WEAR THE WOOL,

SHINE THE SHOES

Living the Christian Life Without

Laws, Commandments

or Condemnation

By

GLENN ADAMS

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

1 TRANSITION

2 THE HEART TRANSPLANT

3 DRINK THE NEW WINE

4 WORK AT RESTING

5 THE GIFTS

6 HE’S JUST AVERAGE

7 THE UMBRELLA

8 NEVER WALK ALONE

9 THE LAMB AND THE WOLF

10 TAKE THE TRASH OUT

11 THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL

12 THE BIG HEAD

13 THE JOURNEY

14 THE CHALLENGE

About the Author

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My first and foremost acknowledgement must be to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” I am just so thankful that the Lord has directed my paths over the years even to the point of writing this book. That verse is a promise from the Lord and is extremely encouraging to me. I believe that God, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has given me the desire to write this book and for that I am thankful.

Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I am deeply grateful for two loving Christian parents who led me to the Lord at the young age of seven and definitely trained me according to Proverbs 22:6 - in the way I should go. I’m thankful for the training they gave me. My parents have now gone on to be with the Lord and I look forward to our reunion one day. I thank you and love you both so much.

I am also grateful for everyone that God has placed in my path over the years. I am thankful for all who were spiritual inspirations and positive influences on my life. But you know what? I am also thankful for the influences that were not quite so spiritual or positive! I believe that sometimes we learn more from negative experiences (in the valleys) than we do from positive experiences (on the mountain tops). I believe that God has used each and every one, positive and negative, to draw me closer to Him. I can look back over the years and see the pieces of my life’s puzzle coming together with God drawing me ever closer to Him.

Next, I am so grateful that the Lord brought Maity Schrecengost into my life. Maity is a retired teacher who has written books, taught others how to write, and has helped me tremendously in critiquing and preparing this book. What a blessing you have been Maity.

Finally, I would like to thank my beautiful, patient, and understanding wife, Tammy. She has helped me in so many ways, especially getting this book into print. She is definitely the computer genius in our family.

Proverbs 3:6 - In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

INTRODUCTION

I have a tremendous burden for you, our teens, and what you are faced with in our society today. In my lifetime I have not seen such ungodliness and lack of Christian values as is permeating our nation and world. Christianity is under attack, families are under attack, and I believe you teens are at the center of the bull’s eye.

Many of you are mixed up and confused by what you are witnessing. Some of you look forward to going to school just to get away from problems at home. Others of you dread going to school every day for fear of violence or bullying. The dilemma is there and the social networking phenomenon seems to just be adding to the problems.

My heart goes out to you because of the complex challenges that you face. We are definitely living in a different world than when I grew up. My hope and prayer is that this book will teach you how to make the right choices and decisions to positively influence the rest of your lives, even with these challenges.

Many surveys have been taken to identify exactly what difficulties you face. Most surveys mention self image, getting along with parents, peer pressure, sex, money, drugs and alcohol, school, career and faith. Quite a list, huh?

I will share with you God’s ways of dealing with those issues and help you realize that God, as well as your parents and grandparents, are on your side and want the very best for you. So do I! Understand too that even though your parents and grandparents are from different generations, they were teens once and also experienced many of the same problems. In most cases, their advice is good. You just might want to listen to it.

I must confess something to you. My Christian life has not always been smooth sailing. Although I was saved at a very young age, and knew that Jesus was my Savior, I didn’t make him Lord of my life. I chose to continue to do things my way and the world’s way, rather than God’s way. What a mistake! Can any of you relate to this? I didn’t really understand how to live by grace rather than condemnation. Because of that, my Christian life in many ways has been more of a roller coaster ride, with many ups and downs. One of the things that I had misunderstood is in this verse:

Galatians 2:16 - Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

I didn’t know about this verse growing up. I thought I was justified or accepted according to my behavior.

What this verse means is that God is more interested in your “heart” than He is your “behavior”. He knows that if your heart is right, then your behavior will be right. We have this tendency, even as Christians, to focus on the behavior and start condemning rather than looking at the heart and transforming.

I am so thankful that I finally learned this, even though it took many years. I am probably as old as your grandparents and as a matter of fact, I am a grandparent! I have eight beautiful grandchildren and the oldest ones are just beginning to reach those difficult teen years. So, because of that, I refer to myself throughout the book as grandpa, and so can you if you choose. I would love that!

I just have one request. Please don’t look at this book thinking “Here is some old goat calling himself Grandpa -- and he’s not even my Grandpa -- is giving me ten more of those “thou shalts” and “thou shalt nots.”  Are you kidding me? That’s all I’ve heard all my life. Do this! Don’t do that! I’m told what to do at home, and then told what to do at school, and now this old guy wants to add to it! No way!”

Maybe you were even told or asked to read this book, right? You’re thinking being told what to do will never end, aren’t you? Are you like many teens who are just biding your time, waiting to become an adult so you can leave home and never be told what to do ever again?

I’m reminded of the seventeen year old that was so sick and tired of being told what to do and being ordered around that he decided he would quit school, leave home, and go join the Marines! WOW!!! So much for getting away from orders and being told what to do, huh? Sometimes we’re not as smart as we think we are.

Well, you can lighten up. It’s not going to be like that. My desire is to share with you how to deal with your everyday challenges by incorporating God’s instructions of grace rather than giving you a list of rules, laws, or commandments! Just know that God loves you and so does this old guy.

My prayer is that you will learn who you are in Christ, will live by grace and not the law (condemnation), will know how to deal with the issues you face, will choose to live the abundant and victorious life, and will join with me in being a true soldier of Jesus Christ!

I pray that this book will be as much of a blessing to you as you read it as it has been for me in writing it.

Please join us on Grandpa’s Christian Soldiers blog http://bit.ly/11ig0KR

1

TRANSITION

Everyone goes through transition - one job to another, one residence to another, single to married, and even civilian life to military life. We all go through transition in our life.

As a teen, you are in transition! The dictionary defines transition as movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another; change: the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Isn’t that amazing? The dictionary uses the example of adolescence to adulthood. The very position you are in!

As a teen, you are obviously faced with many challenges and decisions. You are no longer a child and you have not yet reached adulthood. That can be very difficult for some. In some ways you feel as though you are treated like a child but expected to act like an adult, right?

Would you be willing to work with me to make this transition as smooth as possible? If so, I believe we can make your teen years exciting, satisfying, and fulfilling.

So, let’s get started.

Let’s look back over your life. Think back as far as you can remember. Now slowly begin to look at the changes that have come about. There have been many. Perhaps you have moved or changed schools. Maybe you are even old enough to have received your driver’s license. You have definitely changed in your appearance and how much you have grown. Transition is something you will be experiencing for the rest of your life. Some changes you will like. Some you won’t. Some you will have control over and some you won’t.

As you take that look back, I want you to remember how your freedom to make choices for yourself has increased. Some have increased more than others. I get that. But I hope all of you recognize that you have more liberty now than you did as a child. You have more to say in what you wear, what you eat, who your friends are, as well as many other things. As you mature and get older, you will continue to be given more and more freedom and be able to make more of your own choices. But understand something. With more freedom comes more responsibility. Be patient!

Although this book will help you deal with issues you currently face, it will also prepare you to make right choices about those future decisions. This time in your life is not just a period of transition, but also a period of preparation. Where you end up in five, ten, twenty, or even thirty years all depends upon the choices you make! Grandpa wants you to make the right ones and I know you do too.

In the next few years you will be making some very important and major decisions that will affect the rest of your life. You will be “free” to make all of those choices yourself. You can make those choices one of three ways. God’s way, the world’s way or a combination of the two. I can tell you that if you choose the world’s ways, they will lead you to disappointment and emptiness - guaranteed. If you try to mix the world’s ways with God’s ways, that will lead you to wandering and confusion - guaranteed. If you choose God’s ways, He will lead you to that freedom, fulfillment, and abundant life that everyone wants – guaranteed.

I am going to show you how to understand and do things God’s way and we will start with the subject of faith.

Faith

The first area I want you to look at is faith. Faith is not a one - time decision, but rather an ongoing one.  Faith will be a part of your life forever.

Just what exactly is faith? The dictionary defines faith as 1. Complete trust or confidence, 2. System of religious belief, 3. Belief in religious doctrines.

My personal paraphrase definition of faith is anything that you believe in that can’t be explained using your five senses – see, smell, hear, taste, and feel. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1 - that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Have you ever heard of someone being described as a person of faith? What they do not realize is that everyone is a person of faith in something! We all use faith every day. Think about it. When is the last time you examined a chair for sturdiness before you sat down in it? Probably never. You just believed and trusted that it would hold you up. That is using faith.

I also want you to understand that faith is like your muscles. The more you use your muscles, the larger they get. It’s the same with faith. You have to exercise your faith as well for it to grow.

Usually related to the topic of faith is religion and that is what we are going to look at next.

Religion

Religion is defined as 1. A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. 2. A specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.

Notice what the first part of the first definition says – a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe.

Ever wonder where you came from? Ever wonder where this earth, sun, moon and stars came from? Of course you have! We all have! That’s normal and natural. According to the dictionary that’s all a part of religion.

Another dictionary defines religion as a belief in a personal God or Gods.

I don’t know about you, but I believe in a personal God. I believe in one God and I believe He is the creator of this universe. These are choices that I made based on faith.

Did you know there are many people who cannot get past the very first verse of the Bible? They discount God and believe in the theory of evolution.  Genesis 1:1 tells us that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Most believe as I do that it takes more faith to believe evolution than it does creation!

Faith and religion are considered somewhat synonymous. They both have to do with our beliefs. As a matter of fact I think we can come to the conclusion that we are all “persons of faith” and “religious”. It’s just that we may differ on what that faith is in or what that religion is about.

Actually everyone is religious in the sense that they have a god. Did you know that whoever or whatever is the most important thing to you in your life is your god! That could be a person, house, job, game, television, money, clothes, iPad, iPod, cell phone, or even yourself. Uh oh! Did I strike a nerve there? I’m sure I did with some of you. That’s okay as long as you get the message.

Is your God the same as my God – Jesus Christ? If not, I pray that He will be before you finish this book.

I know that some of you are turned off by religion mainly because you believe that it is nothing but a bunch of rules and regulations, or commandments  or laws that you have to follow, (which you interpret to mean you’re not allowed to have any fun). You know what? In many cases you’re right. That’s exactly what “religion” is – rules, laws, commandments, and rituals.  I don’t want you to follow a religion but I do want you to know what religion is!

In the Bible, during Old Testament times, the people were given the 10 Commandments and the Levitical law (ceremonial law) to live by. If they kept the law and commandments they were blessed. If not, they were cursed. That was the case in Old Testament times. Read Deuteronomy chapter 28 and you will see all the blessings and cursings. They didn’t understand that the law was there to show them that they couldn’t keep the law. It was a “mirror” and still is today, to show us how unrighteous we are and that we need a savior.

Now what I have just described to you in essence is religion – rules, laws, rituals and commandments! That was the old covenant made through Moses to the children of Israel.

That leads us to the next topic that I want to make sure you understand – Christianity and the new covenant of grace.

2

THE HEART TRANSPLANT

Christianity

Some people consider Christianity a religion. Most Christians however don’t because it is not about how well we perform laws, commandments or rituals. It is all about our faith and belief in the person of Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. Do you see the difference in that from what you just read about religion? Christianity is all about what Jesus did for us at the cross and our faith and trust in Him, whereas religion is all about us and how well we are performing the rules, laws, or commandments. Instead of our faith and focus being on ourselves, our focus is on Jesus. Or at least, it should be.

Being good is not what saves you! Did you know that sins are not the cause of someone going to Hell? No, it’s unbelief and rejection of Jesus Christ that does. Many people are misled about this so I am going to explain it thoroughly for you. Even some Christians are confused about what the Christian life is all about. I know I was! That is why I am going into much detail about this because I don’t want any of you mixed up. Salvation is foundational to understanding the rest of this book, as well as, dealing with all the issues you face. Therefore, I want you to be completely clear.

Growing up, my understanding of the Christian life was that you lived at the church. It seemed as though we were always there. Sunday school, preaching, training union, preaching, prayer meeting, preaching, mama’s WMU meetings, preaching, daddy’s deacons meetings, preaching, R.A.’s, you name it – we were there. Oh, I forgot visitation. Well, that mischievous little boy on the cover of this book began to resent it! It got to where my favorite part of every meeting or service was the benediction.

Not only did I dread all the meetings and services, I dreaded the preparation. We had this ritual that we went through on Saturday evenings. After supper we had to get ready for – you guessed it – church! That meant we had to study our Sunday school lesson, fill out that little white envelop for our tithe, shine our shoes, and get our clothes ready. Now shining my shoes was quite a chore. You see, I only had one pair and by the time Saturday evening rolled around, they looked like they had been through three world wars! I almost needed to putty them before I shined them.

The clothes situation wasn’t any better. I had an older brother so that meant I had to wear all his hand-me-downs. If I ever got a new suit, my mother would buy it so that it would fit me three years later. “You’ll grow into it,” she said. I don’t remember ever growing into any of those clothes. I was as rough on my clothes as I was my shoes. I’m sure they were worn out long before they ever fit.

And then there was this wool suit. This was in the days before they began putting a lining in wool. It itched so badly. It felt like a terrible case of poison ivy. I was miserable! I will never forget one Sunday at church my mother looking down at my feet and saying, “What are you wearing?” I looked down and my pajama bottoms were sticking out from under my pants. I had ingeniously figured out if I wore those under my pants they wouldn’t itch so badly. Who knows, maybe I invented lined wool clothes!

I obviously had an immature, distorted view of what Christianity was all about. To me, growing up, it all boiled down to “Wear the Wool, Shine the Shoes.”I didn’t comprehend or understand my relationship with Jesus. I understood rules and rituals. I don’t want that to be the case for you.

Christianity (being a Christian) is not about being good or bad. It is not about being perfect little goody two shoes. It is not about following a list of rules or procedures or laws or rituals. It is not a bunch of thou shalts or thou shalt nots. It is not something to keep you from having fun. It’s not a lot of “have-to’s”.

