Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

  Back To The Basics


Part 1

Over the next several weeks I feel as if God is leading me to just cover the basics of the Christian life.  So starting today and the weeks to follow you and I will get back to the basics of our faith...

"My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you."  Pr. 3:1,2
     
It is not a very widely spoken of truth but many theologians believe that the books of proverbs (the wisdom book) is actually a whole book of wisdom written from a father to a son.  Therefore, the contents are a glimpse into our Heavenly Father's mind, a glimpse into the depth of his wisdom, written exclusively for those who are now heirs to His throne by the blood of Jesus Christ.       
     
In the latter passage God reiterates the one main truth that encompassed all the law of the old testament and the central theme to the old covenant.  God says to us, "Do not forget my law."  It's not the law that redeems us but it is the law that makes us more like our Father.  Notice that it's not just a knowledge of the law that's important, it's not just the obedience to his law because of guilt or responsibility, but it is an obedience grounded in the heart of the believer.  See so often in our life we mimic the life of a Christian on the outside because it's our responsibility or reputation, but the truth is that you're not living for Christ if it's not grounded deep within your heart.
     
Why should we keep God's commandments?  Well for one thing it's the least we can do in the light of what he did for us!  The Bible tells us that if we love God we should keep his commandments!  The outward demonstration of our love for our Savior is the obedience to His word that we live. 
     
Secondly, notice also that this is a command with promise.  If we keep God's law and obey His commandments (In the right motives) then He promises he will add length to our life and peace will be added onto us.  This doesn't mean our lives will be easy, but it does mean that God will never leave us during the tough times, and we many times will be able to see His purpose in them!

[Soldier4Christ]

Reconciliation

Matthew 5:23-26

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember
that your brother has something against you, leave your gift in front of the
altar.  First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your
gift.  Settle matters quickly with your adversary who taking you to court. Do
it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you to the judge,
and the judge may hand you over to the officer and you may be thrown into
prison.  I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the
last penny."

What did that verse mean???

    Matthew 5:23-26 pretty much means to me that you have to reconcile with
your brother, or you're in "trouble."  If you are not looking in your bible
yet, get it...  Ok, you see verse 25?  It's where it says to "Settle
matters..."  Ok, well to me Verse 25-26 means that you must reconcile with an
enemy quickly before they get you in "trouble."  Spiritually, when it says
that they may hand you over to the Judge, I think it means that they will
hand you over to God and he has a way to deal with you, then it says that the
judge may hand you to the officer, I think that means that God will deal with
you because he is the chief and commanding officer, and then it says that he
may throw you into jail, and I think that, that means that God will wait
until you reconcile with your enemy before answering your prayers the way
that you would want them, unless it is about Him and so on... Then the last
sentence/verse means to me that you will spiritually suffer until you repent
and reconcile with you enemy...

Other verses...

2 Corinthians 5:11 - 6:2
Genesis 33:1-4 ; 50:15-21
Ephesians 2:11-22

What does Reconciliation Mean?

In the WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY reconcile means to restore a friendship after
an estrangement, but the Bible says that reconciliation means making peace
between enemies.

To me that's a BIG difference...  You notice that our modern society
makes it seem to mean that when you reconcile with someone, you were already
friends before a disagreement, but God says that it means to make peace with
an enemy!

When do We Need to Reconcile With Others?

They easy way out is to say, all the time, and that is true, but God said
in Matthew 5:23-26 a specific time that you can reconcile with some one else.
 Look at Matthew 5:23-26... it says that you must reconcile with your brother
if he has something against you before you "go to the altar," which means
when you pray to God.  Make sure you forgive others like God forgave others
and hope others will forgive you.
An, example of when you have something against one of your brothers or
sisters (everybody) is when you may have been criticized, mocked, or taunted
by someone and you feel disgusted and dislike them.  God says that you
should love everybody and if you choose to reconcile with him or her, tell
them that you love them, because you should love them like a brother or
sister.

How Do I Reconcile With Someone?

