Waiting Actively
November 29, 2019 • Sarah Rexford • Acts 17:16–20, Ecclesiastes 3:1
Waiting is the worst. Or maybe I’m just the worst at waiting. Especially in the high school years, “real” life seems far away and dreams look distant. It’s easy to think about what we want to do for God in the future; it’s way harder to live that out now. . A few years ago, I saw a need at my school and decided that no matter how small my platform, I’d let God work through me to meet that need. It was amazing to see God work as I stood on a literal stage (the smallest stage on campus!) and used the talents He had given me to point my peers to Jesus. I’d never felt more humbled to be used by the Creator. . Paul found himself in a similar situation in Acts 17. He’d reached Athens and was waiting for his friends (Acts 17:16). In other words, even Paul, one of the most famous men of the New Testament, knew what it was like to wait! . But, rather than just sit around, the chapter says Paul used the marketplace to tell people about Jesus. He was waiting actively. . Yeah, sometimes waiting is hard. But even in the waiting, God is working. Waiting actively means living for Jesus no matter where we are or what season we’re in—trusting that He is working even when we don’t see it. . No matter what you’re waiting on, you can serve Jesus right where you are. You can use the crumbly floor of your cafeteria, the gravely road as you wait for the bus, and even the carpet of your living room. . Whatever season God has you in, wait actively. Know that you can serve God right now. In Jesus’ kingdom, you never know what He’ll do through you! • Sarah Rexford . • What are you waiting on in this season? How is your view of God shown in how you wait? . • How would this season change if you actually lived like you believed Jesus is working during the waiting? . • It’s easy for anxiety to creep up as we wait. Read Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:4-7, and 1 Peter 5:7. What do these verses show about Jesus and His faithfulness? . For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)
Thankful
November 28, 2019 • Cara Campbell • 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
For as long as I can remember, my grandma has had a little hand-stitched sign in her home that reads: “There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.” As a child, I loved that sign, and, as I grew into adulthood, I began to understand just how meaningful it was. . My grandparents lived out true gratitude. Their lives were not easy, and yet, in the middle of trials and times of having little, they were so thankful. Why? Because they knew whatever happened—no matter how difficult or uncertain things were—they had it all... because they had Jesus. . They knew that no matter what, they were loved, forgiven, rescued, saved. They knew that no matter what, Jesus was there to walk beside them. They knew that no matter what, their identity in Him could never be touched. Their life with Him, both now and forever, was sure. And because they knew they belonged to Him, they could view life differently from the way the world does. They could be thankful in all circumstances... the hard ones, the good ones, the uncertain ones, the joy-filled ones. . A thankful heart radiates deep-rooted contentment and joy that are only found in Jesus. What if we viewed life in light of the sacrifice Jesus made for us when He died on the cross and in light of the gift He gave us when He rose back to life? What if we recognized that what He’s given us is more than we could ever deserve and better than we could even imagine? . So rather than looking at what we don’t have, we can remember that we have life and unshakable hope in Jesus. We can give thanks in the hard things because we know He is faithful and He is near. And we can give thanks in the good because we see how incredibly blessed beyond measure we are and how every gift comes from Him (James 1:17). In Christ, there is always something to be thankful for. • Cara Campbell . • Reread today’s verses. What are some of the hope-filled promises we have in Jesus? How does remembering these promises help us thank God no matter what? . • What are other things you are thankful for? . Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
The True Director
November 22, 2019 • Hope Bolinger • John 10:1–16, John 10:27–30, Psalm 86:11
