Devotional Day 14: Finding God Through All The Noise

• Psalms 46:9 : “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

• Psalms 1:2 : "But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law does he meditate day and night."
• Meditation seems to be a recurring command in many verses speaking of God's Word. Its important that we have time to sit and be quiet and clear our minds so that we may truly focus on the message of God.

     I love Psalms 46:9. It's such a powerful verse and I think what makes it so powerful is the first couple words: be still. A lot of times in our busy chaotic lives we forget to be still and embrace the quiet. It takes quiet to truly clear our minds. There needs to be no distractions when focussing on God's Word so we can fully absorb in out hearts and minds what He has to say to us. I like to compare reading the Word to school. When you're sitting in class trying to learn its usually pretty difficult with distractions! Maybe there's the giggling girls in the back (often times that was me..oops!) or maybe something as simple as someone tapping their pencil. When it comes time to meditate on God's Word, find a quiet place to be. You could go to the park, sit in your room, or maybe go to the library. Wherever you decide to go be sure that you are giving God your full attention. The second part of the verse is really powerful as well. Know that He is God. Know His power and His compassion. 

     In Psalms 1:2 it speaks of meditating day and night. It's simply telling you spend time in the Word. Take time out of your schedule to strengthen your knowledge in Him and the things He has to teach you. We need to find pleasure in learning what God has given us. Find ways to relate important messages to your heart. I understand fully that sometimes it's just plain hard to pay attention! Some days you feel bored or put out. That's why you have to make it enjoyable so that you can focus. Mix it up a little. Do your quiet time in different places! Maybe draw pictures or make little projects to help remind you of your lesson. Whatever it is, do it wholeheartedly! 

                                                                      Questions/Application

• Where do you do your quiet time and when?
• How can you make quiet time interesting for yourself?
• What message here lately do you feel God is trying to impress on you?

Devotional Day 13: Being a Leader

• Titus 1:7-13 : "For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers..."
• 1 Timothy 3:13 : "For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
• God calls all of us to be a leader in our own way. As followers of Christ, we should be leaders by example and council to help those around us rather than followers.

     In the verse from titus stated above it lists many qualities that a leader should display and names some of the things a leader shouldn't be as well! The verse itself is pretty self explanatory. A leader is patient and not quick to anger. They are humble rather than self absorbed or arrogant. Another important thing is that leaders should be generous, never greedy. They must be level headed and not jump to violence as their only solution for things. Its important that leaders are approachable! People will look to leaders to shine God's light and inspire them. Leaders favor good over evil, obviously. They believe in doing what's right and standing up for those beliefs. A leader is disciplined and self-controlled meaning they use discernment to make sound decisions however difficult they may be. You have to be able to trust your leaders in this world! And you have to trust that they are justly translating God's Word from their heart to help others and to witness. Their reasons for being a leader must be selfless! I think this verse really brings up a powerful point. Not only must a leader give good instruction to others, but they must also be able to stand up for what the say! They must not be afraid to stand up to those who would try and sabotage the good works of God through them. Something that isn't mentioned in this verse that I think is important is something I've brought up before: a leader has to be able to look past the sin into a person's soul separating the sin from the person and realizing that we are all children of God some of us just don't know it.

     Being a strong spiritual, Christian leader can also strengthen your walk with Christ. When teaching and translating the Word to others we often learn things ourselves! We realize and think about things we may not have before. Being a leader holds you accountable to the Godly character people see in you, which is a good thing. That helps when you think of giving into temptation. All you have to do is remember the people you've preached God's Word to, and realize how much they look up to you for guidance. Follow the Word you teach to others and trust that God is impressing on you exactly what you need to say! We are all leaders in our own way. We all have the capability of helping one another as a Christ following fellowship of people, of children of God.

                                                                          Questions/Application

• How are you a leader? What about people in your family? Friends?
• What special gifts has God given you that you can use to witness to others?
• What is the biggest temptation for you and what helps you resist that temptation?

Devotional Day 12: Back to School Nerves!

• Psalms 27:3 : "Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident."

• Ephesians 4:23 : "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

• Psalms 46:1 : "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
• Going back to school can be rough for both students and parents! There's a lot of stress involved no doubt.  I just wanted to share a few Bible verses that might help and some comforting words for young people of all ages and parents as well.

     I like to compare Psalms 27:3 to the first day of school! Its so nerve racking walking in, not knowing anyone, wondering who you'll be in class with,  who you'll sit with at lunch, or for college students, how your roommate will be or how the professor will teach! Sometimes its just nice to think of a few things that will bring you comfort! In the verse I mentioned above it brings up something very important: confidence. You have to be secure and confident in who you are! If you're comfortable with yourself then you'll have no problem displaying your personality to other people, which is an excellent witnessing time by the way. When you have God on your side there is nothing to fear. He's always there with you to guide and protect you! When you shine God's light through you people will notice, and you'll be a positive influence on those around you. Be confident that you are making the right choices, and you're a respectable person!

