Well, Well, Today is Saturday! What are your plans for today? Let us know what you plan to do today before or after your comments.
A Few Thought From Yesterday:
Michael MCCUE: Yesterday was a lot of fun! We should not have waited until you were leaving to do something like that. It was great!
Jill: Very enthusiastic devotions! I like it! Make sure and remind Kacey to do her devos!
Tyler: Hey!!!!! You never say anything else to anyone. You anly post the words of your devos. Do you even read this part? TELL CARY TO CALL PASTOR LEE AND DO HIS DEVOS!
Jon and David: Yes, McCues Party was awesome! We have to do that again soon!
John 1:6-13
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.
11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Wow, I love this passage! There are some great truths here! (Well, they are all over the Bible, but right now I really like these) The passage starts out by introducing the writer of this book.
Who is John? Well lets find out: John was a man, sent from God. Why was John sent? He came to be a witness of the light; he came to tell the world that their savior had come, so that the world would see Jesus and believe. John makes it clear: He is not the light, but he is witnessing the light that gives light to every person in the world. John understood that he had no greater purpose in life than to tell people about the light of Jesus Christ. Who was Jesus Christ? Well John goes on to answer that for us! Jesus is the savior of the world, who came into the world, but the world did not know Him; and the world did not receive Him.
BUT, those that do receive Him, (believers) become His children, as they enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ! Here is the application: Have you become a child of God? have you accepted Christ? If you have, then you have no greater purpose in life than to do what John did. That is, to live to witness the light of the world so that all men may believe.
Think about that. What a high goal: John didnt have the idea that, "Well I will tell them, but I dont know if they will believe or not". No, John said: I have some to witness the light so that All may believe.
Who have you shared the gospel with lately? Are you fulfilling your life purpose? Find a way to share the gospel with someone as soon as possible!
COME TO CHURCH TOMORROW! WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME IN SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 9:15AM! SEE YOU THEN!!!
FRIDAY, May 16th, 2008
Well we didnt come close to 30... did you call anyone?
READ THIS: This Sunday pastor Chip is giving me like seven minutes to share the devotional blog with the whole church. I am very excited to put it up on the big screen and let our adults know what we have been up to.
So, make sure that there is no cursing or fighting the next few days... :) J/K!!
Make sure you do your devotions today and tomorrow and FOREVER, just like you have been doing. It will be neat when some of your words are read in front of millions of people on Sunday. :) J/K again. But seriously, Stay faithful and come to church in Sunday Morning.
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Brooke: Great insite yesterday. You should show your mom what you wrote. (You can tell her that pastor lee said you need to read this) Then they will know what this is all about and be more inclined to let you do it all summer.
McCue: Great Job man! I agree withyou that yesterdays devos were great. It looks like we missed out on the 45 cent wings. Lets hang out tonight... If any of you want to join us tonight call me at 941-258-0719
Rachel E.: Hey Rachel, Great to see you! I am glad that the devotions were such an encouragement to you. I was talking to Michael yesterday and he gave me your AIM screen name, so I am going to be hunting you down all summer long to keep you in youth group! :)
Alex and Josh: What is up with the name changing all the time?!?!
Gaby: Once again! Great Great application! I know the past year has been tough for you, but as you were talking I was thiking about this illustration. When someone has some kind of medical problem that could destroy the whole body, Many times, the doctors will say: the only think we can do is "cut it out". That may mean that someone would lose an arm or their legs or part of their face (pretty gross, I know) But that part is taken away so that the rest of the body can live. It is a painful process but it is only for the success of the future. I am looking forward to seeing that success in your future walk with God, because God has clearly done some "cutting things out" in your life. We love you girl!
Tyler: Get Cary and tell him that I am going to beat him if he does not DO HIS STINKIN' DEVOTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you... on to the Devos:
John 1:1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
The beginning of John can be a little difficult to understand, so I want to break it down into just a few verses this morning. John starts out with this famous verse (vs.1), but what does it mean?
The idea of this passage is sharing with us the importance of the word of God. In the beginning was the word: ok, (the word of God has been around from the beginning). The word was with God: (ok, so that word of God was up in heaven with God), but wait: the word WAS God.
