Past Devotionals
March 9, 2008
Matthew 18:6 "Whoever cause one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a milestone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
Wow, not my words, but the words of Jesus. Pretty harsh coming from the Prince of Peace and the Lamb of God. Whenever people that knew me in my BC (Before Christ) days ask me why I chose to work with youth, I always refer them back to this passage. There aren't too many responsibilities within the Body of Christ more intense then one that comes with this warning from Our Lord Himself. Whether leading a Youth group or teaching and assisting with younger kids (Light Hour) you have an effect on the future, not just of the individuals you touch, but you effect the future of the Church as a whole. When we are gone the young ones will take our place. Each member of TNT serves those younger than them in some capacity. Either a younger sibling watching everything you do like a hawk or a younger member of the church that you see as you serve in Light Hour or the Nursery or maybe just kids watching you at a distance thinking to themselves "I can't wait until I get to MS/HS so I can be just like Him/Her." You are an example to the little ones whether you like it or not and when you realize that you should always remember Jesus' words about the weight of that responsibility. I don't know about you, but I for one don't like my chances swimming with a milestone around my neck.
In His Spirit,
Gerry Brown
March 2, 2008
Mark 8:34 "When he had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
Jesus gives those willing to follow Him an important warning in this statement. Following Jesus requires taking up a Cross. Choosing Jesus requires sacrifice and discipline. He never promises us that it will be easy. Many of us struggle in our daily walk with the Lord. Becoming a Christian does not promise us an easy life. We still come under stress from problems, financial burden, and losses in life. As a young adult this can especially trying. Staying strong while most around you give in to and revel in sin is no easy task. Still we know that everything we struggle with is nothing compared to knowing we will meet our Lord and Savior one day soon. Don't dwell on the temporary "Cross" you carry today. Keep your eyes on the Prize.
In His Spirit,
Gerry Brown
February 24, 2008
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 "Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up."
Friendship. It is a word we often take for granted. We go through life saying so in so is my best friend or I am her best friend, but who among us has a best friend. A true friend that will always come running without fail when we are in need. Of course, Jesus is the best friend we can ever find, but the Bible speaks openly about the importance of friends here on Earth. Friends we can rely on when we fall down. Here at TNT, Teens Navigating Together, we strive to build those types of friendships. Friends that struggle like you do, that want to help you be the best person you can be, friends you can count on. Ask yourselves, do I have friends like that or do I have friends that talk behind my back, want to see me fail or lead me further into temptation? Once you get your answer I hope to see you returning to TNT. To find a friend like the Bible describes in Ecclesiastes or to become one to someone new.
In His Spirit,
Gerry Brown