A Christian Walk

By: Clay Smith and Cooper Jones

THE CHRISTIAN WALK: WHERE IT ALL STARTED

It all started at our sophomore trip. We both had to speak to our peers about our faith, and this was very challenging. After we spoke, we both felt called to speak about our faith more. We didn’t know what this would look like, but we felt the desire to pursue this. We knew that senior year we could do a capstone project, and we had the idea to write a devotional aimed at junior high guys. We talked to our principal and a few teachers and prayed about it and knew this was what God was calling us to do. And now, we are seniors and we wrote

PEACE

Scripture

Philippians 4:6-7 “ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Isaiah 45:2 “I will go before you and will level the mountains. I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.”

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted among the earth.”

Explanation

God instructs us to find peace in him through the hardships and struggles of life. The creator of everything calls you by name and has gone before you and leveled mountains. All you have to do is ask and sit in his presence.

Story

When I go through overwhelming situations, I try my best to sit back, take a deep breath, and give the situation to the Lord. When I was told I had to have my second shoulder surgery, it was very overwhelming, and I remember sitting in the waiting room watching cars go by. I remembered having to give the situation to the Lord. Situations where the Lord gave me his peace were instrumental in my journey with Christ.

Call to Action

Nex time you feel overwhelmed by school, relationships, or anything, stop and be still in God’s presence. Pray to him for peace, and you will receive it.

Reflection Questions

1. What situations in my day to day life can I give to the Lord?

2. How can I create more time to sit in the Father’s presence?

SEEKING WISDOM

Scripture

James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

James 3:17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

Explanation

God calls us as men of God to seek wisdom. God wants us to ask for wisdom, which he clearly says that He will give to us if we search for it. We use the wisdom God gives us to navigate through everything life will throw at us. It shows us how to live the lives that God calls us to live. Wisdom will help us bear fruit for His name in everything we do. The Bible says it is foolish to reject wisdom. The world wants to throw different ideas and temptations at us and try to say what is “true and wise.” The wisdom God gives is heavenly and from Him only, and we need to learn how to seek the heavenly wisdom God gives and not the wisdom that is unholy, which is of the world.

Story

Some ways I have seeked God’s wisdom are through reading His Word and praying. Like I said earlier, God wants us to ask for wisdom. One thing I do every day when I read my Bible is I ask God to give me understanding and help me grow in wisdom and knowledge of His Word and who He is. We need to go into reading our Bibles with intentionality to grow in wisdom. The whole Bible is filled with so much wisdom, but my favorite places to go are Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and James. Proverbs has 31 chapters, so if you read one a day, you will be finished in a month! With everything God will teach us, we have to apply all of this information to our everyday lives. For instance, God has been teaching me to be slow to anger. I know I need to be slow to anger, but I need to practice and let the knowledge God has given me help me obey what He wants us to do and live for Him.

Call to Action

The challenge for today is to work on seeking wisdom this week! Whether that’s through praying, reading the Word, or reading this devotional. Try to be intentional in seeking the wisdom and knowledge that God will give.

Reflection Questions

1. How should I seek wisdom?

2. What are some things that God has given me understanding and wisdom in? How do I use this wisdom and knowledge for His glory?

LOVING OTHERS

Scripture

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Phillipians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,”

Explanation

As Christians, we are supposed to love others. This is a pure and Holy love that we gain from having a relationship with God. The love we have is a love that only God can give! This love is humble and puts others first all of the time. 1st Corinthians 13:4-8 shows us other attributes that love has and is filled with. Truly loving others is putting ourselves and our selfish ambitions aside and loving and treating them as Jesus would!

Story

For me, loving others has been hard at times. When people have treated me poorly, it can be easy not to love them and treat them the way God wants us to. I have messed up a lot, and pride has gotten in the way of me loving others the way Jesus wants us to! Sometimes, I have thought I am better than others, or sometimes I have thought that I am never wrong. Sometimes, I have been jealous of other people and not been nice to them because of that. I have messed up many times and fallen short of loving people, but I have learned to love others the way God calls us to, even when it is hard. I learned we have to put our selfishness away and focus on treating people like Jesus would, with an overflowing and merciful abundance of love. I have found joy in putting others first. The more we obey God, the more joy we have because we are living in our purpose and living for God and the life that He has called us to. While I am not perfect at loving others by any means, it is amazing when your view on people starts to change from a worldly view to a heavenly view!

Call to Action

My challenge for you today is to pour out God’s love to everyone you see this week. Make it a point to put selfishness aside and focus on others above yourself. Show God’s love to everyone, whether you feel they are easy or hard to love! We have to recognize the enemy’s lies and rip out our pride, selfishness, jealousy, anger, or whatever it might be and see people as God sees them!

