Sleepy Saturdays

Hey girls! I hope you all had a wonderful week :) Use today to review a devotional from this past week, or even this past month! Remember when we revisit scripture we learn new things every time. Also, don't forget to read the Bible reading plan that Mathew gave you! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I hope to see you at Church Sunday morning and at the Youth Halloween Party Sunday night! Call Mathew for details if you need them!

Love ya, Jessica

Falling apart? He can hold you together :)

Read this: Colossians 1:15-17 (New Living Translation)
"Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see- such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together."


Think about it:
Wow! What a wonderful paragraph of scripture this is!
Really think about this ... God created you and everything in the universe.
So who do you think would be better than God to help you when you feel like your life is falling apart?
Have you ever felt that way before ... so hopeless that you feel as if no one is their to hold you ... or maybe you've just had a rough day, week, month or year ...
I want you to know that God sent his son for you and for me so that we can live this life the way he intended it ... FREE FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN ... so that we can live in God's presence while we are here on earth and then when we finally make it to heaven.
I can only imagine how it will be on that day when we all get to see his face and finally feel his loving arms around us ... the way it was supposed to be all along.


Watch this:

Pray about it: After thinking about how awesome God and Jesus is, pray to him and thank him for all he has done. Sit in his presence and think of all the good things he has given you instead of focusing on negative thoughts. If you are struggling with something, ask him to help you through it. Ask him to help you lean on him instead of the pain or frustration. Also, pray for others who are struggling as well. Pray that they'll see God's grace and know they are not alone.


Live it: It's easier said than done, but live today with the confidence in knowing that you don't have to face this world alone. Know that Jesus is holding you together through everything. And you can face the world with your faith strong. You can do it, with Him!

Take a break

Hey girls! I hope you had a wonderful day! I had to work really late tonight, so I won't be posting a new devo for tomorrow, but... you can use this time to read some of the reading plan Mathew gave you. Or you can even just read something from the Bible on your own. I'll be praying for. I will be sure to put a new devo up on Friday! Have a great Thursday! Love ya!

Love, Jessica

Living in the Light

Read this: 1 John 1:5-7

"This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin."

Think about it:

Today I want you to read this scripture and then really think about what it's saying to you and to all Christians.

Once you've thought about it, pray that God would use this scripture in your life.

Now go ahead, live this scripture out today. Live in the light as he does. Have a great Wednesday!

Friends who give godly advice

Read this: Proverbs 12:26

"The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray."

Think about it:

What do you think this scripture is saying?

What do you think it means when it says, the godly give good advice to their friends?

What about, the wicked lead them astray?

Really think about this. Do your friends lead you to Christ by giving you godly advice and being godly examples, or do they act just the opposite by giving you advice that only leads to sin?

I know it's hard sometimes when your friends want you to do something that you know isn't right, but are they really such a good friend when they don't care about your spiritual life?

Now, I'm not saying that you won't have friends who will make mistakes. We all make mistakes so we need to be there for each other and show each other the right way.

But ... there are those friends who keep leading us the wrong way, and those friends unfortunately need to be left alone. You might want to separate yourself from those type of friends or tell them that you love them but in order for you to hang out, they are going to have to understand what you believe and what your life stands for. They need to understand that you aren't going to live like they do.

Also, those type of friends need lots of prayer. Don't be mean and tell them that they are wrong. Just love them and pray for them. But also don't let what they do cause you to stumble into sin.

Pray about it: Ask God to show you those friends who you might need to spend some time away from. Ask Him to show you how to handle that situation, whether it be to pray for that friend, stand up to them or to separate yourself from them for a while. Ask God to bring good influences into your life, friends who will lead you on the path that leads to Christ. Ask God to show you what a real, lasting, godly friendship looks like. Thank him for those relationships that you do have that are godly. Also, pray for those friends who need help and guidance ... and if God moves you to it, help them through it.

