READ: Proverbs 8
THINK: It's interesting to read the first 10 chapters of Proverbs... in fact, it seems a bit confusing at first. We remember some verse from the first 4 chapters... Proverbs 1:7, 3:5-6; 4:23... but then Solomon starts referring to an adulterous woman and wisdom is a woman calling from the streets... it's all a bit strange. Maybe it will help to understand the culture and look through the eyes of Solomon. Solomon, while the wisest man who ever lived, also had some issues. He did have hundreds of wives and concubines. Now culturally, this was normal, but this was still what God intended. It seems that women had an influence in Solomon's life which may have contributed to his issues as king of Israel. If you look at how his kids ended up, you might see why multiple "mommies" and a gigolo daddy is not a good idea. This also lends to why he is using the illustration of how women can draw a man to foolish actions or wise actions.
What is interesting in Proverbs 8 is the contrast between this woman, calling men to to seek wisdom, to trust God. In verses 35-36, we see the benefits of following God's instructions as opposed to the inevitable demise of someone who does not. In view of Solomon's life, it's almost ironic.
DO: So what are you seeking? What draws your interest? Take a personal look at your life this week... as you look back, what pulled you to make foolish decisions? What (or who) has influenced you to make wise decisions? Then determine what or who you will allow to invest in your time and decisions.
Showing posts with label Matt Matzke. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matt Matzke. Show all posts
Fear
READ: Proverbs 1
"The fear of the Lord brings wisdom..."
THINK: I am convinced that the majority of our problems with sin, with people, with ourselves, is that we devalue "the fear of God" and we overvalue our next breath. We focus more on our feelings, our desires, and our future, while forgetting Who owns the next breath we breathe. Christians have presented God as loving, kind, patient, full of grace, and forgiving... All true. But look at any character in the Bible who came face-to-face (or even close to it) in the Old Testament AND New Testament, and here is a common theme... FEAR. Not the kind of fear like "God is awesome and unimaginable but He loves you and won't hurt you" fear. But a crippling, blinding, mess your pants fear... The kind of fear that makes you fall to your knees because you are going to die.
Think about this... You want wisdom? Do you want to be considered "wise" or "foolish"? Well if you want to be foolish, then chances are you will probably understand the fear of God at the worst possible moment and probably too late to do anything about it. But if you want to be wise, then maybe it's time to imagine what God is really like. So take a deep breath... Because it may be your last.
DO: Stop what you are doing... Turn off the music... Shut off the TV... Get out your Bible and read Revelations 4-5. Imagine what John is describing... That is the very God who holds your every breath, every heartbeat in His hands.
"The fear of the Lord brings wisdom..."
THINK: I am convinced that the majority of our problems with sin, with people, with ourselves, is that we devalue "the fear of God" and we overvalue our next breath. We focus more on our feelings, our desires, and our future, while forgetting Who owns the next breath we breathe. Christians have presented God as loving, kind, patient, full of grace, and forgiving... All true. But look at any character in the Bible who came face-to-face (or even close to it) in the Old Testament AND New Testament, and here is a common theme... FEAR. Not the kind of fear like "God is awesome and unimaginable but He loves you and won't hurt you" fear. But a crippling, blinding, mess your pants fear... The kind of fear that makes you fall to your knees because you are going to die.
Think about this... You want wisdom? Do you want to be considered "wise" or "foolish"? Well if you want to be foolish, then chances are you will probably understand the fear of God at the worst possible moment and probably too late to do anything about it. But if you want to be wise, then maybe it's time to imagine what God is really like. So take a deep breath... Because it may be your last.
DO: Stop what you are doing... Turn off the music... Shut off the TV... Get out your Bible and read Revelations 4-5. Imagine what John is describing... That is the very God who holds your every breath, every heartbeat in His hands.
The End... or is it?
READ: Matthew 28:19-20
THINK: So you made it. You've endured a month of "torture" in order to grow closer to God by shutting out the things that pull your attention away from Him. So answer these questions:
THINK: So you made it. You've endured a month of "torture" in order to grow closer to God by shutting out the things that pull your attention away from Him. So answer these questions:
- What is one thing that has changed in you this past month?
- What did you do, this past month, that you think you should continue?
When Jesus left the disciples, He presented them with a challenge... "Go and make disciples"... in other words, He said to continue loving others and loving God by going out and continuing what they had been learning for over 3 years.
Do you know what they did? They scattered. They all separated... they came back together a few weeks later and hid out in a room. They met in a small room and prayed. Now praying isn't bad. In fact, we need prayer... but one of the things I struggle with is this idea that we have to spend hours praying that God would use us instead of just going out and doing something. This is what the disciples did. They got together and got wrapped up in formula: We need 12 disciples so we need to vote on which of these guys we should add to replace Judas. Let's pray about it. Let's vote. Let's ask God what we should do next... on and on (see Acts 1-2). I think God gets a little tired of the disciples not doing what Jesus told them, and He sent the Holy Spirit to give them a holy shove, out the door, and into their world.
You see, just because this is the end of your fast, does not mean your spiritual journey has to wait for camp, mission trip, or next year's Media Fast...
DO: Spend less than 5 minutes praying (that's right... less than 5). Ask God who He wants you to connect with. Who do you know, that needs Jesus? The first person that comes to your mind, pray for them, send them a text, go hang out with them... write them a post card... invite them to youth group... do whatever... but whatever you do, make it matter. Be a follower of Jesus and do what He would do... don't end your journey with a prayer and the remote control... do something!
Dependency Issues
I was thinking about it and I realized that many times we have a dependency issue... Let me explain:
What are dependent on? I know, food, air, water, sleep, shelter, ok... skip those. I'm talking about the other stuff... movies, TV shows, music, books, internet, cell-phones, etc. What are you really dependent on?