Every word that I have spoken to you (from Pastor Lee) has molded your impression of who I am. You could say that I am the person that my WORDS have presented me as. In other words: You only knkow me based on the words that I have spoken unto you.
Here is why that is so important: Because Gods word is the only Physical item that we have that tells us who God is. Gods word is Crutial to living this life. Teenagers, if you ever move away, or grow up and get out of this youth group, and you decide that you dont want to get in the word on this devotional blog: I want you to know that YOU MUST STAY IN THE WORD OF GOD TO UNDERSTAND THIS LIFE.
It is the olny way that you can get to know our God. Check out this: I was doing discipleship with Mr. Eric Cheske yesterdayand In the booklet it explained something that I never knew. It gives a passage in the Bible, that tells us that If we were to "Hear God Audibly" and we were to read the word of God. We must obey the word of God and not the Audible voice of God. The Bible literally tells us that "the word of God is more sure than the voice of God". WHY WOULD GOD SAY THAT? Because He wants us to understand that His Word is more valuable to us than anything else in this life.
the rest of the passage explains that God's word is our only hope, it is our light to guide us into salvation. But when that light is shined into the darkness, the darkness cannot comprehend it. I was talking to Rachel Mace this week and we were talking about how some people just dont want to know the truth, they are willing to go on believing a lie. Although it is heart breaking, some people just will not believe. Just keep praying for them.
READ THIS: This Sunday pastor Chip is giving me like seven minutes to share the devotional blog with the whole church. I am very excited to put it up on the big screen and let our adults know what we have been up to.
So, make sure that there is no cursing or fighting the next few days... :) J/K!!
Make sure you do your devotions today and tomorrow and FOREVER, just like you have been doing. It will be neat when some of your words are read in front of millions of people on Sunday. :) J/K again. But seriously, Stay faithful and come to church in Sunday Morning.
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Brooke: Great insite yesterday. You should show your mom what you wrote. (You can tell her that pastor lee said you need to read this) Then they will know what this is all about and be more inclined to let you do it all summer.
McCue: Great Job man! I agree withyou that yesterdays devos were great. It looks like we missed out on the 45 cent wings. Lets hang out tonight... If any of you want to join us tonight call me at 941-258-0719
Rachel E.: Hey Rachel, Great to see you! I am glad that the devotions were such an encouragement to you. I was talking to Michael yesterday and he gave me your AIM screen name, so I am going to be hunting you down all summer long to keep you in youth group! :)
Alex and Josh: What is up with the name changing all the time?!?!
Gaby: Once again! Great Great application! I know the past year has been tough for you, but as you were talking I was thiking about this illustration. When someone has some kind of medical problem that could destroy the whole body, Many times, the doctors will say: the only think we can do is "cut it out". That may mean that someone would lose an arm or their legs or part of their face (pretty gross, I know) But that part is taken away so that the rest of the body can live. It is a painful process but it is only for the success of the future. I am looking forward to seeing that success in your future walk with God, because God has clearly done some "cutting things out" in your life. We love you girl!
Tyler: Get Cary and tell him that I am going to beat him if he does not DO HIS STINKIN' DEVOTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you... on to the Devos:
John 1:1-5
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
The beginning of John can be a little difficult to understand, so I want to break it down into just a few verses this morning. John starts out with this famous verse (vs.1), but what does it mean?
The idea of this passage is sharing with us the importance of the word of God. In the beginning was the word: ok, (the word of God has been around from the beginning). The word was with God: (ok, so that word of God was up in heaven with God), but wait: the word WAS God.
Every word that I have spoken to you (from Pastor Lee) has molded your impression of who I am. You could say that I am the person that my WORDS have presented me as. In other words: You only knkow me based on the words that I have spoken unto you.
Here is why that is so important: Because Gods word is the only Physical item that we have that tells us who God is. Gods word is Crutial to living this life. Teenagers, if you ever move away, or grow up and get out of this youth group, and you decide that you dont want to get in the word on this devotional blog: I want you to know that YOU MUST STAY IN THE WORD OF GOD TO UNDERSTAND THIS LIFE.