If you recognize that you do things wrong and have done things wrong in the past (committed sins) then you realize that you are a sinner and need a savior. The Bible tells us that all (that means everyone) has sinned and we are all guilty. We cannot be “good enough” to earn our way to heaven. We cannot be perfect.  Jesus is the only one that has ever been perfect, and kept the whole law and when you realize this, then you can understand why we need a savior and why that savior has to be Jesus! He kept the whole law on our behalf. He fulfilled it! When we accept Jesus as our savior, God looks at us as being perfect because he sees us through the shed blood of his only son.

God made it so simple to become a Christian that even a little child could understand it. It’s all in this verse in Acts 16:31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Period. End of sentence. Christ died for our sins, was buried, and He rose from the grave on the third day. If you believe this you will be saved.

Christianity is a “relationship” with a person, and that person is Jesus Christ. Stop and think for a minute. Christians have a relationship with, and worship a “risen”, “resurrected”, “living” savior. This is the primary reason that makes Christianity different from all other “religions.”

I trust that you see that being a Christian is not “religion” but a relationship. Doing things (works) does not save you. Going to church does not, reading the Bible does not, getting sprinkled or baptized does not, teaching a Bible class does not, being in ministries at church does not, and even being a pastor does not. Only your belief does!

Our works do not save us, but once we believe, we end up doing good works because that is what is in our heart to do. We have a desire to. God gives us a whole new set of taste buds!

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Let me explain it this way. Being saved or becoming a Christian is like getting a heart transplant. The Bible says in John 3:7 that you must be born again. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. God transforms our heart (heart transplant) and we are born again spiritually!

Many of you have already made the decision to become Christians, and I congratulate you and praise the Lord for you and the choice you have made. You will see that even as Christians we still face difficult situations and circumstances, especially as teens. The teen years are some of the hardest. I know; I’ve been there.  But, if you have Christ in your heart, you will learn how to deal with anything this old world or Satan will throw at you. That’s what this book is about!

Some of you have not accepted Jesus as your savior and Lord. That’s okay. Maybe you are just trying to understand what being a Christian is all about. I hope it is becoming clear to you by now. This book will help you understand how to build the proper foundation for your life and construction begins with salvation.

Maybe a family member or friend has asked you to read this. That’s okay too. That means they care very deeply for you and want you to have the very best that life has to offer. And, that comes with the Christian life.

Being saved means that you get to go to Heaven. Being saved means that you have the Holy Spirit living within you. Being saved means that you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Being saved means that you can live an abundant life, if you choose to, while you are here on this earth. But, that doesn’t mean you won’t face challenges!

The most important decision you will ever make in your entire lifetime is to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Why? Because that determines not only your eternal destination, but also the quality of life you will live while still on this earth! Trust grandpa. It’s a choice you will never regret. Everything else hinges on this.

Jesus loves each and every one of us so much. He loves you that much!  Would you like to know for sure that you are going to heaven to spend eternity with Him? Would you like to have a close personal relationship with the One who loves you so much He was willing to die for you and longs to live with you? Of course you would - who wouldn’t want to have that?

I invite you and encourage you to make that decision right now if you haven’t. Just simply say, “Dear God, I know and believe that you love me and that you sent your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins. I thank you that you have forgiven me of my sins and I ask you to come into my life right now and save me. Help me to live the rest of my life for you. In Jesus name I pray, amen.” If you just prayed that prayer and were sincere then you are now saved and will live forever. Congratulations!!! Write me and tell me about your decision.

THOUGHTS FROM PROVERBS

(New Living Translation)

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.

Store my commands in your heart.  If you do this, you will live many years,

and your life will be satisfying.

Tie them around your neck as a reminder.

Write them deep within your heart.

Then you will find favor with both God and people,

and you will earn a good reputation.

Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!

And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.

If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.

Embrace her, and she will honor you.

She will place a lovely wreath on your head;

she will present you with a beautiful crown.”

3

DRINK THE NEW WINE

Law Versus Grace

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ - John 1:17.

Many people look to the Ten Commandments to "grade” how well they are living their life, and how well they are doing. And, sad to say, some think they are going to Heaven because they are “good people.”  Did you know that the Bible calls the Ten Commandments or the law a ministry of death?

2 Corinthians 3:7-9 - But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away. How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

Jesus is the only one that has perfectly kept the law or the Ten Commandments.  He said he came not to abolish but to fulfill the law. The commandments were given to show mankind that they could not keep them and that we needed a savior.

The Savior came in the person of Jesus Christ who shed His blood for our sins and because of that we are under a new covenant with God. We are now under grace and not the law. Let me share with you a scripture passage that will help you understand this law (religion) versus grace (Christianity) issue. It is found in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18. Read this over and over, if necessary, until you totally understand this.

The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away.  Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life?  If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God!  In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way.  So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!

Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.  We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away.  But the people’s minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ.  Yes, even today when they read Moses’ writings, their hearts are covered with that veil and they do not understand.

But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Understanding the difference between law and grace is foundational to knowing who you are in Christ and being able to live the Christian life abundantly! The law has its purpose and grace has its! This will help you in your spiritual journey for the rest of your life.

Many Christians and I’m sorry to say, some church leaders, will state that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ,  then  turn right around and preach and teach the law. The problem comes about by mixing law and grace. It’s no wonder so many are mixed up and confused. The best analogy I have ever heard for this is the blender. Imagine putting the Bible into a blender, turning it on, and then pouring it out. Sounds crazy, I know. But it happens. The Bible is progressive revelation. That is why Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Galatians 5:4 tells us - Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

We are not just saved by grace; we also live our lives by and through the grace of Jesus Christ. Our faith and trust and belief in Jesus is what saves us, forgives us, redeems us, makes us righteous, sanctifies us, and justifies us, not how obedient we are to the law or Ten Commandments. Too many Christians live their lives under that law, and under the condemnation that it brings, which is why they live defeated and unfulfilled lives – living in the natural, rather than the supernatural.  Since the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we now live by a new covenant, the covenant of grace and not the law. Romans 8:1 tells us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Jesus tells us that we can’t put new wine (grace) into old wineskins (the law). I don’t know about you, but I want to DRINK THE NEW WINE of grace!

4

WORK AT RESTING

Living the Christian Life

Whether you have been a Christian for some time or have just made that decision, I want to give you some suggestions to help you with your Christian life.

Remember that you have a relationship with Jesus. He wants to hear from you. Talk to Him just like you would to your most trusted friend because that is what He is. That is what prayer is - talking to God from your heart. Tell Him how much you love Him. Tell Him when things have made you sad, or mad, or glad. Ask Him to help you when you are facing difficult situations. Ask Him to help you in your Christian life. Some of the time just be quiet and let Him speak to you through the Holy Spirit that’s living within you. The more you do this the closer your relationship will be. You will be amazed!

Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Begin to study your Bible every day. You can’t know what the instruction manual says if you don’t read and study it! If someone were to ask me if I studied my Bible every day, my response to them would be a question: Since this book, the Bible, tells me how I can have eternal life in Heaven and it tells me how to have an abundant life while here on this earth, and it tells me how to deal with all the issues that I face here on earth, then why would I not study it every day? I want that to be your attitude as well. Maybe God’s word should be our “daily” bread. What do you think?

2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Surround yourself with Christian friends. You need the encouragement and support of each other. Be active in a church that has good training and programs for teens.

Understand that you are responsible for your relationship with Jesus Christ.

Please don’t look at others and what they do to determine what you do. You see, I did that for many years and Satan robbed me of much joy in my life. With the devil’s help I was very good at recognizing hypocrites! I guess I thought since I was “perfect,” everyone else should be as well. (Maybe I should have become a detective instead of a firefighter). You know I’m kidding, but I really did have a problem with this. I remember many times that my mother would tell me that if I keep my eyes on people, I will always be disappointed. She said that I need to keep my eyes on Jesus! Boy, how right and wise she was.

Actually church is a wonderful place for hypocrites, as well as other sinners to be. There they can get to know others that may be struggling and also learn from God’s word. They may even learn as I did that they aren’t perfect. Remember – the church is made up of “believers” that aren’t perfect. I have often heard that if you find a perfect church, please don’t join it because then it would be imperfect.

Enter into the rest of the Lord or WORK AT RESTING.

Hebrews 4:11 - Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

I know you are thinking, “What in the world does that mean – work at resting?” I can probably explain it best by sharing or reminding you of the story in the Bible where Jesus goes to visit Mary and Martha.

Let’s look at the text. This is found in Luke 10:38-42 - Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.  But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Notice that Martha was busy serving the Lord, while Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet and receiving from the Lord. Too many times we are so busy serving the Lord that we neglect to take from the Lord Jesus and receive His supply! We end up “doing” things in our own flesh, using our own willpower, and leaving the Lord out of it. This does not please Him! This will lead you right back into a works religion where you are focusing on yourself and your performance rather than Jesus’ finished work.

Entering into His rest is what Mary was doing. That is what you should do! When you do that it will lead you into those good works. Always remember this: God is more interested in your heart being transformed than He is your behavior being modified!

I want to suggest something to you that has helped me immensely over the years. One of the best things for you to do as a teenager is to spend some time in the book of Proverbs. You are at a time in your life when you are making decisions about many things and whether they are right or wrong for you. Some of the best advice for you, at this time in your life, comes from the book of Proverbs. If you will follow this suggestion, you will grow in wisdom tremendously!

Here’s the suggestion. Begin today reading one chapter of Proverbs per day corresponding to the date. There are 31 chapters in the book, so if you start today and today’s date is the 10th, then read the tenth chapter, tomorrow the 11th, and so forth and so on. If you will establish this discipline and stay with it, I guarantee you that it will help you enormously during your teen years. You will soon find that making those tough decisions and choices become easier and easier.

Now this is not to diminish the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives for guidance. Hebrews 10:16 tells us that the Lord will write His laws on our hearts and minds, which is most definitely true, but this exercise in Proverbs will also give you many wise answers to daily issues that you face as teenagers.

Always remember that Jesus loves you and wants you to have an abundant and fulfilling life. John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 3:17 tells us – He did not come to condemn us, but that through Him we might be saved.

My hope and prayer is that you are seeing exactly what God's word has to say about salvation and living the Christian life. I want you to enjoy the journey. You will have ups and downs and bumps in the road, but if you’ll keep your eyes on Jesus, you will be amazed at what God will do in your life. Just remember to work at resting, and accept the free gifts which you will learn about next.

THOUGHTS FROM PROVERBS

(New Living Translation)

My child, listen to me and do as I say,

and you will have a long, good life.

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,

but the LORD tests the heart.

Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart;

I am pure and free from sin”?

The LORD directs our steps,

so why try to understand everything along the way?

Every word of God proves true.

He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

Do not add to his words,

or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

5

THE GIFTS

Another part of the Christian life I want you to understand and be clear about is forgiveness. Forgiveness is only one part of your salvation. You receive forgiveness the same as you do righteousness, redemption, and justification. You do not work to obtain these! They are all free gifts you receive when you accept Jesus as your Savior. It is not about what you do but about what you believe, and what Jesus has done for you.

Look at what Gods word says.

Romans 5:17 - For if by one man's offence (Adam) death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:18 - Therefore as by the offence of one (Adam) judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one (Jesus) the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

Receiving forgiveness from God is one subject that is so misunderstood and also misrepresented. Many people, even Christians, live defeated lives under a cloud of condemnation. I don’t want that to be the case for you. That’s why it is so important that you study your Bible to know that what you are hearing is accurate. This applies to me as well. Always validate what you hear with God’s word.

Receiving Forgiveness from God

When Jesus was crucified and died on the cross, all of your sins, all of my sins, and all of everyone’s sins were forgiven. Jesus died for the sins of the entire world. All the sins that you committed up to the point and time you were saved were forgiven. All of the sins that you will commit after you are saved are already forgiven. If you commit sins next week, next month, next year, they are already forgiven. They were forgiven at the cross for all people for all time - past, present, and future. You are actually redeemed (receive your forgiveness of sins) at the time that you accept Jesus Christ as your savior.

Read these verses carefully:

Ephesians 1:7 – In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

Hebrews 8:12 – For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Hebrews 10:12 – But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God.

Hebrews 10:16-17 – This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

I don’t know about you guys, but those verses are pretty clear to me. If you are saved – your sins have been forgiven! Praise the Lord.

If you are having trouble understanding this you may need to read the scripture verses again and ask the Lord to help you comprehend it. It is so imperative for you to understand that you do not have to live under that cloud of condemnation now or in the future.

Although this is wonderful news, let me give you a word of caution here because Satan (or some well meaning friends and family) will sometimes try to defeat you by reminding you of your imperfection (sins). Just remember this - always point them to the cross and tell them that your sins were forgiven there! Study the verses I’ve given you because this is what God’s word says; it’s not just Grandpa’s opinion. We are now, and have been since the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, living in the age of grace. You are forgiven, and as Romans 8:1 tells us, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Here are a couple of verses in addition to Romans 8:1 that will help you with any condemnation that you may be dealing with now or may come your way in the future:

Romans 8:33 – Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.

Hebrews 9:14 – How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Do you remember the story in John chapter 8 about the woman caught in adultery? The Pharisees brought the woman to Jesus to see what he would say. The law said that she should be stoned to death. Jesus told her that he did not condemn her and for her to go and sin no more. So many times we get that backwards. We say go and sin no more – then we won’t condemn you.

Sometimes we tend to grade sins in others as well as ourselves.  I just want to caution you here – don’t fall into that trap of condemnation of others or yourself. God forgives all sins – the “big” ones and the “little” ones, and he remembers them no more. Remember, God’s word says that if we are guilty of breaking even one of the laws or commandments, we are guilty of breaking them all.

Another trap some fall into is believing that since your sins are forgiven that it’s okay to sin. Absolutely not! Nothing could be further from the truth. As the Apostle Paul puts it in the book of Romans, “God forbid!”To get a better understanding of this read and study chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Romans.

Romans 6:1-2 – What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

The thing for you to understand is that just because your sins are forgiven doesn’t give you a license, or a freedom, to sin. You don’t continue in sin because your hearts have been changed and you are new creatures. And because you are new creatures, you don’t have the desire to sin as you did before you were saved, although we do still have to battle the flesh.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Now you know you have received God’s forgiveness. Let’s turn our attention to forgiving others.

Forgiving Others

When you have been hurt or wronged by other people, it is very difficult, even as Christians, to forgive them. I realize that. The only way that you can be successful and genuinely forgive others is to have your heart right, or rather, have Christ at the center of your heart.

