Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

  Two Buckets

“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.” Ephesians 4:29

Have you ever been in the situation where you would give anything to rewind the world for about 5 seconds?  Most of the times in my life when I have felt that way, it was because of something I said.  When I was a sophomore in high school, I had such an experience.

Sophomore History was far from my favorite class.  In fact I would rate it somewhere around . . . the very bottom.    The teacher wasn’t my favorite either, so walking in to the class I came with somewhat of a chip on my shoulder already.  As I walked in on this day, I noticed that two of my classmates, both girls, were standing near the front crying.  They were facing each other and seemed to be holding each other up.  Of course, the sensitive part of me was absent that day, so I blurted out, “What’s the matter with you guys, did somebody die or something?”  I would give a million dollars to take that back.  Even more!  One of the girls looked right at me and said, “Yes, her brother and she just found out!”

At that point in my life, I had never heard of “Honey I shrunk the kids.”  But, if I had, I would have wanted with everything in me to be shrunk to the size of an ant.  That way I could just sneak right out of the class and no one would see me.  Unfortunately, I was stuck and deservedly so.

The Bible tells us that our tongue can be a very dangerous weapon.  With it, we can do great damage or we can do incredible good.  It’s ironic, in some ways, that Jesus was a carpenter.  Because as Christians we are called to be carpenters of sorts.  You see, when we say encouraging, uplifting words we “build’ each other up.  But our hurtful words “tear” others down.  And since we as children of God are the church, it’s the church we are actually building up or tearing down.

It was explained to me this way one time.  Imagine that everywhere you go you carry two buckets of water.  In one hand is a bucket of gas and in the other a bucket of water.  When you come across someone who is criticizing others, will you use the bucket of gas and join in the talk, fanning the flames of criticism.  Or will you use your water to put out the fire.  The same is true when someone is building others up.  Do you use the gas to cause the encouragement to grow and burn bright or do you criticize, throwing water all over those attempting to build up. 

If the body of Christ doesn’t look like what we want, we should look at ourselves.   After all we’re the ones doing the building up and tearing down.   Make sure you’re using the right bucket!

[Soldier4Christ]

  We Aren't Above It

I also received a report of scandalous sex within your church family, a kind that wouldn't be tolerated even outside the church: One of your men is sleeping with his stepmother. And you're so above it all that it doesn't even faze you! Shouldn't this break your hearts? Shouldn't it bring you to your knees in tears? Shouldn't this person and his conduct be confronted and dealt with? 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 (The Message)

This passage is a very accurate description of a severe plague that faces the church today.  We proudly allow flagrant sin in the name of understanding.  Political correctness tells us that people shouldn’t be ashamed of their sins.  As a matter of fact, it says that we should parade our sins around and demand our rights when someone tells us otherwise.  This is not what the bible teaches and is not our right as a Christian. 

In Corinth, the church was trying to say how accepting it was because the members knew of this terrible sin and used it to glorify themselves by saying “we have a member involved in this and we accept them anyway.”  We need to realize that we don’t have the right to accept this kind of behavior.  When we become a Christian, we stop being a slave to sin and become a slave to Christ.  That is why we call him Lord.  Doesn’t Jesus say that we should love our neighbor as ourselves?  We should be loving them, we should love them enough to do whatever is nesecary to help them change.  We cannot say we love someone then do nothing about a sinful lifestyle.  If we know of a sin on someone’s part and do nothing about it, we are acting like we are “above” that.  It means we don’t care.

Another point we need to realize is that acceptance is not the same as love.  Love cares for the person’s overall well-being, as well as their feelings.  Sometimes we have loved ones caught in sin that is killing them and we must confront them for their own well-being, like a drug addict or a person with an eating disorder.  It sometimes hurts their feelings, but it’s important they change their habits if they are going to be able to live and not do permanent damage to their lives.

As Christians, we need to see all sin this way.  If the bible calls it sin, we need to realize that it’s our responsibility to love a person enough to do all we can to help them out of it.  God loves you enough that He accepts you where you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there.  As Christians, we need to reflect the same kind of love to other people.  Political correctness is worried about hurting people’s feelings, as Christians we should be worried about where their sin is leading them.  Then we should love them enough to show them the truth and walk beside them to get out of it.  Do you love your neighbor enough to point out a sin in their life?  Or are you above it?

