Category: The Negatives

Posted in Ages 11 & above, The Negatives

Our language matters !!!

Posted on by christianliving4young

In this time that we live, following trends and being trendy is very common especially among youngsters. It is considered COOL to be following the latest trends. Using foul or vulgar language is considered very trendy and cool. The social media and even the visual media promotes this to a great extent. Most of the web series and movies that we like to watch is filled with abusive / bad language. It is glorified and promoted such that people think it is normal to use those words. Is it okay to follow trends like these blindly? Well, everyone does it and considers it cool does not mean it is always the right thing to do.

Let us open the treasure book to find out more about this.

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

Clue 1: Is it okay to use bad words?

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?

James 3:9-12

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Ephesians 4:29

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

Colossians 3:8

The word of God is our ultimate manual on how to life. It clearly instructs us not to use filthy language. Because we use our mouth to praise God and worship Him. With the same mouth we should not speak cursing words or abusive language to people who are created in the likeness of God. As how a source of fresh water only gives fresh water and not bitter water, we should not speak abusive or bad words that are bitter before God. Unwholesome or corrupt words should not be spoken but only those words that builds or edifies others. So be watchful of the words that you speak. Following trends and going behind them should not cost us our relationship with God and eventually, eternity.

It is not okay to speak abusive / corruptive words, because we use the same mouth to bless our father, our God.

Clue 2: Consequences of filthy language

He also loved cursing, and it came [back] to him; He did not delight in blessing, so it was far from him.

Psalms 109:17, Amplified

The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out.

Proverbs 10:31

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 12:36- 37

As we learned in “Speaking right“, the words that we speak are powerful. Life and death are in the power of tongue and those who love it will eat it’s fruit. Perverse tongue is a sign of unrighteousness. If we use filthy language, we are not in right standing with God. Those who love to use cursing words must beware, for the word of God confirms that the curses that they speak will definitely come back to them. Moreover, for every careless word that we speak, even if it is spoken just for fun, we are accountable before God. Depending on the words that we speak, we will be either justified or condemned.

Clue 3: Desirable language

“He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.

1 Peter 3:10

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

1 Peter 3:10

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Colossians 4:6

We should refrain ourselves from speaking evil, if we wish to have a good life and if we wish to be in right standing with God. We should keep ourselves from speaking filthiness, foolish talks and vulgar talks even if it is spoken only for fun or for amusing others. Our speech should always be with grace, like a seasoning that is used for food which gives it the flavor and taste. Our graceful speech will complement our character – the icing on top, fitting rightly for a child of God.

Treasures uncovered

Abusive / filthy / foul language should not be used even for the purpose of amusing others / fun or for following trends.

Bad language is a sign of unrighteousness and it has consequences. We are accountable before God for every idle word that we speak.

As how seasoning adds flavor and taste to food, our graceful speech adds flavor to our character.

Always speak right. Do not use foul language to follow trends or to show-off in front of others. It costs us our relationship with God. Consciously refrain yourselves from them. And speak wholesome and fruitful words with grace, giving thanks to God, praising Him and encouraging / building others as is fitting for a child of God.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for teaching us that the use of bad language is not right even for joking. Holy Spirit, awaken our consciousness and help us to refrain from evil talking. Help us to always speak graciously as is fitting for a child of God. In Jesus name, Amen.

Posted in Ages 11 & above, The Negatives

Quarrel

Posted on by christianliving4young

It is not a possibility that different individuals always agree on everything. Each one has a different individuality and hence different view points. So disagreements are unavoidable. Quarrel is a heated argument / disagreement between people. It usually involves yelling and screaming to a great extent. It is very common in a household with small children. Those who have siblings know very well what it means to quarrel. Most of us would have had numerous quarrels with our siblings while growing up and our parents would have had tough times handing it. We would also have quarreled with friends, cousins, spouses, colleagues and even parents when we do not agree with them on certain decisions or issues. Is quarrelling the right way of handling disagreements?

Let us see what the treasure book has to say about this.

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

Clue 1: Is quarrelling alright?