Reflection Questions

1. What do I need to get rid of to love people around me better? (selfishness, pride, etc.)

2. How can I reflect love to everyone around me this week?

CONTROLLING YOUR TONGUE

Scripture

James 3:4-5 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.

5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Explanation

Typically, when we talk or think of saying something, we do not weigh the gravity of our words. Our words have an impact far beyond what we think. Like James says, it paves the way for everything we do. In Ephesians, we are instructed to not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouth and to only use words that will have positive effects and glorify the throne of God.

Story

When I was in middle school and junior high, I was careless with my words. I would say things to people with no thought of how the words would make them feel. In that time where people are figuring out who they are, what I said to people had huge effects on them. This is something that I wish I could go back and change.

Call to Action

Next time you think about saying something negative towards someone, think of the repercussions before you say it. Also, try your best to build others up because you never know what a few positive words can do in someone’s life. We are called to be a light, and what we say can make someone tune out whatever we say. Our job is to encourage and show God’s love through our actions and words.

Reflection Questions

1. Have my words lately been tearing people down or building other ups?

2. What one thing I can say to someone to build him or her up?

LUST

Scripture

Matthew 5:28 “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Ephesians 5:3 “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”

Explanation

Just like any other sin, Lust puts distance between us and the father. Lust is a sin that runs rampant in our world, and it is something that we have to fight daily to guard our hearts. It is something the world says is fun, okay, and worth it, but that is all a lie. The enemy wants to put these lies in our head to make lustful thoughts and action seem “acceptable,” but that is the farthest thing from the truth. While lust is a very “hush hush” topic, it is something that has to be talked about. The Bible is clear about the standard on sexual immorality and lust: No amount of lust is acceptable. God calls us to be above reproach, and to be not of worldly standards, but of His! He wants us to stay as far away as we can from lust. We need to fight to keep our minds pure, so stay away from anything that causes lustful thoughts.

Call to Action

This week, when you have lustful thoughts or the urge to do lustful things, remember what God has called us to and the standards He wants us to follow. Give your urges and thoughts to the Lord and surrender them to Him. He wants us to pray to Him because He wants to fight our battles! When we surrender, we experience growth.

Reflection Questions

1. What are some things in my life that cause lustful thoughts? How can we get rid of them?

2. What am I going to do to guard my heart from lust?

3. What other than lust can I surrender to God?

EVANGELIZING

Scripture

Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Mark 16:15 “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

Explanation

Jesus Himself in Matthew 28 gave us the Great Commision. He calls us to go out and make disciples. As Christians, we are supposed to evangelize and spread the gospel everywhere! Evangelizing is the spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness God calls us to be bold in our faith and be ready to share it to anyone that we can. There are so many people who don’t know Jesus, and that is why Jesus gave us this commission. We want people to know Jesus, have a relationship with Him, and accept the gift of salvation, so we must make every effort we can to spread the Good News.

Story

Evangelizing has been intimidating to me most of my life, and it still is a little bit. I have struggled with the thought of being rejected or shot down when I want to share my faith. This changed this past summer when I went on a mission trip to Costa Rica with my youth group and our youth leaders. All week we were able to share our faith and spread the Good News. This was such an encouragement to me to be able to live out the call of evangelism in my life, and it challenged me to evangelize when I got back to the States. When we are evangelizing, we need to ask God to speak through us. It’s easy to get focused on all of the things that could go wrong, but we serve a great God whose plan is never wrong, so trust Him. Trust Him to speak through you and to give you peace. Whether the audience accepts the Good News or not, we will be stepping into the obedience of the Great Commision, which is what God wants us to do! There is no greater joy than stepping into the life God calls us to live!

Call to Action

This week, I’m challenging you to find an opportunity where you can share your faith. This could be at school, church, or anywhere else. Ask God to give you boldness and peace and for Him to speak through you. The enemy wants us to be scared of failure, but reject the enemy’s lies and step into the boldness that God has given you!

Reflection Questions

1. What has been holding me back from evangelizing?

2. Whom can I evangelize this week?

HOLY SPIRIT

Scripture

John 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Explanation

When Jesus left, he left with us His spirit. His spirit lives within us and gives us guidance on our life. This reminds us of what Jesus has done for us.

Story

I was on a mission trip, and we had finished up the day and went to eat. After we ate, most of us headed up to our rooms for the night. When I was brushing my teeth, I felt this urge to go and pray over one of my buddies. It felt like more of a command than it was a feeling, so I went and did it. It was one of the coolest moments. This was one of the times where I truly listened to the holy spirit.

Call to Action

When the Spirit of God is moving in your life, you need to listen to it and be obedient. Listen to Him and move when He asks you to move.

Reflection Questions

1. What is the spirit putting on your heart?

2. How have I listened to the spirit in the past?

3.Why do I struggle sometimes to listen to the Spirit?