God says in Bible that you reconcile with someone by showing your love
for them and acknowledging the problem and then forgiving each other and then
you should probably pray to God, but you don't have to.  It's not easy to
do (to come up with the courage to do it), but God tells you to and it is the
right thing to do!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Another Milestone


Acts 28:15 ......."When Paul saw them he thanked God and took courage."

Here in the last chapter of the Acts of the Apostles we see that Paul had just landed on the shores of Italy to venture toward Rome. Reaching the city of Rome was a milestone in the life and ministry of Paul. He so longed and prayed that he would be able to see Rome one day, to see the brothers and sisters in Christ and teach them more about His love and grace. Paul made it!

You see Paul had a very big reason to thank God and take courage for he had many ups and downs in his life and ministry to be able to see it to this point. He utterly thanked God for getting him to this milestone because of all that he had been through in his life.

While on the shore of Italy and starting the trail to the city, he ran into some of the brothers of Rome.  What an encouragement to Paul! This is gave him courage.

Friends, when we look back at our lives and this year with all of the events, achievements, disappointments, things that we are sick and many other things that have happened in our lives, what is our attitude about them? Today, we stand on the thresh hold of another year, a new milestone,  what is our attitude?  Are we thankful to God no matter what? Are we taking courage? I challenge you to be thankful and take courage this new year as Paul did when he reached a milestone in his life and ministry.  May God Be With You.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Once We Were Enemies


"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.  But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel." (Colossians 1:21-23a) NIV

As I read this verse, it struck me.  Hidden and mixed in the words, it was there.  How many times had I read it, and missed it? I was once alienated.  Though I grew up in a Christian home, there was a time I was alienated from God.  I sometimes feel that I still am. 

Do you see how it says enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior?  Because of how we have acted, we are enemies with God!  Think about that.  Do you have an enemy?  Is there someone with which just pushes all those wrong buttons?  Now think, we are enemies...with God.  A rather heavy thought.

I could stop there.  I could leave you down in the depths, and angry at God.  It would be very easy.  You know what though?  The story does not stop there!  What grace! What amazing and wonderful grace; and the story is not yet finished!

"But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation"

What a promise!  Do you not feel blessed?  Do you not feel amazed, and a little confused at such grace? I could also stop there.  Oh how often we do stop there. We become caught up in the good feelings, the grace, the love.  We tend to enjoy it too much.  But, good feelings fall away.

"If you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel."

We must continue in our faith!  We must hold fast, and hard to the truths in the bible. We must discipline ourselves to get to know our God better; constantly reminding ourselves that we are saved by his grace.  Have you forgotten how high you have been lifted?  Has the joy of the Lord run dry?  Oh sibling, never believe that it has. Our God is a good and gracious God.  Run to him today!  Throw your arms around him, and relish his goodness. He waits for you.


Editor's Note: The TDDM Promo team is back, under the direction of Karlene at TDDMKarlene@hotmail.com. We are in need of teens who want to see the world changed for Christ and are willing to set a little bit of time aside each week to use the Internet as that tool. For more information please e-mail Karlene and she will be more than happy to explain how you can subscribe teens to receive the daily devotionals and help them grow stronger in Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

  A Walk Through Romans 12


When I was younger back in the mid 80’s, I can remember our family's trip to Tennessee every year. One year I remember the epidemic or the plague that hit one year with the coming of the “Japanese Beatles,”  or as my uncle affectionately called them “June Bugs”.  I guess because they came in June.  These beatles ate about everything in site in my uncle’s garden and were all over the place.  My cousins and I thought that it would be funny to tape them to some bottle rockets and see what would happen.

Needless to say, our parents did not think that it was a very nice idea, and they sure made it known that it was not their will for us to be sacrificing the beatles the way that we were. 

When it comes to finding the will of God, some of us are really having the toughest time finding out what His will is in our lives.   Romans 12 gives us the answer to our questions of what the will of God is. Paul says that we are to be a “living sacrifice." This living sacrifice is living God’s righteous power in our lives.  It is taking what we have learned in the previous chapters, and using the gifts that God gave us to have Christlike lives and Christlike relationships with both believers and unbelievers.

