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 Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 4:31 pm
Nehemiah's Construction Company
You probably remember where you were, what you were doing, and maybe even what you were wearing when you heard the devastating news on September 11 that two planes had crashed into the World Trade Towers in New York City.
I remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news that the Alfred E. Murrow building in Oklahoma City had been bombed. Though I was living in Colorado Springs, Colo., my family was in Oklahoma City, and I immediately wanted to find out if they were OK.
Nehemiah was in a similar situation. He was away from his hometown of Jerusalem when he received the news that the wall surrounding the city had been torn down. If he were alive today, he could probably tell us exactly what he was doing when we got the news. Tragic events tend to freeze details in our minds - even the seemingly unimportant details - such as where we were, what we were doing, what we were wearing, who we were with when we received the news.
Nehemiah immediately thought of his family and friends still back in Jerusalem. He yearned to help, so he asked his boss (the king) if he could have some time off to go home.
Nehemiah was a young man of integrity and a hard worker. He kept his word. If he said he'd be on time, he was. When he worked at the palace, he gave 100 percent. He was dependable. The king trusted Nehemiah and granted his request to return home.
It may not sound as though a wall is really that important. After all, a wall is just a pile of bricks and stones, right? Well, yes and no. This was a physical wall of protection that surrounded the city of Jerusalem, but it was also a spiritual wall of morality that encompassed the city.
A physical wall protected the citizens from neighboring enemies, war and terror. When the physical wall was torn down, the spiritual atmosphere was also damaged. It gave immoral people from other cities, a chance to invade Jerusalem with their evil ways. Nehemiah cared about his people too much to let neighboring influences flaunt sin and wickedness inside Jerusalem's city limits.
So he headed home to begin reconstruction on the city wall. A big task? Yes. A bigger God? Definitely.
Know It!
God will sometimes ask you to step out in faith and complete a big task. Know this: He will never ask you to do something without equipping you with everything you need! Think about your own life right now. Do you have a spiritual wall of protection around yourself? Have you established accountability with other Christians? Or are you leaving yourself wide open to the attacks from Satan your enemy?
Read It!
Nehemiah 1-3; 1 Peter 5:8-9.
Pray It!
Jesus, I confess I often leave my spiritual wall in shambles. Help me make time to build a strong spiritual wall around my life by reading the Bible daily and developing an intimate prayer life with You.
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Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 2:28 pm
Nehemiah's Building Crew
Nehemiah arrived home and immediately began recruiting a construction crew. Imagine the excitement of the Jerusalem citizens when they saw Acme Brick Company's trucks pull onto the work site. Next came the concrete mixers, the building supplies and the youth group across the street who had set up a hot dog stand to earn money for next summer's missions trip.
Nehemiah and his building crew got right to work. They built with purpose and determination. They were extremely focused on this all-important task. That is . . . until Sanballot and Tobiah tried to get in on the action.
Sanballot and Tobiah were neighboring officials in nearby cities. They didn't want Jerusalem's wall rebuilt, because that meant they'd no longer be able to influence the people of God's city with their wicked ways.
So Sanballot flew into a rage and recruited the Samaritan army officials to help him mock, insult and laugh at Nehemiah and his crew. When that didn't stop the construction process, Tobiah and his cohorts began mocking the building crew. (Who knows? With names like Sanballot and Tobiah, these two probably suffered major inferiority complexes!)
Nehemiah's instructions were direct: “Keep working!” He reminded his crew that nothing was more important than doing God's work. Sanballot and Tobiah then launched into Plan B: They began physically attacking the construction crew. Nehemiah merely paused long enough to put half his crew on guard against the attacks and instructed the other half to continue their diligence for the task ahead.
Time for Plan C. Sanballot and Tobiah sent a prestigious note to Nehemiah inviting him to an elegant meeting with important officials. God enabled Nehemiah to see through their evil plot (they actually planned to kill him), and he continued building the wall.
