Devotions for Teens

[Soldier4Christ]

Feeling Sheepish?



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

If the Christian life is anything, it is a series of ups and downs.

Doesn't it seem like the downs oftentimes outnumber the ups? If you study Scripture carefully, you will discover that those who sought to serve God consistently suffered from depression repeatedly. What's a blue believer to do?

I recently came across an exchange between that might be of help to you today.

    Dear God,

    Where are You? How can You watch and not help me? I hurt so bad, and You don't even care. If You cared You'd make it stop or let me die. I love You, but You seem so far away. I can't hear You or feel You or see You, but I'm supposed to believe You're here. Lord, I feel them and hear them. They are here. I know You're real, God, but they are more real to me right now. Please make someone believe me, Lord. Why won't You make it stop? Please, Lord, please! If You love me You'll let me die.

    A Lost Sheep

If we really knew how many believers this describes, it would be scary. Life's pressures, poor health, broken relationships, and just plain 'life' pulls countless numbers of servants off the playing field.

So how do you think Jesus would respond to this letter?

    My Dear Lost Sheep,

    You ask Me where I am. My child, I am with you and I always will be. You are weak, but in Me you are strong. I am so close that I feel everything you feel. Be crucified with Me and I will live in you, and you shall live with Me. I will direct you in paths of righteousness. My child, I love you and I will never forsake you, for you are truly Mine.

    Love, God

Remember that no one who has ever lived, is living, or ever will live had a life as difficult as Jesus Christ. So when you pour out your heart to Him, He does more than listen to you...He lives it with you.

[Soldier4Christ]

All in the Family



    And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have been made like him. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians -- you are one in Christ Jesus. And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and now all the promises God gave to him belong to you. (Galatians 3:27-29)

A politician once made a very interesting remark in a campaign speech. I quote: "Wherever I have gone in this country, I have found Americans."

Well, this would have been an astute observation if he had been in another nation, but he was referring to America! One of those things that makes you go hmmm...

When I read that, it reminded me of an amazing aspect of the Christian life. Did you know that the minute you became a believer, you joined a worldwide family? It's true- you have spiritual brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers all around the globe. Here's what God has to say about it:

    For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. (Ephesians 3:14-15)

When we trusted Christ, we were immediately adopted into God's family, giving us royal status and millions of new relatives. You can truly say: "Wherever I have gone in this world, I have found Christians..."

This truth was very apparent to me recently as I spent a week with 200+ believers from over 20 states. I had never met the majority of them personally, yet by the end of the week I felt like I was leaving my own family.

Why was that? Because we share something that is thicker than blood and deeper than names: the Holy Spirit. The very presence of the living God indwells every Christian, and when we meet up with other believers, there is instant friendship (or should be). There are no racial, social, emotional, financial, or national differences between brothers and sisters in Christ.

What does this mean? Well, lots of things- but let me mention just a few:

   1. We must be at peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ. If you are withholding forgiveness from your Father's children, then you can be sure that Daddy isn't listening to your prayers- just check out Matthew 5!
         1. As well, if you are unforgiving, He doesn't want you at His table either (I Corinthians 11)
   2. We must remember that we are never alone. If you are feeling isolated and abandoned lately, keep in mind that you have family all around you. The issue is: have you taken the time and effort to get to know other believers? Remember, you will be spending the rest of eternity with these people, so it would probably be a good idea to get a head start while here on earth.

Perhaps you could make it your goal this summer to get to know 3-5 new Christians in your church and/or youth group. Remember as well that no believer has the excuse that he/she has no one to turn to, because the problem with us is not a lack of relational relatives, but an abundance of silent saints- perhaps that's why we are commanded to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed" (James 5:16).

[Soldier4Christ]

I'm a Loser Baby


In his book, In the Grip of Grace, Max Lucado tells of his boyhood days when he and his friends would gather on the street each afternoon to play football. One dad in the neighborhood, a die-hard football buff, would sometimes join them. This dad always played for whichever team was losing that day. Max Lucado writes, "His appearance in the huddle changed the whole ball game. He was confident, strong, and most of all, he had a plan." The kids, pumped up by his leadership and emboldened by his plan, played with new determination.

Lucado makes the point that Jesus did the same thing for us. He came to join the losing team, and His appearance in the game changed everything. He was a leader who inspired hope, confidence, courage, and love in his disciples. And He had a plan, a plan so outrageous and amazing that no one, not even his disciples, truly understood it at first. But they trusted Him as their leader, and then followed.

