Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

  Being Honest


Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)

It seems that more and more frequently we hear the word 'honesty' modified by the phrase "old-fashioned"… as though being honest was something done in the past, but we are now much too advanced to indulge in something so quaint. This attitude is exemplified in a letter the IRS received recently. The writer stated that he had trouble sleeping lately because he had misrepresented his actual income last year. He said that he was enclosing a check for $150, and if he still had trouble sleeping he would send the rest later. That person probably thought he was being honest, but was he really?

The verse we are using for today's devotion starts out with the word 'instead, ' and then Paul tells us to speak the truth in love. In order to understand what he was writing to the Ephesians, we need to look at the prior verses to see what this action was instead of.

If we look at this entire chapter we see that Paul is writing about unity in the Spirit and in the body, the church. In the verse immediately preceding our verse for today, he warns them about being "…blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." So Paul is reminding them how others have dealt with them with cunning, craftiness, and deceitful ways; and he tells them that it is only by speaking the truth in love that we can become like Christ.

So how do we be honest with others? Take a look at how noted Christian author and pastor Chuck Swindoll explains it: "Honesty has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it, no ulterior motives, no hidden meanings with an absence of hypocrisy, duplicity, political games, and verbal superficiality. As honesty and real integrity characterize our lives, there will be no need to manipulate others." We are to simply love one another, just as Christ loves us.

In the second half of the chapter Paul explains this further. Why don't you take a moment right now to read those verses and think about how God might want you to make some changes in how you are living your life today. He will do that if you simply ask Him -- and are willing to take action on the answers He provides.

Don't miss what Paul says at the close of this chapter in verses 29-32. It's the formula for dealing honestly with every one you come in contact with: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Put it to work in your daily life and it will radically change how others treat you as well. Try it!

[Soldier4Christ]

  When You Are Lonely

Deuteronomy 31:6 says Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be
afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you,
He will not leave you nor forsake you.


I have had the privilege of growing up in a good Christian home. My
parents are the best and I love them so much, but I don't have any
brothers or sisters. (My parents had a little boy before I was born, but
he died just before he turned three. Well about three years later my
parents had me.) I would say that I have lived a sheltered life. I
haven't done really big things that other kids have done. But I have had
a really good life. The only thing is my life it has been kind of
lonely.

I basically went every where with my mom and dad growing up. I've grown
up with more adults than I have children. So I was left out of many
things. I mean what child can actually comprehend what adults are saying
at the dinner table? I found that many times I would beg my parents to
go to dinner with children my age. (Let me say that it was very rare.) I
loved being with my parents but I felt like I was missing out on
something in life. I felt so lost and felt alone. I hated it anytime my
parents left me at home by myself. But I grew up.

Now I'm 17 and I know now that all those years I didn't have to feel
alone. All I had to do was talk to God. I really never saw that God
blessed me by not getting to have brothers and sisters because I can be
there for people who were like me. To tell them that they aren't alone
and that God is there for them and He will never leave them. Once I grew
older too God sent me many friends and now I'm never alone or lonely either
for that matter.

Let me share something else Jesus too also felt alone. He was nailed to
a cross when everyone else had turned their backs on Him. Even His own
father had to turn His back because God couldn't look at our sin. Jesus
knows exactly how each and everyone us feels when we are lonely.

I know that lots of people spend most of their time at work, or on
computers, playing video games, or watching TV, etc. People just busy
themselves with these things and then they don't spend time with other
people. So it is easy to fill the time, but what about your heart?
Doesn't it feel empty? I would suggest turning off the toys and try to
reach out to people.

The Bible says in Prov. 18:24 that, "A man who has friends must himself
be friendly." So I tell you to reach out and befriend someone, and if
you can't go out then reach out to God. He will be there for you. Above
all, remember Philippians 4:19, "My God shall supply all your needs."

Remember you are never alone. Here are more scriptures to remember when
you are feeling lonely. May the Lord Bless You and Keep You and Make His
face shine upon You!

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My
righteous right hand. ---Isaiah 41:10

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor
principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor
height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate
us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ---Romans
8:38-39

[Soldier4Christ]

  Must Be 21 or Older to Sin

"Don't you know that your body is the temple of God?"