Finally, just 52 days after they'd started construction, the wall was complete! Amazing! Nehemiah and his crew rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in only 52 days! Question: How in the world were they able to accomplish such an incredible task in such a short amount of time? Answer: Nehemiah refused to be sidetracked! Despite all that was going on around him, Nehemiah determined to keep intensely focused on his goal. And what was his goal? Doing God's work. And what was God's work? Building the wall of righteousness that would guard the city.
Know It!
God is calling you to build a strong, spiritual wall of righteousness around your own life. Question: How do you do that? Answer: First you lay a solid spiritual foundation in Jesus Christ. Then you lay spiritual brick upon spiritual brick upon spiritual brick. Make reading your Bible and praying a daily priority.
Read It!
Nehemiah 4-6; Isaiah 40:31; Proverbs 4:25.
Pray It!
Dear Lord, I never thought of building a spiritual wall around my life. But it makes sense! Like a hedge protects a backyard, and like a fortress protects a village, a spiritual wall can protect my relationship with You. Help me as I begin to lay my spiritual bricks.
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Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2009 2:01 pm
Nehemiah's Wall of Righteousness
Imagine the shock (and disappointment) of Sanballot and Tobiah when Nehemiah's building crew completed the entire wall surrounding the city of Jerusalem in just 52 days! They were boiling mad. They'd tried to stop the construction through mockery, physical attack, emotional abuse and intimidation. But nothing worked.
Know this: When you're smack-center in God's will, others will try to lead you astray. Remember Satan hates you, and he'll stop at nothing to discourage you and tempt you to toss in your spiritual towel. He'll use people to make fun of you, gossip about you, lie about you and laugh at you. Don't give up! There is absolutely nothing more important than being in the smack-center of God's will doing what God is calling you to do.
And just what is He calling you to do?
1. Lay a strong spiritual foundation upon Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
2. With the help of the Holy Spirit, build a strong wall of righteousness around your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you set up defenses against worldly things that could knock holes in your spiritual wall.
3. Reach out and help others lay a strong spiritual foundation upon Jesus Christ.
4. Aid others in building a wall of righteousness around their lives.
Nehemiah was not only physically successful in rebuilding the wall, he was also spiritually victorious! How?
He realized the importance of the individual. (Reread Nehemiah 6:3.) He knew that what he was doing mattered! Do you know that? Really know that? What you do for God matters! It may seem insignificant to you, but your spiritual activity is important to the Almighty! So, what specifically are you doing for God right now?
Nehemiah knew how to protect himself from attacks. At one point, he paused long enough to put half his crew on guard while the other half continued to build. What are you doing to protect yourself spiritually? Do you take time daily to clothe yourself with spiritual armor? What are you doing to protect yourself against movies, music, relationships and activities that go against God's will?
Know It!
God's plan for your life will involve a variety of things through the years. But His immediate plan for you right now is for you to develop a solid, intimate, growing relationship with Him and to guard that relationship (wall) with your life!
Read It!
Nehemiah 7-13; Jude 24-25.
Pray It!
Jesus, I confess that I haven't spent time with You every single day. I want to be more consistent in reading the Bible, and I want a tight prayer life with You. I realize doing those things will help strengthen my spiritual wall - my relationship with You. And Father, please help me say no to the stuff that's harmful to my relationship with You. I realize what I do matters. So guide me in my involvement with spiritual activities.
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Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:11 pm
Cool, Cooler, Coolest
Jacob limped because his hip was sore.
God was sore because Jacob was trying to be hip without Him.
Today we think we must be hip to soar.
And we're sore at those who are not hip.
Yet God's message remains the same -
If we're truly hip to Him, we soar.
If not, we become sore from trying to be hip without Him.
(See Genesis 32 for the entire story.)
Know It!
God made you in His image, and He wants you to have a healthy, positive self-esteem. He also wants you to remember, though, that everything you have and are and will be is a gift from Him. When you dare to think you've got it made in your own strength, you're in danger.
Read It!
Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 4:20; 2 Corinthians 5:16; Philippians 2:3-8.