The problem with being dependent on things is that we try to act like we aren't dependent. For some reason we believe it shows weakness. So we claim, "I'm not influenced by that." "I don't HAVE to do this." But really, can you honestly say you aren't dependent on it if you can't stop listening to, reading, watching, whatever it is?
The truth is we have a dependency issue. We rely on things to "relieve our stress" or "make us feel good" or "help us relax"... but are those things really worth it? There are only so many things you can commit to. If you watch 3 hours of TV, what are you NOT doing? Your homework? Sleep? Eat? You can't watch TV spend time with God, talk to friends, do homework, and relax at the same time...
Use this devotional as an example... over the past 28 days, have you been at a loss of what to do? "Oh no, I'm bored. What do I do now?"
In youth groups and churches all across the United States, there are kids and adults who are dependent on the church to "help them grow spiritually". And on the average, an individual attends church for a total of 200 hours per year... at least with those who are consistent. WOW... do you really think you are going to grow with only 200 hours of time with God? We spend more time in the bathroom during the course of a year than we do at church... and sometimes we spend time in the bathroom at church!
Take a look at Psalm 119... what does David (the writer of the Psalm) rely or depend on? I know, they didn't have all the stuff we do today, but read it. There's massive spiritual growth because of what he is depending on... and back then they didn't have the Bible like we do now...
So just because the fast ends tomorrow, and you when aren't at church... what are you depending on? Maybe it's time to make some changes... I mean, after all... where has the past "dependencies" gotten you?
What are dependent on? I know, food, air, water, sleep, shelter, ok... skip those. I'm talking about the other stuff... movies, TV shows, music, books, internet, cell-phones, etc. What are you really dependent on?
The problem with being dependent on things is that we try to act like we aren't dependent. For some reason we believe it shows weakness. So we claim, "I'm not influenced by that." "I don't HAVE to do this." But really, can you honestly say you aren't dependent on it if you can't stop listening to, reading, watching, whatever it is?
The truth is we have a dependency issue. We rely on things to "relieve our stress" or "make us feel good" or "help us relax"... but are those things really worth it? There are only so many things you can commit to. If you watch 3 hours of TV, what are you NOT doing? Your homework? Sleep? Eat? You can't watch TV spend time with God, talk to friends, do homework, and relax at the same time...
Use this devotional as an example... over the past 28 days, have you been at a loss of what to do? "Oh no, I'm bored. What do I do now?"
In youth groups and churches all across the United States, there are kids and adults who are dependent on the church to "help them grow spiritually". And on the average, an individual attends church for a total of 200 hours per year... at least with those who are consistent. WOW... do you really think you are going to grow with only 200 hours of time with God? We spend more time in the bathroom during the course of a year than we do at church... and sometimes we spend time in the bathroom at church!
Take a look at Psalm 119... what does David (the writer of the Psalm) rely or depend on? I know, they didn't have all the stuff we do today, but read it. There's massive spiritual growth because of what he is depending on... and back then they didn't have the Bible like we do now...
So just because the fast ends tomorrow, and you when aren't at church... what are you depending on? Maybe it's time to make some changes... I mean, after all... where has the past "dependencies" gotten you?
Squirrel Monkey Hopped Up on Mountain Dew
Remember when you first realized how much Jesus loved you? Remember after your first camp and you felt like you really loved Jesus? What happened to that feeling?
Remember the first time you really liked someone? Remember when you found out someone really liked you? For some of us, that may have not happened yet... and for others, it's happened more times than we can count... what happened to that feeling?
Feelings... nothing more than feelings. Isn't that how that song goes? Here's some hard facts about feelings (imagine Dwight Schrute from the Office talking):
FACT: Feelings are nothing more than mind tricks that cause you to believe something that may or may not be true
FACT: Feelings come and go faster than a squirrel moneky with his tail on fire hopped up on mountain dew (that's fast)
FACT: Feelings lie
Here's the truth. Right now, you are experiencing some feelings. And those feelings will change after you sleep, eat, or do something to get your mind off those feelings. Most of the decisions we make are based on our feelings. Which, when you think about it, is pretty stupid. What logical, half-way smart individual would base a decision off of something as unpredictable and quick-changing as feelings?
I'm not talking about emotions... those a different... emotions have to do with our reaction to events and circumstances... feelings are inward thoughts and/or desires that may nor may not be triggered by something else.
So today... notice your feelings. Write down the different feelings you experienced throughout the day. Then, get out your Bible and read Psalm 23... what is David "feeling" when he wrote this prayer?
Finally, write out your own prayer. Regardless of your feelings, what does God want you to do after March 30? What are some feelings you need to give up to God?
Remember the first time you really liked someone? Remember when you found out someone really liked you? For some of us, that may have not happened yet... and for others, it's happened more times than we can count... what happened to that feeling?
Feelings... nothing more than feelings. Isn't that how that song goes? Here's some hard facts about feelings (imagine Dwight Schrute from the Office talking):
FACT: Feelings are nothing more than mind tricks that cause you to believe something that may or may not be true
FACT: Feelings come and go faster than a squirrel moneky with his tail on fire hopped up on mountain dew (that's fast)
FACT: Feelings lie
Here's the truth. Right now, you are experiencing some feelings. And those feelings will change after you sleep, eat, or do something to get your mind off those feelings. Most of the decisions we make are based on our feelings. Which, when you think about it, is pretty stupid. What logical, half-way smart individual would base a decision off of something as unpredictable and quick-changing as feelings?
I'm not talking about emotions... those a different... emotions have to do with our reaction to events and circumstances... feelings are inward thoughts and/or desires that may nor may not be triggered by something else.