     Have you ever wondered why alcohol, gambling, cigarettes, movies, and other things have age limits? Ever wonder why it seems that the best things in life always have rules and regulations? What's the big deal?

      I remember when I turned 18. I was finally of legal age and I wanted to try my hand at the lottery. I strutted myself up to the gas station and I was going to buy my first scratch off ticket. Of course, I was carded because I still look (and act) like I'm around 16. Then in slow motion it was handed to me. I exchanged the dollar and proceeded out to my truck to show my friends this newly found possession.

      If only I could scratch off and be a winner of 1,000 dollars, if only I can pick the right box. Then my life would be right. I was really starting to get into to this. Then like an old pro I grabbed the "sacred lucky penny." (Don't look at me funny, you know we all have our lucky coin when we do a scratch off.) I proceeded to slowly scratch the card that would soon change my life forever.

      Well, I can't say that I won the million dollars, actually I lost, but it just showed me why there was an age limit. Besides being very addicting, it is wrong to gamble in the eyes of the Lord. "But, I'm supporting education when I buy a ticket," I hear some people as they try to find a reason to make it ok. That's just a gimic to make it seem like it's not a sin. That you're really helping out people by gambling. Satan is good at things like that.

      Sure it had the chance to ease all my problems. But, then I would learn to rely on the Florida Lotto instead of God. Same concept applies to alcohol, cigarettes, porno magazines and movies. When problems occur in life we often go to these illegal things to help ease the pain. Instead of going to God we go to beer, instead of Jesus we find lust.

      Friends, nothing can replace the feeling, the high, and the victory of winning like Jesus. We don't need a silly little card, a cheap thrill, or a little buzz. Instead we get an alternative. We can have the eternity of heaven as our prize, we can have the thrill of having all of our problems solved with the Bible, and we can have the buzz of Jesus radiating through our eyes when we catch the flame he has to offer us. There isn't a thing in this world that can replace Him, and to top it all off, your never to young or to old to accept Him into your life. God Bless and Keep The Faith!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Finding Our Worth


For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10) NLT

This is one of my favorite verses. I have grown up believing that I was worthless. I always knew that I would never be good enough for anyone. I had absolutely no self-esteem. I felt as though everyone around me had given up on me. And then I read that I am God's masterpiece. I'm not just a creation...because creations can go bad...but I am His masterpiece...the one thing he adores most made by His hands.

God goes even farther here to say that not only are we His cherished creation, but he has had a plan for us the whole time. Even before God made you, he knew what you would become. (Ephesians 1:11) He saw all of the mistakes you would make, and all of the joy you would find. He saw all of your failures that you will ever have, yet He still decided to create and love you. Then, He adds that not only did He create you even though he knew you even better than you know yourself, but He has got an amazing plan just for you. He had that picked out long ago too! He knows what He is doing.

The next time it seems as though you are worthless and not good enough for those around you, remember that you are God's priceless masterpiece and that He has a plan just for you. He adores you, brothers and sisters in Christ. Let that love overwhelm you!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Intellectual Pride


Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile. 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (NIV)

Have you ever been a part of a church that either fell apart or was seriously disrupted because of dissension within the body? If you have, then you can relate to what Paul is talking about in the third chapter of I Corinthians. Paul starts off the chapter by addressing his readers not as spiritual, as he would like to, but worldly—“mere infants in Christ.” (verse 1). It seemed that there was quite a bit of quarreling and jealousy going on in the Corinthian church; some were following Paul, and his teachings, and others were saying that, no, Apollos should be the head guy. The split was apparently deep enough that Paul chose to address it early on in his first letter to the church.

As Paul works his way through chapter three, he explains to his readers that it is neither he nor Apollos who should be followed, but God, and in the verses that we’re looking at today he spells out one of the reasons why the dissension existed in the first place; intellectual pride. Paul knew that as long as worldly wisdom and intellectualism was held up as the standard, rather than God and His Word, that divisions would continue to happen.