Live it: Friendships are touchy things. One minute you and your friend are friends for life, and the next you might be madder than mad and talking behind each other's backs ... but here's the deal ... don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. If your friend is doing something wrong or acting in a way that you know isn't acceptable to God, gently ask them to stop or even tell them that you would like to talk with them and pray with them about their problem or bad behavior. Now I'm not saying you need to go around judging your friends, but tell them that you love them, and that you want them to live a life that pleases God and that when you slip up, you would want them to do the same for you. So today, go ahead ... don't be afraid. If you are in a not-so-good relationship with a friend, be courageous and let God work things out!

Love you and have a great day!

Showing compassion towards others :)

Read this: Galatians 6:2 

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

Think about it:

When you read this, what comes to mind?

Maybe someone you know who is going through a tough time?

Maybe a friend, a family member or someone you hardly know...

When I read this passage, I think of all the time's that I have overlooked those who really need my help, and then I think ... I should have been there for them.

So today, let me encourage you to take a moment to look around ... is there someone you know who's hurting, who needs help, who could use some encouragement or a shoulder to cry on or for someone to just listen?

And even if you don't know them well, reach out to them. Really be compassionate towards them. Share in their burden. Ache with them and show them that you care.

When we show people we care and when we love them and have compassion on them we are obeying the law of Christ ... to love God and love people.

Pray about it: Ask God to show you who you can show compassion towards today. Ask him to help move your heart to really feel for other people and share their burdens instead of being distant and impersonal. Thank him for having compassion on you, and for loving you and sharing in your burdens because he is always there for us, even when we don't deserve it.

Live it: Now go, live today with compassion on people in your school. Have compassion on those you don't know or don't get along with. Show love and share in people's burdens. You can do it!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Take some time today to thank God for your blessings. Have a great Sunday :) P.S. we won't be having POP tonight because of the wedding!

Have a great weekend!

Hello girls! First, I want you all to know that I love you dearly. I want you to take this weekend to try and catch up on a devotional or two if you missed them. Also, if you've read them all, either take a moment to reread one, or use this time to do the Bible reading Mathew gave you Wednesday night. Anyway, I'm praying for you all. Have a wonderful weekend :)

Strength for the weary

Read this: Isaiah 40:28-31

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Think about it:

It's 11:40 p.m. and I'm typing this devotional. I got off of work at 10 p.m. and drove 30 minutes to get home. So I got home about 10:30 tonight.

And I AM TIRED.

I really almost wanted to give up tonight, because I just really don't like having to work so late and be away from home all day, not seeing Mathew or not having time to do things I want to do.

But I remembered that with God I can do all things. I remembered that God gives me strength when I am weak and when I am tired.

I remembered that he uses my weakness to show me that He is strong.

Have you ever felt weak and tired before?

How did you handle it?

Think about this for a moment.

In the scripture above it is obvious that God does not grow tired or weary, so when we put our hope in him, he can be our strength. And that, my friend, is what God wants. He wants us to put our hope in him so that we can make it through this life ... and not just survive ... but to REALLY LIVE ... with God we will SOAR ... we will RUN FREE ... WE WILL NOT GROW WEARY. We can overcome anything and everything that wears us down. We can overcome our sin and our selfish desires.

AMEN! Now, that is what I'm talking about!

Pray about it: If you're feeling down, tired or weary... If you're going through a rough spot in your life... If you're struggling with sin, things that are keeping you from having a relationship with God ... then ask God to renew your strength. Pray with a hopeful heart and ask God to show you how you can live a life that pleases him. Thank Him for giving you strength when you need it most.

Live it: Today, hope in the Lord because he is good. He is everlasting and does not grow weary and WILL give you strength. When things get tough, don't be discouraged. He WILL give you strength!

Don't be a fool

Read this: Proverbs 12:15

"Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others."

Think about it:

Raise your hand if you've ever been a fool before.

If you could see me, you would see that I have both of my hands raised high.

What do you think this passage of scripture is saying?

For me, it's saying that I AM NOT ALWAYS RIGHT.

(Whew! That was hard for me to type ... and I sort of hope Mathew doesn't read this ... hehe.)

Isn't it hard sometimes to listen to other people's opinions? Or other people's suggestions?

Have you ever had that happen to you before? ... someone who cares for you, like a parent, a guardian, a teacher or an authority figure ... tells you that you're doing something or handling something the wrong way?