So today... notice your feelings. Write down the different feelings you experienced throughout the day. Then, get out your Bible and read Psalm 23... what is David "feeling" when he wrote this prayer?
Finally, write out your own prayer. Regardless of your feelings, what does God want you to do after March 30? What are some feelings you need to give up to God?
Deny Yourself
DENY YOURSELF...
Read Matthew 10:37-39... replace the words "father', "mother", "son", "daughter" with whatever your favorite media choices are... your favorite TV show... favorite band... favorite type of movie... favorite book or writer... favorite video game
What do you do with this verse? Are you telling me that you would listen to, read, watch, or play whatever it is you like rather than grow closer to God? No wonder so many people can't find God... there are too many things that are in our eyes, ears, and minds that are not focused on God. Too many things that we love more than God... or at least our time with Him.
So today is about you making a choice. Jesus makes it clear. If you love anything else more than Him, you are going to lose out on what's most important to Him and what you really desire the most. Do you think your relationship with God would grow more if you gave up your favorite music band that has nothing to do with God, in order to grow in your realtionship with God?
So today... write down what you hold higher than your relationship with God. I'll make it easy. What do you miss most this month so far?
We are only 8 days into the fast... but I bet you are missing something....What if it's that very thing that is keeping you from growing closer to God? Would you give it up?
I know... tough question. But one you need to wrestle with this month. How important is your relationship with God?
Dangerous Wonder
READ: John 10:10
THINK: A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. We battle a thief every day. A thief wants to take what you have, with no regard as to how it will affect you or anyone else. I had a thief break into my car once and steal my ping pong paddle and sun glasses. Both were valuable to me. My sunglasses were kind of expensive. My ping pong paddle was a special one I had paid for and made, just for me. Both were replaceable... but I was still mad. Those were mine!
Satan (who Jesus is referring to in this passage) is a thief. He would love nothing better than to steal your hope, kill your witness, and destroy your reputation. He doesn't want you to have hope. He wants you depressed. He doesn't want you to be a witness of Jesus. He wants you to be like everyone else and ignore what God is doing in your life so that you don't share it. He doesn't want people to be a Christian... he wants them to avoid and distrust Christians.
But Jesus came to give us life... and give it to us abundantly. An abundant life is not a boring life. Some people think being a Christian is dull. But think about it... if God is holy... if God is faithful... and if you cannot see God, then putting your trust in Him is kinda crazy. Following His expectations of us is strange. It doesn't always make sense. But that's what faith is all about.
DO: I read this book called, Dangerous Wonder by Mike Yaconelli. It's one of my favorites. And in it, he talks about faith. He basically challenges us to have a child-like faith and trust that Jesus has an abundant life planned for us... we just have to trust Him. What is an area of your life that you are having a hard time trusting Jesus with?
Today, connect with an adult who loves you and ask them to pray for you with this one area of trust. It may feel weird. It might be dangerous... but I wonder how God will change you when you trust Him and those He has put in your life to pray for you?
THINK: A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. We battle a thief every day. A thief wants to take what you have, with no regard as to how it will affect you or anyone else. I had a thief break into my car once and steal my ping pong paddle and sun glasses. Both were valuable to me. My sunglasses were kind of expensive. My ping pong paddle was a special one I had paid for and made, just for me. Both were replaceable... but I was still mad. Those were mine!
Satan (who Jesus is referring to in this passage) is a thief. He would love nothing better than to steal your hope, kill your witness, and destroy your reputation. He doesn't want you to have hope. He wants you depressed. He doesn't want you to be a witness of Jesus. He wants you to be like everyone else and ignore what God is doing in your life so that you don't share it. He doesn't want people to be a Christian... he wants them to avoid and distrust Christians.
But Jesus came to give us life... and give it to us abundantly. An abundant life is not a boring life. Some people think being a Christian is dull. But think about it... if God is holy... if God is faithful... and if you cannot see God, then putting your trust in Him is kinda crazy. Following His expectations of us is strange. It doesn't always make sense. But that's what faith is all about.
DO: I read this book called, Dangerous Wonder by Mike Yaconelli. It's one of my favorites. And in it, he talks about faith. He basically challenges us to have a child-like faith and trust that Jesus has an abundant life planned for us... we just have to trust Him. What is an area of your life that you are having a hard time trusting Jesus with?
Today, connect with an adult who loves you and ask them to pray for you with this one area of trust. It may feel weird. It might be dangerous... but I wonder how God will change you when you trust Him and those He has put in your life to pray for you?
It's Time to Get Serious
READ:
Jonah 4
THINK:
Jonah has had some amazing things happen to him... he survived "walking the plank"; he spent 3 days and nights in a giant fish; he told 120,000 people (who usually skinned people alive or impaled them on poles and left them to slowly die) that God was going to destroy them unless they changed their ways... and they did!; and now he is ticked. His favorite plant died. How could God take away his shade and let 120,000 evil people still live? God must not care...
At least that's what he feels. He even tells God that he has a right to be angry with God... what an idiot!
But what can we learn from Jonah? Ask yourself these 4 questions:
PRAY:
"God, what am i keeping to myself?" Take some time to share with God, the things you think you need to stop keeping to yourself? Ask Him to help you see who you can share you faith, your friends, your grace, and your spiritual journey with.
DO:
Ok... pretty easy one here... how about you take your faith, friends, grace, and journey seriously and follow through with what God is directing you to do?
Jonah 4
THINK:
Jonah has had some amazing things happen to him... he survived "walking the plank"; he spent 3 days and nights in a giant fish; he told 120,000 people (who usually skinned people alive or impaled them on poles and left them to slowly die) that God was going to destroy them unless they changed their ways... and they did!; and now he is ticked. His favorite plant died. How could God take away his shade and let 120,000 evil people still live? God must not care...