So what is Paul’s remedy to this thorny situation? Verse 18 gives us the answer; Paul encourages his readers to become “fools” in order for them to become wise. What Paul is saying is be teachable. Don’t think you have it so wired that you can follow one man’s teaching, or worse yet your own wisdom, and still be able to grow in Christ. Rather than helping to grow in Christ, intellectual pride will keep you stagnant in your spiritual walk, and cause your Christianity to become very unattractive to those around you. And, as we see from this chapter, intellectual pride will eventually lead to divisions in the church, which is exactly what Satan wants to happen. So be teachable. There is an ancient proverb that goes like this: “He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not is a fool; avoid him. He who knows not, and knows that he knows not is a wise man; teach him.” William Barclay, in his commentary on I Corinthians sums up these verses this way: “The only way to become wise is to realize that we are fools; the only way to knowledge is to confess our ignorance.”

Be teachable. Often times other people’s feedback, whether it’s from the pulpit at a weekend service at church or over coffee with a friend, is God’s way of telling us what we need to hear, or showing us something we need to look at in our lives. And most importantly, be open to what God is saying to you through His Word, the Bible. If you read it with pre-conceived ideas and intellectual pride, it will be nothing more than words on a page. If you read it with a humble, teachable spirit, it will become the Words of life, guiding you and leading you, helping you to grow ever closer to Him. I want to start becoming more of a “fool” for God, how about you?

[Soldier4Christ]

  God's Will


That is one of the questions I am asked most since I started working with TDDM.  I have had long hours of conversation with my own boys concerning God's will in their own lives.  There is no quick easy answer to that question.  It is more of a process than a method.  First we all need the heart, the desire to do the total will of God in our lives.  The rest will fall into place as we seek Him and have faith that He will reveal Himself to us.

Knowing the will of God means to know God.  God has a specific will for the life of each Christian.  Finding this should be our highest priority in life.  In order to know His will in our lives we must know Him.  We must have a personal relationship with Jesus and summit to His authority.  We must obey His word. 

The non-Christian who searches for God's will in his life, must pray to receive Jesus as his Personal savior.  All worldly barriers against God must be taken down in order to bring about a sincere relationship.  Prayer to God and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading is important.  You need this to know the way you are "moving" is of the Lord or your own action.  God will only speak truth and goodness to you.  If it is not of righteousness then it is not of God.  God will never lead you into sin or destruction.  You will have a grand sense of peace with your decisions when you are in "His" will.  You follow your heart as the Lord leads you in total faith.  Continue to move forward in His will until you feel Him leading you in another direction.  Stay sensitive to God always and He will give you wisdom.  The process of knowing and staying in the will of God is a life long growth process.  It is a walk of repentance and faith. 

"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8 KJV

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."  James 14 15, 23 KJV

"Commit thy way unto the Lord: trust also in Him and he shall bring it to pass."  Psalm 37:3,5 KJV

[Soldier4Christ]

  When The Storm Rages On


* Read Mark Chapters 3-4 *

Peter wipes a drop of sweat off his face as he dips the oar into the still waters of the sea. The boat gently descends into the sunset as another day comes closer to an end. He listens to Matthew and Philip talk about the morning. A smile breaks Peter's face, as Andrew recalls that Jesus, who is fast asleep at the stern, healed the man with the withered hand.

"And the look on the Pharisees' faces was just priceless," Phillip chuckles.

"What a day," Peter thinks to himself, feeling the blister on his heel from the trek to the sea. The multitudes of all different types and from many cities came just to hear the voice of the one we call "Son Of God."

"What a blessing, He has been to us all," Mathew states, "To think that Jesus would ever want something to do with a low down tax collector."

"Like two poor fishermen are any better," Andrew adds, looking over to his brother Peter.

A gentle breeze sweeps over the boat as Peter stokes the waters with oar. A gray cloud emerges out from the top of the mountains. James turns around.

"Looks like a little sprinkle is heading our way, better grab an oar and let's get to the other side before it hits."

As the wind starts to pick up, the beautiful sunset takes cover from the growing darkness of clouds from the horizon. A wave splashes over the side unto Peter's tunic. "Come on guys, let's pick up the pace," Matthew yells. The boat tilts to one side as it gets tossed to and fro with each passing wave. "Everyone stay centered in the boat, try and keep it still," James says.

"We're taking on water," Andrew frantically screams. The rains start to beat down on their faces as the waters become rough. White caps of the waves flood into the boat as a clap of thunder sounds overhead.

"Quick, let's get this water out of here, we're going under." Peter looks around not knowing where the voices are coming from, just doing his best to keep the boat moving. Fear grips every nerve in his body as fate may have found its day for his life.