HARD WORK

Scripture

Psalm 128:2 “You will definitely enjoy what you’ve worked hard for—you’ll be happy; and things will go well for you.”

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

Proverbs 21:25 “The desires of the lazy will kill them, because their hands refuse to do anything.”

Explanation

The Bible is very clear that we should work hard. The Word calls us to work hard in everything we do. It says hard work will reap success and bring a profit. On the other hand, laziness will bring forth bad results. It is foolish to be lazy but wise to work hard in everything we do. We need to work as if we were working for the Lord.

Story

Hard work has been something that has been implemented throughout my whole life by wisdom from the Word. from my dad, and from sports. Where hard work is practiced the most in my life is sports. I’ve had to love the process and love the hard work. All of the preparation, such as the lifts, the film, the practices, the early mornings, and the long days, are necessary to succeed and become the player I want to be. In my relationship with God, I have to work hard and stay disciplined and consistent in the Word, and work hard to resist worldly things and follow what God has in store for me! Hard work is never the easy option, but it’s the smartest option for you, as it will lead to success.

Call to Action

The challenge for today’s reading is to change your mindset. Try to change your mindset to one who does everything he or she does as if working for the Lord, whether that’s your relationship with God, school, sports, chores, the arts, or anything else. Work hard in these areas, and you will see and reap a reward.

Reflection Questions

1.What areas of life do I work hard in?

2. What areas of my life can I work harder in?

PATIENCE

Scripture

1 TImothy 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Explanation

God has shown us, His children, an immense amount of patience. Even though we have messed up and run away from Him, He is still there waiting for us to come back. When we trust in Him and allow him to be the king of our Life, we can be patient and have peace on God’s timing. God has been so graceful with his patience that we should be patient with everyone and everything because of what God has done for us.

Story

Many times in my life I have wanted God to answer my prayers immediately. He has shown me through countless circumstances that his timing and his guidance are better than anything I could’ve done.

Call to Action

Many times in our day-to-day life, we think that our will is best. I challenge you to surrender your will to God and be patient with his plan.

Reflection Questions

1.In what ways did Jesus demonstrate patience when he was here on earth?

2. How can I surrender to God’s will?

SERVING

Scripture

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

1 Peter 4:10-11 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”

Philippians 2:4b “. . . not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Explanation

Jesus came to this world to be a servant leader. Everything He did was an act of service, as He served everyone around Him and had our interests above His when He became the sacrifice for our sins. As we live our lives, we need to model how Jesus acted. He calls us to be servant leaders who serve everyone in love, all of the time. We need to put our selfishness to the side and put others’ interests above ours! While this may not come naturally, if we are intentional to serve and ask God to help us reflect His love in serving, it becomes easier as we are able to do what God calls us to do.

Story

This summer, I was able to go on my first mission trip. This week was by far the coolest, most fulfilling, and special week of my life. The whole week, from building relationships with families, working in a warehouse, playing sports with the kids, spreading the gospel, and putting on vacation Bible schools, were all ways we served. The whole week was about how we could serve the people in Costa Rica and how we could reflect God’s love by doing this. In all of the hard work and long days, we had so much joy and happiness all the time. We were living out something that God has called us to do, and I can personally say there is no greater joy than stepping into the life God has called you to live!

Call to Action

Look for ways to serve this week. That could be picking up trash, doing chores your parents didn’t ask you to do, saying yes all the time to anyone who needs help. Ask God to give you opportunities to serve others. The more we serve, the more natural it will become.

Reflection Questions

1.How can I serve this week?

2. Who, specifically, can I serve this week?

PRIDE

Scripture

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.

Explanation

It is very clear in these scriptures that pride is frowned upon. It shows us that God rewards those with humility and gives them wisdom. The scriptures also show us that he shows favor to the humble. When you are humble, you are more receptive to what God has in store in your life. The only thing we should have pride in as Christians is the unfailing power of God.

Story

I’ve struggled with pride my entire life. When I was 13 years old, it was the last game of the baseball season, and I was pitching. I had been pitching pretty well all year and started to think I was the best in the state. On the last batter of the game I threw a pitch and he hit it almost 400 feet over left center. I know this is a silly example, but it shows that being humble is always the way to go.

Call to Action

When you think you are starting to live life on your own or think you can handle it, you can’t. Humble yourself before the Lord and let Him work in your life.

Reflection Questions

1. In what areas of my life can I be more humble?

2. Where have I been the most prideful in my life?

FORGIVENESS

Scripture

Luke 17:3-4 “When we repent of our sins, God forgives us for wronging Him— and He, in turn, calls us to forgive those who wrong us.”

Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Explanation

Forgiveness is an important topic in Christianity. To sum it up, we have been forgiven of everything we have ever done and ever will do because of the blood of Christ. To reap these benefits, we just have to put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible is very clear on forgiveness, as it talks about it several times in the Old and New Testaments. We should not hold bitterness or resentment towards someone because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Jesus looks past our faults and failures because of his grace and forgiveness. The command is clear: We are to forgive because we have been forgiven for more than anyone can commit against you.

Story

I have a long-time friend for whom I hold a little resentment. I have been working that out with God and that friend for a long time. While this does not completely harm our friendship, it does hinder it a little. I am going to continue to work on forgiveness and praying with the Lord.

Call to Action

My challenge to you is to pinpoint a relationship with which you struggle. Think of something that has been really hard for you to forgive him or her for. Ask the Lord to give you the strength you need to forgive this person because when we forgive, God forgives us.

Reflection Questions

1.Have I fully forgiven myself for what I have done?

2.Whom do I hold resentment towards?

3.How can I be better about forgiving others?

Scripture

READING THE WORD

2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Explanation

God calls us to read His Word and meditate on it day and night. All scripture was breathed and inspired by God, so it is authentic and true. God calls us to spend time in the Word. He wants us to be consistent in His Word and be intentional in how we read it. In the Bible, God shows us how to live the lives He calls us to live. When we start to read the Word, God shows us more and helps us grow in wisdom and knowledge of who He is. If we stay consistent in the Word, God will show us how to bear fruit for Him!

Story

Getting personal, one of my biggest challenges so far has been staying consistent in reading the Word. When I don’t read the Bible for weeks or months at a time, temptation increases, my joy and happiness decreases, and I feel farther away from God. On the other hand, when I am consistent in the Word, I feel very happy and joyful, I start to see situations and people as God sees them, and I feel an immense love for God as I pursue growth in my relationship with God. It is so cool getting to experience all the wisdom and instruction God has for us in the Bible! When we read, we don’t need to read to check the box. We need to read with intentionality to grow in our relationship with God. One thing I have learned is the more I read my Bible, the more love I have for it and the more I want to read. It wasn’t always like that, though; I had to create a habit and stay disciplined in this area of my walk with God. As Christians, reading the Bible is a need, and we have to make time to be in the Word!

Call to Action

The challenge for today is to get in the Word every single day this week. There’s not a perfect number of chapters you have to read–just be intentional. God has so much to show us, and we just have to make time for Him! If you need a place to start, my favorite books are Proverbs and James, two very wisdom-filled books.

Reflection Questions

1. What was I challenged with today?

2. Where and when will my quiet time be?

PRAYER

Scripture

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Explanation

The Bible calls us to pray to God and shows us the power prayer has in our lives. We serve a God who wants us to cry out and communicate to Him. The Bible calls us to pray all the time, never ceasing. Some things we should pray for are prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of confessing our sins, prayers for protection from the evil one, and prayers for guidance. God wants us to fully trust Him and call out to Him in prayer. This is a way that we can grow closer to God!

Story

Before the mission trip I went on this summer, I had prayed to God many times and trusted that He hears and answers my prayers; however, I had put a limit on what God can do through prayer. After many encounters with the Holy Spirit bringing healing before our eyes and working through the hardest of hearts, I was completely awestruck by God. There is so much power in prayer, and I saw it with my own two eyes. I thought, “Who am I to put a limit on what the King of Kings and Lord of Lords can do through prayer?” My perspective on prayer completely changed, and I am forever grateful for this experience.

Call to Action

God wants is people to talk to Him. Try praying multiple times during your week. Just talk to God. If you need help starting, you can pray the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. The more you pray, the more natural it becomes and the more important it becomes in your life.

Reflection Questions

1. How often do I pray?

2. Who can I pray for this week?

Scripture

IDENTITY

Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

John 1:12 “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Explanation

When God knit us in our mothers’ wombs, He created us in his image. This means that our nature is God’s nature because we were made in his image. Our identity should be centered on Christ so that we become more and more like him and can bring others to him. It is easy to shield out God by doing a number of things, but I can promise you nothing will bring you as much joy in life as both Jesus and bringing others to Him. As Christians, we are called to have our identity in God and not in anything of the world.

Story

I have been plagued with injuries throughout my sporting career, from having little things like strains and sprains to tearing my labrum in my shoulder twice and tearing my ACL my senior year. These have taught me valuable lessons about finding peace in God and taking life one day at a time. Without my identity in Christ, I would have been severely shaken in those moments, but because of the grace of God, I have been able to heal from these injuries and move on.

Call to Action

In your day to day, find a way to incorporate God into your life. Through this, God will be your identity and your walk in life will be God inspired.

