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 Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 2:05 pm
Heaven-Bound 102
“Hey, Chelsea! Glad you made it!”
“Hi, Luke. Thanks for helping me with my chemistry homework. Am I late?”
“Nope. They’re almost ready to draw names and give away prizes. Can you believe it — we’ve got more than 400 crammed into this youth room!”
“Hey, I’ll catch you later, Luke. I invited some girls from history class, and I just saw them come in. I’m gonna get them registered for prizes.”
“Hi, Chelsea!”
“Are we in the right place?”
“Hi, Hannah. Yeah, Tawni. This is it. I’m really glad you guys came. “
“Looks fun.”
“Let’s get you registered. We’re giving away some pretty cool prizes each evening.”
“Okay, then what?” Hannah asked.
“Our youth pastor, Steve, is talking about heaven tonight — and how you can know if you’re ready to meet Jesus,” Chelsea said.
“Well, I’m a Christian,” Tawni said. “I mean, my parents had me baptized when I was a baby.”
“Christianity’s really more than just being baptized,” Chelsea said.
“Hey, let’s quit gabbing and get inside so I can win a prize,” Hannah said.
Chelsea laughed. “I hope you win a prize, too, Hannah,” she said. “But the message about how to get to heaven is really more important than winning a prize. In fact, you could say . . . heaven is the ultimate prize!”
“But only Christians go to heaven, right?” Hannah asked.
“That’s right,” Chelsea agreed.
“I don’t even know if I’m a Christian. Does that mean I won’t go to heaven? I try to be a good person.”
“I know you do, Hannah. But it’s more than being a good person.”
“It’s about being baptized,” Tawni added.
“Well, actually, Tawni . . . it’s not about just being baptized, either. You see, Christianity is all about having a personal, growing relationship with Jesus Christ.”
“I don’t think I have that,” Tawni said. “I know about God, because my family goes to church every Christmas and Easter. But I don’t really have a relationship with Him.”
“What do you mean a relationship,” Hannah said. “Like we can actually know God?”
“Exactly,” Chelsea confirmed. “We can know God as our best Friend, our Savior, our Sustainer, our everything!”
“But how do you know if you know God?” Tawni asked.
“Well . . . how do you know if you know me?” Chelsea said. “Or Hannah?”
“That’s simple,” Tawni said. “I talk with you guys. We do stuff together.”
“It works that way with God, too. You can actually talk with Him, and He’ll talk back to you. You can have real fellowship together. He’ll go everywhere with you. He’s promised never to leave us.”
“Hey, Chels, I want that,” Hannah said. “If you’re telling me I can actually talk with and personally know the One who made this entire world, I want that.”
“Me, too,” Tawni added. “I want a personal relationship with Jesus.”
“Cool! I can pray with you guys right now. I’ll say a prayer, and you can repeat it after me. We’re gonna ask God to forgive your sins and commit your lives to Him, okay?”
“I’m in,” Hannah said.
“Let’s do it,” Tawni added.
Know It!
Jesus wants you to invite your friends to youth group, church and Bible studies. He can use you to lead your non-Christian friends into a personal relationship with Him.
Read It!
2 Corinthians 4:5; Colossians 1:28; 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 John 1:1; 1 John 4:14.
Pray It!
Jesus, I want to make sure my friends are ready to meet You. Give me specific opportunities this week to share my faith
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 9:24 am
Drivers Ed
By: Caitlin Henderson
I will call to you whenever trouble strikes, and you will answer me. Psalm 86:7
So far my driving experience has not been a walk in the park. Last summer, I managed to hit an orange barrel in our new car while I had my permit. Right before Christmas, I had to renew my permit and accidentally hit my first animal (I almost cried). In March, I took the classroom part of drivers ed and just last week I finally finished the driving portion. I didn’t do that bad…
As you drive with a driving instructor, the main thing you notice is the fact that your teacher has a brake pedal. While intimidating at first, I found the pedal to be a blessing in disguise. Not to exalt my instructors, but I was also able to make parallels between them and God. Every time I got into trouble, they were able to put the brake on and slow things down, just like God. They had my best interest at heart and wanted me to succeed at my course. They would offer advice, but they weren’t overpowering. They were there to assist, not to be power mongers.
