Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

Bah Humbug!



    So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5)

The fruit of the Spirit is . . . joy. --Galatians 5:22

Although Christmas is supposed to be a time full of joy, good cheer and optimistic hopes for a new year, many people experience seasonal "blues." Instead of being the "most wonderful time of the year," it turns out to be the "crud, crudiest season of all". And while many people become depressed during the holiday season, even more respond to the excessive stress and anxiety once the holidays have passed.

Why is that? Some say that this letdown can be the result of emotional disappointments experienced during the preceding months, as well as the physical reactions caused by excess fatigue and stress. Or maybe folks are just plain bummed out, and they can't quite put their finger on the reason for the downer season. Perhaps the bottom line is that the holidays seem to overpromise and underdeliver, leaving your holiday happiness package marked with "RETURN TO SENDER".

Good Christian, have the holidays stolen the Spirit's fruit of joy out of your life like the Grinch who stole Christmas? If so, let me offer you a perspective that may make your heart grow three sizes this day.

To me, it is very possible that the reason the "blues" have traveled into your town is not because you expect too much out of holidays, rather because you ask too little. Perhaps what you are really seeking is not happiness, but joy.

According to Bible scholar Ian Barclay, "Happiness is not a biblical word at all. It is derived from the root to happen. Clearly, what happens to us will affect our happiness." Christmastime is full of "happenings". So many, in fact, that we start to believe that all the activity should add up to happiness. But trying to derive happiness out of activity is much like a dog trying to catch its own tail. The dog can see it, and almost grasp it. Yet as fast as Fido might fly, he will never achieve what he desires.

Joy, on the other hand, is a fruit of God's Spirit and is not affected by good or bad happenings. Joy is not dependent on our circumstances. It is dependent, as we ourselves need to be, on God Himself who dwells within us. We should desire to have this joy in our lives, without chasing after it For the believer, the "tail" of joy will naturally follow us if we simply follow the Master.

In the middle of all the holiday happenings, let's live and walk in the Spirit so that the fruit of joy will naturally burst forth. -

    Because life's circumstances change,
    Our happiness may not remain;
    But if we're walking with the Lord,
    Our inner joy He will sustain.

    --Sper

Happiness depends on happenings; Joy depends on Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

Crybabies



    The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry (Psalm 34:15)

Why do infants cry? A Spanish electronics engineer has invented a device the size of a calculator to answer that question. Frustration caused by not understanding his own son's nightly crying drove Pedro Monagas to spend three years visiting nurseries, figuring out the patterns of babies' cries. He built a microchip into his battery-operated "Why Cry" device to monitor the volume, pattern and interval of baby cries. Within 20 seconds after a baby starts to cry, the device displays one of five facial expressions to indicate whether Baby is crying because he's stressed, tired, hungry, sleepy or uncomfortable.

Too bad we adults don't have a "Why Cry" for each other. Wouldn't it be great if we had some sort of way to know exactly what was bothering people who we care about? Or better yet, wouldn't it be great to have one of those doohickeys for ourselves in those hours of darkness when the world seems like it's closing in on us?

Maybe you're not aware of this, but God has already installed a living "Why Cry" in every believer. He is called the Holy Spirit, and He takes up residence in people the very second they trust Christ.

    Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)

Since the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, He is intimately acquainted with every single solitary sentiment that we sense-in much less time than 20 seconds! He knows exactly what is going on in our innards much more than we ourselves, which is one reason why He is called the Comforter.

Not only that, but the millisecond we cast our burdens upon God, the Holy Spirit comes alongside us and actually appeals to the Father for help.

    And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. (Romans 8:26-27)

Isn't that amazing! When you are depressed, downtrodden or distressed- you only need turn your eyes upon Jesus, and wait for the help of the Spirit. You don't even have to say the words...He already knows and He is ready to rally round. In fact, the word "plead" that Paul uses in this verse can be translated as "cry". So in effect, God loves us so much that when we cry, He cries too.

So the next time your times seem less than hunky dory, remember that you have a built-in "Why Cry", complete with a direct connection to the Throne Room of Heaven, and help is soon on the way.