[Soldier4Christ]

  Let Your Roots Grow Deep

Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Colossians 2:7

I love flowers! Every spring and every summer I go to my local nursery to get new flowers to plant in my flower beds. I love all the bright colors and how each flower seems to be so "happy." When I get home with my selections, I put on my grubby jeans and with gardening gloves and trowel in hand, I'm ready for action.

The first thing I do after preparing my bedding area is to take each bedding plant out of it's little tray and separate the roots a little. Those bedding plants are usually pretty pot bound because they've been in those tiny spaces for so long. Spreading out the roots gives the plant a little breathing room and freedom. When I get the plants ready, I start digging holes to place them in. I make sure the holes are a little bigger than each plant and a little deeper than the container they came in so the roots will have plenty of room to spread and grow easily.

As Christians, we often get comfy and snug in our "pots." Our routines are so familiar and comfortable that we don't like change. Our churches are like second homes, we know everyone there and go through the same routine every Sunday. We get so comfortable with the familiar that we don't bother to step out and take risks and grow! We're like those little bedding plants. We like the safety and security of our little pot. We like things to stay just like they are. To be an effective Christian and to be willing to serve God, we have to be willing to be put in new situations. We have to be willing to take risks. We have to allow God to spread our roots out and give us a new place to grow and thrive. If we don't, we'll stay in our own little pot and shrivel up and die.

Are you willing to let God take you out of your comfortable little pot and plant you into loose fresh soil so you can let your roots grow down deep in him and thrive? Don't be satisfied to let your roots get all bound up in your little pot, let God show you how he wants to bless you by allowing you to grow and serve him in a mighty way.

[Soldier4Christ]

  O Lord Send Someone Else

“But Moses said, ‘O Lord, please send someone else to do it.’”  Exodus 4:13

On a warm summer night last year, just as I was finishing the day and sitting down to eat, my phone rang.  The person calling was someone I had come to know and truly appreciate over the past few years.  A man many years older, he had become a good friend and someone I greatly respected.  He was calling to ask if I could come talk with his daughter.  She was overcome with grief because of a tragedy which had struck her family.  Her nine-year-old son had drowned in a swimming pool, but had been kept alive by life support machines.  She had just received news that there was probably a great deal of brain damage and that her son would most likely never even wake up from his coma.  She was wanting someone to come and explain why all this happened and why a loving God could allow this tragedy to take place.  Unfortunately, I was the one they called.

With everything inside of me screaming, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it,” I accepted the invitation and began the 30 minute drive to their home.  I prayed, a lot!  I had completely no clue what to say or even where to begin.  Even though I had counseled and walked with people through difficult times, this was easily the most challenged I had ever felt.  When I arrived, I did so with no more idea of what to say as when I had got into my car.

What I said, or didn’t say isn’t really that important.  God taught me a valuable lesson that night.  First of all, He is in control and when given the opportunity can use us to do absolutely anything.  Second, people don’t want answers near as much as they want someone to listen to their questions.  After several hours of listening and just allowing God to speak through me, I left and returned home.  The grief of the situation remained and I was hardly a genius in my explanations.  But God used me and that felt good.  I have a feeling that’s the same thing Moses felt after leading the people out of Egypt.  I don’t know how it happened and most of it is a blur, but God used me.  It’s interesting to notice that Ex. 4:13 should be viewed from Phil. 4:13 – “I can do all thing through Christ who gives me strength.”  Praise God He will use you if you will just let Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Are You a Sower?

As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:4-8

Are you a sower of the word of God? Do you use every opportunity to spread the love of Christ to those you interact with daily? You can spread the seed and let the Holy Spirit do the watering and fertilizing causing the seed to eventually grow. God says that his word does not return void. Do you speak words of truth to those you meet each day? You don't have to deliver a great evangelical speech, but you can tender those seeds with love and gentleness.

To be able to sow seeds of truth, you have to know the truth. How can you know the truth? By reading the word of God and hiding it in your heart. Look for opportunities to plant seeds. If a friend is hurting, talk to them about God's love. If someone is fearful, remind them that God's cares for them and only wants the best for them. Use the seeds God has given you to plant gardens of hope and healing among those you love and come into contact with daily. We are all sowers for the kingdom of heaven. Let's be sure our seeds fall onto fertile ground by helping to prepare the soil ahead of time to hear and receive the seeds of truth.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Peer Pressure

We all face peer pressure sometime in our life, whether as a teen or even an adult.  But it is very important to keep God in the picture when it happens to keep us in control.  You go through peer pressure when other kids ask you to do drugs or smoke pot or even cigarettes.  The main thing is to keep in prayer and keep strong in God because in the Bible, (Zech. 4:6) it says "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord." That's how He will help you through this time of struggle.  Especially in a young Christian's life, it is useless to try to fight peer pressure by yourself. No matter how hard you try, you will always fail when peer pressure happens, without Jesus Christ in your life to strengthen you.

