Merry Christmas

I hope that the journey through Advent with the help of the Polar Express helped you to see Jesus in a new way. I had a lot of fun writing the devotionals and God shared a lot with me.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. A time for families and loved ones to gather together and celebrate. Maybe you will exchange gifts and read the Night Before Christmas. As you celebrate and enjoy being together remember Jesus and the gift he gave to you.

Have a great Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.

Devotionals will return in February of 2012.

The Bell Sound

Do you hear it?

Have you ever been on a spiritual high? A time, where you really feel God's presence and you are wanting to prayer and read your Bible and tell your friends about God. Maybe after a week of camp or a mission trip. Spiritual highs usually only last for a short time. Then you are stuck in a rut again, wishing you were back wanting to spend time with God.

The bell sound can only be heard by those who believe. Those are mostly children, but to the main character he is able to forever believe because he was the one who experienced Santa and the train ride that night.

If we aren't careful our spiritual lives can becoming like the bell sound. Faint or non-existent. It's important to be spending time in the Bible, in prayer and conversation with God, and to let God use you.

This Christmas where are you spiritually?

Are you a little faint? Or maybe non-existent? Or can you hear that most beautiful sound?

Where ever you are, I challenge you to give a gift to yourself and God. Give the gift of your time and your heart. Truly begin to let yourself explore the Bible and prayer. Trust that God is working in and through you. And when it gets rough don't give up.

When we meet God, let's be able to say "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).

Christmas Day

Let's read from the book:

On Christmas morning my little sister Sarah and I opened our presents. When it looked as if everything had been unwrapped, Sarah found one last small box behind the tree. It had my name on it. Inside was the silver bell! There was a note: "Found this on the seat of my sleigh. Fix that hole in your pocket." Signed, "Mr. C."

The last thing the boy expected was to see the bell under the tree. What a surprise it must of been!

How have you seen God work when less expected?

God is at work in our lives.

Spend the next few days before Christmas looking for evidence of God.

Just Believe

"Believe in what your heart saying, hear the melody that's playing. There's no time to waste, there's so much to celebrate. Believe in what you feel inside, give your dreams the wings to fly. You have everything you need if you just believe."

One overarching theme of this movie is believing. Our main character has the word believe punched on this ticket, he can't hear the bells of Santa's sleigh because he doesn't believe, and his parents (and eventually sister and friends) cannot hear the bell because they don't believe.

When we look at the people around us, they all believe in something. It might be that if they work hard enough they will achieve, or if they know the right people they will get ahead in life. They might believe that things are not going to get any better for them.

What is it that you believe?

God sent us a gift. A gift that we celebrate here in a few days. That gift came so that we can have eternal life with God.

Today take time to read John 3:1-21, the link below will take you there. After reading, spend some time reflecting on it and then answer the question again:

What is it that you believe?

 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%203:1-21&version=NIV

Feelings

Movies do a great job of playing with emotions. Right now, the boy has lost the bell, that's sad. Earlier we were playful with having hot chocolate.

Today, the video is from the soundtrack. As it plays, close your eyes and see how your emotions or feelings change with the music.

If music can develop those feelings within us, what can Jesus do within us? If we were silent and devoted of six minutes what do you think would be the result.

As Christmas is less than a week away, spend time with Jesus. Thank him for his gift to us and see if you can give him your heart.

Losing the Bell

Let's read from the book

"As soon as we were back inside the Polar Express, the other children asked to see the bell. I reached into my pocket, but the only thing I felt was a hole. I had lost the silver bell from Santa Claus's sleigh."

How do you think the main character felt to find out the bell was gone?

The bell was his proof. The bell proved that Santa was real. The bell proved the great adventure he went on.

What do you have that gives you proof that God is real?

For me, it's my story. God has been at work in my life. I have been through situations that only God could bring me through. That is my proof. What's yours?

Today continue to ask God to reveal his existence to you.

First Gift of Christmas

The time has come for Santa to pick one of the children and give out the first gift of Christmas.

This scene is huge in the movie. Our main character hasn't believed in Santa and now Santa is asking him what he wants. It doesn't take him long to decide to ask for the bell, the sound that the other kids have been able to hear and he hasn't.

If you could see Jesus and you get to ask him one question, what would you ask?

Take time to think about that. Go beyond the simple what's your favorite food questions to something that you really are unsure about. Maybe if Hell is real, or if God is real, or what about your friends who don't believe.

