end today, or if you would die in an accident, I would love to be able to share the gospel of Jesus with you. If you have received Jesus as your Savior, then please don't take it lightly. If you're not living your life for Him 24/7, then change. He gave His life on a cross for us. The least we can do is give our hearts back to Him. I look forward to hearing from you soon. God Bless and Keep the Faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Through Times Of Trouble



'Then the Lord's angel came and sat under the oak tree that belonged to Joash. His son Gideon was threshing some wheat secretly in a winepress, so that the Midianites would not see him. The angel of the Lord appeared to him there and said 'The Lord is with you mighty warrior!' Gideon replied 'If the Lord is with us why has all this happened to us? What happened to the wonderful things the Lord did for our forefathers? The Lord has abandoned us!' The Lord ordered him, 'Go with all your strength and rescue Israel. I myself am sending you.' Gideon replied But how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest and I am the least important member of my family!' The Lord said, 'You can do it because I am with you.' (Judges 6: 11-6)

Have you ever felt totally abandoned by God and wondered whether it was worth trusting in Him anymore? Just recently I have been wondering the same. I had decided to take up God's call to start a Christian band who's vision would be to bridge the gap between the Church and our generation. We prayed loads and we believe we now have the band line up God wants. We have been practicing and have done several concerts. God has promised us He wants to use us for something big.

However since we began the devil has tried his best to stop us. Most of the band have some sort of serious medical condition all of which have caused the grief recently and most of us have been in hospital with that. We have seen a break down in a relationship within the group causing a lot of hurt, we've had problems with brakes on cars, problems with families not supporting us or giving us more grief, operations canceled and I was feeling severely disillusioned, especially seeing I knew this was what God wanted me to do.

I cried out to God and asked Him why all this stuff was happening. I felt like God had abandoned us. A friend reminded me of Gideon's story. He had heard about what God had done in the past and yet he too felt God had now abandoned His people. The Midianites had taken Israel captive. However God was in everything that was happening and he used what little Gideon had and tested his faith. Later on in the story God cuts down the size of Gideon's army from 30,000 men to 300 men! It was doubtful that the 30,000 could have defeated the Midianites but Gideon had no choice he had to trust in God.

The story goes on to tell about how God used this small army to defeat the Midianites all because one man trusted in Him. When I was praying about my situation the only answer I received from heaven was ' Trust in me.'

It's a hard thing to do, responding to God's call, stepping out of your comfort zone and trusting totally in God. Are you willing to trust God through the tough times as well as the happy ones? God has already won the victory, we don't have to defeat the devil just resist him. He will do his best to destroy anything God has planned. It's up to us to stand firm in Jesus and put our trust in Him. But we are not on our own, Jesus will be with us every step of the way. Gideon felt small and insignificant but God used the little faith he had and used him to change the lives of those around him. He longs to do the same with us. And remember whatever God is calling you to do:

'The Lord is with you mighty warrior' judges 6 v 12

May you really know what it means to trust in God and may you feel His love and grace in your times of trouble.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Church is Boring


Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”   (NIV)

“I am having a really tough time going to church.  It is just so boring, but my parents make me go. Do you have any ideas?”

The alarm goes off and it is 7:30 AM time to get ready to go to Sunday School.  Pastor Pillow and Sister Sheets are calling their first hymn from Bedside Baptist and you turn over to hear Brother Mattress getting ready to ring the bell for the time of your sleeping in to come about.  Your body says stay in bed, and then your mother comes in and says, “Time to get up, we don’t want to be late for church.”  So, you roll yourself out of bed and look back at the Bedside Baptist wishing that you could hear the message one last time knowing that your day at church is going to be boring.

The tune sounds all too familiar huh? I know that when I was growing up, that was the normal feeling around my house on Sunday mornings.  I was told that no matter how late that I was out on Saturday night that I had to be in Sunday School on Sunday morning.  Mom always kept to that too.  But, how do we overcome being bored in church?  Is there a way?  Absolutely!

Friends, when it comes to being bored in church, I would have to ask you what are you going to church for?  Is it for yourself, or is it to glorify and worship God?  The mindset that we have when we go to church is ultimately what is going to make church either boring or beneficial.  I would encourage you to begin to pray that God would send a passion upon your heart to want to worship and serve him in the context of church.

Second, we have to remember that church is for exhorting and getting together with other believers to help our walks with God.  If we know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we want to be with people that are like minded as we are.  We want to encourage them, and watch them encourage us as well.