I have and sometimes when it happens I usally have the wrong response. Instead of listening I start getting defensive and start telling that person they're wrong. 

"You don't know what you're talking about." "You don't know him/her like I do." "You've never been through this before." "You don't really know what I'm going through." "If you were going through this, you'd act the same way." And the excuses go on.

Think for a minute about a time you responded in a defensive way instead of listening to someone's wisdom. How did you respond? Did you listen and take their wisdom to heart or did you brush off their words as meaningless?

When I was in high school I liked this guy and he liked me. Or so he said.

He told me I was beautiful. He told me I was the best thing that ever happened to him. He told me he would do anything for me. He told me we should be together forever.

And when someone tells you things like that you believe them. 

And while I believed him for a very long time, my mother kept telling me that the guy only said those things because he wanted to be intimate with me.

She told me over and over again that I deserved better and that his words didn't match up with his actions.

I told her she didn't know what she was talking about. I told her she didn't know him like I did. I told her she's never loved anyone like I loved him. I told her she didn't really know how I felt. And I told her if she loved someone as much as I loved him she wouldn't be saying what she was saying.

Instead of listening to my mother's wisdom, I was foolish and thought I was right. I was foolish not to believe that my mother would know what was best for me even though she had dated guys before and knew what type of guys I shouldn't be interested in.

She knew that this guy would hurt me, so she tried to protect me.

But like I said, I didn't listen. And I got hurt and it hurt BAD.

Sometimes I think back on that time and wish I would have listened to my mother.

So here's what I'm saying to you ... listen to those who are older and wiser than you. Don't always think that you're way is the only way.

Pray about it: Pray that God would show you when you are right and when you are wrong. Ask him to help you trust those who love you dearly and want what's best for you. God gives us a conscience to know right from wrong, but he also puts certain people in our lives to help guide us along the way. So pray that God would reveal those people to you and that you would listen to their wisdom.

Live it: Today ... be wise and don't be foolish :)

Meditate on God's Word and really get it

Spend some time today reading a Psalm or any passage of scripture from the Bible. You'll be better to stay in the New Testament if you're not going to read a Psalm.

Read it, then really think about it. Then, try really hard not to focus on anything else but that piece of scripture. 

Say it as a prayer.

When we spend time meditating on God's word we grow closer to him. And when we spend time thinking about what we've read and praying about it, scripture really can change our hearts. 

It's so easy to just skim through a chapter in the Bible, just to say you've read it. 

But it's worth nothing unless you really get it. 

So go ahead ... spend some time today in God's word. I know you can do it. 

P.S. I'd love to hear about what you read and what it meant to you... you know, what God said to you through the scripture. So go ahead, leave a comment :) You know you want to! 

Oh, and see you tonight!!! YAY!!!

Love for the haters

Read this: Matthew 5:43-48

"You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."

Think about it:

Wow.

Jesus really knows how to lay the truth out there doesn't he?

He tells us that when we love our enemies, we're acting like true children of God.

But love your enemies?

Pray for those who persecute you?

How is that fair?

Those people deserve to be punished, not loved ... right?

Well, according to Jesus, that way of thinking is wrong.

Because when we are hateful to others who are hateful to us, we are being just like people who don't follow God.

When we behave like the world, what separates us from the world?

How will people know who we follow?

In John 13:34-35, Jesus is spending some of his last time with the disciples before he goes to the cross. These words are some of his last words before he was crucified, and were said just after he washed the disciples' feet ... even Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed him.

"Now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

You see, when we love one another ... even our enemies, we show the world that we are Jesus' disciples.

Pray about it: Now here's the deal, we've talked about this issue, I think, a lot. You have asked, how do I love my enemies? How can I be nice to someone that I don't like at all? Well, here's the thing. Hate is a choice. It's an action. Just like love is a choice and an action. But YOU have to choose what you will do ... will you hate or will you love? So today, pray that God will show you ways to be kind to those who are unkind to you. Pray that whatever bitterness or unforgiving thoughts you have towards that person will be lifted and you will learn to love that person, just as God has forgiven you and loves you.