A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

Proverbs 18:19

During quarrels, people will be angry and they speak without thinking. This can hurt and offend others who are involved. A person who is offended is harder to win than a strong city. And for this person, these quarrels / conflicts becomes a stronghold like the bars of a castle. It is not right to hurt and offend others.

But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.

2 Timothy 2:23-25

So, the word of God asks us to avoid silly disagreements / arguments or disputes as they can lead into conflicts. Being children of God serving the kingdom, we are asked to abstain from quarrelling. It is not alright for a child of God to quarrel. However, if unavoidable disagreements arise, we should deal with it being gentle and patient. We should always try to correct others in humility.

Clue 2: Behavioral traits leading to quarrel

By pride comes nothing but strife,
But with the well-advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10

A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention.

Proverbs 15:18

Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.

Proverbs 22:10

As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Proverbs 26:21

Pride, anger and scoffing kindles quarrels and strife. The same way how wood brings up fire, one who is argumentative and who speaks controversial statements will arouse quarrels. A person who mocks should be put away as quarrel / strife is his kin. Similarly a person who is quick to anger also stirs up quarrel, but the one who is slow to anger will put out / diminish quarrels. Keep yourselves from these traits to abstain from quarrelling.

Clue 3: Handling disagreements

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. 

Titus 3:9-11

The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

Proverbs 17:14

A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:1

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 

Philippians 2:14-15

First of all, we need to avoid silly disputes that are useless and unprofitable. However, if unavoidable disagreements arise, make sure not to elevate it to quarreling. Once quarrel starts, it is similar to water released from a dam – there is no way of stopping it. Therefore, stop it before it reaches the state of quarrelling. Put your points across with humility, using non-provocative words in a soft tone without yelling, screaming or being angry. This way we can arrive at possible and agreeable, wise solutions.

Let us now see examples from the word of God on how disputes were dealt with.

Example 1: Genesis 13:5-9

Abraham and Lot lived in tents. They were rich and had great and numerous possessions. But the land they lived in was not able to support them together. There began strife between Abraham’s servants and Lot’s servants. So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen. Please separate from me and choose an area to live. I will take the opposite direction.

Here Abraham acted very wise. As soon as he knew about the strife, he addressed it and tried to find a solution. He was gentle and humble giving the other person the right to choose thereby avoiding any kinds of strife or quarreling between them.

Example 2: Genesis 26:20-22

In the olden days, people had to dig wells for water to sustain their families and livestock. Isaac moved from place to place like his father, living in tents. So each place they choose to stay, they dug wells. One such time when Isaac’s herdsmen dug well and found water, the herdsmen of the area quarreled with them, saying, “The water is ours.” So they left its custody and dug another well. The herdsmen quarreled over that one also. Isaac moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it.

Isaac and his servants did not quarrel with the men of the place even though the well was rightfully theirs but left it two times in a row. Issac and his men were very patient and gentle to let go of the custody of the wells they dug. This act of theirs made the people not to quarrel with them a third time avoiding strife and quarrels.

Both Abraham and Isaac avoided disputes and quarrels identifying them as unprofitable.

Treasures uncovered

Quarrelling isn’t the right way of handling disagreements.

Pride, anger and scoffing kindles quarrels and strife.

Avoid silly disputes that are useless and unprofitable.

Be gentle and patient. Put across possible solution in humility and in a soft tone.

Prayer:

Father, we thank you for teaching us how to handle disagreements. Thank you for shining your light on this. Help us to handle disagreements in a proper and productive way. Help us to be gentle, patient and be humble in all out ways. In Jesus name, Amen.

Posted in Ages 11 & above, The Negatives

Dishonesty

Posted on by christianliving4young

Have you ever been dishonest to anyone? If you say you have not, then you are being dishonest now. Remember the time you told your parents you are studying, but you were actually chatting with friends… Or remember the time you were hanging out with friends and when mom called, you told her you are at the library… We have all been dishonest… countless times… even a few minutes back… If we were Pinocchio, can’t imagine how long our nose would have grown by now!!!

Let us see what the treasure book says about dishonesty.

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

Clue1 : How does God see dishonesty ?

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

Proverbs 12:22

Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight.