Pray It!
Jesus, it's sometimes easy for me to forget You are the reason I'm good at the things I excel in. I get caught up in the accolades from those who love me, and often start to think I'm pretty cool. Please forgive me. Deep inside, I know I'm nothing without You. Help me to keep You in the Lordship position of my life.
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Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2009 3:16 pm
Making Good Out of Bad
Good things really can come from past mistakes! Take a quick peek at the following people who refused to allow their failures to dictate their future.
• Erle Stanley Gardner got suspended from high school when he drew a cartoon of the principal on one of the school's walls. He later became an attorney and practiced law for 20 years. He also created the fictional lawyer Perry Mason and the successful TV series revolving around his activities. Erle eventually wrote 129 detective novels that sold more than 300 million books!
• One April Fool's day, Jimmy Carter ditched school and went to a movie with friends. The principal punished him by spanking him and refusing his right to graduate as his class valedictorian. Jimmy Carter married another class valedictorian, Rosalynn Smith, and became Georgia's governor in 1970. In 1976, he was elected the 39th president of the United States.
• Christopher Columbus misfigured his calculations on the size of the globe and the width of the Atlantic Ocean and ended up discovering the island of San Salvador in the Bahamas (which he thought was in the Indies), Cuba (which he thought was in China) and the Dominican Republic (which he miscalculated to be in the Far East). Talk about being off! But he later made three more voyages to the New World and finally discovered Central and South America.
• In 1975, Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard University. Later that same year, he established Microsoft Corporation. He then designed the software to run personal computers and became the richest man in the world!
• Orville Wright was expelled from the sixth grade for misbehaving at school. In 1903, he (and his brother Wilbur) invented the world's first power-driven airplane.
• Thomas Monaghan knew all about going in circles. He spent many of his younger years in an orphanage. He was later placed in a variety of foster homes. He eventually enrolled in college, and dropped out. He enrolled in a Catholic seminary, and dropped out. He eventually went to seminary, but dropped out. He also spent a few years serving in the marines. In 1960 he borrowed $900 and purchased a filing pizza parlor in Ypsilanti, Mich., with his brother James. A year later, Thomas traded a VW Beetle for his brother's half of the company. That company became Domino's Pizza which now boasts more than 5,200 restaurants.
So does this give us permission not to take life seriously? No. But we do serve a God who has the power and desire to make good things happen from our mistakes and failures.
Know It!
God not only wants to celebrate your victories, He also wants to share your failures. When you blow it, are you tempted to simply give up? Or do you take your mistakes to God and ask Him to work in spite of?
Read It!
Deuteronomy 20:3; Joshua 1:5-9; Isaiah 51:6
Pray It!
Lord, I get so down when I blow it! And it seems as though I blow it a lot! But if you could do great things through people in the Bible who failed, that proves You can still use me. Take my failures, Jesus, and use them to bring glory to Your name.
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:29 am
So How's it Goin'?
OK, we're approaching the end of January. So this is a great time to ask, “How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions?” You were challenged with the devotion on January 1 to make some resolutions. Maybe you did; maybe you didn't. If you haven't made a resolution, it's never too late. You can do it right now.
If you've already made some resolutions, how are doing at keeping them? Wouldn't it be great if there was some kind of strategy to help you keep your resolutions? Let's create a strategy right now, and spend the next few days zeroing in on living it out.
But let's make it easy. We'll use the alphabet to focus on an A to Z strategy for keeping those resolutions. Ready? Let's dive in!
A: Accountability. Make yourself accountable. There's always power in numbers.
B: Bring your friends into your resolution. For instance: Want to lose weight? Get a friend to exercise with you. Trying to stop watching so much TV? Do something with a friend during TV time.
C: Call. Be willing to call for help. A change in lifestyle isn't always easy. It's OK to ask for help.
D: Discipline. Change requires discipline. And discipline isn't fun. It's also hard work. That's why you need accountability.