God will never step in where He is not welcome, but He will never hesitate to help when you call on Him. If there is a situation in your life, I advise you to go to God and ask Him to put on the brakes. He will help you in every situation that you encounter.
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Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 11:00 am
Heaven-Bound 103
“Wait up, Chelsea!” Luke called across the school parking lot.
Chelsea turned to see her friend sprinting between parked cars.
“Whoa! I heard you prayed with Hannah and Tawni last night.”
“Yeah! Luke, it was really cool. They became Christians before the evening even started. They both wanna come back tonight, too!”
“That’s great, Chels! I’ve invited some of the guys from the basketball team. I’m hoping at least a couple will show up.”
“Pastor Steve said we could be pushing close to 450 tonight. Everyone’s been inviting friends like crazy.”
“Well, ya gotta admit — nothing’s more important than making sure our friends know Christ.”
“You can say that again! What’s Pastor Steve talking about tonight?”
“I think he’s still on how to know for sure if you’ll end up in heaven,” Luke said.
“Good. I need that. Even though I know I’m forgiven, I still have a few doubts. I’ll see you there, Luke.”
* * *
“Many of you have asked me if it’s possible to know beyond doubt that you’ll go to heaven after you die,” Pastor Steve said. Luke smiled. He was proud of his youth pastor. Steve came to all his basketball games and often showed up at school just to have lunch with the students from his youth group.
Pastor Steve held his Bible in the air. “Jesus gives us a surefire strategy for knowing if we’re ready to meet Him. It’s sort of a three-part game play, and it’s found in Matthew 25.”
Luke flipped open his Bible and winked at Chelsea a few rows over as she reached to share her New Testament with Hannah and Tawni.
“We find three incredible stories in this chapter of Matthew,” Pastor Steve said. “The first story is about 10 bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom. Jesus tells this story to illustrate the Kingdom of Heaven,” he continued.
“Each of the 10 bridesmaids had a lamp — more like a lantern — which ran on oil. Five of the bridesmaids filled their lamps with oil, and the other five put it off.
“When they heard the shout that the bridegroom was arriving, the five without oil had to leave and fill their lamps. The five who were prepared, met the bridegroom and went inside to celebrate with him.
“The other five returned with oil in their lamps only to find the door locked. They banged on the door and begged to be let inside, but the bridegroom said they were too late. They weren’t permitted inside.”
Know It!
Throughout the Bible, oil symbolizes life. It’s reflective of the Holy Spirit shining and living within us. It means we have an active, growing relationship with the bridegroom — Jesus Christ.
Read It!
Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 3:7-8.
Pray It!
Dear Lord, help me keep my relationship with You active and growing. I don’t want to let it get stale. Renew my thirst for You.
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Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:12 pm
Heaven-Bound 104
“So the first thing you need to do to make sure you’re ready to meet Jesus,” Pastor Steve continued, “is to make sure you have an active, growing relationship with Him. That’s the first key to the entrance of heaven.
“Some of you have recently accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.”
Chelsea grinned at Hannah and Tawni and noticed they were listening carefully to Pastor Steve’s message.
“And that’s the first step. And you can know beyond doubt that you’ll spend eternity in heaven with Christ,” he continued.
“But Jesus is calling our attention to a three-phase game plan in Matthew 25. So let’s continue to go through the plan. You’ll notice in this particular chapter, Jesus is describing the Kingdom of Heaven. The second way He describes it is in a parable of a wealthy man with three servants. The man decided to go on an international trip and called his servants in for last- minute instructions. He entrusted $5,000 of his estate to his head servant and told him to make wise investments during his absence.
“To another servant, he entrusted $2,000 and to the last servant, he entrusted $1,000. The estate owner left on his trip, and his head servant immediately began buying and selling for his master in order to increase the $5,000. He had soon doubled it to $10,000 and knew his master would be pleased.
“The second servant also went right to work and doubled the $2,000 for his master. But the third servant simply set the $1,000 aside and waited for the master’s return.
Luke underlined the story Pastor Steve was talking about. He wanted to read it again later. Chelsea glanced at Hannah and Tawni and was glad they were still tuned in to the message.