"Help!" Peter turns around, his brother was hit by a wave and was hanging on to the side of the boat. "Andrew," Mathew yells as another wave throws him back in from the other side. Climbing back onto the boat, Andrew dives over to Jesus. He grabs his shirt and shakes him. "Teacher, don't you care that we are going to DIE!?!?"

Already awake and aware of the situation Jesus rises, and rebukes the wind and the clouds and says to the sea, "peace, be still." He looks around at the disciples, each soaked, scared and in disbelief. Not knowing whether to be thankful or angry, they stand there dazed by the events. The silence was broken, "Why are you so fearful, how is it that you have no faith," Jesus asks.

A silence fell over them. "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him," they thought.

Has there ever been a point when a storm came out of nowhere to flood your life? A time when there seemed to be no hope in sight? Jesus could have sat there and lectured the disciples, or shared with them of how little faith they had, but that would have solved nothing. With the heart that we all want to have, Jesus asked a simple, humbled, question. "Why are you so fearful?"

Friends, we are going to go through trials. Times when you want to be on the floor yelling at Jesus asking Him, "Do You Care About Me?" Just remember that He does know what is going on at all times and will never let you take on more water than you can handle. Rejoice that we serve an awesome God.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Judging Others


Today's topic is yet another one, that we all struggle with, and was requested by Emma.  Thank you Emma for submitting your idea! 

     Have you ever looked at someone and thought, "What are they doing?" Or been in church, and thought, "Why in the world is THAT person here?"  I think that at some time or another we all have.  We look at someone and we just make judgments and assumptions on who they are, what they believe, and the things that are in their hearts.  The Bible tells us that we are to avoid this: In Romans 2:1 it says: "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge others, you are condemning yourself because you who pass judgment do the same things." 

     We need to rethink things when we find ourselves passing judgment, or thinking bad things about others!  We need to realize that God knows people’s hearts, and not us.  Rather than judging, or looking down at people, I encourage you to take the time to really get to know them, and if they need you help encourage them in whatever they need!  That's what being a Christian is really about, and it will go a lot farther than your harsh judgmental words.  May the Lord bless you richly.   

[Soldier4Christ]

  Confessing


Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV)

Confession is good for the soul…a very wise saying. Listen to the words of David in Psalm 32:3-5: When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"- and you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Can you relate? I can! David shows that unconfessed sin can even affect our health! I know there have been times I have been so consumed with guilt that my spiritual life has all but come to a standstill and the resulting stress has made me physically ill. I don't know about you, but I've found that when I'm in that situation and I talk to God honestly, admitting my sins and shortcomings, the first thing I usually feel is relief. That's because I know God loves me and wants me to be honest with Him. I can go to Him in full confidence, knowing He is my loving Father; merciful and forgiving even when I don't deserve it. There's healing power in God's grace.

James 5:16 takes confession a step further by emphasizing the benefits of confessing our sins to one another and praying for each other. Notice James says confess and pray (not or), because both are important. He isn't saying it's ok to bypass your confession to God, either. What James is talking about is using practical person-to-person methods that will build up both the emotional health and fellowship of the church. Here are two great ways to start:

Join a prayer team or prayer group. It's a good idea to keep a dated written record of requests and answers to see how the Lord responds. You may not always get the answer you want, but often when you look back at a prayer journal (even years later) you'll be able to see that God had your best interest at heart.

Find an accountability partner. It doesn't have to be your best friend but someone that you trust. You have to be able to know without a doubt that whatever you tell that person will go no farther than that person. You must be able to be completely honest and vulnerable with the person you choose.

When should we confess our sins? Daily, even hourly to God; but if you're involved in a prayer group or have an accountability partner, meeting once a week is a good habit to get into. If you've chosen wisely, chances are you'll hear these wonderful words: "Day or night, it doesn't matter. If you need to talk, you can call me." What medicine to the soul it is to know that whatever you're going through somebody cares and will be available to listen to you and pray with you!

Is there any sin or lifestyle choice that has been negatively impacting your relationship with God or with the people He has placed in your life? Is there some secret sin you need to confront and confess? Make it a priority to find a prayer group or accountability partner.