It is the olny way that you can get to know our God. Check out this: I was doing discipleship with Mr. Eric Cheske yesterdayand In the booklet it explained something that I never knew. It gives a passage in the Bible, that tells us that If we were to "Hear God Audibly" and we were to read the word of God. We must obey the word of God and not the Audible voice of God. The Bible literally tells us that "the word of God is more sure than the voice of God". WHY WOULD GOD SAY THAT? Because He wants us to understand that His Word is more valuable to us than anything else in this life.
the rest of the passage explains that God's word is our only hope, it is our light to guide us into salvation. But when that light is shined into the darkness, the darkness cannot comprehend it. I was talking to Rachel Mace this week and we were talking about how some people just dont want to know the truth, they are willing to go on believing a lie. Although it is heart breaking, some people just will not believe. Just keep praying for them.
THURSDAY, May 15th, 2008
GET A FREE CHICKEN SANDWICH AT MCDONALDS TODAY! (when you buy a drink)... another one of those "catches".
We had a great time last night! I hope you were there with us! If not then please make plans to attend next week when we have set a goal of 40 teenagers. Bring a friend as we try to build up our youth group over the summer.
ALSO, we made it our goal to have 30 devotions today, so call all your friends that have commented before, and remind them to do their devotions today.
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Pastor Chip: Good to see you on here! Thanks for checking us out!
Jon: Great illustration man! It is good to know that you are listening!
Jill: You want to know if I will count THAT as your devotions???? Are you joking?? J/K!! YES! The point is to do them, not to get them posted right :) I counted it! Greate Job anyway :)
Kacey: Great to see you back! We all missed you very much!
Rachel: Copy your devos before you post them and that will help you out if they get deleted. :)
Philippians 4:10-23
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.
15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.
22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Once again there is a lot in these verses: If you dont understand it all, write your comments on something that you do understand the passage. Obviously the red writing in verse 11 is very important to the passage. Paul is sitting in Prison, and he tells the church of Phillipi that he has learned in whever state he is in, that he should be content. He has learned to be happy wherever God has planted him. It is easy for me to be content where I am now, BECAUSE I AM SO BLESSED! But it is hard for me to imagine being trapped in prison for doing something for God: being separated from my family, my firends, from my church. I don't know that It would be so easy to agree with Paul if my life was like his. What a great testimony.
It reminds me of the summer before I came to Suncoast. I was a counselor at the wilds and about half way through the summer I was ready to leave because I was so excited about coming here. I talked with pastor Chip and told him, I AM READY TO COME THERE. and I remember he said: "we are ready for you to come too, but remember God has you there for a reason, so BLOSSOM where you are PLANTED. In other words, be content where God has you right now.
Verse 13 is a very famous verse. If you dont have it memorized... You Should! It is pretty simple and it is a great reminder of what you have the ability to do with Christs strength. (like avoid sin, witness, love unconditionally, forgive) You can do all of those things and much more with Christ strength.
Then verse 14-15 are kind of funny because Paul tells the people, Thank you for giving me all of this stuff, but then Paul goes on to explain: Get this: I am glad that you gave me stuff, not for my own benefit, but I am glad because God will pour out even more blessings in your life because of how you bless others.
Once again: I would be like. Thank you!!!!! I am so glad that you gave this to me. I WOULD BE GLAD FOR MYSELF. NOT FOR YOU. Yet Paul was not focused on himself. He was content with whatever God did in His life!
Are you content with what God is doing in your life? I hope you are. If not, choose to be. Your attitude is your choice.
We had a great time last night! I hope you were there with us! If not then please make plans to attend next week when we have set a goal of 40 teenagers. Bring a friend as we try to build up our youth group over the summer.
ALSO, we made it our goal to have 30 devotions today, so call all your friends that have commented before, and remind them to do their devotions today.
A Few Thoughts From Yesterday:
Pastor Chip: Good to see you on here! Thanks for checking us out!
Jon: Great illustration man! It is good to know that you are listening!
Jill: You want to know if I will count THAT as your devotions???? Are you joking?? J/K!! YES! The point is to do them, not to get them posted right :) I counted it! Greate Job anyway :)
Kacey: Great to see you back! We all missed you very much!
Rachel: Copy your devos before you post them and that will help you out if they get deleted. :)
Philippians 4:10-23
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.
15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.
