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Monday, March 7, 2011
Just Five 1.20
gold
1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain.
The apostle Paul said life is like a race and we can win it or lose it. In this race we are not competing against other people, but against our own potential. Inside all of us God has planted seeds of potential, and our winning or losing depends on what we do with those seeds. We can develop them or neglect them.
Many people try to take shortcuts or even cheat in life to get ahead. They may fool people, but they never fool God. In 67 A.D. Nero, the emperor or Rome, decided to compete in a chariot race. Right in the middle of the event, he fell of his chariot and never finished the race. The judges, under extreme pressure from the emperor, declared him the winner anyway. The emperor was able to manipulate the judges into overlooking his undeveloped athletic potential.
But in the race of life, we can’t fool God. He sees what we do or don’t do with our potential.
Purpose in your heart that you will run your race in life to win by developing all the potential you have. Have you been given a musical gift that you are neglecting? Do you have a gift in science or mathematics that you have allowed to be undeveloped?
You may not even know where your potential is. Part of the race is sometimes working to discover what gifts God had put inside us. It takes hard work and practice to discover and develop our potential.
Don’t waste any time. Get started today.
prayer
God, please open my eyes to all the potential You have deposited inside me. Give me the passion to pursue Your best and the determination to develop all You have given me. I want to win the race called life. Help me never settle for second best. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
1 Corinthians 9:24
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain.
The apostle Paul said life is like a race and we can win it or lose it. In this race we are not competing against other people, but against our own potential. Inside all of us God has planted seeds of potential, and our winning or losing depends on what we do with those seeds. We can develop them or neglect them.
Many people try to take shortcuts or even cheat in life to get ahead. They may fool people, but they never fool God. In 67 A.D. Nero, the emperor or Rome, decided to compete in a chariot race. Right in the middle of the event, he fell of his chariot and never finished the race. The judges, under extreme pressure from the emperor, declared him the winner anyway. The emperor was able to manipulate the judges into overlooking his undeveloped athletic potential.
But in the race of life, we can’t fool God. He sees what we do or don’t do with our potential.
Purpose in your heart that you will run your race in life to win by developing all the potential you have. Have you been given a musical gift that you are neglecting? Do you have a gift in science or mathematics that you have allowed to be undeveloped?
You may not even know where your potential is. Part of the race is sometimes working to discover what gifts God had put inside us. It takes hard work and practice to discover and develop our potential.
Don’t waste any time. Get started today.
prayer
God, please open my eyes to all the potential You have deposited inside me. Give me the passion to pursue Your best and the determination to develop all You have given me. I want to win the race called life. Help me never settle for second best. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Friday, March 4, 2011
Just Five 1.19
evidence 1.19
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Many innocent people in America have gone to prison for years because of circumstantial evidence against them. From all outward appearances, it looked like they were guilty, and there was no witnesses of the crime to declare their innocence.
We have all had times in our lives when we were unjustly accused of things. There may have been circumstances that made us look guilty, but only we knew the truth.
Our adversary, the devil, tries to bring circumstantial evidence against us all the time. He’ll mount some kind of circumstantial case against you, telling you you’re depressed or broke or sick or useless.
The good news is that we have a witness that will come to our defense-the Word of the living God! Second Timothy 3:16 says God’s Word is profitable for reproof. The Word reproves us for real, not circumstantial, evidence. So when circumstances challenge you that are contrary to the will of God, found in His Word, you must give voice to the witness of God’s Word to plead your case and walk away free and delivered!
prayer
Father, I thank You that in every trial of my life, You have given me an Advocate, your own Son, Jesus Christ. And Jesus has given me Your Word as a witness that testifies against every circumstance in my life that is contrary to Your purpose and will for my life. I stand firm against depression, lack, sickness, and any other destructive force sent my way. Your promises to me are true and sure! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Many innocent people in America have gone to prison for years because of circumstantial evidence against them. From all outward appearances, it looked like they were guilty, and there was no witnesses of the crime to declare their innocence.