Write down your question and give God time to answer.

Where'e the Line to See Jesus?

Today I needed to break away from the Polar Express to share with you this song and story.

A few years ago, during a shopping trip to the mall a little boy asked his aunt where the line to see Jesus was. He grew up knowing that Christmas was about the birth of Jesus and was confused about the line to see Santa. Being inspired by that question, the following song was penned:

This song makes me think about how much we think of Santa over the Christmas season versus how much we think of Jesus.

Today see if you can spend it only thinking about Jesus and not Santa.

Where's the Brake?

Have you ever wished you could just slam on the brakes and stop for a minute to catch your breath?

In this clip the kids are looking for the brake. Do you need a break? Has the Christmas season become overwhelming? Are you stressing over what to get that special someone in your life?

Jesus wants us to focus on him this holiday.

Just like the little girl needed to pause and listen for the right sound to know the way, we need to pause and know God.

Be still, and know that I am God, says Psalm 46:10.

How can you today, amongst the busy-ness and stress take time to be still and focus on God?

Arrival

Just like the Polar Express, Mary and Joseph eventually arrived to their final destination.

As you read the the different accounts of Jesus' birth, it is interesting to compare what the Bible says to what we know through songs or pictures.

For example:

In Luke 2:7 it talks about a manger and guest room. We usually think of Mary and Joseph having to staying in a stable because there was no room in the inn.

When I hear stable, I think of barn, but the image that is closer to stable would be a cave in a side of a hill or mountain. And when I hear inn, I think of hotel, but the image that is closer to guest room, would literally be some one's house.

Today I challenge you to check out the stories in the Bible, the accounts of the journey Mary and Joseph took. Read in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. See the differences and the similarities and then compare that to what you already knew before your reading of the Christmas story.

Arrival

"We've made it!"

There can be no doubt now that we have arrived. 

Today we are going to look at Scripture that comes after Jesus' death. Let's read John 20:24-29:

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Like Thomas and our main character it's not also easy to believe something you haven't seen.

We have seen the North Pole in the movie and it makes you want to believe. As we see the birth of Jesus will you believe?

When Christmas Comes to Town

In the movie, this little boy spends most of his time alone. According to one boy, he wasn't even a scheduled stop.

Do you ever feel alone?

When the train stops for this boy, our main character encourages him to run faster to make it on the train.

Who in your life encourages you to not give up?

From the above clip through the rest of the movie, these three characters pretty much stay together.  In Scripture we read that two is better than one (Ecclesiastes 4:9) and that a cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). 

Life isn't meant to be lived alone. Think of who you can share your spiritual life with and ask that person for some encouragement. 

Driving

After exploring the roof, next is the engine!

This clip starts with the boy finding the girl and yelling "YOU" out of shock that she is there.

I wonder how Mary felt when people started to find out that she was pregnant and not yet married. I do know that people had to be shocked about her being pregnant! I'm sure there were people who weren't afraid to speak their minds (both good and bad things), those who spoke about her behind her back, and those who got to know her and wanted to help.

What about you? Is there something in your life that if people would find out about that they would be shocked by?

Or is there someone in your life who you would be shocked to hear about their relationship with God? Would others be shocked about your personal relationship with God?

Today spend time talking with God about the things that shock us about others and those things about us that would shock others. Be open and honest about the good and the bad.

Hobo

If you have never traveled by train, then you have to explore. In the process of exploring the main character ends up on the roof of the train and meets Hobo. Watch their interaction-

Two big things happen in this clip. First a question and then a phrase.

1. How would you answer the following question:

What exactly is your belief in Jesus?

Would you respond like the little boy, "I believe but..." or are you not quite sure what Jesus is all about, or do you have a relationship with Jesus?

Whatever your answer is, that's okay. God accepts you right where you are. 

2. In this clip the hobo says "seeing is believing." We might not be able to see God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit, but we can see what they are doing through those who have a relationship with God and what God has done.

Look at the world. The beauty you see is God's art work.
Look at human beings and see God's masterpiece.
Look at Jesus and see God's son and a love only God has for us.

Today as we traveling think about the interaction with the hobo. Are you happy with the answer you gave? Do you see God at work today? Take time and talk to God, tell God your answers and wait for a response.