22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Once again there is a lot in these verses: If you dont understand it all, write your comments on something that you do understand the passage. Obviously the red writing in verse 11 is very important to the passage. Paul is sitting in Prison, and he tells the church of Phillipi that he has learned in whever state he is in, that he should be content. He has learned to be happy wherever God has planted him. It is easy for me to be content where I am now, BECAUSE I AM SO BLESSED! But it is hard for me to imagine being trapped in prison for doing something for God: being separated from my family, my firends, from my church. I don't know that It would be so easy to agree with Paul if my life was like his. What a great testimony.
It reminds me of the summer before I came to Suncoast. I was a counselor at the wilds and about half way through the summer I was ready to leave because I was so excited about coming here. I talked with pastor Chip and told him, I AM READY TO COME THERE. and I remember he said: "we are ready for you to come too, but remember God has you there for a reason, so BLOSSOM where you are PLANTED. In other words, be content where God has you right now.
Verse 13 is a very famous verse. If you dont have it memorized... You Should! It is pretty simple and it is a great reminder of what you have the ability to do with Christs strength. (like avoid sin, witness, love unconditionally, forgive) You can do all of those things and much more with Christ strength.
Then verse 14-15 are kind of funny because Paul tells the people, Thank you for giving me all of this stuff, but then Paul goes on to explain: Get this: I am glad that you gave me stuff, not for my own benefit, but I am glad because God will pour out even more blessings in your life because of how you bless others.
Once again: I would be like. Thank you!!!!! I am so glad that you gave this to me. I WOULD BE GLAD FOR MYSELF. NOT FOR YOU. Yet Paul was not focused on himself. He was content with whatever God did in His life!
Are you content with what God is doing in your life? I hope you are. If not, choose to be. Your attitude is your choice.
WEDNESDAY, May 14th, 2008
Make sure you are in Youth Group Tonight! We are going to have a great time! And We have something for most of you devotioneers! :)
We bought a new domain name to make it easier for you to get to your devotions. Just type http://www.doyourdevotions.com/
A Few Thoughts from Yesterday:
Jackieee: I hope you are not sick today! What is going on today that you said "you cant wait for"
Gaby: Great Devotions Yesterday!!! I am proud of you!
Jessica: Thanks for the song!!
Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
I gave you guys just two verses today because there is so much GREAT content in them. Paul is writing to us telling us to only think on things that are true, noble, just, PURE, lovely, of a good reputation, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
I was watching TV last night, and Katie and I were disgusted with some of the disgusting things that is being put on the normal prime time television shows. It may sound crazy for me to tell you "maybe you should give up evening television". But the truth is, These verses should be a conviction about what you are watching, and what you are thinking about.
I guarantee that the TV shows on last night were NOT True, PURE, Virtuous, and all of the other attributes. If they are the opposite of what God tells us to think about, then we DEFINITELY should not fill our mind with those things on TV.
So many TV shows just glamourize Sin, and the Bible tells us that fools make a Mock at sin!
Do you entertain yourself by watching other people sin? In real life? On TV? If so, the Bible says that you are making foolish decisions.
I know that this is something I need to work on, when I get into a show and then half way through it, it shows something wrong, I dont want to turn it off (because I want to see the end) but I must understand that when the TV show crosses my boundaries, Then I MUST TURN IT OFF!
This does not only apply to TV but to everything that influences our thoughts. We must guard our Hearts! And we do that by guarding our mind!
Finally, Paul tells everyone: Hey, everything that you see me doing: That is what you should be doing! Wow! Could I say that? I dont think so! I should strive to live so that I can tell the people around me: Hey! Everything that you see me doing, You should Do it!
We bought a new domain name to make it easier for you to get to your devotions. Just type http://www.doyourdevotions.com/
A Few Thoughts from Yesterday:
Jackieee: I hope you are not sick today! What is going on today that you said "you cant wait for"
Gaby: Great Devotions Yesterday!!! I am proud of you!
Jessica: Thanks for the song!!
Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
I gave you guys just two verses today because there is so much GREAT content in them. Paul is writing to us telling us to only think on things that are true, noble, just, PURE, lovely, of a good reputation, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
I was watching TV last night, and Katie and I were disgusted with some of the disgusting things that is being put on the normal prime time television shows. It may sound crazy for me to tell you "maybe you should give up evening television". But the truth is, These verses should be a conviction about what you are watching, and what you are thinking about.