Reflection Questions

1. What is something other than God that is my identity?

2. If someone was asked to describe you would they say follower of Jesus?

Scripture

RESPECTING AUTHORITY

Romans 13:1-7 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”

Explanation

I know that the scripture says governing authorities, but I think it is applicable to other authorities in our lives, including our parents, coaches, and school administration. In life, we have many people who are in positions above us. Whether we like these people or not, we still have to respect their authority because it’s from God above.

Story

In my time at school, there have been a few coaches and administrators I have struggled to get along with. They would say certain things or do certain things that would frustrate me. Through reading God’s word and giving it time, I have learned to respect these authority figures, even though I disagree with them. God has given me patience and taught me to persevere in these relationships.

Call to Action

In everyday situations, you come into contact with people in authority. Most of the time, they are reasonable but not always. When you come into contact with overreaching authority, find a way to respect it and trust God’s plan. Many lessons will be learned from dealing with authority.

Reflection Questions

1. Who do I need to respect that I am currently not?

2. Who are some authority figures that God has put in my life?

WORSHIP

Scripture

Psalm 100:2 “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

Psalm 86:9 “All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.”

Hebrews 12:28 “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”

Explanation

We are to worship the Lord our God. He is great and mighty; He is worthy and deserves our praise. He sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. We deserved death, but he brought us to life through Jesus. We are to worship Him with gladness and joy. God delights in our worship! Worship isn’t just meaningless Words or Praise–it is our thanksgiving to God pronouncing His great and mighty name. God is a good God, and there is so much to praise Him for.

Story

Worship has not always been a big part of my life. I learned what it means to worship God at Brookhill Ranch Summer Camp. I learned it is us surrendering to Him and lifting up His name. Through youth groups, church, church camps, and mission trips, I have really grown closer to God. The more I worship, the more I love Him, and it makes me want to worship Him even more. Worship for me is a place of surrender to God. I love to throw up my hands and fully surrender to God. When I worship, I feel God’s love surrounding me in every setting that I worship in. I am trying to make worship a daily activity in my life.

Call to Action

The challenge is for you to find time to worship this week. Whether it’s in your room alone, in your car, or at church, be intentional in the way you worship. Surrender to God and watch Him move more and more in your life!

Reflection Questions

1. Where can I worship this week?

2. How can I make worship more constant in my life?

Scripture

1 Corinthians 10:24 “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”

1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

Galatians 5:14 “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Explanation

God calls us to love others in everything we do; He says this is our greatest commandment. We have to put our selfish desires away. We need to stop living for us and live for Jesus and others. We need to be humble servants who seek to love and serve everyone around us. This comes with humility, which God also commands us to have. The more humble we are, the more we will want to serve.

Story

This is something God has been challenging me to do recently. I heard a quote recently from my youth pastor, Tanner Bezet, which was, “People don’t remember what you said, but they do remember how you make them feel.” This really has challenged me to love, encourage, and serve everyone to the best of my ability. I want others to feel the love that God has given me and see Him in me to bring honor to His name. I have tried to be an encouragement also by building others up and trying not to ever tear them down. I have also been praying and asking God to give me opportunities to serve. I have tried to focus on not what I want to do, but what others want to do and what others want and need. This has looked like going out of my way to lend a helping hand. Jesus put his desires away and served others at every opportunity he had; we must do the same.

Call to Action

The challenge for today is to be intentionally selfless. This means striving to put others before yourself and looking to serve and help in any way possible. This also means putting others before ourselves all the time. It’s easier said than done, but the more we practice this, the more natural it will eventually become.

Reflection Questions

1. Whom can I serve this week?

2. In what areas do I tend to be selfish?

3. In what ways can I put others before myself?

DYING TO YOURSELF

Scripture

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Luke 9:23 “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Explanation

In Galatians, Paul writes from the perspective that his life is centered on Christ. He argues that when you get close to the father, your will dies and his will becomes greater. In the very last part of verse 20, it says who loved me and gave himself for me. This is crucial to understand as a Christian because we do not deserve Jesus. He gave his life willingly for the sake of the world. Later in Luke, it talks about denying your will again and to take up your cross and live. Over and over again, we see in the Bible that a part of being a follower of Christ is to live by the father’s will and not our own.

Story

During my freshman year, I was playing baseball all summer and quickly grew distant from Christ. I did everything that I wanted and lived by my own will. Over the past few years, I have slowly died to my will and allowed room for Christ to come in and transform my life.

Call to Action

As you walk in your day-to-day life, find ways to do what the Lord has instructed you to do as a follower of Him.