Next, ask yourself if the church that your parents are going to is really trying to reach you and not be boring.  I know that for some churches and some adults they are trying to feed the youth of their church, and when they are trying, we have to give them the respect that they are trying. Maybe they have hired a youth pastor, or have people who are leading.  What is you're attitude towards them?  But, if the church is spiritually dry, prayer is the key.

Finally, maybe you have never been taught how to get something out of church, or more importantly how to worship God.  I would encourage you too seek help on that and find out how.  It is my prayer that you will get a fire under you for the Lord that you have never felt in your life.  May God’s spirit convict you in your endeavor to worship Him. May God’s Grace Abound In You.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Coldest Of Times


Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) NKJV.

There is nothing better than after a cold day at school to come home and relax in the warmth of a hot tub. Living in Florida the only temperature is usually hot and hotter, but I had the chance to visit some relatives in Canada a couple of winters ago when there was snow on the ground. (By the way that's a Kodak moment when a Florida boy sees snow.)

It was late at night when a few of my cousins decided it would be great to go out side to their hot tub under the patio. Needless to say, I was all for it until I found out that their patio was outside and not closed in. I thought they were nuts. "You guys are going to go out side in the freezing cold to get into a hot tub?" Now to me this didn't make sense, but before I could say anything else they, were running outside with their swimming trunks on in 10 degree whether, making a mad dash for the Jacuzzi. Not wanting to be left out I tried to figure up a plan. Maybe if get a couple of pairs of long johns on and a ski jacket, along with some ear muffs and a pair of snow shoes, I could make it down the stairs before I became frozen solid.

Friends, we live in a world that is completely covered with snow. When we are away from God or haven't accepted Him as your savior your practically standing out side in your swimming trunks freezing. But Jesus is our Hot tub in the mist of the ice age that surround us. We can go to Him and find warmth in the coldest of conditions. Most of us have found Christ as our Savior. But some of you are sitting on the out side of the hot tub just dangling your feet inside while the rest of your body is cold. Jesus calls us to be full time Christians that means going under.

It's natural to stray at times, we all have done it. When you get out of the tub your body is still heated and you think your OK. But all it takes is a couple of minutes before the cold thrusts the heat out. Let's take the time out of our day to relax and enjoy Jesus, and talk to Him in prayer. You'll then realize how nice it can be to have the warmth of His love streaming through your body when everything else is so cold. God Bless and Keep The Faith!

[Soldier4Christ]

  If It's To Be


Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) NKJV.

Not too many people can argue that we live in a society that simply believes this: If it's meant to be, it's up to me. So many people today feel that the only way they can be a success is to depend on only yourself. "I can't trust anyone to get me through my life, I'm the only one that can change anything." This person is partly true. But also wrong.

As we went into the class room to talk strategy before our soccer game, the team was really getting pumped up. This was our last home game, and for me my last home game ever as a senior. So needless to say, we were getting pumped. As coach was giving the pep talk he looked up and in the class room hung a sign that simply said. "If it's meant to be, it's up to me." "Guys, nobody else can help you at this point. You have to go out there and give it your all. Don't look back and keep fighting till the final whistle blows," echoed the coach through the room.

For a soccer pep talk, I agreed mostly with this statement, but as a life application statement I think I would reword it some. Maybe to say something to this effect. "Guys, only God can help you at this point. You have to go out there and give it your all. Always look up and keep fighting till the final whistle blows."

Friends we better get pumped up for this game. There isn't a whole lot of time left and the game is tied. We need to put our whole heart and soul into this if we want to come out victorious. This is a team that doesn't quit, doesn't give up, and will keep pressing forward no matter how many bad calls we get. Because the great thing about this game is we already know who will be the winner. We just have to stick it out with all we have in the meantime. For when the game is over we can go back to the bench, sit down, and have a drink while the coach comes over and gives you a pat on the back and says, "Well done, good and faithful one." God Bless and Keep The Faith

[Soldier4Christ]

  On A Personal Note

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

     The Great Commission, what a challenge Jesus put before us. That is to tell the world that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior. Is that something that you do on a daily basis? Do you tell your friends, family, and peers about what Christ has done for you?

    Tonight I had the opportunity to share about what Christianity is all about with one of the guys in a fraternity that I met last week. When you share Jesus with others do you tell them that it is not enough to just know about Him but that you have to know Christ personally. Knowing Jesus is what Christianity is all about. Knowing who He is and living our lives to be like Him. We are not perfect and we will fall, but God forgives those who know His Son, Jesus.