By the world's standards, Jesus completely and miserably failed as a "winner" in life. Yet read the following piece and decide for yourself:

    One Solitary Life

    Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher.

    He never owned a home. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself...

    While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves. While He was dying His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth – His coat. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

    Nineteen long centuries have come and gone, and today He is a centerpiece of the human race and leader of the column of progress.

    I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built; all the parliaments that ever sat and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that one solitary life.

Perhaps today you are feeling like a loser. Broken relationships, shattered dreams, messed up jobs, and physical problems can lead you to believe that you are the sorriest schlimazel ever spawned. Believe me, my friend, Jesus knows exactly where you're at. Talk about someone who has 'been there', it's the King of the universe. Bring your pain to the Prince of Peace, and remember that just when you think that life is creaming you, Jesus hops in your huddle and obliterates the opposition.

[Soldier4Christ]

Rats!



    Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. (Matthew 6:32-33)

There once was a pilot who, while flying his single engine plane peacefully over the heartland of America, heard a strange sound which he had never heard before. Now if this happens while you're driving a car, it's no big deal- just whip in to the nearest mechanic and get it checked out. But when you are flying an aircraft thousands of feet above the ground at several hundred miles an hour, it's a little bit scarier.

It gets even more frightening when you realize that the sound is probably a rat gnawing through the fuselage, and you are still two hours away from the airport.

Most people in this situation might have panicked and attempted an emergency landing in the middle of nowhere, but this particular pilot used his wits instead of bowing to worry. He remembered that rats were born to live on the ground, or under the earth- but definitely not up in the sky. So he began climbing, and continued his ascent until the nibbling noise stopped.

When he returned back to the hanger, he checked in the area where he heard the noise. Sure enough, there was a fully asphyxiated rodent with a piece of fuselage still stuck between his wicked little teeth.

What's my point? Stop worrying about everything- that's what. Remember what Jesus said?

    "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not!" (Matthew 6:26).

The way I see it, our lives are a lot like a plane flying through the air, and we are the pilots. Worry is the furry little terror trying to crash our world tour. You basically have two choices: you can panic and emergency land this wonderful experience called life in the barren fields of discouragement, or you can climb upward towards heaven through prayer. Just like the rat couldn't take the high altitude, worry can't take the elevated surroundings of communing with our heavenly Father.

What kinds of rodents are chewing up your sense of peace? Remember, just because you *can* worry about something doesn't mean that you should, because everyone has something to stew about:

    * The young fret about the future
    * The old are peeved about the past
    * The sick sweat over getting well
    * The healthy get the heebie-jeebies concerning sickness

And on and on...

Here's a newsflash: no one lives in an ideal situation, and if there even was an ideal situation- what are the odds that we would be in it? And even if we did, how long would it take for us to mess it up?

Jesus has a better plan. He asks us to take life one day at a time, and if the strange sound of apprehension starts chewing away at our trust in Him, start climbing!

[Soldier4Christ]

Train Your Brain



    If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. (Romans 8:6)

You might not think so with some people, but every minute of every day our brains are up and running. Besides just keeping our heart beating, lungs breathing, and assorted other important functions, it also is a little voice that heavily influences our attitudes and actions. The messages that we get from our mind are influenced by what we hear, what we see, and what we remember. The tricky part is that oftentimes our brains receive broadcasts from Satanic central; that is to say that he is giving us really bad input. So how do we get to the point where the Holy Spirit controls our minds? Simple: memorize and dwell on Scripture, and you'll be able to weed out the devilish dictates in a jiffy.

Below is an example of what I'm suggesting- give it a try this weekend and see if it changes how you feel and act.

"It's impossible"
All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

"I'm too tired"
I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

"Nobody really loves me"
I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

"I can't go on"
My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

"I can't figure things out"
I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"I can't do it"
You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

"I'm not able"
I am able (II Corinthians 9:

"It's not worth it"
It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)

"I can't forgive myself"
I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

"I can't manage"
I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

"I'm afraid"
I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

"I'm always worried and frustrated"
Cast all your cares on Me (I Peter 5:7)

"I don't have enough faith"
I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

"I'm not smart enough"
I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

"I feel all alone"
I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

[Soldier4Christ]

Peace on Earth?



