FOR ADULTS

Sunday November 15th

 

The Lord your God is gracious and compassionate.  He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.  2 Chronicles 30:9

 

I landed at the international airport in Yaounde, Cameroon, alone.  Finally done with immigration and customs, I ventured into the crowd outside the terminal.  Where was the missionary who was to pick me up:  What would I do if he didn't show?  Suddenly, with relief, I saw his familiar face.

 

What would I do without God's familiar face?  When sins crowd my soul, what if God just left me standing in the mess, as well he might?  When trouble makes it past the immigration counter of my existence, what if God neglected to pick me up?  When death's hot breath blows upon me, what if God didn't show up with his air-conditioned car to transport me to heaven?  These are not just "what-ifs."  They are very real and happen to unbelievers who do not see God's familiar face.

 

On Calvary's cross God turned his face toward me.  What a face it is - one of tender mercy and divine compassion.  In his Son God shows me how much he loves me.  Not just from a distance but down in my world, under my sins, on my cross.  In his Son, God shows me what his love offers me.  Forgiveness for every sin, help  for every trouble, heaven for my home.  When in true repentance I look for him on the pages of his Word.  I'll always find with joyous relief his familiar face.

 

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you turning your face toward me on Calvary.  What would I do without your love?  Help me see your face even more clearly by fastening my eyes more firmly on your Word.  Amen.

 

"Together with Jesus" by Richard Lauersdorf

 

 

 

FOR YOUTH

Sunday November 16, 2015

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-11

The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear of minded and self-controlled so that all you can pray.

 

One of the most famous advertising slogans of all time was a short phrase invented for Lay's Potato Chips: "Bet you can't eat just on!"  Six short words.  Each word just one syllable.

 

The idea, of course, was that Lay's Potato Chips were so delicious, so crunchy, so addicting, that once you ate one, you'd have to eat another...and another...and another.  It was a whole ad campaign about self-control.

 

But there are people in this world who can eat just one.  There are people who have enough self control to resist a second Lay's Potato Chip, no matter how tasty it is.  Not only that, there are people in this world who have enough self control in the way they eat, the way they exercise, the way they study, speak, and work.  Maybe you even know some of those poeple.  Chances are, if you know them, you also admire them.

 

You know what else?  God feels the same way.  God admires self control.  He values it.  He thinks self control is pretty cool.

 

As a matter of fact, that's way God commands self control.  His Word doesn't say, "Be clear minded and self controlled" because he had a report due for school and had to think of something to write. He doesn't command us to control our anger, our appetites, desires, and fears just because he likes the sound of his own voice.  No, he commands those things because  he values self control.  And if God values self control, shouldn't we?  Shouldn't you?

 

Reflect:  Do you admire anyone for his or her self control?  If so, whom?  Do you think self control is a good thing?  If not, why?  If so, why?  Do you need to develop self control in any areas of your life?  If so, what areas?  How can you practice self control in those areas?  Have you asked God for help?  If not, why not?  If so, do you trust him to help you?

 

ACT:  Share a small bag of Lay's Potato Chips with a friend or family member, and ask that person to pray and encourage you in your efforts to develop self control.

 

PRAY:  "Lord, I do want to be clear minded and self contorlled, especially in the area of ________________ (my thoughts, my appetites, my desires, etc.).  Please help me to rely every day on the strength you provide.

 

From Youth Devotions by Josh McDowell.