Let me add here that you do not have to wait for someone to ask you for forgiveness before you can forgive them. Remember what Jesus said from the cross, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” The ones who crucified Jesus did not ask him to forgive them! He did forgive them because he knew that if they realized what they were doing, they wouldn’t have done it. The Bible tells us that we are to forgive others because we realize that God has forgiven us. Notice how different that is from the law. The law said that God would not forgive us unless we forgave others. Thank God for grace!

Ephesians 4:31-32 - Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

The world and our flesh however tells us to retaliate, to get even, to give payback, to get justice, and on and on and on. But, as usual, God’s ways or instructions to us as Christians are much different than the world’s.

Isaiah 55:8-9 says For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 14:12 tells us There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.

Of course it seems right to react when you are mistreated, but what you have to learn is that when you are wronged, let that be a signal to you of how to respond. Strive to think and act in the same ways that Jesus would. Remember – as a Christian, you have a new spirit but the flesh is still the same.

Three things about forgiving others:

1. Even as Christians, we (our spirit) have to battle the flesh (our desire to do things the world’s way). As long as we live in these bodies, we will have to battle (control) the desires of the flesh. Of course, when we are wronged or hurt in word or deed, we (in our flesh) want to react or retaliate. But remember, as Christians we should want to show others Jesus in our words and actions. We are not to act in the same way that most others would act. We are new creatures, with the same flesh, but a different spirit. We want to be strong in our convictions but soft in our approach.

Romans 13:14 - Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not make provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

Galatians 6:8-9 - For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2. Put into practice in your life the actions that Jesus took at his trial and crucifixion.

Luke 23:34 - Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

Mark 15:4-5 - And Pilate asked him again, saying answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus answered nothing; so that Pilate marveled.

PEOPLE WILL MARVEL WHEN YOU DON’T DEFEND YOURSELF OR RETALIATE

This takes deliberate effort initially to develop, but once you establish this discipline, it will become easier. Believe me, grandpa had to work extremely hard at this.

3. Relax and let God settle the score.

Do you know that God promises to defend and protect us (his children)? Do you know that God promises to avenge (provide justice) to those who harm us? And, do you know that he can do a much, much better job of it than you or I can? So when you are mistreated, just relax and realize that God will take care of the matter.

Let me share with you here an experience I had a few years back. I was working a part time job and was on an on-call status. I was only working occasionally and desired to work three days a week on a permanent basis. There was a position that came open and I was passed over for someone that had less seniority. (All positions were filled by seniority).  I did not react or respond or even say anything about it. I prayed about it and asked the Lord to take care of the situation. Here’s what happened. A week or two later I was called to fill in for someone who was out sick. The person I worked with knew what had happened and asked me about it. He said, “I can’t believe they passed you over for that position. I would get in Bill’s face (supervisor – name changed) and tell him how stupid he is and that you aren’t going to take it!” He asked me, “What are you going to do about it?” I responded to him and said, “I’m not going to do anything. I’m a Christian and I trust the Lord to take care of things like that for me.” His reaction was, “ ohhhhh, you’re one of those, huh? Turn the other cheek and all that garbage. Well, not me!” With that he walked out the door saying “good luck with that turning the other cheek stuff.”  I haven’t seen him since.

As Paul Harvey use to say – and now, the rest of the story. Three months later I was offered a position and shift hours that were exactly what I had desired! Praise the Lord for answered prayer !!! Oh, and the guy that verbally attacked me – he had a stroke, was in the hospital, and no longer worked there. I’m not saying this will happen in every situation. I am saying however, that God can do a much better job of handling these situations than you or I can!

Romans 12:17-21 - Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

One last thing about forgiving others. When you don’t forgive others, bitterness will consume you and rob you of peace and joy. I have seen it happen too many times where older people are extremely grumpy and bitter because of something that happened 20, 30, or 40 years ago. They have been bitter in their hearts all this time and have missed out on so much joy and pleasure they could have had. Don’t let that happen to you. Always carry your burdens and hurts to the Lord – He will give you the comfort and peace you need. And, He will take care of things for you, if you will let Him. I’ve heard it put this way: When we work, God rests. When we rest, God works!

Receiving Forgiveness from Others

Christians want to be led by the Spirit and to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance - Galatians 5:22. But, sometimes we fail. Sometimes we hurt others. So, what do we do then? We go to that person we have hurt and ask them for forgiveness. It isn’t easy, but it’s God’s way.

Proverbs 18:19 - A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Let me give you an example to follow in this area:

Let’s say that for whatever reason you have shown a really bad attitude toward one of your parents because they would not let you do something or go somewhere you wanted to go and the reason was “because they said so!!!” Actually, the reason doesn’t matter. They don’t even have to give you a reason.  Maybe your response was verbal or maybe it was the huff and puff and stomp off and roll of the eyes and oh yes, the cold shoulder. Let’s just say that you later realize you were wrong. If that is your heart, then very simply go to that parent and apologize. If you are sincere, they will accept your apology. Simple, but not easy. It’s much easier to just not act that way in the first place – “Go and sin no more”.

Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Forgiving Ourselves

I suppose this is probably the hardest one of all. Most of us have higher expectations of ourselves than we do anyone else. We expect perfection out of ourselves. But, you know what? If God can and has forgiven us then we should know that we can forgive ourselves.

To not forgive ourselves would be placing ourselves and our standards above God’s, right? Is Christ’s sacrifice not enough?

If you are having a problem in this area, just remember:

Ephesians 1:7 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Colossians 1:14 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Hebrews 8:12 - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Hebrews 10:17 - And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Romans 4:8 - Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Romans 5:13 - For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

I want to share this story with you about forgiveness.

There was a son who repeatedly caused trouble and chaos in the family. After each painful incident, he would come to his father and say, “I’m sorry, Dad,” and his father would forgive him. But the boy seemed cavalier about his sins. He acted as if he felt entitled to forgiveness, as if all one has to do is say, “I’m sorry,” and the incident is over as if it never happened. The young man seemed to have no awareness of the suffering his sin and rebellion caused his mother and father.

So the father said to the son, “Let’s go out to the garage, I want to show you something.” In the garage, the father took a hammer and nail, and he pounded the nail into the garage wall. Then he handed the hammer to his son and said, “Now, son, I want you to pull out the nail.”

The son shrugged, used the claw end of the hammer, and pulled out the nail.

The father said, “That’s like forgiveness, isn’t it? When you do something wrong, it’s like pounding in a nail. Forgiveness is when you pull the nail out again.”

“Yeah,” the son said. “I can see that.”

“Fine,” said the father. “Now, I want you to take that hammer and pull out the nail hole.”

The startled young man said, “But I can’t make the hole go away!” And then his father’s meaning became clear. Forgiveness can erase the offense, but it cannot erase the consequences. Sin and folly always produce consequences that do not go away, even by forgiveness.

Accept forgiveness from the Lord, forgive others, and forgive yourself!

6

HE’S JUST AVERAGE

How do you feel about yourself? Do you have trouble believing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made as God’s word says? Do you really believe that you were created in the image of God? Or do you think that God made a mistake with you or that he could have at least done a much better job? Maybe given you green eyes instead of brown or blond hair instead of red, or made you taller, or shorter, or thinner, or smarter, or prettier. What about better parents, or better friends, or maybe just better everything.  Most everyone goes through a period in their life when it is hard to accept themselves and that is usually in the teen years. So, don’t feel alone if you are having some trouble with this. Many of your friends are experiencing the same thing, as did I, and your parents, and your grandparents.

Psalm 139:14 - I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Genesis 1:26a - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness

Let me ask you a question. How are you going to have a happy, enjoyable, fruitful, successful, productive, abundant life if you think that God made some mistakes with you? How can you have a meaningful relationship with your savior Jesus Christ, the one who created you, if he messed up doing so? If you have believed the lie that God made mistakes with you then you will not only have trouble having the proper relationship with the Lord, but you will also have trouble having proper relationships with and accepting your parents, other family members, friends, and even yourself. I say “the lie” because that is exactly what it is from Satan. If he can get people, especially at a young age, to believe that God made mistakes with them, then he can build on that one lie to attack you and defeat you for the rest of your life in many other areas.

I know this is true because I experienced it myself. I thought for many years that God made mistakes with me. You see, I was short, wore glasses, and had curly hair. I wanted to be tall, not wear glasses, and have straight hair! After many years, things have changed somewhat. Now I’m old, shorter, wear stronger glasses, and have no hair! But most important, I matured and realized that God is certainly more concerned about the condition of my heart than He is my physical appearance.

I also thought for several years that I was dumb. What happened to me has probably never happened to anyone else in the history of mankind, or at least I thought.  What happened to me should be in the Guinness Book of World Records!

I came home from school one day so proud of myself – I had made all A’s on my report card. My mother wasn’t quite as happy. She called the school and made an appointment to meet with the principal and teacher. She wanted to know why I had made all A’s. She told them, “he’s just average.” I was so embarrassed and hurt. I thought, “Who does that?” I know you’re thinking this story isn’t true but let me ask you, “Who could make this up?” Well, I worked as hard as I could the next few years to prove her right! “I’ll just be average.”Another mistake God made. He not only made me short with bad eyes and curly hair, He made me dumb!

Would you like to know why I thought God had made mistakes with me? It’s probably the same reasons some of you have. I listened to others instead of God! I was called shorty, pee wee, four eyes, and average. They didn’t know that I was fearfully and wonderfully made, and neither did I. I believed the lie that I wasn’t accepted because of the way God made me. I didn’t think very highly of myself. Are you struggling with similar issues? Just know that Jesus accepts you just as you are!!!

I’m reminded of the song that many of us learned as a child:

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world

Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight

Jesus loves the little children of the world!

Of course He does – He created us. We are precious in His sight!

If you do not realize who you are in Christ, that you are accepted just as you are and there is no condemnation from the Lord, then you WILL NOT grow as a Christian.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Many Christians today live defeated lives simply because they have never learned this or dealt with it. They are not living under the new covenant of grace, but are still living under the law. They are allowing Satan to attack them and accuse them and defeat them and steal from them. They believe his lies. I don’t want you to live that way. I want you to experience the abundant life that Jesus came to give us. Remember, the Bible plainly tells us that Satan came to steal, kill, and destroy (do not believe his lies-Satan’s lies), but Jesus came to bring us life and life more abundantly.

Even Christians who have trouble with a poor self image and guilt (acceptance and condemnation) usually end up trying to solve it by covering it up “the world’s way.” They try to correct the symptoms rather than deal with the root causes. The root causes are acceptance and condemnation. Not accepting yourself comes from a poor self image which means that you haven’t realized that you are created in the image of God, that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that God loves you and accepts you just as you are. Condemnation comes from guilt because you believe “the lie” that you are unworthy and unlovable. You know you have committed sins and Satan constantly reminds you – hence guilt and condemnation.

Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

When a person has an inner root problem with self acceptance and guilt (or condemnation), it will manifest itself in a variety of symptoms:

WRONG PRIORITIES - ATTITUDES OF SUPERIORITY

PERFECTIONISM - COMPARISON WITH OTHERS

EXTRAVAGANCE - CHANGING APPEARANCE

EXCESSIVELY SHY - DIFFICULTY LOVING OTHERS

SELF-CRITICISM – OVER ATTENTION ON CLOTHES

BITTERNESS - UNABLE TO TRUST GOD

Do any of these symptoms describe you? You have to honestly examine yourself. For those of you who admit you may have a problem with any of these, would you like to know why?

Let me explain the progression of inner conflicts which take you to outward symptoms like these.

The first thing that happens is you reject God. You believe the lie that God made mistakes with you. You think He can’t be trusted. Therefore you decide that you will be in charge and make all decisions. You know your rights and what you have belongs to you. Since God can’t be trusted, then every decision is left up to you.

Romans 8:5 - For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

That leads to an unhealthy desire for money and possessions. You begin to believe that your life is all about possessions and control.

Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (money).

Then that leads to tension, worry, envy, jealousy, anger, and insecurity. These are the emotional feelings that you have knowing something is wrong – you are not at peace within yourself. You have built your life around things.

1 Timothy 6:9-10 -  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

This ultimately leads you to the symptoms that I first mentioned:

WRONG PRIORITIES - ATTITUDES OF SUPERIORITY

PERFECTIONISM - COMPARISON WITH OTHERS

EXTRAVAGANCE - CHANGING APPEARANCE

EXCESSIVELY SHY - DIFFICULTY LOVING OTHERS

SELF-CRITICISM – OVER ATTENTION ON CLOTHES

BITTERNESS - UNABLE TO TRUST GOD

Understand that these symptoms do not develop overnight. That is why I called it a progression. It happens slowly, methodically, and deceitfully. You will always have to battle the master of deceit – Satan! Without calling on Jesus every day, we are no match for Satan.

Satan will do everything he can to keep you from having that fellowship and relationship with Jesus. He will steal, kill, destroy, lie, cheat, deceive, and even appear as an angel of light to trick you. He wants nothing more than to ruin your life. Remember that in John 10:10 Jesus said, “I am come that they have life, and have it more abundantly.”

The key to this success of experiencing the abundant life and having the fruit of the Spirit is to keep your focus on Jesus. Realize that God is not finished with us, making us, and molding us into what we should be in him. Sure we are going to have ups and downs. Sometimes we feel like our lives are on a roller coaster and we tend to look down on ourselves for everything. And yes, we do things that are no one’s fault but our own because of bad choices and decisions. Sometimes we do dumb things. We all have. But, you know what? God is a God of second, third, and fourth chances. My advice is to “take your attention off of yourself and the negatives and put your focus on Jesus and the positives.”

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

For any of you that may be experiencing some of these symptoms, and want to get back on track, here are a few ideas to help you.

1. Understand that this is only a part of and a continuation of all the things that we have talked about so far. Also realize that this is for Christians that are having some trouble with self acceptance and want to get this particular area of their lives straightened out.

2. Purpose to live for the Lord. Everyone, even if you are saved has to come to the point of making the following decision: Either I am going to trust God, through Jesus Christ, with my life, or I’m not. Either I am going to make Jesus Lord of my life or I’m not. Many times when we accept Jesus as our savior, we do not make him Lord of our lives. We want to be saved, be we want to maintain control. To have the abundant life that we talked about and have the peace and joy and contentment that we all want, you have to come to the realization that it only comes from “selling out” to the Lord. Totally and completely surrendering to him. And, even then, it doesn’t happen overnight. You see, salvation is an event and takes place instantly, but growing in Christ, maturing as a Christian, and understanding how God works in our lives is a process and takes time. Be patient and continue to seek him. You will be amazed at your growth.