Paul tells us what the foundation of God’s will in our lives.  Not only does Paul want us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, but he also says that we need to be “transformed and set apart” from the world. He wants us to be transformed and set apart as different from the things that this world does, and do Godly things instead of the things of this world.

Friends, as teenagers, it is really tough to find the will of God in our lives, and maybe what He wants us to be.  My question to you is,  first, what are you doing that is of the world that needs to be changed?  Are you following these things in God’s will first before you as Him for the others?   Are you living differently than the world?  What about being transformed?  Are you different than the world? Friends, we have to have that in order before you can see God do the other things that we want Him to do in our lives. I challenge you to think on these things today.  May God Be With You

[Soldier4Christ]

  The Cost of Diversity


All around us day in and out we are forced to take sides and views. If someone doesn't have the perfect figure we shun them. If a person was born with a disability we turn the other way, and if someone happens to be a different skin color than our own we automatically come to a conclusion before saying the first word to them.

The county fair once again comes rolling into town with new rides that are sure to make you lose your lunch and new games that will keep you spending your hard earned money all night long. But, then there are those games that have been around for years that you always play at least once before going home. For my date and myself it was the fishy game. The game that you throw ping pong balls in the air trying to land them into a fish bowl to win a cute little gold fish that you really have no intention of keeping; but it's cool to carry around for a couple of hours.

This year not only were we going to win gold fish but we had a little tank ready with an air filter back at my apartment. So, this year I was prepared. The moment came and the fish were won thanks to my much practiced ping pong tossing skills. But, when the fish were handed over something wasn't really right. One of my gold fish wasn't gold at all. It was even a gray color. What is up with that? I thought to myself. I was about to tell the guy to get me a new one when the gold fishy angel from heaven came down to convict me.

Friends, when I took the fish home and put them in their new found home, I started to like the gray one more than any of the others. The gray one was unique, different, and added a lot of diversity to my tank. It soon became my favorite new found friend. So many times in our society we want to avoid those who are not just like us. But, just as God made the creatures of the air and sea, he also made you and me. It doesn't matter what we look like on the outside, it's the inside that is all the same no matter who you turn to. We all have feelings and a heart. Don't let the color of someone's skin, or background, keep you from finding out more about them. You never know, that person who you once turned your back on might even become your new best friend. I know my gray fish did the same for me. May peace be with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Temptations Will Come


Hebrews 4:15- "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who had been tempted in EVERY way, just as we are, yet He was without sin."

Jesus is the Great High Priest, He lived a life on earth, he was perfect and without sin. He was tempted in every way that we have been. Satan tempts us daily with things that look so good to us, but it turns out, they aren't. There are consequences for every temptation we choose to take part in. Jesus does understand what you are going through, next time you face a temptation, stop were you are and pray, ask the Lord just to help you resist the temptation and to focus on Him. 

Have a great day! Keep your eyes on Jesus!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Dating Vs. Courtship


"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

Song of Solomon 2:7


When I was in the high school locker room before a football practice, the guys always talked about the low down on who to go out with and who not to go out with.  As a matter of fact, the face mask was not the only mask put on while you were in there and “machoness” came out in full force. Needless to say, the locker room was not the best place for a Christian teenager to get the lowdown on dating, but school, friends, and locker rooms are usually where is happens.

When you talk about the definitions of dating and courtship, you find yourself looking at a fine line for the proper understanding of both worlds. Especially coming from a “Gen X” mentality in a Western Society.  After much study, I feel that the question that we as teenagers need to ask ourselves is,  “Is my definition of choosing to date or choosing to court what God wanted me to get out of it for His glory?”  Let me explain.

When you look at what our society calls dating, you are looking at a word that means an appointment with the opposite sex with the intent to find a mate. Granted that is what we as teenagers are looking for, but the problem that I see with our dating ideas is that it has turned into a BIG GAME of wearing masks, impression and no “real” people being shown. Our physical attractions are winning over as well.  I am as much a culprit on this one as anyone.  I would get myself into my closet getting ready for my date, find my mask that I wanted to wear, and out the door I would go.

