When we take trips as a youth group, we have a tradition of playing the game of Life. I have the game on my iPad, and we pass it around the vehicle. We usually have a lot of fun and a lot of laughs. Toward the beginning of the game, you have to pick the college path or the career path. I always pick the college path, but it never guarantees me a win. Right now, some of you are in that position in real life. You're deciding the next steps to take. The only thing is, this life is not a game. Whichever decision you choose for your life, whether college or a career, there are a couple of realities that are crucial for you to recognize as you take the steps toward adulthood.
One of the first realities you will have to face is that the next couple years of your life really matter. Culture would tell you that this “new period is a chance for young people to savor the pleasures of irresponsibility, search their souls and choose their life paths.” This is not the truth. The Word of God reminds us of the brevity of our lives (James 4:14). During the next few years make Psalm 90:12 a continual personal prayer. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Take the advice of Solomon, the wisest man to live. “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1) There will be a lot of issues and situations to figure out. There will be moments of deep discouragement and great joy, but as you go forward make the early adult years of your life count.
The next reality may seem basic, but it is another imperative reality. You’re relationship with God matters. I know this sounds like elementary Sunday School stuff, but it is true. A vibrant relationship with God is essential. The next phase of your life will be filled with unknowns. What will I do with my life? Who will I marry? Does God want me to go to college? In the middle of all these intimidating questions and new discoveries, you need an authentic relationship with God. God gives us an amazing promise in Psalm 32:8. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” But it requires me to be close to Him. (James 4:8) If you already have a wonderful walk with God, Praise the Lord! You’re going to need Him. Understand you will not accomplish anything with an eternal value without Him.
As you consider your relationship with Christ, you need to face another realty. This reality is that your influences will help build you or will help break you. Whether you know it or not, you are at an impressionable time in life. So you must actively protect your heart from wrong influences (Proverbs 4:23). This is why you must be in God’s Word daily, developing a walk with Him. If you believe that your influences don’t matter, please listen to Paul’s plea to the church in Corinth. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Don’t be tricked in to believing that worthless or wicked habits or behaviors will not affect you. The reality is your influences will play a large part in who you become.
The next reality you must deal with is that hard times are on the horizon. They may be the effect of decisions that you make or that others have made for you. Some of the difficulties may be out of your control, but God is in control. This is why you must understand that the coming years are important moments for God to mold you into the masterpiece He desires for you to be. Christ warned, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” But than He encourages with this, “but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) In seasons of hurt, confusion, and despair, resolve to be like Paul and discover God’s strength in the middle of your weakness (2 Corinthians12:10). Those are the moments where God is working in you to do great things.
The last reality is the one you cannot lose sight of. It will help you through some of the difficult times. It is simply this. You are where you are because someone cared for you! Some of you are smart, athletic, funny, or talented in other areas, but you didn’t pull yourself up by your own boot straps as the old saying goes. First, you have a wonderful heavenly Father who loves you and has shown you grace and mercy. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10) (John 3:16; Romans 5:8) We all have a Savior that loved us, but we also have individuals that have helped or even sacrificed to move you forward. Don’t forget about your parents, the teachers, the spiritual leaders, and godly friends that have helped you to succeed. Take heed to Paul’s advice to Timothy, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” (2 Timothy 3:14) Don’t forget that you are not alone.
May God bless you as you follow Him into the next exciting steps in your journey of life! Stay faithful!
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
Our challenge this week is to look to Jesus as our example for meekness. Jesus said, “…learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart..” So this week, we desire to read a passage each day and then identify how Christ demonstrated meekness.
Monday - Read Philippians 2:5-11
Tuesday - Read John 4:1-30
Wednesday - John 13:1-20
Thursday - Read Matthew 21:1-11
Friday - Read Matthew 27:47-68
Saturday - Read John 19:1-19
Five Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself Before Making A Decision
This summer we have discussed many difficult issues. We have looked at some of the issues that you are challenged with daily or will be challenged with sometime in your life. Some of the issues are clearly addressed in the Word of God, while others are established by biblical principles. In Psalm 73 Asaph is close to making some unwise decisions. In fact in verse 2, he confessed “my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.” How do we make decisions and come to biblical conclusions? Here are some powerful questions that can be used to guide your decision making process from Psalm 73.
Question #1. Am I confident that God is good, and that His way is best?
This may seem like a strange question to ask. Is God good? What does that have to do with making a decision in life? Let’s ask it this way; do we actually believe God and His plans are the best for us? Asaph starts off Psalm 73 with the statement that his decision to follow the Lord is based on his conclusion that God is good. If we have not concluded that God is just and right and His ways are best, we will experience difficulty wholly following God’s plan. Jesus, our great example, was fully surrendered to God’s plan for His life. This allowed Jesus to make great but difficult decisions for His life. It even allowed Him to make the decision to die on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
The Christian that is confident that God’s way is best, will be content with any decision God leads them to, because they are persuaded that God is good and His way is best.
Question #2. What is influencing my decision?