 Live it: The very last verse of this scripture says to be perfect like God is perfect. And I know that sounds a bit ... impossible. But I don't think Jesus necessarily meant for us to be perfect while we're here on earth, because only God is perfect. I think what he meant is that we should try our hardest to be like Him. To never give up. To not make excuses when things get tough. So, today, don't give up. Choose love. No.... really ... I mean it. Don't make excuses. You can do it!

P.S. For further reading I encourage you to read all of Matthew 5 and all of John 13. When I read an entire chapter it helps me to understand things better! Have a great day/night!

Don't feel hopeless and Hope in Him

Read it: Psalm 130:1-5

"From the depths of despair, O Lord,I call for your help.
Hear my cry, O Lord.
Pay attention to my prayer.Lord, if you kept a record of our sins,
who, O Lord, could ever survive?
But you offer forgiveness,
that we might learn to fear you.
I am counting on the Lord;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word."

Think about it:

Do you think the psalmist who wrote this was going through an easy time or a difficult time in their life?

Have you ever been through a similar time ... when you were so down that you were crying out for help?

I have, and this Psalm reminds me that when I have messed up or have disappointed God, that he loves me.

It reminds me that I'm not alone and that everybody makes mistakes, but even through my mistakes I can hope in God and in Jesus Christ.

Have you ever thought that something you did would make God so angry that he wouldn't forgive you?

Or have you ever thought you've done too many sinful things or have had too many bad things happen to you, that you no longer have hope that God can help you?

Well, I think we've all been there.


But here's the secret ... when we are in the depths of our despair and when things aren't looking up ... we don't need to start looking down at our feet, hanging our head low and cursing at God under our breath ... it's during our despair that we need to look up.

We need to look up to our father in heaven.

Don't think I'm being cheesy, I'm serious.

It's so easy to let go of all hope. It's easy to give up.

But God doesn't want us to take the easy way out.

He wants us to look up and hope in His word.

When we put our hope in God and in Jesus Christ, we are no longer hopeless.

We'll be forgiven. We'll be free from the bondage of sin and all the despair that drags us down. When we hope in Him, we are no longer hopeless.

Pray about it: I wish I could say that you will never go through tough times. But the truth is that you will have bad days. You will face bad situations. You will cry. You will hurt. You will sometimes feel like giving up. BUT when we put our hope in the Lord, we don't have to let those bad times control our life. So today, pray that God would renew your spirit with hope. And trust in his word.

Live it: Today, instead of walking around and trusting in your circumstances, trust in God and in His word. If something doesn't go the way you planned or you feel like you are in despair ... take a minute to look up instead of feeling down. I'll be praying for you, and I know you can do it if only you will trust in Him.

It's Sunday ... take some time to REST

Read God's Word ...  try a Psalm if you don't know where to start.
Enjoy the many blessings he has given you ... instead of focusing on all the negatives.
Spend time with Him ... pray and talk to God and get to know him better.
Take a deep breath and trust in His word ... when we trust in Him he give us peace.
*Also, if you haven't gotten any rest this past week or this weekend, TAKE A NAP! Having a tired mind and body can really where on your Spirit ... so really ... even God rested on the seventh day ;)


P.S. We will not be having P.O.P. tonight! I will see you all on Wednesday :)

Weekend Warriors

Today is Saturday!!! Yay for the weekend! :)

Use today to enjoy the beautiful creation that God has given us, but also use today to remember who you are ... you are more than a conqueror.

What do I mean?

Well, let me explain.

In Romans 8:37, Paul tells us that with Christ we can conquer all things ... in other words, win the battle against evil.

"In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Because we know Jesus as our personally savior, we can overcome anything, like our daily struggles, our selfish desires and more.

And because we are more than conquerors there is nothing that can separate us from God's love (Romans 8:38).

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

So today, and this weekend, "remember ... who you are" (as in the words of Mufasa from The Lion King).

Remember that nothing can separate us from the love of our Father in heaven.

You are MORE THAN A CONQUEROR through Christ when His Spirit lives in you.

Now go, be a weekend warrior and win the battle over evil ... believe me, winning the war is too easy when you have the greatest King of all time.