    And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Luke 2:13-14)

The painful memories of 9-11 still linger in the souls of our very being. The images and heartbreaking recollections of that day are perhaps even magnified as we enter into this holiday season. As we look around at the world today and see all the violence and hatred, it seems as though the message of the angels two thousand years ago was only a nice Christmas thought, and not a promise of a different world. After all, have we ever seen peace on earth since the birth of Christ? Hardly. There have been wars, injustice, prejudice, and a steady increase of violence that mocks the triumphant proclamation of the angelic host on that first Christmas night.

So how do resolve this dilemma? Either the angels were mistaken, or we are mistaken in how we have perceived what the angels were saying. Well, I'm certain that the messengers of God are not in the habit of announcing falsities, so I'm going to go with the idea that perhaps many have misunderstood what they meant. Here's why:

When the heavenly host proclaimed peace on earth, they were announcing the end of hostilities between the Creator of the universe and His creation. In other words, when Christ came to earth, lived a perfect life, was crucified for the sins of the world, then rose from the dead; a "peace treaty" of sorts was drawn up in heaven. The 'peace' they speak of is relational peace, not political. Thus there will always be "wars and rumors of wars" (Mt 24), but the hostilities between God and people could now come to an end.

Another translation of the angels announcement reads like this:

    "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'' (Luke 2:13-14 NASB)

Did you catch that last part? "Peace among men with whom He is pleased". Not peace among everyone, but only amid those with whom He is satisfied. Bottom line is that He is only pleased with those who are trusting in Christ as their only hope of salvation.

This Christmas, meditate on the glorious fact that you have peace with the God of the universe through Jesus Christ. Can you even believe that the Almighty King of Kings has stooped down to our level and said: "I love you"? Can you fathom the idea that He who knows the stars by name also knows your name? Life only makes sense when you anchor your soul on that fact. There will always be tragedies and disappointments, but in the midst of this dark world the candle of peace offers eternal hope to those who know Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

Having a Bad Day?



    The Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper. (Genesis 39:23)

Sometimes I think I have the perfect plan for my day. In my mind's eye I see everything coming together and working out in a precise and complete way.

Of course, those are usually the days that turn out the worst. Seems like oftentimes I try to do everything right, only to see it turn out all wrong. At those times there's a little nagging voice in my head that brings up questions like -

    * "Am I out of God's will?"
    * "Am I a bad person?"
    * "Doesn't God care about my circumstances?"

Joseph must have had similar questions as he lived through the events recorded in Genesis 39. At one point, life was going extremely well for him. Yet in the matter of a few days, his world caved in. He woke up one day with a perfect plan, only to be kidnapped began and sold into slavery by his own brothers because of their jealousy. Talk about sibling rivalry taken to the extreme! Then for years to follow his life was one dreadful event after another. No matter what right move he made, trouble kept stalking him. For instance, despite his deep walk with God, commitment to obedience and ability to resist temptation, Joseph was falsely accused of committing a serious crime against the wife of Potiphar, his master. Surely Potiphar would recognize who was telling the truth, right? Or at least God would make it clear to him since Joseph had such a great relationship with Him.

Nope.

Potiphar responded by throwing Joseph into prison. There he was--a good, gallant, God-trusting man decaying in a dark, dank, dingy Egyptian dungeon.

Was he out of God's will? No. Was he out of God's favor? Don't think so. Did he not have enough faith? Hardly.

In fact, here's the really interesting part: smack dab in the middle of Joseph's terrible circumstances, the Bible says that "The Lord was with Joseph" (39:21). God had been and was still working out His plan, and for a while it called for Joseph to be in an Egyptian prison. What seemed to be bad was actually good, because it was part of God's perfect plan. After all those difficult years, Joseph easily could have turned bitter. Yet instead he had the "big picture" perspective. Here's what he told his brothers: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20)

God used every detail of Joseph's circumstances to save an entire civilization.

Perhaps things don't seem to be going your way, even though you're doing your best to follow Christ. Don't throw a pity party for yourself, join the Joseph club and have full assurance that God will work things out!

[Soldier4Christ]

Handling Holiday Unhappiness



    Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

Sometimes I think that all December calendars should come with a label that reads:

Caution! The Holidays May Be Hazardous To Your Mental Health

Wait though - this is the most wonderful time of the holly jolly happy time of year, right? If so, then why is it that so many people fight depression during this season?

