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Youth Weekly Devotion - Archive |
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Devotion for the week of 3/4/07 Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "The Tape Store" Chapter Four: When Cows Go Bad Dave and his best friend Hugh walked into the tape store. “They’re fantastic,” Hugh said. “And I hear they’re even Christians.” Hugh had been telling Dave about a new album from a group called U2. “They’re British or Irish or something,” he’d said. “But this new album really zings.” It wasn’t difficult to find the new tape. Apparently it had hit number one on the charts. There were posters all over the store. It had a dark gray-and-black photo with a desert-like background. One of the band members wore a black punched-up hat. Hugh told him they were a big protest group now. They rifled through the tapes. U2’s tape called “The Joshua Tree” was $10.98. Dave was surprised that Hugh could buy it – he didn’t think he had that much money. Dave wandered down the row looking at the colorful tape covers. He saw many that he could have liked to own – but how could anyone afford them? Suddenly, Hugh was at Dave’s side. “Come on, let’s get outta here.” “You’re not buying the tape?” Hugh smiled. “Not right now.”
Grazing There are so many tempting things out there in the marketplace: records, tapes, videos, stereos. It’s expensive living in this day and age. A lot of people are pressed to come up with the money to live the way our commercials picture it. I think Jesus understood what it’s like to have all that glittery, glamorous stuff staring you in the face. You want it. But in many cases it’s out of reach. We can be temped to resort to wrong means of getting the right things. All of us know people who have resorted to wrong means of getting what they want. The question for Christians is, do we let them go on doing it? This is the issue of confrontation. Contrary to Cain’s statement to God concerning the whereabouts of Abel, we are our brother’s keeper – in one sense we’re all responsible to help someone who is making a mistake or committing sin. How we do that, though, is often difficult. Chew for Thought 1) Do you ever find yourself wanting things that you can’t pay for? Is just wanting something wrong? Why or why not? 2) Have you ever confronted someone? What do you think confrontation means? Do you feel that Christians should confront each other? Why or why not?
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Devotion for the week of 2/25/07 Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "Believe in Me!" Chapter Three: A Bar T Brand in a Bar S World Continued from the 2/18/06 Devotional Jesus looked me quietly in the eyes and then turned back to the crowd. His lips were tightly pressed together. He said, “You did nothing.” For a moment I stood there, feeling stunned and afraid. If I had done nothing, then... Suddenly I blurted, “What’s wrong then? First they hated me for being a cripple. Now they hate me for being healed. It doesn’t make sense.” Most of the crowd just walked out. Some of them were just plain hot. But Jesus motioned me to follow him. We walked out into the sunshine. He turned to me and asked, “Do you believe in the Messiah?” At one time I had, but years of bitterness had just about killed off any faith I had. I was ashamed and hung my head for a moment. But he put his arm on my shoulder. “You have had a difficult time. Don’t be bitter against God.” I looked into his eyes. I know I was crying a little, but somehow I felt an inner calm. I said, “I haven’t been a good man, Lord.” You know what he said to me? “You’re forgiven.” Just like that. Then he said, “Believe in me.” That was all. As I watched him walk away, I looked again at my arm. Healed. Perfect. I flexed it. But then I thought about his words, “You’re forgiven.” Accepted. Forever. Never again to be turned away. Tears blurred my eyes. I knew then I had received two gifts that day, and the second was the greater. Grazing This one-time handicapped man found an earnest and resilient faith in Christ even though he may never have found acceptance from many of his peers. Yet, God has a way of replacing the old with the new. Though he may have had to leave some of the “old friends” behind who had become hostile to his faith, he undoubtedly discovered new ones who believed as he did. This is part of what Paul meant in 2 Corinthians 5:17 when he said, “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” You’re different. You’ve changed. You’re new. Some folks won’t like the change. Some will. Some might renew their ties and become the best of friends. Others might leave forever. Fred Rogers of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” wrote in Guideposts about an experience he had as child at a friend’s farm. He’d always wanted to climb around the stone walls that surrounded the property. But his parents would never let him. Finally, one day he stalked into the drawing room to ask. When no one noticed him he said, “I, uh – I wanna climb the stone ways. Can I climb the stone walls?” All the women chorused back no, saying he’d hurt himself, he couldn’t do it. But then his friend, the owner of the farm, said, “Now hold on just a minute. So the boy wants to climb the stone walls? Then let the boy climb the walls. He has to learn to do things for himself.” He told his young friend to get out there and climb those walls, then come back and see him when he was done. Fred had a great time and finally came in two and a half hours later. He went to his friend. The big man said, “Fred, you made this day a special day, just by being yourself. Always remember, there’s just one person in this whole world like you – and I like you just the way you are.” Those words stuck with Fred Rogers for a lifetime. They’re words of acceptance. You also have the same kind of words, and you can give them to anyone who crosses your path. The only question is, Will you? Chew for Thought 1) What does Romans 5:6-11 tell us about God’s acceptance of us? 2) Just as you have felt rejection from others, you have probably made others feel rejected. Whom might you reach out to today to heal some old wound?
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Devotion for the week of 2/18/07 Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "What Did I Do Wrong?" Chapter Three: A Bar T Brand in a Bar S World Continued from the 2/11/06 Devotional I looked at Jesus. I said, “It feels different.” I felt so stupid the moment I said it. I should have said, “It feels great. Incredible. You healed me.” But when you’re nervous, you tend to say dumb things. Then Jesus motioned to me to expose the arm. I wasn’t afraid any more. I threw back the cloak. Even I was amazed. The once-shriveled white hand was alive with vitality. I even flexed it and bent down to touch the ground. I would have started whipping the thing around at that point if he told me to. I was getting excited. I just shouted it out. “You healed me – I’m new.” I almost laughed. I wanted to jump around. To turn to the crowd and bellow out, “I’m healed.” But they were so quiet, I just turned and looked at them. It was strange. Their eyes were like hard inflamed slits. Some spit on the ground. A few turned to go. I looked again at my hand and said more quietly, “But it was withered. It was useless. He healed it.” I didn’t know what to do. So I turned to Jesus and asked, “What did I do wrong?” Grazing Being accepted by Jesus Christ carries with it a strange price tag: you may be rejected by others because of it. When I first became a Christian, I discovered a strange problem. For the first time in my life, I felt completely clean and forgiven. The guilt was erased. Hangups I’d battled for years seemed suddenly trivial. There was a joy and fullness that overflowed everywhere I went. But I found I had terrific problems with some of my friends. For the first time, I sensed a cruel and unyielding rejection from them. They couldn’t understand why I stopped swearing, using drugs, drinking, and playing poker. Perhaps they felt I had rejected them. But I was eager to be with them, to love them to Christ. I only wanted them to know this same Jesus who had so transformed me. Nonetheless, many of them wanted nothing to do with Jesus. “It would cramp my style,” one friend told me. “He’s a bummer,” said someone else. And a third remarked, “He takes away all the good things in life.” I didn’t know what to say. But I found that I had to begin rebuilding new friendships. Some friendships, which lasted since the third grade, simply dried up and ended. It was hard to accept. But it was either that or forsake Christ. But there is one beautiful truth about acceptance in Christ: once you’re changed inside, you can bear nearly anything outside. That was what the man in the story would soon find; and you can, too. Chew for Thought 1) You might want to read a little more about what could happen if you find acceptance from Jesus but not from your friends. Look at 2 Timothy 3:12. 2) Have you ever been rejected because of faith in Christ? When? By whom? Why do you think they did this to you?