Trade your sorrows, sickness and shame for forgiveness and start living the joyful life God intended for you. Above all, never underestimate the power of prayer. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. God has promised it!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Trials Of Divorce


"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. (John 14:1-2)

Today, over half the people who get married end up in divorce. Half of them have kids; most of them teenagers like you and I. Nothing in this world can affect your life and throw you into a sea of depression like a split between your parents. The people who you grew up with, loved, and thought would always be there for you, now divorced. I know this all too well.

I remember the day like it was only yesterday: I tucked myself in for bed, turned off the TV and cuddled up with my little purple teddy bear. I just turned 13 and for once in my life, everything seemed fine. I grew up without knowing much about my real dad. Only that he was a bad man, which now I find out is far from the truth. I was adopted at the age of 8, and for the first time in my life, I finally felt love and had an idea what a family was about. My step-dad was always really nice, my mom was happy, and I was able to stay up late enough to watch Saturday Night Live. I mean, what more could a kid want?

Then unexpectedly one night, my parents walked into my room. I sat up as I saw tears flood my mother's eyes. My step-dad sat on my bed and placed his hand on my back as if to comfort me. "What's wrong mom," I asked with confusion. She looked over to me and sobbed. "Son, Fred and I are getting a divorce, it will be better for all of us this way." "But Mom!" I tried to reason with this vision. All I remember from that moment was grabbing the covers and crying myself to sleep. Just praying to God that everything would be all right in the morning.

For the next few years, reality set in. There are many teens that like myself have faced and struggled with divorce and a broken home. I have faced it twice. To this day I still couldn't tell you what a family is supposed to be. The only Father that I truly know is God. Friends, no matter what you go through, no matter what your parents say, do, yell, or cry about, there is one Father who will never leave you nor forsake you. There is one Father who will never spank you and make you feel worthless. Most importantly, My Father will never divorce me. If your family is still together, you are very lucky. Thank God every night for this, even though they may not be perfect, it is something I can only dream about. If you're like me, then remember you have one person who will always comfort you and will never leave you. Right now He is in heaven making a mansion with your name on it. All He wants is for you to be happy, for you to love Him, and for you to one day be with Him for all of eternity. For me, that is the only family I will ever need.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Truth About Music


It seems that since the beginning of the '60's that there has been a buzz and the controversy of Christian music hit the Christian circles all over the country.  It has been referred to as anything from "rock and roll is of the Devil"  to a way to minister to people with different tastes of music.  Some days I would agree with the scoffers and other days, I would have to say that I wanted to join the debate for it.   When it comes to finding answers like this, we must go to the one that invented music and see what He has to say about it. 

In this series, I feel that we need to cover three areas on our study of music in our lives.  First, I feel that we need to see where music came from and why it was used.   Then, we will cover what types of music we should listen to, and finally touch on how music affects our lives.  So, i would like to ask you for your prayers and supplications as I seek God's will on this touchy subject.

Where did music come from?  The Bible says in Genesis 1:27-28 that we were created in God's image, therefore  we were created to love, think, and create with our own minds, but we were ultimately created to praise and glorify God.  Music has been around since the beginning, and we see that right in Genesis 4:21 where Jubal created the first harp and the flute and was the first musician.  There were choirs mentioned, prophecies set to music, and musicians.   When we look at music mentioned in the Bible we can see that it was used for a number of different purposes.  There is no doubt that we see it used in the same ways in our culture and around the world. 

C.S.  Lewis said, "Human art glorifies God."   It does so because as with all of nature, it is a loving gift to human creatures that if they choose to do so can be used to glorify God and who He is.  Not only is this concept for music, but all of the gifts that God gave to us. It seems that music has been used throughout the ages, and today we offer more music education throughout our schools, colleges, and universities because it has become so much a part of our lives, and ultimately we see that music is a part of our lives in more forms than we can imagine.  It is ultimately a gift from God and we need to use it for it's glory. 

So, where does the Devil come into play with the music of our world.  Gen. 1:31 says that "God saw all that He made and said that it was good."    Some tend to think that the Devil is a creator when in actuality he is the most defile destroyer.  So, we can come to the conclusion that everything created from God is good, but when the Devil gets a hold of it then it is defile and destroyed from the purpose that it was intended to be.  Same with music, and I would go to the point to say that even beginning in the music that is under the Christian label, the Devil has veered his grimy little hands into it and has caused people to use it for something that it was never intended to be.  It's ultimately up to the hearts that listen to and play the music that makes whether or not music will be used for evil or for good intentions.  It seems that history went right along with this in all forms of music not just one type.