Physically, I had a real challenge as well, I found myself setting standards and wanting romance, but those standards kept getting lower and lower.  I found myself wanting closeness and romance, but was finding myself changing what I wanted which turned into a broken heart and robbed me of what I so longed for in my heart, life, and soul. I am not wanting any closure on the idea of dating to come accross here, but I do think that after much searching and looking at God’s Word on the subject that I feel that the idea of “courting” is much better.

If you were to define courting, you would have to say that it is an attempt to gain the affections of the heart of someone of the opposite sex.  The question asked here is not “What can I get out of the situation,”  but “What can I give the other person while glorifying God?”  It is a get to know each other mentality with a foundation of friendship and a physical standard that is out of the picture.  Am I saying that you cannot go places and do things?  No, but your ideas of what you want out of the relationship are the key.   What can you give, not what can you get.

In conclusion, the choice is ultimately yours.  If I were to do it all over again, I would choose to court because of the priorities of the mindset.  My prayer is that you too will do the same to see God glorified in all of your relationship.   May God Be With You

[Soldier4Christ]

  Sacrificing The Flesh


"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1) NIV

The sun rises slowly over the scorching desert.  Even though the sun has not yet seen the ground, the earth is already hot.  Deathly hot.  Movement starts; a child runs ahead of his father, who is about to get the lamb.  That special, and pure lamb, who's life will end today.

We look back on those days, when various "barnyard animals," were sacrificed, when we read this verse.  We are to be living sacrifices?  Those two words together are terribly amusing actually.  How can we be living, and be sacrifices?  It almost makes you want to look up, and say, hey, um, what?

I do not think God is telling us to walk around living, and try to be sacrifices.  Not in the literal respect.  Though, it would be funny to see someone try.

As I seriously think about this, it hits me. How often do we try to do things on our own?  I think what God is trying to tell us here, is that we need to let go of things in our life.  We need to sacrifice the things that hold us back.  God in his mercy will give us the strength to do that.

What will you sacrifice?

[Soldier4Christ]

  Laws of the Land


Romans Chapter 13

When I was a senior in high school, our government class was able to go to Indianapolis for a “Government Challenge.”   We competed against other schools in the state on things about our laws and about our governmental structure for the chance to compete in Washington D.C. The TV coverage was there capturing all of the news and the outcome. I sure learned some things that I will never forget about our government.  We ended up ninth out of the ten schools that were there for the competition, but it sure was a cool experience.  I will never forget it.

Continuing his practical applications at the end of his letter to the Romans, Paul talks about the Jews being sure that they abide by the laws of the Roman Empire.  Paul did not want that attitude to bring forth any trouble within the Roman Church. Paul wanted us to obey the laws of the land because the people in governing positions were ordained by God. God ordained them because He felt that we need some guidelines in order to live by, and He says that we are to obey the laws of the land.

So, what does that mean for us as Christian teenagers? We may not understand why God has placed certain individuals into governing positions or some of the laws of our land, (like curfew, speed limits, school rules, you know, the annoying stuff)  but it is not up to us to question. Our responsibility as teenagers lies in our compliance to God. Putting God first in our lives involves our submission to the people that our authorities. We may not agree with what is being practiced by our authorities but our responsibility is still there.  We are commanded to live for God first, and then obey our authorities.  God truly wants us to think twice before we commit anything against our authorities.  I challenge you to do so.  May God Be With You.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Conflict of Trials


"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."  2 Cor. 2:14
     
The beauty of our relationship with Christ are the amazing promises that encompass God's word.  Paul shows us a characteristic of God that all Christians must master in order to live a fulfilling Christian life.  The power of the Holy Spirit in us will always give us triumph in Christ!  Further, God also makes it clear that we are the mechanism for his message to get to the world.  The message of the Gospel is a sweet smelling savor to the bitter status of our own sinful nature.
     
First of all, let me make one thing clear; God doesn't promise us that our life will be easy.  He doesn't offer the promise of perfection and consistent happiness.  He does though assure us that if we are growing in our relationship with Christ that the way we view the situations of our life will be consistently different. 
     