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Devotion for the week of 2/11/07 Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "They Wiggled! They Actually Wiggled!" Chapter Three: A Bar T Brand in a Bar S World Continued from the 2/4/06 Devotional Jesus’ words struck me like a lash. My hand? I didn’t move. I pushed my hand deeper into my cloak and I inched around trying to hide it from him. How did he know anyway? When I looked up, I was about to plead with him to let me go. Leave me alone. I wouldn’t come tot eh synagogue again. The rabbi wouldn’t have to say another word to me. But Jesus’ eyes fell on me and his face seemed to flicker a warmth I hadn’t noticed before. Maybe he wasn’t going to kill me. But why was he humiliating me? Then he beckoned me to raise my arm. He wanted to see the hand. He wanted me to stretch it out in front of everyone. I was getting angry. Didn’t he understand the arm was dead? I couldn’t move it if even Jehovah himself commanded it. I started to protest, but nothing came out. So I shook my head no, when he commanded me with such force that I nearly jumped. Instantly, my mind blanked and I jerked the useless arm with all my might – right up into the light. A strange prickly feeling jolted through it. I felt strong – for the first time ever. I began moving my fingers. They wiggled! They actually wiggled! Grazing What a moment! It was something he’d remember all his life, and tell to his family and friends over and over. The Lord had done a wondrous work in him – he’d been healed! But perhaps there was something more. Jesus had shown that he cared enough to select the man for healing even when he hadn’t asked. Jesus had reached out. He had given an unmerited gift. He’d changed the man’s life forever. There were many others Jesus could have healed, but he chose this man. There were others he might have given gifts to, but he selected this one. The man with the crippled hand must have felt accepted, perhaps for the first time in his whole life. Jesus Christ offers us unconditional, total, and eternal acceptance – if we’ll only come. One of the great invitation passages of the Bible captures that idea. It’s in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy; and My load is light.” Charlie Shedd once wrote the story of a woman who came to him to give a word of testimony. He had announced to his congregation that he’d welcome hearing stories of ideal husbands. This woman told him that all her life people had made fun of her legs because they looked like tree stumps. She showed them to Dr. Shedd, and he mentally agreed. She rarely dated in high school because of her legs. But in college she met Mark. She felt a special acceptance from him. Nonetheless, she frequently referred to her legs in cutting terms. One day Mark said to her, “Frances, I want you to quit knocking yourself. I love the way you are. The Lord gave you good, sturdy legs. They give me a solid feeling and I like it.” Frances wept as he said it. Later Mark took her home to meet his mother. She was astonished to discover his mother was crippled. Frances looked at Mark at that moment and felt a love for him like no man she’d ever met. She told Dr. Shedd, “Do you know that was thirteen years ago, and now I can honestly laugh about my legs. Can you see why I say he’s wonderful? There isn’t one thing in the world I wouldn’t do for Mark.” Finding acceptance from someone inspires a loyalty and a love that few of us could ever muster without that acceptance. Chew for Thought 1) How important to you is acceptance from others? What difference do you see between others’ acceptance of you and God’s acceptance? Which do you see as more important, more personal? Take some time to pray, asking God to make real to you his acceptance of you.
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Devotion for the week of 2/4/07 Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "Down in Front, Center!" Chapter Three: A Bar T Brand in a Bar S World Continued from the 1/28/06 Devotional Jesus’ eyes roved over the crowd. They sat with set jaws. They were upset about something. The anger was almost tangible, like heat. I knew some hated him. But I didn’t know why. I didn’t even know why I was trembling so, my heart racing. I bit my lip. Suddenly, he said, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” I almost panicked. Some said he had strange powers, even devilish powers. He could kill me. Right here. In front of everyone. I knew I was a sinner. I knew it. Why else this withered arm? But weren’t other men sinners? Why would he single me out? My heart beat so loudly I almost couldn’t hear what he was saying. I thought maybe I should fall to my knees and beg. But I was afraid my arm would fall out of my cloak, and everyone would see it. I started to breathe deeply. But he just looked at the crowd. I could tell he was getting angry. His cheek kept flexing. Still, the question seemed to hang in the air. I wanted to run, but I was rooted to the spot. Then he spoke again, louder this time. He said, “Stretch out your hand.” Grazing Most of us would shrink from exposing some personal defect for all to see. But God sees every part of our being – from our bodies to our past, present, and future. And what does he offer us? Acceptance. Without reservation. Without hesitation. Without cancellation. And with only one condition: faith in Christ. You’ll find this guarantee in Romans 8:1-2: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” That’s a brand of acceptance none of us should do without. We all long for acceptance, but occasionally when it looks us in the eye, we’re a bit afraid. Can it be true? Can it be real? We don’t want to give ourselves to something which may turn out to be false. We’ve been cheated before. Years ago, I invited a friend to a concert in Philadelphia. I met him and his date at the entrance to the building, and as we were walking in, I overheard him whisper to his date about me, “He’s a real @#$%^&.” Those four little words sting – even today. We’ve never discussed them. I never let on that I heard. But something went out of our friendship. Maybe secret rejection like that is even worse than the up-front kind. But that’s not what God is like. He says, “I commit myself to you. I accept you. I love you. Forever. No one – not even you – can change that.” Chew for Thought 1) Acceptance is something we all crave and need. What more does the Lord say on the subject? Read Jeremiah 31:3. What does this verse say to you about God’s acceptance and love for you? Try another passage: Hebrews 13:5-6. Does this encourage you? How?
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Devotion for the week of 1/28/07 Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "Please Don’t Notice My Arm, Sir " Chapter Three: A Bar T Brand in a Bar S World Continued from the 1/21/06 Devotional When Jesus motioned, I didn’t think he meant me. But he kept looking directly at me. I have to admit, I was scared. I even began to shake. He said, “Young man, come forward.” There were rumors that he liked to make examples of people, spin stunning stories. He called them parables. But why was he singling me out? Okay, I talk big, but I don’t like to be noticed. It’s my hand. People have called me everything because of it. “Sinner.” “Rot-arm.” “The worm.” I’d rather just sit at my place in the market and beg. I tell lies, sure. But not to everyone. I pushed my hand deeper into my cloak and turned it away from his gaze. But when he said again, “Young man, come and stand here, please,” I stood up. You don’t argue with the likes of him. After a pause, I stumbled over to him. I dug my arm deeper into my cloak as I edged forward. Real slow. I hoped he’d forget about it. But he didn’t. As I stood there trembling and staring at his tawny robe, I tried to think what I’d heard about him. When I looked into his eyes, I flinched. Still, it occurred to me that he might help me in some way. But my cheek began twitching, and I wanted to go back to my corner. Grazing Everyone has hang-ups and our bodies are one of our biggest. Awaking in the morning and discovering a new pimple can kill a whole day. Doing your hair and having it turn out wrong can be upsetting. Being the one on the softball team who always stumbles over his size 11 sneakers can crimp up an otherwise balmy afternoon. What is to be our attitude about such things? TO be sure, we can complain, cry, hide, cake on the makeup, or pretend we don’t care. People have done those things precisely because they didn’t want to be seen in a “natural” state. But there’s another route. First Thessalonians 5:18 puts it this way: “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That’s a big jump for most of us. How can we “give thanks” for a big nose, or inability at sports, or an alcoholic parent? Our feelings get in the way and we find it hard. But notice what Paul really said. He didn’t say, “For everything give thanks.” Frankly, there are many things we shouldn’t give thanks for; but “in” is another matter. “In” suggests you’re where you are because someone else put you there. “In” suggests circumstances beyond your control, but not beyond God’s. “In” calls for the ability to see beyond the earthly and into the heavenly. Joni Eareckson Tada testified to the power of this truth in her best-selling book Joni. She became a quadriplegic at age seventeen after a diving accident. For the next few years she was in intensive therapy, trying to regain the ability to move her hands and feet. That ability never came. She was bitter, depressed, and angry. God had cheated her out of everything worthwhile in life. Yet, a change came. She writes: “Now I wept for all those lost months filled with bitterness and sinful attitudes. I prayed for an understanding of His will for my life. What was God’s will for my life? To find out, I had to believe that all that had happened to me was an important part of that plan. I read, ‘In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you.’ God’s will was for me to be thankful in everything? Okay. I blindly trusted that this was truth.” It was then that Joni gave thanks to God in everything – the accident, her quadriplegia, all he had done. And all he would do. Chew for Thought 1) Giving thanks in everything is tough. What things can you think of about yourself that you don’t like? (You don’t have to discuss this with anyone.) Can you give thanks for them, each one, now? 2) Try giving thanks every day for something about yourself – both positive and negative. See if a change comes into your outlook.