We have all had times in our lives when we were unjustly accused of things. There may have been circumstances that made us look guilty, but only we knew the truth.
Our adversary, the devil, tries to bring circumstantial evidence against us all the time. He’ll mount some kind of circumstantial case against you, telling you you’re depressed or broke or sick or useless.
The good news is that we have a witness that will come to our defense-the Word of the living God! Second Timothy 3:16 says God’s Word is profitable for reproof. The Word reproves us for real, not circumstantial, evidence. So when circumstances challenge you that are contrary to the will of God, found in His Word, you must give voice to the witness of God’s Word to plead your case and walk away free and delivered!
prayer
Father, I thank You that in every trial of my life, You have given me an Advocate, your own Son, Jesus Christ. And Jesus has given me Your Word as a witness that testifies against every circumstance in my life that is contrary to Your purpose and will for my life. I stand firm against depression, lack, sickness, and any other destructive force sent my way. Your promises to me are true and sure! In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Just Five 1.18
thirst
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Dogs are loyal animals. But every now and again you come across a dog that is a few milkbones short of a full bag. Years ago we had a dog that would not bark. His name was Buffy. We knew Buffy could bark, because he did once while he was a puppy, but never again.
One day we went out and put Buffy in a kennel in the garage. We came back late that evening and completely forgot he was still in his small kennel. Something came up, and we had to leave again the next morning and didn’t get back to the house for another three days.
All of a sudden, someone said, “Where’s Buffy?” My heart sank. All I could picture in my mind was a dead dog who hadn’t been able to bark to save itself. I didn’t even want to go look. When I finally did, there he was, a complete mess (I’ll let you figure out how), jumping around and, of course, silent. When I let him out, I have never seen an animal run so fast to the water dish. That was the thirstiest mutt I have ever seen in my life.
You know what? When you go without spiritual things for a while, rather than getting more and more thirsty, complacency will begin to set in. If you want to stay thirsty for God, drink till you’re full of the living water daily. The more you drink, the more you’re going to want! And if you ever get locked in a garage, holler!
prayer
Lord, the Bible says Your Word is the bread of life and the Holy Spirit is the living water. I commit to stay on a steady diet of both, maintaining my hunger and thirst for the things of God. The more of Your Word I know, the more I want to know. Thank You that as I hunger and thirst for righteousness, I am filled and satisfied. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Dogs are loyal animals. But every now and again you come across a dog that is a few milkbones short of a full bag. Years ago we had a dog that would not bark. His name was Buffy. We knew Buffy could bark, because he did once while he was a puppy, but never again.
One day we went out and put Buffy in a kennel in the garage. We came back late that evening and completely forgot he was still in his small kennel. Something came up, and we had to leave again the next morning and didn’t get back to the house for another three days.
All of a sudden, someone said, “Where’s Buffy?” My heart sank. All I could picture in my mind was a dead dog who hadn’t been able to bark to save itself. I didn’t even want to go look. When I finally did, there he was, a complete mess (I’ll let you figure out how), jumping around and, of course, silent. When I let him out, I have never seen an animal run so fast to the water dish. That was the thirstiest mutt I have ever seen in my life.
You know what? When you go without spiritual things for a while, rather than getting more and more thirsty, complacency will begin to set in. If you want to stay thirsty for God, drink till you’re full of the living water daily. The more you drink, the more you’re going to want! And if you ever get locked in a garage, holler!
prayer
Lord, the Bible says Your Word is the bread of life and the Holy Spirit is the living water. I commit to stay on a steady diet of both, maintaining my hunger and thirst for the things of God. The more of Your Word I know, the more I want to know. Thank You that as I hunger and thirst for righteousness, I am filled and satisfied. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Just Five 1.17
passion
Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
An old country preacher from Mississippi used to pray this prayer every morning when he got up: “O Lord, give Thy servant this morning the eyes of the eagle and the wisdom of the owl. Illuminate my brow with the sunshine of heaven. Possess my mind with love for people, turpentine my imagination, grease my lips, electrify my brain with the lightning of Your Word. Fill me plumb full of the dynamite of Thy glory. Lord, anoint me all over with the kerosene of salvation, and set me on fire! Amen.” This was a preacher with a passion and desire to serve God.