“When the master returned,” Pastor Steve continued, “he called his servants together. His head servant proudly handed over $10,000 — double what he had been entrusted with. The master affirmed him and smiled as the second servant also handed over what he had doubled. But when the third servant simply gave the master what he started with — the $1,000 — the master became angry because he was lazy and had hoarded the money. He then took the $1,000 away from him and gave it to the head servant. The lazy servant was cast into darkness.”
Know It!
Jesus has blessed each one of us with specific gifts, abilities and talents. He expects us to use those gifts to bring glory to Him, the Giver. Ever wonder why some Christians seem to ooze with talent? It’s because they’re using what they have for God’s glory, and He continues to multiply and bless it. But when we don’t use what we’ve been given, we’re insulting our heavenly Father.
Read It!
Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Corinthians 12.
Pray It!
Jesus, help me to use the gifts You’ve given me to bring glory to You. Sometimes I get lazy and don’t activate the abilities You’ve blessed me with. Will You forgive me, Jesus?
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Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 8:52 pm
Heaven-Bound 105
“So let’s do a quick recap,” Pastor Steve said. “In Matthew 25, Jesus gives us three ways to make sure we’re ready to meet Him.” Tawni grabbed her pen as Pastor Steve’s Power Point flashed behind him.
#1: Make sure you have an active, growing relationship with Jesus Christ. “This doesn’t mean simply knowing about God,” Pastor Steve said. “It means just what it says — having a real, growing, active relationship with the Creator of the universe.”
Hannah nudged Chelsea for another sheet of paper.
#2: Make sure you’re wisely using what He has given you. “God blesses you with gifts and abilities for a reason,” Steve continued. “It’s so you can bring glory to His name. If you’re not using what He’s given you, something’s wrong in your relationship with Christ. The disciple who has an active, growing relationship with Jesus is consistently using his God-given gifts with excitement.”
Chelsea glanced at Luke. He had invited several friends to Explosion, and one had come. Luke was sharing His Bible with Taylor, and Taylor seemed genuinely interested.
“But there’s a third section to this chapter,” Pastor Steve said. “Let’s take a look at it. So far, Jesus has been talking about the Kingdom of Heaven, and He continues to do that through the rest of the chapter. He describes the thousands who will approach the gates of heaven. He compares them to sheep and goats. He welcomes the sheep into heaven and turns away the goats. When those who are turned away ask why they are denied entrance, Jesus explains it’s because they never reached out. They never offered water to Him, never clothed Him, never fed Him.
“They’re confused. They argue they never saw Him needing help, being thirsty, naked or hungry. And Jesus tells them whenever they refused to help someone in need, they in essence, refused to help Him.”
Know It!
Since Jesus is no longer walking the earth in His flesh, He expects you to be His hands and feet to those in need. Anytime you help someone holding a sign by the roadside advertising, “Work wanted. Homeless,” you’re actually helping Jesus. Whenever you go out of your way to sit with someone who’s known as an outcast on your campus, you’re actually sitting with Jesus. Anytime you go the extra mile, you’re walking for Christ.
Read It!
Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 10:30-37.
Pray It!
Lord, it’s not very often that I truly go out of my way to help someone. I admit, I’ve become comfortable in my own little world. Give me the desire to reach out, to leave my comfort zone and to get my hands dirty for You.
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Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:17 pm
Heaven-Bound 106
“There you have it,” Pastor Steve said. “Three essential check points to evaluate your relationship with Christ. Are you ready to meet Jesus? Again, let’s do a quick recap.”
Chelsea loved the animation on Pastor Steve’s power point presentation and was glad it held the attention of the crowded room of teens.
#1: Do you have an active, growing relationship with Jesus Christ? “If you don’t,” Steve continued, “you’re not ready to meet Jesus. If you don’t have an actual relationship with the King of Kings, you won’t spend eternity in heaven with Him. Your only other choice for eternity is hell.”
#2: Are you consistently and wisely using what He’s blessed you with to bring glory to Him? “If you are, you’re living OUT the active, growing relationship you have with Christ. Your lifestyle proves you know Him,” Pastor Steve said. “If you’re not using your gifts to honor Him, then I question your relationship with Him. You see, someone who’s deeply in love with Jesus, excitedly shares what Jesus has given him because he wants to bring glory to the Father.”