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Devotion for the week of 1/21/07 Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "A Hurting Man’s Story" Chapter Three: A Bar T Brand in a Bar S World Continued from the 1/14/06 Devotional Jesus didn’t look different from other teachers. Probably I’ve heard just about all of them. Always talking and arguing about the Sabbath. I always wondered why it was such an issue. But I had to admit, Jesus was different. He didn’t let them corner him, get the defensive about the Sabbath. Here he was in our synagogue – well, I should say, their synagogue. They didn’t really consider me a part of it with my withered arm and all – I was a sinner. Anyway, here he was teaching on the law and obedience and such and I, for one, wanted to hear him. Tucked back in the shadows I’m not that noticeable. I didn’t think he’d object to my being there anyway. He seemed likable enough. I’d even heard he was doing incredible things – miracles. Healings. Elias told me some time ago that he knew of a blind man who had been healed. But beggars are always lying about something. I’ve told people who plunked a silver or a gold into my cup that I’ve been an orphan from childhood. Always a good line. If they knew my own brothers dumped me there every morning to beg, they’d be horrified. But it makes people feel good – like their money was more sacred in the eyes of God because they’d given not only to a cripple, but to an orphan. Sometimes it made me sick. I felt like cursing people. I imagined myself with a big sword – the kind those Roman soldiers have that you see everywhere – and every time some fancy Pharisee comes to plink his little copper “I’m-such-an-good-person-aren’t-I-God” coin in my cup, I’d swing the sword and whack him in half, split from hair to crotch. I’d try to picture it. It made me laugh. Probably the only laughs I ever had. Of course the rumor about Jesus was that he was an honorable man. However, some said he performed his miracles on the select few, his believers. Sometimes his brusque confidence was hard to take. But he was probably just like the rest. He wanted a name and a following, and his words on the scrolls. Have the scribes quote him on Sabbath. I knew the type. I was pinching my arm while he talked. It always itched me when I thought about it. And then suddenly he was looking at me. I turned my head to look behind me to see what he was staring at. But I was against the wall. I just hunched down more deeply into my robes. Then he motioned for me to rise. Grazing Sometimes we hear about the miracles of Jesus so often in church, we forget what an impact they have made on the people involved, both the healed people and the critics. For some, rejection and hatred were a daily reality and burden. Typically, a person with a handicap was considered defective. His deformity was an indication of sin – either his own or his parents’. While we don’t openly reject people because of their physical handicaps, rejection still occurs. But it also occurs for reasons ranging from one’s intelligence, race, religion, social status, or ability on the playing field. Poor people can reject rich people and vice versa. The “nerds” might reject the “jocks,” as well as the other way around. It can go in any direction, because people will find some way of making others to be inferior, ugly, foolish, or incompetent. But Jesus looked at handicaps of ever sort very differently. The “limitation” exists for only one reason: “that the works of God might be displayed” in them. How? Not only by healing, change, or a great victory, for that doesn’t always come, but by the attitude which can live in joy, peace, and harmony despite the problem. Who displays the glory of God – a young person with everything going for him or her who uses wit and schemes to succeed, or the person with the withered arm (or the stutter, the JC Penney wardrobe, or the clumsiness on the ball field) who thanks God anyway and serves the Lord in every capacity he or she can? Chew for Thought 1) Read about another person who suffered rejection in John 9:1-41. What did people believe about him? 2) Describe what if feels like to be rejected. Do you know someone who was rejected by others? What could you do to help that person?
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Devotion for the week of 1/14/07 Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "An Amazing Thing" Chapter Two: Watch Your Step Continued from the 1/7/06 Devotional January 12 Dear Beth, A lot has happened. The principal asked me to give a testimony to the teachers. He said he couldn’t do it with the whole student body because he’d probably be sued. But he wanted me to tell them my convictions about things, why I believed it, and so on. It’s probably because there are supposedly some twenty-four girls in the high school who are pregnant. I don’t know how he found out about my beliefs. I did talk to two girls in gym. They were talking about abortion and I just decided to say something and soon we were into a discussion about everything. One of them told me she lost her virginity when she was fourteen, and she’d been with over five different guys now and she hated it. The other one didn’t say much, but when I finally got up the courage to say I believed in virginity, she said she’d never done it and had been so ashamed that she even lied to others about it. Anyway, the next thing I knew I was in the principal’s office. He asked me some questions about my beliefs, then asked if I would talk to all the teachers one day after school at a local church. He said it would be a voluntary thing, and therefore wouldn’t be a violation of any laws. He told me he’s a Christian too. I was amazed. I was so scared. I thought I might wet my pants or something. But after I got up, something calmed me down, and I just talked. It seemed like it only lasted a few minutes but afterwards my dad told me I talked for twenty minutes. I was amazed. My dad taped what I said and it’s on the tape enclosed. Let me know what you think. I know you’ve spoken in front of all kinds of groups, but tell me your honest feelings. Beth, I’m so excited. This is the first time I’ve had a chance to really stand up for being a Christian. I hope I don’t get into any trouble, but it has to be the wildest thing that’s ever happened to me. I guess you want to know about Jeff. Well, I finally told him no, I didn’t believe in what he was doing, and I said if he insisted, I wouldn’t go out with him anymore. (I didn’t have to slug him!) He just stopped calling me. I’ve heard he’s dating someone else already. I hope she can stand up to him, though. I do feel kind of depressed about that. It hurts especially to see him there in the youth group where we’re supposed to be Christians and to know he might be doing that stuff. But I don’t know what to do about it. Maybe you can give me some more ideas. Beth, you’ve been the greatest friend I could ever have. I hope you can come out this summer and see Evergreen for yourself. Or maybe I can come to Sacramento. I love you. I praise God he put you in my life.