P.S. Watch the following video if you have time. While you're watching it, try to find the similarities between you and God and Simba and his father Mufasa. Also, spending some time in prayer wouldn't be such a bad idea either :)

Friday - Meditating on God's Word

Use this time today to reread one of the devotionals on this blog...read it, think about it and then pray about it. While you are praying just listen and let God speak to your heart. When we spend time in his word and spend time listening to what he has to say we grow stronger in our faith :)

Jesus came to save everyone, even me

Read it: 1 Timothy 1:15-17

“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.

Think about it:

When you read this scripture, what does it make you think about?

It reminds me how blessed I am to have a God who is so full of mercy* that he would send His son to die for my sin … for the sin I used to have in my life and for the sin that might come into my life again …

It also helps me think about how God not only saved me from my own sin, but he uses my salvation to help others.

Don’t you think that if people see how God changes us that they will want to be changed as well?

You see, when others realize that God loves even the worst of us, they will see how much God loves us all, and they will want to be saved as well.

Use this scripture to remind you how blessed you are to have been saved by God’s merciful grace, that even though you sinned and turned against God, he saved you from yourself (your sin).

*Mercy - compassion or holding back punishment from an offender

Pray about it: Ask God to show you how blessed you are, not by your circumstances (the clothes you wear, the house you live in, the friends you have, etc.) but by the fact you were saved because Jesus Christ died for your sins. You’re a free lady now…free from the bondage of sin. Thank God for giving you the gift of salvation and ask him to show you how to use your gift to help others know him so that they can be free from sin as well.

Live it: Today, remember you are blessed. Tell others why you are blessed and share with them how Christ has changed your life, so that they too might know God’s mercy. YOU CAN DO IT!

Just Pray

Take some time this morning and pray. Spend some time with your Maker. If you don't have anything to say...just sit and listen. Sometimes God can say the most important things if we just sit in silence and bask in his presence. Have a great day!

Set your eyes on Christ

Read it: Romans 8:6
"For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."

Think about it: When we set our minds on the things and circumstances of this world we only lead ourselves to death...or we create our own personal hell. But when we set our mind on the Holy Spirit ...and on Christ...he leads us to life and peace, not just when we go to be with him in heaven...but while we are here on earth.
When you read this scripture what do you think God is trying to say to you?
Is your mind set on the flesh (world) or on the Spirit (Christ)?

Pray about it: Ask God to show you where your mind is set...if it's on the world...then ask him to change your perspective. And if your mind is set on Him...keep asking for strength to overcome the world.

Live it: Now go and live today for him. SET YOUR EYES ON CHRIST AND HE WILL GIVE YOU ALL YOU NEED...LIFE AND PEACE.

Live like God's chosen people

Colossians 3:12

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Read it...think about it...pray about it...and as you go throughout the day remember what you've read and live it. As God's chosen people, we are supposed to be like Christ. With compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience we are to love others, and through that we also love Christ.

Have a great day off!

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

Hope to see you at church today :) I would also love to see you at P.O.P. tonight at 5 p.m. Bring a friend!

God's Word helps Our Faith Grow

It's SATURDAY!

But even though it's the weekend, we need to remember the one who created us. 

So today, take a minute to read over one of the devotions from this past week. Maybe this time it will spark something new in your heart and mind. 

When I reread scripture  it usually teaches me something new. 

Also, if you're up for the challenge ... try memorizing the scripture of the devotional you reread. 

Remember, when we read God's Word, we grow in our faith. And when we memorize God's word and store it in our hearts, we're able to remember it when we need it most (so we can share our faith and stay away from sin).

Have a great weekend! And know that I love you all!

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (your parents & guardians)

Read it: Ephesians 6:1-3

“Children, obey your parents (or guardians) because you (both) belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

Think about it:

You’ve heard it said before … “Obey your parents.”

But have you ever really thought about why you should?

A lot of times I think we have an “it’s all about me” mentality, instead of thinking about how what we do and what we say affects the people who are around us … including our parents and guardians.

So with that being said, do you honor and respect your parents and/or guardians?

When they ask you to clean your room or do your homework … do you grumble about it or even worse … shout nasty words back at them?