#3: Are you involved in a ministry? “A vibrant ministry is reflective of an active, growing relationship with Christ. If you’re not ministering, I question your relationship with Christ. If you’re ministering to those around you, you’re not ready to meet Him. And don’t think ministry is just becoming a missionary. Hey, if that’s the direction God is leading you, great! But your ministry may simply offering free babysitting for the single parent down the street. Or buying a school lunch for the kid who’s on food coupons. Your ministry might be sending note cards to encourage those who are discouraged. Or organizing a Bible club at your school. All you need to do is ask God to give you a ministry, and He will.
“And guess what! If you have an active, growing relationship with Christ, if you’re consistently using what He’s given you, and if you’re intentionally reaching out with the love of God to those around you, you’re ready to meet Jesus! There should be no doubt in your mind where you’ll spend eternity.”
Know It!
If you’ve met the game plan outlined in Matthew 25, you should be confident in your relationship with Christ. If you do have doubts, ask God to identify the source of doubt. If He pinpoints one of these three areas, ask Him to help you correct and strengthen that area. If He doesn’t, know the doubts are from Satan.
Read It!
Isaiah 55; Matthew 25.
Pray It!
Jesus, I want to activate those three areas in my relationship with You that You outlined in Matthew 25. Help me to guard my walk with You and make sure it’s active and growing. Teach me how to use the gifts You’ve blessed me with, and give me specific ways to minister to those around me.
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Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 3:20 pm
Quiz Time
• Being a CHRISTIAN
a. means I read the Bible every now and then.
b. is knowing a lot about God.
c. is having a personal, growing relationship with Christ.
• Going to HEAVEN
a. is something I can hope for but can’t be sure of.
b. is something I can know for sure.
c. can only be attained by saints.
• Jesus gives us a THREE-PART CHECK SYSTEM when describing the Kingdom of Heaven in
a. Matthew 25.
b. Hezekiah 99
c. Sunday school.
• The first key to ENTRANCE through Heaven’s gates is
a. having a wallet full of money.
b. having the right words to say at the right time.
c. having an active, growing relationship with Christ.
• The second part of the STRATEGY Christ gives us is
a. using people.
b. using the gifts He’s given us to glorify Him.
c. using our credit cards wisely.
• The THIRD of this strategy is
a. wearing the right clothes to church.
b. going on lots of mission trips.
c. being involved in a ministry.
• Having a MINISTRY means
a. going to China to build an underground church.
b. reaching out to those around you as God directs.
c. getting your own radio show.
• Throughout the Bible, OIL is used to symbolize
a. life.
b. food.
c. bad hair.
• In the parable of the 10 BRIDESMAIDS, how many actually got to meet the bridegroom?
a. 7
b. We don’t know for sure.
c. 5
• Why didn’t ALL 10 bridesmaids get to MEET the bridegroom?
a. All 10 weren’t dressed properly.
b. All 10 didn’t have oil for their lamps.
c. All 10 weren’t well.
• The BRIDEGROOM in this parable symbolizes
a. Jesus Christ.
b. Satan.
c. John the Baptist.
• Jesus compares SHEEP to
a. the Roman guards.
b. those who know Him personally and obey Him.
c. the angels.
• Jesus compares GOATS to
a. those who refuse to pay taxes.
b. the magicians.
c. those who claim to know Him but don’t really have a personal relationship with Him.
Know It!
The person you would least expect to come to church may be the person who’s simply waiting for you to ask. Dare to reach out and invite your friends to church. They need to hear the message of God’s love and forgiveness.
Read It!
Proverbs 4; Matthew 25.
Pray It!
Jesus, it gives me confidence that I can know for sure that I’ll get to spend eternity with You. Help me to continue to grow closer to you every single day.
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Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 2:45 pm
Stuff To Think About
The Bible is full of stuff to think about. In fact, the book of Proverbs has an incredible amount to say about wisdom. If you truly want wisdom, you can have it. Wisdom begins with a strong foundation in Jesus Christ. It’s then nurtured through the reading of God’s Word, and then multiplied through the studying of His Word.