     You won't be the only one that's nervous those first few days of school! 98% of the other people around you will feel the exact same way you do! An important thing to remember to do is to be kind. Kindness, such a simple word. Show people understanding andcompassion. That's what kindness is to me at least. Give someone a helping hand whether its physically or mentally! We all need friends who understand what we are going through and are there to show kindness and comfort. Be tenderhearted and sympathetic to one another. You have to realize that everyone is in the same boat as you! Be the one that steps out as a leader and comforts those around you. Reassure people that we aren't alone, thatGod has blessed your heart with courage so that you might help others.

     The last thing I wanted to point out is be strong! That goes for both parents and students. Parents have to be strong in raising your kids, in comforting them. They are reflections of you in your most genuine moments. Be strong in your belief in your children. Stay strong in what you know they can achieve and reinforce your confidence in them everyday! And always listen to what God tells you. He can help you on your path to raising you children. Students, be strong in the person you are! Listen to your parentsand receive their help. They've been in the same position as you on several occasions so trust me, and them, they know what they're talking about! Stay strong in your beliefs as a child of God because Lord knows we face many temptations and pressures in school as we become older. Never sway from the path you know God has put you on! Believe in Him, believe in your parents just like they do you and things like the first day of school will be no problem for you.

                                                                       Questions/Application

• How do you think you can help comfort others?
• What does being a leader mean to you?
• Parents, how do you feel the first day of school? How can you help give your children confidence?
• Kids, how can you show that you appreciate what God and your parents have to teach you?

Devotional Day 11: Valuing Others Help

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 : "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

• Ephesians 4:25 : "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, got we are all members of one body."

• Hebrews 3:13 : "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
• We aren't alone in this world and it's important that as Christians we stick together and encourage one another. We need to appreciate each other and the things we do for one another!

     In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 the message is simple, encourage each other! I feel like God has really impressed upon me to share the same message as before. All of us have our off days, days when we feel "not so spiritual." We aren't alone in our struggle though! There are other people that deal with the same things. Help is anywhere you ask for it and I think its important we are prepared to help just as much as we're prepared to ask for it. Your message may be just what someone needs to make it through the day or week, maybe even the month. Don't be afraid to translate what you think or feel God is impressing on your heart. That could be someone's saving grace!Another important part of appreciating one another is being honest with each other. We're all part of the same body of Christ. We have to be able to trust each other in what we say and do and trust that we can come to each other with our problems and get an honest, God driven answer.

     In Hebrews it speaks of protecting each other from the deceitfulness of sin. The evils in this world will cling to any weakness they can. Their main purpose is to cause pain and destroy. In our weak moments its important to seek help. Don't be afraid to ask people the opinion you value so much from them. Every now and then you may be the person that people come to for a valued opinion. Appreciate others and show them you value them. They'll learn to trust you and you'll learn to establish lasting relationships with members of Christ so that we can each help one another.

                                                                     Questions/Application

• How can you show that you value someone?
• How has someone shown that they value you? How did it make you feel?
• When was a time someone came to you for a respected opinion?

Devotional Day 10: Anger

• Ephesians 4:26-27 : "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."

• James 1:19-20 : "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

• Proverbs 15:18 : "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention."
• Anger is not a stranger to any of us. We've all felt it at some point, some more than others. There are different ways of controlling your anger and different ways of dealing with it. We just have to remember not to let anger control us. Harbored anger is not the work of God. Its spiritual warfare.

     In Ephesians 4:26-27 it brought up something very important. Be angry... This to me spoke volumes. Never should you lock all your anger inside. Don't suppress it and pretend it doesn't exist. The first thing you have to do to solve a problem is recognize its there, acknowledge it. The next part of the verse simply tells you deal with it! Recognize you're angry and fix it. Don't spend all night and day thinking and dwelling on this anger. If you do that it will control you. Anger will consume all your thoughts and aggression will start to seep out of any part of you it can. Don't let Satan control you with the negative things like he wants to. He wants to use a natural human emotion, that isn't a sin by the way, and force you to feel it excessively. That's where we face our sin, in the excess.

     I know in the beginning of my devotionals I used the verse in James to apply it to listening. I think its very powerfully applicable to anger as well. We must not be quick to overreact and become angry without understanding the situation. A lot of dealing with anger comes from communication and listening. In a rage, don't say things that are hurtful and unnecessary. That's where harbored anger comes from. It gives each person reason to hold on to that anger towards each other. Sometimes you just have to let go and let God. Understand that all problems are solved by time and understanding, not by anger. Another thing this verse brings up is that you don't set a great example for a child of God if in your worst moments you don't mimic God's character. In our darkest times is when we prove ourselves. Its easy to be Godly when you feel love and happiness. Its hard to be Godly when we feel hurt, disappointed, sad, angry, frustrated, or guilty, the list goes on, but its in those times of negativity that we should radiate God through us the most. That's when we need it and when others around us need it.