Proverbs 11:1

God hates dishonesty, rather it is an abomination in his eyes. Be it lying to others or being dishonest in your work / activities – God detests them all, it disgusts Him. God speaks only the truth and is very righteous & just in all his doings. In fact, He delights in people who are truthful and just. Don’t we feel good when our parents tell us they are proud of us? Wouldn’t it be even better to hear from God “You are my delight!!! “. Imagine His eyes brightening up and glowing with happiness when He thinks about us. So next time when the thought of dishonesty creeps in, ask yourself – Do I want my actions to be disgusting before Him?

God detests dishonesty and lying lips, but being truthful and just are a delight to Him.

Clue 2 : The source of dishonesty

You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

John 8:44

The devil is a liar and the father of all lies. He is the source of all lies, dishonesty, deception and wickedness. These behavioral traits comes from him. If we are more inclined to these traits, then we are under the fatherhood of devil. We should do a serious self check and see what we are practicing and whom we are inclined to.

God is truth and love. Jesus Himself said that He is the way, the truth and the life. His words are all true and if we practice truthfulness and honesty we are His true children.

So devil is the source of all dishonesty and God is the source of righteousness, honesty and integrity.

Clue 3 : Wages of Dishonesty

Dishonesty to God

In Acts 5, we read the story of a certain man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira. They sold all their possession and kept a part of it for themselves. The balance they brought to the church and laid it down before the apostles and told them this is all of their possession. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit? You have not lied to men but to God”. Ananias hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. Few young men carried him out, and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She too lied. Peter said, “the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. 

Lying to God is very serious. It happens when Satan fills your heart with his garbage and when you are completely disconnected from God. Those who are connected to Him practices righteousness and hates lying / being dishonest. Staying connected to God and keeping His commands will help us detest lying and dishonesty like Him.

Wealth from dishonesty

Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished,
But he who gathers by labor will increase.

Proverbs 13:11

The word of God says that the wealth coming from dishonest ways and methods do not grow, rather they will diminish. Many people choose dishonest ways to gain wealth thinking it will make them rich. However, in reality such wealth do not last. In fact, this wealth will not help them in their need. But whoever earns through hard work, their wealth will remain and it will increase. So whatever earnings you do, do it with full integrity and honesty because only that will remain and increase. Moreover, it is the way God wants us to live.

Clue 4 : Living an honest life.

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.

Colossians 3:9-10

Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you.

Proverbs 4:24

We know dishonesty is not good, but still at times to save our face we might end up being dishonest – with our friends, our parents and others. The dishonesty will prove okay for a short period, however, in time it will bounce back. After all, lying and being dishonest is sin and there is punishment associated with sin. When we are in Christ, we are a new creation. Like how we remove dirty cloths and put on neat and tidy ones, we should put off / remove the “old self” with its evil desires and passion and wear the tidy and clean “new self” renewed in the knowledge of God. We were once the children of devil carrying out all his evil practices. But now after receiving Christ, our fatherhood changed – we are now children of God and our new self should practice what our father does. We should put away lying, deceitfulness and dishonesty.

Treasures uncovered

God detests dishonesty and lying lips, but being truthful and just are a delight to Him.

Devil is the source of all dishonesty.

We should never lie to God. It happens when Satan fills our hearts with his garbage.

Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished.

We should put way lying, deciet and dishonesty. Put on the new self created in the image of God.

Make sure you are truthful and honest in everything you do and be a delight in God’s eyes.

Prayer:

Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips
And from a deceitful tongue.

Psalm 120:2

Father, we thank you for enlightening our souls about dishonesty and it’s consequences. Help us to be away from lying lips and a perverse mouth. Help us to be honest in all our ways and be a delight in your eyes. Holy Spirit, we need your help and guidance in keeping your commands. We love you Lord Jesus, in Jesus name, Amen.

Posted in Ages 11 & above, The Negatives

Laziness / Being Slothful

Posted on by christianliving4young

Are you familiar with the animal Sloth? Of course, who can forget “Sid” the sloth from Ice age or the sloths from Zootopia! Sloths are incredibly slow in every thing they do. It is surprisingly their survival skill. However, from olden times, “sloth” is associated with laziness and carelessness. Dictionary defines “sloth / slothful” as “unwillingness to work or make any effort”. Is this a desirable character or not?