As you grow and mature in the Lord you will see things from a different perspective. It’s like the story I told you about my mother and the report card. The story is totally true and accurate, but I told it to you from my perspective at that time. It did hurt and did embarrass me at that time. As I matured, I realized that her actions were protection for me. We had moved to a new school district. The school we had left, I was making average grades – B’s, C’s and an occasional A. She was thinking that I wasn’t learning anything from this new school – hence, straight A’s. Realize that as you mature in the Lord, you will see things differently. Neither she nor I was wrong, we just had different perspectives.

3. Pray and ask God to help you achieve this. It doesn’t have to be some long flowering wordy prayer. Just something simple and from your heart such as: Lord, I am your child and I am having trouble with this area of (fill in the blank). If it’s self acceptance, or bitterness, or forgiveness, whatever it is, just talk to him about it, and finish by saying Lord please help me with this. It’s obvious I can’t solve this, so please show me what to do. Remember, he loves you just as you are dirt and all. He most definitely will help you. He wants you to enjoy the abundant life more than you want it for yourself. Cry out to him and watch him begin to work in your life.

4. Decide to seek the Lord every day. Not just when there are troubles or problems. You have to make this conscious decision to seek him daily. If you don’t, you will be giving the world and the devil an opportunity to ease back in and take control. You don’t want a roller coaster ride with constant highs and lows.

5. Start praising God for who he is and thanking him for making you and creating you and creating you the way He did and for what he is going to do in your life. Realize that you aren’t just average!

6. Remember this:

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

THOUGHTS FROM PROVERBS

(New Living Translation)

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,

but dwelling on it separates close friends.

An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.

Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.

Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.”

Wait for the LORD to handle the matter.

Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall;

don’t be happy when they stumble.

Patience can persuade a prince,

and soft speech can break bones.

People who conceal their sins will not prosper,

but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Only simpletons believe everything they’re told!

The prudent carefully consider their steps.

A glad heart makes a happy face;

a broken heart crushes the spirit.

The LORD’s light penetrates the human spirit,

exposing every hidden motive.

People may be right in their own eyes,

but the LORD examines their heart.

As a face is reflected in water,

so the heart reflects the real person.

7

THE UMBRELLA

Have you ever been caught out in a rain storm without an umbrella? Quite a yucky feeling, isn’t it? At that moment, all you can think of is how much you wish you had an umbrella, right? Imagine for a minute that you had an umbrella with you, but for whatever reason, you didn’t use it. It doesn’t make much sense to have protection from the rain and not use it, does it?

The umbrella has been compared to a protection that God has given us. It’s called the authority umbrella of protection. And just like the rain umbrella, many times we don’t take advantage of it.

One of the hardest things for us as human beings to accept and understand is submission to authority. You notice, I didn’t say teens. I include everyone - babies, children, teens, and adults - all of us. The reason is we are all born with a sinful nature, are full of pride, and want to have our own way. We want to be the boss. God created everything in the heavens and the earth to have structure and order. And, to have structure and order, someone has to be in charge or in authority. That is why God set up a “chain of command” in every area of our lives, and in that chain of command, we are to submit to those who are placed in authority over us. That is what gives us “God given” protection.

The different areas of our lives that God places us under authority are family, church, business, and government. I want you to focus on submission to authority within the family because if you learn and abide by it there, you should not have any trouble in the other areas.

Colossians 1:16 says, “for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in the earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him.”

That obviously includes authority.

Let’s first look at the reasons for authority.

Reasons for Authority

The number one reason for authority is that it is an ordinance of God. Remember, God created all things, including authority.

Romans 13:2 says, “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

Another reason is that we need the protection that authority gives us (the umbrella). Scripture compares rejection of or rebellion to authority with witchcraft. If we get out from under the protective authority (umbrella) which God places us under, then we will be facing all kinds of attacks from Satan. Think back to the umbrella. Imagine if each of those raindrops are attacks from Satan.

Ephesians 6:16 – Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

1 Samuel 15:23 – For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

Another reason for authority is to see God working in our lives. God speaks to us through those placed in authority over us. And, sometimes God speaks to those in authority over us through us. When someone in authority has someone under their authority that is genuinely submissive with a Christ like spirit, it will melt their heart. The Holy Spirit will convict them.

And finally, God puts those in authority over us to build character in us. 1 Peter 5:5 - Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Rejecting Authority and Rebellion

Now let’s look at rejecting authority and rebellion, specifically teenage rebellion. When you reject authority or do not submit to those placed in authority over you, you are setting yourselves up for devastating consequences. You are getting out from under that umbrella of protection!

1 Samuel 15:23 – For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

Our focus is going to be on rejection of authority in the family, or with parents. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Parents and grandparents are given this responsibility from God. Your responsibility is to obey and be submissive. As I mentioned earlier, the only time that you should object to what they are telling you to do is if it is something that goes against God’s word, which I am sure is not the case 99 times out of 100. You should not object if it just pertains to or goes against what you want to do.

One of the reasons the transition period, from Chapter 1, seems difficult is that your body and intelligence has outgrown your spiritual maturity and experience.

A major part of the training process is setting the proper example. I realize that one of the reasons why it’s so hard to submit to parents or be obedient without questioning everything is that you live with them and see that they aren’t perfect and that they make mistakes. But, you know what? God doesn’t tell us to be obedient only if they are perfect or without mistakes.

Let me suggest to you a secret. Start today doing everything that your parents tell you to do without objecting, or showing displeasure in any way, (you know, the faces and all the body language, not to mention the verbal disagreements), and just see what happens. You will be amazed. You will begin, (not immediately), to get to do more than you did before because they will see the maturity and growth in you. In the end, you will probably get much more freedom than you have now. Just be responsible with that freedom!

Let’s look at a problem area that some of you may be experiencing. What if your parents aren’t training you properly or setting the proper example for you? I honestly believe that the number one reason why teenagers rebel or reject authority is that we as parents and grandparents are not doing the job that we should. You can’t believe I just said that, can you?

You see us not submitting to authority so you do the same thing. It’s kind of like the old saying, “monkey see, monkey do,” So, why am I telling you this? Well, it’s definitely not for you to run to your parents and say grandpa says that it’s their fault that you rebel against their authority? No, that’s not it at all.

It is possible that your parents never learned or were taught what I want you to learn here. Also I want you to understand that when you reject their authority then your family will not learn the spiritual insights and character qualities that they could have learned from your example. Your testimony (which begins with your family) will not reach the potential that it could have reached.

Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

I firmly believe with all my heart that the number one reason we see and experience so much teenage rebellion is that you (our teens) are simply acting out exactly what you have seen us as parents and grandparents do. You do what we do, not what we tell you to do. You learn more by our example than by the “commandments” or laws or rules that we give you.

Have you ever heard us complaining or criticizing our spouse, boss, political leaders, church leaders, or maybe even the policeman that gave us a speeding ticket? Of course you have. And then you subconsciously decide that if we aren’t going to be respectful and submissive to those in authority over us, then why should you, right?

Do you hear us criticizing those people or praying for them?

Doesn’t it stand to reason that if you do not hear us respecting, submitting, and praying for those in authority over us then you won’t either? And, who are the primary ones in authority over you? Of course, it’s your parents. Maybe it’s time we as parents and grandparents evaluate ourselves and ask the Lord for forgiveness. We should ask Him to give us a spirit of submission to help us be the example which we should be to you, our children.

The greatest way for you to see a change in your parents is for them to see a change in you. It has to start somewhere with someone. Why not you?

Let me say something here to those who are in situations where you are saved but your parents aren’t or your parents are saved but failing in this area. You are probably asking “should I submit to them?” Well, of course you should. I mentioned this earlier that you should unless asked or told to do something that violates God’s word. Your submission to their authority, with the right attitude, will do more to change them and melt their hardness toward you than anything. Just remember, you aren’t responsible for their actions, but you are responsible for your own.

Receiving God’s Direction from Authority

I'm going to start this by talking a bit about faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Or, in other words - I choose to live my life by believing and acting on what God says (in his word) whether I can see it (with my physical eyes) or not. Faith very simply means believing God. If God's word tells me that he will provide for me, protect me, save me, equip me, heal me, deliver me, anoint me, bless me, defend me, or anything else, then I choose to believe it and act on it. That, my friends, is faith. And, let me add, if we want to live our lives by faith in what God says, then we have to know what his word says, which means we have to read and study his word.

Romans 10:17 – So then faith cometh by hearing and by hearing the Word of God.

2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of the Truth.

Now, how does this relate to authority and receiving direction from God? It all starts with submission to God’s authority which we get from His word. If, by faith, we are totally believing and trusting in God’s word, then it stands to reason we will understand God’s chain of command and abide by it.

Two of my favorite verses are:

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

If you are submitting to those in authority over you, and following these two verses in each and every area of your lives, then you will see many things happen. Among them will be:

Others in your family, job, church, and government relationships will see Jesus in you.

God will build character in you..

God will expand your ministry.

Your family and friends will witness a tremendous example of a “spirit - filled” Christian and will want to be just like you.

Although we have focused on the family, I have given you the following verses for all the areas of authority in your life. Please take time to read and study these. Just remember when you leave home, you will still be under authority. It may be college, a job, military – whatever. You will always be under God’s authority.

Family

Proverbs 15:5 - A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.

Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Proverbs 6:20-21 -My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:  Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

Colossians 3:20 - Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Proverbs 30:17 - The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

Church

Hebrews 13:17 - Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

1 Timothy 5:17-18 - Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, the labourer is worthy of his reward.

1 Peter 5:1-3 - The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 - And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Business

Colossians 3:23-24 - And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

1 Peter 2:18 - Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

1 Timothy 6:1-2 - Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

Colossians 3:22 - Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

Government

1 Peter 2:13-14 - Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

Romans 13:1-7 - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

8

NEVER WALK ALONE

Are you the type of person who is willing to stand up for what you believe? Are you willing to stand up for your convictions? Are you willing to stand up for what is right even if you may receive objections? Those are real tough questions, I know. Those are tough ones for adults as well. The reason is obvious - we all want to be liked and accepted. That is why we sometimes tend to follow what the crowd is doing, saying, and thinking. None of us wants to be kidded, laughed at, ridiculed, bullied, or singled out, but you know what? In this world that is exactly what will happen to anyone who expresses convictions contrary to the world’s views.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is worth standing up for!

Matthew 10:32 - Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Who are you when no one is looking? Are you the same person on Monday that you are in church on Sunday? Do you live your life by convictions or by preferences? Do you live your life by God’s standards or by the world’s standards? Are you your own person or do you usually go with the crowd? I ask you these questions not to be condemning, but rather just to get you to stop and think and evaluate yourself.

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

You are at a very critical time in your life as to deciding which direction you will take. At the end of the day do you want to be pleased with yourself and the decisions you’ve made and know that the Lord is pleased with you or would you rather have your friends and acquaintances happy and pleased with you? I would like to think that at the end of the day you are pleased with yourself, the Lord is pleased with you, and also your friends are pleased with you because of who your friends are. But, believe me, grandpa knows that it doesn’t always go that way. Many times you are going to find yourself in situations where you have to stand alone by standing up for your convictions and beliefs as a Christian.

Standing up for what’s right, standing up for your savior the Lord Jesus Christ, and standing up for what God’s word says sounds noble in theory but scary in reality, doesn’t it? Scary except for one thing – you will never be alone nor walk alone! Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will always be with you.

Hebrews 13:5 - Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

You know I said earlier that as far as the Christian life goes, you have to make two decisions. First is when you decide to accept Jesus as your savior, and secondly the decision and commitment to make him Lord of your life and not be ashamed or afraid to say so. The sooner you make both of those decisions, the sooner you will begin to find peace and contentment within yourself.

As you mature as a Christian, the desire for standing up for your beliefs and convictions will become stronger and stronger. As long as you know who you are in Christ, and you have made him Lord of your life, you will do fine.

It hasn’t always been that way with me. For many years, I was a carnal Christian. (A carnal Christian is one who is saved but continues to live worldly or according to the flesh) – A hypocrite. If you had asked me if I was a Christian, I would have told you that I most definitely was. I wasn’t ashamed of being a Christian; I just didn’t always live it. Like many of you, I chose the world’s ways and I was miserable and wasn’t growing as a Christian.

You remember in the introduction I told you that I wasn’t writing this book to give you a lot more rules to follow? Rather, I wanted to give you some guidelines to help make your teen years easier and prevent you from making a lot of bad decisions and choices like I did. Well, that is because for many years I did not make Jesus Lord of my life. Yes, I was a Christian but I continued to live my life like most everyone else (the world’s ways). I followed the crowd. And because of that I experienced many problems. That’s why I am writing this book - to save you from a lot of unnecessary heartache.

I thank God that things changed for me.

One morning several years ago I was faced with a dilemma. There were quite a number of things in my life that were causing me to feel empty and all alone. I was looking at relationship problems, financial problems, emotional problems, and spiritual problems. I was a mess.

I will never forget that moment. It changed my life forever. As I sat there drinking my coffee, I began asking God what was going on. I said, “God, why are all these things happening to me? I am your child. Why are You allowing all this? Please help me know what to do.”

God doesn’t waste words. He very simply and clearly spoke to me and said, “Just who are you trusting in?” That was it! And it floored me. It was so simple, but yet so profound and powerful. I hadn’t been trusting in Him or His word! I had been placing all my trust in myself and my abilities. I had become my own God.

That was the point and time when I made Jesus Lord of my life. I decided to “sell out”. I decided to become totally committed. I decided to quit “playing” Christian. I realized that God’s word is not just “nice stuff to know” – it’s our instruction manual! Sure I still have issues to deal with. We will continue to as long as we are still in this world and battling fleshly desires. But I have peace and contentment now like never before. I am finally allowing Him to be in control of my life.

I made these bad choices and decisions even as a Christian. The thing I want you to learn and understand is that becoming a Christian is an event that takes place instantly. But, becoming a mature Christian takes time and is a process. It is a surrendering of your self control (flesh) to His control (Spirit). It doesn’t happen overnight nor does it happen automatically. You have to be diligent and seek the Lord everyday! You have to choose to grow in Christ.