The second question requires personal honesty. What is influencing the decision or my conclusion? Asaph acknowledged in Psalm 73:3 that the influence of the decisions he was about to make. Asaph said “ I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” He was not being influenced by biblical truth but personal observation. Answering this question correctly requires the light of God’s Word and the discernment of the Holy Spirit to reveal our true heart. As we have discussed difficult topics this summer, if we are honest, many of are decisions are based on cultural influences more than biblical influences. Psalms 1 promises blessing to the individual that is controlled by God’s Word.
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
So as we determine the paths we take in life, we must ask ourselves what is the compelling force behind our decisions. Just a hint, it should be the Word of God!
Question #3. Where will I end up?
After Asaph reveals the thoughts behind the conclusion he was forming in his mind, he was made aware of the outcome of this decision. In verse 17, he says “…I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment!…" Ask yourself, If I make this decision where will I be next week, month, or even years from now. Will it be a decision that causes regret or a life of blessing. Esau should have asked this question in Genesis 25.
Genesis 25:29-34
And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Esau sold his future for food, because he made a decision based on the immediate.
Question #4. Have I obtained godly counsel?
Before we make any decision, we should always consult God’s Word and spend time seeking God’s direction in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). Asaph learned the importance of godly counsel. In fact, he made a decision to be guided by God’s counsel. Asaph told the Lord, “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” (Psalm 73:23-24) We can learn a great lesson from Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12. Rehoboam chose the counsel of the current culture and made a wrong decision.
1 Kings 12:3-11
…And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed. And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
Take the initiative to ask counsel of people that are walking according to God’s Word whether it is a parent, teacher, pastor, or godly mentor. Seek out God’s wisdom.
Question #5. Am I actively drawing close to God?
We can never make a decision about the will of God if we are not nurturing our walk with God. It is amazing how many people “know” God’s will, but they haven’t spent any time in His Word. Many times we fit Jesus’ description of the Pharisees.
Matthew 15:8
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
A critical question to ask yourself everyday is, “Am I walking with Christ today? Am I walking close enough to hear His voice through His Word and feel His leading by His Spirit." Asaph says in the last verse of Psalm 73, “…It is good for me to draw near to God…” (Psalm 73:28) I think that is the best decision any believer will make as they seek God’s wisdom for decisions.
Three Life Lessons for the Class of 2014
I'm so excited for you all the Class of 2014. I can't wait to see what God is going to do in and through you guys. I want to challenge you as you move forward with three life lessons that I think will be important in the coming years.
Invest your life in things that will last!
For you, the Class of 2014, life is just beginning. The last few years have been preparation for this journey. There are people that have invested in you. Your parents, teachers, and other leaders have poured into your lives. Now, I want to challenge you to invest your life into something that will last for eternity. Most of you guys will go to college or find employment. You’ll look for a spouse, career, or other opportunities. Jesus tells us “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal…” (Matthew 6:19-20) Paul advises “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6:7-8) This class of seniors has amazing potential! I pray that you guys will use that potential for God’s glory! C T Studd summed it up, when he wrote:
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.
Identify your influences!
The next few years of your life are going to be pivotal. You are going to be making a lot of major decisions that will affect your life. As you make these decisions and take these steps, you need to be following truth. Solomon gives us amazing advice about this stage in your life. “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” (Proverbs 4:26) There are going to be a myriad of people and things that will have influence on you in the next few years. There will be professors, roommates, friends, music, movies, and a million other things. I want to challenge you to identify the influences in your life. If they are godly influences, keep them. If they are distracting you, dispose of them. The difficulty is that these influences may deceive you. They may appear to be good or right, but they may lead to destruction. “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 16:25) This discernment must come from God and His Word. I encourage you to spend time in the Word of God and prayer, not as a magical ritual, but because you need wisdom. David understood this when he penned Psalm 119:130. “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” James teaches us that, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5) As you make the leap into adulthood, identify every influence! (Take some time to read Psalm 1!)
Impact the World for Christ!
After Jesus’ resurrection and before His ascension, Jesus told his group of disciples “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) Jesus was telling a handful of His followers to make a difference in the word! These individuals did not have the internet, cell phones, or social media! They went out in the power of God, and in Acts 17, they are accused of “turning the world upside-down.” Class of 2014, you are the light of the world! Jesus said so in Matthew 5:14-16! “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” God did not give you abilities and talents for you to hide them under the basket of selfishness, but that you could be a shining light in dark world to bring glory and honor to God. D L Moody was challenged by the statement: “The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in and by the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him. . . .” His response “I will try my utmost to be that man.” Class of 2014, make an impact on the world!
Three thoughts to help you as you prepare for camp:
Pack
I know you probably haven't even started thinking about this part yet, but it might make your camp week smoother if you pack. (Don't start now, finish reading this first.) Make sure you pack everything you need in the smallest suitcase possible! Okay, maybe not the smallest suitcase, but remember there is limited luggage space in the van. Wondering what you need to pack? Click here for the Wilds FAQ.
Pray
This may be one of the most neglected steps in teen camp preparation. Jeremiah 33:3 says Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. I desire to see God do great and mighty things next week! Whether you are going to teen camp this week or not could you spend time in prayer for three things.