E: Exclude deterrents from your life. If you have a problem looking at dirty magazines, it wouldn't be wise to hang out by a magazine stand. If you're trying to lessen your sugar intake, remove the stash of candy that's left over from Christmas.
F: Find others who are willing to make the very same resolution you're making. Again, there's strength in numbers. Encourage each other. Of course, this requires being open and a bit vulnerable - which brings us back to accountability.
G: Give your resolution to God. Go ahead and admit you can't do it on your own. You need a supernatural power to help you keep this resolution. God wants to empower you with His strength.
Know It!
God takes resolutions seriously, and He want you to take yours seriously. Several people in the Bible made important resolutions. Let's take a look at some biblical resolutions right now.
Read It!
Psalm 17:3; Daniel 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:2.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I'm sorry I haven't always taken my resolutions seriously. I realize I can't keep these pledges on my own. I need Your help. Empower me to keep that which I've promised.
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:27 pm
Still Resolved?
Let's keep plowing ahead with our A to Z strategy on how to keep our New Year's resolutions. Remember, God doesn't expect you to forge ahead on your own. He desires to work with you. Aren't you glad He's not saying, “I'll check on your next year at this time to see how you did.” But rather, “I'm proud of you for making some important resolutions. Let Me help you keep them. I want to strengthen and empower you.”
H: Hold on! There's an old saying, “When you've come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” Guess what! There's a lot of wisdom in that. No one said making this lifestyle change would be easy . . . or even fun. When it gets tough, simply hold on tighter to the promises God has given you in His Word.
I: Iron sharpens iron . . . which brings us back to accountability. Don't dismiss the power of allowing someone to hold you accountable with your new resolution.
J: (Yep, this one's taken from an old NIKE commercial.) Just do it! Quit thinking about it. Stop talking about it. Just DO it!
K: Kvetch. (What in the world is that?) It's actually in the dictionary, and it means “to complain habitually.” Don't do it! If you're going to whine and complain about how hard it is to keep your resolution, you've got bigger problems than keeping your resolution.
L: Live it! Make your resolution a part of your lifestyle - not simply a promise you hope you can keep on your good days. Live it out!
M: Mean it. Don't make a resolution just to make a resolution. Mean what you say and say what you mean! Back your words with action. Make a lifestyle change.
N: Never give up! You may blow it. That's OK. That doesn't mean you have to stop and wait till next year to try again. If your resolution is to exercise consistently, and you miss a day, don't beat yourself up. Talk with your accountability partner and keep going.
Know It!
The most powerful resolutions you can make are ones that glorify your heavenly Father. An incredible resolution King David made is found in Psalm 101:3. What specific changes in your life will you need to implement in order to make King David's resolution your own?
Read It!
Psalm 101:3; Psalm 1; John 21:15-17.
Pray It!
Oh, Jesus! I really want to be all You call me to be. Sometimes, though, I fall so short. Thanks for never giving up on me! Please help me not to give up on myself.
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 4:00 pm
Keep Your Resolutions!
Any goal worth reaching requires a strategy. All great athletes have a strategy. Imagine Tiger Woods as a child aimlessly hitting golf balls across the green. Didn't happen that way, did it? His dad created specific strategies to help his son learn the required skills and follow-through needed to be a successful golfer. Whenever his dad took him to a golf course, they went with a strategy.
It works the same with resolutions. Anyone can aimlessly make a half-hearted pledge. But God wants His disciples to solidify their pledges into resolutions that equal lifestyle change. So let's keep on keeping on with our A to Z strategy on maintaining your resolutions.
O: Optimistic. Always remain optimistic! Even when you feel you can't go on. How can you do this? Memorize a Scripture that will help! Start with this one from The Living Bible: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don't know why things happen as they do, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
P: Pray daily about your resolution. God is even more concerned about it than you are! That's right! He wants you to be victorious. So keep your resolution right at the top of your prayer list, and pray daily.
Q: Quit doing things that hinder your ability to keep your resolution. For instance, if you've resolved to make better grades this year, quit leaving your books in your locket. Quit putting off your homework. Quit talking during class. Quit anything that's holding you back from being successful with your resolution.