Lots of theories have been put forth- let me just list a few:

    * Less sunlight and cold weather tend to bum people out
    * Excessive sugar and/or alcohol intake blows our emotional circuits
    * Family/schedule/gift buying pressure wreak havoc on one's sense of well being

And the theories go on and on. If you are one of those Bah Humbug folks that gets a dose of the December doldrums- perhaps this story will help.

In the Old Testament, there was a great prophet named Elijah who performed incredible miracles through God's power. One day, after a particularly amazing victory over some very evil people, Elijah fell into a very depressed state. He was so disheartened that he asked God to take his life. Yet instead, God sent an angel to minister to him. The interesting thing is that angel did not give Elijah a miraculous vision, explain the Scriptures to him, or do anything extraordinary. In fact, he simply told Elijah to do a very ordinary thing: get up and eat. God knew that Elijah didn't need some astonishing revelation and sign- he just needed a Big Mac with some fries. By doing that, the angel helped him get his focus off himself and back on doing the everyday, ordinary things that we are called to do.

Could it be that the holidays completely take our focus off of the everyday, commonplace things that are crucial in maintaining a state of contentment? Absolutely.

I once heard an analogy of happiness being like the tail of a cat. As long as the cat is focused on pursuing and catching his tail, he will never achieve what he seeks. Yet if the cat simply goes about his business, the tail will naturally follow. At Christmas, we are so focused on wanting to experience that 'holiday cheer' that we all start chasing our tails around.

Here are a few suggestions if you are singing the holiday blues:

    * Stop focusing on the depression and ask God for opportunities to serve others
    * Take a look at your schedule and try to say 'no' to as much busyness as possible
    * Pull out your thankfulness list from turkey day, and remind yourself of your blessings
    * Read through one of the gospels during the month of December
    * Finally, don't expect to feel happy, grateful and joyful throughout the holidays. That's not natural.

Oh yeah, and it never hurts to stay away from the bonbons and booze!

[Soldier4Christ]

Please, No More Changes!



    "I am the Lord, I change not." (Malachi 3:6)

There is a word in the English language that oftentimes causes people to worry. It is a word that characterizes our state of affairs these past few months. The word is change. Few folks enjoy it, because we prefer our life circumstances to be predictable, knowable, and foreseeable. We strongly desire our state of affairs to be constant, which has definitely not been the case lately. It seems as though every time we turn on the radio or the television, some dire information will come our way and make us feel like there is little left in which to anchor our lives.

Why is change such an issue for us? Simple: for years we have enjoyed peace and prosperity. It seems like the biggest alterations in our lives have revolved around a normal course of events. We move, we lose loved ones, we get ill, etc. Yet now we are a nation who is grieving an inconceivable tragedy, fighting a war, and facing imminent threats from an unknown enemy.

Did you know that the majority of Christians who have lived before us were forced to cope with these same circumstances? Suddenly, we have a taste of what it would have been like to be a believer from time past, and it is disconcerting to say the least. How should we deal with constant and threatening variations of life? The same way that God's people have for thousands of years: by placing supreme confidence in The Lord "who changes not".

When you think about it, the very nature of life is subject to the law of change. The sun will eventually grow old and grow dark, and the fabric of the universe is wearing thin like a garment that has been worn too many times. Yet we serve a God who is "the same yesterday, today, and forever". (Hebrews 13:

He loves us with an "everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3), and the fact of the matter is that we have no hope in this life outside of a hope that is anchored in a relationship with the God in whose nature "is no variableness, neither shadow of turning". (James 1:17)

If today you are feeling an unspecified wave of anxiousness that threatens to push you to the brink of depression, worry and hopelessness- remember that the wheel of destiny revolves, but its axle is eternal love.

[Soldier4Christ]

Ready to Go?



    But now he (Jesus) has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:26-28)

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news, Sept. 11, 2001. Neither will I.

    I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say "Good-Bye." I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, "Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK...I am ready to go." I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

    I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to me for help. "I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!" I said. "Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now."

    I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

    I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there- comforting and assuring them that their Faith in Me has saved them.

    I was in Texas, Kansas, and London. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

    I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though they did NOT all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 100th floor. Some sought Me out in their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames, "Come to Me... this way...take My hand." Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

    I did not place you in the Tower that day - you may not know why, but I DO. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

    September 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are "ready to go." I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

    Love,
    Jesus

Ultimately, it isn't about renewed religion, passionate patriotism, or a sense of safety. It comes down to you, and it comes down to Him.

