Build Up Each Other

Posted by Melissa

Did you hear about . . . ? There they go again. It’s the Monday morning gossip time before school. You know you shouldn’t listen, but you don’t want to be in the dark either. But if they’re talking about other people, they may talk about YOU when you’re not around. This really has to stop, but how?

Read Ephesians 4:29-32. Look carefully at verse 32.

According to these verses, what type of conversation should you avoid?

What is the only good reason for talking about someone?

How is it possible to grieve the Holy Spirit?

What are the negative attitudes mentioned in these verses that must be removed from your life?

What does it mean to “be kind and compassionate” in your everyday life?

What are some actions you should take if you want to be like Jesus?

Why should you make an effort to forgive others?

Words are one of the most powerful things we possess. Words can build up or destroy. In Ephesians, we receive specific instructions on how to use our words: only to build each other up and to be kind and compassionate to one another. You may not be there yet. You may need to cut ties with some people you know to give yourself the opportunity to have these types of conversations. In the end it will be worth it as God leads you to more positive relationships.

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
—Ephesians 4:32


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It’s Time For An Attitude Check

Posted by Melissa

What a day! First you overslept and had to run to catch the bus. Then, you found out you made a D on a math test. Again. You heard your best friend Marisol is moving out of state. Then you remembered you had promised to take your next door neighbor to youth group tonight. How are you supposed to be friendly and excited about church when you have had such a terrible day?

Read Galatians 5:22-26. Pay attention to verse 22.

What are the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit?

If you belong to Christ, what areas of the flesh should you get rid of in your life?

If you live by the Spirit, what attitudes should you avoid?

Name some practical ways to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

What are some obstacles that prevent the Spirit from being in control of your life?

Look at the words that describe the fruit of the Spirit. Which ones do you struggle with the most?

Which ones best describe you?

The fruit of the spirit’s not a….(what’s your favorite verse?)

The fruit of the Spirit. What a challenge! How can we live for God and be the type of person described in these verses? Consider kindness. How can kindness be a natural part of your life? It may not come naturally, but it IS possible. Pray and ask God to give you the strength to overcome weaknesses that may keep you from having the fruit of the Spirit. Even when you have a bad day, God can give you the power to live for Him and communicate His kindness and love to others.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith. —Galatians 5:22


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Make A Difference

Posted by Melissa

A glass of lemonade on a hot day. An umbrella in the pouring rain. A cheeseburger and fries when you haven’t eaten all day. What do these items have in common?

Sometimes the smallest offer of kindness to meet our needs makes a difference in our day. Do we think about those who make the effort to supply our needs of food, safety, and shelter? Are we eager to help meet the needs of others?

Read Acts 27:24–28:2. Look closely at verse 2.

What was the soldiers’ plan for the prisoners during the storm?

What actions did the centurion take to save the prisoners? Why?

What did the local people do for the prisoners when they came ashore?

What risks did these people take in order to help the prisoners?

Has there been a time when you made an effort to meet the needs of someone else? What was it?

What risks are you willing to take to provide for someone you don’t know?

When a storm surrounded a ship of prisoners, the soldiers in charge wanted to take the easy way out so they wouldn’t be responsible if the prisoners escaped. All soldiers but one. The centurion cared about Paul and helped the prisoners survive. On shore, the people of Malta showed they cared about the needs of others. They made an effort to help total strangers. They welcomed the shipwrecked prisoners, no questions asked.

Do you go out of your way to help others? Are you aware of those who need food, shelter, or friendship? As you become sensitive to the Holy Spirit, God will lead you in the right direction.

The local people showed us extraordinary kindness, for they lit a fire and took us all in, since it was raining and cold. —Acts 28:2

Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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Join The Family

Posted by Melissa

You’re in line to see one of your favorite groups in concert. Seats are general admission, meaning first come, first serve, and you aren’t very hopeful that you will get good seats. Then, the arena manager calls your name. He pulls you out of line and takes you backstage. It seems that the lead singer’s dad and your dad went to school together. As a surprise, your dad made a call and you now have front row seats. Wow! What did you do to deserve this?

Read 2 Samuel 9:7-13. Concentrate on verse 7.

What did David tell Mephibosheth he would do for him?

How did Mephibosheth react to the news?

What prevented Mephibosheth from providing for his own needs?

In what way did David treat Mephibosheth as a member of his family?

Have you ever made an effort to treat someone as part of your family? If so, how did this person react?