R: Repeat progress. If getting up at 5 a.m. works in helping you get your jogging done, do it! If you can memorize Scripture better in the afternoon, do it then. Whatever works, repeat it!
S: Surround yourself with positive people who can cheer you on to victory. If you've resolved not to attend any more R-rated movies, terrific! But it would be wise to surround yourself with people who have similar morals. Why continue to hang out with students who will tempt you?
Know It!
Not everyone will applaud your determination to keep your resolutions. Some of your friends may get angry because you're not doing the same stuff with them any longer. Expect flack, and continue to draw strength from your growing relationship with Christ.
Read It!
1 Peter 4:1-3; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 John 5:1-4.
Pray It!
Jesus, it hurts when others give me a hard time about my standards. Help me toughen my spiritual skin. Guide me to the point where I care more about what You think than what my friends think.
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 6:18 am
You Can Do It!
When Michael Jordan was a high school sophomore, he tried out for the varsity basketball team and was cut. But he made a resolution that he'd make the varsity squad the following year. He took that resolution seriously and practiced hour upon hour every single day.
You know the rest of the story. He not only made his high school varsity basketball team, but also went to college on a basketball scholarship, played pro and is still known as the world's greatest player.
It's not enough to simply make a resolution; we've gotta follow through. And to follow through, we need a strategy. So let's get back to our A to Z strategy on keeping your resolutions.
T: Track your progress. If you've resolved to read the Bible through in one year, mark off the chapters as you read them. Or if you're exercising, create a chart that you can put stickers on. Any kind of graph or progress report can serve as motivation to continue your success.
U: Understand you're not perfect. You'll probably mess up. You'll skip a day of Bible-reading; you'll eat that second piece of cake; you'll watch too much TV, you'll forget to do your homework. Understand it's okay to fail - as long as you commit that failure to Christ. He doesn't want you to stay down. He wants to pick you up and get you back on track. Let Him.
V: Visualize victory! Imagine how great you'll feel next year at this time when you've brought your science grade up from a D to a B-. Imagine how good it will fee to say you read the whole Bible through in one year. Or you lost that 10 pounds. Or you read those 28 novels. Or you brought five friends to church. Or you led three teens to Christ. Visualize your victory and success in one year.
W: Write it down. Make time to actually write out your New Year's resolutions. Don't simply think about it. Write it out. And then rewrite it the next day. They copy it the following day. By writing the same thing over and over and over again, you're pounding your goal into your mind and your thoughts. Write it down and hang it up, stick in on your mirror, stuff it inside your wallet or post it inside your locker. But write it down!
Know It!
Like Michael Jordan, your resolution may require daily work. And that will mean making some sacrifices. Are you willing to make sacrifices if necessary? What, specifically, will you need to deny yourself in order to reach your goal and keep your resolution?
Read It!
1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
Pray It!
Lord, I admit it's tough for me to deny myself some of the things I need to give up to keep my resolution. It's hard taking a step back from some of my friends who don't share my faith. It's not easy to stop doing the same things with them any longer. But I realize You have a high calling on my life. And, Jesus, I want to answer Your call.
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:11 pm
Keeping Your Strategy
Actor Buddy Ebsen (who became famous as Jed Clampett in the TV series, “The Beverly Hillbillies” and later starred in TV's “Barnaby Jones”) was originally cast to play the role of the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. He had to give up the role, however, because he experienced an allergic reaction to the aluminum dust that was used to powder his face as part of his Tin Man costume. (The role was then given to Jack Haley.)
Imagine how difficult it must have been for Buddy Ebsen to walk away from such a great role - a fun part in a movie that families could enjoy together. He gave it up, but later received incredible praise, fame and accolades for future roles.
Sometimes, we too, have to give up something we desperately want in order to get something better. As we wind down with our A to Z strategy for keeping your resolutions, ask God if there's anything you need to give Him in order to make your resolution stick. It may be hard to give up what you want now, but God has something much better in store for you!