    Sharing who Christ is to you and knowing Him personally is only part of the Christian walk. We also need to walk the talk. In other words use the Bible as your guidebook. The Bible is a Christians' direction for life. It tells us how to live our lives. If you don't believe in the Bible you cannot truly call yourself a Christian. We need to live our lives for God and God alone. John 13:25 says "by this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV.) It is so true. How we live and what we say need to reflect the same Christ that is in us.

    If you don't know Jesus Christ personally as Lord and Savior today, ask I will be more than happy to share the Gospel with you and share with you how you can come to know Christ personally. If you aren't living you life totally for Christ today than ask for forgives and give your life totally to Christ. If you have any questions feel free to email me or any other TDDM staff member. We are more than willing to take the time and answer your questions.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Fear Not


Though a mighty army marches against me, my heart shall know no fear! I am confident that God will save me. (Psalm 27:3) TLB

     Isn't it great to know that no matter what comes our way, no matter how hard the trek we call life becomes, that God will save us? Think about it! We often know that God loves us, we often ponder the fact that He is with us always. But, rarely do we realize that He is always there to save us when we get into trouble.

     It has been a few years ago since my parents told me about their divorce, but the memory never seems to fade away. I've tried so many times to figure out what happened. Everything seems fine one day, then the next my life is forever changed.

     It was during this time that I found Christ again. I had no where to turn. I didn't have any friends, I had nobody to lean on, and my world was falling apart. But, amidst all of this. Jesus found me. I was invited to church again. Later that night I rededicated my life.

     Friends, please realize this. Jesus loves you and no matter where your at in your life, He wants to help. If you're feeling like your life isn't complete, or if something is missing, then stop and just give it all to Him. Because, no matter what is going on He will save you. But, you have to give your life and problems to Him. If your waiting for a big swooping hand to come from the sky and take away all your problems, (even though stranger things have happened) you might be waiting a while. The one thing that always brings a smile to my face is knowing that Jesus is bigger than any problem, any trial, and any sin. Because, when we are living in Christ, fear is not an option. God Bless and Keep The Faith!

[Soldier4Christ]

  How Do I Keep The Fire Going


“I am having a really tough time keeping the fire going in my walk with the
Lord.  I do not feel that my parents are helping and neither is my youth
leader.  Do you have any ideas?”

Matthew 5: 14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be
hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they
put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the
same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds
and praise your Father in heaven.“ (NIV)

John 2:5 “His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." 
(NIV)

Romans 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,
serving the Lord.” (NIV)

The most awesome concert happened last night, and you are really pumped up
and on fire for God.  WOO HOO!  Last summer, you just came back from a
mission trip, and the Holy Spirit was really moving among the people so much
that all you had to do was say, “Jesus love you!” and 500 people came
forward in the alter call.  Maybe it was just the other night at youth
group, and you were so touched by the testimony that the friend of the youth
pastor gave that a light sparked within your heart, and now you have a fire
and a passion for God.

Then, the hose comes out.  Maybe it is the friend that said something to you
that really got you bummed.  Maybe it was something that happened that you
thought that God would do something to really change the matter, and then
did not do as you wanted.  You come back from that mission trip and then the
next thing that you know, it is back to the same old same old.  What do you
do?

First, want to keep that fire going for the Lord!  Rise to the hour!  Ask
yourself, “What am I doing as a teenager in this world to keep my zeal for
God, and to spread that zeal for others?  What do I pray for?  Do I look for
answers in my prayers?”

Second, think of others more than yourself.  What are you doing to help
others? What are you doing to see fire burn with other people?  Sometimes I
feel that we have become so lame and so just going with the moves that being
on fire for God has become a tale that we once told, and we just want to
slide by, and let others slide by.  What about their hearts?  What about
their fire?  Stick another log on the flame of someone else!  Find someone
to pray with.  Be that light!  Stir up your gifts!  Keeping a fire in your
heart comes from serving one another and stoking one another's flame.

Finally, the person that wants to have a fire for God, looks for the will of
God, and has a passion to do the will of God. Mary the mother of Jesus said
the same thing, “Do whatever He tells you.”  What happened?  They saw a
miracle.  We have to do just the same.  Obey God!  If you want fire, you
want to know God, and do His will.  I believe there is nor doubt in my mind
that when we do those things, it does not matter how much water comes to
douse our flame, but we can still have a fire that burns.  May God’s Grace
Abound In You.

[Soldier4Christ]

  A Gift Received


"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who
wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he
began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand
talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to
pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his
children and all that he had be sold to repay the
debt.