At least that's what he feels. He even tells God that he has a right to be angry with God... what an idiot!
But what can we learn from Jonah? Ask yourself these 4 questions:
- Am I keeping my faith to myself? You have people all around you, at school, in your neighborhood, at work, etc., that don't know Jesus. What's holding you back from sharing your faith?
- Am I keeping my friends to myself? Maybe you have some friends at church and some other friends at school... what can you do to connect those friends? Your friends at church are trying to grow closer to God... maybe they can be the catalyst to your friends (boyfriends/girlfriends included) beginning a relationship with God
- Am I keeping grace to myself? When your parents mess up, how do you respond? When you siblings do something that bugs you, how do you respond? When that kid at school that drives you crazy does something, again, for the hundredth time, how do you respond? When you mess up, how do you want others to respond? Remember, God's grace is limited to when you need it... everyone needs it.
- Am I keeping my spiritual journey to myself? We aren't sure who wrote the book of Jonah, but at some point Jonah shared his story with someone and they wrote it down (if he didn't). Read his story... he was a mess. People like him drive me crazy... but he owned it. Are you owning your own spiritual journey?
PRAY:
"God, what am i keeping to myself?" Take some time to share with God, the things you think you need to stop keeping to yourself? Ask Him to help you see who you can share you faith, your friends, your grace, and your spiritual journey with.
DO:
Ok... pretty easy one here... how about you take your faith, friends, grace, and journey seriously and follow through with what God is directing you to do?
Indescribable
It's easy to get used to the idea of God being big. In fact, I would say that for most of us, if we have grown up in church, we have become a bit desensitized to the idea that God is indescribable. But when I listen to a guy like Louis Giglio, I can't help but be amazed at who God is...
We are on a SECULAR Media fast... not all media is bad. In fact, if you know where to look, and you make an effort, you can find some incredibly redeeming media that helps you focus even more on God. For our Devos, take a look at this video and then comment below this post or on ourthirty.com. I know you want to watch part 2, but come back tomorrow for part 2...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn2dPZDMOWA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
We are on a SECULAR Media fast... not all media is bad. In fact, if you know where to look, and you make an effort, you can find some incredibly redeeming media that helps you focus even more on God. For our Devos, take a look at this video and then comment below this post or on ourthirty.com. I know you want to watch part 2, but come back tomorrow for part 2...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn2dPZDMOWA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Live In Christ
So you thought this might be tough. Maybe you feel like you are dying. Maybe you feel like just giving in. The end may seem so far away. You might be running out of things to do. You may be losing sight of the real goal... so let's take a deep breath and review:
READ: Philippians 1:21
RELATE: What does it mean "to live is Christ"? How is this fast like "dying"? How has Jesus death and resurrection impacted my life and choices? If it hasn't changed us, than what's the point?
RESPOND: Today, journal on ourthirty.com and share your responses to these questions. What would your life, friendships, and media-influences look like if you took this verse seriously? Write it out in a note, fold it up, and place it in your Bible at Philippians 1:21... next time you turn there, you will be reminded of what you committed to.
Enjoy the day with your family. And stay strong! You're doing great!
- You are on a fast... not from media, but away from distractions and towards God.
- This fast is supposed to last 30 days
- During this time, you are challenged to spend time with God through reading His Word, praying, meditating, journaling, and discussion of your experience with your friends and family.
READ: Philippians 1:21
RELATE: What does it mean "to live is Christ"? How is this fast like "dying"? How has Jesus death and resurrection impacted my life and choices? If it hasn't changed us, than what's the point?
RESPOND: Today, journal on ourthirty.com and share your responses to these questions. What would your life, friendships, and media-influences look like if you took this verse seriously? Write it out in a note, fold it up, and place it in your Bible at Philippians 1:21... next time you turn there, you will be reminded of what you committed to.
Enjoy the day with your family. And stay strong! You're doing great!
Morning Breath
So in light of being "silent" and finding quietness this week, I thought it would be good to try something a little strange. I was sitting in a staff worship time this morning and ran across something that I think could be an amazing experience...
READ: Gen. 2:4-7
RELATE: God breathed life... think about that. Did you know that the average person takes over 20,000 breaths per day? Experts say that we should get 99% of our energy from just our breath (not Monster's or caffeine). Breathing is amazing... without it, you would cease to exist. The first thing you do when you are born is breathe. The last thing you do when you die is your last breath.
What's even more amazing is that when you fast forward to Exodus and you read about Moses talking with God at the burning bush, God even calls Himself a name that you have to use your breath to say it (Yahweh or YHVH in Hebrew). What's interesting about this story is that God tells Moses to take off his shoes because he is on Holy ground. Think about this... Moses... a shepherd at this time had probably been by this bush dozens of times before this moment. It was just at this moment that he realized he was on Holy ground. It took God catching Moses' attention to realize that God was near... that God was with him.
So, could it be that even our breath is a reminder that God is always with us? Think about this... God... THE GOD... breathed into Adam. BREATHED (I would imagine that God has pretty fresh breath). And ever since that moment... everyone who has ever existed has breathed. This was so significant to the Hebrew people that they even named the Spirit of God a word that means "breath". Our physical breath is actually a picture of the Holy Spirit of God... inside of us! Amazing!
RESPOND: Take 30 seconds to consentrate on your breath. Notice how you breath in... then out... ok, start now..........................................................................
When you breath in, you are bringing oxygen in. Oxygen is necessary for our health. If it's polluted, we become less healthy. When you breath out, you are getting rid of carbon dioxide.... something your body doesn't need.