X: Xenophile: (Yep, it really is in the dictionary.) It means “One who is attracted to foreign things.” Don't allow yourself to be attracted to the things of this world. This is merely a temporary dwelling place. Your real home is not of this world. Set your sights - as well as your resolution - on something that's eternal . . . the power of Jesus Christ.
Y: Yield every single area of your life to the authority of Jesus Christ. Not just the area you want to change - but yield your will to His will. Ask Him to help you live in total obedience to His Lordship.
Z: Zealously attack your resolution. That means to go after it whole-heartedly. Don't make any half-hearted, weak-kneed promises. Be zealous about your decision, and it will show up in your results.
Know It!
Yes, God wants to make you a winner with your resolutions, but He also dreams much bigger for you! He wants to give you a brand-new touch. That's why total surrender to Him is so important!
Read It!
Isaiah 43:19; Ephesians 3:20-21; 1 Timothy 1:18-19.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, show me daily what more I can give to You to grow deeper in my relationship with You. When I struggle with giving You what You ask for, please remind me that You know best. Help me to trust You, Lord, in all situations.
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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 7:18 pm
Paid In Full
A young many was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could easily afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As graduation day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box.
Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young mans name embosses in gold.
Angrily, he rose and said to his father, “With all your money, you give me a Bible?” And he stormed out of the house.
Many years passed, and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family but knew his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day years earlier.
Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still gift- wrapped Bible just as he had left it years ago. With tears running down his face, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse of Scripture: “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11).
As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation and the words “Paid in Full.”
How many times do we miss God's blessings because we can't see past our own desires?
(Author unknown)
Know It!
God, as your loving, heavenly Father, wants to bless you. He loves to give gifts to His children. Can you trust Him to know your needs and desires even better than you do?
Read It!
Deuteronomy 7:13; Psalm 72:15; Ezekiel 34:26; Acts 20:35.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I know You're not a giant Santa Claus with a bag of goodies. But I am beginning to realize that You will bless those who follow Your path. I want to follow Your path, Jesus - not just to get blessings - but because I love You and trust that You know what's best for my life. Thank You so much for the incredible blessings You've already given me. I love Your faithfulness, Lord.
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Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 5:33 pm
God's Peace
Jesus' disciples had spent three years in His company. They'd seen Him move with intense purpose and obedience to the leading of God Almighty. They watched as Jesus stopped along the road to give sight to a man blind from birth. They were amazed when He opened the ears of a deaf person and stood in awe as the man's auditory senses came to life. They had witnessed Jesus bringing dead people back to life!
They'd heard His stirring messages as He held the attention of thousands, eaten His fish buffet that began with only a few fish and a few slices of bread. The disciples had learned to pray from Jesus. They had cried together, laughed together and talked of His approaching Kingdom. They were proud to be among the chosen 12 recruited by Christ Himself to spread the news of the saving gospel.
Though Jesus talked about His approaching death - and even predicted His crucifixion - His disciples still didn't “get it.” They thought His Kingdom was going to be set up on earth. They all looked forward to ruling with Him as He freed His people from Roman law.
So when Jesus was arrested, they ran like scared rabbits. Hey, this wasn't part of the plan, they thought. What about the kingdom? He said He'd set us free! What's happening?
When their Lord was crucified, the disciples were devastated. Now what? We've given up everything to follow Him! We left our careers, our friends, our homes. Now what? He's dead!
Imagine the doubt and confusion. Imagine the turmoil, the huge knots in their stomachs. Imagine the fear - If the government crucified Him . . . they may come after us, too!
Picture it: They're all huddled together somewhere in a little upstairs room. And into the confusion . . . right in the midst of the despair and fear and hopelessness . . . into the center of doubt . . . walks Jesus Christ. In the flesh!
We would imagine He might say, “You guys just don't get it, do you? I told you over and over again that I was going to die. But I also told you I'd conquer death and rise out of the grave after three days. Why didn't You believe me?