When they don’t agree with you or say things you don’t want to hear … do you yell at them and tell them they are wrong?

Or how about … do you respond to them with a sarcastic tone … like you’re talking down to them? Even if you are “just kidding.”

Now, I know this isn’t exactly what you want to hear, but let me remind you that your parents and guardians, like everyone else in this world, also belong to God.

They are made in His image ... just like you.

God loves them and sent His son to die for their sins … just like He did for you.

So don’t you think, that if God wants us to show love to our neighbor that he also wants us to show love to our parents and guardians?

Now, the last part of this scripture says that honoring your father and mother is the first commandment. Why do you think it says that?

Think about it this way, if we can’t even treat our family with love and respect, how are we going to treat our neighbor with love and respect?

Pray about it: Even if you have a good relationship with your parents, ask God to show you how you can show more love to them. Ask Him to point out things you do that might disrespect/dishonor them. And if for some reason you're angry with them, ask God to help you forgive them. It’s important to have a healthy relationship with them, so ask God to help you work together and instead of against each other.

Live it: Work hard to remember this scripture because it really will change how you live. Take time today to do something nice for your parents … just because. And if you don’t agree with them or get angry with them, try responding in a kind way instead of with sarcasm or anger. Honor them with your words and actions. You’ll be surprised how different you’re relationship with them can be.

Jesus looks for us when we lose our way

Read it: Matthew 18:12-14 (The Parable of the Lost Sheep)

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.

Think about it:

What do you think Jesus means when he is telling this parable (story)?

Do you think he’s just talking about sheep or do you think maybe he’s talking about God’s children (you and me)?

So if Jesus is talking about us, then what do you think he means by this story?

When I read this story I picture Jesus watching over us, just like the Shepard watches over his sheep.

Jesus is saying that if we lose our way, he will come find us.

And he will rejoice when we come back because he never wants us to go astray.

Do you know why a Shepard would go after his lost sheep?

Because if a sheep goes on its own, it’s helpless and another animal, like a wolf, might try to kill it.

Just like when we wonder off, we’re helpless and our sin in a sense tries to kill us.

So think about this…

Jesus loves you so very much and he doesn’t want you to wander away from him, but if you do and are willing to come back...no matter what you've done…he always forgives…he always loves…and always saves.

Pray about it: Ask God to help you realize just how much he really does love you. Ask him to show you his love throughout the day, and I bet you will see it. And if you feel like you’ve wandered away from the flock (God’s kingdom), then don’t be afraid and ask God to let you come back. Ask for his forgiveness. Trust me, he’ll always take you back.

Live it: After you have thought about this scripture and prayed about it I hope you are starting to understand just how much our God cares for you. I mean who else would give up his only son for YOU. You see, God wants you to be a part of his kingdom … “it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.” And while he doesn’t want you to wander and will always take you back…it’s up to you to make the choice of who you will follow.

Choose today whom you will serve … God or your sin.

Will you wander away from the Good Shepard (Jesus) or will you follow Him?

Guard your heart from sin

Read it: Proverbs 4:23

^"Guard your heart above all else,
      for it determines the course of your life."

Think about it:

Have you ever heard the phrase, "do whatever your heart desires?" 

Well, while that statement may sound "good" sometimes we let bad things in our hearts because we let our selfish desires guide us instead of what Christ wants with our life.

What do you think this passage of scripture means?

Do you agree with what it says?

I do because I know that whatever I let in my heart is going to have a lasting affect on my life.

I can either let Christ in and let him change me for good or I can let my selfish desires in and let them change me for... well...not so good.

Sometimes the things we let in our hearts may not seem so bad at first, but when we let those things take the place of God in our hearts, we are not honoring God.

God wants to help us walk on the right path. He wants to guide us.

Will you let him?

Pray about it: Ask God to help you hold up the shield of faith so that you can block out your doubts and hold on to what Christ wants for your life. Pray that he will show you how to use your heart for good... to let good things in...to let Christ in your heart so he can guide you in all you do.

Live it: When you face a challenge or something "evil" remember to guard your heart. Try remembering scripture so when you're in a bind, you can pull it out of your mind and battle the devil. Don't let evil in...don't let sin in...because when we let sin in...our life only leads to death...but when we put Christ in our hearts and let him guide our hearts...our life here on earth leads to life everlasting.