As a shy stage manager for our high school’s production of "Tarzan," I did as I was told. And our assistant director told us to tape the side doors that opened into the aisles so the actors could sneak into the walkways during one scene. Apparently, the monkey costumes made clicking open a door just about impossible. . When I asked the assistant director how to tape the door, she shoved a roll of black electric tape into my hands and said, “Just do it so the actors can open the door without having to click the door handle.” . So, a fellow stage manager and I started taping down the door handle to the knob to make sure it stayed down. Sure, the door opened on its own like it was supposed to, but when the director found us mid-tape, his face harshened to a dark pink. . “What on earth are you doing?” His yell carried in the echoing backstage walls. . “T-taping down the door.” My tongue tripped on a quiver. . “Who told you to do that?” . By now, tears had started to brim. “The assistant director.” . He grabbed the tape out of my hands and jerked his hand to the door. “You’re not supposed to put this tape on metal. The door handle and knob may be stuck together permanently. I was planning to show you the right way to do this tomorrow.” He sighed. “From now on, listen to me, the director, before you make any major decisions.” . Later, it hit me. I often listen to “assistant directors” more than the Director of my life: Jesus. Just like the director in the play knew the right timing and placement of that tape, Jesus knows everything. Even if an assistant director tells me that a lie is the truth, I need to consult and trust the true Director and His Word, the Bible. • Hope Bolinger . • What are some assistant directors in your life that you tend to listen to instead of the Director? How does what they say they line up with what God says in His Word, the Bible? . • The director in today’s reading shared some important truth—but not in a loving way. How is God’s response different when we ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5)? . Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. Psalm 86:11 (NKJV)
Hold on to Hope
November 18, 2019 • Savannah Coleman • 1 Peter 1:3–9, 1 Peter 1:18–21, Psalm 71:14
I can be strong and encouraged because my hope is in Jesus (Psalm 31:24). He is my help and shield—I will wait on Him; I will rejoice in Him; I will trust in Him (Psalm 33:20-21). . Keep showing me Your faithful love, Jesus, because my hope is in You (Psalm 33:22). You are faithful, and You won’t leave me or abandon me (Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 57:10). . Sometimes it is hard to imagine how a painful situation can ever change for my good and Your glory. Help me to remember my hope in You, no matter how I feel. I know the truth, and this truth is that You are worthy of my hope. You are worthy of my praise (Psalm 18:3). Even when I am feeling discouraged about the circumstances around me, remind my heart of what You have done for me on the cross. You are my Savior and my God: my hope, forever (Psalm 42:11)! . Looking back on my life, I remember how I put my hope in You, and I recall Your faithfulness. There were times when I couldn’t understand the purpose of my pain and sorrow, but You worked out even those times for Your glory and my good (Romans 8:28). . Some days, I feel hope welling up within me, and other days, I feel so discouraged. During those times, cause me to remember Your goodness and faithfulness. I do have a living hope—a living Savior—no matter what my circumstances are (Job 19:25-26; 1 Peter 1:3). May I praise You through it all! You are a rock of refuge: I can always run to You (Psalm 71:3). • Savannah Coleman . • How does remembering what God has done for you in past seemingly hopeless situations help you hold on to hope even in the darkest of circumstances? . • What are some of the hope-filled promises that Jesus has given to His people (Romans 8; Ephesians 1:3-14; Revelation 21:1-5)? . • How can you remember these promises in difficult situations? . But I will hope continually and will praise you more and more. Psalm 71:14 (CSB)
What Basketball Taught Me about Salvation
November 7, 2019 • Alissa Griffin • Romans 10:9–13, Ephesians 2:8–9, Romans 5:8
When I was in high school, I played varsity basketball. That might sound impressive, but there were no cuts on my team, so anyone who wanted to could play. I sat on the bench a lot, but I didn’t mind. I knew my playing time reflected my skill. I knew that the better I was and the harder I worked, the more I’d play. I worked hard, but my teammates worked harder. . Isn’t it easy to think about salvation this way too? The world tells us that just working hard and being a good enough person will get us into heaven. Even Christians often act like doing the right things will earn bonus points with God. Sometimes it seems like we only measure up if we go to church and youth group, volunteer, and follow all the rules. . The problem is, we can’t earn what was already freely given to us. Salvation isn’t about what we do; it’s about what Jesus did on our behalf. No matter how hard we work, we can’t access it because it’s only available by God’s grace, through faith. Good works aren’t enough. . Now, that might sound harsh, especially when we’re constantly told we’re enough the way we are. However, it’s actually the beauty of the gospel. We can’t do anything to save ourselves from sin and death. And the good news is that we don’t need to do anything to be saved but believe Jesus is our risen Savior and confess Him as Lord. This includes repenting of our sins, submitting