Cheryl Grazing Statistics report that over 80 percent of teens in eleventh grade or above are sexually active. That makes it all the more difficult for the average Christian to resist. But it is possible to resist, and possible to use that resistance as a banner to be proud of, not a symbol of the scorn. A passage from Paul comes to my mind, 2 Timothy 4:6-8: “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” Notice what Paul looked forward to, the “crown of righteousness.” It’s a crown that some believe those who have lived righteous, pure lives will receive from the Lord Jesus at his judgment seat. It’s easy to think in the press and scuffle of battle that we should just give in to temptation, sexual or otherwise. “It’s only an act,” some say. Others say, “It’s fun; why does God want to take away all our fun?” The truth is that God doesn’t want to take away our fun; rather, he wants to give us the very things that will make fun truly fun. What are those things? Righteousness and purity. Only those realities – we might call them holiness of life – will give us the joy, love, peace, and hope we long for. G.K. Chesterton said, “God paints in many colors, but he never paints so gorgeously as when he paints in white.” Chew for Thought 1) For some more insight read Hebrews 2:17-18 and James 1:12-16. 2) What principle have you learned about temptation this week? What can you apply in your life today?
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Devotion for the week of 1/7/07 - Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "Something to Grab Onto" Chapter Two: Watch Your Step Continued from the 12/31/06 Devotional December 6 Dear Beth,
I want to thank you again for calling. It was so good to hear your voice. Being able to talk for so long really helped. I had no idea that you'd been through the same thing with Larry. But believe me, it was encouraging to know that someone still believes in staying "pure" until marriage. You know, I just wrote that word "pure" and it almost embarrasses me. Why is that? I'm afraid to speak up in class about anything Christian because of all these new laws and problems in schools. I'm afraid to tell others I'm still a virgin because they might laugh at me. And I'm afraid to tell Jeff a final no for fear that he'll break up with me. It's horrible, all this fear all the time. Why does it have to be this way? I read over that verse you told me about in 1 Corinthians. I even put it on a card to memorize it. I like the idea that God provides a "way of escape" when we're tempted. I never knew that. Beth, you'll never know how much it encouraged me for you to tell me what a struggle it's been for you. Love is such a beautiful feeling that you just want to let it take you over. But I liked what you said about saving such a thing for that one special person after you've both made a genuine commitment. I never thought of it that way. I also appreciate you saying that there's nothing wrong with looking at marriage and making vows the foundation of a real commitment. I always thought that when you're in love, it should all just work out. But I guess it doesn't work that way. You made me laugh when you told me how to say no. I can't picture you doing that. Did you really tell him that if he put his hand there again you'd slug him? Beth, you're such a scream! How did you get the courage? And you're supposed to be in love with him! What is more amazing is that Larry didn't touch you after that – and he still kept dating you. Maybe there is hope. Oh, what am I saying? I know if I do this with Jeff, it's the end. It'll never work. He'll just laugh at me and then I'll have to slug him and I won't be able to. Or what if he slugs me back? I guess if he does, that'll show the real truth of the situation anyway. Well, you did help me. If your dad makes you pay for the phone call, send me half the bill. It was worth every penny.
Love, Cheryl Grazing The scripture Cheryl was referring to was 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also." Notice several facts from this verse. First, no temptation is unique. People all through history have faced the same ones and have overcome. Second, God is always near and faithful. He sets limits on all temptations in accordance with out abilities and strengths. He won't allow Satan to tempt us "beyond what we are able." Ultimately, that means anything we give in to temptation we have no right to say, "It was too great; I couldn't handle it." That means that Scripture must be false. Last, God will provide the "way of escape." It may be over. It may be under. It may be through. Or it may be flee. But he will show us the escape hatch. If we'll only look. I remember reading Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz, a one-time gang leader turned Christian. After his conversation, some of his old habits were still in place. Nicky had been sexually involved in the past, and although he believed it was wrong, he found himself sinking deeper and deeper into temptation. He had prayed that God would help him. He writes about one night when he and his girlfriend were making out in a park under a tree. One thing led to another, and passions were rising as clothes were being unbuttoned. Then Nicky noticed a burning sensation in his groin. He looked down and found he was covered with biting ants. Both of them jumped up and left. It paints an almost comical picture, doesn't it? But don't miss the point: God had given them a way of escape! But that reminds me of another truth. Nicky Cruz could never regain his virginity. But he could find forgiveness and new purity in Christ. That sure gives hope not only to those who have not fallen, but to those who have. Chew for Thought 1) Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. What do you see that this verse is teaching about temptation? 2) Think about the last time you were under sexual pressure. What possible way of escape did you have? Did you use it?
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Devotion for the week of 12/31/06 - Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "Pressure" Chapter Two: Watch Your Step Continued from the 12/24 Devotional November 12 Dear Beth, This letter is going to be really hard. Please go somewhere alone. I'm scared out of my wits. Beth, please don't get mad. I know we were best friends back at Fielding, and I hope you won't get too upset. But Jeff is really putting on the pressure. I had no idea it would be like this. He says he loves me and certain things are right for love and he can't believe I won't do certain things with him. I mean, what do you do? I don't want to lose him. But sometimes he makes threats and all sorts of things. I know this is very personal, but I don't have anyone to talk to about it. The youth leaders in the church just aren't like at Calvary. The worst part of it is that so many girls in my high school class have already done it. I mean the whole way. I can't believe the way they talk about it in gym and the bathroom and study hall. I'm almost afraid to ever say anything. What's so bad about virginity, anyway? Good grief, you'd think it was AIDS the way some girls talk. Beth, Jeff even asked me if I ever thought I might be a lesbian. That hurt. That really hurt. Just because I won't go all the way with him. I don't know what to say or do. He's so fast and pushy. He won't take no about anything. What am I supposed to do – be the last American virgin? That's what he called me, too. He hasn't told me, but I think he's done it before with another girl, maybe two. I can't believe it. It almost makes me sick. But then he says he loves me and he gets so tender and intimate and romantic. I feel like just giving in and saying okay, I might as well get it over with. He says I don't need to worry about getting pregnant or anything. I can get the pill, or anything I want, at a local Planned Parenthood center. The guidance counselors even keep condoms – is that what they call them? - in their desks. And my parents thought Fielding was bad. You know the worst thing? I want to do it. I mean the feelings just roll over you. Your whole body is tingling and going crazy and feeling so alive and full. Everything about love is so beautiful and delicious, I find myself just wanting to give in. Why did God make us this way if we're supposed to wait till marriage? That could be another ten years. Maybe never. (Kill that thought!) Beth, I just thought of something – I don't even know if you're still a virgin. Are you? You don’t have to tell me, but it might help for me to know. Do you ever wish you could go all the way? It would really help to know. I just read over this whole letter – it's 2 A.M. here now – and I know when you read it you'll probably start a prayer chain or something. But please tell me what you think. This is really getting to me. I love you. Cheryl Grazing Sexual pressure – a natural and normal God-given desire – is one of the hardest temptations of all to deal with. It strikes first when we're young, and God says we can satisfy it only in the context of marriage, which doesn't happen for most of us until we're well out of our adolescence. How then do we keep ourselves pure? "By keeping [our ways] according to Thy word," said the psalmist (Psalm 119:9). I keep coming back to this, but it's the truth of God's word that is the foundation of all obedience. However, that's not the end of it. We're looking at the letter from one Christian girl to another and we must remember that we also need the help of our fellow Christians to withstand temptation. Their prayers, ideas, wisdom, presence, and love can be a strong weapon against the forces of darkness. Besides writing her friend Beth, Cheryl might have taken other action as well: -Find some Christian friends to whom she could open up and talk. -Spend time with adults who could offer her godly counsel on her needs. -Involve herself in other activities (psychologists call this "sublimation") so that her natural desires might be given other direction. -Refuse to date anyone who didn't have convictions similar to hers. The thing that kills us in temptation is looking it directly in the face and hoping we can stare it down. We can't. I remember a story about a boy who was trying to save his pennies to buy a birthday gift for his grandfather. One evening his mother heard him pray, "Lord, please help me save my money . . .and don't let the ice cream man come down my street." When God told us to pray that we could not be lead into temptation, he was absolutely serious.
