iCandy (11/20/09)
I love trees. I draw trees often in my journal. Some are awesome, some are not so awesome. As I read the Bible and learn from some great thinkers in books, I think about trees often. Some trees grow and change for each season (unless it’s an evergreen), produce fruit, give shade, get struck by lightning, get nailed by a child making a fort, and have roots.
Colossians 2:6-7 is a verse I have on my desk and I always think about trees and our spiritual life in Christ when I read it. It says, “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
As followers of Christ, we have much to be thankful for.
May your roots grow down into Christ, and may your lives be built on Christ as we live.
Many of the youth in our church would identify with the first part of the verse…...ACCEPTED CHRIST. But, how many would say their lives are characterized by constant pursuit of Christ and continued growth in Christ? Some.
Wherever you are in life, I want to give you a mission. ENCOURAGE A YOUTH. You either know firsthand or vividly remember the challenges you faced as a young person growing up. While it may be a time of life with very little responsibility, it IS a time of life of great opportunity (both good and bad). How would your life be different if those alongside of you constantly encouraged you in your jr. high and high school years? That’s a simple but big question!
If just one youth in our church or outside of it was blessed or encouraged in some way, it would be worth it. With a congregation our size, we have quite a force to encourage with! Hebrews 3:13 says, “Encourage one another as long as it is called today so that none of you are hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
ENCOURAGE A YOUTH TODAY!
Because we ALL need Jesus.
PM (Pastor Mike)