Travel

"Soon there were no more lights to be seen. We traveled through cold, dark forest, where lean wolves roamed and white-tailed rabbits hid from our train as it thundered through the quiet wilderness." An excerpt from the book, Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

The holidays are known to be a busy time for highways and airways. People travel to be with friends, family, and loved ones. Today we can travel pretty fast, unless there's a traffic jam or delayed flights.

Mary and Joseph had to travel also. Let's read Luke 2:1-5:

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

As we are settled in on the train watching the forest go by and wondering about what's to come, what do you think Mary watched and wondered about as the donkey carried her to Bethlehem?

(I do have to say, I am glad we are traveling by train and not by donkey!)

Hot Chocolate

What train ride full of kids wouldn't offer Hot Chocolate??

After getting their refreshment, the kids settle in for the ride. Yesterday we read how the angel appeared to Joseph, today we are going to read how the angel appeared to Mary in Luke 1:26-35:

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will  overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

What do you think Mary did to have favor with God (verse 30)?

What can you do to have favor with God?

All Aboard!

The journey starts today. The train has arrived and now all you need to do is get on board.

The journey for Jesus started when the angel appeared to Joseph. Let's look at the story in Matthew 1:18-25.

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Joseph got on board, will you?

Ticket

Are you ready for the journey? All you need is a Bible, pen, and journal. Oh and don't forget your ticket.



Now that the ticket part is taken care of, we are ready to go!

Boarding for the journey takes places tomorrow.

The Polar Express

I announced yesterday that for our Advent devotionals that we will be journeying with the help of the book/movie The Polar Express.

In case you don't know the storyline, below is the trailer for the movie.

What did you do or what will you do today for the Christmas season? Will you buy a gift, hang decorations, or think of the Biblical journey that is taking place?

Today I challenge you to do one of two things (or both):

A. Instead of buying someone a gift, make them one.

B. Take money that you would spend on a gift and donate it to an organization to help others have a good Christmas.

Advent

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. This year I really treasured my family and how thankful I am for them.

Yesterday started the season of Advent. Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas and a time to help us prepare for the coming of Jesus' birth.

While yesterday started Advent, the blog will begin Christmas themed devotionals starting on December 1 with the help from The Polar Express (both the book and the movie).

Part of Advent is waiting and anticipating the birth. Today, think about how you anticipate Christmas. Do you start making lists of what you want, or begin a countdown, or set up the decorations.

How much of that excitement is for the birth of Christ?

Spend time today in prayer asking God to help you focus on Him for this Christmas season and the ability to look past the materialism of Christmas

Thanksgiving

Today's video: Thanksgiving: God's Goodness by the Skit Guys

With Thanksgiving being next week there will not be a blog. Count your blessings and remember to thank God for them.

When the blog starts back up we will be in the season of Advent, preparing ourselves for the birth of our Savior.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Today's video: Thank You by Mary Mary and Kirk Franklin

Today's Scripture is: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

1 Thessalonians 4:4-8

Today's video: Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Today's Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:4-8

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have.They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 29:7-9

Today's Scripture goes along with yesterdays.

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the LORD. ~Jeremiah 29:7-9

Today's Thanksgiving video, is another one from the Skit Guys

Jeremiah 29:4-6

One of my pet peeves is people getting ready for Christmas before Thanksgiving. While Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday, I think it deserves time to be thought about and embraced.

This week there will be videos and Scripture to help us get in the Thanksgiving spirit.

This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.

Veterans Day

Today is 11-11-11. Many people are going to be getting married on this day, some people will make wishes hoping they will come true, and some will wonder what crazy thing will happen on this day.

But more importantly, today is Veterans Day.

Painted by Eric Samuel Timm

Veterans have held a special place in my heart for many years. I have family members who have served, friends who are serving and finishing up their terms, and I currently have a brother who is getting deployed.

In high school I had the privilege to play Taps at local parades and events. Through that I met many Veterans and widows who lives I have touched. At first playing Taps was simple and meant nothing to me, but after that first "thank you" for a Veteran who had tears running down his face, I was never able to think the same.

On the wall in my office hangs a newspaper clipping with the following on it:

Honoring Our Brave Veterans
It is the Veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Veteran, no the reporter, who has given us freedom of press.
It is the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the Veteran, not the lawyer, who has given u the right to a fair trail.
It is the Veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Veteran, who salutes the Flag, who serves under the Flag,
Eternal rest grant them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
~Author Unknown

Today remember what has been done for our lives and remember those making the decision daily to join the Armed Forces.