For the best of us, it may not be just drugs or drinking or sex, but it can be pressure to get you to join gangs or go to the wrong places. That's where it is important to remember your Christian friends.  They are there to help and pray with you through such difficult times.  Christian friends will always be by your side because they know what you are going through.  Even your Christian friends on-line, like us at TDDM, we will always be here for you to talk or pray with you whenever you need us.  We are only an email or IM away.

There may even be pressure at home. You might not think of it as a peer pressure but in a sense, it is the same thing.  When it comes to parents, you know they are always asking you to do stuff and at times it weighs heavy on you.  This feels like pressure of a different kind.  I understand you are busy with other stuff but listen to your parents closely because they love you and are trying to help you.  They are there ready to talk about any problems you have. Remember, they have been there also, so they know.

And one more thing from Prov 3:5,6 and 2 Tim 1:7:
"Just trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight" and "For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, of love and of a sound mind." He gave us the confidence to tell those kids no to peer pressure.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Where is your Heart?

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matt 6:21) NIV.

How many of us collect baseball cards, or comic books? I used to love anything with a dollar sign in front of it. Especially when you hear stories all the time about someone selling an old Mickey Mantle card and buying a new Dodge Viper or selling a stack of old comic books so they can finally get that brand new bike they have always wanted.

When we think of treasures maybe a dark dungeon deep with in the earth comes to mind, or a dragon that will put his life on the line to guard his most valuable possessions from the medieval knights who came to make a name of themselves. Whether a 1,000 years ago or today this verse still makes sense. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Sit back and look at what you have and what you value most in your life. Right now I really treasure my truck, computer, and girlfriend. So needless to say, that is where you can find my heart. This verse is so true, so easy, but yet so deadly and costly. When we get to heaven there will be no need to drive around a '96 Ford Ranger, there will be no need to go on-line, and definitely no need for a girlfriend. Because there will be only one need, and that is to be in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

This week, along with myself, look over what you cherish the most. What do you find hard to live without. Girls, how long can you live without phone privileges? Guys how long can you live without the TV? When we look over things it's easy to see why this verse is so powerful. Now just think of what it would mean if you put Jesus as the most treasured possession you owned. May peace be with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Suffering: How To Keep close to us those that are suffering

I know each of you know someone that is suffering, if not yourself. Suffering is just part of life in these sinful days on earth. I have the great opportunity to be friends with many teens/young adults being involved with youth groups and having 4 boys who fit in that age group. Over the years many of their friends have come to our home with problems and suffering. I am an easy listener and always find the time to listen and try to comfort. I have seen those who have been physically and sexually abused, misunderstood, picked on, sexually active and have become pregnant. The list goes on. I know of a few who have been very close to suicide more than once.

Revelation 2:9 says, "I know of your afflictions and your poverty -- yet you are rich!"So what does that mean. God knows of your afflictions and your poverty. He knows when and why you suffer. He also says you are rich. You are rich by knowing His son, Jesus Christ. In this world of sin and suffering, He says that those who suffer will be blessed. Those of us that live in poverty because of the ways of the world are yet rich in God's eyes because we have heavens rewards waiting for us when we die.

So what can you do if one of your friends are really suffering? Failing a test or parents divorcing, or not making it on the team can really hurt. Suffering hit hard when one looses a boyfriend, or girlfriend. Hurt results in suffering. Suffering can overwhelm our whole life. You can help your friend, even if you don't know what to say.

Ecc. 4:9,10 says "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up."

First, affirm his value and importance by loving him/her. Never assume that your friends know you love or care for them. Tell them. Show them. Especially when they are down. Second, give them a chance to talk if they need to vent their feelings. Ask them to tell you what is going on. If they do talk, don't say anything. Just listen with understanding, even if you don't understand why this is hurting them so. Third, grieve with them. Learn to open your heart up to the feelings of other people. Even if you don't understand completely, when you grieve with a friend, his grief is cut in half. Finally, pray for and with this friend. Point them to Heaven and the great Comforter, Jesus Christ who wants to take care of all their hurts.