- The Speaker - Pastor Cary Schmidt
- Your Church - Trinity Baptist Church
- Yourself - A young person in need of spiritual revival
Take time to pray this weekend and ask God to work in your heart and life next week.
Purpose
Next week at camp, some things may happen that you do not care for. You may have _____________________________________ (fill in your own terrible tragedy that could befall you next week.) I want to encourage you not to let those incidents keep you from having fun and/or growing spiritually. Everyone at camp is not like you (we know that if they were, the world would be a better place!) and every rule at camp is not because they dislike you. Purpose in your heart to let God work in your life next week. (Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ... -Philippians 3:8)
How to respond to unbiblical authority...
As we studied last night in our study of Esther, Mordecai disobeyed a command from the king to bow to Haman. The question arises, “When is it okay to disobey authority?” The only in time the Word of God that we are to disobey authority is when authority calls for us to disobey God. Romans 13 says “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God…” (Romans 13:1) Though most individuals do not like to believe that authority is ordained of God, it is! God allows people to have authority and has given us authority for our protection. When that authority goes against Him, it is like a mutiny aboard a ship. The one to whom God gave authority is now acting in rebellion to Him. The only problem is the authority figure sometimes does not see it this way. So how do you respond to authority that is violating God’s Word.
1. Scripturally
Psalms 119:160 says “Thy word is true for the beginning and everyone of the righteous judgments endureth forever. Psalm 100:5 reminds us that God's truth “endureth to all generations.” Disobeying God given authority is a big deal. Romans 13 again says “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” (Romans 13:2) So, first I have to ask myself, “How is this violating Scripture?” and ”What Scripture is it violating?” Resisting authority is not an issue of convenience or personal preference. If there is not a violation of God’s Word, my response should be to submit.
Examples: Midwives (Exodus 1:15-17) Daniel (Daniel 1:8) Peter (Acts 5:28-29)
2. Humbly
If you have established that this is a matter of obeying God rather than men, you must oppose humbly. Resistance to authority is not a matter of pride or arrogance! Galatians 6:1 should define our spirit. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Our desire should always be to see restoration to those who have gone against truth. If you read through the life of David, you can see how King Saul (David’s authority) was blatantly wrong, but David always responded in humility. The reality is we have all missed God’s standard in our lives, so when we stand against unbiblical authority, we must come humbly. (Matthew 7:3-5)
3. Prayerfully
1 Timothy 2:1-4 tells us to do something that we often fail at. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” If you come to the point where you must Scripturally oppose authority, do it prayerfully! In fact, even if your authority is wonderful, you should pray for them! Pray that God will give authority to discern and follow the Truth.
4. Resolutely
Disobeying authority is huge, so it must be approached Scripturally, humbly, and prayerfully. Lastly, it should be approached resolutely. Understand that disobedience always has consequences. There is a price for standing up for Biblical truth. When the religious leaders commanded the apostles to stop preaching, they obeyed God but they were still beaten. (Acts 5:29-42) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are wonderful examples of this. (Daniel 3:15-20) They understood the command to worship the image violated God’s Law but decided to face the consequences whether God intervened or not.
Obedience and authority are important principles in the Word of God. They are not invalidated by personal preferences. If there comes a time where authority is clearly violating Scripture, my challenge is to approach it Scripturally, prayerfully, humbly, and resolutely, no matter the consequences.
Last night, during the evening service, we looked at what personal worship looks like. (If you missed it, you can find it here. You can also download the Worship Guide from here.) Personal worship is an integral part in the life of every believer. The difficulty is we understand the importance, but fail to practice it. Here are three simple thoughts on developing effective personal worship from our passage in Exodus 34.
Exodus 34:1-4
And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.
And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount.
And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.
And he hewed two tables of stone like unto the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.
1. Make personal worship a priority!
Exodus 34:2,4
And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount… and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and took in his hand the two tables of stone.
Here in Exodus 34, God has given Moses an “appointment” to meet with him. Can you imagine having an appointment to meet with God alone? I’m sure that was a meeting Moses wasn’t going to miss! It was a priority. The truth is though, God does want us to meet with us. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup (dine/ fellowship) with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) He desires for us to spend time worshipping Him! We simply have to make it a priority. Could you see Moses going about his day and forgetting to meet with God, because he was just too busy? Take some time to schedule an “appointment” to spend time with God.
2. Come prepared for worship!
Exodus 34:1-2
And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest… and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount.
The second observation from this passage is that personal worship requires preparation. One of the myths of worship is that it is spontaneous. Worship requires thought and action. God tells Moses to cut out two tables of stone and bring them to the mountain in the morning. When it comes to our personal worship, do we come prepared to receive something from God? Do we have a passage to study, needs to pray for, or praises to give? Or do we simply read wherever the Bible opens, and pray for whatever happens to pop into our head in the moment? Even on a more practical level, do we take time to simply write down things God shows you about Himself in His Word? Come to God’s Word desiring to receive something from it. The Psalmist exclaims “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God…” (Psalm 42:1-2)
3. Keep personal worship personal!
Exodus 34:3
And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.