CATEGORY ARCHIVES: Devotions

You Are Precious To God

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“Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

—Matthew 10:29–31

Think about it
Read Matthew 10:26-31 in your Bible. Jesus told the disciples that His followers would face opposition as they chose to obey and follow God. So will you. When you do, take Jesus’ advice: don’t be afraid. Trust that you are precious to God, and He is in control.

Take Action
In what ways do you doubt that you are worth much to God? Honestly express those fears to Him today.

In what areas of your life are you facing opposition to really living out your faith? What steps will you take this week to trust those areas to God and actively believe that He is in control?

What are you afraid to turn over to God, fearful that He can’t be trusted or that He will not replace it with something infinitely better? Turn it over to God today!


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What Could Happen If…

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What could happen if . . .
➤ you break your curfew?
➤ you don’t study for the big test?
➤ you talk during council ring?

In our society, and at camp, there are rules and laws set up to protect us from danger, injury, or pain. We can choose to obey them or ignore them, but there will be consequences.

Read Jeremiah 38:19-23.

What were the choices Jeremiah presented to King Zedekiah?

What were the consequences of each of those choices?

How do you face similar opportunities to obey or disobey God every day? What opportunities have you had today?

Do you think that as Christians, we’re still called to proclaim a similar message when we share the gospel? Why or why not?

The Point
Like King Zedekiah, every person will face a simple choice in their lives: surrender to Christ and gain eternal life, or rebel against Him and face eternity in hell.

Take Action
Have you responded to the gospel? If you have not given Christ control of your life, you are not a Christian and do not have eternal life. Read “Do you really know God?” on page 4 for more information on how to become a Christian.

If you are a Christian, who in your life needs to know about the hope the gospel provides? What steps will you take this week to be God’s ambassador to those who need to hear God’s message of forgiveness?

Going Deeper

Explore the passages below for other models of sharing the gospel:
– Acts 17:16-34
– Colossians 4:5-6
– 1 Peter 3:15

“One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons.”

—Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Behind the Story
Surrender is an interesting word. In Zedekiah’s case, to surrender to the Babylonians was a sign of humility. It would have been a sign of remorse and repentance. If Zedekiah surrendered it would be as if he were admitting on behalf of the entire nation that they had sinned against God and deserved the punishment.

When you surrender your life to Christ, you admit much the same thing. To surrender your life to Jesus is to admit you are a sinner, that only Jesus can save you, and to give Him absolute control of your life.


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Be Bold!

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A superhero, police officer, and an army ranger. What do all three have in common?

The answer? All three display great courage and boldness. In the movies, superheroes courageously do what everyone else is scared to do. The Army Rangers are elite members of the U.S. Army who have displayed great courage and boldness. Police officers often face difficult situations in which they have to be daring, valiant, and brave.

As Christians, courage and boldness should also be traits in our lives. Read Jeremiah 38:14-18 to learn more. Ask yourself:

How did Jeremiah exhibit courage and boldness in this passage?

What would you have done or said if you had been Jeremiah? Why?

Jeremiah must have felt like he was in a “no-win” situation. When you’ve been in “no-win” situations that called for you to be bold about your faith, what did you do? Why? What did you learn?

Journal
It’s easy to say that you’ll be bold for Christ when you’re not in the middle of a “no-win” situation. But Jeremiah proved his trust in God was more than just talk—and when he faced a scary situation, he delivered a message that could probably lead to his execution. Take some time to process that today. In what areas of your life could you use a little more boldness or courage to stand up for Christ? As you think or pray over that, jot down your thoughts and prayers in your journal. Express your fears, concerns, and desire to boldly follow Christ.

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
—Winston Churchill

BOLD— adjective
– (of a person, action, or idea) showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous
– (of a color or design) having a strong or vivid appearance

COURAGE— noun
– the ability to do something that frightens one
– strength in the face of pain or grief


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Encourager

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Who’s the most encouraging person in your life? You know, the one who reminds you of what’s really important. The one who lifts you up, prays for you, and sticks by you when you’re suffering or life is just hard. Jot down the first few names that come to mind.