**Most important if you see that this suffering is leading to extreme acts such as someone hurting themselves, hurting someone else or suicide threats or actions, tell someone immediately, a parent, teacher, coach,
counselor, church leader etc. It may feel like betraying the one who confided in you, but you may be saving them from worse consequences or death.

[Soldier4Christ]

  The Dating Game

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, the other is there to lift him up. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up." (Ecc. 4:9,10)

"Why would it be a bad idea to date a non-Christian? Jesus said something about loving everyone, right? I mean, maybe by going out with a non-Chrisitan might change that person over to Christ. Now that I think about it, um, I really doubt they can even effect me, I'm way to strong of a Christian." These and many more reasons run through our minds when we are faced with this potentially dangerous decision. To date, or not to date, non-Christians.

Well, no matter how many excuses there are, there is only one truth and that is what we must go by. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness." This tells us straight up that we should not to "go out" or have a relationship with nonbelievers. This is a fine line area, because like Jesus, we are to always love all men and be there in this love to share the gospel with them. This means that we are with nonbelievers. But a relationship based on Christ must be with a fellow-believer. Another excuse I've heard many times is that it doesn't really matter because you're not going to marry that person anyway. But each relationship we have may be a potential mate. So we need to start right now choosing the right people to date and be around. Being a Christian and being in a relationship with a non-Christian can pull you down. Even a strong Christian can be pulled down by those who worship worldly things.

Out of Adam, our Lord brought a perfect mate for him. Now along with my Bro Adam, God has picked a special mate for each one of us. In every relationship stay close to God and put Jesus as the center, not love or lust. Being in God's total will, will bring us the mate that is yoked to us.

By staying close to Christ, when life throws it's nasty curve ball you will always knock the home run when you play as a team, being teamed in life with other Christians having them lift you up when you fall. May peace be with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  A Love Without End

But if anyone obeys His word, God's love is truly made complete in Him. This is how we know we are in Him. (1 John 2:5) NIV

When we first enter a new relationship with the opposite sex, everything seems perfect. Every thought that enters our minds has something to do with them. Every time the phone rings, your seen making a mad dash in anticipation for the new love of your life to be on the other end. Constant butterflies seem to have invaded your stomach and nothing stands in the way of spending every second of everyday either thinking or longing to be in their arms.

As days fly by, time takes it's indisputable toll. Once strong relationships of love, turn into battles of doing everything possible to keep from falling apart. Some say you need time away. Some think you may need to see other people. The point is, that you have lost the sparkle you once had.

When your first saved, there is a fire burning in your eyes that everyone can see. You head off into the day with a new found hope, one in an awesome savior named Jesus. Just like every relationship, you can't stand being separated. Praying before bed just doesn't cut it anymore. Your praying in class, the hallways, at lunch and any spare second you get. Your constantly reading a letter of love that He has given you known as the Bible in every period.

But in every relationship, hard times seem to seep their way into any crack we may have? If your not truly committed, truly honest with yourself and with others, it will fall apart. Believe it or not, Jesus never leaves us. We always seem to try and find others to fill His place. Whether it's secular music, teen magazines, drugs, or even your friends, we allow outside forces to try and convince us on what is right. Don't listen to what people say on who you should or shouldn't talk to or date. Listen to your heart. Jesus knows that your right for Him. And He wants to have a relationship that will last more than a life time. Invite Him into your life, and find a love that will never end. May peace be with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  A Love Without End

But if anyone obeys His word, God's love is truly made complete in Him. This is how we know we are in Him. (1 John 2:5) NIV

When we first enter a new relationship with the opposite sex, everything seems perfect. Every thought that enters our minds has something to do with them. Every time the phone rings, your seen making a mad dash in anticipation for the new love of your life to be on the other end. Constant butterflies seem to have invaded your stomach and nothing stands in the way of spending every second of everyday either thinking or longing to be in their arms.

As days fly by, time takes it's indisputable toll. Once strong relationships of love, turn into battles of doing everything possible to keep from falling apart. Some say you need time away. Some think you may need to see other people. The point is, that you have lost the sparkle you once had.

When your first saved, there is a fire burning in your eyes that everyone can see. You head off into the day with a new found hope, one in an awesome savior named Jesus. Just like every relationship, you can't stand being separated. Praying before bed just doesn't cut it anymore. Your praying in class, the hallways, at lunch and any spare second you get. Your constantly reading a letter of love that He has given you known as the Bible in every period.