Standing up for your beliefs and convictions is a very difficult thing, especially if you make the same mistake that I made. You see, I tried to live the Christian life through my own self effort - through my own willpower. I was trying to be a “good” person. If you try to do the same thing, you will find it difficult as well. Actually it isn’t difficult – it’s impossible! The reason is we are no match for Satan on our own. That is why we must seek the Lord and His guidance daily. That is why, even though we are talking about standing alone, we aren’t. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living within us and that makes us able to endure anything. The secret is that we have to call on the Lord every day, not just occasionally! He will help us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We have to talk to Him, in prayer, asking Him to help us. And help us, He will. I guarantee you that.

Let me explain to you in a little different way of how to understand and know the right thing to do at certain times or even what to say. This has to do with something that I’ve already written about quite a bit but it bears repeating. We as Christians are living in the age of grace, which is God’s unmerited favor and blessings upon our lives. We don’t receive that because of how good or bad we are but rather simply because we are believers or Christians. Also, when we became Christians we received the Holy Spirit which is one way of how the Lord communicates with us, and lets us know the right thing to say or do.

Hebrews 8:10 tells us this: I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.

When God writes his laws on our hearts and minds then that means we don’t need a list of laws or rules or commandments to follow. He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit as well as through his word. That is what is called discernment which tells us in our heart whether something is right or wrong. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not discounting God’s word or His written instructions to us. I’m just saying that the Holy Spirit living within us adds to God’s word in that He speaks to us directly letting us know, in our Spirit, if something goes against His word. That is why the Holy Spirit is called the comforter. He is there to lead, guide, and direct us, but He is also there to comfort us.

When we find ourselves in compromising situations where we should speak up and stand up for our convictions, many times we remain silent for fear of being laughed at or being ridiculed or maybe just because we don’t know what to say. My prayer is that by the time you finish this book that you will begin to have the confidence that you need to be a person that does stand up for your beliefs and is not ashamed of them and also knows what to say.

Here are a couple of examples of how to deal with situations that you may find yourself in. Obviously standing alone is more difficult when you are with others than it is when you are by yourself.

When you are by yourself, you usually make decisions and choices about what to do or say based on your values, beliefs, and convictions, right? But, because you are alone, you usually have a few minutes to think about what to say or do. Most times you do make the right choices, but sometimes you don’t, and, if you are saved, you know it immediately. You get that little yucky feeling inside. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. An example of this might be when you are alone and you text or message something that you immediately know you shouldn’t have.

Then there are the situations when you are with others and are faced with having to make decisions and choices with the pressure of time, and the fact that you have to openly voice your values and stand alone. You may have to tell others that you do what you do or you don’t do certain things because you are a Christian. You may have to explain to them 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. You may have to explain to them that you do not have the same desires as you did before you were saved. You may have to become bold, but not brash. The Lord has given you a whole new set of “taste buds”.

Understand too that there may be another person or two in your group like you – saved, but fearful of speaking up. Who knows, you may change the desires of the entire group simply by standing up for and stating your values.

Examples of this might be when you are with one or more people who are trying to get you to do something against your values – sex, drugs, alcohol, bullying, etc. I know you understand what I mean, don’t you? There will be times when you must stand up for your beliefs, values, and convictions! It might just save your life.

Having to express or defend your values frequently to others might be a signal that you are hanging out with or spending time with people you shouldn’t! Don’t succumb to their temptations. Find new “Christian” friends.

Let’s pause here and just look at some of the promises that the Lord gives us from His word that pertains to this:

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Proverbs 3:5-7 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Matthew 7:8 - For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Matthew 21:22 - And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Do you see what I mean? If you will simply believe God’s word (faith) and place your trust in Him, you will see miraculous things take place in your life. You will see Him working in your life daily. YOU WILL HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. You will begin to realize that you can stand alone, you can be courageous, you can be bold, and you can truly be a soldier or an ambassador for Jesus Christ.

Now let me say this: If you are already standing alone and courageous in this area, then I say praise the Lord!!! If you decide to make the courageous commitment to begin standing alone, first realize that the Lord is always with you, but also know ahead of time that you may receive objections, teasing, caddy remarks, and in some cases even bullying. If any of these things happen to you, and they probably will, then stand firm. You are standing up for your innermost beliefs and convictions and you may have to reevaluate just who your “friends” are!

THOUGHTS FROM PROVERBS

(New Living Translation)

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

My child, listen when your father corrects you.  Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck.

My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.

If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.

An employer who hires a fool or a bystander is like an archer who shoots at random.

My child, pay attention to what I say.  Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

9

THE LAMB AND THE WOLF

Do you ever daydream about what Heaven is going to be like? I know I do. I sometimes let my imagination run wild thinking about what we will be doing and how glorious it will be. There are some glimpses of what it will be like sprinkled throughout scripture, especially in Revelation.

There is one passage of scripture in Isaiah 11 where the Bible tells us that in Heaven the lamb and the wolf will live together. Can you imagine here on Earth someone taking a lamb out in the woods and leaving it with a wolf? Of course not. Probably everyone knows the wolf would kill the lamb and eat it.

I guess one reason for that scripture is to let us know how different things will be, even in the animal kingdom. But obviously that is not the case here on Earth. There are some animals that cannot and should not live together.

Did you know that the lamb and wolf are used symbolically in scripture to represent the saved and the lost - the Christian and the non Christian? The Christian, of course, being the lamb and the wolf being the non-Christian.

Matthew 7:15 – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 10:16 – Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Why do you suppose God gave us these instructions?  Have you ever heard the old saying, “one bad apple will ruin the whole barrel”? Well, it’s true. You put one rotten apple in a barrel of good apples and it will cause the others to go bad. What do you think would happen if you took a barrel of rotten apples and put one good one in it? Think it would make the rotten ones good? You’re saying, “of course not, that’s just silly.” Well, that’s exactly what many of us do in our relationships.

We hang around with or associate with bad apples (wolves) and don’t realize what the long term effects will be. I’m sure that’s why God tells us what he does in the verses above. Again, it’s for our protection and I think he knows better than we do. He knows what the end result will be. We (sheep) will be eaten alive by the wolves!

Another instruction from God’s word that is even stronger is:

2 Corinthians 6:14 - Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness and what communion hath light with darkness?

This verse tells us to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. This simply means that for our own sakes we shouldn’t be tied to or closely connected to unbelievers as in best friends, marriage partners, business partners, etc. The context of this passage even goes on to say in verse 17 that we should come out from among them and be ye separate!  That’s quite a strong admonition, I know. But it’s a correct one!

There have been too many lives ruined simply because of this. I urge you to resist the temptation to ignore this. Let me ask you this: If you are a Christian and want to grow and mature as a Christian, why in the world would you choose to spend very much time with nonbelievers? Why in the world would you choose friends that have values different from yours? It really doesn’t make much sense, does it? Read the verse above again and just pause for a few minutes and think about it.

You see, during the teen years especially, you are facing a fork in the road. As you get older and older you will be making your own choices, rather than your parents making them for you. You can take the left path (the world’s path) or you can take the right path (God’s path). The path you choose will match the friends you choose and vice versa.

This doesn’t mean that you should become a hermit or close yourself up in your bedroom and have no friends. It just means that you should choose your friends very wisely. Now understand something. We will always have people around us as schoolmates, co-workers, teachers, or even family members that aren’t Christians. This doesn’t mean that we are to totally alienate ourselves from these people, but it does mean that we are not to be joined together with them as you would be to a best friend or a spouse. Actually we are to be close enough to them that they see how different we are from the world. They should see someone that exemplifies love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, which are the fruits of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22. We are to be an example for them and a witness to them, but not yoked together with them!

If you aren’t already doing this, I would suggest that you join a good Christian youth group at your church. Many churches have excellent youth programs that meet weekly or bi-weekly for Bible study as well as other Christian activities and socials. Also many of them have excellent training programs which cover the same material we are covering in this book. I want you, and God wants you to have fun and enjoy your teen years as long as you are glorifying the Lord in your activities and actions. But, that isn’t going to happen if you are spending time with, and being influenced by those that you know you shouldn’t be with.

What many teens find out, sometimes too late, is that if they follow others down that left path, many times it leads to disappointment, heartache, and even to death. Don’t gamble with your life for what seems to be fun at the time.

I would like to fast forward here for a minute and then back track. You will understand shortly why I’m saying this.

I believe one of the strongest messages that you can gain from these verses about not being unequally yoked with unbelievers is that by no means should you marry a person that is not a Christian. And, what I mean by that is the person should not just profess to be a Christian, but should also exhibit the fruits of the Spirit over an extended period of time. In other words, you’ll have no doubt whether they are saved or not. Remember the verse about wolves in sheep’s clothing?

There have been too many marriages ruined because of violating this. It doesn’t always end in disaster, but more times than not it does. You shouldn’t take the chance. Marriage isn’t, or shouldn’t be, a gamble, thinking that you can change them.

Most of you probably agree up to this point, but now is where we backtrack. Now is where some of you are going to disagree with me, and you know already what I’m going to say and that is if you shouldn’t marry a nonbeliever then you should resist the temptation to even date a nonbeliever. Well, if that’s what you thought, then you’re absolutely right. And that is because you shouldn’t. If you are old enough to date, then you are potentially old enough to marry, or at least close to that age.

If you have decided to make the commitment and promised yourself that you are going to live by your convictions rather than your preferences, then there is no need to date someone that isn’t a believer. What would be the purpose? What if you date someone that isn’t a believer? Is the reason because of his or her looks, or popularity, or maybe their status, or money? What if you end up falling in love and marrying the wrong person? Guys, if you are considering asking a girl out, just stop and ask yourself what the reasons are, and likewise girls, if you have been asked out, what would be your reasons to accept. Are your reasons or motives right? Godly? Or are they selfish worldly reasons?  Only you can answer that.

Remember, I told you earlier that these are guidelines and not commandments or rules or laws. My whole purpose is to give you information from God's word that will not only tell you what paths that you should take, but also give you protection. I'm sorry, but I have seen too many people, especially young people, hurt because of making wrong choices or decisions concerning dating. Too many young people have been hurt physically and emotionally because they chose to date someone that they knew they shouldn’t have.

You know the Bible tells us in Ephesians 5:11 - that we are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Did you know that this does not just mean with people. Did you know that we should not be unequally yoked to our televisions, or computers, or phones, or music, or golf, or fishing, or shopping, or anything that doesn’t bring honor and glory to God. That doesn’t mean that these things are wrong. Not at all. We just need to occasionally take a step back and evaluate our priorities. How much time are we spending on the things we do, and are those things we are looking at, reading, listening to, and doing portraying the values that we should be associated with?

Since I mentioned self evaluation, let me take a minute to talk with you about a related topic. Let’s talk about quiet time. Do you ever spend any time alone in your room or somewhere where you are alone in total peace and quiet, with no other people, or noise from radio or T.V. or anything else? Let me suggest to you that this can be one of the most rewarding times in your life. This is a time when you can read and study your Bible, pray, or just be quiet and listen for God to speak to you. I cannot tell you how many times the Lord has spoken to me in these times by answering prayer, or maybe a revelation to some scripture. Sometimes He has just assured me that He is there and gives me the peace and contentment that I need. He will do the same for you if you will spend some quiet time alone with Him.

Let me say to you, as if I were your own grandpa, that I am telling you these things and giving you these guidelines because I love you and want the very best for you. I do not want to limit you or restrict you from friends, but I do want you to be very wise in your choices. God will certainly bless you for it.

10

TAKE THE TRASH OUT

As a teenager you are going to have to make some very important decisions. The results of those decisions will carry consequences that will affect you for the rest of your life. Grandpa wants you to make the right choices. That is why I wrote this book – I want the very best for you and I want you to be prepared!

One of the more important decisions you will have to make is to keep yourself spiritually, physically, and morally pure. That is my desire for you - pure in your thoughts and words as well as your actions. Is that your desire for yourself?

Every decision that you make is a result of your desires. People end up doing what they want to do. You won’t be able to accomplish or be successful in any of these areas unless you first have a desire to. You wouldn’t be saved if you didn’t have the desire to be saved. You won’t forgive without desire, or give, or love, or submit, or anything else we talk about, without it. So, I ask you, do you really have the desire to keep yourself pure in heart, pure in thoughts, pure in words, and pure in actions? These questions are for you to seriously examine yourself to be sure of what you want.

If you don’t have these desires then you might have to ask yourself these questions: “Was I sincere when I accepted Christ as my Savior? And do I really want Jesus to be Lord of my life?” I know that sounds a little harsh, but I would rather be a little harsh with you now and you know that you are saved than for you to think you are and you aren’t. You see, having these desires are a good indication that you are saved, and not having them is an indication that maybe you aren’t. I just want you to be sure. Remember what 2 Corinthians 5:17 says - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new!

Before we get into specifics about your thoughts, words, and actions, let’s see what God’s word has to say in a general sense about remaining pure.

2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

We talked about standing alone and what to expect and the consequences of your standing alone. Just like standing alone, purity is one area that you will be very much tested in. We are going to look at this area from three different angles - thoughts, words, and actions. Did you know that every action you take always begins with a thought? So, let’s begin looking at your thought life.

Thoughts

If all of your words and actions begin with your thoughts, then doesn’t it make sense that if you could control your thoughts, then you could control what you say and do? Have you ever heard or been told that your brain is like a computer, and just like a computer, your brain puts out only what is put into it. If you put good stuff into your mind, good stuff will come out, but the reverse is also true that if you put bad stuff in, then bad stuff will come out. It’s referred to as G.I.G.O. Good in, good out or in some cases garbage in, garbage out.

Now you’re probably saying that you can’t control your thoughts or that you get thoughts that just show up there and you didn’t choose them, right? Well, that’s partially true. It is possible that you get thoughts that you would rather not have. Even evil ones. But they don’t have to stay there. Let’s first look at what God’s word has to say about this. Romans 12:2 says to not be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of your MIND. Well, if we are to renew our minds then that would mean that we need to renew our thoughts, right?

Okay so what does the Bible say about our thoughts or thinking.

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Okay, there you have it. God's word tells us to think about things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. So, if a thought enters your mind that is not one of these, then the obvious response for you and me is to discount it and resist it! You have to acknowledge to yourself  that this thought is wrong, and you should immediately begin to think about something you  know to be true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of a good report. That is called taking the trash out!

