Yesterday was the first day of our youth ministry’s 21-day fast. Several students are giving up choice foods and following a “Daniel Fast” – eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and drinking water and fruit juice [100%]. Other students are giving up certain things that are important to them, such as listening to music or being on the computer or sweets. So, how did you do yesterday? Personally, I had a good day but it seemed like I had a more sensitive smell for food. And, bananas are becoming my best friend.
I just wanted to share some scripture that you might want to reflect on today.
Psalm 119:1-8
1Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
2Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.
3They do nothing wrong;
they walk in his ways.
4You have laid down precepts
that are to be obeyed.
5Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
7I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
8I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.
Do you ever wish your parents weren’t so uptight? I know growing up I often wondered why there were so many rules. My parents were protective over me and my brother and sister and enforced that protection with rules and guidelines. As a teenager I really wished they would kind of not be so much like “Big Brother” and let me have some space. But, there was one day that I am SO glad my dad was looking out for me.
There was this new kid in the neighborhood. I don’t remember his name, but he was older than me by at least 3 years; he wore camouflage pants ALWAYS; had a buzz-cut; and I distinctively remember his veins popping out of his arms [that’s random I know, but evidently it left a lasting impression]. He was a lot like “Sid” off of Toy Story…the kid who blows up the plastic army men and laughs…”That ain’t no happy kid!”
Anyway, I am the type of person who gives people the benefit of the doubt – you know, I see the good and oftentimes I totally miss the bad. I think the camouflage pants, buzz-cut, and vein-popping arms should have been red-flags for me to stay away from this guy – but I missed it.
So, after about a week of playing “war” and “forming a club” with this guy, along with my good neighborhood friend, Michael, it happened.
For some reason Michael wasn’t with us this particular day. “Sid” and I were doing cool, guy things – okay, we were playing like we were in a war – maybe not so cool, but what else can you do in a town called Sweetwater. We were down at “the ditch”, as it was called around our subdivision. This 10-ft deep, 150-ft long ditch is filled with a maze of thick, sharp briars. So, Sid puts me on a couple of missions. The first is to crawl through the briars. Not the most exciting thing nor the easiest, but I reluctantly said “Ok” and made it through.
The second “mission” got totally weird. “Sid” pulls out a piece of thick, nylon-like string, puts it around my throat, and walks me to the edge of the ditch. Now, I really don’t know how I got to the point of having thick string around my throat, standing at the edge of a 10-ft plunge with psycho behind me – it kind of all happened so fast and I really wasn’t willing at all. Then, crazy boy tells me to jump. I say “No” and he tightens the string. He tells me to jump and I tell him “NO!” Just as he starts to tighten the string a little more and physically forcing me over the edge, I hear the greatest voice I’ve ever heard in my life. “WHAT..IS..GO..ING..ON?” Now, I had heard those words before in that tone before and usually it scared me. But this time I got excited because I knew I was saved. My dad chewed out army-boy and instructed him to never talk to me again. I never fought with “Colonel Nut-Case” in his loony army again.
Thank goodness dad was looking out for me. Now, I understand why there were those rules – it wasn’t for my misery, it was for my protection, safety, and to give me the best shot at life. [In fact, my wife and I have turned into my parents with our own children – we are probably even stricter than they were with me. Our poor kids!]
God’s laws are the same way – even more so! God loves us so much that He gives us instructions, rules, and guidelines for life. And if we follow them, we will be blessed. If we fail to understand that God’s ways for living are for our benefit and follow them, we will be put to shame as the psalmist writes in verse 6.
The author of this passage of scripture has found God’s direction for life. But not only that, he has found God Himself in those very laws.
Take some time to:
- Thank God for His love and the instruction, rules, and guidelines for life that is found in His Word.
- Ask God to help you stand [“be steadfast”] in His ways.
- Commit to God that you will follow His word.
Pray for:
- The upcoming school year – for God’s blessings, protection, and favor
- Sixth Avenue Church of God – REVIVAL
- Sicknesses – people you know will be healed
- Addictions – people you know will be set free from addictions
- Relationships – strained relationships will be healed in our families [divorce, abuse, unforgiveness, etc.]
- RAIN youth ministry – God’s presence in our services, we become a strong, positive presence in our community
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