But in every relationship, hard times seem to seep their way into any crack we may have? If your not truly committed, truly honest with yourself and with others, it will fall apart. Believe it or not, Jesus never leaves us. We always seem to try and find others to fill His place. Whether it's secular music, teen magazines, drugs, or even your friends, we allow outside forces to try and convince us on what is right. Don't listen to what people say on who you should or shouldn't talk to or date. Listen to your heart. Jesus knows that your right for Him. And He wants to have a relationship that will last more than a life time. Invite Him into your life, and find a love that will never end. May peace be with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Relationships: The Building Blocks to Eternal Life in the Kingdom of God



      First and most important we should strive to develop our relationship with God. It really is something that has to evolve over time and as we begin our walk with God we are beginning to assemble our blocks. At an early age, we all must fully understand that all GOD really wants is to DEVELOP A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH US. We are talking about a one - to - one relationship that is intense, personal and very fulfilling.

The Book of Romans provides us with a lot of good insight how to begin this walk.

<>< Romans 3:23 tells us that we all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God
<>< Romans 6:23 tells us that Eternal Life is a free gift from God
<>< Romans 5:8 tells us that because of God's love for us He sent Jesus to die for our sins
<>< Romans 10:9-10 tells us to accept Jesus as our Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead.
<>< Romans 10:13 tells us to ask God to save us and He will. (THAT IS A PROMISE YOU CAN TAKE TO THE BANK)

      This is the first and most important in beginning our walk. The next building block is to turn your life over to God and let him guide you. I promise you that He will never let you down. There is an amazing sense of relief and security when you do this and watch what God will do for you. You can honestly be free from the bonds of your everyday life and the worries you are probably experiencing every day of your life. Now you will be able to hear when God is speaking to you. You will be able to clearly identify God's activity in your life. You will be able to believe Him to be and do everything he promises. You will be able to adjust your beliefs, character and behavior to Him and His ways. You will be able to see a direction He is taking in your life and what He wants to accomplish through your life. You will know what you need to do in response to His activity in your life. AND YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD WILL BE SO PERSONAL AND COMPLETE THAT YOU WILL SEE GOD DOING THROUGH YOU THAT WHICH ONLY GOD CAN DO.
      This is the AWESOME TRUTH we must know to begin our walk, a walk that will be filled with the Holy Spirit and totally rewarding. It does not matter how old you are or where you are with your walk, you can fulfill God's will in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

  Why Don't People Like Me?

People don't like me, I have no friends. How many times have you said or thought that. Well, as a mother I know I have heard it time and time again throughout the years as my kids were growing up. Nothing is worse than seeing your child have no friends. Many times you think no one likes you, but that is not the case. The case is that they may not know you, that's all.

When we moved over 1000 miles away from our hometown in Maryland last year or so ago, my boys had to make all new friends, go to a new church and school. Each of my boys were at different maturity levels in their lives. And each one of them have their own different personalities. The two oldest made friends right away and the other didn't make any for a long time. The youngest is 13 and he was shy and not real sure about himself. I encouraged him as much as I could to ask kids over and join a club or anything. He wasn't ready to open up. Once he did he made lots of friends. So if you think you are unlikable then think again, you may not be opening up to let others in.

Now in some cases people may really not like you. Sad to say but we all know someone we may not like a whole lot. What happens when you are the one they don't like? You may need to change some undesirable habit or characteristic you have developed. Nobody likes being around people who constantly criticizes, or one who can't keep a confidence. No one wants to be around those who are stuck up and think they know it all. Take a deep look into yourself and see if you are what you would want for a friend. Take the undesirable habit or characteristic and ask God to change it. We all love those are nice to us and make us feel good about our selves.

If people don't like you or knock you for your stand with Christ consider that an honor. 1stPeter 4:14-16 says, "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler: but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in the name let him glorify God."

[Soldier4Christ]

  Giving

Ever wonder about what to give someone for their birthday?

I know I have.

