Genesis 1: 27
“So God created them in his image, in the image of God he created them:male and female he created them.”
Has one of you're friends ever looked in a mirror and said... my nose is too big..or I'm so fat? Ever you ever wished you looked like the model in the magazine? Has anyone said something unfaltering about the way you look? Well God said that he created us in his image, so is God's nose too big or is he so fat?
There is a Steven Curtis Chapman song called ~Fingerprints of God~ the chorus is:
~I can see the fingerprints of God When I look at when I look at you I can see the fingerprints of God And I know that it's true You're a masterpiece That all creation quietly applauds And you're covered with the fingerprints of God~
So next time you or your friend isn't happy with the way they look, remind yourself and them that everything God makes is beautiful and you and your friend are covered with the fingerprints of God. God Bless All.
Extra time in the Word: Genesis 1
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Genesis+1
Written by Jennifer,17
2 Corinthians 5:17
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.”
I found this scripture when I was preparing for my Children's Church Lesson a few weeks ago. And I instantly thought of the people I had talked to that had bad things in their past that they wanted to forget, or said that God couldn't possibly love them; they were too bad a person. Jesus died for our sins, and when we ask him into our heart, we become a new person. All the sins and bad things in our past are completely wiped clean by the blood he shed for us. You can start all over with a clean soul. Share it with the people around you, and don't be discouraged by their doubt, show them the change in you and your attitude so they will want it too. A relationship with Jesus is the most precious gift you could ever receive, or share with someone else.
Extra time in the Word: 2 Corinthians 5
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?2+Corinthians+5
Written by Holly Malott, 19 yrs. old, Oklahoma City
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."
None of us are ugly, fat, stupid, worthless, etc. God made us all in His perfect image with special talents and abilities. Many people out there think you are soooo beautiful, but just never say it. I know this is true! I mean, think of how many average looking Janes you see and think how pretty they are and never say it to them! People probably love your eyes, hair, style, etc. So just take every compliment as if you got it 10 times because I guarantee there are 9 other people out there thinking the same thing. This is how I see it. God is like a giant beach ball. He made all the human beings in his image meaning some of us are baseballs, basket balls, golf balls, marbles, etc. We all have special talents and abilities and we are all very special and necessary to the tasks we've been given in life. Although a golfball may love to be as brilliantly colored as a marble, a marble may want to glide through the air as far and as fast as a golf ball, we can't always have what we want. We have to make sure we enjoy life while it lasts and do it for the glory of God. OK? God loves you and created you the way you are for a specific reason. He spent time working the masterpiece that is YOU and no one is better, no one is worse, than the work of art you are going to become!
Extra time in the Word: Genesis 1
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Genesis+1
Written by Mandy 17 from Michigan.
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Have you ever been set free from some habit or bondage? Then did you wonder a few days later why you still did those things? Some times when we are set free from something we pick it back up. A year ago I was set free from depression. I realized a several months ago that I was having a problem with that again. I saw that I had picked that depression back up from the alter where I had left it. Once I realized that I rebuked Satan and came against that depression and I have not had a problem since. Now whenever I begin to feel depressed I remind Satan that God has set me free and I will not be bound any more by that. If you were set free you ARE free indeed for God set us free in the beginning for freedom. Not to be bound again.
Extra time in the Word: Galatians 5
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Galations+5
Written by Keith Platte, age 17 from Shattuck, OK.
I Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
It's that time of the year again, most of us are going back to school if we aren't there already. A lot of us have grown in Christ this summer, I know that I have. Now, when we go back to school, there are going to be many temptations to fall back in the same trap that we were in before. God tells us that there is nothing that is going to tempt you that hasn't already been dealt with. God is not going to give us anything that we can't handle. He's not going to throw us a curve ball that we can't hit. He will provide a way out for his children. Whenever you feel like you are being tempted just remember that no matter what God can help you get through it because he is FAITHFUL. That gives me much more comfort knowing that I'm not the only one going through trials and temptations. Also remember that it's not God who tempts you but the devil and God provides a way out.
Extra time in the Word: I Cor. 10
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?1+Corinthians+10
This was written by JB
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but instead set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, and in purity.”
They would never listen to what I have to say....They will not care what God is telling me to say....I am TOO YOUNG!!!! These are many things a lot of teenagers think at times. I know I do. Paul has a lot to say to Timothy in this passage of scripture. He tells Timothy to not let ANYONE, not his parents or teachers or anyone, look down on him because he is young. The young people can be leaders also. If you look God uses many young people to do many things in the Bible, such as David. He was younger and smaller but he still took on the BIG Goliath. Even if you aren't going to be a president of a club or a captain of a team someone may need to hear what you have to say, and many times it is someone older so do not be afraid to do what God is calling you to do no matter the circumstance. The young people are who is going to bring a revival to the world so......Don't be afraid and be an example as a young person.
Extra time in the Word: I Tim. 4
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?1+Timothy+4
Jed Burkholder, Age 15, Lancaster, Pa
1 Tim. 4:12
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."