Reflection Questions

1. How have I been living by my will?

2. How can I surrender my will to God?

ANGER

Scripture

James 1:19-20 “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Psalm 37:8 “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”

Psalm 86:15 “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

Explanation

God calls us to be slow to anger. Being slow to anger is a trait of His, and He calls us to do the same. Giving in to anger will lead to evil and sin. We deserve death, but God, in His goodness and mercy, allowed us to be made right with Him by sending Jesus to die on the cross. If we are forgiven of every sin, why can’t we be quick to forgive and slow to anger? This is easier said than done, and it’s something we need to practice so it will be our natural response. We are not to dwell on anger; instead, we should give it to the Lord and forgive.

Story

I have struggled with this my whole life. When I’m angry, my first response is to tear down, to spout off, or to be stubborn. I have hurt feelings many times and have been mean just because I have been angry. As Christians we have to be able to recognize our flaws and work on them! I asked God to give me a heart that is slow to anger and quick to joy and happiness all of the time. I have tried my best to work on this with my friends, in football, and with my sisters. I still mess up a lot, but as men of God, we have to be a man, ask for forgiveness, and try to improve. The more I practice, the more natural it becomes.

Call to Action

When someone or something makes you angry this week, remember this message. Try to respond with forgiveness. If you mess up, catch yourself, ask for forgiveness, and move on. We have to live above reproach, and a way we can do that is being slow to anger!

Reflection Questions

1. Where can I be intentional about being slow to anger?

2. With whom can I be more patient?

DISCIPLESHIP

Scripture

Matthew 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Luke 9:23 “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Explanation

Jesus called us right before He ascended into heaven to go out and make disciples. This is the great commission and our purpose as Christians: to bring other people to the Lord. We need to be actively searching for people to discipline and help grow in our faith. However, before we disciple, we need someone to disciple us. We need to be prepared to disciple others by first being a disciple and “taking up our cross,” as Jesus commands us to do.

Story

I have been discipled by my dad, my grandpa, my youth pastor, and older friends on the football team. They have helped me learn so much, and I needed that wisdom and guidance to grow in my faith. I am forever grateful for the guidance and leadership. I still try to seek their discipleship every day; we will always need people who are wiser and older to guide us and give us wisdom. Recently, I have felt called to discipline those who are younger than I am. God has brought younger friends into my life whom I have been able to help grow in their faith. This is not anything I’ve done, but an opportunity that has been presented to me. I’ve grown close to these people, and we’ve helped each other grow in our faith.

Call to Action

Seek ways to be discipled in your week and seek people you can disciple. You can ask your dad or mom or grandparents or youth pastor questions you have and ask them for guidance, wisdom, or prayer. You can discipline a younger friend or a younger sibling and help him or her grow in his or her faith and relationship with God.

Reflection Questions

1. Who is someone that disciples me?

2. Whom can I disciple and help grow in his or her faith?

BEING SET APART

Scripture

Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to 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.”

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Explanation

God calls us to be set apart from the world in the way that we live. We are not to follow worldly ways and follow the crowd; instead, we are to follow God. God has called us to live in a way that pleases Him, and we need to strive to live for Him with everything we have. We have to block sin and distraction and focus on living the life God has called us to. Once we have accepted Jesus as our savior, we have been set free. We now have a new life in Him and a new calling. We are no longer slaves to sin and the world, and God calls us to show that by the way we live.

Story

As men, we need to be leaders who are set apart in the way we live. While I have failed many times, I try to be the bigger person. I have to focus and try to be slow to anger, never follow the crowd, be a leader, love and encourage people all the time, be respectful, and be a servant. Someone once asked me that if someone recorded your day, the way you talk to people and treat people, and what you do when no one is watching, “Would that person be able to tell if you’re a Christian?” God’s plan for us is the best plan for our lives, and we need to be intentional to obey and follow Him with everything we have.

Call to Action

Let’s let our focus be on living for God this week. Try to throw away distractions and focus on the Lord. Let’s follow Him with everything we have, and as we do that, we will grow closer to Him and become more like Him. Go above and beyond and act set apart!

Reflection Questions

1. Where do I tend to be distracted in becoming set apart?

2. Where, specifically, can I live more for the Lord?

FINDING GOOD FRIENDS

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Explanation

God calls us to have good friends. We need people in our lives that are going to build us up and bring us closer to God. We need to have people who will encourage us and keep us accountable. We need people that will help us grow in our faith. We can’t have bad friends that will lead us into sin or a bad lifestyle. Good friends will sharpen you as a person and in your faith.

Story

The biggest blessing in my life has been my friend group. God has given me a great friend group with whom I have had the best memories of my life. Most importantly, though, they have helped me grow in my faith so much. We have all helped each other. We have had so many conversations about our faith and struggles, and we have challenged each other and our consistency in church. We have even gone to many church conferences together. It’s been so encouraging to see others my age pushing themselves in their faith. We have kept each other accountable and kept each other from making bad decisions. I am very grateful for them!