Let us see what the treasure book has to say about this.

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

Clue 1: Is slothful desirable?

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

Genesis 2:15

God created Adam and put him in garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. God wanted man to work in the garden. His ideal plan and will for humans is to do work and not simply waste way being idle or being lazy. He wants us to be engaged and be fruitful.

King Solomon, the wisest of all times, wrote many facts about the effects of being lazy or slothful in the book of proverbs.

He who is slothful in his work, Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.”

Proverbs 18:9

He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

Proverbs 10:4

Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger.

Proverbs 19:15

Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,”

Proverbs 6:6

Slackness or laziness is considered foolish. The ants are considered wiser than a sluggard because they work hard. The one who is slothful is also called a destroyer. It makes a person poor, makes him suffer hunger and eventually destroys him. God wants us to be productive and creative. He has blessed each of us with a variety of amazing talents. We have to make use of it and be diligent in our duties..

Laziness, idleness or being slothful is not a desirable character. If we are being lazy, then we are going against the will of God and are destroying ourselves.

Clue 2: Spiritual idleness

The parable of talents ( Matthew 25: 14 – 30 )

Jesus in the parable of talents, likened the kingdom of heaven to a man who, while travelling to a far country, called his servants and delivered his possession to them. He gave five talents to the first, two to the second and one to the third servant. He gave them to each according to his own ability. After distributing the talents he immediately went on the journey. The one with five talents traded and made five more talents. Likewise, the one with two talents gained two more. But the one with one talent went and dug the ground and hid his masters possession. After a long time the master came and settled accounts with them. The one with five talents brought five more. His master was happy and appreciated him. He was also happy about the one who doubled his two talents. He made both of them rulers over more. Then the one who got one talent came and returned back the talent as it is. His lord answered and said to him, “You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance. But from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. The story ends with the unprofitable servant being cast into the outer darkness. 

With this parable, Jesus is teaching that laziness or idleness in the spiritual realm is also not desirable. In fact, “the lazy” is considered to be wicked. God has blessed us with various talents and abilities. There isn’t a soul that He has created who is without any talent or abilities. We need to trade what God has given us and multiply it for His kingdom. We cannot waste away the resources given by God and cannot burry it but use it for His glory. We are only expected to do according to our abilities, not a bit more. So no need for any kind of comparison or competition with others. We have to serve Lord with the best of our abilities. When we use our talents/ abilities for His glory, more will be added to us. But if we are lazy and do not do anything, whatever we have also will be taken away.

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord”

Romans 12:11 ESV

We should serve the Lord, no matter what and should be zealous and passionate in our spirit for Him and His kingdom. Do not slack spiritually but be fervent in spirit and glorify God in everything you do. Engage your complete heart in serving Him.

Treasures uncovered

Slothfulness / Lazyness is not desirable in the physical and spiritual realm.

Lazyness destroys oneself and is against God’s will.

Be diligent, fervent in spirit and serve the Lord with all your heart

Prayer:

Father we thank you for teaching us that laziness / being slothful is not a desirable character and is against God’s will. Help us to be diligent and fervent in serving you. In Jesus name Amen.

Posted in Ages 11 & above, The Negatives

Temptations!!!

Posted on by christianliving4young

In the world that we live today, many are the TEMPTATIONS around us that are ready to entice us and lead us to destruction. We have fallen into some already.

TEMPTATION is the DESIRE “to DO or HAVE something that YOU KNOW you should NOT DO or HAVE”.

Eve was tempted in the garden of Eden. She was enticed by the devil into eating the fruit that God told them not to eat and thus they SINNED.

Temptation can lead to sin if not dealt correctly. How do we handle temptations without falling into SIN?

Let us open the treasure book

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

Clue: Matthew 4:1-11

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 

James 1:13

First thing we should know is that God does not tempt anyone – temptation is not from God. It is from devil.