Now I will tell you, bad habits are hard to break. You cannot just snap your fingers and instantly begin doing this. It's like anything else that is good and positive; it first takes a desire and then practice and repetition. Did you ever notice that doing the good and right thing has to be worked on, but doing the wrong thing comes naturally? That’s because of your sin nature. Remember, even though you are a Christian, you will still have to battle your fleshly desires for the rest of your life.

I must repeat that this transformation of your thoughts comes from the transformation of your mind, which comes from the transformation of your heart. You will not be able to accomplish this if your heart has not been transformed. God is more interested in your heart being changed than he is about your behavior being modified. If you're heart is pure and genuine, then your thoughts and words and actions will naturally follow. Changed behavior is a result of a changed heart. It’s all a process of renewing your mind by consciously putting the good thoughts into your mind – like God’s word!

Here are some additional verses to help you deal with your thoughts:

1. Proverbs 23:7a - For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he….

2. Matthew 15:19 - For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

3. Mark 7:20-23 - And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

4. 1 Corinthians 13:11 - When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

5. 2 Corinthians 10:5 - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

6. Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Now let's look at what God's word has to say about "your words".

Words

Have you ever noticed that people that are wise, and usually intelligent, talk very little while people that have very little depth of wisdom, character, or intelligence talk constantly and it’s usually about nothing of substance?

Did you also realize you can learn an awful lot about people simply by listening to them? Just listen to what they talk about. Do they talk about things of substance like ideas, values, character, their faith, or creative things? Do they ask others questions to get to know them better, or do they talk constantly about themselves, their stuff, and what they want. Do they talk all the time about the opposite sex, money, things, etc? Just concentrate and listen. You’ll find out what is most important to them because that is what people talk about. The reason for these observations is to help you align yourself with friends who have the same Christian values that you have.

Now, the big question. What do you talk about? I have a sign that I’ve had for many years that reads, Great people talk about ideas – average people talk about things – small people talk about other people. If you don’t already know that, you will find out how true that is.

Have you ever heard the old saying that sticks and stones may break my bones, but names (words) will never hurt me? Well, that’s just a bold faced lie. They may not hurt you physically, but they can be devastating emotionally. Just think about how you have felt when someone has said critical or harmful things to you or about you. When I was growing up that usually happened face to face. Now it seems to be happening more and more on social networking sites. I wish I could tell you that will never happen to you, but I can't. The fact of the matter is that it has happened to you and to me and will continue to happen.

So, how do you deal with this if you are treated this way? The answer lies in knowing who you are in Christ and knowing that you are accepted by God because of the fact that you are in Christ. To be in Christ means many things. Colossians 2:10 says “For ye are complete in him (Christ), which is the head of all principality and power. To be complete means that you are accepted by God the Father just as Jesus the Son is accepted by God the Father. You are saved, forgiven, redeemed, and justified! The Bible tells us that if God be for you, who can be against you. Look at how Jesus was treated during his crucifixion. If you remember, he prayed, father forgive them, they know not what they do.

Now, let's look at, and ask the question, have you ever been guilty of saying critical or harmful things to others? Maybe it was before you were saved and you realized it was wrong and so you stopped it. Or, maybe you continue to do this even though you are saved. Remember, you can still commit sins after you are saved; it's just that we shouldn’t. Either way, if you have been guilty of this, then I hope and pray that maybe now you realize you have been wrong. If you do recognize it and you decide to stop it and change, then that is called repentance. To repent simply means to change your mind.  What you should do is go to those that you have mistreated, tell them that you are sorry you said things that you should not have said, and ask them to forgive you. You want to be the example to your friends. Doing this is very difficult, but remember, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. I assure you that when you show humility to those around you, you will be looked at with the highest regard and respect.

Here are some verses to help you further understand and realize just how important your words are:

1. Psalm 19:14 - Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

2. Proverbs 6:2 - Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

3. Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

4. Proverbs 16:24 - Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

5. Proverbs 29:20 - Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

6. Ecclesiastes 5:2 - Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

7. Ecclesiastes 10:14 - A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

8. Matthew 12:37 - For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

9. Ephesians 4:31 - Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

10. Titus 3:2 - To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

11. James 1:19 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

There you have it – God’s word tells us how important our words are.

Now let’s look at our actions.

Actions or “Your Walk”

I know we talked somewhat about actions in the area of thoughts and words but we will get more in detail now in this area. Here is another old saying I want to ask you about. Have you ever heard someone say that your actions speak so loud I can't hear what you're saying? That is so true. It makes no sense to preach, teach, and say one thing but yet do another. Actions are who you are. Your behavior is simply an outflow of your heart and mind.

Obviously as Christians your actions should mirror your changed or transformed hearts and minds. If you are exhibiting the fruits of the spirit which are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, and kindness, then it stands to reason you will not act bitter or angry, even if you have been wronged or mistreated. How you are treated has nothing to do with how or what your response should be. I understand that your natural response, or fleshly response, or worldly response to being mistreated is to always react in a revengeful way. You want to attack, get back at, and hurt that person as much as that person hurt you. That goes with all human beings and not just teenagers. Even Christian adults have to battle the same desires, but you have to mature to the point of being led and controlled by the Spirit and not the flesh.

Here are some verses to show you how important your walk or your actions are:

1. Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2. Psalm 84:11 - For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

3. Psalm 86:11 - Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

4. Psalm 128:1 - Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

5. Proverbs 1:15 - My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

6. Proverbs 2:7 - He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

7. Proverbs 10:9 - He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.

8. Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

9. 2 Corinthians 5:7 - (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

10. Galatians 5:16 - This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

11. Galatians 5:25 - If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

12. Ephesians 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

13. Ephesians 5:8 - For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

14. Colossians 2:6 - As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

15. 1 John 1:7 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

16. 3 John 1:4 - I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

As we have seen from Romans 12:2 we are to not be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. And, that transforming is with our thoughts, words, and actions!

THOUGHTS FROM PROVERBS

(New Living Translation)

My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them! Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong.

Follow the steps of good men instead, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land and those with integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted.

Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth. An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

11

THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL

What do you think is the root of all evil? Many have answered with love, hate, greed, men, women, money, sex, envy and on and on. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:10 that the “love of money” is the root of all evil. Notice that it says the “love of money,” not money itself.

The problem comes in when people allow money or things to become their master, rather than their servant.

Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (money).

Yes, you need money and things to live on. But, learn to control money and things and not let them control you or become your obsession. Learn to love people and use money, not use people and love money.

Mark 8:36 - For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Did you know that one of the greatest problems this country faces is a mountain of debt? Did you know that one of the greatest problems adults face is a mountain of debt? Did you know that one of the greatest causes of divorce is a mountain of debt? Maybe that’s why there is so much written in the Bible concerning money and how to properly use it. God knew that if he did not give us instructions and guidelines about how to use money, then we would make a complete mess of our finances. And yet, we have all of these guidelines and instructions and still make a mess of things financially. Do you think that it could possibly be because we do not know what His guidelines and instructions say or that we know what they say but we choose not to follow them? Maybe we think we know more than God.

We are going to look at several areas concerning money and what the Bible has to say about it. And, as is the case in every other area or subject that we discuss, it's up to you whether you choose to follow God's principles or not. Many of us tend to make many bad decisions concerning money simply because we do not follow those principles.

Regardless of what your present age is, you have already begun to formulate your views about money and how it should be used. More than likely your views come from family, friends, and society. I believe that we should be able to immediately discount society’s views or the world's views because the world's views have never been and never will be based on God's principles. So, that leaves us with friends and family. Would you say that your friends and family live their financial lives based on God's principles for money or not? In the next few pages you will learn God's principles for money and how those principles, if applied, will not only put you in a more favorable financial position in the future, but will also save you from much stress and heartache.

1 Timothy 6:10   tells us …. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Many people misquote this verse by saying that money is the root of all evil. Well, you can plainly see that is not what it says at all. It says the” love” of money is the root of all evil. Money can do many wonderful things but it can also do some very destructive and damaging things. That is why it is so imperative that you not only learn God's principles for money, but also learn how to discipline yourself and apply those principles.

We are going to be talking about tithing, success, prospering, provision, love of money, giving, debt, contentment, and budgeting. Some of you are thinking, “Why do I need to learn all of this? I’m a teen, and I have no money.” Well, let me explain it like this: what would you think if you were 30 years old and had never learned how to drive a car, and all of a sudden one day you were thrown behind the wheel of a car going 90 mph on a 6 Lane Interstate Hwy. with hundreds of cars around you? Would you be scared to death, overwhelmed, and ready to throw up your hands and give up? Of course you would. That's how many people are feeling today about their finances because they never learned and applied these principles in their life. I want you to be able to take the financial steering wheel of your life and receive all the blessings that God has in store for you, and at the same time prevent many financial hardships.

So, let's get started with our first topic which is contentment.

Contentment

One of the root causes of financial difficulty is very simply not being content. People never seem to be satisfied with what they have. We always want more, bigger, prettier, shinier things. There is nothing wrong with having those desires as long as you realize that those desires come from our flesh, and our flesh has to be controlled.  And we know that even as Christians we still have to battle the flesh. One of the very first verses that many people learn is Psalms 23:1 which says, the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. You will learn as you get older and mature as a Christian exactly what that verse means. We really don't have to want for anything. Once we learn and understand that the more we surrender our life to Jesus, and allow him to be our shepherd, then the less we will want, especially of material things. The Lord is my shepherd and my provider.

Here are a few other verses that will help you in this area of contentment:

Philippians 4:11-13 - For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of eating well or going hungry, of facing either plenty or poverty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me.

Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have.

1 Timothy 6:7–10 - For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 - Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.

The fact that many of us are not content with such things as we have leads to the next problem which is debt.

Debt

My hope and prayer is that you will learn during your teenage years that one of the most devastating things you can do is to live your life in debt. You see, when anyone is not content with what they have, they usually surrender to the temptation of going into debt to obtain the things they want. I realize that I did it, mama and daddy did it, and probably everyone you know does it – goes into debt for stuff. I can definitely tell you that I wish I had never gone into debt for anything. I have learned many things over the years in my Christian life, and one of those things is how to trust the Lord in the financial area of my life. I also learned the hardship that debt can cause.

As I have told you before, I have made many mistakes and this area has been a big one. I never was one to go into debt for personal items such as cars, boats, clothes, jewelry, etc. – depreciating assets. I knew that was wrong, but I thought it was okay to go into debt for business and investment things – appreciating assets. But you know what? At the end of the day, debt is debt! I thank God that I have finally learned how to trust the Lord in this area of my life, and because of that, I believe I can help you to not make the same mistakes.

As teenagers you are not yet faced with the decisions of whether to go into debt or not. Hopefully you can learn now what to do instead of what your parents and grandparents did, or I did, or what anyone else has done.  That is to stay completely out of debt!

Most people will tell you that in this day and age it is impossible to stay out of debt. But, that is not true. The defense excuse that most people give is that no one can buy a house without going into debt. And I agree that a house is probably the most expensive asset that you will ever purchase. But, even a house can be purchased without going into debt if you do things properly.

Let me give you a scenario to show you that this is true. I am using a home as the example because it will probably be your most expensive purchase, but the principle applies to anything.

Let's suppose that you are quite a few years older than you are now and want to get married and buy a house. Let's assume that you are in your early twenties. And let's also assume that you and your fiancé are both working and each making approximately $25,000 per year. The amount will be different, obviously, for different people and different time periods. However, the principal will always be the same. What most people would do at this point is think that they make enough to either pay rent or buy a house and make payments. So, you decide to get married.

Now is the point I want to ask you a couple of questions. Do you think that it is possible for you and your fiancé to wait a couple of years, establish some discipline, and plan together to start your life without going into debt? Do you think that each of your parents would allow you to continue to live with them, separately of course, for a couple of years? I believe the answer to these questions is yes, especially after telling your parents what your responsible plan is.

Now, let's look at where you would be after a couple of years. I believe  if you both are frugal, that together you could live off of 20% of your income and save 80%.I realize that these are rough figures but you both together would have made in two years $100,000, spent $20,000, and had $80,000 to purchase a home. I understand that $80,000 will not buy what most everyone else is buying, but remember, they are going into debt and you aren't. Would you rather live in a two hundred thousand dollar house and be two hundred thousand dollars in debt, or would you rather own an eighty thousand dollar home free and clear? It’s up to you.

That was just a scenario to show you that it is possible if your desire is great enough. That should also show you that you could do the same thing for lesser expensive items such as vehicles, furniture, and appliances, etc.

This brief discussion about debt is simply to make you think about doing what is best for yourself rather than what everyone else does. The whole motivation for debt is greed - wanting something now instead of waiting. There are entire books written about debt and staying out of debt. I trust that you will give this some serious consideration as you get older and approach your young adult life.

Here are some verses to help you in this area:

Proverbs 21:5 - Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

Proverbs 24:3-4 - A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.  Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.

Deuteronomy 15:6 - The LORD your God will bless you as he has promised. You will lend money to many nations but will never need to borrow. You will rule many nations, but they will not rule over you.

Psalm 37:21 - The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.

Romans 13:8 - Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.

Tithing

In case you do not know what tithing is, let me explain. Many people believe that tithing is just an Old Testament law whereby one was required to give one tenth or 10% of all his increase to carry out Gods work. That is true. Some people believe, even some Christians, that since it was an Old Testament law and now we are New Testament believers, or new covenant believers, then we are not required to tithe 10%. That is also true. You see, tithing actually started with Abraham which was several hundred years before the law (Genesis 14). As far as it being a law or a requirement, then I would have to agree that it isn’t. But, as a New Testament or new covenant believer, I look at it in a different way.

This is how I see and believe and understand tithing. I believe that God created all things through Jesus Christ. All things were created for him and by him. I believe that God is our source and provides all things for us. I believe tithing is not something that I have to do, but rather something that I get to do. Let’s see what the New Testament has to say about this:

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

I believe that by giving back to the Lord a portion of all my increase, then that is a tremendous way of worshiping the Lord and offering my thanks to him for all of the blessings that he has given to me. I trust that you will realize how much the Lord has blessed you and that you will take the opportunity to give back to the Lord. I promise you that if you do this, the Lord will honor you and bless you.

I have heard many testimonies from people over the years that have been so blessed that they have increased their giving amounts to 15, 20, 30% and above. I heard of one individual that chose to live off the 10% and give 90% to the Lord.