We know that we will always triumph in Christ.  We're promised that God will never leave us or forsake us, and that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called to his purpose.  Now we must live our life in the faith that God is indeed going to fulfill His promise and never allow us to enter into anything that won't in the end prove triumphant in some way (if we go through it with Christ).
     
Further, i don't think it is an accident that the latter part of this verse concerns evangelism.  See often our lives are the most powerful witnesses that Christianity could ever have, particularly when the world views how we see our problems.  We should not put on a false facade and make every attempt to be real but also while demonstrating faith that God indeed has our life in the palm of His hand.  Today claim this promise of God.  He has everything under control.  Trust Him.  Follow Him. Grow in Him.  He will revolutionize your life!!

[Soldier4Christ]

  Real Life Mini-Series Part 2


"Secrets"

Part 2

This devo contains many of the responses in it that you send in from part one of "Secrets," story of Mark. You were asked what you thought was happening to him and what would you do as his friend. Thank you all so much for your wonder and insight on this serious problem.  I hope and pray that sharing this will help if you ever get into a situation like this.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

From last time....
In the days and weeks to follow something happened to my best friend, Mark.  He became angry with his friends, short tempered and very withdrawn.  He stopped going to the places where all our friends hung out, he stopped going to youth group at church. My Mom said his parents were having some marriage problems and that might be what was wrong.  Even Mark's little brother was not seen around much, playing outside all of the time with my brother like he used to.  Something was wrong, I knew it but what could I do?? 

Several times in the past weeks Mark has been seen with cuts and bruises on him. And when I ask him about it he just gives me an answer that he fell while playing ball or got into a scuffle with some guy.  I just know that with the way he has been acting that something terrible is wrong.  I asked some friends at our last youth group meeting what they would do if this was their best friend.  (These are some of the replies from members of TDDM that you sent in that are being used as the youth group's answers in the story. The others not used here will be put in the devos sent out in the next weeks.)


I spoke with Dennis, my youth pastor earlier in the week about Mark, he suggested that I ask our youth group what they would do if they were in this situation.  I presented the problem to the group through my tears.  I did not use Mark's name but many knew who I was talking about because they knew how close we were and that he hadn't been coming around much.  A group of us sat in a quiet room and discussed the situation.

Nats04 said, "I would tell my parents about it, and see what they have to say. Hopefully they would have some ideas, and if not. I would try to confront him honestly with it."

atoj@bright.net Susan said,  "The first thing I would do is pray.  I would ask the Holy Spirit for direction and discernment. Then wait for an answer or a door to open that I felt was from the Lord.  I would NOT just sit back and do nothing.  Obviously, something is wrong, whatever the problem is.... hard to tell, wrong to "guess" and let imaginations run wild.  I would keep trying to reach out, letting my friend know that I was there, NO MATTER WHAT.  Also, get the advise of wise people in my life, such as pastor, and ask them for help.  With the marriage troubles going on, and both kids showing signs of something wrong, and the parents not even hearing much from them as adult friends.... there is obviously something.  Maybe parents should intervene.  Like I say, the first and most important thing to do is pray, and maybe fast.  Unconditional love and certainly no judgment at this point would be of utmost importance.  I would hang in there with them till the end...:

CollegeGirl2K    Kim said, " Jesus Christ Died so that we might live through Him...no doubt.  Therefore we have the Privilege of being called a Christian. If We are Christians we have the obligation to dedicate ourselves to living to be as much like Christ as possible. So, in a situation like this, one must ask themselves...What would Jesus do?
   Unfortunately, we are not perfect and we will make mistakes, we may make wrong decisions, but in this case, There is no doubt that She should involve at least her parents if not the Pastor of her Church.  No matter where the bruises are coming from, they need to be stopped.  It might get her in trouble...and it might cause her some pain in the end ... but like that scripture above says...it should not matter.  There is no question in my mind What Jesus Would do."
 