1 John 1:5-7

Today we are going to worship God. Listen to the song below twice: once to think about the words and what they mean and the second time sing it as if Jesus is sitting right in front of you.

How did it feel to sing directly to Jesus?

Was it different than other times of worship? If so, how?

What would it mean for you to run to God?

Does that challenge you to not give in to peer pressure, or watch watch comes out of your mouth, or challenges you to change your clothing options and the way to relate with the opposite sex?

1 John 1:5-7 says

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Today include God in your routine.

If its late in the the day, think back to how you could of included Him in the things you did.

Joshua 6:12-16

Veggie Tales does a great job of taking Bible stories and turning them into fun videos. They are usually geared at children, but I think Veggie Tales is great for all ages. Watch this trailer for Josh and the Big Wall:

Let's finish the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho:



Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the LORD and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets kept sounding. So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! ~Joshua 6:12-16

If you were told to march around, blow trumpets, and yell to accomplish something, how would you feel? Would you do it?

We've been talking about routine the last two days. Sometimes routine is great and other times it can be too much. We see in this story, that the Israelites trusted God and had faith with this out of the box routine.

Do you put faith and trust in God with your schedule or routine?

Pray today asking God to help you add Him to your daily life.

Joshua 6:6-11

Babies love routine. If they are on their routine they are peaceful calm cute babies. Get babies off of their routine and they become cranky.

Here's a cute baby video:

Can you imagine what it would be like to have four babies off schedule? Talk about headache.

When we get off schedule do we get cranky?

Let's pick up our story from yesterday.

So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant of the LORD and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it.” And he ordered the army, “Advance! March around the city, with an armed guard going ahead of the ark of the LORD.” When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the LORD went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the LORD’s covenant followed them. The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. But Joshua had commanded the army, “Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!” So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. Then the army returned to camp and spent the night there. ~Joshua 6:6-11

I have to say, the Israelites must of been super patient. First Joshua tells them to march around a city, which they do for six days. Then Joshua changes it up a little bit, still no complaining.

Are we more like babies or more like the Israelites? Are we cranky when our routine gets messed with or are we patient and do not complain?

Joshua 6:1-5

Have you ever had to do something repeatly for days in a row?

God told the Israelites to do the same thing for six days. Let's look at that story, Joshua 6:1-5:

Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”

How do you think they felt with having to do the same routine over and over again?

In college I had the same bedtime routine for a little bit. First I had to clean my room, then pack my bag for the morning, use the bathroom, watch people outside my window, read my Bible, set my alarm, and then I could go to sleep. It was overwhelming, but I felt that I had to complete the list before I could rest peacefully.

What kind of routine or schedule do you have? Does it ever overwhelm you?

How does God fit into your routine?

Pray today asking God to show up during your routine.

Psalm 150

Psalm 150 verse 6 says

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Everything that has breath. Hmm, so animals are supposed to praise God? And plants? How is that possible?

Take time and see how plants and animals may praise God.

Psalm 150

Psalm 150 verses 4 and 5 say

Praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

That's a lot of noise, but if it's coming from the right place in our hearts to God it is beautiful.

How can you praise God with noise today?

Psalm 150

Psalm 150 verse 3 says

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

The trumpet, harp, and lyre are the most common instruments that are used throughout the Bible.

Today, churches use: piano, organ, guitar, bass, drums, string instruments, an assortment of percussion instruments, and the list goes on. Any instrument really can be used in the church.

These instruments are also used outside the church. Is it weird to think that someone could be using the same instrument in the church to lift up the kingdom of God and outside the church to break down the kingdom of God?

Psalm 150

Psalm 150 verse 2 says

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

Another way of thinking about this verse is through a children's song that says "Our God is so big, so strong, and so mighty there's nothing our God cannot do."

Where in your life do you see God's power and greatness?

Remember the chorus of that song today and see if it changes how you think about God.

Psalm 150

All week we are in Psalm 150 and talking about being thankful.

Psalm 150:1 says

Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

Most of the time when you hear the word sanctuary, you think church, but it doesn't just have to be. Since God lives in us, where we are could be seen as his sanctuary. And actually, the church is more than just a building, its the people.

How can you praise God at the different places you go throughout the day?

1 Timothy 3:16

Today's movie is: The X Files

Today's Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:16

Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.