I guarantee that the TV shows on last night were NOT True, PURE, Virtuous, and all of the other attributes. If they are the opposite of what God tells us to think about, then we DEFINITELY should not fill our mind with those things on TV.
So many TV shows just glamourize Sin, and the Bible tells us that fools make a Mock at sin!
Do you entertain yourself by watching other people sin? In real life? On TV? If so, the Bible says that you are making foolish decisions.
I know that this is something I need to work on, when I get into a show and then half way through it, it shows something wrong, I dont want to turn it off (because I want to see the end) but I must understand that when the TV show crosses my boundaries, Then I MUST TURN IT OFF!
This does not only apply to TV but to everything that influences our thoughts. We must guard our Hearts! And we do that by guarding our mind!
Finally, Paul tells everyone: Hey, everything that you see me doing: That is what you should be doing! Wow! Could I say that? I dont think so! I should strive to live so that I can tell the people around me: Hey! Everything that you see me doing, You should Do it!
TUESDAY, May 13th, 2008
I must say (once a gain) that you all are the coolest youth group ever. I am so thankful for you guys! I love the unity and the spiritual insite on this devotional blog.
Many Thoughts from Yesterday:
Jeff: Thanks for Helping Yesterday! You are the man! (Even though I beat you in Monopoly... I dont NEED St. James place to Win. Ha! :)
Rachel: I KNOW THE FEELING! I hate it when My computer deletes everything I type. I think they are posessed!
Gaby: Wise Words: "You don't realize at the time that you are being changed, but you are"
McCue: That is exactly right! I think we should all do what you said: " pray for guidance before school every day"
Lucy: You are too funny. I am sorry, but I dont think that your birthday is better, JUST because you are a Girl!
Jill: I liked the fact that your devotions were different: That tells me that you actually read it and thought about it for yourself. Great Job!
Jessica: I am glad that you have such a great friend that you can be so transparent with. You should kidnap Darcy into our youth group :) J/K!
Jackieee: I figured there were not 3 "E's" in your name :)
Josh: I dont think that Paul called anyone an Idiot!... what is the greek word for that?
Whew... on to the devotions!
Philippians 4:1-7
1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
This passage starts out by telling us to Stand Fast in the Lord. In other words, stand FIRM in the Lord! Paul reminds the church of Philippi this while he is sitting in Prison, then Paul goes on to address a current issue. Imagine how easily it would have been to be very frustrated if you were Paul. You are in Jail suffering for Christ, and the people of the church are fighting and bickering with each other. Yet, Paul, the great example that he is, just tells them simply: Be of the same mind. Be unified! Remember that you are both children of God living to serve God therefore you should NOT be fighting with each other. In verse 3 Paul tells other people to get involved. If we see people in the church fighting with each other: We are not supposed to sit back and watch, or even worse gather around and watch (like they do at your school when there is a fight) We are supposed to get involved in unifying the two! Do you know any people that are not getting along? Well, Paul makes it clear that we as "True Companions, and Fellow Laborers" are supposed to help them work it out!
When we do that then all of us TOGETHER, can rejoice in the Lord! ALWAYS!
I think the next verse is powerful: Let your gentleness be known unto all men: I think of Jesus Christ when I read that. Jesus Christ could have sent fire from heaven to destroy anyone that mocked him, anyone who cursed him, but he showed gentleness. He showed Love!
You are going to love verse 6. DONT WORRY ABOUT STUFF! JUST PRAY ABOUT IT!
It is that simple. When you find yourself beginning to worry about something: Just pray about it, hand it over to God.
Application: I must not fight with my fellow children of God, and if I see any brethren fighting, I need to call them out and deal with it. When We are all at peace THEN we will be able to rejoice the way that God means for us to! I Love It!
Well there is so much in this passage: Maybe you even got something else. Well let us know what you got in your comments today!
Many Thoughts from Yesterday:
Jeff: Thanks for Helping Yesterday! You are the man! (Even though I beat you in Monopoly... I dont NEED St. James place to Win. Ha! :)
Rachel: I KNOW THE FEELING! I hate it when My computer deletes everything I type. I think they are posessed!