[Soldier4Christ]

Ashes, Ashes, We All Fall Down



    I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11

Satan is a liar.

Somehow he has managed to convince more than 5000 teenagers each year that it would be better to end their lives than to find hope and press on. He also whispers into the ears of another 400,000 students annually, persuading them to attempt suicide.
Satan is a thief.

Jesus wasn't kidding when he said that the "thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy...". The devil wants to steal your heart, kill your joy, and destroy your hope. He tells you that happiness can be found through money, success, and self-gratification. Just like drinking seawater, he gives you a temporary feeling of satisfaction from these things, but they only leave you thirstier than you were before.
Jesus is the Truth.

He is the Living Water. If you have fallen into any kind of depression, it may be because you are trying to live without Him. No amount of money, success, or human love can quench the thirst of a life-parched soul. The brilliant physicist Robert Oppenheimer, for example, considered his life a failure. When reminded of his successes--such as directing the Los Alamos Project that produced the atomic bomb--he replied, "They leave on the tongue only the taste of ashes."

How does life taste to you these days? If it has lost some of its flavor, perhaps you are in one of three categories.

   1. You may be feeling spiritually thirsty, and you don't have God in your life. In that case, you can begin a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ right this moment and let Him fill that emptiness. Click here to read more.
   2. You may be feeling that life is meaningless even though you have a personal relationship with Christ. Believing the lies of Satan can create that feeling. You need to go to God daily, even hourly and commit your circumstances and feelings to Him. Also, you must orient your life around serving Christ first, and then God will bring you-not the seawater of happiness- but the Living Water of joy. Take action now!
   3. Perhaps you've overcome the problem of hopelessness, leading you to understand the feeling of fulfillment that comes from knowing God personally and living in fellowship with Him. If so, you need to share that good news with your friends. Encourage them by word and by deed to place their trust in Christ as their Savior before it's too late. Chances are, they're getting a little tired of the taste of ashes.

[Soldier4Christ]

Forget First Aid

After an accident, a woman stepped forward and began to help the victim. She was pushed aside by a man who announced,

    "I've had a course in first aid and I'm trained in CPR."

The woman watched his procedures for a few moments, then tapped him on the shoulder.

    "When you get to the part about calling a doctor," she said, "I'm already here."

Have you had any accidents lately? I'm not talking about automobile wrecks, what I mean are those periods in life where you feel like you just got run over. It could be relationship trouble, financial difficulties, poor health, or any other number of misfortunes that blindside us and leave a mess of things.

But that's o.k. - right? We've all been trained in the First Aid Kit of life. We know how to handle our own problems, fix our own messes, and heal our own injuries. In fact, if we don't help ourselves, who knows what might happen? We may just be left in the street, because other people are so preoccupied with themselves- they'll probably just step right over us.

We're just like the guy in the story. As soon as we detect a problem, we rush right to it, pull out the First Aid Kit, and get to work.

Meanwhile, there is Someone else standing right by, watching you try desperately to "fix" the issues of your life. In fact, you probably shoved Him out of the way in your ambitious attempt to get your stuff together.

Who am I talking about? Jesus- the Great Physician. His specialty is putting the pieces of life's accidents back together. Let me give you a few examples:

    Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour. (Matthew 8:13)

    Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment. (Matthew 9:22)

    When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14)

Things are no different now. He has compassion on us, and He knows what we need before we even ask, but sometimes we never get to asking because we're too focused on the difficulty at hand.

Meanwhile, Jesus is whispering to us: "When you get to the part about calling a doctor, I'm already here."

[Soldier4Christ]

Ignorance is Not Bliss


In World War II, the Russians came up with an untried battle strategy to stop the coming onslaught of German tanks. Their scheme was to strap powerful explosives to the backs of dogs, then let them loose so that they would run under the enemy tanks and blow them up.

The problem was that the Russians trained the dogs for this mission using their own tanks.

On the day of the battle, the dogs were cut loose and promptly chased down the Russian tanks with the live explosives.

Question: How could the dogs of war not know the difference between a German tank and a Russian tank?

