As you have talked about what it means to love God and not the world, this quote does a really good job of capturing the idea. See what you think:
“Those who love the world serve and worship themselves every moment: it is their full-time job.” J. I. Packer
What does this mean to you? How does it relate to what you’ve been thinking about and studying the last few weeks?
It’s really quite simple: if we love and identify with Christ, we can’t identify with the world. Identifying with the world is about giving in to our sin natures. And sin is ultimately about self.
If you can begin to learn to seek Jesus before seeking to fit in with the world around you, even though it may cost you comfort and popularity, you will have discovered what it means to truly live as a Christ-follower in this world. It’s not easy. But this is what it means to live as an authentic Christian.
You can do it. God will help you. Pray that God will begin to open your eyes to what a life of loving Him looks like in your world.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Jesus and Culture: Lesson 4 | Devotion 2
Have fun with this devotion. Embrace your creativity.
Following God above all else and being on mission with Him to help share the message of the Gospel with the world starts with seeing the world around you as the beautiful, God-given blessing that it is.
Following God above all else and being on mission with Him to help share the message of the Gospel with the world starts with seeing the world around you as the beautiful, God-given blessing that it is.
Today, using the camera on your phone, take pictures of anything that reminds you of God’s love for us, His hand in creation, and His desire to make all things new.
Consider posting them on Instagram with a hashtag that somehow gives praise and worship to God. Then, look back over the pictures at the end of the day and thank God for the amazing love and kindness He has showed you and others.
Consider posting them on Instagram with a hashtag that somehow gives praise and worship to God. Then, look back over the pictures at the end of the day and thank God for the amazing love and kindness He has showed you and others.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Jesus and Culture: Lesson 4 | Devotion 1
“I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” John 17:14-16
It’s not a small thing to be wanted by God. And make no mistake about it, God wants you.
It’s pretty easy to see, actually. The fact that you’re here at all speaks volumes about God’s opinion of you. After all, if God didn’t want you on this earth, all He had to do was not create you.
But He did create you. And more than that, He called you to Himself. He offered you salvation, the chance to be at peace with Him through faith in His Son, Jesus. And in these verses you just read, we see that Jesus asked that you, and all of His followers, be kept in this world.
Do you see the immense value this places on your life? Do you sense the potential?
See, Jesus wants His followers to remain on this earth even though He knows that the road will sometimes be tough. He wants us here because we are a part of His plan to share His story of love and redemption with the world around us. You are Jesus’ mouthpiece to a world in need of Him.
So next time you’re tempted to get down on yourself, or doubt your worth, just remember: you’re a child of God, loved, valued, and chosen. And Jesus thinks you’re just the right person to impact your world in His name.
It’s not a small thing to be wanted by God. And make no mistake about it, God wants you.
It’s pretty easy to see, actually. The fact that you’re here at all speaks volumes about God’s opinion of you. After all, if God didn’t want you on this earth, all He had to do was not create you.
But He did create you. And more than that, He called you to Himself. He offered you salvation, the chance to be at peace with Him through faith in His Son, Jesus. And in these verses you just read, we see that Jesus asked that you, and all of His followers, be kept in this world.
Do you see the immense value this places on your life? Do you sense the potential?
See, Jesus wants His followers to remain on this earth even though He knows that the road will sometimes be tough. He wants us here because we are a part of His plan to share His story of love and redemption with the world around us. You are Jesus’ mouthpiece to a world in need of Him.
So next time you’re tempted to get down on yourself, or doubt your worth, just remember: you’re a child of God, loved, valued, and chosen. And Jesus thinks you’re just the right person to impact your world in His name.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Jesus and Culture: Lesson 3 | Devotion 3
Your devotion for today is short, but powerful. Take a second and read the quote below:
“People will not care what you know until they know that you care.” Anonymous
What is this quote saying?
Do you agree with it?
It’s not that hard to see the problem this quote addresses, is it? Too many people say they believe in Jesus, and call themselves Christians, and yet their actions don’t back it up. They don’t seem to demonstrate the fruit that grows out of a life with Christ at the center. And so we can’t blame people, particularly those who don’t know Jesus, who see hollow words not backed up by action and jump to the conclusion that Jesus isn’t worth knowing.
But, on the other hand, how much more powerful our profession of belief in Christ is when it is accompanied by real compassion toward those who most need Jesus’ love.
Today and this week, make it a point to demonstrate through your actions the difference Jesus makes in your life.
“People will not care what you know until they know that you care.” Anonymous
What is this quote saying?
Do you agree with it?
It’s not that hard to see the problem this quote addresses, is it? Too many people say they believe in Jesus, and call themselves Christians, and yet their actions don’t back it up. They don’t seem to demonstrate the fruit that grows out of a life with Christ at the center. And so we can’t blame people, particularly those who don’t know Jesus, who see hollow words not backed up by action and jump to the conclusion that Jesus isn’t worth knowing.
But, on the other hand, how much more powerful our profession of belief in Christ is when it is accompanied by real compassion toward those who most need Jesus’ love.
