God's Perfect Timing
by Cally, 15, Waterloo, Iowa
Do you ever sit in a message at church thinking "Goodness, I’ve been hearing a lot about that lately!" God has a way of reaching his children with a message, something that is emphasized in messages, it seems, wherever a sermon is taught. It’s awesome that God orchestrates just what He wants us to hear. But how many times must He stick it in our thick heads, until we hear it and apply it? Perhaps you’ve read a devotional book and a topic has applied perfectly to your situation in life. God has perfect timing for all of his messages. He gives us reminders of His promises and symbols of His love demonstrated toward us, such as the cross and communion. He is a personal God who has done you a personal “favor” (John 3:16) and for the whole world if they would believe. He knows exactly what you need to hear, understand, and apply to your life.
Everywhere you go you are placed there for a reason; God will give you the words He wants you to say if you ask Him to help you. Don’t waste your opportunities to learn and grow, and praise God. "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," (2 Timothy 3:15). Anything you read or listen to that comes from the Word of God has the power to change you; no matter how many times you’ve heard the passage, it should be just as powerful to you as it was the very first time you heard or read it. Ask God to show you something you haven't thought about, before you start your devotions, or go to church; be alert and look for what God is teaching you.
Devotions are a great way to see God work in his magnificent timing. Doing daily devotions keep you grounded in the Word. If you have a devotional book written by a godly example there are many everyday applications to apply to your life. Make sure the devotional also has scripture quoted; because getting into the Bible everyday is important as well. Proverbs would be great to read along with a devotional. It has instruction on guarding your heart (Proverbs 4), the importance of being obedient (Proverbs 3), and a myriad of wisdom that is scattered throughout the entire book. We need wisdom, submissiveness, and we can always learn from words of wisdom; it would be good to get these character qualities working through our brains on a regular basis.
God brings these reminders to our lives just when we need them, reminders such as the symbols of communion, the cross, and even rainbows. God uses people sometimes to communicate reminders of the ultimate showing of love, Jesus’ death on the cross, and His resurrection. There was a sermon delivered recently at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp, and the preacher, Joe Fox, gave a real and heart-wrenching description of what Jesus went through at the crucifixion, it was powerful, and needed. It was a call to praise and thank Jesus for doing that for me!
We must not get calloused to the great stories and verses of the Bible. We must not let ourselves slip into “auto mode” when we go to church or crack open a Bible. We must not forget that God uses what we are going through to grow us into a people that are more like Him. So pay attention in church on Sunday, when you have your personal devotions, and in your ordinary day to day life. Remember that-if you have trusted Christ as your savior alone-God is orchestrating your life. He will have the glory in the end, so why not praise him in what you are experiencing today?
No Facebook For a Week Challenge
The phenomenon that swept the nation in the past few years has taken its’ toll by wolfing down people’s lives with simple clicks of the mouse. This week I decided I wouldn’t log on facebook.com <http://facebook.com> ; it was devouring my life, hour by hour, click, by easy click. I’m doing this challenge because it was time for a withdrawal-my parents and little sister probably saw it as a given that I would be on Facebook basically all evening, on most nights that I was “free.” I have many worthy endeavors to pursue, and staying off Facebook has it’s perks -at least I’ll be on my bed at around 10 p.m.
The first day of the challenge I gathered troops to join me in my effort-namely Mari Ella Koons and Olivia Wright. They were both a bit hesitant but then they gave in to my coaxing. Olivia had come over to my house after the Sunday evening church service. When she had to leave, the temptation to “click on“ flourished. I really needed self-control… So, I did what my family usually did at night for the past couple weeks, and watched the Winter Olympics. It was just the closing ceremony, but I gazed at the TV for the rest of the evening, I think.
I kept track of when I got on the computer for three days last month, most of the time was probably spent on facebook.com <http://facebook.com> . Two hours and forty minutes was the grand total. That was when I was somewhat conscious of the time I was spending on the computer. As they say, I think I had “too much of a good thing.”
On the second night without facebook I read three chapters of Proverbs, crocheted part of baby hat I’m making for Alternatives Pregnancy Center, played the piano, applied my heart to instruction and my ear to knowledge (Proverbs 23:12), and worked on some school work. I felt so much more accomplished at night when I had a meaningful, purposeful, and fulfilling evening.
It’s day three and I’ve been finding myself on my bed around ten or so reading, or writing. Today and yesterday I actually was up and out of bed at a little after 6:30 a.m. (for me, that‘s pretty early). This morning, Wednesday, March 3rd I had enough gumption to do part of a geometry test before I had breakfast. That made me happy. If I had been up late last night on Facebook, then I probably would not have risen as early as I did. Therefore I probably would not have ended up completing part of my geometry test before breakfast, then in turn I wouldn‘t have been happy for that that reason. So through some “if-then” logical statements we’ve figured this challenge had it’s part in making me happy; could it be possible? Yes.
We shall see how this week turns out- I either persevere in resisting the colossal temptation-OR I cave in, and do the easy thing and simply type my email address and password to log on the site, click, click, click. But, I don’t think you’ll have to worry to much about me choosing the second option, I’ve convinced myself and I have my “army”, and family to be accountable to. Hey, I only have about three more days to go! What else can I accomplish in the time of the one week challenge? I wrote this essay didn’t I? I suppose time will reveal.
Giver of Saving Grace
by Catherine, 16, Richland, NJ
(My poem is set in a 7-6-7-6 syllable format in groups of four lines each)
I walked along a narrow road
The way obscured and dark
I knew not where, but traveled there
The path my only mark
My heart and soul cried out aloud
"Where does this dark path lead?"
But I recieved no answer
My echo taunting me
A brisk wind blew at my face
Bringing my eyes to tears
I let them flow unhindered
And grasped at all my fears
Sinking to my knees again
My fears screaming inside
Clutching my heart I looked
Above, my eyes open wide
I searched for light, anything
To save me from this place
Where was my Redeemer now?
Where was my saving Grace?
"I put faith in you!" I screamed
"I followed all my days!
But now you've left me alone
To walk in darkness always."
I closed my eyes, and again
Stood on my weary feet
My eyes opened, ready for
The darkness then to meet
But it had changed, light I saw
Coming from up ahead
I faint but sparkling glimmer
That brightened as it said:
"I never left you, dear one,
I never left your side.
You simply could not see me,
For darkness was your guide.
You chose it over my way,
You went the way of man.
But I walked right beside you
Waiting to take your hand."
The light, it moved and rose up
Till it could not be seen
And then it reappeared again
Walking right beside me!
My eyes blinded by the light
My face, it turned away
But something took my hand and
I heard the sweet voice say:
"You called to me in darkness
Your heart cried out to me.
I will walk with you always
Even if I'm not seen."
I clutched the strong hand in mine
And turned to meet His face
I smiled at my Savior
Giver of saving Grace
He walked me down the path and
I saw everything change
The darkness melted into
light, night changed into day
The only thing different was
There was no sun above
The light came from my Savior
Holy and full of love.
If I Tell You That I'm Sorry
by Lissa, 18, Lake Hiawatha, NJ
If I tell You that I'm sorry
will You take away the pain?
Will You stop this pouring rain?
If I tell You that I'm sorry
will You forgive me?
Though I'm not worthy