"The servant fell on his knees before him. `Be patient
with me,' he begged, `and I will pay back everything.'
The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the
debt and let him go. "But when that servant went out,
he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a
hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke
him. `Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. "His
fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, `Be
patient with me, and I will pay you back.' "But he
refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown
into prison until he could pay the debt. When the
other servants saw what had happened, they were
greatly distressed and went and told their master
everything that had happened. "Then the master called
the servant in. `You wicked servant,' he said, `I
canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me
to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow
servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master
turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until
he should pay back all he owed. "This is how my
heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you
forgive your brother from your heart." (NIV)
Matthew 18:23-35

Are you aware of how many times God forgives you on a
daily basis? Do you forgive others when they sin
against? Do you repent of your sin before God and ask
Him for His forgiveness?

We have a wonderful gift from God and that gift is
forgiveness. It is not something that we deserve but
God loved us so much that He sent His one and only
Son, Jesus to die for us so that we could receive His
gift of forgiveness.

In the Old Testament, the people of Israel had to
sacrifice animals for forgiveness. But today we have
an even better sacrifice, Jesus Christ. You see Jesus
was the ultimate sacrifice. He was the perfect
spotless Lamb without blemish. He was crucified for
our sins. On the cross He bore all our sins. Isn't
that wonderful?

We all need God's gift of forgiveness to cleanse us of
our sins. The parable of Jesus above tells us that we
need to forgive others who have sinned against us. We
have sinned against God and have received His
forgiveness, therefore we are called to forgive
others. The pastor who gave the sermon at my church
the other day gave a great example. The servant who
was forgiven much owed 1,000 dollars while the man
that this servant did not forgive owed him only 1
cent. The sins others commit against us are not as
great as the sins committed against God, but we still
need to forgive others. If we do not forgive others
than God will not forgive us.

Is there anyone today that you need to forgive? Is
there any unconfessed sin in your life? You know what
to do now, what are you going to decide?

[Soldier4Christ]

  Obedience

     Exodus 20:12 Says, as we all know and love, "Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."

     This is the first commandment with a promise attached to it.  To live in peace for many generations in the promise land, the Israelites would need to respect authority and build strong families.  Honoring your father and mother, means to speak well of them and polite to them.  It also means to act in a way that shows them courtesy and respect.  It means to follow their teaching and example of putting God first.  Parents have a special place in God's heart.  Even those who have difficulty getting along with their parents must honor and obey them. 

     To obey your parents is to honor them.  So what if your parents aren't Christians do you have to obey them?  Whether or not your parents are believers has nothing to do with whether you should obey them.  They deserve obedience because God placed them over you.  Romans 13:1 says, "Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God."  Obedience to your parents is an expression of your obedience to God. 

     Most of the time when I am having trouble with one of my sons, it is because of lack of respect more that them being "bad."  We parents are far from being perfect.  We would like to think we are pretty close to having all the answers, but we don't.  We do try and want to be honored and respected for just being who we are and for being your parent.  Showing us honor and respect sure does convey love in a most special way.  In return parents will show you respect.   

[Soldier4Christ]

  God Speaks


How In the World Does He Do That

In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things and through whom he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:1-2) God speaks to us in many many ways. In the Old Testament, God spoke to His chosen people through Angels (Gen 16), Visions (Genesis 15), Dreams (Gen 28:10-19) and Miraculous Signs (Exodus 8:20-25). Usually when we read about all of the really unique ways that God communicated, we either found it hard to understand or had a hard time accepting the truth of the event. What we tend to miss is not how God spoke to us, rather the simple awesome fact that He spoke to US! The fact that God spoke to us is much more important that the method he used. When God speaks, it is usually unique to an individual. This is an excellent example that proves that God does want a personal relationship with us. It is also interesting to note that when God spoke, the individual was sure who it was. When this happens to you, as young Christians, I guarantee that you will know it. Each of you have all of the tools you need to communicate with God and He certainly has the tools to communicate back. You will not only know that it was God, you will know exactly what he said and what he meant and you will realize that you have had an encounter with God. I pray that you will all have that encounter and when you do, you realize that you are personally chosen by God to do His work for Him.

When you pray to God "Lord, I really want to know your will for my life," prepare yourself because He will do it and reveal to you exactly what he wants you to do. Your first reaction will be "who? Me?", but do not be afraid or worried because God will give you all of the tools you need to accomplish what he wants you to do. Moses found that out and fought Him all the way, finally giving in to His will. You will find peace and fulfillment beyond your wildest expectations. God will use the same methods he used in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. He really got the attention of a lot of diverse people and I guarantee He will really get your attention. You will know Him and Love Him above all else.