How does God treat us as part of His family?

David allowed Mephibosheth to eat at his table and to be treated as one of his family. Mephibosheth had nothing to offer in return. David honored him because of his past relationship with Jonathan, Mephibosheth’s father. God offers us a place in His family as well. We don’t have to earn it or have special connections. Jesus paid the price for our sins so we can have a personal relationship with Him. All we need to do is accept His forgiveness and take our place as a child of God.

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “since I intend to show you kindness because of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all your grandfather Saul’s fields, and you will always eat meals at my table.” —2 Samuel 9:7

Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.


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It’s Worth The Effort

Posted by Phil

The challenge was clear at church yesterday: Do a random act of kindness for someone today. You decide to visit Mrs. Johnson, your first grade Sunday School teacher. She had a stroke and hasn’t been to church in over a year.

But it’s getting late, and you can’t find her house in the dark. Should you just forget it? After all, she didn’t know you were coming, and she may not even remember you. Is it really worth the effort?

Read 2 Samuel 9:4-6. Check out what happened in verse 6.

Why was it so important for David to find members of Saul and Jonathan’s family?

How was David’s search influenced by his past relationship with Jonathan?

How do you think Mephibosheth felt when he heard about David’s request to see him?

What was Mephibosheth’s reaction when he was brought to David?

Why was David excited to see Mephibosheth?

Have you ever consciously looked for someone to whom you could express kindness? Was it worth the effort? How did they react?

Do you usually wait until opportunities to help others come to you? Why or why not?

Is it easier for you to be kind to people you know or to people you don’t know? (For example, on a mission trip.)

David was determined to make a connection with Jonathan’s family. When he found Mephibosheth, he was excited about the opportunity he had to make a difference in the life of Jonathan’s son. Being kind to Mephibosheth took effort and David wasn’t getting anything out of it, but he still chose to honor Jonathan’s son with kindness. He was intentional. He was kind even though Mephibosheth had nothing to offer him in return. What about you? Will you become intentional about serving others?

Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, bowed down to the ground and paid homage. David said, “Mephibosheth!”
“I am your servant,” he replied. —2 Samuel 9:6


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Pay It Forward

Posted by Phil

Read 2 Samuel 9:1-3.

A PROMISE IS A PROMISE. When David searched for the family of Saul and Jonathan, his goal wasn’t to hurt them, but rather to care for them. David and Jonathan had been dear friends, and Jonathan had even saved David’s life by telling him he was in danger—even though Jonathan’s father, King Saul, was the one who wanted David dead. During that time, Jonathan asked David to express love for his family, regardless of what happened in the future. (See 1 Sam. 20:13-17.)

Fast forward to 2 Samuel 9:1. David made a special effort to find the family of Saul and Jonathan so he could make good on Jonathan’s request and show kindness to his family. Even though Saul and Jonathan had died (1 Sam. 31:2-6), David remembered the kindness Jonathan had shown to him and was determined to pay it forward to Jonathan’s family. It would have been easy for David to conveniently forget his promise and overlook a chance to be kind to someone, but he didn’t.

What about you? Think about times when others have expressed kindness to you, not for a reward but because they cared about you. Consider situations when your parents or other family members have made an effort to do something special for you.

Kindness is a powerful way to express love to your family, friends at Camp Crestridge, or even a stranger. You can make someone’s day through an act of kindness. And sometimes, being kind to someone is a choice.

Make that choice today.

David asked, “Is there anyone remaining from Saul’s family I can show kindness to because of Jonathan?” —2 Samuel 9:1


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Focus!

Posted by Phil

God’s plans are often different from ours. Let that sink in. God’s plans are often different from yours.

Are you content when others are given credit and you are forgotten? As Christians, we should be content for God to fulfill His plans however He sees fit. Are you willing to rest in God’s wisdom, power, and faithfulness?

Don’t miss verse 16 as you read 2 Samuel 7:11b-16.

What does it mean that God will build a house for David?

Who was David’s son? (Solomon)

Who was the future Son of David who would ultimately reign over God’s people forever? (The Old Testament tells us that God was faithful to His promise in the reign of Solomon and ultimately in Jesus who will reign forever and ever. See Rev. 5:13.)

God invited David to stay focused on the tasks He had called him to do and not to focus on what others were doing. Is that advice you need to hear? Why?