Call to Action

The challenge for today is to be intentional about whom you hang out with. Look for people who will keep you on the right path, challenge you in your faith, and help you make good decisions. If you have friends who are making bad decisions, try to be a leader!

Reflection

1. Do my friends bring me closer to the Lord?

2. How can I be a better friend?

SALVATION

Scripture

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Epsheians 2:8-9 “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Explanation

When looking at the Christian faith, Salvation is the key component. In John 14:6, the answer is clear: Jesus is the only way to the father, which is also salvation through Him. You must believe that Jesus is the son of God and was sent to die for our sins. Also, you have to believe that Jesus died and was resurrected, because without the resurrection, there would be no salvation. We also must understand that there is nothing we can do to deserve salvation– it is only a gift from God. The standard for heaven is perfection, and we can not enter heaven on our own. When we enter the gates of heaven, God will see the blood of Christ, which atoned for our sins.

Story

Every time I take communion, I try to repeat that the standard for His kingdom is perfection and that I could never get there on my own–it is only because of his blood and body that I get to walk into heaven as an adopted son of God.

Call to Action

If you’re reading, this I’m guessing you’ve already given your life to Christ, so this isn’t a call to action but a reminder of the perspective we need to have.

Reflection Questions

1. How can I live out my salvation for others?

2. Do I thank Jesus for what he has done with me?

FEAR OF GOD

Scripture

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!”

Exodus 20:20 “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.”

Explanation

Fear of the “Lord can be redefined as a Holy Reverence towards the Lord. When you understand the goodness of God and want to please Him, you surrender to His will. When you surrender to His will, you receive wisdom. When you run to God, you flee from sin.

Story

I was at church a few months ago, and they talked about fearing God. As they continued to talk about it, I realized I did not fear God in the ways I should. They continued to talk about how we need to have a holy reverence toward Him and His laws.

Call to Action

When seeking a relationship with the Lord, keep in mind His glory. Remember whom you are talking to.

Reflection Questions

1. How have I feared and not feared the Lord?

2. What habits do I have that help me fear the Lord?

LUKEWARM

Scripture

Revelation 3:15-16 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

1 John 2:15-16 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”

Explanation

If you are of the world, you can not love the Lord fully. If you are all in with God, will you hate what the world is tempting you with. The Lord wants your heart and doesn’t want your heart to be one foot in. If you are of the world, you are not of the Lord.

Story

When I was playing baseball my freshman year, I ran from God. My actions and mouth did not reflect God. In all reality, I displayed Christianity in a way where people could see my hypocrisy and coud judge Christianity as a whole. When I heard these verses, I knew that I was a lukewarm Christian. Throughout these past few years, I’ve tried to walk with the Lord more consistently.

Call to Action

Be all in these next few days, and develop a habit to walk with the Lord daily.

Reflection Questions

1. Am I a lukewarm Christian?

2. What lukewarm habits do I have?

WORLDLY POSSESSIONS

Scripture

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

1 John 3:17 “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”

Explanation

When I think of worldly possessions, I also think of our worldly actions that we value. Everything on this earth will be gone and destroyed. This verse is telling us not to worry about possessions and how things play out in this world. Instead, we should put all of our effort into the glorification of the kingdom of God. 1 John shows us that when we are blessed, we need to bless others. When we have resources, we need to use those resources to help others in need.

Story

This is something I struggle with. One time, out of the hundreds of times I have driven by a homeless person, I actually listened to my heart, rolled down my window, and handed him some money. His face lit up, and I felt loyal to God. When I handed him the money, he told me “God bless,” and I felt the love of God as well. Something as simple as this was a gateway for my relationship with God for Him to be able to use me.

Call to Action

Sacrifice your possessions and actions to God and see what he can do with them.

Reflection Questions

1. How have I sacrificed my life to God?

2. How can I sacrifice better?

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Scripture

1 Peter 4:10-11“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Romans 12:6-8 “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Explanation

God has given each of us spiritual gifts. We didn’t earn these gifts–they are blessings from God. We are to use these gifts to glorify God and serve His kingdom.

Story

I’m so thankful that God has given us spiritual gifts. Other people’s spiritual gifts have helped me in my faith. I have friends who have gifts of spiritual leadership and prayer that have helped me grow and mature in my faith. God has given me a gift, graciously, of leadership. I try to lead the best I can in every situation. Whether this is leading in football or in school, I try to lead all the time. The area of leadership I try to focus on is spiritual leadership. I try to lead those around me in their faith. I’ve been trying to focus on pouring into the younger generation. I have failed a lot, but we have to keep trying our best to use our gifts for God’s kingdom.

Call to Action

Let’s try to use our spiritual gifts for the kingdom this week. If you don’t know what you can contribute, ask God to show you! Let’s use our gifts this week, not for our glory, but for God’s!

