Grace Cat (Part 2)
December 7, 2019 • Emily Tenter • Romans 3:20–24, Ephesians 2:8–10, Isaiah 64:6
Being adopted by my family wasn’t the only way my cat Oliver demonstrated a lesson of grace to me. You see, it’s common for cats to leave little presents for their humans. And, when I say “little presents,” I mean dead mice that we’d find just outside the front door. Cats leave dead animals to show loyalty to the humans that take care of them. How cute is that?! . As you can probably imagine, my family had no use for dead mice. But I can’t tell you how excited I was when Oliver began to demonstrate to my family that he loved us back! . That’s how God’s grace works in our lives. He pours out His grace to us. He’s the One who gives us every single blessing we have. And what do we have to give Him in return? Dead mice! Isaiah 64:6 says that all our good deeds “are nothing but filthy rags.” That means that the best we could ever give to God is still trash. Like dead mice. . But you know what? I still smiled when I saw those mice because they meant that my cat—the cat I adopted and named and loved—loved me back! . God offers us salvation from sin and death with no strings attached. I didn’t adopt Oliver because of anything he could give me in return. And even if he never gave me a dead mouse, I still would have adopted him. Our God treats us the same way. We don’t have to do anything to earn His grace, but, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we begin to respond in love at the heaps of grace God has dumped on us. . Going to church, obeying your parents, telling a friend about Jesus, working hard without complaining—those are all dead mice. They will never earn you eternal life; your relationship with God is secure because of what Jesus did. . Even though God doesn’t need our offerings, He still delights in them because they are gifts from His beloved children in Christ. And He is able to transform and use our dead mice in amazing ways for His kingdom! • Emily Tenter . • What are some examples of the “dead mice” you offer God? Do you ever compare your “dead mice” to those of other people? Why is that wrong? . • Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Ephesians 2:10, and Philippians 2:13. If the best gifts we can give God are still worth so little, does it matter if we give them at all? How does God empower and use our efforts in His kingdom? . We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6 (NLT)
Grace Cat (Part 1)
December 6, 2019 • Emily Tenter • Romans 1:1–5, Ephesians 4:7, Hebrews 4:16, Ephesians 2:8–9
I’ve learned a lot about God’s grace from my cat. I know that sounds weird, but hear me out! . When I was in high school, I looked out the window and saw a fluffy gray cat striding through our backyard. After talking with all the neighbors, we concluded that he had no home. So, I made it my mission to give him one! . I began leaving small bowls of food out on the porch for him. I was delighted to see him creep up the steps one day to eat. He came back every day for food, slowly becoming more comfortable with my family. It wasn’t long before he allowed us to pet him. . A few days after that, my mom was cooking dinner in the kitchen, and, when she turned around, he was sitting on the floor staring up at her. He just sneaked right inside the house! I named him Oliver, and he became a permanent resident in our home. . We gave Oliver a home, an identity, and even medication for a nasty ear infection. We embraced our new furry buddy with open arms. What exactly did this homeless cat do to deserve any of it? Absolutely nothing. Does that sound like grace to you? Because it sure does to me! . I was reminded of how God adopts us, giving us a new identity. Without Him, we’re all broken in sin and death. So, He offers us healing from that brokenness (Psalm 147:3; Romans 5:8). In fact, the entire Bible is one enormous story of grace. God showed grace to the nation of Israel, even when they messed up time and time again. Jesus showed us all grace when He came to Earth to die on a cross and rise from the grave to offer us the free gift of salvation! . There is nothing we have done or ever could do to earn such an enormous gift, but Jesus gave Himself for us anyway. And He did it so we could have a family, an identity, and love forever... just like Oliver. Only better! • Emily Tenter . • In what areas can you relate to Oliver the cat? . • What are some examples of ways God has shown grace to you? (To learn more about God’s gift of grace, check out our "Know Jesus" page). . • Without that grace, how do you think your life would be different? . For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (CSB)
In Defense of Video Games
December 5, 2019 • Taylor Eising • Genesis 1:26–31, Psalm 24:1, 1 Corinthians 10:31
I grew up around gamers. I remember spending hours of my childhood curled up on the couch watching my older brothers, Tony and AJ, play "Legend of Zelda." I admired their skill and problem-solving abilities, and I often wished I could play as well as they did. . Being created in God’s image gives us several good desires that can be used for God-glorifying purposes, and two of those desires are the desire to create and the desire to solve problems. As strange as it may sound, we can use video games to hone and train those good desires. . We are created to create because we are created in the Creator’s image (say that five times fast). This gift allows us to make incredible works of art using all kinds of different mediums. Since the beginning of time, we have been painting, sculpting, writing, singing, and directing plays. And now that artistic expression can be found in developing video games. Playing certain video games taps into our God-given creativity and helps us explore it more fully. . Video games also help us problem-solve, often with other people. Many games present the player with some difficult situation that they must resolve using strategic planning skills. These strategic planning skills—including resource management, cooperation, and persistence—are vital to the kingdom of God. In fact, God is glorified anytime we use those skills, so long as we aren’t using them for something sinful. . This is great news! Even though our world is broken by sin, Christ died so that, in Him, we could be free to serve and glorify Him in our daily endeavors. As the Creator, God loves beautiful art, and He loves a problem well-solved. He is overjoyed when we use the skills He has given to us. . So, as Christians, we have to think carefully about any art form we create or consume, including video games. Follow the rules in your household about video games and thank God for the skills and abilities He has given you. • Taylor Eising . • Who are some people in your life you can talk to about which video games are helpful, and which are not? . • What are some ways you can apply the skills you use in video games to real life? . So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)
Does God Care about My Body?
December 3, 2019 • Alissa Griffin • Genesis 1:26–27, Genesis 3:7–10, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
"I’m fat." "My skin is broken out." "My nose is too big." "I’m ugly." . Thoughts like these have haunted me most of my life, particularly during my teenage years. I often wondered what was wrong with me. "Why couldn’t I look different?" Sometimes just looking in a mirror made me want to cry. . My weight bothered me most, so I tried anything to reduce it. I refused my body nourishment, exercised too much, adopted specific and irrational eating rituals, and spiraled into binge-eating. All of this was an attempt to quiet the sadness inside. I thought if I could control my weight tightly enough, I would be happy. . What I couldn’t see back then was that I was believing a lie. I hated my body for how it looked and thought it was worthless. I didn’t think God cared or had anything to say about it. It took me many years and much wise Christian counsel to realize that nothing could be further from the truth. . God created all of us in His image, the crown jewels of His originally good creation. It was only after humanity’s fall into sin that we began misusing our bodies and considering them shameful. But even in our broken state, Jesus came to die on our behalf and make us right with God again, no matter what we look like (Romans 5:6-8). . Now, God doesn’t make His home in a physical building anymore: He lives in us. That’s right, He chose to make the body that I hated and mistreated for so long into His temple. Scripture tells us that we are not our own, we were bought at a very high price: the blood of Jesus. Therefore, we are called to glorify Him with our bodies. . So, if you are ever tempted to view your body as I did, please remember that you are worth much more than you think. The staggering reality is that we, bodies included, are immeasurably valuable because God created us, loves us, died for us, and lives in us. And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing. • Alissa Griffin . • What does it mean to bear the image of God? What does this say about how valuable our bodies are to God? . • What does it mean to glorify God with our bodies? . Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (CSB)
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)