In conclusion for the first part of this series, I feel that we have seen music through the ages used for a various number of reasons.  We have seen the Devil come into music and destroy the true reason why it was created.  So, we are ultimately to use music for the reason that it was created.  Then we are left with a choice, "Do we use the music that we hear and play to glorify God, or do we let Satan get control of it, and destroy all of the beauty that God created in it?"  I tend to want to think like Jars of Clay on this one,  "See the art in me."  I hope that you would do the same.

[Soldier4Christ]

  The Strength of My Heart


Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth does. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. (Psalm 73:25-26) NLT

This past week I was a camp counselor-in-training. I went totally prepared to be a strong leader to these kids. I adore children...God has given me such a passion for them. So, before I left I had planned everything out in my head...I knew what to say to every question I could think of and I was ready for these kids.

God had other plans. A few days after I got there, I started to get sick. I have a disease that when it flares up, leaves me in extreme pain. My thoughts were consumed with wanting relief. Obviously, I wasn't giving my kids my all. I was just getting worse, and the immense heat wasn't helping. So, the nurse had me sleep in the varsity dorm, which was air-conditioned. I was really upset that God would allow this.

I have mentioned before that I grew up without much tenderness. As a child one of my dreams, as odd as this may sound, was for someone to sing me to sleep. In my home I knew that would never happen...maybe that is why it was a dream. While I was in the varsity dorm, the counselor sung us to sleep. In many ways this healed me...but in others it broke me. With the fulfillment of this longing, I also had to acknowledge the pain that caused it in the first place.

But God worked it for good. "All things work together for good to those who love God, for those who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28) NKJV The last day of camp I had the courage to talk with the counselor who sang to us. She listened and she held me while I cried. But, most of all, she reminded me that God is still God. As we sang "All in All" in church this morning, I realized that even when I am sick, and even when I am broken, I still have God. He is still the strength for me to live on and He is still my everything.

No matter what God has allowed to take place in your life, even if it involves illness or broken spirits, God is still there. He is ready and willing to hold you through it all. I pray that you will seek the One who loves you deeply. May He be your wholehearted desire.

[Soldier4Christ]

  How to Study the Bible


Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15-(NLT)

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another-showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. 2Tim. 3:16 (The Message)

When we consider how we should approach the study of Scripture, the Bible itself provides clear guidelines for application and use. First, we are instructed to "Work hard" to study and understand the Word of God. This means that we are to apply ourselves to the knowledge and understanding of God's Word. We are not merely to read it casually, but rather study it with diligence, with the goal of understanding what God has to say to us. Now I must admit that initially this can seem like a daunting task, particularly for someone who has no background in Bible study. But, God has made provision for that individual.

In 1 Cor. 2:10, 14 we read: "But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God's deep secrets. But people who aren't Christians can't understand these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them because only those who have the Spirit can understand what the Spirit means."  When you became a believer, God gave you His Holy Spirit as a guide and interpreter of His Word. God's Spirit will help you discern God's Truth as contained in His Word. When we approach God's Word with diligence and enlist the aid of the Holy Spirit to understand God's Word, then we will be able to correctly understand, explain and apply the truth contained in God's Word.

In 2 Tim 3:16 we read that every part of Scripture is God breathed. This means that our Bible contains the very thoughts and words of our Creator. These are not merely writings of men, but rather inspired writings given by God through human instruments using His Spirit as the agent of transfer. As such, all Scripture is authoritative.

God tells us that there is great profit and usefulness in understanding His Word. First and foremost, God teaches us His Truth. This is foundational to living the Christian life and enjoying its many benefits. Jesus Christ himself told us, "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) When we fully comprehend God's Truth, we are freed from our misunderstanding and the lies of Satan and the world, which so easily snare us into false beliefs and unprofitable actions.

Second, God's Word exposes our rebellion. This means that the Bible will point out areas in our lives where we persist in living in a manner that is consistently inconsistent with God's way. As these areas come to light, God's Spirit will place us under conviction, motivating us to change our ways.