Wisdom without common sense isn’t worth much. And common sense minus wisdom won’t get you very far. It takes both wisdom and common sense working together to comprise a smart person.
Let’s check your wisdom and common sense, okay?
Sid E. Slicker had a well that was 63 feet deep. A squirrel fell inside. Each day the squirrel climbed seven feet up the well but fell down four feet each night.
Question: How many days did it take the squirrel to get out of the well?
Added information: Mr. Slicker gave the squirrel food and water each day so it wouldn’t die.
You may be thinking, The squirrel gained three feet each day, so it took 21 days to get out of the well. After all 63 divided by three equals 21. That’s the obvious answer.
Jesus said, “Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:14 NIV).
In a class of 30 students, two usually discover the correct answer to the squirrel problem. You, too, can discover the solution to life’s problems by turning to the Bible. The man who is truly wise, knows that the Word of God offers truth and guidance. It may take a little more time to study the Word and fervently seek God’s will, but once you’ve done that and have yielded to His leading, you’ll have the correct solution to life’s problems.
Back to our squirrel problem. If our friendly rodent gains three feet each day, where is he on the 19th day? It’s up the well at the point of 57 feet. On the 20th day, the squirrel goes up seven feet and is out. How? Because 57 feet plus the seven feet it goes up each day makes a total of 64 feet. Since the well is 63 feet deep, the squirrel is out on the 20th day without falling back that night.
Know It!
When faced with problems, it’s tempting to take the easy way out. Satan is working overtime to convince you the easy way out is the best way out. Don’t fall for his strategy. Seek God’s wisdom in all you do!
Read It!
Proverbs 1, 2, 3.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I admit, I’m often tempted to take short cuts to my problems. Help me to stop looking for the easy way and start seeking the right way through Your wisdom.
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Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:29 am
Zak-A-Tude I
You may be familiar with the story of Zacchaeus — tax collector — short guy who climbed a tree so he could see Jesus above the crowd. You can read the entire story in Luke 19:1-10. Here’s the scene: Jesus was coming through town. Everyone knows about it. His passing through the city limits of Jericho is big news. Practically the entire city has thronged Main Street so they can catch a glimpse of Him when He comes through town.
Some of the teens have probably pitched tents and spent the night there — just to get a birds-eye view right on the side of the road. There’s almost a “parade-feel” in the air. Lots of excitement, huge crowds, animals, children, elderly folks. Some youth group is probably selling hot dogs to earn money for their annual ski trip. A lot is happening.
Everyone has heard about Jesus of Nazareth. There were lots of rumors circulating about Him. Some were saying He was a prophet. Others determined He was a really good teacher. Still some said He was a wonderful healer. Others just said He was a nice person. But Jesus had claimed that He was the Son of God — the long-awaited Messiah.
So on this particular day, when Jesus is scheduled to come through town, hundreds have thronged the streets to catch a glimpse of Him and make up their own minds as to who He is.
Could it be possible? What if He really IS the Messiah? People were thinking. You can imagine the excitement, the wonder, the anticipation, the tension in the air as Jesus approached the city of Jericho.
Zacchaeus, too, wanted a glimpse of Jesus. He’d heard the rumors. He, like everyone else, was also anxiously awaiting the promised Messiah. If there was even a slight chance that Jesus of Nazareth could be Him, Zacchaeus wanted in on the action. He wanted to find out for himself.
So he closed shop early that day. He rolled up his sleeves, loosened his necktie and headed toward Main Street. Imagine the frustration he must have felt when he couldn’t even get through the crowds — let alone see over them! Spotting a sycamore tree not too far from the street, he proceeded to climb its’ branches in order to get a glimpse of the Man from Galilee. You see, Zacchaeus was too short to see over the crowds, and he didn’t have a ladder. So the next best thing was to scamper up a tree.
But think about that for a second. An adult man in a business suit climbing a tree? Must have been pretty embarrassing! The cool thing, though, is that Zacchaeus so desperately wanted a personal encounter with Jesus Christ that he was willing to look like a fool to do it!
