40 Day Devotionals 2014 Day 10

I cannot begin to tell you how exciting it is to know what we are having! I'm sorry I am keeping you in suspense but we wanted to tell all of our family first. With Kelli's family in Iowa and my family all over the world it takes a little while. Also, Kelli has been feeling better lately. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for her.
Meanwhile, in youth news, I went to a middle school talent show after work. It reminded me a lot of middle school life that I had forgotten about! I see quite a bit of the culture and lifestyle in youth ministry but actually being in an auditorium filled with middle school students and their friends and families is really eye-opening. There was everything from pop culture to christian music. They even represented different cultures and countries. Also some of the students were extremely talented! The singing and dancing was actually really good! I was surprised at times that I was watching middle school students! It doesn't matter the age, students can truly excel when people believe in them! It was great to watch some of the youth ministry students perform. I also saw a bunch of kids from the First Priority ministry. It reminds me why I do what I do. Even though things were chaotic and crazy, the students were just so happy to see my wife and I there amongst their parents. To tell you the truth, I love going to events that my students are a part of. I am honored just to be included in their world.

Oh and to all my Math Heads out there! Happy Pi Day! 3/14.

Day 10

Scripture

Ephesians 5: 15-17

-          ¹⁵ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Wisdom

-          Paul lays out 3 different instructions on how to make Godly choices to us in Ephesians.

-          The first is to be careful how you live. We live in a morally corrupt culture that pressures us to move against our faith and beliefs. We have to always keep in mind how we act, react, and portray ourselves. If we do not guard our heart and mind then anything can overtake it.

-          The second thing Paul tells us is to make the most of every opportunity. God gives us the responsibility of a 24 hour day. We can either use it for good or waste it away. The Lord even commands us to rest in those hours but so often we occupy ourselves with useless activities.

-          The final thing he lays out is to understand the will God has for us. We talked about this a lot already. We know that God wants us to be awesome and beautiful creations that live in to His purpose for our lives. If we keep this in mind the first two things; being careful how we live and using every moment, become so much more important. Let’s commit to living our daily lives for Christ.

Apply

-          How can you live each day to the fullest? What can you add to (or take away from) your day so that you can glorify God?

-          Do you keep your guard up against morally bad things? Do you think twice before watching a rated R (or worse!) movie or TV show or playing a video game that is questionable? Do you stop before you jump into a conversation that is negative?

-          Have you stopped and prayed about Gods’ will for you?

Prayer

-          Pray that the Lord put a shield around your heart and open your mind to the evil things that occupy our world today. Help us to represent Him but for His Spirit to shine in thw world so we can recognize it.  Ask Him for help to make each moment count!