My suggestion to you is this: Follow 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. Understand that it isn’t a law and you shouldn’t give out of duty, but rather as an honor to show your gratitude to the Lord. It’s a heart thing like we’ve talked about before with other issues. Hmmmmm – I guess you could say it starts with “DESIRE.”

Provision

Did you know that God has promised to provide for us everything we need?

Philippians 4:19 – But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

When Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, he told us in Matthew 6 not to worry, saying," What will we eat?" Or" what will we drink?" Or" what will we wear for clothing?" For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly father knows that you need all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Now, I don't know about you, but that sounds like a promise to me. But, it does have a condition, and that condition is that we seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Jesus) first and foremost in our life. If we do that, then we should never have to worry about being provided for.

I know many of you are probably just beginning to enter the workforce and are not making much money. Let me share something with you that the Lord spoke to me about a few years back. If you feel you are not making enough money to support yourself now or possibly even a family in the future, then try looking at your wages or your income in a totally different perspective.

Do you remember the story of the Sermon on the Mount and there were 5000 men, not counting women and children, and the disciples had nothing to feed the people. There was one little boy with a basket that had five loaves and two fishes, and the boy gave his food to Jesus to share with the people. Jesus prayed over the food, blessed it, and told the disciples to begin feeding the people. If you remember the story, everyone was fed and there were 12 basketsful left over. Now, here is my question to you. If Jesus can feed 5000 men, not counting women and children, with five loaves and two fishes, then what do you suppose he could do with your income if you give it to him and let him bless it? That’s just something for you to think about.

It’s not as much about how much you make as it is what you do with what you make. The Lord will bless and multiply everything you have if you simply trust him and ask him.

Here are some verses for you concerning provision:

Psalm 37:25 - I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

Matthew 6:31-32 - Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Matthew 7:11 - If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Giving

The last area that we will discuss is giving. This is one of the most important areas for us to learn in our Christian life, and it goes way beyond our money. You see, one of the reasons we are placed here on this Earth is to be a vehicle, a go-between, an instrument, a blessing to bridge the gap between Jesus and those in the world who are lost. It's just like when we talked about forgiveness. We forgive others because we realize how much God has forgiven us. We should give because we recognize how much God has given us, beginning with our own salvation. We are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others.

If you want to see the windows of heaven opened up to you, if you want to see blessings flowing into your life, learn the principle of giving. Luke 6:38 says it best – Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

Here are a few other verses to show you the importance of giving:

Deuteronomy 16:17 - All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the LORD your God.

Proverbs 11:24-25 - Give freely and become wealthier; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others

When we talk about giving, we need to realize that we have more to give than just money or things. Do not forget that God has blessed us not only with material things but also with time, talents, and love. Learn to be giving in these areas as well. Many times we will give money to someone or some cause rather than giving them our time. Many times we will pay to have someone do something for someone else rather than to share our talents with them. You know, these are the ways that we really show people how much we love them, by giving of our time and talents (ourselves) to others. Love becomes something we give and do, not necessarily what we think and feel.

12

THE BIG HEAD

If I were to ask you what your definition of success is, what would it be? Would you have to think about it? Maybe make it up as you went along. Maybe answer in a way of saying what you think I want to hear? Are you highly motivated to succeed, or do you even care about succeeding? What is the difference between success in God’s eyes and success in the world’s eyes? In this chapter we will answer these and many other questions as well as look from scripture at how you can succeed at whatever you do. Let’s face it – all of us want to succeed and prosper at what we do. But, just what is success and prosperity?

The dictionary defines success as the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like. It defines prosperity as a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition, especially in financial respects; good fortune.

You notice that each definition tends to focus on money?

True success involves much more than just money. Do you remember the verse I mentioned earlier from the book of Mark?

Mark 8:36 - For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Probably most of you would give your definition of success as someone who has a good job, makes a good income, has a family, is happy, and gets to do pretty much what they want to do. And, that would be a pretty good definition, according to the world or the dictionary, except for one thing. That definition does not include serving or honoring God in what we do. I honestly do not believe that a Christian person, or anyone else for that matter, can be a true success without putting God and his righteousness (Jesus) first and foremost in their lives.

There are many people in this world who have good jobs, make good incomes, have a family, are happy (or seem to be), and get to do pretty much what they want; but, they are not what I would consider a success, simply because they have left God out of their lives. When you do that you are left feeling unfulfilled, lacking, and empty. You see, there is the world’s way of looking at success, and then there's God's way. The world, for the most part, seems to sum up success in three words: money, money, money.

I do not have to spend a lot of time stating what the world believes success to be, because you are bombarded with that every day through the media, social networking, and society in general. Whatever you do, don’t develop your values or your perception of what success is from these outlets. You know exactly what I’m talking about, don’t you? I pray that you look at succeeding and prospering the same as the Apostle John did.

3 John 2 – Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

I’m sure all of you want to succeed and prosper in whatever occupation or career field that you choose to go into. Let me ask you a question. Have you ever been asked what you want to be when you grow up? Of course you have. We all have. Let's suppose that you're sitting in a classroom one day and the teacher comes in and tells the class that today you are going to be talking about what you all want to be when you become adults. And, he or she proceeds to ask each one in the class that question - what do you want to be when you grow up? What do you think the answers would be? Most of you have probably experienced something similar to this, right? I'm sure this class would be typical of most others and the responses would be something along the lines of nurse, secretary, truck driver, mechanic, lawyer, I don’t know,  doctor, computer geek, teacher, veterinarian, housewife, firefighter, social worker, etc., etc. You get the point, right? Many varied occupations are always given as answers.

Now, I must admit that this was somewhat of a trick question. The question was what do you want to BE when you grow up, not what do you want to DO when you grow up? Everyone always answers this question with what they want to do. What I want to get you to thinking about is what or who do you want to BE? Regardless of what profession or occupation you choose, what you do is not who you are. What type of person do you want to be? What character qualities do you want that would define who you are? Who you are character wise, value wise, principal wise, conviction wise, and what your integrity is has much more to do with being a true success than what your occupation is. Success is not doing, its being!

Since most of you are teenagers, you are still in the formative years of who you will become as an adult. You are still laying the groundwork and building the foundation on which the rest of your life will stand. God wants the best for your life. So do I. And I know that you want the best for your life as well. So, let's continue to build that foundation the right way, the successful way, God's way! That's what this book is all about-helping you to build that foundation God's way.

Regardless of what occupation you choose to go into, there are two ways to become successful – the world’s way and God’s way. This book will help to instill in you the desire to achieve success God’s way.

I can hear you now saying, “Okay grandpa, just what is the world’s way and what is God’s way?” As I mentioned earlier, the world’s view of success can be summed up in three words – money, money, money! God’s way to achieve success can be summed up in one verse:

Joshua 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Notice it says this book of the law? That does not mean or refer to the actual law or Ten Commandments. It’s referring to God’s word in its entirety. It says that if you will study and meditate on God’s word and do what it says, then you will be prosperous and have good success. I don’t know about you but this not only sounds like a promise to me, it also sounds like a math formula!

STUDY + MEDITATE + OBEY = PROSPERITY + SUCCESS

S + M + O = P + S

Let me share with you a passage of scripture that I memorized many years ago that has helped me tremendously in this area. It is Psalm 1, and says basically the same thing that Joshua 1:8 says.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season. His leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous, for the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

I believe this can be such an important, meaningful, foundational, and encouraging portion of Scripture for you as well. I want you to memorize it and also Joshua 1:8. Let me show you this passage of scripture and the one from Joshua 1:8 together in the New Living Translation because I really, really want you to get the importance of its meaning so that you can apply it to your life.

Here are the same passages from the New Living Translation:

Joshua 1:8 - Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Psalm 1 - Blessed are those who do not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but who delight in the law of the LORD  and meditate on his  law day and night. They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will be destroyed.

Okay, let’s suppose that you believe what you are reading, you do want to succeed and prosper, and you have the desire to do it God’s way but you aren’t real sure how to go about meditating on God’s word. Well, first of all start spending some time in the Bible if you aren’t already. Begin finding verses that you like – ones that you’ve read or maybe heard in church that speaks to you. It could be verses that pertain to something that you are dealing with in your life – maybe some verses from this book that speaks to you. Next, write them down on index cards or in a notebook and read those over and over until you memorize them. Once you memorize a verse then it’s in your computer (brain) for later recall.

Now some of you right here are saying, “But I can’t memorize, so I guess this leaves me out.” To which I say, “Hogwash.” How many names of people have you memorized? What about phone numbers? Or lyrics to songs? Or lines to movies or TV shows? That’s an excuse. You know it and I know it. It has everything to do with “DESIRE.”

So, now that I have your attention, let’s proceed. You probably already know at least a few verses from memory like maybe Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning, God created the Heaven and the earth. Or maybe John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Or what about Psalm 23:1 – The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. If you know those verses, then you have a wonderful start and you can build on that. Regardless of your starting point, just know that you will be blessed beyond measure if you’ll establish this discipline in your life.

I know you’re saying, “Okay, fine, I found some verses. Now what? Well the next steps are: Purposely think about the verse. Quote it to yourself. Roll it around and around in your head asking God what he wants you to get from this verse. For example – The Lord is my Shepherd. Ask yourself, is the Lord really my shepherd? Who is the Lord? There is only one Lord and “He” is my shepherd. Jesus is the shepherd of my life. Talk to yourself about these things. Mutter it under your breath. Move on to the last part of the verse and do the same thing – I shall not want. I don’t have to want for anything because the Lord is my shepherd. You get the idea. It’s quite simple to do if you have the desire and you practice. You will soon have verses in your memory bank that can help you with whatever you may be going through that will comfort you. You will be amazed at how much God will open your eyes to His word and to life if you will pursue this. Get a friend to do it with you and help each other. You could quiz each other or maybe even make flash cards to help. You could even start a scripture club with your other Christian friends. I’ll be praying for you that you see how much this will bless you.

Believe me guys, this does work. I mean it’s a promise from God! What better guarantee could you ask for? The promise is not that you will succeed and prosper in just your spiritual endeavors, but “whatsoever you do!”

I’m reminded of one teen that was having difficulty in school, making C’s and D’s. He started memorizing and meditating on scripture and soon his grades became straight A’s.

Are you seeing how this would help you in your chosen career, whatever it is?  What would you like to succeed and prosper in?

Some other verses that pertain to this that may help you:

Genesis 39:2-3 - And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

Psalm 35:27 - Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

Psalm 122:6 - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Isaiah 55:11 - So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

If you follow this program, you will succeed and prosper in “whatever you do!” I want to caution you here however, because that is where you will most definitely receive subtle attacks from Satan. He will begin telling you how great you are. You will begin to believe it especially when you hear others praising you. You will become full of pride. You will get the “big head.” Maybe you started out realizing that God was blessing you with certain talents and was the cause of your success, but now Satan has convinced you that your success had nothing to do with God – it was all you! Just remember what God’s word says about pride.

Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

I want to share with you a story about myself that pertains to this.

During my childhood and teen years, I had a tremendous love of baseball. I ate, slept and breathed baseball. God had given me a talent to play well and play I did. I excelled at it from the back yard, to the playground, to the organized teams. I made the all-star teams in Little League, Babe Ruth, and Connie Mack. I was “hot stuff” I thought. I also succeeded playing High School ball and just knew that I would end up being a professional baseball player.

I remember one game in particular in High School. We had traveled by bus about an hour to reach this school. I was scheduled to pitch that day and had no idea it was going to be broadcast on the radio. When I found out, you would have thought I was a finalist on “American Idol.” I mean, in 1965 that just did not happen. My dad and my girlfriend were in the stands and that just made it even better. I had to give the performance of my life!

I pitched the entire game and we won 3-2. There were seven innings with three outs each or 21 outs to complete the game. Of the 21 outs, I had struck out 16! And, it was on the RAAADIOOOOOOOOO! This was before “Rocky” movies but I’m sure Rocky music was playing in my head. I’m surprised my head would even fit in the bus to come home. I definitely had the “big head.”

The rest of the story is that that was pretty much the end of my baseball career. It’s as though my success came to an abrupt end. The question is why? Looking back, I believe it was because of the two verses I just shared with you and other similar verses. I became my own worst enemy because of pride.

I tell you this simply as a caution and a warning. Don’t allow pride to sneak into your successes. Always remember who gave you the talents and blessings that you have. Remember Proverbs 3:6 – In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy paths.

THOUGHTS FROM PROVERBS

(New Living Translation)

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last. Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.

A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.

Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

Some who are poor pretend to be rich; others who are rich pretend to be poor. The rich can pay a ransom for their lives, but the poor won’t even get threatened.

Better to have little, with fear for the LORD, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.

Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.

People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed.

The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish.

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.

13

THE JOURNEY

The overall purpose of this book has been to give you a progressive revelation of your life as it should ultimately become. You are not just in transition, but also on a journey. We will look here at understanding and developing the purpose of your life. I want you to continue to look at the point that I made in the last chapter about who you are versus what you do. Who you are and who or what you focus on is foundational to fulfilling your life’s purpose, just as what you believe is foundational.

Let’s look again at the story of Mary and Martha. The story is found in Luke 10: 38-42. Let’s read it again to see how this pertains to your life’s purpose.

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

There are two points to look at here in addition to what we looked at earlier from this passage. To get the first one you have to go to another verse in Ephesians.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Notice that the verse says we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Yes, that is true – we are created to do good works, but you have to understand the total or entire picture. Notice in the story about Mary and Martha that Martha was busy, busy, busy doing good works to serve the Lord, but what did Jesus say to Martha? He said, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things, but one thing is needful – and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Oh, I hope you get this because so many people don’t. Martha was busy serving the Lord, and Mary was busy taking and receiving FROM the Lord. The Lord wants us to take from Him, to receive from Him. He wants us to feed on Him. He wants our focus to be on Him. Too many people are so caught up in doing and working that what ends up happening in many cases is that they are focused on themselves and wondering if they are doing enough. That causes them to go right back into a “WORKS” religion. Satan tricks them into believing that they are justified by their works.

As I have said several times before, Jesus is much more interested in our “heart” than He is our “behavior.”If our heart is right, then our behavior will be right and that is the second point that I wanted to make to you. We are, we are, we are to have good works, but, but, but that is not to be our focus. Again, our focus is to be on Jesus – taking from Him, receiving from Him, and feeding on Him. Our works are to be an outflow or a result of our focusing on Jesus.