He gives us strength :)

Read it: Philippians 4:11-13
“ … I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”


Think through it:
You’ve probably heard the last part of this scripture before … “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”


A lot of times people take this little phrase and use it as an, “I can do this” mentality, for when things are a little tough or when they need a little push in the right direction.


But what if we took this phrase in its full context? I bet it would mean even more to us then.


You see, Paul is writing to the church in Philippi and he’s thanking them for being concerned about him during his time of need, while he was in prison.


He had been taken to prison for preaching the Gospel and was being persecuted (punished) for it.


It must have been a trying time to be in prison for doing something you believe in.


But while he was in prison, the church in Philippi wasn’t able to help him (meaning they couldn’t send him money, food, etc.)


So during that time, Paul probably had to go without nothing. And he probably had to go without nothing many times, depending on when churches sent support.


During that time, Paul learned to live on his faith in Jesus Christ.


He realized that Christ is all he needs … more than money, more than food. He learned to live on faith instead of a full stomach.


I bet you’ve been hungry before, you know, the kind of hungry where you feel weak and can’t wait to finally get some food in your belly.


Well when Paul says he can live through any situation, he is saying, when he is weak, Christ makes him strong, and when he is strong, Christ makes him stronger.


So here’s the question, do you think Christ is enough to satisfy ALL of your needs? Do you rely on him for EVERYTHING?


Pray about it: If you answered yes to those questions, “Good for you girl!” That’s awesome! I encourage you to keep praying that God will continually show you that he is all you need. If you answered no to those questions, ask God to help you see that he is enough to meet all of your needs. And if there is anything in your life that you think you need more than God, ask him to show you what it is and how to rely completely on him.


Live it: Today, in every situation, look to God for strength and courage. Remember him with every step you take, with every thought you think. Let his love and power run through your veins so that you can overcome the world and all the evil that’s in it. Don’t think of your weakness as bad, look to God, and through your weakness, he will make you strong.

Always Put Your Trust in the Lord

Read it: Proverbs 3:5-6
"5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
      do not depend on your own understanding.
 6 Seek his will in all you do,
      and he will show you which path to take."


Think through it:


As you start out this week, think about all the stuff you have to do...now think about how you can include God in those things.


When you're at school do you put your trust in God?


Do you ask him for guidance in making decisions?


Or do you always try to do it all on your own?


Remember, when we put our trust in God, we're saying, "God, you can have my life and everything in it. I know that you can make my decisions better than I can and you will lead me where I need to go...who I need to serve and how I need to act."


Pray about it: Ask God to show you how to put all of your trust in him. Thank him for the times he's helped you make good decisions and helped you walk on the right path in life. Finally, ask him to show you how to live this week... I'll be praying that he continues to do this so you will continue to grow stronger in your faith.


Live it: Use every opportunity as a chance to trust God. In all your situations, ask God for guidance...this includes how you should interact with friends...how you should treat people...putting things likes cute guys and cute clothes at the bottom of your important list and putting God first. Trust Him! YOU CAN DO IT!

Listening and Doing God's Word

This morning/afternoon take some time to read over one or two of the devotionals we've done in the past week. Read the scripture again, think through them again and pray about them. 

A lot of times when I read scripture, God tells me a different and new message that I may not have heard before. 

It's also important to reread scripture so you can store it in your heart ... because the more you read it and think about it, the more you'll remember God's word, and the stronger you'll become in your faith. 

And the stronger you become in your faith, the more equipped you'll be to please God, instead of always wanting to please yourself.

Psalm 119:10-11

How can a young person (or old person) stay on the path of purity?
   By living according to your word.
 I seek you with all my heart;
   do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
   that I might not sin against you. 

P.S. Start praying that God will prepare your heart for Sunday morning fellowship and worship. 

A lot of time we just get into a normal routine and "go to church." 

But I hope you begin today by trying to ask God, how can you serve the church... who you can reach out to while your there... and what message God has to speak to you.

Know I love you all! Have a wonderful weekend :)