Daniel 2:27-28

Today's TV show is: ?
Today's Scripture: Daniel 2:27-28

Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these:

Colossians 4:3-4

Today's movie is: ?

Today's Scripture: Colossians 4:3-4

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

Colossians 1:24-29

Today's movie is: ?

Today's Scripture: Colossians 1:24-29

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness- the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

This week the blog is slightly different. There will be video clips of different mystery shows/movies and Scripture. No devotional. Remember all five of the movies and tell me at the Masquerade Party of Sunday and be entered to win a prize.

Today's show is: ?

Today's Scripture is: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5



This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

1 Chronicles 29:8-9

During college I worked at After School Fun, an after school program that the church next to campus ran. My main job was to coordinate the food program; everything from ordering the food to managing volunteers and sometimes even cooking. One of my volunteers was the church's secretary and her name is Darlene. My senior year she was unable to volunteer because she was grieving the death of her husband and had to have knee surgery. About a month after surgery I went to visit Darlene and I brought along her favorite ice cream. I had only planned to visit for at most an hour, but I ended up having so much fun that I had spent over three hours visiting with her. My visit to Darlene brought her lots of joy and when she returned to work a few weeks later she told everyone about our visit. 

I didn't know how much my visit meant to Darlene until the senior pastor stopped me one day and thanked me for visiting her and giving her my time, because it really touched her heart.

I didn't really do anything special. I took an older lady ice cream and shared stories with her. But to her, it meant the world.

1 Chronicles 29:8-9 says Anyone who had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the temple of the LORD in the custody of Jehiel the Gershonite. The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.

In my story, the precious stones was the ice cream. What are precious stones that you can give?

What precious stones can you give to someone else?

John 3:16

Today, as you watch this video think of the gift that this man gives.

This man gave the gift of life to all those aboard the train. The decision he made for his son to die had to be rough.

God gave us the gift of life. Let's look at Scripture and see what it says.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16

The man in this video made the same decision God did- they both let their son die so that others could live.

To me, there is no better gift!

Spend time today thanking God for his gift of life to us. 

1 John 3:17-18

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. ~ 1 John 3:17-18

This Scripture makes me think of someone. This lady:

Mother Teresa

Here's a short bio, taken off of motherteresa.org



"By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus." Small of stature, rocklike in faith, Mother Teresa of Calcutta was entrusted with the mission of proclaiming God's thirsting love for humanity, especially for the poorest of the poor. "God still loves the world and He sends you and me to be His love and His compassion to the poor." She was a soul filled with the light of Christ, on fire with love for Him and burning with one desire: "to quench His thirst for love and for souls.

Mother Teresa gave the gift of love to many people in Calcutta, India and the legacy she left behind continues to inspire people today

What inspiration can you take from Mother Teresa? From this Scripture?

Pray that God helps you to love with actions and in truth.

2 corinthians 8:7-9

There is a man that lives in Massachusetts that is a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy that has completed over 1,000 races, including marathons, duathlons, and triathlons (with 6 being Ironman competitions). His name is Rick Hoyt and with the gift of his dad, Dick Hoyt, he has been able to do it all. This story is inspirational in many ways, but the reason I am sharing this today is because of the gift that this father gives to his son.

Watch this video on the story (the audio is off a little bit at the beginning but then is better):

To read more information about Team Hoyt you can visit their website at teamhoyt.com

2 Corinthians 8:7-9 says But since you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you-see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Dick Hoyt has excelled in giving. Now we all might not be able to give a gift like Dick gives to his son, but we all can give gifts to others.

Ask God to put someone on your heart that you can give a gift to.

Romans 12:3-8

This week we are talking about giving. 

Romans 12:3-8 says For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Here in America, because we are truly blessed with many things we can sometimes think very highly of ourselves and forget about those who don't have as much as we do. In doing so we may not take the time to give to others.

When was the last time you donated items to Salvation Army or Goodwill or Chopin Hall? When you donate, what condition is the stuff in, can it actually be used again?

What about the people in your life. Have you ever given your time to help them without expecting anything in return or a form of payment?

This passage talks also about our spiritual gifts. We all have special talents God has given us, but we also are all able to do some of the above things. We have talked about serving, encouraging others, and even being a cheerful giver, but we haven't practiced that as a youth group.