Isn't that an awesome verse? I mean it's God, flat out saying...it doesn't matter that you're just a kid. It doesn't matter! And don't let anyone look down on you, but also, don't look down on yourself. Too often when we feel the nudging of God's spirit, we write it off, because "we're too young". No one will listen to me, I'm just a kid. but God is saying just the opposite. He wants us, the kids, the young generation, to set an example for the believers. To be the ones who show the church that this is how we're supposed to live. That our words, our love for others, our faith in Christ, our all out purity, and our lives as a whole are how this Christian walk is meant to be. I feel very strongly that God is raising up the next revival, and it's going to start right here, with us... the kids... the teenagers. Yes, our generation is going to be the next revival generation. And we need to start somewhere, why not start with ourselves. And set an example for the whole world, in our speech, life, love, faith, and purity.
Extra time in the Word: 1+Timothy+4
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?1+Timothy+4
Written by: Casey, 15, Oliver Springs, TN
Matthew 6:25
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?"
Today we live in a materialistic world. Going to school, work, even just out for fun we are always worried about the way we are dressed. Exp. If you have on that $100 shirt that you bought the other night, and everyone has to know the price. Well, God specifically tells us that we shouldn't worry about such things. Having life is way more precious then what we eat, drink, or wear. We get so wrapped up in our outward appearance that we aren't even thankful for having life it's self. Next time you are worried about the way you look remember God made you in his image and we shouldn't worry about it.
Extra time in the Word: Matthew 6
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Matthew+6
Written by Kristen I'm 15, from Missouri
1 John 2:28
“And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him in His coming. “
Have you ever stopped to think, what if Jesus came back to take us to Heaven today?? If Christ came today, would you be prepared? Would you be proud of your actions? Or would you be ashamed and try to hide your music, movies, clothes, magazines and other things that would not be appropriate? I know when I meet Christ, I want to be able to say, "Yes Lord, I'm a sinner, but you saved me and forgave me. I have done my best to live a life for you." I do not want to have to hang my head in shame. It's still not to late, lets throw out our Marilyn Manson music, and our R rated movies, so that when Christ comes for us, we can be unashamed and free! Until then let's keep ourselves and others prepared for His glorious return!
Extra time in the Word: 1 John 2:
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?1+John+2
Bianca Castillo, 17yrs. West Palm Beach
Daniel 3;17-
''If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But, even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods.''
God why is this happening to me? God why are you making me go though this? So many times we wonder why God puts us in some situations, sometimes it is an opportunity to take a stand for him, sometimes its a test of faith, in Daniel 3 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, where in a pretty rough position; bow down and worship the kings idols or burn to death. Decisions decisions!! Did God want to see them burn and suffer?? No, he allowed them to go though this test to challenge their faith in him. In Daniel verse 19 it says ''then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with them because they would not bow, and he ordered the furnace be seven times hotter and commanded that they be tied and thrown into the fire'' faithfully unwavering,they chose not to bow. verse 25''the king said ''look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like the son of the God.'' next time you face a trial, and you faith in the Father is tested; remember, keep you stand for Christ no matter what, and surely he will guide you and walk closer to you than ever.
Extra time in the Word: Daniel 3
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Daniel+3
Written by Robyn Owens, age 15.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crops fails and the fields produce no good, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior ."
We live in a world where everything is not perfect. Some days we wake up and wish that we could just stay in bed for the rest of the week. Troubles come as well as trials, and we don't always feel like jumping around with a huge smile on our face shouting, "Praise the Lord!" But you see in the Old Testament God would send the tribe Judah first. Judah means praise. Before you start off your day, praise the Lord. Even if everything else in your life is bizarre, praise God for the things that He has blessed you with. If your parents are having financial problems, praise Him for being Jehovah-Jirah, the Lord my Provider. If you are having difficulties in your school work, praise Him for being the God that understands and can enable us to do all things through Him. Just Praise the Lord!!!! No matter what, praise Him because He is worthy!!!!
Extra time in the Word: Habakkuk 3
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Habakkuk+3
This Bible study was written by Patrick Campbell, age 15 of Omaha Nebraska.
1 Thessalonians 5:17- "Pray continually."
“Always keep on praying..”
This bible verse says it all. All you have to do if you need something is ASK FOR IT! It really is that simple. If you are having trouble in Science, talk to God about it. If you are i a fight with your parents, let God know that you need them to just listen to you. Ever since I found this verse, I find that I am praying all the time. I am sitting at work and if we are kind of slow, I start praying, just because. No matter what you say to God, he ALWAYS hears it. And, he always answers your prayers. Now, granted, he may not answer them in the way that you want him to, but he knows that in the long run, the way he answered it is the best answer. Also, if you have a special request you need answered like if a family member is ill and you need them to get better, ask others to pray for that person too. God hears those prayers equally as any other, but if he hears the same prayer numerous times, he will give it special consideration. So wherever you are, no matter what you are doing, TALK TO GOD. He is always listening.
Extra time in the Word: 1 Thessalonians 5
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?1+Thessalonians+5