Answer: They can't read.

That's the funny thing about animals, isn't it? They pretty much follow their nature without putting a lot of thought into the possible consequences of their behavior. Sometimes believers are like that as well. Our nature is to disobey God and run to our destruction with the bombs of sin strapped to our backs.

The author of Psalm 73 was fully aware of this, but he makes a very interesting observation. Notice the humbling phrase- "Nevertheless I am continually with thee" As if to say- even though I have been as ignorant and stupid as a beast before the Savior, my standing before God is completely unchanged. The writer has come to a full recognition of his deceitful heart and depraved nature, but at the same time proclaims the reality of God's unconditional love and grace.

What does he mean by this? Hold on to your collars, kids, because you'll scarcely believe the depths of God's grace. Check this out:

    * I am continually on His mind, He is always thinking of me for my good.
    * I am continually before His eye; --the eye of the Lord never sleeps, but is continually watching over my well-being.
    * I am continually in His hand, so that no one can steal me from His care.
    * I am continually on His heart, worn there as a emblem of love.

Will we ever be able to stop acting like brainless beasts before the King of Kings? Probably not.

Will our behavior ever lessen the intensity of God's affection and the consistency of His attention? Absolutely not!

Believer, if you are struggling with a season of sin in your life- come home. The Master awaits with open arms and a loving heart. If you have friends who are running the wrong way with bombs on their backs, remind them that they don't have to choose that path. We are seen by God through the lens of Christ's righteousness, let's shed the animal instincts and put on the robe of righteousness!

[Soldier4Christ]

Nobody Loves Me




    "I have loved you with an everlasting love..." (Jeremiah 31:3)

Notice the strange combination of wording in this verse? It's not "I will love you" or "I'm going to love you"...rather I have loved you- meaning not only has God loved us a long time; He has actually loved us before time was even invented!

Maybe you thought that when the doctor held you up as a brand new baby, God looked down and said "How cute! I think I'll love that little bundle of joy forever!" Or perhaps you were under the impression that Jesus didn't smile on you until you trusted Christ as your only hope of salvation? Well perhaps His smile got a little bigger that day, but His love was coming your way before you even came your way.

So how does that make you feel?

I don't know about you, but that blows me away. God's love for me is the most constant and unchanging thing in the universe. In fact, it will still be going long after the universe is gone!

You know what else? Stop worrying about the security of your salvation. You are God's precious jewel...is He so irresponsible that you would be dropped and lost? You are the apple of God's eye...is He so fickle that you would be subject to "He loves me...He loves me not" game?

Don't think so!

If there was ever any possibility of God losing His affection towards you, it would have happened a long time ago, because He's loved you for a long time. But don't worry, because the opposite is true- He grows crazier about you each day, and the engine of His emotion does not have a reverse option!

If we could only let just a little bit of that truth sink in, it would change our lives completely -

    * We wouldn't worry about "being good enough"
    * We wouldn't care as much about what people think
    * We wouldn't stress out about whether anyone likes us
    * We would always know that Someone cares

And so on and so on. This week, try focusing on this truth, and see if it doesn't help you have a "lovely" day!

[Soldier4Christ]

The Inheritance



    Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you. (I Peter 1:3-4)

After he died, his family asked me to meet with them at his house so we could go and get his will and read it. A farmer by trade, the deceased had an average size farm but his equipment and tools were very old. His pickup truck was new but lacked all of the typical "gadgets" one normally sees such as a radio, air conditioning and electric windows.

As we entered his house it was if we had taken a ride back into time. He had no modern appliances. His refrigerator was one I had seen from the 1950's. Its handle to open it had broken so he welded a large piece of scrap metal on it. He had 9 black and white televisions-he owned no color televisions-yet none of them worked. All of his furniture was old and worn out.

When I looked in his cupboards it reminded me of "Mother Hubbard's" kitchen because they were bare. When asked how their brother had died, his family said he basically died of mal-nutrition.... he just didn't eat.