Think about that...
As you breath in think about what you need, right now, more than anything.
As you breath out, think about what you need to get rid of more than anything.
There is a lot of media that you have been taking in that is polluted... it's not healthy for your spirit... as you breath out, get rid of it. Throw it away. Delete it.
There is a lot of media your spirit needs to grow... healthy media... let's start with the Bible. Your soul needs it to grow. Are you breathing it in?
Take the quietness of today to think about your breath... focus on your breathing... notice that you are, right now, on Holy ground. Your breath is a picture of God... right there with you. You can't live without Him. Take you shoes off... pray... breathe.
READ: Gen. 2:4-7
RELATE: God breathed life... think about that. Did you know that the average person takes over 20,000 breaths per day? Experts say that we should get 99% of our energy from just our breath (not Monster's or caffeine). Breathing is amazing... without it, you would cease to exist. The first thing you do when you are born is breathe. The last thing you do when you die is your last breath.
What's even more amazing is that when you fast forward to Exodus and you read about Moses talking with God at the burning bush, God even calls Himself a name that you have to use your breath to say it (Yahweh or YHVH in Hebrew). What's interesting about this story is that God tells Moses to take off his shoes because he is on Holy ground. Think about this... Moses... a shepherd at this time had probably been by this bush dozens of times before this moment. It was just at this moment that he realized he was on Holy ground. It took God catching Moses' attention to realize that God was near... that God was with him.
So, could it be that even our breath is a reminder that God is always with us? Think about this... God... THE GOD... breathed into Adam. BREATHED (I would imagine that God has pretty fresh breath). And ever since that moment... everyone who has ever existed has breathed. This was so significant to the Hebrew people that they even named the Spirit of God a word that means "breath". Our physical breath is actually a picture of the Holy Spirit of God... inside of us! Amazing!
RESPOND: Take 30 seconds to consentrate on your breath. Notice how you breath in... then out... ok, start now..........................................................................
When you breath in, you are bringing oxygen in. Oxygen is necessary for our health. If it's polluted, we become less healthy. When you breath out, you are getting rid of carbon dioxide.... something your body doesn't need.
Think about that...
As you breath in think about what you need, right now, more than anything.
As you breath out, think about what you need to get rid of more than anything.
There is a lot of media that you have been taking in that is polluted... it's not healthy for your spirit... as you breath out, get rid of it. Throw it away. Delete it.
There is a lot of media your spirit needs to grow... healthy media... let's start with the Bible. Your soul needs it to grow. Are you breathing it in?
Take the quietness of today to think about your breath... focus on your breathing... notice that you are, right now, on Holy ground. Your breath is a picture of God... right there with you. You can't live without Him. Take you shoes off... pray... breathe.
What Do You Value?
"Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain." - John Piper (Don't Waste Your Life)
I read this quote and I began to think about this week. The week that Jesus died on the cross. Do I really value the cross? Do I see the value in it that Paul saw in it?
READ: Galatians 6:14 (You can read the verses around in, but unless you know what it meant in Paul's time to be circumcised, you might get confused).
THINK: What does Paul mean by "boast except in the cross"? What does he mean when he says that the world has been crucified to him"? And "he to the world"?
LIVE: Then, as a family, sit and watch "The Passion", or go to the Good Friday Service together. And talk together about the significance of the cross... in what ways has Christ's death changed each of you?
I read this quote and I began to think about this week. The week that Jesus died on the cross. Do I really value the cross? Do I see the value in it that Paul saw in it?
READ: Galatians 6:14 (You can read the verses around in, but unless you know what it meant in Paul's time to be circumcised, you might get confused).
THINK: What does Paul mean by "boast except in the cross"? What does he mean when he says that the world has been crucified to him"? And "he to the world"?
- As you are thinking about that, realize that the key is figuring out what it means to "boast" in something. Is boasting just limited to bragging? What are some things that you "boast" in without really thinking about it?
LIVE: Then, as a family, sit and watch "The Passion", or go to the Good Friday Service together. And talk together about the significance of the cross... in what ways has Christ's death changed each of you?
Take A Leap
READ: Matthew 18:1-3
THINK: When Jesus confronted an issue, He had a way with making it make sense. In this passage, He is confronting a group of individuals who are acting childish, self-centered, and arguing about something that is not significant. Now the idea that those He is talking to are probably teenagers makes this incredibly relevant. How often have you been around a group of teenage or college-age guys that are trying to prove who is better than the other?
But instead of Jesus sounding like a parent, or picking sides, He says (in a way), "Stop being childish, be child-like". Catchy... but what is He really talking about? Basically, these guys were arguing about who the greatest is, and Jesus turns it into a challenge for their faith. "Who are you trusting in? Yourself? Or Me? Your accomplishments? Or what God will do through you?"
A child-like faith... a faith that will jump into the arms of God and trust Him. Like when you were a kid, you didn't know how to swim or you were up on something tall and your dad was below saying, "trust me, I'll help you". That's a child-like faith.
DO: Last summer, a group of our High School students "took a leap" when they jumped from a 20ft. cliff into the water. For some it was harder than others. This month, you are taking a pretty big leap that many are too afraid to try... you are on the Media fast. So today, or for this month, what is something else you can "take a leap" from and trust God with? Telling a friend about your relationship with Jesus? Inviting them to church? Pray about that today, and take time to listen to God. You might even ask your parents what they think!
THINK: When Jesus confronted an issue, He had a way with making it make sense. In this passage, He is confronting a group of individuals who are acting childish, self-centered, and arguing about something that is not significant. Now the idea that those He is talking to are probably teenagers makes this incredibly relevant. How often have you been around a group of teenage or college-age guys that are trying to prove who is better than the other?