If the events of September 11 and the ensuing fearful news stories have caused you to self-reflect, then take a few moments and consider what kind of letter Jesus would write to you. From my perspective, there are two elements to being "ready to go" that are crucial. The first element is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you have placed your complete trust in Jesus Christ as Savior, then no matter what happens- you will spend an eternity in heaven. Yet consider the second part of being "ready to go": personal righteousness.

The Christians that died on September 11 will never have another chance to share their faith with the unsaved, give to the poor, or hundreds of other things that advance the Kingdom. When terror and tragedy strike so close home, it's easy to give in to worry. Don't! Instead, use every moment wisely and make every effort to be "ready to go" through deepening your walk with Christ and sharing it with others.

[Soldier4Christ]

What is peer-pressure and how do we over come it?

  Peer-pressure is pressures from friends, family and peers to conform to their way of living. Peer-pressure can be both positive and negative. First I want to talk about negative peer-pressure. This is pressure to do something you know is against God’s word and the way your parents raised you. Below are some negative peer-pressures that you might face on a daily basis.

1. Lying to your parents.
2. Using bad language.
3. Wearing revealing or worldly Clothes.
4. Cheating on a test.
5. Being mean to another young person or siblings.
6. Smoking cigarettes
7. Drinking alcohol
8. Taking drugs
9. Sex before marriage
10. Sneaking out


  Peer-pressure is not a new tool that Satan uses to get God’s children to do things they know is not right. It is a method that he has been using since the time of Adam and Eve.

Genesis 3:1-7,
“Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?2  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.4  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:5  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.7  And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.”

  Here we see Satan, in the form of a serpent, coming to Eve and pressuring her to disobey God.  He pressures her to eat of the tree in the middle of the garden, which God commanded them not to eat of. Eve gave into the peer-pressure from Satan and ate of the tree, and then she pressured her husband into disobeying God as well.

  A lot of times, like Satan, our peers will try to get us to doubt God’s word and what our parents say. They may say that God, or your parents, just do not want you to have fun or to enjoy your life. When they get you to see God and your parents as party poopers, then they get you to start looking at what they are pressuring you into and get you to desire to do it. This is what Satan did to Eve in Genesis 3. He said, “Ha, ha God just don’t want you to be like he is.” “Will you allow him to withhold this from you?” When Eve started seeing God as a party pooper, she looked at the fruit and desired it and she ate it.

  It was not directly Satan’s fault because; Eve made her own choice to give into peer-pressure and to disobey God and Adam made his own choice as well. We are all responsible for giving into peer-pressure and we cannot blame it on anyone else.

Let’s take a look at another Biblical instant of peer-pressure in the life of the first ruler of Israel, King Saul.

2 Samuel  13: 5-14,  "And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven6  When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits. 7  And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8 ¶  And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.  9  And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. 10  And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. 11  And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;12  Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. 13  And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.14  But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee."

  Saul was the King of Israel, which was a tremendous privilege to be the greatest man under God. However, we see this great man ruling God’s people, crumble under peer-pressure from his soldiers. The Philistine were great in number and were about to wage war on Saul and his men. The men saw the greatness of the Philistine army and many of them hid in caves, bushes, pits and mountains, while others continued to follow Saul. When Samuel did not show up to offer the sacrifice, Saul, feeling pressure from his men and the armies around him, made the sacrifices that he was not permitted to make. Because Saul gave into peer pressure he lost the right to be King and was later killed at war.

  We are putting a lot on the line, when we give into Peer-pressure. We lose our parent’s trust, a right relationship with God, our Christian witness, our reputation, and even our lives. A few years ago a teenager was out with his friends on his nineteenth birthday. They were out driving around the town, when his friends began to dare him to jump out of the moving vehicle. He gave into their dares and jumped out of the van, but when he jumped out he fell and hit his head on the curb. They rushed him to the hospital where he later died.

Now that we see the danger of peer pressure, let’s take a look at how to fight against it.

Purpose in your heart not to give into peer-pressure when it comes. Daniel 1:1-8
King Nebuchadnezzar fought against Jerusalem and took many of them captive into Babylon. Out of those he took into captivity, he chose certain of them to live and serve in the palace. They were going to feed them food and wine from the king’s table, so Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the food and drink. He made up his mind before hand that he was not going to give into the peer-pressure to eat what royalty would eat. In order to be able to fight off peer-pressure you need to make up you mind that you are not going to give in.