Third, God's Word will allow us to correct mistaken beliefs that we may have learned. These mistaken beliefs may have been the result of the teaching of our parents, friends, religious institutions, or society in general. When we go directly to the Bible, we learn God's Truth directly from the source of Truth. This is how we are able to discern truth from error. In the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul talks about a church in Berea that was particularly disciplined in checking everything out by comparing what they heard from men with what they learned in Scripture. Luke said of that church, " Now the Bereans were of more noble character … for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11) We are likewise encouraged to compare all truth to God's Truth, and only hold on to that which is consistent with the Word of God.

Finally, God tells us that His Word will train us to live His Way. I haven't always lived God's way. There was even a time early in my Christian life when I continued to live my way. May I share that this was one of the most miserable times in my life? No one is more miserable than a child of God living outside the will of God is. Then there was that day when I purposed in my heart to take the Word of God seriously. I began spending time in the Bible every day. I read the Bible cover to cover for several months - each time I read and gaining a greater understanding of God's Truth. I read conservative Christian commentaries to help me better understand the Word of God. And my life has been different ever since that day. Because I have allowed God's Word - the Bible - to train me in the way God has designed me to live, I have become a kinder, gentler, more caring person as I have allowed God to mold me and make me more like Christ. It has been an amazing journey. And it all began with the decision to take God's Word at face value.

May I encourage you to begin reading the Bible with the idea of letting it guide and direct your daily decisions and actions? As you study God's Word, pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding of Scripture. Then, begin keeping notes where Scripture has revealed a truth, pointed out an area of rebellion, corrected a mistaken belief, or provide guidance on how to live a life that is consistent with God's way. As you reflect on those notes, make the appropriate changes in your thought and behavior, and you will notice a profound difference in the way you experience God, and the way you experience life. Enjoy the ride!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Why Do You Love God


As my Sunday School teacher asked the question, "Why do you love God,"
replies of "We get to go to Heaven," and "Because He created me," echoed
through the room.  Now, putting that question in the back of your mind,
think of someone who thinks that you absolutely do no wrong, perhaps a
parent or close relative.  Mine is my Aunt Lee.  Every time I go to her
house, she gives me candy or money and tons of praise. It's obvious that she
completely adores me!  But I don't solely go to her house to be rewarded
(like God's reward of eternal life)- I simply love to go see her because she
loves me. That's why we love God so much-because He absolutely adores us.
Here are three ways that God proves His astounding love:
1. Psalm 103:12 "As far as the East is from the West. so far has He removed
our transgressions from us."
Yes, we all sin, but God loves us so much that our sins are instantly
forgiven upon request and eternally forgotten.

2. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down,
but not destroyed."
In times of horrible trial and tribulation, God will NEVER leave us.  He is
always holding us in the palm of His hand.

3. Matthew 6:25 "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink;
or about your body, what you will wear."

[Soldier4Christ]

  Let God Exalt You


"everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who hunbles himself will be exalted."  Luke 14:11

Life is undoubtedly to often made more of tragedy, pain, and embarrassment than of exhortation, fulfillment, or joy.  Perhaps one of the most trying times for us as humans are those times when we are forcebly humbled.  Jesus has made a declaration about his people and set a certain boundary to not be crossed.  His people will be humble! 

Jesus knew the effect of pride firsthand.  Remember it was his Father's first man who started all this sin stuff by letting pride slip in his own life.  If you recall it was God's Archangel, Lucifer -- his most beautiful creation, who fell to pride and destroyed everything good for himself.

Jesus set such a high stand not to just have another commandment.  Jesus set such a high standard for our own good because he knew first how this most terrible sin can slip into God's most elect servants.  After all, I don't want to make huge assumptions,
but just maybe Jesus used to be friends with Lucifier, and thus he vividly remembers how pride destroyed lucifer. 

Think about it?  What technique would utilize Satan in our power oriented society?  Of course the manner which targets that desire for power, popularity, and celebrity.  Satan is an expert at destroying strong Christians with pride and if he gets a small foot-hold in your life he will destroy you as pride invades your every being like an infectious virus. 

Listen to Jesus.  He knows what's best.  Take heed to his warning, wait for God to exalt you, and give your ego to Jesus.  If you don't then buckle your safety belt because it won't be a matter of if you will be destroyed by pride.  It's simply a matter of when it will happen.