That’s an admirable attitude — one worth adapting to our own lifestyle. In fact, let’s just go ahead and name it. We’ll call it a Zak-A-Tude.
Know It!
God desires to develop that same attitude in you. He wants you to want Jesus so badly, you’re willing to do anything to have a personal encounter with Him.
Read It!
2 Chronicles 30:19; Luke 19:1-10.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I want to want You that badly! I want to want You more than anyone and anything in the world.
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Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 12:49 pm
Zack-A-Tude II
Okay, you already know Zacchaeus was short. But there’s something else you ought to know. His shortness was more than simply being vertically challenged. The original writings of the Bible use a word that describes him as being a man in a boy’s body. In other words, he was under-developed. This made him look strangely odd. People stared. They made fun of him. He was often the brunt of cruel jokes.
So, that’s one thing Zacchaeus had against him. But there’s another reason he wasn’t very popular — he was a tax collector. This was kind of like being a social leper. People who were physically afflicted with leprosy, had to cross the street alone. The law required them to shout, “Unclean! Unclean!” so people within hearing distance could back away. No one wanted to get close to a leper.
Being a tax collector was like having social leprosy. No one wanted to be near you. No one asked you out for a cappuccino or a latte or even a hot chocolate.
Why? Because to even become a tax collector, you had to do some pretty crooked negotiating. You had to betray your own people. Let’s say you wanted to become a tax collector. Here’s how the scenario would go down: You’d approach the Roman officials and offer them a bribe to allow you to collect taxes from your own people (the Jews). If they accepted the bribe, they would then set an amount of tax for you to collect. But here’s the sticky part: Let’s say the Roman officials have told you to tax your people $1. That’s what you have to turn in to the officials. They’ll hold you accountable for that amount.
But what you want to charge the people is totally up to you! So why not charge them $10? You give Rome $1, and you pocket the rest! That’s what tax collectors did. And they weren’t fooling anyone — everyone was aware of what went down — but ordinary citizens were powerless to stop it.
So it’s a little easier now to understand why Zacchaeus was hated so much, isn’t it? He was a traitor to his own people. But before we become 100 percent negative on Zack, let’s spend the next couple of days looking at some positive things we can learn from his life.
Know It!
God blesses our honesty. He desires for you to live and act in such honesty that people can’t help but notice you’re a young man or woman of great integrity. Do others see you as a person of integrity? Or do they see you as someone who tries to cut corners and take shortcuts? Are you know for “little white lies”?
Read It!
Malachi 3:1; Luke 19:1-10.
Pray It!
Jesus, I’m not always as honest as I should be. I’m sorry. Will You forgive me? I want to be a person who holds a reputation of integrity. The next time I start to say something that’s not completely true, please check me.
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Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:04 pm
Zack-A-Tude III
Yes, Zack had a few strikes against him. He was dishonest, and he was known for taking advantage of others. He had swindled innocent people out of their hard-earned money. He had taken advantage of widows and the elderly. He was easy to dislike. But we can learn a few things from his life, if we’ll look closely.
• He had a ZAK-A-TUDE. He so desperately wanted a personal encounter with Jesus, he was willing to go to great lengths to make sure it happened. What an attitude of determination! How determined are you to get as close to Jesus as possible?
• He was aware of his SHORTCOMINGS and did something ABOUT THEM. When Zack realized he was too short to see above the crowds, he could have given up. He was extremely aware of his limitations, but he refused to let them stop him from doing something important. Do you find it easy to rationalize your areas of weakness? I’m not really an outgoing person, so I’m not going to invite anyone to church, you make think. Don’t let your shortcomings get in the way of becoming all God dreams for you! Like Zacchaeus, do something about them!
• He HEARD the CALL of Jesus. The Bible tells us that when Jesus walked by the tree in which Zack was sitting, He stopped, looked up and called him by name. (We’ll get more into that in a few days, but right now let’s take a look at Zack’s ears.) Zacchaeus heard Jesus call him! His ears were in tune to the voice of the Master! Think of the plethora of sounds competing for Zack’s attention at that time — sheep bleating, children crying, the youth group selling hot dogs, someone asking to be healed — a lot of noise was happening around Zacchaeus. Yet when Jesus spoke his name, he heard and responded.