When we reached the bank, we got the deceased's will from his safety deposit box. The will was in his own handwriting. I was asked to read the will and to tell each family member what he or she was going to inherit. Considering what I had already seen and the fact that the poor man had died of mal-nutrition, I was not expecting him to have many earthly possessions.

As I started reading the will, I quickly realized that this individual owned over a million dollars in cash! I was further shocked, as I continued to read the will, to learn that the deceased had not given any of this money to his own family. Not one person from his very own family was named a beneficiary-they had not inherited anything. Instead, he had given all of his money to someone else.

The Bible talks a lot about inheritances. In the Old Testament God promised the nation of Israel is own homeland as its inheritance if Israel kept His "decrees and laws". Leviticus 20:24 God told the people of Israel that "I will give it you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey". In the New Testament Jesus told us that "the meek will inherit the earth". Matthew 5:5

Several centuries ago a very bright and rich man was also interested in obtaining a valuable inheritance. In Mark 10:17, this young man he asked Jesus Christ "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" This young man knew what was valuable and what would last.

To often money and property is inherited only to be either lost or squandered within a very short period of time. Soon the inheritance is not worth much or soon has lost its value.

For those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, you are a child of God-which makes you one of his beneficiaries. Your inheritance is eternal life in heaven with Jesus Christ where "the city was pure gold" Revelation 21:18.

[Soldier4Christ]

Where are you God?

A speeding motorist was caught by radar from a police helicopter in the sky. An officer pulled him over and began to issue a traffic ticket.

    "How did you know I was speeding?" the frustrated driver asked.

    The police officer pointed somberly toward the sky.

    "You mean," asked the motorist, "that even He is against me?"

I'm sure at one time or another we have all felt like this. Change, disappointment, heartache, and betrayals can make us feel like God is out to get us. Add to that unanswered prayer, boring church experiences, and little to no interest in spiritual things- and presto! You have all the ingredients for an anti-God recipe.

And that's just where Satan would love us to be.

Just like Bruce Almighty, we blame God for the negative things in our lives- and even think sometimes that we could handle things better. It is at those moments that we are faced with some very critical choices. We can choose to bitterly throw up our hands and decide that Jesus has forgotten about us, or we can choose to desperately drop to our knees and decide to trust His word over our feelings.

Why do I say that?

The idea or notion that "He" is against you is nothing short of a lie from the enemy designed to turn you away from Christ. The very moment you start believing that you have fallen out of favor with the Father, you play straight into the strategies of Satan. It is at those times that you stop praying, stop believing, and stop trusting all the promises of Scripture. Can there be any more depressing place in the entire universe?

Perhaps that's why God has gone out of His way to assure and reassure believers again and again that there really is no such place as God's doghouse.

Am I saying that you're a bad person because you have questions and doubts?

Absolutely not! Some of the closest people to God in the universe had questions and doubts as well...only they didn't get bitter, they got better. They refused to believe that their Creator would turn His back on His own child. So despite all outward appearances, they clung tightly to their faith and navigated through the rough waters of life.

So lately life has been pulling you over and writing you tickets? My advice would be to slow down, look at the signs, and meditate on the unbelievable words of the Daddy who never leaves:

For God has said,

    "I will never fail you. I will never forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

    If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else? (Romans 8:32)

    O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.

    You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.
    You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know!

    I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence!
    If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there.
    If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night--but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.

    To you the night shines as bright as day.
    Darkness and light are both alike to you.

    You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

    How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me! (Psalm 139:1-18)

    And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

[Soldier4Christ]

Happiness Is...



    One is happy as a result of one's own efforts, once one knows the necessary ingredients of happiness - simple tastes, a certain degree of courage, self-denial to a point, love of work, and above all, a clear conscience. Happiness is no vague dream, of that I now feel certain. - George Sand (1804 - 1876)

Are you happy? Are you sure? I'm pretty sure that most people want happiness, yet I'm also convinced that they are trying to gain it through all the wrong ways. It's almost as if their lives are like a long drive trying to get to a certain destination, but they keep taking mistaken turns and eventually are lost in a myriad of dead end streets.