Chew for Thought 1) What kind of pressure have you experienced about sex? How does it feel to be the odd person, the one who is still a virgin? If you have had sex, what godly counsel might you offer others on the issue? 2) What can Christians do to deal with the pressure we feel about sex? Why do you think God allows us to feel this kind of pressure? What ways do you see that he has provided to relieve it?
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Devotion for the week of 12/24/06 - Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "I Have a Question" Chapter Two: Watch Your Step Continued from the 12/17 Devotional September 22 Dear Beth, I'm really sorry I didn't answer your two letters. And when you called, my mom gave me the message. But I just couldn't talk then. That's why I didn't call you back. Everybody's acting strange. My mom and dad have had some bad fights – I don't think his new job is going well. That's why we came here in the first place. I'm still going out with Jeff. School's started. He's on the football team, but doesn't get to play much. He was hoping to be first string this year, but some junior beat him out of the quarterback position. He's pretty angry about it – but I can calm him down. I don't know how to ask you this. I've been wondering about it. I figured you're the best one to ask about it. You probably know six verses right off. But what do you think is okay to do with a guy when you're alone? I don't mean going all the way. I'm against that. But Jeff can be pretty pushy. I know I can be firm with him. I know I love him. I think he loves me. He hasn't said so. But he feels strongly that certain things are all right. I know what Jimmy and the youth leaders drilled into us at Calvary, but sometimes I'm not sure. Don't worry. Everything's all right. I just wanted your opinion. Don't go writing me a ten-pager now. I'll have to get glasses. I am kind of depressed. I sort of wish we would just pack up and go back to Sacramento. But I'll be up again this Saturday. Evergreen's playing Centerfield. Big rivalry. Of course, Jeff'll probably be all mad because he didn’t start well. Please write me right away, Beth. I'm still homesick.
Love ya, Cheryl Grazing Being raised in a church or even being committed to Christ does not guarantee that a person will always know what's right, what's wrong, and what's up to the individual. Many people faced with temptation don't know what the truth is. They give in because they haven't learned what God says on the subject and why. Two verses from Psalm 119 are helpful. "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word" (verse 9). "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I might not sin against Thee" (verse 11). In order to be convinced that sin is sin and should be resisted, we must often learn why God desires that we abstain from a certain activity, or not go in a certain direction. That's why careful study and memorization of his word are so critical to spiritual health. It's like learning which pedals do what and how to shift gears. Similarly, we can't approach life with the attitude of "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it." Sometimes bridges pop up and call for decisions that don't offer us time to consult the road map. If there is anything in life that has helped me to face and overcome temptation, it's knowing and applying God's word to my circumstances. Knowing why you should not sin a certain sin is often as much a part of the battle as actually refusing to engage in it. Chew for Thought 1) Read Proverbs 5:1-23. Why should sexual sin be avoided? 2) From this passage, what can motivate you to keep clear of sexual sin?
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Devotion for the week of 12/17/06 - Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "Asked Out" Chapter Two: Watch Your Step Continued from the 12/10 Devotional
July 3 Dear Beth, Sorry for the silence. But some good news for once. You remember the guy I mentioned in my first letter, Jeff? Well, we have gone out twice. He's on the baseball team – thank heavens, he doesn't talk about it all the time! – plays short-stop, and he's one of the best hitters. He's in a summer league now and I've gone to two games. Then we went out afterwards to a move – some comedy with Tom Cruise = not too rad (I didn't tell my parents). I was surprised he took me to something like that (it was rated PG-13 – anyway, I'm over 13, right?), but it was a little, as my mother says, risqué – (is that how you spell it?) Anyway, he kissed me on our first date. He took me for a walk in the park. The moonlight was perfect – what am I saying? I must sound like some romantic geek. But it was fantastic. I feel so happy with him. He'll be a senior this fall. I know you're probably thinking I've fallen in love again. But this time it's real. Oh, what am I saying? I can hear you laughing now. Okay, go ahead, laugh. But I bet if Jimmy Taylor sat next to you in study hall, you couldn't even get through a page of Christy or any other book. Do you think he could be in love with me? I know, it's too early to tell. I can hear you. But this is so wild. I never felt like this. I can't believe I'm telling you this – you, the super-evangelist, ultra-conservative, covert-anyone woman. But I know you want to hear everything. I know you'll probably be calling me after you receive this letter, but don't. Everything's okay. Yes, the youth group is definitely dull, but my dad likes the pastor here. He came out to visit. He gave me – us – the usual lectures. He's not at all like Pastor Dave. But who could match him? Anyway, things are going very fast. Keep writing. Or call. Sing "Blind Man" for me. Love ya, Cheryl Grazing Dating offers some of life's strongest temptations. When we're with someone we like, or love, it's hard to resist giving in to many of our desires. But one of the greatest truths Christians have is that we have a Lord and Master who understands. Hebrews 4:15 says, "We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." Jesus "was tempted in all things," the same kinds of things we face. Therefore, he knows how to help us when we're in great need. One of the best examples of what Jesus faced in terms of temptation is found in Matthew 4. Jesus had fasted for forty days and nights. Imagine the hunger he felt on that fortieth day. How he must have wanted just a scrap of food! It was then that Satan came along and sprang his trap. He said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." Certainly, some of the strongest temptations are those that involve normal desires, in this case the desire for food. But there are other temptations along the same lines that include the desire for sleep, sex, security and clothing. Any one of these God-given desires can turn into a temptation to evil when we're asked to violate God's laws in order to fulfill them. In Jesus' case, the Father had not told him he could eat yet. That's why Jesus responded with a quote from Deuteronomy, "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.' " Jesus knew what it was to starve. He took his desire to the limits – he knows what it is to take any desire to the limit. That's why he can help someone who's battling temptation on the first, fifth, twelfth, or fiftieth day. Chew for Thought 1) Read Matthew 4:1-11. What was Jesus' prime way of dealing with Satan's temptations? 2) What can you apply from this passage to your own struggles?