“And about the Kingdom thing - we went over it again and again - My Kingdom is not of this earth. When I talked about setting you free, I wasn't talking about freedom from Roman law. I was talking about something much deeper and more confining. I was talking about sin! Do you get it now? Is it starting to sink in?”
Jesus didn't say anything close to that. Instead, He simply spoke words of peace. Wow. Imagine how that must have comforted the hearts of His followers!
Know It!
Jesus does want you to “get it” spiritually. He wants you to understand His Word and His plan. But He won't come down on you when you're confused. Instead, He offers incredible peace. In the midst of your doubt and confusion and fear, He offers peace!
Read It!
John 14:27; John 16:33; Romans 8:6; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Ephesians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:16.
Pray It!
Lord, I desperately need Your peace right now. I'm so glad Your peace isn't temporary. Please fill me with Your eternal peace. And when doubts fill my mind, may I be overwhelmed with Your peace.
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Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 3:56 pm
Quiz Time
What kind of PEACE does Jesus give? (Mark all that apply.)
a. A piece of this, a piece of that.
b. Everlasting.
c. Deep.
d. The expensive kind.
e. Peace like a river, or an ocean, or a fountain, or something big and bubbly like that.
f. Genuine.
BEHIND LOCKED DOORS, in the midst of fear and confusion, Jesus appeared offering peace, This tells me that
a. Jesus understands me way better than I can imagine.
b. When my world is falling apart, He can put it back together.
c. There's no emotion I experience that He doesn't know about and understand.
d. That's just like my Jesus - showing up in the most unlikely of places.
Thomas wasn't with the DISCIPLES when they first met together after the resurrection and Jesus appeared among them. WHY do you think he was absent?
a. He was weird.
b. No one ever knew where Thomas was.
c. He was thinking things through; sorting everything out.
d. He had no idea Jesus would raise Himself from the dead. He thought his time with Christ was finished.
e. He was probably feeding sheep somewhere.
How did Jesus handle Thomas' doubts?
a. With anger.
b. Gently.
c. By giving him the evidence Thomas needed.
d. By ignoring him.
When you struggle with spiritual doubts, what helps?
a. Friends who understand.
b. Talking to Jesus.
c. Running or other physical activity.
d. Spending time alone and thinking things through.
e. Talking with adults you trust spiritually (parents, youth leader, pastor, Sunday school teacher, etc.).
f. Reading the Bible.
g. Thinking back and remembering God's faithfulness to me in the past.
h. Journaling.
When you're insecure, angry, confused or filled with doubts, Jesus wants to walk right through EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOUR EMOTIONS and stand with you! The Creator of the universe focuses His attnetion on YOU! How does that make you feel?
a. Whew!
b. Why can't I remember that when my world is actually caving in?
c. Very taken care of.
d. Secure.
e. Relieved.
f. Honored.
g. Undeserving.
Know It!
Jesus is willing and able to come through your locked doors and stand with you! When your world caves in, ask for a fresh touch of His peace.
Read It!
Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 29:11; Psalm 34:14; Psalm 37:11; Psalm 119: 165; 2 Thesssalonians 1:2.
Pray It!
Jesus, when I feel as though my world is falling apart, remind me of Your great faithfulness in the past. Teach me how to live and cultivate peace
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Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 3:56 pm
Back To the Basics
This guy is really getting on my nerves, Todd thought as the camp speaker continued his message in the outdoor chapel surrounded by pine trees.
“Some of you have been coming to this camp for years,” he said, “and you may assume because you go to church camp, you're a Christian.”
Todd shifted his weight on the wooden bench. Can't wait till chapel is over so I can head to the rock-climbing wall.
“Many of you are from Christian families, and you're involved in church and plugged into your youth group. But that doesn't make you a Christian. You can surround yourself with a million Christians, and it still won't mean you are a Christian.”
I go to church, Todd mused. And I've got some pretty cool Christian friends. I even helped out at the soup kitchen last Thanksgiving with the youth group. I do all kinds of good stuff.