Stay away from those who pressure you when at all possible.  Proverbs 1:10-16
In this passage it gives an example of someone being pressured into killing someone and taking their money. And the writer is telling his readers not give into them when they pressure them, but to stay away from them. If someone pressures you to lie, to steal, smoke or do something against what your parents and what the word of God says on a regular basis, then you are to stay away from them.

Remember who you will hurt.  Genesis 39:5-12
Giving into peer-pressure always hurts someone: your parents, your Pastorm your Sunday school teacher and your God. Nobody wants to see their children, students or congregations give into peer-pressure and have to face the consequences their choices bring. In his passage Joseph is being pressured by his master’s wife to do something with her that is against his master’s rules and forbidden by God. He said he could not sin against his master or his God. He would not give into her pressures because he knew it would hurt the people he cared about must. So Joseph got away from her…

Peer-pressure is a very powerful force that affects everyone, however we can take the necessary steps to ensure our victory when we are faced with peer-pressure. Next time you are pressured, will you be ready?

[Soldier4Christ]

Check Your Watch



    When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: `Watch!' (Mark 13:7-8, 35-37)

It's not the first time that the United States has gone to war, and it's probably not going to be the last. It is also not the first time that Christians have wondered if this is a sign that the end of the world is coming soon. Most likely, people have been wondering about the "end times" for a long time.

Of course, there is nothing inherently wrong with being curious about global devastation, because that's kind of a big deal. In fact, the disciples themselves questioned Jesus about His return on more than one occasion. It seems as though anytime world conflicts arise and disaster occurs, people start thinking about apocalyptic (i.e. "end of days") subject matter more frequently, sometimes forgetting that there is a danger in focusing too much on potential future events.

In today's passage, Jesus is clearly telling us two things that are key in maintaining balance in our perspective of the forthcoming days.

First- be careful that you don't misinterpret world events as a sure indication that Christ is coming back soon. Jesus specifically tells us "when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains." His point is that wars, natural disasters, and famine are the very things that should NOT alarm us. For some reason, every time these things happen on a global scale, hundreds of preachers, teachers, and authors start pointing out signs and picking out dates. To be sure, these events are alarming as far as political and international ramifications- but they should not put us in a frantic, rapture-packing mode. If it takes a war and/or a disaster to get you concerned about Christ's return, then you've got your head in the wrong clouds. In the words of one preacher: "we should live as though Christ died on the cross yesterday, rose from the grave this morning, and is coming back tomorrow".

Second- be careful not to get too attached to this life. Remember that planet earth is not our home, we are 'strangers and aliens' in this world (I Peter 2:11). As such, we need to hold loosely to our possessions and dreams, and cling tightly to everything that helps prepare us for our journey back home. When we get overly attached to our temporary lives filled with temporary things, we tend to "fall asleep" spiritually, and that's a bad thing! Jesus commands us to attend to the fact that He could return at any moment, so we had better be awake and alert.

So what do all the recent events mean in regards to the end of the world? Nothing: Jesus' return will be determined by the predetermined will of the Father, and not by the premeditated acts of terrorists. Don't let media headlines and hourly reports distract you from God's word and hourly prayer.

Here's a suggestion- from this day forward, wear a watch. Every time you begin to get fearful of the future or attached to the present, check the time. When you see what time it is, let that remind you that all the future is in the Father's hands. He is too powerful to let anything out of His control, too wise to make a mistake, and too loving to let evil continue forever.

[Soldier4Christ]

We Are Not Alone




    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)

Oftentimes it seems as though the evil events of life come sneaking up and ambush us from behind. Just like a story I read recently where two gang members jumped and robbed a well-dressed man who appeared to be asleep in his seat. Just when they thought they had an easy victory and some extra cash, the whole car seemed to come alive! The "victim" turned out to be a decoy, and the passengers who jumped up from their seats were police officers. With lightning speed they captured the young thieves and made the arrest. To the bad guys, these officers were "unseen" at first, but that didn't stop them from providing ample security for riders on that subway car.