Today and this week, make it a point to demonstrate through your actions the difference Jesus makes in your life.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Jesus and Culture: Lesson 3 | Devotion 2
Your devotion today is different than previous days. It’s kind of an assignment. But it’s a cool one.
Put this down, pick up your Bible or Bible app, and read Matthew 25:31-40. It won’t take you long at all.
Finished? Good...
When it’s all said and done, don’t you want to be able to say that you cared for those who most needed it? Then stop goofing around. Go and do it. Today. Now. What are you waiting for?
Seriously... Let today be the day that you begin to make a difference in the lives of those who most need it. It’s one of the many ways God is waiting to work through you.
Let today be the day you begin to make an impact on your world.
Put this down, pick up your Bible or Bible app, and read Matthew 25:31-40. It won’t take you long at all.
Finished? Good...
When it’s all said and done, don’t you want to be able to say that you cared for those who most needed it? Then stop goofing around. Go and do it. Today. Now. What are you waiting for?
Seriously... Let today be the day that you begin to make a difference in the lives of those who most need it. It’s one of the many ways God is waiting to work through you.
Let today be the day you begin to make an impact on your world.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Jesus and Culture: Lesson 3 | Devotion 1
“On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Matthew 9:12
What would you say about a doctor whose office was only open to those who were feeling awesome? “No sick people allowed,” the sign on the front door might say. What kind of reputation would this doctor have? Not a very good one, right? Especially among those who were sick . . .
Now, compare this to the way some Christians act. Don’t some Christians approach the lost and the needy the same way?
“Yikes! Sick people!”
If you didn’t know better, you might think that Jesus’ mission was for Christians to form close-knit social groups that keep out those people who are different than them. Kind of like a doctor’s office where no sick people are allowed.
The good news? There are a ton of Christ-followers who don’t see the world this way at all. Maybe you’re one of them. Most Christ-followers seek out the lost, the outcast, the sad, the lonely... the people who most need to hear and experience the love of God. Most Christ-followers are like the doctor who looks for the sickest people, those most unable to take care of themselves and most in need of a cure.
That’s your challenge. Look for those people who are the most in need of Jesus’ love. And be the one who shows it to them.
What would you say about a doctor whose office was only open to those who were feeling awesome? “No sick people allowed,” the sign on the front door might say. What kind of reputation would this doctor have? Not a very good one, right? Especially among those who were sick . . .
Now, compare this to the way some Christians act. Don’t some Christians approach the lost and the needy the same way?
“Yikes! Sick people!”
If you didn’t know better, you might think that Jesus’ mission was for Christians to form close-knit social groups that keep out those people who are different than them. Kind of like a doctor’s office where no sick people are allowed.
The good news? There are a ton of Christ-followers who don’t see the world this way at all. Maybe you’re one of them. Most Christ-followers seek out the lost, the outcast, the sad, the lonely... the people who most need to hear and experience the love of God. Most Christ-followers are like the doctor who looks for the sickest people, those most unable to take care of themselves and most in need of a cure.
That’s your challenge. Look for those people who are the most in need of Jesus’ love. And be the one who shows it to them.
Friday, March 11, 2016
DNOW Devotion: Acknowledge Him
"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:6
There are many attributes of God for us to acknowledge; He is good, gracious, righteous, merciful, jealous, and justly wrathful. But how do we acknowledge Him? Through worship.
When we know the goodness of God and reflect on the work He is doing, we respond with worship. When we gather as the people of God, we should have the same passion and purpose.
He cares enough to intervene in our lives.
He has breathed life into our death.
He has saved us from ourselves.
Where we chose rebellion and death, He graciously gave reconciliation and life.
This is why we sing.
He has been at work in our world since the beginning of time, He has been at work in our lives since He knit us in our mother's wombs, and the proper response for us is to fall on our knees and worship Him.
Focus on Him.
There are many attributes of God for us to acknowledge; He is good, gracious, righteous, merciful, jealous, and justly wrathful. But how do we acknowledge Him? Through worship.
When we know the goodness of God and reflect on the work He is doing, we respond with worship. When we gather as the people of God, we should have the same passion and purpose.
He cares enough to intervene in our lives.
He has breathed life into our death.
He has saved us from ourselves.
Where we chose rebellion and death, He graciously gave reconciliation and life.
This is why we sing.
He has been at work in our world since the beginning of time, He has been at work in our lives since He knit us in our mother's wombs, and the proper response for us is to fall on our knees and worship Him.
Focus on Him.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
DNOW Devotion: Trust the Lord
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5
So yesterday I brought up that God expects effort from us; doing what is hard and not just what is easy. Another thing that is not easy is being a rebel. No, I don't mean rebelling against God, because that is easy, like super easy. I'm talking about rebelling against the world; being a true rebel.
"Do not be conformed to the ways of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
Allow your mind to be renewed by God, and He will continue to transform you. In being transformed, you will be better able to discern His will; trusting in Him and not leaning on your own understanding!
Follow in faith and stay focused!