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Devotion for the week of 12/10/06 - Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "A New City, a New Style" Chapter Two: Watch Your Step June 16 Dear Beth, I've cried every day since we left Sacramento. I really miss you and June and everyone. Believe me, Evergreen is no paradise. I feel closed in all the time. I really miss all the kids in the youth group. My dad took us to some church he says is well known all over the country and the pastor's even written some books (big think ones), but I don't know how much I like it. I went to their Sunday school class. If you ask me, the kids are a bunch of geeks. I know I shouldn't say that, but it's true. It's not as big a group as we had at Calvary and everyone seems bored. The guy who led the class was kinda rad, but all he did was tell jokes and try to get the class to listen. There were a couple guys who sat over in the corner and mostly looked at the floor, but I caught one looking at me. I found out his name is Jeff. I think he's on the baseball team or something – he had a letter jacket. He's tall, with curly brown hair. He wears it short, but nothing weird (like a buzz or something; I can't believe some guys wear them!). Anyway, I'm dreaming. I want to be back in CA. I'll be getting my driver's license this summer – if I take Driver's Ed. Wasn't Mr. Summer's great? I hope I get another teacher like him. I really miss Fielding High. Wasn't that beach party perfect? If only Bill had gotten up the nerve to ask me out, last year would have been the best. As for here, I'm looking forward to Evergreen's "nationally rated" program (HaHa). Sounds like a breakfast cereal ad. Oh, tell June good luck with Harry and to keep partying. I'm still trying to keep up with my quiet time and all that stuff, but it's hard. It was so great when we could meet in the morning and pray together. I'll never forget you forever. Please write me soon. This pace is already old. I could do for something wild. Well, I better go. It's almost midnight. Love ya.
Cheryl Grazing New situations – moving, a change in family life, going away, a crisis – always make us much more vulnerable than the usual day-by-day experiences. In one way, we might feel more open to attack because we're hurting a little inside. But in another way, we're also more on our guard. A verse that might have appealed to Cheryl at that moment in her life could have been one from Isaiah: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you" (43:2). It was a word of assurance to the Israelite people when they were going through a powerful time of trial. No matter where we are or what we face, we can know if Christ dwells within us, that he is there with us, ready to guide, strengthen, lead, and encourage. Cheryl probably didn’t think, at the time, that she was a prime target for temptation. But be aware that Satan knows precisely where and when to strike at your point of vulnerability. Years ago, there was a pitcher in the American League who pitched well and completed the year with an excellent win-loss record. Asked what the secret of his success was, he pulled out a little black book. In it he had alphabetized the names of every batter he faced. Underneath their names, he wrote what he pitched to them, what pitched they had the most trouble with, and what pitches they hit. Eventually, he learned nearly every man's strengths and weaknesses. Then he said, "I've learned to pitch to the points where I know a batter is weak." That's the devil. He throws to your weak points and he'll try to throw you that same way. But you can also take stock in the words of Peter: "The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation" (2 Peter 2:9). And he can rescue you and me. Chew for Thought 1) Are you in a situation that could make you more vulnerable to temptation? If so, explain how. If not, ask God to make you aware of vulnerable times. 2) What areas are your weak points? Where is Satan more likely to succeed in your life? Can you think of some scriptures that might help you?
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Devotion for the week of 11/19/06 - Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "Peace" Chapter One: The Lust for Greener Grass Continued from 11/12/06 Devotional Ralph was getting close to eighteen now and he realized something remained wrong. "I have a little bit of money, power, and fame. But something's missing." He thought for nearly a month. Then he observed some religious folks who didn't seem to have a care in the world. "Peace," he said. "I lack internal peace." "Lord," he said, "I'd like some peace. Peace of mind. Peace of heart. But I don’t want it to the point where I have to start telling people about sin and such. I don't want to be a fanatic. But I would like a little peace. Not a lot. Not much. Just a taste." God sat a long time before saying a word. Finally, he sighed. "Ralph Pyle, you have asked a hard thing. But there have been many who wanted such peace and, as always, I've done my best. What you want, I suppose, is to feel good about yourself, correct?" Ralph nodded. "That's it. That's it. You put it so well." God was dismayed, but he waved Ralph away, saying, "Go your way. I will send you such peace." No prayer was ever answered so quickly. That week, Ralph went to a positive self-image seminar. Afterwards, he felt so good, he took his girlfriend out to dinner. A few weeks later, he listened to some tapes by a famous television preacher. Soon, he was so positive and inspired, his family wondered what had happened. Finally, he bought some books about guilt. After learning the formulas and applying a few of them, he felt such relief he nearly walked on air, Grazing Having a strong self-image is an important ingredient in healthy living. But often a person has to feel bad about himself or herself before he or she can feel good. Self-image is not just related to good feelings, but also to faith, forgiveness, hope, and a sense of meaning in life. What Ralph wanted was "good internal vibes." But is that what we really need? What is the nature of real peace? Perhaps Paul's words in Romans 5:1-2 capture the idea best. He said, "Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through out Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God." Self-esteem is enjoying being who God made you to be. Norman Rockwell was a famed illustrator throughout most of the twentieth century. But at one time he was struggling to make his first major sale. One of the best markets he could go after was The Saturday Evening Post, but its editor was a tough old bird named Lorimer. Rockwell hadn't sold him anything. In fact, he hadn't event tried. His friend Clyde told him to put something together and show it to the Post. Rockwell drew a portrait of a sensual couple in an embrace, a kind of cover that was popularized at the time by another illustrator named Gibson. Norman did another one of a ballerina curtsying under a spotlight. Then he showed them to his friend Clyde. Clyde wasn't pleased. He said, "You can’t do a beautiful, seductive woman. She looks like a tomboy who's been scrubbed with a rough washcloth and pinned into a new dress by her mother. Give it up." He picked up a recent Boy's Life cover Norman had done and said, "Do that. Do what you're best at. Kids. Just adapt it to the Post. They don't want warmed-over Gibson. If they'll take your stuff, it'll have to be good. You're a terrible Gibson, but a pretty good Rockwell." Learn to be yourself. That was part of Ralph's problem, and also Norman Rockwell's. But it's not all there is to being at peace with life. Chew for Thought 1) Read John 16:33. What does this verse say to you about the nature of true peace? 2) How would you describe peace? What is it? Take a look at Philippians 4:6-9 for some more insight. ( Back
to Top ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Devotion for the week of 11/26/06 - Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "The Ingredient of Love" Chapter One: The Lust for Greener Grass Continued from 11/19/06 Devotional But, as before, Ralph noticed things weren't right. A good self-image just wasn't enough. Something was still missing. This time he thought for nearly three months before he concluded that what he lacked was love. He'd never really been in love – not like the movies. Oh, he thought highly of his girlfriend. She was pretty and love and she knew how to kiss. But she nagged him now and then, and occasionally they had fights. He liked his family a lot. But they were often a bother, especially when he wanted to listen to music in his room. He wanted to feel real love for everyone. He went to God again. "You mean you want to learn to be patient, kind, not jealous, and so on?" God asked. Ralph cocked his head. "In a way," he said. "But I wouldn't want it to become a bother. I mean, I wouldn't want to have to go out of my way all the time." God appeared dismayed but asked another question. "I guess you don’t mean the kind of love that leads a person to give up his whole bank account to help someone in need?" "Oh, no," said Ralph. "Not that. It's . . . It's the kind of love . . ." ". . . that has a warm feeling in your heart for everyone," said God. "That's it," said