Do you think that God wants you to be happy? I've heard sermons from both sides- and I find it fascinating that those who think God is against happiness are generally pretty sour faced themselves. Conversely those who preach a gospel of giddy glee are usually livin' la vida loca!

For me, I'd say yes and no. Yes God wants you to be happy, but not at the expense of being holy. Jesus actually gave us step by step instructions for inner joy- and the reason He took time to do that was because He really does care about the state of your personal being. He also delineates on delighting in life because He definitely wants you to watch out for the Devil's guidebook to happiness.

So let's take a look at the blueprint of Jesus (Matthew 5:3-11) and the bull of the Devil (stuff I made up):

    Jesus: "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule."

    Satan: "You're happy when you get your own way. With more of you there is less of that ridiculous God stuff."

    Jesus: "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you."

    Satan: "You're happy when you feel like you got everything you've ever wanted. Then you won't have to be embraced by anyone."

    Jesus: "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."

    Satan: "You'll never be happy unless you are just like the beautiful people on magazines and in movies. That's the moment you'll find that everyone is jealous of you."

    Jesus: "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat."

    Satan: "You're happy when you get away from the silly Sunday School talk. God is smoke and mirrors and His way is the worst way to live life."

    Jesus: "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being "careful,' you find yourselves cared for."

    Satan: "You're happy when you only care about yourself. Those people out there don't deserve your concern."

    Jesus: "You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world."

    Satan: "You're happy when you only concern is your outer world- looks, clothes, and toys."

    Jesus: "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family."

    Satan: "You're happy when you get on the side of the powerful people in the world. That's when you make friends whom you can use later on."

    Jesus: "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. "Not only that--count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable."

    Satan: "You're happy when your beliefs don't offend anyone. Who are you to push your morality on anyone else? Stay happy by keeping everyone else happy."

I think you see the difference...happiness is all in the eye of the beholder. Just keep in mind the Eye that beholds you is the only One who can see you through to true contentment.

[Soldier4Christ]

Put on Your Nikes!

    I am writing to you who are young because you have won your battle with Satan. (I John 2:13)

I recently attended a D.C Talk concert where Kevin Mac and his band did a cover of a song that is from way back in the day. It's called "We are the Champions", and it was released in 1977 by a band called Queen. Over the years, it's become a favorite tune for people to sing when their particular team wins and they want to celebrate. Everybody in the entire audience knew the words to that song, even though it came out before most of them were born.

Why after all these years is that composition still so the rage? People love to win, and when they win they love to celebrate it.

Guess what? If you are a Christian, you are the champion. God says so in I John 2:13. Not only that, but you are a victor over the single most evil being in the universe: Satan himself. Notice he didn't say you will win the battle with Satan, or you might win the battle with the devil, but you are already triumphant.

You won. It's over. No investigation into the judging. No rematch, replay or recount. In fact, the Greek word that John uses for "won" is the same word that we get "Nike" from. So in other words: put on your Nikes!

This doesn't mean that you won't struggle, sin, fail, and flounder in your walk with Christ in the years to come- but it does mean that you should celebrate the overwhelming triumph you were granted when you trusted Christ. The minute you take of your Nikes, the devil will start stepping on your feet.

So to help you remember your championship status, here is a list of Nike slogans (from the Bible) that apply to you:

    But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:57)

    I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

    But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. (II Corinthians 2:14)

    In this way, God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross of Christ. (Colossians 2:15)

    So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death. (Romans 8:1-2)

    You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (I John 4:4)

    No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (I Corinthians 10:13)

[Soldier4Christ]

Feeling Discouraged?

Too often in our lives we experience the hurt of discouragement and rejection.So often we feel as though nothing else could possibly go wrong, and then it does... You fight with a friend, you fail a test, you get fired from a job, you get cut from the sports team, you loose an important relationship, and your dreams and plans fall apart before your eyes.

It is so common to encounter painful times in our lives where God feels distant.It feels as though we walk the hard road alone, and no one understands the struggles we are going through.When disappointment comes, it floods our lives all at once, and defeat slowly creeps in until we feel like giving up.