A new girl who was visiting said "I think Mark's being abused. And perhaps the marriage problems are a result of one parent drinking. That parent comes home at night totally drunk, not thinking, beats their spouse and/or Mark. Mark of course won't come to school, because people are going to figure out something's up. In a situation like this, Mark won't even tell his best friend what's going on. His best friend needs to pray for him, and try to get in touch with Mark. But his best friend shouldn't be noisy. Just let Mark come out with it on his own. His best friend should also try to get Mark to go back to youth group, something that I think would help Mark deal with his frustration but feeling peace with fellow teens. And if Mark is being abused, his best friend should bring in a higher authority. (parent, school) But it all starts with a prayer."
   
misterB@peoplepc.com- Warren said "Whenever there are circumstances I don't know how to react to I go to the Lord in prayer. He never fails me when I seek His wisdom and guidance in this way."

nokalu@hotmail.com- Nene said, "I think that Mark's parents are going through a very troubled time. This has made his father, perhaps, abusive to the rest of the family?"

Labtwist- Lucy said, " The first thing that I would do is go to God and pray.  He is the One with all the answers.  Maybe you could go to your Youth Pastor at your church and talk to him about it and get suggestions on what to do or ask him to pray with you about this situation.

[Soldier4Christ]

JASPAFF - John said, "Very Rarely do I reply to anything I receive on a regular basis, but this time I feel that it is necessary to do so.  I n this situation, I would confide in an adult in whom you trust, such as a pastor or youth pastor.  If that didn't work, then go to the local authorities.  Remember that you are not being a friend by "covering up" his pain, and in the long run you will be able help him avoid a lifelong torment. If his parents really are abusing his brother and him, you will actually be helping the family much more than they will let on.  Don't expect any thank you's, as what you will do will probably draw more criticism than praise, but in the long run they will thank you.  Remember that in any thing you decide to do, to bring it to the Lord first in prayer, but don't be afraid to take action, as the welfare of your friend and his family are at stake.             

kh_ogston@hotmail.com -  Kristin said, "If Mark were my best friend I would talk to more to try and find out what really happened. And then I would go tell my parents what Mark had told me.
Hopefully they would go tell the police what has been going on so maybe they
could check it out. If my folks didn't tell someone then I would have to go
to the police by myself and I know that would be hard. But most of all I
would have to pray about Mark's situation and what Jesus would do."

Yerkiddingme then spoke up saying, " in that situation, since the parents were close, my first response would be to talk to my folks...."

LiVinGwAteR23 - Courtney added, "jumping to conclusions can sometimes backfire. I believe that if Mark is going to be secretive about it..then all you can do is pray for him and let him know that you are there...if you push him to tell you..it will only push him away.

Babys66810- Nicole stated, "    I think that Mark was probably be abused by his father or something. Usually when a boy is physical abused, especially by his father he starts to take on the same characteristics of his father. SO that's why he was probably withdrawn and easily angered. I am glad that say that I don't know anyone who is being abused, because that made me so sad, and I couldn't imagine if that would have been happening to one of my close friends.

Sweetjay21- Janell was crying and said, " This is so sad..it really touched me!  Well, if I were his bestfriend, I would tell my parents about everything I saw on his back, and tell them to call for help for them,..probaly call the police to go check it out. That is really sad, and if he doesn't get help then he might even die from abuse. First things first, have the police talk to the parents about it and check out the kids back. maybe it was the parents or maybe it was a kid at school...who knows but I would just get help soon as possible and get the police involved. If it turns out that the parents didn't do anything then maybe try putting a security at school always watching over him.

princesa_aj@hotmail.com - Angela said, "I feel that Mark was being abused... that's the common symptoms ... withdrawing yourself from others, not attending school-to avoid the
questions-and just turning mean ... he has all of this built up tension and
he is too scared to relieve it to anyone.

VICC2001@cs.com- Vicki added, "As I hear about this I began to think of some friends that I knew were abused. I think that this was one of his parents that was abusing him.  It is very hard for me to believe that someone could beat their kids.  I think the best thing to do would be to get your friend to confide in you.  That way he/she could really feel comfortable talking to you, know matter what the problem is.  After they begin to realize you only want to help, then you can begin to counsel them.  Begin to tell them that God is on their side, and He would not put you through something that He didn't feel you could handle.
   
lisa2bs@hotmail.com - Brigit stated, "First, I think I'd try talking to him once more and see if he would just
come out and say what was wrong. If he didn't do that, I'd go to my Pastor
or my School Counselor and ask for a conference with both mine and Mark's
families so we could talk about what's been going on. That's what I'd do if
it were my best friend."