I have trouble enough, even with my best friend. I would often find myself laying down in my bed at night puzzling over this question (cause with school around, there's no thinking that can be done in regular hours). I also have trouble with thinking about stuff for my dad--on his birthday, on Father's Day. But whenever I'd come up empty-handed, my friend would tell me that our friendship was enough. My dad would say, "I love you, and as long as you keep your grades up, I'll be happy." (Not to say that my dad is a fanatic on grades, cause he speaks from experience--Education is a pretty sure way to job security and all that future stuff that we teenagers have to worry about). The fact that I was there was enough for them. For me, that wasn't enough, because being humans in the "nineties" we tend to be a tad more materialistic. But still, by saying that, they gave a gift to me. I was somebody. I was special.

Isn't that what we all need?

Because by nature, we are creatures of love. How? God is love(" Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:, and we were formed in his image. We need love. We thrive on love. As the young plant yearns for sun, we search for hugs, kisses, or just plain attention. To be noticed. That's part of why "acceptance" is such a big thing in our lives.

Okay, so basically, when God says, "Love each other as we love ourselves," we're pretty much doing what he says and giving people a great gift as well, much better than some Teddy bear or Hallmark Card. The reason I say this is although things are good ways to express one's love, there is no replacement to spending quality time with a person to show love.

But what do we get for a God who has everything??

For a mission that seems hardly possible when getting gifts for earth people, it balloons into real-life MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE when it comes to God.

Is it really that impossible?

Unlike making an A on that test over something you've never heard of, it's quite possible. The answer? Matthew 22:37. " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." And from what we've already discovered, to love someone, we gotta spend time with them. Elijah, the only living person to be taken into Heaven without ever dying, walked with God. He spent some serious time with God, cultivating that relationship. We were created to walk with God! Not witness to the dying and decaying world, but to walk with God! For there were no men to witness to when Adam was created.

Okay, so we can love God. Why tithe then?

After all, there's no Commandment stating, Thou Shalt Tithe. In the list John has in Revelations 21:8 of all who will go to Hell, those who don't tithe aren't among the sexually immoral, or liars. It's not a sin. But all the money you have is from God, so giving back some money is sort of like that Hallmark Card or Teddy Bear, saying hey, I know you're God, thanks for all the happiness you've blessed me with today. I love you.

Also, the Ten Percent rule is not some solid rigid rule that you better follow or be fried. Give however much you want. Think about giving as a kind of investment, whether in happiness or for someone else's happiness. "Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Corinthians 9:6 Also, make sure you want to give, and for the sake of giving. If someone gave you a dollar, and then asked a favor right after, it wouldn't exactly be a gift anymore, would it? "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7.

So give today! Whether be it a hug, a Hallmark Card, tithing, or just an email to tell someone you love them...

For, " above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

[Soldier4Christ]

  Generation Sex

Do you not know that he who unties himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "the two will become one flesh." But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:16-17) NIV.

One wouldn't think that a check out line at Wal-mart would be such a prime target for Satan to effect teens, would you? I sure didn't, until I finally realized in my wait to purchase a pack of gum. I was totally...hmm how can we say...shocked as I looked at the teen magazine that had sex plastered all over it. "How to know if your boyfriend loves you or your body." Oh and the ever so famous, "Take the quiz, can you really please your man?" Well me personally has no desire to please another guy, but I think you know where I'm getting at.

We obviously live in a sex craved society. Where sex is the main point of the relationship and the Lord, well, who is Jesus again? There is a common misunderstanding on sex. Most of us think of sex as dirty, nasty or something that you should turn your head when the word is mentioned. But that's not so, this may come to a shock to some, but the Lord wants us to have sex. (If you were like me you would shout an amen at this point.) Nope that wasn't a misprint, the Lord really does want us to have and enjoy sex with the opposite sex. You see, He made sex for us to share a love and commitment to our husband and wife. Hey...hold on right there, don't miss those last words, husband and wife. Because that is what the whole principle is on.

Now guys, I'm with you on this one. We have those great things called hormones that get in the way. But don't fall victim to them, they are natural, be thankful they work! Or that would be a big problem and I would have to seriously pray for you. We just have to learn to control them, but to do this, we must stay close to the Lord.

Besides it being wrong, there is also a chance of aids and pregnancy and all that yummy stuff. Maybe your reading this and have had sex before. First of all don't beat yourself down about it. It's over and you can't change it. But today make a commitment to you and yourself to stay sex free from this point till marriage. Maybe you haven't had sex but are struggling with sexual lusts or anything else. Remember that Jesus died to remove our sins. Don't be afraid to go to Him today about something your struggling with. All things can be done through Jesus Christ who strengthens you. May peace be with you.