     A lot of times when we are angry we get into arguments. I'm very guilty of this and I'm not afraid to admit I'm a very hot tempered young woman. Something that I need to work on, and I think that everyone should work on, is understanding that anger breeds more anger. If you're angry and engage in the argument the other person feels the need to defend themselves, so they say things that make you even more angry, and it just goes back and forth and back and forth. Its never ending. Be the one who is slow to anger. Be the one with gentle, reasonable words. Hold people accountable and follow through with what you say and deal with your anger when it comes. Don't hold it in and hurt yourself or others because of it. God never intended for you to suffer. Anger isn't there to torture you, but it will if you keep it locked inside and you don't think about what you say and do.

                                                                   Questions/Application

• How do you handle your anger? If you don't handle it well, how do you think you could handle it better?
• When was a time you wanted to be angry, but showed compassion instead? How did it make you feel?
• Reflect on a time when someone was angry with you. How did that make you feel?
• How do you think listening affects anger?

Devotional Day 9: God Centered Home Life

• Deuteronomy 6:5-8 : "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."
• Proverbs 4:10-11 : "Hear, my son, and accept My sayings and the years of your life will be many. I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths."
• Growing up in a healthy, spiritual based home can and will help you with many things in life. Its our parents job to lay the foundation of opportunity for loving God. However, children and young adults can be just as responsible for encouraging our parents to further their spiritual walk. Everyone has their off days. Its our job as a family to keep each other on track.

     I really like the passage from Deuteronomy. Here Moses is giving guidance to parents, in my opinion. First, as a parent you must learn to love God whole heartedly. Its hard to teach something you don't feel or understand. You have to feel God in your soul and really trust in Him. The next step is teaching this to your children. Sit with them, talk with them, and tell them your testimony. Tell them the love of God and preach to them what He has done. No matter what age your kids are they will always need some kind of spiritual reinforcement. The world can be a cruel and harsh place filled with all kinds of temptations and windows that open to bad choices. If you reinforce God on your child's life everyday they will be able to experience the good things the world has to offer. Now, that doesn't mean shelter them. Real people have real issues. Everyone has to learn things some how. Protect your child and raise them the best you can. Radiate the love of God in everything you do and your child will pick up! They'll form their own testimony and their own opinion on God. You are their spiritual leaders.

     In Proverbs 4:10-11 it speaks of knowing that you've led your child on the right path and done the best you can do to help them in their beginning stages of their spiritual walk! You'll teach them as much as you can for as long as they'll listen. You'll show them the meaning of discernment, the meaning of love, trust, friendship, forgiveness, grace, andspirituality. Trust what God tells you. Translate this to your children. If you do this you'll be surprised at how much the learn and perceive on their own. They'll be able to help you in your days of spiritual weakness, days when you feel no hope, no faith. I feel like this especially relates to single parents. They'll be there to show you the same love you've shown them each in their own way. And when they've grown and began to make their own adult decisions you can sit back and smile knowing that you've raised them with God's guidance the best way you knew how, and they're making sound choices that will benefit them. Parents we need you! We know you need us too. Don't be afraid to ask!

                                                                 Questions/Application

• How do you think you can help your children on their spiritual walk? What about you kids; How can you help your parents when they are in a time of spiritual weakness?
• What's an important thing you can do everyday to make God more involved in your life? Family prayer? Share new Bible verses? Etc..
• Regardless of your past, who helped you start the walk to your spiritual path? Teachers? Coaches? Aunts or Uncles? Etc..

Devotional Day 8: Spreading God's Word

• Matthew 28:19 : "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
• Mark 16:16 : "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
• Mark 16:15 : "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
• How can you learn the Word of God if you've never heard of it? Its a pretty simple question and there's an easy solution. As creations of God its our job to spread His Word and save the souls of our fellow brothers and sisters.

     In Matthew 28:19 it gives specific command to spread the Word. I'll say what I've said before in my previous devotionals; the Word is there for a reason. Its there to protect, teach, and bring further understanding of God. As children of God its our job to spread the Word of God so that others may have to opportunity to appreciate Him the same way we do. Now, don't misunderstand. Its not our job to force the Word upon them. Its a personal choice. That person has to be willing to accept God on their own. We are merely the messengers to those who are ignorant to God, His Word, and His purpose. In Mark 16:15 it repeats the same message. Go and tell the Word to others so that they might not be ignorant of God's purpose.

     In Mark 16:16 it explains that those who do not have that opportunity to appreciate God's love are lost. They don't get the chance to experience God's love like everyone should. Again, its the other person's job to accept God. Our job is just to translate and to help guide. We're like God's little workers! Each of us has an interpretation that may speak to people differently. Its important to do what we can to reach out to others. My view on things may be completely different than yours, but it speaks to someone, at least I hope, and that's what matters.

                                                                 Questions/Application

• How can you spread the Word of God?
• What is an important message that you would share with someone who is naive  to God's Word?
• Do you feel like by doing this we can prove our love to God?
• What was the first Bible story you ever heard? How did it make you feel?