Dennis suggested we take a break for the night and pray for Mark and his situation. Many others had suggestions to offer that we will begin with next week. The group ended and we all went home.  I was feeling a bit better and stronger about what to do. It was good to hear what my friends and peers thought about my puzzling situation with Mark. I decided I was going to just be honest with Mark and tell him I know something is wrong.  Dennis said he would call the family tonight and make plans to meet with them tomorrow.  I would have to tell my parents the whole thing and see what they could do.  I just didn't want to get anyone in trouble or jump to conclusions.  I felt so energized as I was walking home, praying to God for strength.

As I got to the top of my street I could see lights flashing and people standing around.  There were two police cars, an ambulance and a fire engine parked down a ways.  As I approached my house I felt great fear, that something might be wrong with my Mom or dad or brother.  I started running and stopped dead in my tracks when I saw all of this confusion was at Mark's house.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Is Petting Ok?


“My question is about petting.  What is it and how far is too far?   What is “legal” and what is not “legal”?


Colossians 3:5

This is one of those questions that I wished the Bible was more blunt about.  You see in Bible times, there wouldn't have been what you and I affectionately call “teenagers.”  When you reached puberty in those days, you were set up and not soon after married.   The Bible does not talk about much of a period as you and I know as teenaged years.  Back in the early 90’s we faced this problem, and it seems that this problem of petting will be faced with every generation.

What is petting?  The dictionary says that it is caressing and kissing.  I think that it is the caressing and kissing that leads to sexual arousal and eventually sex.  Some boyfriends and girlfriends do this to show affection while they are dating or courting.  The problem is that they do not finish what they started and it ends up in some real frustrations.  So, what is ok?

If you were to ask God’s Word what was ok when it comes to this area of our lives, you will see that there is nothing legal or illegal about it.  There are not limits because He wants us to not start it in the first place.  He does tell us what is important and that is God’s Glory.

When it comes to petting the best guideline to keep is do not do what you would not do with your brother or your sister, or anything that would mess up your wedding night.  (Heb. 13:4)  How will your actions affect your future spouse?

Second,  Col. 3:5 says we should avoid sin at all cost.  It seems that some people want to go as far as they can without crossing the line.  “Well, that won’t hurt?”   Hate to say it, but people who play with fire always get burnt.  The mentality that God had was that we are not to compromise with sin at all.  Matter of fact he wanted us to flee from it. So, the questions that we should ask are, “Does this keep us from sexual immorality?  Sin?”   If the answer is no to any of these questions then that is too far.

In conclusion, I think that it falls back into what I said last week about dating vs. courting.”  Is what I am doing about myself, or for the betterment of the other person and the glory of God? May God Be With You.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Don't Lose Your Toes


"If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.  It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.  And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off.  It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be through into hell.  And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.  It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell."
Mark 9:43-47 (NIV)

The scene: your local church.  A small office.  It is just you, and your pastor. 
The problem: You.  You have been sinning again.  For the sake of you, we will not tell what.  We all understand.

You settle down in the chair.  Your pastor asks what is on your mind.  And then, it all flows out like a river.  You have committed a grievous sin with your toes.  *Again, we will be gracious, and keep your secret safe* Your pastor listens intently, gives you great encouragement, then prays with you.

He calls his secretary in at this point, and asks for "the usual."  She nods, walks out, and back quite quickly.

Take off your shoe please, he asks.  You oblige.  Off comes the shoe, then the socks.  Put your foot up here.

After he is done, your socks fit funny.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Although this is a rather comical verse, and story, there is a lot we can learn from the toeless man.  There was a sin in his life, it was consuming him.  So, he sought help.  He turned to his pastor, a trusted friend, and mentor.  His pastor listens, then encouraged, and prayed with him.  If you are struggling with a sin, I encourage you to seek a trusted friend, and pour your heart out to them.  We as Christians need our friends.