Gaby: Wise Words: "You don't realize at the time that you are being changed, but you are"
McCue: That is exactly right! I think we should all do what you said: " pray for guidance before school every day"
Lucy: You are too funny. I am sorry, but I dont think that your birthday is better, JUST because you are a Girl!
Jill: I liked the fact that your devotions were different: That tells me that you actually read it and thought about it for yourself. Great Job!
Jessica: I am glad that you have such a great friend that you can be so transparent with. You should kidnap Darcy into our youth group :) J/K!
Jackieee: I figured there were not 3 "E's" in your name :)
Josh: I dont think that Paul called anyone an Idiot!... what is the greek word for that?
Whew... on to the devotions!
Philippians 4:1-7
1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
This passage starts out by telling us to Stand Fast in the Lord. In other words, stand FIRM in the Lord! Paul reminds the church of Philippi this while he is sitting in Prison, then Paul goes on to address a current issue. Imagine how easily it would have been to be very frustrated if you were Paul. You are in Jail suffering for Christ, and the people of the church are fighting and bickering with each other. Yet, Paul, the great example that he is, just tells them simply: Be of the same mind. Be unified! Remember that you are both children of God living to serve God therefore you should NOT be fighting with each other. In verse 3 Paul tells other people to get involved. If we see people in the church fighting with each other: We are not supposed to sit back and watch, or even worse gather around and watch (like they do at your school when there is a fight) We are supposed to get involved in unifying the two! Do you know any people that are not getting along? Well, Paul makes it clear that we as "True Companions, and Fellow Laborers" are supposed to help them work it out!
When we do that then all of us TOGETHER, can rejoice in the Lord! ALWAYS!
I think the next verse is powerful: Let your gentleness be known unto all men: I think of Jesus Christ when I read that. Jesus Christ could have sent fire from heaven to destroy anyone that mocked him, anyone who cursed him, but he showed gentleness. He showed Love!
You are going to love verse 6. DONT WORRY ABOUT STUFF! JUST PRAY ABOUT IT!
It is that simple. When you find yourself beginning to worry about something: Just pray about it, hand it over to God.
Application: I must not fight with my fellow children of God, and if I see any brethren fighting, I need to call them out and deal with it. When We are all at peace THEN we will be able to rejoice the way that God means for us to! I Love It!
Well there is so much in this passage: Maybe you even got something else. Well let us know what you got in your comments today!
MONDAY, May 12th, 2008
Well, hello on this fledgling Monday. It is good to see that you are on your devotions again this week. Keep up the GREAT work! If you are on today and you did not check yesterdays Devotional blog, let me encourage you to go back and do yesterday's devotions after your finish todays. Normally I would not ask that, but yesterday we did something a little different that has been a lot of fun to read about the 7 people that already did it! Go check it out.
A Few thoughts from Yesterday And the Day Before:
Ryan W: Hey Man! It is Awesome To see you on here!! Great Job!
Rachel: I can't wait to see Erica on here! That will be so cool! Great Job at witnessing to your friends!
Jon: You need to call me man, we have to talk about your "devos" you need convince me to accept your "one line devotions" :)
Jeff: You didn't "get saved" more than five times... YOU CAN ONLY GET SAVED ONCE!
Josh: I must agree with you: writing an article on Baby Ruth Candybars cannot qualify you for the longest devotions of the year. Sorry Alex.
Gaby and Jackieee: HEY GIRLS! GLAD YOU JOINED US!! That was awesome! Keep it Up!
Jill: That is so cool about talking with Amanda! I am looking forward to Wednesday. Hey, Aslo: Call up Sarah W. and Encourage her to stay on the Devo Blog! Thanks!
...Wow... that was not a few thoughts that was Quite a few :)
To the devos:
Philippians 3:17-21
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
This is such a simple passage, so I dont want to hear (read) any short answers today. Paul starts out by telling us to FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE, but not only His. We should also mark other people who are following Pauls example and hang out with those people. We need to let Gods people be the ones that influence us. I dont think it is just a coincidence that this topic of friends keeps coming up over and over. YOUR FRIENDS INFLUENCE YOU EVERY DAY. You will be just like your friends Guaranteed!