The apostle Paul was a man like that. He was consumed with God’s call and got up every day with one thing on his mind: the desire to press toward God’s goal for his life and nothing else.
It’s not enough just to know what God’s plans and goals are for you. Stir yourself up every day by speaking the Word of God over your life and reminding yourself of God’s mission for you on this planet.
prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have purpose and direction for my life every day. I will not allow apathy or carelessness to find its way into my walk with You. Right now, I stir myself up to seek You with a passion and to fulfill Your assignment for my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Philippians 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
An old country preacher from Mississippi used to pray this prayer every morning when he got up: “O Lord, give Thy servant this morning the eyes of the eagle and the wisdom of the owl. Illuminate my brow with the sunshine of heaven. Possess my mind with love for people, turpentine my imagination, grease my lips, electrify my brain with the lightning of Your Word. Fill me plumb full of the dynamite of Thy glory. Lord, anoint me all over with the kerosene of salvation, and set me on fire! Amen.” This was a preacher with a passion and desire to serve God.
The apostle Paul was a man like that. He was consumed with God’s call and got up every day with one thing on his mind: the desire to press toward God’s goal for his life and nothing else.
It’s not enough just to know what God’s plans and goals are for you. Stir yourself up every day by speaking the Word of God over your life and reminding yourself of God’s mission for you on this planet.
prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have purpose and direction for my life every day. I will not allow apathy or carelessness to find its way into my walk with You. Right now, I stir myself up to seek You with a passion and to fulfill Your assignment for my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Just Five 1.16
fool
Psalm 14:1
There is no God. All of creation was just one huge cosmic accident. There was no hand of the Almighty that made a trillion or so stars. One day, they just decided to make themselves. And no invisible power keeps each one on a steady course. The earth gave itself day and night and then tilted itself so that we get seasons.
The human heart keeps on pounding for about eighty years without ever faltering. A kidney somehow learned how to filter poison from the blood and leave the good stuff alone. I wonder who gave human tongues the flexibility to form words and a cranium to know what they mean, but denied these abilities to the rest of creation. Who showed a womb how to take the love of two people and from a baby with just the right number of fingers, eyes, and ears, and with hair in all the right places, and then decide to bring that baby on into the world when it's ready to sustain itself?
There is no God? Only a fool would make such a lame assumption. And you're no fool!
There is no God. All of creation was just one huge cosmic accident. There was no hand of the Almighty that made a trillion or so stars. One day, they just decided to make themselves. And no invisible power keeps each one on a steady course. The earth gave itself day and night and then tilted itself so that we get seasons.
The human heart keeps on pounding for about eighty years without ever faltering. A kidney somehow learned how to filter poison from the blood and leave the good stuff alone. I wonder who gave human tongues the flexibility to form words and a cranium to know what they mean, but denied these abilities to the rest of creation. Who showed a womb how to take the love of two people and from a baby with just the right number of fingers, eyes, and ears, and with hair in all the right places, and then decide to bring that baby on into the world when it's ready to sustain itself?
There is no God? Only a fool would make such a lame assumption. And you're no fool!
prayer
Lord, You said that we were fearfully and wonderfully made. The wonder of Your creation daily speaks of Your character and attributes. I thank You today that since You had the ability to create the incredible universe, You can certainly take care of my world. I trust You and am bold to proclaim Your awesome works. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Lord, You said that we were fearfully and wonderfully made. The wonder of Your creation daily speaks of Your character and attributes. I thank You today that since You had the ability to create the incredible universe, You can certainly take care of my world. I trust You and am bold to proclaim Your awesome works. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Monday, February 28, 2011
Just Five 1.15
will
Hebrews 6:3
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
We all know that the Bible is broken up into two parts, the Old and New Testaments. The word testament means “covenant” or “will.” It simply means a promise.