What are you spiritual gifts? What do you find yourself doing a lot, that comes with some ease? Encouraging, serving, making people feel welcome, working with little kids, public speaking, musical talent, prayer, being a good listener, just to name a few.

How can you use your spiritual gifts to help your neighbors and what can we do as a youth group? Spend time with God discovering an answer and feel free to share that answer in a comment.

Tithing

This week we have looked at tithing. Today there is a no Scripture but a video that I want you to watch and really think about. There will be a few questions after the video, but let the video speak to you and touch your heart.

When you think of tithing, do you think of the money being used in these ways?

How has this week changed your outlook on tithing? Spend some time reviewing the Scriptures from this week and then in prayer about tithing and what that looks like for you.

Proverbs 3:9

If I challenged you to give God a million dollars in 2012 how would you respond?

Here's a true story about just that:

Steve owned a small business and had an annual salary of $50,000. He went to a conference where Dr. Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ) challenged people to give a million dollars to the LORD’s work. Steve told Dr. Bright it would be impossible for his family to give a million dollars. Dr. Bright asked, “How much money did you make last year, and how much did you give?” Steve said, “My salary is $50,000 and we gave $15,000.” Dr. Bright said, “Next year, trust God to help you give $50,000.” But Steve said, “That’s my entire salary!” Dr. Bright said, “Trust God and see how He provides.” With God’s help, Steve’s business did well and his family joyfully gave $50,000. The following year, God helped them give $100,000. Each year, his family lived on his $50,000 salary and gave all their extra income to the LORD’s work. Within several years, they gave over a million dollars!

When I first heard this story I was like, "true, yeah right!" Then I felt kind of guilty because who am I to judge how God works in the lives of others. The neat think about this story is how Steve trusted and honored God with his money.

Proverbs 3:9 says Honor the LORD with your wealth, and your firstfruits of all your crops.

How can you honor God? Can you trust God with your money like Steve did? If not, what needs to change so you can.

Malachi 3:8-10

Today we have a video from the Skit Guys. It may take awhile to load.

What kind of giver are you? Do you know people who would fit the different types of givers they acted out?

Let's look at the Scripture they referred to:

Malachi 3:8-10 says “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

In the Old Testament God asked Israel to do many things, and many times the Israelites didn't listen. In the reading today, we see that they weren't following when God asked them to tithe.

Would you rob Chase Bank? Would you rob from Heaven's bank?

This passage is telling us that by not tithing we are robbing God. That kinda hurts.

But what if I don't have a job or source of income? Do you receive an allowance? Do you go out for dinner? Do you receive birthday or Christmas gifts? We all are given things. What if instead of that latest gadget, a quick meal one night, or gum you ask for the money and give it to God. Get creative, there are ways you can tithe without having an income.

The good news that this passage brings is that by tithing God will bless us in many ways.

Instead of looking at tithing as a chore or something you have to do, try looking at tithing as a blessing. God has blessed us with having money. Try returning that blessing to God.

matthew 19:23-26

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”  When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

To fully understand why Jesus says what he does about the rich man, you need to back up and read about the man. You can find the whole story starting in Matthew 19:16. Here's an overview:

A man approaches Jesus and asks him what it will take to have eternal life. The man says that he has followed the commandments and then Jesus tells him to go and sell his possessions and give to the poor. The man is unable to do so and walks away because he is wealthy. Then Jesus turns to the disciples and says today's passage.

What was it about the man's wealth that meant more to him then having eternal life? If you were the man and Jesus asked you to go sell your possessions and give to the poor could you?

Jesus compares the situation to a camel going through the eye of a needle. It's impossible for that to happen! According to Wikipedia the size of an average needle eye is under 1mm and an average adult camel is around 7 feet including the hump. That's quite a difference. But if you look back at the verse, Jesus doesn't say that it is impossible, he says it's easier for the camel. So the rich man could have eternal life, he just has to give up his love of money. And Jesus says that God can make possible.

Are you in love with money? Are you able to give 10% for God to use?  Do you need to ask God to make it possible for you to fully trust him?



Leviticus 27:30

If you missed youth group last night there's two big things:

1. I am challenging us (me included) to place something aside this week and spend more time with God. I will be spending no time on Twitter and limited time on Facebook this week.
2. On Sunday our activity is Live Monopoly. So come check it out!

This week we are talking about tithing. Let's first start off watching the Tithe Rap.



This video cracks me up. Could you imagine seeing this skit on Sunday morning?