I wanted to repeat that story to you because it’s like the Fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-23 - the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law.

These are the results – the fruit of having the Holy Spirit leading and guiding us every day, and as the last part of the verse says, we are not abiding by some law that demands us to have these qualities. We don’t achieve these by works or self effort. If our heart is right we will be joyful, kind, and loving to others. We will help our neighbor in need. We will share the gospel with others and the reason for the hope that is within us. We will pray and study our Bible. These and many many other things we will “do” and those are the good works, because our focus and our heart are right. Just always remember this – these things are just foundational and fundamental to the other things we will talk about concerning your purpose in life.

But, before we get to that, and along the theme of keeping our focus on Jesus, I wanted to share with you my all time favorite hymn or at least the chorus which is “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” Feel free to substitute the word keep for turn. If you know this little chorus, sing it to yourself frequently.

Turn (keep) your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace

This little chorus has been such a blessing to me and has helped me to remember that the things of this Earthly life are really not very important.

This song became very special to me after God spoke to me about how important it is to keep our focus on Jesus. What happened is that the Lord impressed upon me to pray for all the ministries in our church. He wanted me to pray that, regardless of their ministry purpose, they would function by “keeping their focus on Jesus.”I began doing this. During this same time period, I had been asked to lead a Bible study care group and so I prayed about that as well.

Sometime during this period, when I was praying about these two matters, the Lord spoke to me again and told me to incorporate that little chorus into the Bible study. Well, I thought that could be like our theme song and we could sing that chorus at the end of each Bible study. The only problem was I wasn’t sure if that was me wanting to do that or it really was the Lord speaking to me. I continued to pray.

What happened next was absolutely amazing. I had not mentioned any of this to my wife. I got up one morning, got a cup of coffee and walked out on the porch. My wife got up a few minutes later, got a cup of coffee and joined me on the porch. She said, “The strangest thing happened to me this morning. When I woke up, there was this hymn playing over and over in my mind, but I can’t remember the name of it.” She began humming it to me and it was “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” When she told me that, my mouth dropped open. I then told her what had happened, what I had been praying about and then her mouth dropped open. Obviously I had confirmation from the Lord.

Guys, when you put your focus on Jesus, some amazing things will happen! Your journey will become exciting.

Two of my all time favorite verses are Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. The first verse pretty much tells us what our purpose is, and the second verse pretty much tells us how to carry out our purpose.

In the last chapter we touched on your career and profession but our purpose in life is much greater than what our career or occupation is. As you read the two verses I just gave you from Proverbs, do you get the message that is there? The message that I get is that we do not have to concern ourselves with many things, but rather just a couple of things – especially concerning our direction and purpose in life. If you are truly trusting in the Lord with all your heart, and you are not relying on your own understanding, and you are acknowledging Jesus Christ in your life, then He will direct the paths of your life. That includes every area of your life. And, as you surrender your will to His, then your specific life’s purpose will come more and more into focus.

Let me share with you a story about myself that some of you may relate to. As I was growing up, I didn’t like school very much. I tolerated math and science, but I detested English, history, and especially literature. I suppose it was because I didn’t like to read. Well it was exposed when I took the S.A.T. test. I did okay on the math portion, but the verbal part was a disaster!

I decided to attend a Technical school rather than go to college. I wonder why? I’ll never forget meeting with the counselor there for placement (I wasn’t sure what field to go into). He looked at my S.A.T. scores and said, “Well, you definitely shouldn’t go into any literary field – you’re not very good with your words!” Maybe he knew I was just average too! So, I ended up going into Mechanical Engineering which was mostly math and science, and ended up being a firefighter. Go figure.

The point I want to make to you is that when you allow the Lord to direct your paths – there is no telling where your journey will lead or end up. Who would have ever dreamed that I would end up blogging and writing books? Who would have ever dreamed that I would grow to love reading and history? Literature, though, still doesn’t seem to have much of a chance with me.

The paths that you take as a Christian are not a part of your life – it is your life. Think of it this way. Have you ever peeled and eaten a tangerine? A tangerine is a citrus fruit very similar to an orange, and when you peel it you have all those little pieces or sections of the tangerine that you pull apart and eat. Well, let’s imagine that each one of those sections of the tangerine represents an area of your life. For example, one section might represent school. That’s a major area of your life. Another section might represent your life at home. Another might be your job if you have one. Another could be your hobbies or recreational time. Another could be the faith or spiritual part of your life. Another could be friends and time you spend with them. I’m sure you are getting the point. Everyone could inventory or categorize their life by looking at all the things they do in their lives and put them into one of these sections, or we could call them categories. Now the main point that I want to make to you is that most people, as I listed above, consider their faith and spiritual beliefs to be one of these sections or areas of their lives.

What I want you to realize and understand is that, as Christians, our faith and spiritual beliefs are not a part or section of our lives but rather like “the tangerine peeling” that covers all the sections of our lives.

When we became Christians, the shed blood of Jesus not only saved us for all eternity, but provided forgiveness for all our sins, justified us, redeemed us, and covers us in every area of our lives, just like that peeling does the tangerine. Just understand that being a Christian is your life, not a part of your life.

At some point in time in your life you have to realize this and get serious about your Christianity and determine if you are going to “sell out” to Jesus or not. Are you going to let Jesus be the “tangerine peeling” of your life or just give him one little section? I’ve heard it expressed this way and I think it’s very accurate - Are you going to take a drink of water or are you going to dive in the swimming pool? Until you do, you will not have that fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

I believe that at this point most of you probably agree that our overall purpose in life is to honor and glorify God, completely trust Him with every area of our lives, acknowledge Him in all that we do, and rest in knowing that He will direct our paths. But, that may not be the case for some of you. Some of you may be really struggling with all of this. If that’s true then the best advice I can give you is to stop the battle. Totally give it up and surrender your life to the Lord.

That reminds me of another verse that I want to share with you – Matthew 11:28 – Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Now that verse does not necessarily mean that you have to be so down trodden, so at the end of your rope, or feeling like life is hopeless before you turn to the Lord and enter into His rest. It does mean that, but it can and does also mean that if you are tired of doing things through your own efforts (that’s called doing things in the flesh), and doing things the world’s ways and you are dissatisfied with the results, then maybe it’s time to turn to the Lord and enter into His rest, His guidance, His leadership.

So now many of you are saying, “Okay Grandpa, I get it. I get the message and I do understand what my purpose in life is supposed to be, and I do want to honor and glorify the Lord in all that I do, but can you help me to maybe know how, in practical everyday ways, how to pursue and achieve God’s purpose for my life? Can you maybe put this in some sort of step by step procedure?” Well, I am so glad you asked because the answer is yes!

So now let’s get to that ultimate purpose and give you those steps to follow.

1. Be assured of your salvation. I feel we have covered this sufficiently in the introduction and chapter 1.

2. Surrender the Lordship of your life to Jesus Christ daily. I feel that we have also covered this extensively throughout the book.

3. Evaluate yourself and be honest with yourself. What are your innermost desires? What do you want to accomplish with your life? What things are you interested in? What are your likes and dislikes? Do the answers line up with God’s word?

4. Determine what your spiritual gift(s) are. Do you know what your spiritual gift or gifts are? If you are a Christian you have at least one spiritual gift. Some people have more than one but as I said, if you are saved you have at least one. I bring this up because what you will want to do is blend your gift(s) with your talents and interests to develop your ministry. Do you remember that we talked about every Christian having a ministry? This all works toward your purpose in life.

I want us to take some time here because this ties in with number 3 above and also because we haven’t discussed this previously.

You see, God has given you gift(s), talents, and interests for a reason. God wants you to use these “blessings” to help shape and mold yourself into the person that He has designed you to be. But not only that – He wants you to enjoy what you are doing. Now let me ask you a question. Are you beginning to see that your career might also be your ministry, and your ministry might also be your career? Now I am not going to necessarily talk about going into full time ministry because I believe that we (Christians) are all called to full time ministry. What most people mean by full time ministry is as a minister or pastor, minister of music, youth minister, or any number of positions within a church or religious entity. If you are called by God through the Holy Spirit to go into one of those ministry positions, then I say “Praise the Lord.” However, I would also say “Praise the Lord” if you are led or called by the Holy Spirit to be a housewife, architect, or in my case, a firefighter. Now I just gave you examples of careers that might or might not be your ministry as well.

Let me explain this to give you a more clear understanding. Let’s say the lady that feels led to be a fulltime mom and housewife could also have a ministry of teaching a home Bible study to other ladies in her neighborhood. The architect, for example may work fulltime in that career, but volunteer some weekends in a homeless shelter or food bank.  The firefighter might teach a Sunday school class or in my case, blog and write Christian books. The obvious point I’m making here is that regardless of our career paths, we all should have a ministry as well.

Now let’s look at this from the other angle. Let’s say that you are very interested in and are talented in art, and let’s also say that you determine that your spiritual gift is teaching. Do you see where this is leading? Of course you do. You could pursue being a Christian artist or teaching art or any number of related fields. Let’s look at another example. Let’s say that you are very interested in science and have done very well with science projects in school, and the best part, you really enjoy it. Let’s also assume that your gift is knowledge or prophecy or leadership. Can you imagine the career possibilities and ministry possibilities here? You could become a prophetic space scientist that could possibly enlighten many of our current scientists to the truth of creation rather than the lie of evolution. I say that in jest, but again imagine the possibilities.

As to the spiritual gifts - I know you’re wondering how you find out what your spiritual gift is if you don’t already know. Well, the first thing is let’s cover what they are. Here is a list of them from scripture and I trust that you will look up, read and study these passages:

Romans 12 – exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy, prophecy, service, teaching

1 Corinthians 12 – administration, apostle, discernment, faith, healing, Helps, knowledge, miracles, prophecy, teaching, Tongues, tongues interpretation, wisdom

Ephesians 4 – apostle, evangelism, pastor, prophecy, teaching

Now after looking at these that are listed and reading the scripture references you will want to maybe do some research and find out more about each one and also take a test to determine which one or ones are your gift(s). There are many tests available online or you may want to check with your church to see what information they have.

5. Continue to seek the Lord daily in His word and through prayer. Ask Him to show you what your specific purpose if life should be.

6. Remember Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he SHALL direct thy paths.

7. Enjoy the journey!

14

THE CHALLENGE

Before we begin, let me share a few more things about myself with you so that hopefully you will know that I am nothing more than an older version of yourself.

I don’t presume to be an expert on the purpose of life, nor an expert on teenagers. I am not a pastor or minister. I have not been to Seminary and do not hold any degrees in theology or any other ology for that matter. But, you know what? I believe that this book can help you to achieve your purpose in life and guide you in the right directions. I believe that, because I know the ONE that led me to write this book. I’ve read His book many times and know the author well. I’ve had many conversations with Him, and He has taught me many, many things over the years that He wanted me to share with you and I believe that I have done that throughout this book. My prayer is that through your faith the Holy Spirit has opened your heart to receive them and implement them into your life.

I’m just an aging retired firefighter who has a burden for you, our younger generation, to help you with the ultimate purpose of this book and that is to know, understand, and achieve your purpose in life.

I want to challenge each and every one of you to immediately make Jesus Lord of your life. If you will do this and seek His guidance daily, you will be amazed at how He will work in your life.

Share this book with others. Although it is addressed to you as teens, it is practical for any age. Maybe even your parents!

Finally, let me hear from you. Share with me your testimonies. If you need some advice about issues you are facing, write me – everything is totally confidential. I can be reached at Grandpaschristiansoldiers.com.

Join me in being a true soldier of Jesus Christ!

I hope you have learned that the Christian life is not laws, commandments or condemnation.

I Love You, Grandpa

THOUGHTS FROM PROVERBS

(New Living Translation)

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.

How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful.

Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

The LORD preserves those with knowledge, but he ruins the plans of the treacherous.

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips.

I am teaching you today—yes, you— so you will trust in the LORD.

My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!

Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.

Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

About the Author

Glenn devoted over thirty years of his life to fighting fire and saving lives.  His desire in this book is to “light fires” and “save lives” spiritually in the hearts and minds of teens.

Although Glenn was saved at a very young age and grew up in a Christian home, he didn’t always put the Lord first. After struggling many years in his Christian walk, he finally realized where he was missing it. He shares with you his experiences, what he has learned, and shows you how you can prevent or overcome some of the same mistakes.

Glenn unfolds the beauty and rewards of the Christian life, and shows how you too can live this life “more abundantly.”

Please join us on Grandpa’s Christian Soldiers blog http://bit.ly/11ig0KR

Facebook:  http://on.fb.me/ZtTz8U

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

1 TRANSITION

1 TRANSITION

2 THE HEART TRANSPLANT

2 THE HEART TRANSPLANT

3 DRINK THE NEW WINE

3 DRINK THE NEW WINE

4 WORK AT RESTING

4 WORK AT RESTING

5 THE GIFTS

5 THE GIFTS

6 HE’S JUST AVERAGE

6 HE’S JUST AVERAGE

7 THE UMBRELLA

7 THE UMBRELLA

8 NEVER WALK ALONE

8 NEVER WALK ALONE

9 THE LAMB AND THE WOLF

9 THE LAMB AND THE WOLF

10 TAKE THE TRASH OUT

10 TAKE THE TRASH OUT

11 THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL

11 THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL

12 THE BIG HEAD

12 THE BIG HEAD

13 THE JOURNEY

13 THE JOURNEY

14 THE CHALLENGE

14 THE CHALLENGE

About the Author

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

1 TRANSITION

1 TRANSITION

2 THE HEART TRANSPLANT

2 THE HEART TRANSPLANT

3 DRINK THE NEW WINE

3 DRINK THE NEW WINE

4 WORK AT RESTING

4 WORK AT RESTING

5 THE GIFTS

5 THE GIFTS

6 HE’S JUST AVERAGE

6 HE’S JUST AVERAGE

7 THE UMBRELLA

7 THE UMBRELLA

8 NEVER WALK ALONE

8 NEVER WALK ALONE

9 THE LAMB AND THE WOLF

9 THE LAMB AND THE WOLF

10 TAKE THE TRASH OUT

10 TAKE THE TRASH OUT

11 THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL

11 THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL

12 THE BIG HEAD

12 THE BIG HEAD

13 THE JOURNEY

13 THE JOURNEY

14 THE CHALLENGE

14 THE CHALLENGE

About the Author