But instead of Jesus sounding like a parent, or picking sides, He says (in a way), "Stop being childish, be child-like". Catchy... but what is He really talking about? Basically, these guys were arguing about who the greatest is, and Jesus turns it into a challenge for their faith. "Who are you trusting in? Yourself? Or Me? Your accomplishments? Or what God will do through you?"
A child-like faith... a faith that will jump into the arms of God and trust Him. Like when you were a kid, you didn't know how to swim or you were up on something tall and your dad was below saying, "trust me, I'll help you". That's a child-like faith.
DO: Last summer, a group of our High School students "took a leap" when they jumped from a 20ft. cliff into the water. For some it was harder than others. This month, you are taking a pretty big leap that many are too afraid to try... you are on the Media fast. So today, or for this month, what is something else you can "take a leap" from and trust God with? Telling a friend about your relationship with Jesus? Inviting them to church? Pray about that today, and take time to listen to God. You might even ask your parents what they think!
March 11, 2011
You're missing it!
That's probably something you might hear when you are on the fast. You're missing American Idol. You're missing The Office. You're missing this movie... or that album... so how does that make you feel?
Most of us do not like to feel like we are missing out on something. We feel like we don't fit in or that we are not going to be accepted if we don't know what people are talking about. We hear how funny something is or how good it is and we wonder what we are missing. It's not fun being left out. It's not a good feeling to be the outcast.
But look around you. How many people do you walk by at school or even at youth group who don't feel like they fit in or feel like an outcast. What is it that keeps us from making others feel like they are loved... that they are important? Most of us have grown up at church, heard the Bible stories, prayed, at maybe even been baptized. But why don't we have a heart for those who are hurting and lost? Why is it so hard to stop and say, "Hi... my name is ________. What's yours?"
Maybe we use the excuse that we don't know what to stay. Maybe we don't want to make them feel wierd. Maybe we have an excuse for everything. But maybe it's time that we put our faith into practice. What would it look like if we actually looked for 1 person to build a relationship with and introduce them to Jesus.
So today, pray that God would make it obvious who He wants you say "Hi" to. Pray that God would help you know what to say. Pray that God would use your "faith in action" to make Him more known to someone who needs to know Him.
Look at John 3:16 today and find a way to live out showing that "God, so loved the world."
That's probably something you might hear when you are on the fast. You're missing American Idol. You're missing The Office. You're missing this movie... or that album... so how does that make you feel?
Most of us do not like to feel like we are missing out on something. We feel like we don't fit in or that we are not going to be accepted if we don't know what people are talking about. We hear how funny something is or how good it is and we wonder what we are missing. It's not fun being left out. It's not a good feeling to be the outcast.
But look around you. How many people do you walk by at school or even at youth group who don't feel like they fit in or feel like an outcast. What is it that keeps us from making others feel like they are loved... that they are important? Most of us have grown up at church, heard the Bible stories, prayed, at maybe even been baptized. But why don't we have a heart for those who are hurting and lost? Why is it so hard to stop and say, "Hi... my name is ________. What's yours?"
Maybe we use the excuse that we don't know what to stay. Maybe we don't want to make them feel wierd. Maybe we have an excuse for everything. But maybe it's time that we put our faith into practice. What would it look like if we actually looked for 1 person to build a relationship with and introduce them to Jesus.
So today, pray that God would make it obvious who He wants you say "Hi" to. Pray that God would help you know what to say. Pray that God would use your "faith in action" to make Him more known to someone who needs to know Him.
Look at John 3:16 today and find a way to live out showing that "God, so loved the world."
March 8, 2011
KILL YOURSELF...
Ok. Now I've totally confused you haven't I. Yesterday was about how the media is destroying our relationship with God and others. It's not that all media is bad... but it has an affect, regardless of the message. Today, let's think about what we are really doing by just doing whatever feels good, sounds good, or we like to do... especially when it comes to music, books, magazines, entertainment, movies, TV... whatever.
DENY YOURSELF...
Read Matthew 10:37-39... replace the words "father', "mother", "son", "daughter" with whatever your favorite media choices are... your favorite TV show... favorite band... favorite type of movie... favorite book or writer... favorite video game
What do you do with this verse? Are you telling me that you would listen to, read, watch, or play whatever it is you like rather than grow closer to God? No wonder so many people can't find God (unless you have some lame lyric in a song about finding Him on a corner smoking... thank you "Frey" for that bit of herasy).
So today is about you making a choice. Jesus makes it clear. If you love anything else more than Him, you are going to lose out on what's most important to Him and what you really desire the most. Think of it this way... if you denied yourself in your relationship with your friends, do you think your friends would like you more? Sure they may take advantage of you... but that's you have to give up something to get something. Do you think your relationship with God would grow more if you gave up your favorite music band that has nothing to do with God, in order to grow in your realtionship with God? Jesus says it will... it's a promise... and He always comes through on His promises.
So today... write down what you hold higher than your relationship with God. I'll make it easy. What do you miss most this month so far? What if you could never watch, listen to, read, or participate in anymore... is your relationship with God worth giving it up?
Ok. Now I've totally confused you haven't I. Yesterday was about how the media is destroying our relationship with God and others. It's not that all media is bad... but it has an affect, regardless of the message. Today, let's think about what we are really doing by just doing whatever feels good, sounds good, or we like to do... especially when it comes to music, books, magazines, entertainment, movies, TV... whatever.
DENY YOURSELF...