“You may even be a good teen doing good things,” the speaker continued as if he'd somehow read Todd's thoughts, “but that doesn't make you a Christian, either.”
Todd glanced at his watch and looked toward the lake. The sun reflected off the water and reminded him of winning the canoe race two days ago.
“You're not really a Christian until you've repented of your sins, asked Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and have committed yourself to live in obedience to Him.
“And even that's just the beginning,” he said. “Being a follower of Christ isn't simply believing in His teachings; it's having an actual relationship with Him that grows and deepens consistently.”
Hmmm, Todd thought. I've never really considered myself a sinner. Yeah, I've told a few lies and cheated on a couple of tests, but who hasn't?
“The Bible says that every single one of us was born with sin, and the only way we can have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ is to seek His forgiveness for our sin.”
Todd focused on the speaker's words. I can't remember ever actually seeking forgiveness for anything, he thought. So does that mean I'm not really a Christian?
“And the interesting thing about Christianity,” the speaker said, “is the fact that we can't earn eternal life. None of us deserve it, but God loves you so much, He offers it as a free gift to all who seek Him.”
Even though chapel was ending, Todd decided to hang around and talk with the speaker instead of heading toward the rock-climbing wall. I sure would like to know for sure if I'm a Christian, or if I've just assumed I am, he decided.
Know It!
There's a big difference in acting like a Christian and actually living a Christlike life. Where are you? If you've never confessed your sins, now would be a great time to do so!
Read It!
Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23-26; Romans 4:7-25.
Pray It!
Jesus, I admit, I've done a lot of assuming about Christianity. But I come to You now and confess that I'm a sinner. I'm so sorry I've sinned against You and tried to run my own life. Will You forgive me. Will You come into my heart and make me a brand-new creation in You? I give You my life, Jesus. I want to live for You. Thank You for Your incredible gift of forgiveness and eternal life. I accept You as my Savior.
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Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 3:58 pm
On With the Basics
Todd shared with his camp counselor that he'd given his heart to Jesus yesterday after chapel. “I guess it never really hit me that I might not be a Christian,” he said. “I go to church, and I'm not a bad person, but until yesterday I'd never asked Jesus Christ to come into my life.”
“I'm excited for you, pal,” Clint said. “But tell me . . . what kind of changes will you need to make when you go home?”
“What do you mean?”
“I've heard you brag to a few of the other campers about your drinking escapades and about how far you've gone physically with your girlfriends.”
“So?” Todd said. “I'm a guy. It's what guys do. Hey, I can't become perfect just because I asked Christ to come into my life.”
“But now that you're a Christian, you'll want to please Christ and obey Him, right?”
“Whoa! I don't know about that,” Todd said. “I'm still planning on drinking and sleeping around a little. That's just life, Man!”
“Then Todd, I question if you're really a Christian.”
“Of course, I am,” Todd insisted. “I prayed the prayer!”
“But Christianity is a lot more than simply praying a prayer, Todd. It's developing an actual relationship with Christ and following Him.”
“Look, I asked Christ into my life. I'll read the Bible some, and I'll pray some more. But I'm not ready to give up everything,” Todd said.
“Hmmm. Sounds as though you didn't count the cost, pal.”
“I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on this. I think I'm a Christian.”
“It doesn't really matter what you think, Todd.”
“Oh, and it does matter what you think?”
“Nope. It really doesn't. The only thing that matters is what God thinks. And you can find out by reading the Bible.”
Know It!
Christianity isn't a religion, it's a way of life. It's developing, maintaining and growing intimately in a relationship with the creator of the universe. When we enter into a relationship with Christ, we begin to fall in love with Him. And the more we grow to love Him, the more we want to please Him by living in obedience to His holy will. Are you in love with Jesus? Or are you simply going through the motions?
Read It!
1 John 5:1-21.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I don't simply want to love You. I want to BE IN LOVE with You! Help me to fall more and more in love with You every single day of my life.
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