Sunday Scripture: Romans 8:5
Romans 8:5 - "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." (NIV)
Keeping our desires pure is something we all struggle with at different times. There is so much pressure to be loved and in dating relationships, and today love is often presented as sexual relationships. The Bible tells us to keep our hearts and minds pure. That doesn't mean we 're perfect, but it does mean we have to identify when our thoughts may be leading us down the wrong path.
Love is a beautiful thing. Sex is a beautiful thing. Yet both need to be right. When we tell us what the world says is more important than God's word, we can get ourselves in a bit of trouble.
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Sunday Scripture: Philippians 2:3
Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (NIV)
Putting others above ourselves is something that's easy to preach, but not always easy to achieve. We can often get caught up and wound up in our own lives. However, today is Superbowl Sunday where we will hear a lot about competition and players having to explain why they're better than someone else.
Yet, a person who has true sportsmanship at heart understands that a game is just a game. Sports are fun, and good competition is fun, but when our abilities form a conceit we can lose sight of what's important. God gives us all talents to achieve His work on Earth. we need to be humble when it comes to those abilities.
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Stuff to Check Out this Week: Loneliness, Jealousy, and Some Random Thoughts
The Dark Side of Relationships:
With Valentine's Day coming up, a lot of us can feel a little lonely or even jealous of those that are in relationships. Turning to God in these times can help us grow in our faith:Random Thoughts, Ideas, and Advice:
From the versions of the Bible to cultural diversity...some random things to check out:Talk About It!
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Sunday Scripture: Acts 20:35
Acts 20:35- "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." (ESV)
Many of us have been given a lot. When we live well, it can be easy to forget that others do not have as much. There are people starving around the world. There are people with no homes. There are those that struggle to put clothes on their children's backs. Meanwhile, there are also those that do not have intangible things like love, kindness, or respect in their lives.
As those who have these things, God calls on us to give back to others. We are to be his light by providing what others cannot for themselves. This is why many churches have outreach programs like feeding the hungry, tutoring underprivileged kids, spending time with nursing home patients. It's also why we have missions to other countries.
We are often rewarded by giving to others, but expecting some major reward is not the reason to get involved in reaching out to the community. The rewards are spiritual and emotional. Helping others brings us closer to God, who helps each of us every day. It warms our hearts. Helping others also teaches us and expands our world in ways we never could have imagined.
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Sunday Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6
Deuteronomy 31:6- "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (ESV)
Sometimes we just feel lonely. We can be in the middle of a huge crowd and still feel like no one understands us, no one supports us, and like no one will ever love us. It happens to the best of us that, at times, we just feel alone.
However, we're never really alone. God is always there with us. Sometimes he allows us to feel alone to help us grow and see things. Sometimes we just need to seek Him when we feel lonely to develop a better relationship with Him. God wants us to develop relationships with one another, which is why we sometimes feel lonely. We're designed to be social. Yet, when things seem a little dark, we always know we have God to turn to.
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Sunday Scripture: James 2:12-13
Proverbs 21:5- "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (NIV)
There is much to be said for living in a culture where we are all a little different. Cultural diversity is what makes our society special. We learn about one another. We see deeper into ourselves as humans. If we learn more about tolerance, we begin to see each of us as God sees us - as his creation and something to be loved no matter what.
When we become judgmental, either about race, sex, etc., we lose sight of what God does when He judges us. God provides judgement, but does so with a large dose of mercy. As His children he loves us, which means that, as harsh as He could be on us for our sins, He chooses to provide us mercy. Need an example? Well, just look to how God gave up his one Son for our sins.
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Sunday Scripture: Proverbs 13:4
Proverbs 13:4- "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied." (NLT)
Hard work is something that can be incredibly rewarding. Many people today are always looking to cut corners or not do anything, but sometimes putting your nose to the grindstone and doing the work ahead of you can be incredibly satisfying. Not everything in life comes easy, and sometimes it's better when it doesn't.
God tells us that we can be successful if we put in the effort, and we need to fight through the desires to be lazy or give up. He promises us that our diligence will be rewarded.
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Sunday Scripture - New Year's Edition: Proverbs 21:5
Proverbs 21:5- "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." (NIV)
With the start of any new year we inevitably end up in a discussion about resolutions. Every year people want that fresh start to set goals, and while most of them are never met, many of them are. Where do you think you will fit this year?
In Proverbs we read about how successful those who are diligent can be. Putting in all your effort, keeping your focus, can lead you to success.
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Stuff to Check Out this Week: Dating, Parents, and Teens of the Bible
Dating and Relationship Advice:
Relationships are one of the toughest areas of our lives, but they also can be one of the most important and happiest part of them, too. Here's some helpful advice for finding and developing positive relationships:Teens in the Bible and More:
Don't think the Bible applies to you, because it's all about adults? Think again. There were plenty of teens in the Bible, including Leah and Abel. Also, get to know more about the Gospel.- Teens of the Bible: Leah
- Teens of the Bible: Abel
- Understand the Gospel of Matthew
- Understand the Gospel of Mark
For You and Your Parents:
Being a parent isn't easy, but here are some things that might be helpful:Talk About It!
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Sunday Scripture - Christmas Edition: Luke 2:9-12
Luke 2:9-12- "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'" (NIV)
Merry Christmas. Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Whether you are with friends, family, or away from home, let us not forget the miracle that was the birth of our Lord and Savior. Let us remember the blessings that He brings to us all and how God provides to us in every way. The Lord speaks to us through so many facets of our lives. Let us always remember our blessings and glorify God in all we do.
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