Although David experienced great victories in his reign as king, God had determined David’s son, Solomon, would actually build the temple. It’s easy to look at all the people around you doing great things for God and start comparing. That’s not what He asks of us. God has specific tasks for you to do. Focus on them, be obedient to do what God calls you to do and go where He leads you to go. God’s plans include you—and those who follow you. Focus on the things God calls you to do and be obedient. Your obedience will have a lasting effect.

“Your house and kingdom will endure before Me forever, and your throne will be established forever.” —2 Samuel 7:16


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Let God lead. He knows what He’s doing.

Posted by Phil

Do you ever feel like God could never use you? What characteristics do you think God looks for in those who serve Him? Do you know of any examples in the Bible or history of unlikely men and women whom God used greatly? Name a few.

Read 2 Samuel 7:8-11a, focusing on verse 9.

What about David’s past made him an unlikely hero? (Hint: notice his former job!)

What do these verses tell us about David’s accomplishments and success?

Why should this have kept David humble?

How have you seen God’s hand in your own life?

Do you acknowledge that everything good in your life is due to God’s power and mercy? Why or why not?

David needed to be reminded that he was not ultimately the one doing great things for God. God is the One who had done great things for him, like raising him up from being a poor, unknown shepherd to the greatest king in Israel’s history. Today’s passage should encourage all believers to be grateful. Like David, we cannot take credit for any good that we have done. Our victories and achievements are gifts from the Lord. Whatever we accomplish is due to God’s power working through us. God is very active in our lives. God wants to direct your life and display His glory through it. Let God’s Word remind you daily that your success is the Lord’s work. It’s not about your plans or what you can do. It’s about what He can do. Let Him have control!

“I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land.” —2 Samuel 7:9


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Good Plans vs. God’s Plans

Posted by Phil

Think about that time you planned to do something extraordinary, only to have it backfire on you. What happened? What did you learn?

Do you ever find that you are motivated to do something good for the wrong reason? Is this ever true in your relationship with God?

Read 2 Samuel 7:1-7, stopping to think about verse 7.

What was good about David’s plan to build God a house (temple)?

How did God respond to David’s plan?

What does God’s response say about David’s plans?

What was God’s problem with David’s plans?

David wanted to do something wonderful for God, but his plans didn’t correspond to God’s plans. When have you seen that scenario play out in your life? What happened?

We shouldn’t read this passage and think that God doesn’t want us to do great things. He does, but He wants us to do great things according to His plan and through His power and strength. Even our greatest efforts and talents are gifts from Him.

David wanted to do something good for God. He wanted to honor God by building a temple, but it was never God’s plan that David would be the king who would build the temple. David’s motives were pure, and he wanted to do a wonderful thing, but his plan didn’t match up with God’s.

The point you need to understand? You may want to do great things for God, but if He hasn’t called you to do those things, you shouldn’t be doing them. Make plans to serve the Lord, but seek His leadership, then go where He leads and do what He asks.

In all My journeys with all the Israelites, have I ever asked anyone among the tribes of Israel, whom
I commanded to shepherd My people Israel: “Why haven’t you built Me a house of cedar?” —2 Samuel 7:7


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Praise!

Posted by Phil

What do you spend most of your time thinking about? As you sit in class at school, where do your thoughts go? Is it the game that’s coming up? Are you dreaming of next summer at Camp? The boy/girl you’re trying to get to notice you? The car you want? Whatever consumes your thoughts also consumes your heart.

Read Psalm 95:1-8. Chew on verse 6.

What reasons to praise the Lord does the psalmist give us in verses 3-5?

The psalmist speaks about the “depths of the earth . . . the mountain peaks . . . the sea . . . the dry land.” What does this signify?

What does bowing down to worship the Lord symbolize?

Have you ever hardened your heart to the things of God? Why? When? What happened?

What things of God is your heart hardened toward right now? Why?

This passage describes worshiping God in a variety of ways for many reasons. What are some reasons you can praise God today?

What steps will you take to praise and worship Him right now?

Today’s passage of Scripture is a call to worship. The psalmist reminds his readers that God is the Creator of all things, from the deepest valleys and seas to the highest mountains. The psalmist calls us to recognize God for who He is, the great God above all others who deserves all of our praise.

But God also wants our hearts to be obedient to Him. He wants us to have submissive attitudes and hearts completely surrendered to His will for our lives. Praise Him today. Ask Him to help you completely surrender your heart and your mind as you give Him all that you are out of your love and devotion for your King.

Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. —Psalm 95:6


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