Read Jeremiah 38:7-13. Think through these questions:

In these verses, who stood up for Jeremiah?

Do you think it took courage for Ebed-Melech to stand up for Jeremiah? Why or why not? What risks might he have undertaken in order to help Jeremiah?

Think about a time when you’ve felt defeated or abandoned. Who stood up for you?

Being abandoned at the bottom of a cistern was probably a spiritual low point for Jeremiah. What has been your spiritual low point? Who encouraged you in your faith during that time? What did you learn?

The Point
As a Christian, you don’t have to handle opposition or tough times on your own. In times of trial and suffering, God will provide people, His Word, and His presence to encourage you and lift you up, just like He did for Jeremiah.

Take Action
Look at that list of encouragers you created earlier. Over the next few weeks, find a way to express your appreciation to those people. Write them a Facebook message, send a note, or call them up. Just express your thanks for how they have encouraged you in your faith.

 
Maybe you’re not the one who’s discouraged or going through a tough time. Who do you know who needs an “Ebed-Melech” in his or her life? What steps will you take to encourage that person this week?


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Honest

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“There is always a way to be honest without being brutal.”

—Arthur Dobrin

JOURNAL
Think about that quote as you read Jeremiah 38:1-3 in your Bible. Jeremiah had to deliver God’s word to the people and what he had to say wasn’t pleasant. Even though his job was difficult and his message was hard to deliver, Jeremiah didn’t let it stop him from speaking the truth. He knew it was more important to obey God than craft lies that would make the people happy. How is God calling you to speak or live out His truth even though it’s hard and won’t be popular? Spend some time thinking, praying, and writing about it in your journal.

 

TAKE ACTION
Is there someone in your life who God is calling you to speak His truth to? Who? What steps will you take to do so this week.

 
How you speak the truth of God matters. Read Ephesians 4:11-15. How can you “speak the truth in love” to others? Also, check out Galatians 6:1. How can you restore others “with a gentle spirit”?


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Punishment

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1 THINK ABOUT THE LAST TIME you got into trouble for something. Maybe it was at school or with your parents. Did your punishment fit the crime? Do you think your punishment was fair? Why or why not?

 

2 YOU’VE HEARD IT SAID—a million times—that life isn’t fair. Being a Christian doesn’t make life any more fair, either. Sometimes, as you serve the Lord, you’ll face situations and circumstances that just seem so unjust. Read Jeremiah 37:11-17 for an example.

How would you describe what happened in these verses?

Why do you think that Irijah didn’t believe Jeremiah when Jeremiah tried to explain why he was leaving Jerusalem?

Do you think Jeremiah doubted God’s goodness or character during his unfair imprisonment? Why or why not? Would you have doubted God?


3 JOURNAL
Have you ever done something you knew was right or what God wanted and gotten punished for it? What happened? What did you learn? How did God use that situation to His glory? In the space below, write about that time and what God taught you.

 

4 THE POINT
As you follow Christ, there will be times when the world will treat you unfairly. Don’t be surprised when it happens and don’t let your circumstances cause you to question God’s goodness. God is always fair and good. He will use all things to bring glory to His name.

 

BEHIND THE STORY
In these verses, Jeremiah tried to leave Jerusalem by the Benjamin Gate. The Benjamin Gate was on the north wall of the city and anyone who wanted to go to the tribe of Benjamin’s territories would have left the city by this gate. Some scholars think Jeremiah was going to inspect land he had just purchased in his hometown of Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel (Jer. 32).


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The Good Fight

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“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me in the future the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.” —2 Timothy 4:6–8

JOURNAL
When Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, he was in a Roman prison and knew that he didn’t have much time left. His trial was yet to come, but he knew acquittal was unlikely and a death sentence was all but certain. Still, he took the time to write Timothy and pass along some final advice and encouragement. The verses you read today were Paul’s summation of his life and ministry. As you read them, think about the way you’d like your life and your relationship with Christ to be described at the end of your life. In your journal, write that description as a prayer.