to Him, and trusting Him for our salvation. . And isn’t it better this way? If we truly got what our own efforts earned, we wouldn’t get very far at all. But by having faith in Jesus instead of our works, we receive the redemption we don’t deserve. I’d take that over trying to earn my way onto the court of salvation any day. • Alissa Griffin . • Do you ever feel like you need to do good things in order to be saved from sin and death? Or that you need to do good things in order for God to be pleased with you? Why do you think that is? . • If having faith in Jesus is the only way to be saved, what does that mean for spreading the gospel to those who have never heard of Him? . • To learn more about why we all need salvation from sin and death, check out the "Know Jesus" page on the Unlocked app. . But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (CSB)
Unhealthy Healthiness
November 6, 2019 • David Shorts • Colossians 3:2–4, Matthew 6:19–33
I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve had a six-pack (abs, not sodas) on and off for about twenty years. Exercise has become part of my lifestyle. But something I realized about ten years ago was that my weight training had become an obsession. It slowly moved from low priority, to medium priority, to high priority, and finally to, “Life, get out of the way, because I’m working out no matter what!” . This is called an obsession. Even if you don’t work out, I’m still talking to you because obsessions come in many forms. . My obsession may have been about health, but it wasn’t healthy. You see, an obsession is when something takes God’s place as the decision-maker for all other areas of your life—rather than Christ being at the center of all of your decisions. Obsessions can be about anything: appearances, video games, sports, clothes, relationships, etc. Schoolwork can even become an obsession. (No, you don’t get to skip homework tonight.) . The bottom line is this: What do you place your identity in—Christ or something else? Is belonging to Jesus and His kingdom the central reason behind everything you do? If Christ is not your identity, then your life is built on sand (Matthew 7:21-29). . Sure, your obsession may not be about an evil thing, but it can become evil when you believe the lie that it can ultimately satisfy you. Hope, identity, and satisfaction are only found in the Person and work of Jesus Christ (Psalm 107:9; John 14:6; 1 Peter 1:3). • David Shorts . • What obsessions have taken the place of Jesus and His kingdom in your decision-making? . • How can you honor Christ in the activities you enjoy without placing your identity in them? . But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Family Matters
November 2, 2019 • Hope Bolinger • Matthew 12:46–50
If anyone understands messed up families, it’s Jesus. . Imagine the ridicule He received growing up when His neighbors and friends assumed His mother had Him out of wedlock. People at school probably muttered about how neither Jesus nor Mary deserved to live. Their cruel words could have rivaled some of the insults I received from bullies in middle school. . Add to that, His father likely died before He began His ministry. With few occupations available for widows back then, taking care of Mary became Jesus’ responsibility as the firstborn (John 19:25-27). No pressure there, especially on top of the whole Messiah gig. . Not to mention His mother and siblings stormed one of His sermons, likely to tell Him to keep quiet. Even James, Jesus’ brother, doubted Jesus’ true identity as the Messiah until long after His death and resurrection. You heard that right: His own brother didn’t believe in Him. . Growing up, when confronted with constant sibling fights and my parents’ divorce, I hated the meaning of family. To me, family meant slamming doors and shouting matches. I would forget that I have a family bigger than the one in my house. Even though my biological mother and brothers may cause disappointment, my family in Christ gives me hope because, in Him, I always have a family—one that lasts forever, rooted in His promises. . Sure, we mess up. Our Christ-family still slams doors and causes deep hurts. But we all take part in a restoration process. Messed up? Sure. Storming Jesus’ kingdom to tell Him He’s not doing a good job? Guilty as charged. . But Jesus calls us family, walking with us and restoring our broken selves through His death and resurrection. If anyone can turn a messy family into something beautiful, it’s Him. • Hope Bolinger . • Everybody has some brokenness in their family. What kinds of brokenness do you see in your family? Pray for Jesus to restore your family and heal your hurts. . • Maybe your family is also part of your Christ-family. Wonderful! Praise God for that here. But maybe your family doesn’t believe in Jesus. Take time here to pray for them and to ask God to show you how to tell them about Jesus. . For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. Matthew 12:50 (CSB)