THE FAST: Day 4

It’s the fourth day of our 21-day fast and it seems like things are going well. Even though some students have altered their fast due to certain activities – like soccer and football practices – God sees the sacrifice and will honor it. Here’s some scripture to think about today:

Psalm 119:9-16

⁹How can a young man keep his way pure?

by living according to your word.

¹⁰I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands.

¹¹I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you.

¹²Praise be to you, O LORD;

teach me your decrees.

¹³With my lips I recount

all the laws that come from your mouth.

¹⁴I rejoice in following your statutes

as one rejoices in great riches.

¹⁵I meditate on your precepts

and consider your ways.

¹⁶I delight in your decrees;I will not neglect your word.

 

In 5^th and 6^th grade, I was on a competitive soccer team – I would have continued to play, but I chose to pursue basketball in junior high. On this soccer team we had a playbook – set plays for direct & indirect kicks, corner kicks, and runs down the field. Who knew soccer was so complicated, especially for 11 and 12 year olds? Anyway, we had to know those plays – by heart. If we didn’t we would look foolish, the coach would know, and we’d have to run A LOT. Those plays and the commitment to them helped us be successful and gain an edge on our opponents.

Life is a lot like that. Do you want to be successful? Want to live a life pleasing to God? Want to overcome your adversary, the devil? Then, follow God’s word. The author has found and understands that in order to keep his way pure and not sin against God, he must live according to God’s word. How do you do that? You have to know God’s word. Just like we had to commit those plays to memory so that we wouldn’t be lost on the soccer field, you and I have to commit God’s word to our lives so that we won’t be lost.

How are you doing with that? Do you know God’s word? Is it inside of you?

Spend some time reading God’s word. Ask God to help you live according to His ways.

 

Pastor Brad

Last Night’s Service

We had a good youth service last night. Students worshipped a little more and the time of prayer was, I believe, powerful. We’re believing God to move in those situations that we prayed for. Remember, your prayers move the hand of God. Continue to remember these in prayer:

• 13-year old, Connor – diagnosed with cancer and given three months to live. “Jesus, heal Connor and we thank You for doing it. Bring a revival through this miracle and may You get all the praise and glory. Lord, baffle the doctors and family with healing. Amen.”
• Bonnie – an aunt of Amber, a student in the youth ministry, who overdosed. “Lord, heal Bonnie and turn her life around. Thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Please bring healing to this woman and peace into her heart. Amen.”
• Lucas – newborn infant who is having lung trouble. “Father, thank you for little Lucas’ life – You are the author of his life. Heal his little lungs and make his body whole. Bring peace to the family. Thank you. Amen.”

RECAP FROM LAST NIGHT:

“The Power of A Changed Life” – The Result of A Changed Life

Romans 12:6-11

“⁶ In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. ⁷ If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. ⁸ If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

   ⁹ Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. ¹⁰ Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. ¹¹ Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”

The Idea: To really live a changed life, you must do something with your life.

The Challenge: Use your talents, abilities, gifts, passions, personality – the package that God has given you – to do something amazing for God.

The Road to A Changed Life:

    RESPOND to Jesus

        Follow Me…Know Me/My Ways…Sacrifice…Love Others…Tell Others About Me

How are you doing on your response to Jesus in these areas? Jesus is saying all of these things and your response is either “yes” or “no”, so have you responded positively to Him?

    SERVE Jesus

        ”And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Matthew 10:42)

When you serve other people, you serve Jesus! You are never more like Jesus than when you are serving other people. There is no one way to do this, just do it! Start serving others today – when you do, you serve Jesus.

    POINT OUT Jesus

You point to Jesus through your SERVICE, LIFE, and WORDS. People aren’t scared of Jesus – they may be scared of church, you, or Christians – but not of Jesus. Point them to Him.

A changed life is an ACTIVE life. And when it is active it is POWERFUL. God wants you to be changed and live a powerful life. Do you want a changed life?