So yesterday I brought up that God expects effort from us; doing what is hard and not just what is easy. Another thing that is not easy is being a rebel. No, I don't mean rebelling against God, because that is easy, like super easy. I'm talking about rebelling against the world; being a true rebel.
"Do not be conformed to the ways of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
Allow your mind to be renewed by God, and He will continue to transform you. In being transformed, you will be better able to discern His will; trusting in Him and not leaning on your own understanding!
Follow in faith and stay focused!
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
DNOW Devotion: Find Favor
"So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:4
So hopefully y'all have been lovin on some people, whether it be someone who sits alone at lunch, that teacher that you swear has it out for you, or even your little sister (or brother). Those people can be hard to love, but guess what?
"If all you do is love the lovable, (do you expect a bonus?) anybody can do that." Matthew 5:46
We know that God expects effort out of us, so what effort comes from doing what is easy?
So by putting forth effort in loving people, we reap success. We become co-conquerors with Christ destroying evil and death, and that is as successful as it gets!
So as you continue to love God and love others, remember that each action that does this is considered success in God's eyes, regardless of what the contradicting world view of success says.
Stay confident and stay focused!
"If all you do is love the lovable, (do you expect a bonus?) anybody can do that." Matthew 5:46
We know that God expects effort out of us, so what effort comes from doing what is easy?
So by putting forth effort in loving people, we reap success. We become co-conquerors with Christ destroying evil and death, and that is as successful as it gets!
So as you continue to love God and love others, remember that each action that does this is considered success in God's eyes, regardless of what the contradicting world view of success says.
Stay confident and stay focused!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
DNOW Devotion: Bind Love
"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3
This past weekend, a lot of time was dedicated to writing love on the tablets of our hearts; through worship and through studying the Word. This internal aspect of love is key in loving externally. So now that we have begun to work on our hearts and attitude towards God, it's time to start loving others by binding love around our necks.
I challenge you to start loving those around you; your peers, your teachers, even your own family. Show this love through action, because not only are you loving other people, but then you are loving and glorifying God at the same time!
Take everything you received about binding love this weekend and reproduce it to those around you.
Last but not least, remember to stay focused.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Jesus and Culture: Lesson 2 | Devotion 3
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
There’s a basic truth in this verse, one that’s so simple, it lends itself to a pretty short devotion. Here’s the truth:
If serving others was good enough for Jesus, who was, you know, God Himself, then serving others is good enough for you.
If Jesus, who is God, who, according to the Apostle Paul in Colossians 1, made all things and holds all things together . . . if THIS Jesus could devote His life on earth to serving humanity, then we have no excuse for not doing the same.
You are called to imitate Christ through the way in which you live your life.
Isn’t it time you started looking for how you can meet other people’s needs?
There’s no time like today to get started.
There’s a basic truth in this verse, one that’s so simple, it lends itself to a pretty short devotion. Here’s the truth:
If serving others was good enough for Jesus, who was, you know, God Himself, then serving others is good enough for you.
If Jesus, who is God, who, according to the Apostle Paul in Colossians 1, made all things and holds all things together . . . if THIS Jesus could devote His life on earth to serving humanity, then we have no excuse for not doing the same.
You are called to imitate Christ through the way in which you live your life.
Isn’t it time you started looking for how you can meet other people’s needs?
There’s no time like today to get started.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Jesus and Culture: Lesson 2 | Devotion 2
Your devotion for today is a little different. There’s no verse to read. Only a reminder.
Here’s your reminder:
If you’ve already finished the second session of Bible study for Jesus and Culture, you’ll recall that your leader challenged you to identify someone in your school who is valuable to God but whom the world has cast off to the side, and to follow Jesus’ example and make it a point to reach out to this person. (And if for some reason you haven’t had your Bible study lesson yet, you’ve now got a head start.)
So . . . how’s that going?
This reminder isn’t to make you feel guilty that you haven’t followed through yet. It’s to help you understand a basic truth about your relationship with God. The truth is this: it will never ever be enough to read the Bible and not put it to work in your life. God gave us the Bible so we’d know Him and His ways. The idea is that knowing God transforms you. But you have to be willing to partner with God to actually live out His ways in your world. You have to make the effort.
The challenge still stands. Make it a point to reach out to someone in your school. Follow through on living life in this culture as Jesus would live it if He were you.
Here’s your reminder:
If you’ve already finished the second session of Bible study for Jesus and Culture, you’ll recall that your leader challenged you to identify someone in your school who is valuable to God but whom the world has cast off to the side, and to follow Jesus’ example and make it a point to reach out to this person. (And if for some reason you haven’t had your Bible study lesson yet, you’ve now got a head start.)
So . . . how’s that going?
This reminder isn’t to make you feel guilty that you haven’t followed through yet. It’s to help you understand a basic truth about your relationship with God. The truth is this: it will never ever be enough to read the Bible and not put it to work in your life. God gave us the Bible so we’d know Him and His ways. The idea is that knowing God transforms you. But you have to be willing to partner with God to actually live out His ways in your world. You have to make the effort.
The challenge still stands. Make it a point to reach out to someone in your school. Follow through on living life in this culture as Jesus would live it if He were you.
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