Reflection Questions

1. How can I use my gifts for God’s kingdom?

2. How can I show God’s glory through those gifts?

PEER PRESSURE

Scripture

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

1 John 2:15-16 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

Explanation

Peer pressure is something we will all experience. We have to be able to say no. We can ask God to help us and give us the courage to do so. We have to have good boundaries. You need to establish your boundaries so you will know when to say no. Just because others do what’s wrong doesn’t mean you have to. God calls us to not be conformers of the world, and He will give us the strength to choose His will if we ask Him to. We are to keep our eyes on the Father in every single circumstance. Peer pressure is a hard subject, but God will give us the strength to rise above.

Story

The older you get, the more times you will be peer pressured. This can come in many different forms and can happen in many different ways. Peer pressure is when you feel the need to do something because other people are doing it and want you to join them. I’ve had many times where I have been peer pressured to do something I haven’t wanted to do. I have had to maintain boundaries and say no. You have to know what’s right and what’s wrong so that you can stand up for yourself. You have to be able to tell the world no and Jesus yes. It will only become harder the older you get, but you can become stronger by holding your ground.

Call to Action

Challenge others not to peer pressure somebody if you see it happening. If you are peer pressured, remember your values and rely on God to give you the courage to say no!

Reflection Questions

1. What are my boundaries?

2. What is the best way to respond to peer pressure?

HUMILITY

Scripture

Proverbs 22:4 “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.”

Luke 14:11 “For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Explanation

Humility is a characteristic of God. As Christians, we need to base our lives on God. When we come to God with humility and allow Him to be the ruler of our lives, he will use us in great ways. God tells us that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. We should be the hands and feet of God and humble ourselves and exalt the kingdom of God. The last thing I wanted to add was a quotation I heard: “True humility isn’t when you think less about yourself or when you put yourself second but when you realize that it is nothing about you and all about God”.

Story

I have always struggled with humility. I am continually working on this through prayer and reading the Bible.

Call to Action

Find a way to be more humble in your walk with God and in your day-to-day life. Find something small to do each day to humbly serve the community. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and humbled himself before them. Jesus is the perfect example of humility.

Reflection Questions

1. How can I have more humility?

2. What actions can I implement into my life to serve my community?

HOW TO BE A GOOD FRIEND

Scripture

Mark 12:30-31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Explanation

In Mark, Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was, and this was his response. Besides having a genuine relationship with God, the most important thing to do is to love your neighbor like yourself. I think this means that you put the needs of others before yourself. While this seems simple, it is something that we all struggle with. Secondly, in John, it talks about laying your life down for your friends. Whether you take this literally or you just think we need to make sacrifices for those closest to us, it is a very important ideology. This shows us that we need to love our friends and be willing to give it all for other people.

Story

One Wednesday night, one of my closest friends asked me If I was going to church, but I made some excuses as to why I couldn’t go. About 30 minutes before church started, I got a text saying, “I know that you’re busy, but I want to challenge you to come to church tonight.” When I first read this I still had mixed feelings about going because of the amount of homework I had. I decided to go, and it was a great message with an amazing worship service. He challenged me to be steadfast in my faith and exemplified what it means to be a good friend.

Call to Action

As it commands us in Mark, be a friend you would want to have. This should be a command we live by.

Reflection Questions

1. How can I be a better friend?

2. Am I a friend that I would want to have?

THE AUTHORS’ TESTIMONIES

COOPER JONES:

I grew up in a Christian family and understood who Jesus was and what He did for me. I went to church and knew what the Christian faith meant, but it wasn’t my own faith. I went to church because I had too, and I said the right answers in church and at school because I knew what to say. I went to Brookhill Ranch Summer Camp and everything changed. I saw that God had sent Jesus to die on the cross because He loved me, and I put my faith in Him. My life since this has been far from perfect, but it has been changed because of God. I now have a relationship with Him and strive to become closer to Him and live out my faith every day. My prayer is that God uses this book and the lessons we have learned and the places we have failed to challenge you in your faith! Placing my faith in God has been the best decision I have ever made and ever will make, and I will never look back and will keep looking towards Him!

CLAY SMITH:

From as early as I can remember I have f been exposed to Jesus and Christianity. At the age of 7 I felt a tug on my heart to give my life to Christ so one day after church I did with the guidance of my dad. This has been the best life decision I have ever made. God has been with me through the ups and downs in my life and has been the rock on which I stand. At times I have struggled because I felt my testimony wasn’t “Good” or “Powerful” but what I have come to realize through people mentoring me is that anytime someone is saved from the gates of hell it is one powerful story. A powerful tool that Satan uses to keep you quiet is make you feel like your testimony isn’t good enough. My hope is for you to be bold in your faith and walk closer with the Father day by day.