When Jesus lived on Earth, he too was tempted by the devil, yet he was perfect without sin! How did he overcome the temptations?

SCENE 1

Jesus was in the desert fasting for 40 days & 40 nights. Then he was hungry and needed food – a physical need. The devil went to tempt him knowing his current situation and to take advantage of his physical weakness.

Temptation: “If you are the son of God, tell these stones to become bread”. The devil challenged Jesus to prove HE is the son of GOD by turning stones into bread to satisfy his hunger. The devil was trying to prick his Ego by saying “if you are the son of God” do this.

During times of physical or emotional weakness we might act without thinking and give in to temptations. So devil tries to attack us in our weakness as we have bigger chance of falling into temptations then. Be watchful!

How did Jesus respond?

Jesus knew he do not have to prove anything to the devil. Jesus answered quoting the scriptures

“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”

Did the devil stop there? NO he did not. Triumphing over one temptation doesn’t mean there won’t be more . Be vigilant always.

SCENE 2

Then the devil took Jesus to the holy city and made him stand on the highest point of temple.

Temptation: “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” The devil was challenging Jesus to prove He is the son of GOD by throwing himself down and landing safely with angels. Throwing oneself down will kill – it is self destruction and is a SIN.

Also, because Jesus replied with scriptures the first time, the devil too used the scripture to put across his point- but unlike Jesus, he misquoted .

But Jesus replied,

It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’

Jesus was not provoked by the devil and replied with apt scriptures. We should be very careful not to fall for misinterpreted scriptures.

SCENE 3

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.

Temptation – “All this I will give you if you will bow down and worship me.” He wanted Jesus to worship him. Worshipping anyone other than God is Sin.

Jesus is the son of God. He replied, 

Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Devil waited and approached Jesus in the time of weakness to tempt him. He tempted Jesus in different ways so as to entice him to SIN. Jesus did not fall into any of the temptation put forth by devil. He resisted the devil and fought him with the scriptures and the devil left him.

Treasures uncovered

Temptation is not from God and it can lead us to SIN

The Word of God is our weapon to fight temptation and overcome it.

Jesus handled each of the temptation, by quoting relevant scriptures. Word of God is the best weapon to fight temptation. Hence we need to learn the scriptures very well.

Jesus also knew his worth very well – Son of God. He knew he doesn’t have to prove anything to the devil. So are we – Children of God. We are not puppets in the hand of devil to jump here and there as he say. Resist the devil and he will flee from us.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for teaching us that we should fight our temptation with word of God. Help us to use realize the temptations in our life and fight it with the right scriptures. Thank you, in Jesus’ name Amen!!!!

Posted in Ages 11 & above, The Negatives

Trouble with studies?

Posted on by christianliving4young

Intelligence varies from person to person. Some are very bright in studies whereas some others find it very difficult to get through with their studies. Are you in the latter group that face difficulties with studies? No matter how hard you try, you are unable to understand certain concepts. If you ask for help, once or twice your teachers and friends would help and then they might show their anger on you or scold you for asking the same thing over and over. This makes you feel helpless & incompetent, and maybe a substance of mockery among friends and teachers.

writing

Can we do anything about this situation?

Of course yes, Is there anything too hard for the Lord???

Let us open the treasure book

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

CLUE 1: Daniel 1

Jerusalem was captured by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon.  He gave orders to take some of the young men as captives to Babylon – men who are handsome, healthy and who had an aptitude to learn. He wanted to teach them Babylonian language & literature so that he could use them for his kingdom.

Daniel and his three friends were among this group. Even though they had the choice to eat and drink as they liked, they kept themselves from eating or drinking anything that made them impure before God. This pleased God and God’s favor was upon them. They were trained in Babylon for a set period of time.

As for these four young men, GOD gave them KNOWLEDGE and SKILL in all literature and WISDOM; and Daniel had UNDERSTANDING in all visions and dreams.

Daniel 1:17

Now when the training period ended, all these young men were brought before the king. The king interviewed them and none was found like Daniel and his friends. In all matters which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the others who were in his kingdom. So they were appointed to serve the King.