Personally, I have struggled with discouragement in my life a lot lately.Every time I turn the corner I face more rejection, or someone telling me I'm not quite good enough.At least so it seems.I know people don't intend to make me feel that way, but the reality of it is, I just can't help feeling discarded and worthless.I catch myself buying into the lies that Satan desperately wants me to believe.He wants me to give up and throw in the towel. He wants me to think there is no hope for my life.Yet God's word tells me otherwise.He desires to build character within my life, and mature me, so I can be more available to do His work.

    Romans 5:3-5 says,"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (esv.)

Even during the hardest and most disappointing times in our lives, God is creating Christ-like character within us.Suffering is a part of God's plan to make us more compassionate and loving.However, He does not make us go through the struggles alone, but walks with us every step of the way, and gives us strength to keep moving forward despite opposition. In fact, in Deuteronomy 31:8, we learn, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

God also tells us not to give up because His plan is far beyond our comprehension; If something doesn't work out the way we expect it to, we must recognize God's sovereignty, knowing He never shuts one door without opening another, which is far better according to His plan for each of us!

    2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."(esv.)

Be encouraged, brothers and sisters.You are not alone in your trials.In fact, Jesus himself knows rejection greater than anyone else.He wants to mend your heart and restore you, so He can use you for something incredible!! Even if you don't understand why at the time, just wait, because He knows what is best for you!

[Soldier4Christ]

Forget Feeling Forsaken

Today I want you to know that if you are one of those folks who is being pummeled by the prince of darkness these days, you are definitely not alone. Satan would love to suck the breath of hope out of your spiritual lungs by creating an illusion of isolation, but (as always) he is the 'father of lies' (John 8:44).

How do I know? The Bible tells me so!

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. Now all of you together are Christ's body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it. (I Corinthians 12:12-13, 25-27)

The first reason we are not alone is because of what I call the 'Christian Connection'. When you trusted Christ, you were instantly adopted into the family and made a part of the body. Your finger may feel like it's not a part of you, but that doesn't make it fall off and run away! In the same way, your feelings don't cancel your membership in the fellowship of believers...in fact, nothing can! Think about the other Christians you know for a minute. It is no accident that God put you into a relationship with them, so if you are struggling alone- don't blame anyone but you! Since we belong to each other, we are commanded to "confess our sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results." (James 5:16)

The second reason we are not alone is because of what I call the '6th Sense Saints'. Check this out:

    "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1)

It's not that we see dead people, it's that they see us! The saints of the past have a satellite hook-up to our everyday world, cheering us on to victory in the life of faith..talk about reality T.V!

So next time you feel discouraged, listen to the crowds - they are chanting your name...

The third reason we are not alone is because of what I call the 'Permanent Paraclete'. What in the world (or other world) am I talking about?

    "If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you." (John 14:15-18)

The word 'paraclete' is Greek for comforter or helper. Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit, and how He lives inside each and every believer, bringing help and hope to even the worst of circumstances. The greatest thing is that He will never leave us, no matter what we are struggling with!

[Soldier4Christ]

The Truth Behind Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd;
Lonely? Feeling abandoned? You have a personal permanent relationship with the God of the universe!

I have everything I need.
Poor? Feeling empty? You have the riches of heaven at your disposal!

He lets me rest in green meadows;
Tired? Feeling weary? You have been granted rest in Christ Jesus!

He leads me beside peaceful streams.
Parched? Feeling spiritually dry? You have the Living Water at your fingertips!

He renews my strength.
Weak? Feeling spiritually scrawny? You have the muscle of the Messiah available!

He guides me along right paths,
Lost? Feeling like you have nowhere to turn? You have the Light of the world to guide you!

Bringing honor to his name.
Discouraged? Feeling like you have no purpose? You are on an eternal mission for the King of Kings!

Even when I walk through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Scared? Feeling that life has the better of you? You have the Captain of your salvation protecting you, and He brings you back when you go astray!

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
Betrayed? Feeling deceived by your enemies? You have the Avenger who brings hope in a hopeless situation!