When people leave this earth, quite often they leave behind a will. A will describes what the benefactors (people who get the stuff) will receive from the remainder of the deceased person’s estate.
Since Jesus rose from the dead, I suppose we could call His estate plans a “living will.” The New Testament, or will, is an incredible description of all the provisions left to us as Christians to carry out our live successfully while on earth.
Question: If you found out that a certain ultra-rich relative left you something in his will, do you think you’d show up for the reading of the will after his passing? Yeah, you’d be there with a tape recorder and a big yellow highlighter to make sure you found out all that was rightfully your! Jesus left you something in His will. He’s left you forgiveness, healing, favor, financial prosperity, and a whole lot more.
But no one’s going to track you down and force it on you. You must read it and put yourself in a position to receive what God already wants you to have.
prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that You didn’t leave me alone or hopeless on this earth. You have promised to provide for every one of my needs. As Your child, I am bold to receive the multiplied blessings that You’ve promised me in Your Word. And for all that You continue to give me, I will return to You and praise and the glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Hebrews 6:3
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
We all know that the Bible is broken up into two parts, the Old and New Testaments. The word testament means “covenant” or “will.” It simply means a promise.
When people leave this earth, quite often they leave behind a will. A will describes what the benefactors (people who get the stuff) will receive from the remainder of the deceased person’s estate.
Since Jesus rose from the dead, I suppose we could call His estate plans a “living will.” The New Testament, or will, is an incredible description of all the provisions left to us as Christians to carry out our live successfully while on earth.
Question: If you found out that a certain ultra-rich relative left you something in his will, do you think you’d show up for the reading of the will after his passing? Yeah, you’d be there with a tape recorder and a big yellow highlighter to make sure you found out all that was rightfully your! Jesus left you something in His will. He’s left you forgiveness, healing, favor, financial prosperity, and a whole lot more.
But no one’s going to track you down and force it on you. You must read it and put yourself in a position to receive what God already wants you to have.
prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that You didn’t leave me alone or hopeless on this earth. You have promised to provide for every one of my needs. As Your child, I am bold to receive the multiplied blessings that You’ve promised me in Your Word. And for all that You continue to give me, I will return to You and praise and the glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Friday, February 25, 2011
Just Five 1.14
radio
2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
In October 1982, Wisconsin was playing Michigan State in a college football game at Badger Stadium. There were more than 60,000 Badger fans in attendance watching their beloved Badgers get soundly beaten by the boys of Michigan State. However, at completely random and unusual times during the game, much of the crowd would break out in a loud cheer for no apparent reason! Other fans and players looked on in amazement, wondering why.
They soon discovered that thousands of fans had radios and were tuning in to the World Series game seventy miles away as the Milwaukee Brewers were beating the St. Louis Cardinals. These fans from Milwaukee had found something to cheer about.
There’s a lesson to be learned here. When things are going poorly around you, it’s time to tune in to a different source. When you plug in to the Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to inspire you through prayer, victory can be yours even when your circumstances tell you that you’re on the losing end.
Keep your focus on the eternal, and the temporal will change.
prayer
Father, I choose to keep my eyes on things that are unseen. My circumstances are all subject to change, and I am trusting in Your Word to bring victory to every area of my life. Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your mercies that are new every morning. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
In October 1982, Wisconsin was playing Michigan State in a college football game at Badger Stadium. There were more than 60,000 Badger fans in attendance watching their beloved Badgers get soundly beaten by the boys of Michigan State. However, at completely random and unusual times during the game, much of the crowd would break out in a loud cheer for no apparent reason! Other fans and players looked on in amazement, wondering why.
They soon discovered that thousands of fans had radios and were tuning in to the World Series game seventy miles away as the Milwaukee Brewers were beating the St. Louis Cardinals. These fans from Milwaukee had found something to cheer about.
There’s a lesson to be learned here. When things are going poorly around you, it’s time to tune in to a different source. When you plug in to the Word of God and allow the Holy Spirit to inspire you through prayer, victory can be yours even when your circumstances tell you that you’re on the losing end.