There were other competent young men in their group but how did Daniel and his friends do so well? They took a firm decision in their hearts that they will not defile themselves before God and hence God’s favor was upon them. God was with them and gave them such understanding and knowledge that no one else could beat them!!! They were 10 times better than the others!!!

For the Lord gives WISDOM; From His mouth come KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING;

Proverbs 2:6

CLUE 2: 1 Kings 3: 4-15

Solomon, the son of David succeeded him as the king of Israel. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he needs. Solomon asked for an “understanding heart” to judge people. The Lord was well pleased with the request and granted him the request. Solomon became the wisest of all times.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5

Treasures uncovered

GOD is our SOURCE of Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding

ASK God and it will be GIVEN to you. Everyone who asks receives.

Wisdom, knowledge and understanding comes from God. No matter how hard things are, God can give you understanding. If we lack wisdom or understanding, ask God and he will give it freely and generously without rebuke unlike others.

Prayer:

Father we thank you for revealing that you are our source of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Help us to have a heart that is pleasing in your sight. We ask for your favor upon our lives. Father, we ask you to fill our hearts with wisdom, knowledge and understanding for everyone who asks receives. We believe that we have received it in Jesus name… Amen!

Posted in Ages 11 & above, The Negatives

Why Challenges?

Posted on by christianliving4young

Life is like a roller-coaster, so unpredictable! We all like our lives to go on very smooth, however, we have to face many different kinds of challenges in life. These challenges appear out of nowhere and when we least expect it. Sometimes it is a chain of issues that surface one after the other.

Roller-coaster

When such challenges appear, we sulk:

“why God, why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this!!!”

Specially being children of God we wonder, “why does GOD allow such challenges in our life?”

Well…, as always, let us dive into the treasure book to find clues!

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

Clue : Joseph
Genesis 37, 39, 40 & 41

Joseph was one of the most successful personalities mentioned in the bible. He was the Minister of Egypt, the second in power to Pharaoh – the king of the biggest empire during that time. Did he have challenges?

CHALLENGE 1: Genesis 37

When he was about 17 years, his half-brothers sold him as slave to Midianite traders. He was taken away from his father, his own younger brother Benjamin and ripped off every comfort he had at his father’s home.

– trapped by his brothers… How hard it would have been on him?

CHALLENGE 2: Genesis 39

The Midianite traders took him to Egypt.  Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, bought him and took him as a servant for his house. Joseph did all his duties so well that his master was very pleased with him and appointed him to be the head of servants. But then Potiphar’s wife lied about Joseph and he was thrown to a prison where King’s prisoners were kept. He was imprisoned for something he did not do. It would have been very painful and he would have felt so helpless… Have you even been punished for something you did not do?

He had challenges one after the other!!!

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Psalms 34:19

How did Joseph face the challenges that came his way?

At Potiphar’s house, Joseph would have been terribly missing his family, his friends, his home and he would have been very hurt because of what his half-brothers did to him just recently. But that did not stop him from doing his duties. Infact, he did them so well that he was appointed as the head of servants – from a slave he became the head of servants… God was with him and he was successful in everything he did.

But then he was imprisoned. That too, for something he did not do. It would have again hurt him bad. But this challenge also did not stop him from performing his duties well. Because he was too good, he was put in charge of the prison affairs.

Joseph DID NOT “waste away” being depressed on what happened to him nor did he dwell on his past “cursing his fate”. But he MOVED ON bravely, looking on to God and doing everything that was assigned to him to the best of his ability.

When unexpected things happen to us, we too should not waste away cursing our fate. Like Joseph, let us also “MOVE-ON” looking on to God and doing our duties very well – to the best of our abilities.

Why did GOD allow these challenges in his life?

God’s plan for Joseph was to make him a minister of Egypt to save people including his own household during the time of famine that was about to hit them. However, to handle such a responsible position he should be trained. When we get into any new job, first few days will be training period where we will be prepared for our new position and taught to handle the new responsibilities. Once the training period is over we will be equipped to take over our position.