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Support of Your Father

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AT THE 1992 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES in Barcelona, Spain, British runner Derek Redmond was poised to win a medal in the 400 meters sprint. He had posted the fastest time in the first round and won his quarter final. As he prepared for the finals, Redmond probably remembered the same race four years earlier at the Olympics in Seoul, Korea, when he’d been forced to withdraw because of an injury. He was determined to finish the race this time.

But in the 1992 finals, his hamstring snapped about 250 meters from the finish line. Injured and disappointed, Redmond was determined to finish the race and began to hobble along the track, simply putting one foot in front of the other. His dad joined him on the track, and together they completed the final lap. Even though finishing was hard, painful, and exhausting, Redmond kept going. He refused to leave his race unfinished, so he continued with the support of his father.

 

THINK ABOUT THAT STORY as you read 2 Timothy 4:1-5. Focus on verse 5.

 How do these verses encourage you?

Reread Paul’s advice to Timothy in verse 5. How would you rewrite that advice to help you in a difficult situation you’re facing? Jot it down below.

 

THE POINT
You will face discouragement and difficulty in this life, even when you know you’re doing what God has called you to do. In those times, don’t give up! Keep doing what you’re supposed to be doing—putting one foot in front of the other—with the support of your Father.

 

TAKE ACTION
Think of a difficult situation you’re currently facing. What steps will you take today to keep doing what God has called you to do in that situation? List three.
•
•
•
MEMORIZE 2 Timothy 4:5. When you feel like following God is too difficult, remind yourself of this Scripture.


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Not Alone

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LET’S RECAP…
In the previous verses, Jeremiah had been obedient and done what God had called him to do. As a result, he’d been beaten and imprisoned. When he was released, Jeremiah continued to prophesy and preach even though his words were unpopular. But staying committed and obedient to God’s call wasn’t easy, as Jeremiah’s words in Jeremiah 20:7-10 attest. Jeremiah struggled with what God had called him to do. He knew what God wanted was right, good, and perfect. But knowing that didn’t make dealing with his discouragement any easier.

 

JOURNAL
Even in his darkest moments, Jeremiah seemed to remember that he was not alone in this difficult time. Read Jeremiah 20:11-13 in your Bible. Then, take some time to process what you’ve read and journal about it in the space provided. Think about a time when you realized that God had not left you alone in a difficult time. How did you feel His presence? How did knowing He had not deserted you help you deal with the situation? Jeremiah also noticed that God was powerful to act and aware of what was going on. How have you noticed the same things during your dark times? 

“Christian, remember the goodness of God in the frost of adversity.” -Charles Spurgeon


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Compelled

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What do you complain about the most? School? Your parents? Stress? Homework?

IN YOUR JOURNAL, rank the top five things you complain about most.

READ JEREMIAH 20:7-10 below. Underline all of the things Jeremiah complained about. Then, read verse 9 again in your Bible. Draw a box around it.

“You deceived me, Lord, and I was deceived. You seized me and prevailed. I am a laughingstock all the time; everyone ridicules me. For whenever I speak, I cry out, I proclaim, ‘Violence and destruction!’ because the word of the Lord has become for me constant disgrace and derision. If I say, ‘I won’t mention Him or speak any longer in His name,’ His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones. I become tired of holding it in, and I cannot prevail. For I have heard the gossip of many people, ‘Terror is on every side! Report him; let’s report him!’ Everyone I trusted watches for my fall. ‘Perhaps he will be deceived so that we might prevail against him and take our vengeance on him.’” —Jeremiah 20:7–10

ASK YOURSELF:
Why did Jeremiah keep proclaiming God’s message if it caused him such distress?

When have you felt that fire in your heart and bones and known you had to speak up for God? What did you do?


THE POINT
There will be times when you, like Jeremiah, struggle to continue with the mission God has called you to. During those times, let His Word and His presence in your life compel you to continue.

  • COMPEL: [verb]
    force or oblige (someone) to do something
    bring about (something) by the use of force or pressure


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