Read Matthew 10:37-39... replace the words "father', "mother", "son", "daughter" with whatever your favorite media choices are... your favorite TV show... favorite band... favorite type of movie... favorite book or writer... favorite video game
What do you do with this verse? Are you telling me that you would listen to, read, watch, or play whatever it is you like rather than grow closer to God? No wonder so many people can't find God (unless you have some lame lyric in a song about finding Him on a corner smoking... thank you "Frey" for that bit of herasy).
So today is about you making a choice. Jesus makes it clear. If you love anything else more than Him, you are going to lose out on what's most important to Him and what you really desire the most. Think of it this way... if you denied yourself in your relationship with your friends, do you think your friends would like you more? Sure they may take advantage of you... but that's you have to give up something to get something. Do you think your relationship with God would grow more if you gave up your favorite music band that has nothing to do with God, in order to grow in your realtionship with God? Jesus says it will... it's a promise... and He always comes through on His promises.
So today... write down what you hold higher than your relationship with God. I'll make it easy. What do you miss most this month so far? What if you could never watch, listen to, read, or participate in anymore... is your relationship with God worth giving it up?
March 7, 2011
You are killing yourself.
Your first week is over. I'm sure you are wondering what your missing. For some, boredom. For others, connection. Think back on your last week... Did your homework get done? Did you connect more with your family? Did you spend some time with your friends? Did you have to find things to do? Did you finally get your room cleaned?
The truth is that, while we may try to separate the messages of the media into our minds, the time we spend watching, listening, playing, or reading could be better spent connecting with friends, family, and more importantly, God.
You are slowing killing yourself.
You are choosing to spend time doing something that is killing your creativity... You are killing your relationships (don't lie to yourself thinking that your Xbox live or WOW or Facebook friend list is about authentic relationships)... You are killing your future... You are killing your relationship with God.
You are killing the real YOU.
Sure the messages in the music, games, movies, TV shows, books, magazines, and on the social Internet tend to be anti-godly... But just the fact that we find it difficult to think about God, read His Word, pray, or even talk about how the Gospel is changing us should scare us... But it doesn't. It's like we are slowly poisoning ourself into a spiritual and relational coma... It would be better if we were hermits void of any contact with anyone or anything... Because at least we would have God. But that would be crazy...
Read 2 Corinthians 5:13... Are you crazy or just a killer?
Btw... In no way am I discussing suicide in this post. But I do believe the unless we recognize how the media is affecting us, we will continue to destroy ourselves without realizing why our friendships and relationship with God is falling apart. We are doing this to ourselves... It is like spiritual and social suicide.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Your first week is over. I'm sure you are wondering what your missing. For some, boredom. For others, connection. Think back on your last week... Did your homework get done? Did you connect more with your family? Did you spend some time with your friends? Did you have to find things to do? Did you finally get your room cleaned?
The truth is that, while we may try to separate the messages of the media into our minds, the time we spend watching, listening, playing, or reading could be better spent connecting with friends, family, and more importantly, God.
You are slowing killing yourself.
You are choosing to spend time doing something that is killing your creativity... You are killing your relationships (don't lie to yourself thinking that your Xbox live or WOW or Facebook friend list is about authentic relationships)... You are killing your future... You are killing your relationship with God.
You are killing the real YOU.
Sure the messages in the music, games, movies, TV shows, books, magazines, and on the social Internet tend to be anti-godly... But just the fact that we find it difficult to think about God, read His Word, pray, or even talk about how the Gospel is changing us should scare us... But it doesn't. It's like we are slowly poisoning ourself into a spiritual and relational coma... It would be better if we were hermits void of any contact with anyone or anything... Because at least we would have God. But that would be crazy...
Read 2 Corinthians 5:13... Are you crazy or just a killer?
Btw... In no way am I discussing suicide in this post. But I do believe the unless we recognize how the media is affecting us, we will continue to destroy ourselves without realizing why our friendships and relationship with God is falling apart. We are doing this to ourselves... It is like spiritual and social suicide.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
March 6, 2011
Animals are strange. I'm sitting watching my dog bop its nose on a stuffed squirrel, making it squeak. She's trying to figure out how to get that squeak out of it... At least that's the human quality I've given my dog... The quality that she can reason and actually decide to squeak the toy and rip out it's guts.
Maybe you have a cat... It's not really a pet as much as it is something you feed and clean up after. They won't play with you like a dog... Unless a string is attached to you. But they usually wonder around the neighborhood "looking for it's friends"... At least that's the human characteristic we've given it.
The reality is that there are some things our animals do out of it's nature. Unlike humans, animals do not have the ability to reason. They don't debate with themselves whether they should do something or not. They just do whatever they do.
But you and I are not created that way. God has given us the ability to reason. The ability to process information and make a decision is a God-given ability. And yet we all too often ignore this ability and we just "do" whatever we do. The problem with that is that we are denying God if we don't reason... If we don't process... If we don't think. It's like we say, "Thank you, God but I would rather do something that will ruin what you have designed me for and "just do it".
But what would happen if you made a choice? What if you decided to choose to get to know Jesus? What if you chose to avoid something ruining your relationship with Him? The time you spend watching, listening, or reading things that are not godly are, in fact, ruining your relationship with Him. And the sooner you realize that, the sooner you have the opportunity to make a choice. This month isn't about making a 1 month commitment. It's about a lifestyle commitment. It's a choice. What you do this month will determine what you think of your relationship with God.
Take a look at 1 John 3... in regards to you media choices, which ones need to disposed of for good? Which ones are hurting your relationship with Him?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Maybe you have a cat... It's not really a pet as much as it is something you feed and clean up after. They won't play with you like a dog... Unless a string is attached to you. But they usually wonder around the neighborhood "looking for it's friends"... At least that's the human characteristic we've given it.
The reality is that there are some things our animals do out of it's nature. Unlike humans, animals do not have the ability to reason. They don't debate with themselves whether they should do something or not. They just do whatever they do.