This reminded me of a story that takes place in 2 Kings 6. An enemy military force intent on capturing them surrounded God's prophet Elisha and his servant. The servant was as nervous as a turkey before Thanksgiving, but Elisha was as peaceful as a cat on a rocking chair. The servant couldn't understand why Elisha wasn't nervous; that is until Elisha prayed for his spiritual eyes to be opened. We read that when "the Lord opened the eyes of the young man," he saw an amazing sight (v.17). God had arrayed an invisible army "of horses and chariots of fire" all around Elisha, ready to protect the Israelites from the Syrian army.

As God's children, we can trust Him to defend us as we do His will. Even when the battle with life's circumstances seems too great and it appears that we are about to face defeat, we must still trust the Lord. We can be encouraged by remembering Elisha's message to his servant: "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (v.16).

Perhaps you still have a nagging feeling of uncertainty from the events of September 11. Maybe your family seems to be falling apart, or your friends are turning against you because you are making a stand for Jesus Christ in these evil days. Even though you are certain that you are surrounded, be even more certain that God and His invisible army surrounds you with a force more powerful than any army that Satan can array. Go through this time confident that God "works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) We may face situations beyond our capacity to overcome, but never beyond God's capability to overwhelm.

[Soldier4Christ]

Overcoming an Overwhelmed Heart



    "When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:2)

In light of recent events and the confusion of the past few days, most of us should now know what it is to be overwhelmed in heart. It is as though any bright side of life has been covered over in complete darkness. If feels like our lives were as a ship gliding effortlessly on the ocean, only to suddenly collide with unseen rocks below. Our emotions may be adrift and our minds tossed about with bewilderment, but those who have trusted Christ have a remedy.

Blessed be God, at such seasons we are not without an all-sufficient respite, Jesus Christ is the port for battered sails, the sickbay for cheerless pilgrims. We live in a low estate, which is why we need to look up to Him. He is higher than we are in every way. His comfort is higher than our confusion, His mercy is higher than our mistakes, and His love is higher than our hatred. It is pitiful to see people putting their trust in something lower than themselves; but our confidence is established upon an exceedingly high and glorious Rock.

What is it about our Rock that qualifies Him to be our security?

Our God is the same yesterday, today, forever. He never changes, He will always love us unconditionally, and He cannot do what is evil- God rocks!

Our God is all-powerful. The storms of life that overwhelm us are merely a small whisper at His feet; He is not disturbed by them, but rules them at His will- God Rocks!

Our God is all-knowing. He is more pained by the tragedies of life than we could ever imagine. His heart is broken, He can completely relate to what is happening in our lives- God rocks!

If you are trying to find comfort and consolation for your overwhelmed heart in anything else but God, you are on quicksand. Jump off and anchor yourself to the unchanging, all powerful, all knowing Ruler of the universe. You may feel like you are hanging by a thread, but if that thread is secured to the Rock, you have nothing to worry about!

[Soldier4Christ]

Sonshine



    "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen" (Luke 24:5-6)

All around this nation the signs of life are returning to lifeless surroundings. Winter brought cold, death, and darkness; now spring returns to bring warmth, life, and light.

Ever feel like there are seasons that go on inside your spirit? The 'wintertime' of disappointments, broken dreams, and failures can kill your emotions and freeze your soul. The "Jack Frost" of our spiritual life is Satan, and he wants us to believe that the iciness of your inner-self will never thaw.

Perhaps that is how the disciples felt just before the dawn of the first Easter morning. They had spent three years with the Light of the World, yet in one day that light was snuffed out and stuffed in a tomb. Can you imagine the confusion, anguish, and darkness that they must have felt? Can you picture the evil celebration that occurred among the prince of darkness and his minions?

It must have seemed like the dark night of the world's soul would last forever, yet on that Sunday morning a heavenly alarm sounded so deafening that it shattered the frozen fortress of despair forever. "He is not here, he is risen!"

Have you heard the forecast? The winter storm watch is over- the season of the Savior is here! The darkness of your existence has been abolished, and you are invited to walk in the light. Easter Sunday should call into mind the question asked by the Apostle Paul:

    What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is the one who will condemn? Christ is the one who died (and more than that, he was raised), who is at the right hand of God, and who also is interceding for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
    (Romans 8:31-39)

This Easter season, let us not "seek the living among the dead". Let your friends know about the good news of Jesus Christ. Celebrate the resurrection of the Savior from the depths of your soul. The enemy may send threatening storms of shadow and gloom, but keep in mind that Christ is always behind the clouds. Sunday is a clear reminder that though life is difficult, death is defeated.