Paul tells us that we must be careful because there are many people that are "enemies of the cross of Christ" Is that your friend? James tells us that anyone who is a friend of the world is the ENEMY of God. Those are strong words, BUT SO TRUE! Be so careful who your influencers are. The Enemies of God will be destroyed. In verse 19 Paul explains who those people are: The people who only focus on Earthly things. Do you only focus on earthly things? Think about it like this: when you were getting ready for School this morning were you only worried about what you were going to wear and who you were going to see? Or did you pray for Gods will today, or did you pray for that lost friend. We should be thinking about heavenly things because THAT IS WHERE OUR CITIZENSHIP IS! We are Heaven Citizens!! Lets Live Like IT!
Application:
I want to make sure that I have Godly friends: Friends that also follow Pauls example striving to be like Christ. I believe that I do only have those kinds of friends.I think of Eric Cheske, He is a great guy that I have been able to hang out with a lot lately. It is nice to have friends that seek the truth. It helps me do the same. If I have any worldy friends, then I must explain to them that I am a Christian, I am different, and I can share Jesus with them , but I cannot hang out with them, because they will pull me down.
What did you get out of this passage?
A Few thoughts from Yesterday And the Day Before:
Ryan W: Hey Man! It is Awesome To see you on here!! Great Job!
Rachel: I can't wait to see Erica on here! That will be so cool! Great Job at witnessing to your friends!
Jon: You need to call me man, we have to talk about your "devos" you need convince me to accept your "one line devotions" :)
Jeff: You didn't "get saved" more than five times... YOU CAN ONLY GET SAVED ONCE!
Josh: I must agree with you: writing an article on Baby Ruth Candybars cannot qualify you for the longest devotions of the year. Sorry Alex.
Gaby and Jackieee: HEY GIRLS! GLAD YOU JOINED US!! That was awesome! Keep it Up!
Jill: That is so cool about talking with Amanda! I am looking forward to Wednesday. Hey, Aslo: Call up Sarah W. and Encourage her to stay on the Devo Blog! Thanks!
...Wow... that was not a few thoughts that was Quite a few :)
To the devos:
Philippians 3:17-21
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
This is such a simple passage, so I dont want to hear (read) any short answers today. Paul starts out by telling us to FOLLOW HIS EXAMPLE, but not only His. We should also mark other people who are following Pauls example and hang out with those people. We need to let Gods people be the ones that influence us. I dont think it is just a coincidence that this topic of friends keeps coming up over and over. YOUR FRIENDS INFLUENCE YOU EVERY DAY. You will be just like your friends Guaranteed!
Paul tells us that we must be careful because there are many people that are "enemies of the cross of Christ" Is that your friend? James tells us that anyone who is a friend of the world is the ENEMY of God. Those are strong words, BUT SO TRUE! Be so careful who your influencers are. The Enemies of God will be destroyed. In verse 19 Paul explains who those people are: The people who only focus on Earthly things. Do you only focus on earthly things? Think about it like this: when you were getting ready for School this morning were you only worried about what you were going to wear and who you were going to see? Or did you pray for Gods will today, or did you pray for that lost friend. We should be thinking about heavenly things because THAT IS WHERE OUR CITIZENSHIP IS! We are Heaven Citizens!! Lets Live Like IT!
Application:
I want to make sure that I have Godly friends: Friends that also follow Pauls example striving to be like Christ. I believe that I do only have those kinds of friends.I think of Eric Cheske, He is a great guy that I have been able to hang out with a lot lately. It is nice to have friends that seek the truth. It helps me do the same. If I have any worldy friends, then I must explain to them that I am a Christian, I am different, and I can share Jesus with them , but I cannot hang out with them, because they will pull me down.
What did you get out of this passage?
SUNDAY, May 11th, 2008
Hey! I hope that you were in Sunday School this morning, and I hope you learned how to be sure about your salvation. Well, I want to do something a little different for todays devotions. I want each of you to type out a brief testimony.
Tell when you got saved, what led you to that decision, and what you did to get saved. You can also tell us any other interesting things about your conversion.
I will post mine later on tonight.
Give us that testimony: The story about your salvation.
Tell when you got saved, what led you to that decision, and what you did to get saved. You can also tell us any other interesting things about your conversion.
I will post mine later on tonight.
Give us that testimony: The story about your salvation.
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