Leviticus 27:30 says A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.

What do you think of when you first heard the word tithe? Does this verse match your definition?

When I think of tithe I think of money and how 10% of what we earn is supposed to be given back to God.

This week as we talk about tithing, think about how you can tithe, even if you don't have a job.

Prayer and Reflection

Every now and then on Fridays we will take time for prayer and reflection. During this time you can look back at a devotional you missed or look over the questions and see what God is putting on your heart. Take about 10 or so minutes to do this. You can journal if that helps you stay focused.

I also want to challenge you to find someone to pray with. This person could be your mom or dad, a friend, a mentor, a coach, whoever you feel comfortable with.

When Jesus taught us to pray, he used the word us. Sometimes we overlook that in the Lord's Prayer. There is power when we share life with others. We aren't meant to do life alone, so on these days please stretch yourself and find someone to pray with.

Here are some tips to help you:

1. Think and pray about the person you want to pray with.
2. Let that person know that you are wondering if you can both share prayer concerns and then pray together.
3. Remember that prayer doesn't have to be fancy. Prayer is talking to Jesus!
4. Keep the prayer request between you and that person, unless you feel it's something you need to share with an adult.
5. Thank the person for taking time to pray with you and pray for them for the next week.

Remember that I am praying for you!

2 Corinthians 12:14

In this part of Paul's letter to the Church at Corinth, Paul has some concerns. If you continue on reading past verse 14 you will find those other concerns, but today we are going on focus on the middle part of verse 14.
what I want is not your possessions but you

Let's look at what's going on here...

Paul was someone who went out to spread the Gospel to people that the disciples were not reaching. Paul and his message of the Gospel were competing with idols and fake gods of the culture. In order to please those gods and idols people were usually required to pay money, property, and similar things. Paul knew the things of the culture he was up against so he would try to meet the people where they were. For Paul to tell the people at Corinth that he didn't want their possessions he grabbed their attention.

But let's take this another step farther. What would you say to God if he told you "[insert your name], I don't want your possesions, I want you."

God isn't concerned about the latest gadets and if we have them. God isn't concerned about if you're a Mac or a PC. God doesn't care if you sit the bench or if you are the star player.

God is concerned about your soul and if you are living your life for him.

Spend time today thinking about how you would react to God asking you the above question. Think of the conversation that would follow. Then pray that you will be able to set aside your stuff.

Matthew 7:24-27

 

Did you know the Bible has it's own version of the 3 Little Pigs? You can find it in Matthew 7:24-27

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Whenever I read that passage the 3 Little Pigs always comes to mind. While there are a few differences, one of the big things they have in common is the importance of foundation. You can build your life on God's words (rock/brick) or you can't (sand/straw and sticks). In both stories, you see which one lasts. Satan (the wolf) as much as he tries isn't going to be able to get to you if you are protected by a strong foundation. 

So then the question becomes how do you build a strong foundation. The difference between the two men in the Scripture passage is if they put God's word into practice, because they both heard the word. So what does God tell us? That's easy, open almost any Bible and read the red letters. Okay, that might seem overwhelming, but what it all comes down to (which is in an earlier devotional) is loving God and loving people. 

How is your foundation? Is it in some need of repairs? Ask God to point out areas of improvement and then listen for His response.

 

Luke 12:16-21

This video made me laugh, especially the spaceship. 

This parable can teach us a lot. There's the lesson about not knowing what the future holds, there's the lesson about not sharing, there's a lesson about leaving God out of your life. Let's take a look at what the parable says:

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Yesterday we talked about how having a lot of stuff can make us greedy. Today we are going to focus on how that stuff can get in the way of our relationship with God.

Have you ever meant to read your Bible, but got distracted with the newest youtube videos, or your tv show that, or sleep? What about making time to serve others or attend church, but you had a game and your team was counting on you to be there?

All that stuff we have, from our tvs and ipods to homework and sports, gets in the way. It happens to me too. I have a Bible app on my phone and there are many times that I sit down with the meaning to read it, but end up on Facebook or playing a game, or texting someone. This parable reminds us though, that our things aren't going on to eternity with us. We can value them all we want but one day they will be gone.

Is your stuff more important than God? Do you need to spend more time with God and less time with your stuff?

Luke 12:13-15

I have a confession to make...

I Have A Lot Of Stuff.