Know It!
God wants you to be aware of your weak areas — your shortcomings — and instead of rationalizing them away, He wants you to do something about them! He also wants you to learn the sound of His voice so you can be constantly tuned in to the Master.
Read It!
Deuteronomy 30:19-20; 1 Samuel 15:22; John 10:3.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, I admit it . . . sometimes I try to use my shortcomings as a cop-out. I rationalize and don’t do something simply because it’s not my strength. Help me to turn the corner on that, Lord. Show me how to strengthen my weak areas. And help me not to be so caught up with the sounds of the world, that I don’t hear Your voice.
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Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 2:03 pm
Zack-A-Tude V
Zacchaeus didn’t develop a Zak-A-Tude in his own strength. God Almighty was working in his heart. As Jesus approached the sycamore tree that memorable day in Jericho, He acted on His Father’s prompting to help develop the Zak-A-Tude in Zacchaeus. Now that we’ve taken a look at what Zacchaeus did, let’s scoot a little closer for a peek at what Jesus did.
• He CHOSE the OUTCAST. As we study the Bible, we see that God has never chosen only the most popular, the most talented or the most beautiful. Throughout history, He has specifically selected the unwanted, non- talented and the outcast. He has the miraculous ability to take an ordinary person and do extraordinary things through his/her life. That’s because Jesus sees the potential of what someone can become with His help.
Everyone — at one time or another — feels like an outcast. Your dad leaves, your experience a breakup, someone makes fun of you, people spread rumors. It’s easy to feel unwanted and unloved. But you can take comfort in the fact that God has chosen you!
• He CALLED him by NAME. Zacchaeus had been called a lot of things in life — shorty, jerk, thief, traitor — it must have felt great to be called by his name . . .and to have it spoken by Someone so important!
Jesus calls you by your name, too! He’ll never address you as, “Hey, Big Nose!” or “Slow Stuff.” He’ll always call you in the most personal way imaginable — by your name. Think about it: The Creator of the universe knows your name! How does it make you feel to be on a first-name basis with the King of Kings?
• He went AGAINST THE FLOW. The crowds complained when Jesus went to Zack’s house. “He’s hanging out with sinners!” they jeered. Though Jesus was constantly pressured by the masses to hang out with the “pretty people” and the “important ones,” He dared to go against the flow. He was more concerned in leading Zacchaeus to receive forgiveness for sins and inherit eternal life than he was in what the crowds had to say.
Know It!
Jesus went against the flow for you, too. If you were the only one in the entire world, He still would have chosen to suffer the horrendous death it took to pay for your sins. He has chosen you, He calls you by your name, and He goes against the flow for you. He looks beyond what others say about you and chooses to see your highest potential.
Read It!
Luke 19:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:24.
Pray It!
Dear Jesus, thank You for choosing me, for calling me, and for believing in all I can become.
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 3:10 pm
Who Would Have Guessed?
Would you have ever guessed that . . .
• A Boeing 747’s wingspan is longer than the Wright brothers first flight.
• Mosquito repellents don’t actually repel; they hide you. The spray blocks the mosquito’s sensors so they don’t know you’re there.
• Apples, not caffeine, are more efficient at helping you wake up in the morning.
• The 57 on the Heinz ketchup bottle represents the number of varieties of pickles the company once had.
• Most dust particles in your house are from dead skin.
• Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least six feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.
• The first owner of the Marlboro company died of lung cancer.
• No piece of paper can be folded in half more than seven times.
• Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike annually than all of the Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined.
• It takes 3,000 cows to supply the NFL with enough leather for a year’s supply of footballs.
• The drink 7-UP was created in 1929. The number seven was chosen because the original containers were seven ounces. The “UP” indicated the direction of the bubbles.
• Donkeys kill more people each year than airplane crashes.
• One in ever four Americans has appeared on television.
And who would have guessed that the King of Kings would leave 11 ordinary men in charge of spreading the gospel to the entire world? We tend to wonder why God didn’t create a super plan of evangelism and high- tech publicity to reach the masses. After all, Jesus was only on earth for 33 years . . . and God had to come up with a plan to spread the Good News to every generation across time in every part of the world. And He stuck with ordinary men!