Ralph, looking up. "How did you know?" God sighed. "You ask a hard thing, Ralph Pyle. But yes, I know the kind of love you want. I've seen much of it. I guess I've always found a way to supply it. So why not you?" he said, shaking his head. "Go you way. I'll try to answer." The answer was slow in coming. But gradually, Ralph noticed that he began to have nice feelings towards some people. He found he actually liked a lot of people. Not to the point that he really did anything for them. But he began to describe himself as a humanitarian. "I care about the race," he said. "I hope we all get it together." Sometimes he thought about writing a letter to his congressman about some problem. On one occasion, he even gave a little money to an organization that helped orphans. He felt great after that. He had become a nice guy. But, of course, it wasn't enough. He still lacked something. Grazing Real love can't come in "little bits." It's got to be all out. You can't love quarter way or half way. It requires a total commitment, a total giving. Ralph's quest for meaning in life was strangled by his desire for just enough love to get by. What kind of love are you looking for? Becky Pippert writes of a young nurse who learned to see the image of God in some of her most helpless patients. "Eileen was one of her first patients, a person who was totally helpless," she writes, quoting a story in a magazine. " 'A cerebral aneurysm (broken blood vessels in the brain) had left her with no conscious control over her body,' the nurse writes. As near as the doctors could tell, Eileen was totally unconscious, unable to feel pain and unaware of anything going on around her." The jobs of turning her to prevent bedsores and feeding her were so disgusting that many nurses simply tuned out emotionally when they were in her room. Eileen was regarded as a thing, little more than a vegetable. Frequently, nurses made cutting and gross jokes about her and her room. "But this student nurse," Pippert says, "decided that she could not treat this person like the others had treated her. She talked to Eileen, sang to her, encouraged her, and even brought her little gifts. One day when things were especially difficult and it would have been easy for the young nurse to take out her frustrations on the patient, she was especially kind. It was Thanksgiving Day and the nurse said to the patient, 'I was in a cruddy mood this morning, Eileen, because it was supposed to be my day off. But now that I'm here, I'm glad. I wouldn't have wanted to miss seeing you on Thanksgiving. Do you know this is Thanksgiving?' "Just then the telephone rang, and as the nurse turned to answer it, she looked quickly back at the patient. Suddenly, she writes, 'Eileen was looking at me . . . crying. Big damp circles stained her pillow, and she was shaking all over.' "That was the only human emotion Eileen ever showed any of them, but it was enough to change the whole attitude of the hospital staff towards her. Not long afterward, Eileen died. The young nurse closes her story, saying, 'I keep thinking about her . . . It occurred to me that I owe her an awful lot. Except for Eileen, I might never have known what it's like to give myself to someone who can't give back.' " That's the kind of love Ralph Pyle needed but didn't know enough to ask or give. Chew for Thought 1) For some insight into real love read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. What do you learn about love from this passage? 2) Which quality of love in 1 Corinthians 13 do you feel you're weakest in? How can you demonstrate that quality today? ( Back to Top ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Devotion for the week of 12/3/06 - Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "The Real Thing" Chapter One: The Lust for Greener Grass Continued from 11/26/06 Devotional After nearly a year of thinking about it, one morning it hit Ralph. "I want to go to heaven when I die. But I don't have real faith," he exclaimed. "I lack faith. I'll go to God and talk with him about it immediately." Before he went, though, he decided to read the Bible. Many hours he meditated on such statements as, "He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." And, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." He also watched Christians – in church, out of church, in the home, out of the home. Finally, he formed his petition. "I want to be able to go to heaven when I die – maybe I need some faith." "Do you want the faith that moves mountains?" asked God, pleased. "Oh, not all that much," said Ralph smiling. "I just want enough faith to get me to heaven." God's face took on a dark look. "Do you not want the faith that takes up its cross and follows my son wherever he goes?" "Not that much," replied Ralph. "Just enough to keep me out of hell." God appeared angry, but Ralph kept smiling. He'd done everything else, he thought. "Do you want the faith that obeys my word, studies in my truth, and yearns for righteousness, meekness, abundant life?" Ralph said, "The abundant life part, yes. But those other things I don’t think I really need. I just want enough faith to make me a decent American." God sighed a long, heavy, dark sigh. He said, "Ralph Pyle, you ask the impossible. There is no such faith." Ralph laughed. "That cannot be. I've seen this faith everywhere I go." God shook his head. "Yes, you have seen that kind of faith. But you have not seen real faith. What you ask is impossible. I can give you no such faith. Go your way." At first, Ralph was greatly dismayed. But then he said to himself, "God can't be right. All these people can't be wrong. Maybe he just had a bad day." So Ralph lived his faith. And it was a rather fun faith. He was always asking God for things after that: to relieve a headache; to get a raise at work or a parking space downtown on a crowded Saturday. Sometimes God answered, sometimes he didn't. But when he did, Ralph always was most pleased and even told the church about it. He became one of the church's best members. But it wasn't enough faith to get him to heaven. It wasn't enough to keep him out of hell. It was just enough to make him think he had it made. And that he had a little bit of everything. ( Back to Top ) Grazing In the previous six days we've taken a look at a number of counterfeits the devil offers for real meaning in life: possessions, power, popularity, peace, love, faith. But it's necessary to differentiate. What's real? What cuts ice with God? One of the best verses on faith is found in Hebrews 11:6. "Without faith it is impossible to please [God], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarded of those who seek Him." Earlier in the chapter, the author offered an even clearer picture of what faith is. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval" (Hebrews 11:1-2). There are many different ways of looking at what counts in life. Being liked. Having everything you want. Attractiveness. Making a mark. Rising to the top of the heap. But the Bible focuses on one essential ingredient: faith. How do you stand on that issue? Like Ralph Pyle, is your faith in name only? Karl Barth is considered one of the great Bible teachers and scholars of the twentieth century. Near the end of his life, he was interview upon arriving in the United States for one of his many series of lectures. A reporter asked him what was the greatest thought he'd ever had. Barth thought a long time, then responded, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." When it all comes down to values, meaning, and what counts in life, most of us begin with things like money, beauty, power, and good feelings. But God begins with the kind of faith that believes in his son, follows him, learns to obey him, and ultimately seeks to worship and serve him forever.
Chew for Thought 1) Read Mar 9:14-29, with particular attention to verse 24. What does this passage tell you about faith and what it can do? How would you define faith? 2) Take a look at yourself. Do you have real faith? Why or why not? What can you do about building it up? ( Back to Top ) |
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Devotion for the week of 11/5/06 Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "Wanting to Call the Shots" Chapter One:
The Lust for Greener Grass Continued from 10/29/06 Devotional Nonetheless, about a year after living in the lap of mediocrity, Ralph Pyle suddenly decided he still wasn't satisfied. "Everyone's always telling me what to do. My mom. The teachers. My brother. My sister. For once, I'd like to call some of the shots." He again told God what he wanted. God listened and asked, "What kind of shots do you want to call? Do you want more freedom, no one telling you what to do, a place in student government?" "That's it," said Ralph. "A little bit of all the above." God answered quickly. Within a month, Ralph was signed up to vote on a special youth board at his church. He was also asked to represent the student body at the local PTA meetings. He was nominated for treasurer of his class. He became co-captain of the soccer team and got a job as a trainer at a local Burger King with two sophomores under him. Ralph was happy. He knew he
wasn't a particularly ambitious guy, not like some of the guys he met.