But you and I are not created that way. God has given us the ability to reason. The ability to process information and make a decision is a God-given ability. And yet we all too often ignore this ability and we just "do" whatever we do. The problem with that is that we are denying God if we don't reason... If we don't process... If we don't think. It's like we say, "Thank you, God but I would rather do something that will ruin what you have designed me for and "just do it".
But what would happen if you made a choice? What if you decided to choose to get to know Jesus? What if you chose to avoid something ruining your relationship with Him? The time you spend watching, listening, or reading things that are not godly are, in fact, ruining your relationship with Him. And the sooner you realize that, the sooner you have the opportunity to make a choice. This month isn't about making a 1 month commitment. It's about a lifestyle commitment. It's a choice. What you do this month will determine what you think of your relationship with God.
Take a look at 1 John 3... in regards to you media choices, which ones need to disposed of for good? Which ones are hurting your relationship with Him?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
March 5, 2011
5 days in. Time to fill your mind with something else besides anti-godly thoughts.
Take time to read Psalm 139
As you read it, what do you notice about God and His perspective of you?
How amazing is it that the God of the universe... Sent His Son to die for you... Rose Him from the dead... All so that you and I don't have to spend eternity apart from Him? And He knew us and formed everything about us before we were born.
Take a walk and think about that today. And thank God for forming you the way you are...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Take time to read Psalm 139
As you read it, what do you notice about God and His perspective of you?
How amazing is it that the God of the universe... Sent His Son to die for you... Rose Him from the dead... All so that you and I don't have to spend eternity apart from Him? And He knew us and formed everything about us before we were born.
Take a walk and think about that today. And thank God for forming you the way you are...
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
March 4, 2011
Do you have a symbol?
No... not a "logo"... a symbol... something that reminds you of something... like a special necklace or wristband or something... do you have a symbol?
God told the Israelites to make symbols to remember Him and what He's done
Read Numbers 15:37-40
God wants us to remember who He is and who we are.
So today... let's make a symbol... but first, write down some answers to these questions:
Now, once you have that item, do something a little wierd... take that item in your hand and pray to God, committing that item to God, committing that this item would remind you of who God is and what God is saving you from.
Show your item to me on Sunday... I can't wait!
No... not a "logo"... a symbol... something that reminds you of something... like a special necklace or wristband or something... do you have a symbol?
God told the Israelites to make symbols to remember Him and what He's done
Read Numbers 15:37-40
God wants us to remember who He is and who we are.
So today... let's make a symbol... but first, write down some answers to these questions:
- What do you know about God?
- What has God saved you from?
- What is something that reminds you of God?
Now, once you have that item, do something a little wierd... take that item in your hand and pray to God, committing that item to God, committing that this item would remind you of who God is and what God is saving you from.
Show your item to me on Sunday... I can't wait!
March 3, 2011
What saturates your mind, fills your heart
What fills your heart, leads your life
What saturates your mind, fills your heart
What fills your heart, leads your life
What saturates your mind, fills your heart
What fills your heart, leads your life
There is something that happens when you repeat something over and over. What happens?.... right, you remember it. And eventually, you just begin to believe it.
The media lives by this principle. They die to it, daily. They know, the more they can get you to think about whatever it is they have, the more you will invest your time, mind, beliefs, and ultimately money into.
You are a trained monkey. Sorry... but it's true. You buy music that is crap-filled. You watch movies full of crap. You read books loaded with crap. You fill your mind with crap. Remember the story of the kid who wanted to go to a movie that had only a little "bad-stuff" in it? His dad said he could go as long as he ate a brownie. As the boy took a bite, the father proceeded to tell him that it had a little crap in it. Yes... that grossed the boy out. He was eating dog poop brownies. And while there was only a little bit in it, as he took bite after bite, he only realized there was poop in it after he had been told what was in it.
So how much poop do you eat? Maybe you think it's only a little crap... ok... but what does God think of that "little crap"?
Read Ephesians 5:3-12
In this passage, Paul says, "Don't even let there be a hint of sexual immorality..." and he goes on to describe other pieces of "crap" that we should not have in our lives.
So... today... here's the hard-core issue... what are you going to do with this verse?
Post something on your journal entry for the week about what you are going to do with that verse. How is it going to impact you?
What fills your heart, leads your life
What saturates your mind, fills your heart
What fills your heart, leads your life
What saturates your mind, fills your heart
What fills your heart, leads your life
There is something that happens when you repeat something over and over. What happens?.... right, you remember it. And eventually, you just begin to believe it.
The media lives by this principle. They die to it, daily. They know, the more they can get you to think about whatever it is they have, the more you will invest your time, mind, beliefs, and ultimately money into.
You are a trained monkey. Sorry... but it's true. You buy music that is crap-filled. You watch movies full of crap. You read books loaded with crap. You fill your mind with crap. Remember the story of the kid who wanted to go to a movie that had only a little "bad-stuff" in it? His dad said he could go as long as he ate a brownie. As the boy took a bite, the father proceeded to tell him that it had a little crap in it. Yes... that grossed the boy out. He was eating dog poop brownies. And while there was only a little bit in it, as he took bite after bite, he only realized there was poop in it after he had been told what was in it.
So how much poop do you eat? Maybe you think it's only a little crap... ok... but what does God think of that "little crap"?
Read Ephesians 5:3-12
In this passage, Paul says, "Don't even let there be a hint of sexual immorality..." and he goes on to describe other pieces of "crap" that we should not have in our lives.
So... today... here's the hard-core issue... what are you going to do with this verse?
Post something on your journal entry for the week about what you are going to do with that verse. How is it going to impact you?