Keep your focus on the eternal, and the temporal will change.
prayer
Father, I choose to keep my eyes on things that are unseen. My circumstances are all subject to change, and I am trusting in Your Word to bring victory to every area of my life. Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your mercies that are new every morning. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Just Five 1.13
rock
Matthew 7:24
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.
Have you happened to notice the escalating peril that exists among our young people in America today? Shootings in our schools, teenage pregnancy and abortion, rampant drug use and crime are all sad reminders of a nation that has lost its moral bearings.
America didn’t start out this way. Our forefathers boldly prayed for God’s guidance and protection. Our nation’s public schools once offered morning prayers and unashamedly posted the Ten Commandments in the classrooms.
As a nation, we had values and commitment to truth that were sure and steady, like a rock. Now we are like shifting sand, with instability and an uncertain future on the horizon. As a young person, you can change this. Benjamin Franklin once stated, “He who shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will change the face of the world.”
Know what you believe, and then make what you believe known!
prayer
Father, I am determined to build my life on the unshakable rock of the Word of God. When storms and trials come, I am not going to be moved away from my faith in You. I pray that my country and its leaders will return to trusting You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Matthew 7:24
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.
Have you happened to notice the escalating peril that exists among our young people in America today? Shootings in our schools, teenage pregnancy and abortion, rampant drug use and crime are all sad reminders of a nation that has lost its moral bearings.
America didn’t start out this way. Our forefathers boldly prayed for God’s guidance and protection. Our nation’s public schools once offered morning prayers and unashamedly posted the Ten Commandments in the classrooms.
As a nation, we had values and commitment to truth that were sure and steady, like a rock. Now we are like shifting sand, with instability and an uncertain future on the horizon. As a young person, you can change this. Benjamin Franklin once stated, “He who shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will change the face of the world.”
Know what you believe, and then make what you believe known!
prayer
Father, I am determined to build my life on the unshakable rock of the Word of God. When storms and trials come, I am not going to be moved away from my faith in You. I pray that my country and its leaders will return to trusting You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Just Five 1.12
persuaded
Romans 4:21
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promise, he was able also to perform.
Martin Luther was an Augustinian monk in the 1500s who was shocked by the corruption in the church in his day. The religious hierarchy of his day demanded money and penance from the people who wanted their sins forgiven. According to their traditions, prayers were to be given to God through the mediator of a priest.
Finally, young Luther went to Whittenburg castle and nailed a ninety-five-point thesis of his convictions on a wooden door. The core truth of his conviction was that every believer is justified by personal faith in God, and not by works. He launched the great Reformation and eventually suffered excommunication and public condemnation from the church.
But Martin Luther was fully persuaded that holding fast to the truth of the Word of God was far more important than the acceptance of his peers. Like any great spiritual leader, he didn’t just talk about faith; he lived it.
prayer
Father in heaven, I thank You for the promises given to me in Your Word. I choose to believe in You, and I am fully persuaded that You will perform Your Word on my behalf as I trust in You. I am not living for the acceptance and approval of men, but You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
Romans 4:21
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promise, he was able also to perform.
Martin Luther was an Augustinian monk in the 1500s who was shocked by the corruption in the church in his day. The religious hierarchy of his day demanded money and penance from the people who wanted their sins forgiven. According to their traditions, prayers were to be given to God through the mediator of a priest.
Finally, young Luther went to Whittenburg castle and nailed a ninety-five-point thesis of his convictions on a wooden door. The core truth of his conviction was that every believer is justified by personal faith in God, and not by works. He launched the great Reformation and eventually suffered excommunication and public condemnation from the church.
But Martin Luther was fully persuaded that holding fast to the truth of the Word of God was far more important than the acceptance of his peers. Like any great spiritual leader, he didn’t just talk about faith; he lived it.
prayer
Father in heaven, I thank You for the promises given to me in Your Word. I choose to believe in You, and I am fully persuaded that You will perform Your Word on my behalf as I trust in You. I am not living for the acceptance and approval of men, but You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*from thrive teen devotional by blaine bartel
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