They went to school early, came home late, and never seemed to get a
moment's rest. But Ralph took naps. His parents listened to him. The dog
sat when he said, "Sit." The kids on the youth board listened to
his advice. His class liked him. The soccer team did well under his
leadership. He was very happy. Grazing For some people, getting a position on the yearbook staff, on the swim team, or in student government can seem like the end-all of existence. Jesus said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave" (Matthew 20:25-27). The right to call the shots, to be your own person, to have more freedom, to be "in charge" can be a powerful tool. But what happens once you get there? Chuck Colson is one who has tasted the place of influence. In the ill-fated Nixon administration he held the position of one of Richard Nixon's closest advisers. He was known as the "Hatchet man" because of his strong-minded ability to deal with the tough problems. But all that began to fade after the election of 1972. The night of the voting returns, it was clear that Nixon had tromped George McGovern. Colson, Nixon, and another aide, Bob Haldeman, were in the White House watching the returns. It wasn't a happy victory. Watergate (the scandal that would eventually topple the Nixon administration) had begun to break wide open. Haldeman sat hunched over a table angrily totaling up election figures. Colson was drinking himself drunk. And Nixon kept rejecting drafts of the telegram he would send to his opponent. He couldn't find anything to say that was gracious but unfriendly. Colson writes, "If someone had peered in on us that night from some imaginary peephole in the ceiling of the President's office, what a curious sight it would have been: a victorious President, grumbling over words he would grudgingly say to his fallen foe; his chief of staff angry, surly, and snarling; and the architect of his political strategy sitting in a numbed stupor. Yes, the picture was out of focus. If this was victory, what might these three men have looked like in defeat?" Remember – I'm not
knocking the desire to be first or in charge. We need to be involved. Many
have good reasons for their need to lead. And some of us should lead the
rest. But when it becomes your passion, the only thing you think about,
what then? Chew
for thought 1) Read about a person who has called the shots in Luke 12:13-21. Where did he end up? 2) Do you want to be in charge? Why do you think God puts people in authority – us, and others over us? What good is it? Devotion for the week of 11/12/06 Taken from
Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin'
Up "Just a Little Bit of Popularity" Chapter One:
The Lust for Greener Grass Continued from 11/5/06 Devotional But as always, the day came when Ralph sensed something else was missing. He was seventeen now and a senior. He began to realize a little bit of money and power wasn't all it was cranked up to be. He contemplated his problem and suddenly he realized, "No one knows who I am, except, of course, my parents and a few of the locals. I think if I had a little taste of real popularity, just a little piece of it, I would be happy." Again, he talked with God about it. At first God didn't understand. "I know who you are," he said. "But this is different," Ralph said. "I'd like to have my own car to bomb around in and stir things up. I'd like to make the baseball team and be one of the big hitters, making a headline or two. I'd like to go to the dances and have a lot of girls want to dance with me." The next few months Ralph had the time of his life. One day he was walking along the street with his dog, and a Channel 11 news truck stopped and a reporter interviewed him about a community problem. He didn't know a lot about it but he knew a little bit, and he told the reporter what he knew. He was on TV that night. The reporter even said, "You've given me some good quotes." Later, his picture was in the paper when he received an award for the most valuable player on the baseball team. His girlfriend cut it out and put it in her scrapbook. At the dance, he got up to the mike and sang a song that had some of the girls swooning. And after working nearly a year at the burger joint, he bought his own car – called it the "Night-fighter," and tore up the street with it. People began to take note of Ralph Pyle. Not many people, but just a few. Just enough to give Ralph a taste. Even Mrs. Hobson greeted him at the market, saying, "Why, I saw your picture in the paper, Ralphie boy." "It wasn't such a good photo." "Oh, I thought it was the most handsome. It's not everyone who gets his picture in the paper." And Mrs. Hobson had even fired him when he was younger for not cutting her lawn properly. It felt good to have her congratulate him. Grazing Many people are convinced that meaning in life comes from being famous or popular. But then there are those who discovered that the limelight could become the lemonlight. Many of the stories are funny. There's one about Lee Trevino, the famous golf pro. He autographed a five-dollar bill one day for a woman during a gold tour. She gushed that she would keep it for the rest of her life. Half an hour later, he bought some drinks, gave the bartender a twenty, and got his autographed bill back with the change! Ringo Starr of the Beatles was asked how long the mania would last and what they would do when it ended. He said unemotionally, "When it's over and done with, I imagine we'll have nothing to do but sit on the deck of our yacht – and sulk." But what does the Bible say about popularity? The Pharisees loved having the best seats in the synagogues, and being called "Rabbi" by the people, and being respected. But Jesus cursed them and their attitudes, saying, "Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites."
Fame and popularity can become the passion of your life – until
you have them. Then you only want more and more. And when more doesn't
come, you can end up bitter and disillusioned. Chew for Thought 1) Read Matthew 23 for Jesus' words about the
Pharisees and how they loved being popular and respected. If Jesus were to
make a comment about you and your life, what would you want him to say?
Write it down below. 2) If you died today, what do you think people close
to you would remember you for? What would you like them to remember you
for?
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Devotion for the week of 10/29/06 (download) Taken from Mark Littleton's Teen Devotional, Beefin' up "The Boy Who Wanted a Little Bit of Everything" Chapter One:
The Lust for Greener Grass A Fable Ralph Pyle was a busy guy. He didn't want much. He didn't expect a lot. Not the head cheerleader as his girlfriend, or the lead role in the junior-senior play, or a '90 Corvette. But he did want a little bit of everything. Just a taste. Just enough to know he'd been there. When he was sixteen years old, he went to God and asked him to hear his prayer. Granted, he was young. But you have to start somewhere. And God consented. Ralph said, "Lord, I know I don't deserve much. And I don't expect a lot. But I would like some things. Just a little bit. This is my request: I'd like my own bedroom away from my brother, some nice furniture, a stocked refrigerator, a 110-watt stereo, a girlfriend with looks, and my driver's license."
God understood a person wanting something in this world, so he
answered Ralph's prayer. Ralph's parents gave him his own room with a
little refrig. He got his driver's license. And then one of the prettiest
girls in the school band fell in love with him. Also, he received two
pairs of designer jeans, a color TV, a stereo (not the top of the line,
mind you, but square in the middle), a record collection, and a boom box
for the beach. It wasn't the American Dream, but it was comfortable. Ralph
was pleased. Grazing This story functions as a fable. It teaches a point or principle. But let's take a closer look. What do you think of Ralph? Is he asking too much? Is it good or bad? Let me remind you of two sayings of Jesus. The first is found in Luke 12:15: "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his like consist of his possessions." Note that word beware. It's a caution – better take a second look when it comes to things . . . that stereo you want or that’s sports car or even that new outfit. The second saying is found in Matthew 6:32-33. After talking about worry and anxiety over basic needs – food and clothing – Jesus concludes, "For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness [my emphasis]; and all these things shall be added to you." When we put the right things first, God provides the secondary things. Still, Ralph's a fairly normal guy, isn't he? It's not wrong to want to have nice things. You just have to keep it all in perspective. When I was growing up, our next-door neighbors' Christmas was the talk of the family. Every year we always wanted to go by their house and see the horde of gifts they'd collected. It was monstrous. Always the latest gadgetry – robots, dolls that talked, you name it. They had what I could only dream about. But one thing I always noticed. They seemed to have the worst fights I'd ever witnessed – and over such trivia. "You can't play with that – it's mine!" "You didn't give me such-and-such so I'm going to scream my head off until I get it."
Things. This focus can turn you into an eternal brat.
How do you see it? Can you "seek first His kingdom,"
knowing all the rest will come from God? Or are you obsessed with the
stuff down here? Chew for Thought 1) Read Matthew 6:19-24 and 25-34. What do these passages say about "things" to you? 2) What "things" are most important to you?
Why? List them and try to imagine living without them. How would you feel? ( Back to Top )
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