I think I first realized I had a lot of stuff when I was in Middle School and realized how messy my room was. It was bad. I was lucky to have a path from my bed to my door. There were clothes everywhere, clean clothes and dirty clothes were piled on the floor. My sports stuff in one corner and my music stuff in another corner. School stuff was in there somewhere too. My parents always told me to clean my room, but usually it went under the bed until a few days later when I would need something. I loved having a lot of stuff (except when I had to clean my room).

Do you have a lot of stuff? Do you have more stuff than your friends, your siblings, your cousins? What about compared to those in different countries?

The stuff we have eventually gets outdated, which means we want the newest version. Have you ever became greedy? Jesus told a story about being greedy, which we will look at today and tomorrow. Read the first part:



Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” ~Luke 12:13-15

Is your stuff making you greedy? Would Jesus agree with your answer to the previous question?

Think about all the stuff you have and pray that you don't become greedy.

Matthew 5:1-11

Read Matthew 5:1-11. This section is part of the Sermon on the Mount and is know as the Beatitudes:
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

When you look up the word beatitude in the dictionary, it reads supreme blessedness, exalted happiness. Some of those situations don't sound like blessings to me, but Jesus then tells you why.

When a group of middle school youth and I went to believe ( a conference) this past April, they played this song based off the beatitudes. Listen to it below:

What blessed are... stood out to you? Did one just touch you a little more than others?

This week we have talked about some tough things. Being a follower of Christ isn't always easy and sometimes feels like we have no one in our corner cheering us on, but that's not true. Jesus is right there with us through it all and is always in your corner.

Hebrews 10:24-25

How long do you think you could go without talking? This includes texting, Facebook, sign language, letters, any form of communication with another person or object or self. A couple of minutes, an hour, all day, what about weeks?

Even a good competitor would be challenged by this. After so long you would want to talk to someone. You would probably begin to feel alone. We weren't created by God to live life alone. Even in the beginning Adam wasn't alone. He walked with God and then God created Eve.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. If we lived life alone, we wouldn't have others to encourage us or to love us or to hang out with.

Being a Christian can mean you will possibly be treated differently or judged by others. Sometimes it hard to let others leave you out or call you names or make fun of you, but that's the beauty of having Christian friends, a youth group, and a church of people who love and support you. We should all have each other's back.

Think of a time when you felt alone. How would it of helped if you had encouragement, love, and support from others? How would it of felt to not only have support, but to know that someone was praying for you?

Pray today that God would put on your heart someone you can encourage and pray for that is in the youth group or a member of the church. Then let that person know (letter, Facebook, text, ect) that they are loved and being prayed for.

Malachi 3:14

Have you ever thought that because you were young God isn't at work in your life? Or that if you weren't a Christian life would be a lot better? What about if your story matters? If you answered yes, then you aren't alone. I think everyone goes through a stage where they wonder the above things. In Malachi God says to the people: You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? (3:14)

Futile means useless, incapable of producing any result, ineffective. This is just one example of people in the Bible doubting God and wondering about life. Sometimes it is comforting to hear other people's stories and see that God is still at work. The following video is called Cardboard Testimonies. This is where people are given a piece of cardboard and a sharpie. They share how God has transformed their life. So the front is a before and the back is the after.

I could get lost watching Cardboard Testimonies. They are encouraging and I love to see God at work in the lives of people. Feel free to watch more on youtube. Today pray that God will transform you and that you will see how life changing serving God is.

Matthew 16:25-26

Matthew 16:25-26 says For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Yesterday I asked if you could deny yourself, today I am going to ask if you can let go.

When I got to college I always heard this phrase of letting go and letting God. Sometimes this phrase really bothered me, because I didn't always want to trust God or I didn't understand how God would turn things around. Others times I was giving things to God in a heartbeat, like the stress of finding a church to get involved at or the racist roommate I had or finding a job that I would benefit from more than just financially.

When I look back on the experiences where I gave things over to God and trusted him I learned a lot about myself but also about God. So for example the roommate situation: I learned that I had to stand up for myself and to be who I am and not what other people want me to be and God taught be patience, because there were many times I wanted to just slap that girl silly. There are many stories I can share about both holding on and letting go, but the important thing is that even in the tough situations God always came through. As much as I hated hearing the phrase let go and let God while I was in college, there is a lot of truth and comfort behind it.

Is there something that you need to let go and let God?