Through the years, God’s plan hasn’t changed. He’s still counting on ordinary people to spread the news of His saving grace and gift of eternal life. All He has are ordinary people. But ordinary people filled with the consuming supernatural power of the Creator of the universe can accomplish extraordinary things! What are you personally doing to spread the gospel?
The very best witness is a sold-out lifestyle. Yes, it’s important to talk; people certainly listen to our words. But our actions and reactions can shout even louder than words. When you think no one’s looking, someone is watching your life. Is your lifestyle a witness to Jesus Christ?
Know It!
Ever heard the phrase, “You’re the only Bible some people ever read?” It’s true. Your lifestyle is a book of words. How you live and interact with those around you is either a witness for Christ or a witness against Christ.
Read It!
Matthew 10:27-33; Luke 9:57-62; Colossians 1:28-29.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you live a life of integrity even when no one’s looking.
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Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 1:56 pm
Do Not Be Deceived
By: Thomas Bartel
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1-3
Have you heard voices or promptings from the spirit? Most of us would probably think that those sorts of things are coming from the Holy Spirit. However, as John writes to Christians in his first letter, we are to make certain what the real origin is before believing or acting upon them. As John imparts, there were many false prophets about in the land and it is best to put them to the test. Likewise, there are false prophets out in the world today as well, so it is just as important for Christians today to test them.
The testing that John is referring to is the doctrine that they are professing. Are they confessing Jesus Christ as their Lord? Are they that Jesus Christ is the son of God? If not, it would be best to look further into what they are saying. Following spirits that are not of the Lord causes serious problems for Christians. Christians can be easily led astray and end up in situations that can be destructive to their position in Christ.
Take John's advice quite seriously. Do not be fooled or compromised by impostors. Satan would like no more than to have another Christian fall into sin and abandon his faith and trust in Christ. If you are ever struggling with a situation where there is some confusion about how you are thinking, be sure to talk with a pastor or another Christian who is spiritually sound and walking a good walk.
God does not desire for even one of His children to be tricked out of their place in heaven. Therefore, test the spirits, and know from whence they come.
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Posted: Sat May 03, 2008 10:50 am
Dear Diary
Hey, Diary. Yeah, me again. I know you’re surprised to hear from me. After all, it’s been since . . . March 17! But I need to spill my thoughts somewhere, and you’re available, so here goes.
Why are relationships so hard? Beth told me I don’t encourage her enough. And Mark said it’s because I’m insecure.
Gimme a break!
Nathan says I don’t really compliment others. Rebekah says I’m a great friend—I just need to work on establishing better communication with my friends.
Ugh!
You’d think it wouldn’t be so hard to be involved in my friends lives . . . but I’m beginning to realize that friendship—real friendship—takes a lot of work.
So I guess I have to ask, “Is it worth it?”
I already know the answer, Diary. (Sure feels weird talking to a stack of paper! But it also feels kinda good at the same time.)
Yeah, my friends are important.
And I really do wanna be the best friend I can be to them. I want them to see Jesus in my life. I want to be an encouragement to each one of them. I guess . . . I don’t know . . . I just get busy and caught up in my own little world. And I tend to take it for granted that they know I appreciate them.
Pastor Steve says we can never tell people too much how loved they are.
Hmmm.
Come to think of it . . . I hardly ever tell people how much I appreciate them. Okay, enough! I’m gonna make a list right now of people in my life I can send an e-mail or a note to and just remind them that I’m grateful for each of them. And after this list, Diary, I’m goin’ downstairs for some Rocky Road ice-cream!
• Mom and Dad
• My friends
• Youth pastor
• My two favorite teachers
• Coach Wilson
• Mr. Sanders for giving me that part-time job last summer.
• My Sunday school teacher
• Our senior pastor at church
Know It!
A kind word goes a long way. In fact, you can make or break someone’s day by the words you choose to share with him. Take stock of your relationships. Are you nurturing your friendships or taking them for granted?
Read It!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Proverbs 15:4; Proverbs 12:25; Proverbs 16:24; Proverbs 17:22.
Pray It!
Ask God to help you care more about those around you.
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