You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,
Depressed? Feeling let down? You have the Holy Spirit who lives inside you bringing you blessings every day!

And I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
Insecure? Feeling destitute? You have the smile of Jesus and a home in heaven evermore!

[Soldier4Christ]

You Made It



    If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

That nagging feeling has been inside of each one of us. It cripples our confidence and slams our security. It keeps us from truly fulfilling God's dreams and the delightful destiny He has in store.

What is it?

Rejection. When people are petty and small and we don't measure up to the world's mirror, it gets pretty easy to give in to the feeling that nobody understands or loves us.

It doesn't have to be that way...here are a few thoughts from Neil Andersen which may be just the message you needed today.

Fellowship with God is not an abstract theological concept, but a living relationship. Living in continuous agreement with God is to walk in the light. Satan can't accuse me if I live in the light, but walking in the light is not moral perfection (1 John 1:. We are not sinless, but the confession mentioned in 1 John 1:9 brings us into agreement with God about our present moral condition before Him.

What makes it possible to be this open with God about our condition is the fact that we are already His children. Our eternal state is not at stake, only our daily victory. We don't have to pretend with God in the hope that He will accept us. As His children we're already accepted, so we are free to be honest with Him. We have no relationship to lose, only fellowship to gain. Knowing that we're secure in Christ, we can express ourselves honestly to Him. He already knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12).

Knowing that we are forgiven, let's come before His presence with thanksgiving. God is our Father, and like any parent He doesn't appreciate grumbling, complaining children, especially since this Father sacrificed His only begotten Son for us. He will not be very interested in our list of demands if we haven't been obedient to Him. I also don't think He is going to be very interested in helping us develop our own kingdoms when we are to work at establishing the only one that will last--His!

To sit in the presence of my Father who loves me, who has made an incredible sacrifice so I can be there, doesn't have to be a dismal, failing experience. He invites us into His presence just as we are, because in Christ our weakness and sin have been covered:

    "Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience." Hebrews 10:22

[Soldier4Christ]

Tonic for Trials



    "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." (Matthew 14:27)

When we live in such a great place like America, we sometimes expect life to pretty much never throw us a curve ball.

But sometimes it does...

It can be the break-up of a relationship, a financial failure, a failed class or a hundred other things that were never a part of our "Masterplan For Life".

Guess what? Jesus sees it coming every time! He's not the One throwing the pitches, (life is doing that) but He does step up to the plate for us and knock our trials out of the park.

How?

Check out this excellent article:

By the time Jesus came to the disciples in their trial, it was late -- and dark. But He came right on time with the word they needed. That's what He wants to do for you, too. Let me show you three ways Christ can encourage you in your trials.

First, because Jesus is God, He knows exactly where you are, and He can find you even in the dark. By now the disciples had been out in the boat about twelve hours without Jesus. So it wasn't when the storm hit that Jesus showed up, but He did show up. He may not have come when they wished He would, but He came on time.

Have you ever been in the middle of a trial and wondered where Jesus was? You've been out there on the stormy sea fighting for your life, and no Jesus. No problem -- at least not for Him. He'll arrive on time.

Second, remember that what you see is not necessarily all there is. What the disciples thought was a "sho-nuff" serious problem, a ghost coming out to scare them, turned out to be their salvation in the Person of Jesus.

The very thing that could be looking like the worst possible problem for you may be the thing the Savior uses to deliver you. What you may see as a source of great fear may be God's way of saying, "Take courage." Trials have a way of clouding your vision so that you may not really be seeing what you think you're seeing. That's why you must always look for Christ.

A third source of encouragement in trials is Jesus' authoritative word, "Do not be afraid." See, He did not change the disciples' circumstance. He changed them. He did not deal with what they were facing on the outside. He first calmed them down on the inside.

Jesus will do the same for you in your trials. Your circumstances are no sweat for Him. He can walk right over the top of your storm, because He's bigger than your problem. He wants you to learn that you can face the enemy on the outside because Jesus is with you on the inside.

Think About It

Jesus has you on His radar screen, and He will come just when you need Him. And He has no problem getting to you.