At Potiphar’s house, he managed the household affairs, and as the head of all servants he learned how to manage people who were reporting to him. Then he was promoted to do an even harder task – to manage affairs of the prison where the king’s prisoners were kept. All the prisoners were put under his care so he was then trained to handle officers of Pharaoh and the affairs of prison. God was with him and prospered Joseph in everything he did. When Joseph was well equipped to handle the position God had in mind for him – to be the minister of Egypt, God shifted him there.

For Joseph, even though it looked like horrible things were happening in his life, the challenges were a training ground to get where God wanted him to be !!

Treasures uncovered

Challenges are training grounds that prepare us for God’s plan & purpose for our future.

The challenges that come our way are not accidental, they are training periods that help us to be equipped for the mission / plan God has for our lives. So face challenges boldly keeping in mind that God is training me for something bigger and better!!!

Prayer:

Father we thank you for teaching us that challenges are preparation grounds that prepare us for bigger tasks. Help us to face our challenges boldly, looking on to you. In Jesus name Amen!!!

Posted in Ages 11 & above, The Negatives

Times of trouble

Posted on by christianliving4young

It would be really silly to ask anyone if they have ever gotten into trouble… Naughty or not, intentional or accidental, something or the other would have crossed our path. Few times we got lucky enough to slide out of it while in most cases we have struggled!!! There are also such problems where we do not have much control over them. They lead us into sleepless nights and leave us feeling helpless, not knowing what to do or where to find help… How to handle such times of desperation?

TROUBLE!!!

Let us look in the treasure book

OPENING THE TREASURE BOOK undefined

Clue 1: Where to look for Help?

I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

Psalms 121:1-2

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:1

During times of trouble, where should we look for help? Our help comes from God – the maker of heaven and earth!!! God is an ever present help during times of trouble. He is always there!!! So we should take refuge in him. He is our DELIVERER!!!

Clue 2 : 1 Samuel 17 –
What to Do?

There was a war between Israel and Philistine during the time of King SAUL, the king of Israel. In the Philistine army, there was a champion named Goliath who was very tall (approx. 9 feet and 9 inches) and mighty!!! Goliath would stand in front of the camp and shout in loud voice to the Israelites.

“Choose a man and let him come to me. If he is able to fight me and kill me then we will be your servants, otherwise you will serve us”

Everyone in the Israelite army was greatly distressed and afraid of him. Even king Saul!!! No one dared to accept Goliath’s challenge! They all tried to HIDE from the trouble. This was a tough time for Israel, a time when even the King did not know what to do! The trouble that came their way was HUMONGOUS!!!

During this time, there was a young shepherd named David, who lived in Bethlehem with his father and brothers. Three of his elder brothers were soldiers in the Israeli army. When David came to meet his brothers at the army camp, he heard the shouts of Goliath and saw all people were terrified of Goliath.

David chose to FACE the problem!

He went to King Saul and told him. “I will fight this giant and kill him”. But King Saul said “How can you fight him? You are very young!!! Goliath is a mighty man”.

But David answered:

When I used to take care of my father’s sheep, if a lion or a bear came and took a lamb, I have caught it and killed it. The Lord who delivered me from the lion and the bear will deliver me from the hands of this giant also.

Saul agreed and clothed David with his own armor (Armor is a war outfit that protects our body from being injured). But David was not comfortable, so he removed the armor. He went to the nearby brook and took five smooth stones.

David believed God will deliver him!!!

Goliath wore an armor – helmet, breastplate, leg covering and he had a shield bearer carrying his shield; Also he had weapons – spear, javelin, sword!! He was well protected and equipped for a battle! David on the other hand, did not wear any armor. The stones he took from the brook and his sling were the only weapons he had.

David trusted in God and not in the weapons or the armor . He went against Goliath in the name of the Lord!!

When Goliath saw David, he cursed David and charged to kill him. Everyone expected David would be soon dead!!! He was in deep danger!!!

David took a stone from his pouch and slung it at Goliath. The stone struck Goliath on his forehead and he fell down and died. The GIANT, the CHAMPION, the MIGHTY Goliath died before he could even begin the fight!!!

David defeated the Philistine army and won the battle for Israel!! He accomplished what the rest of the trained army or even the king himself couldn’t do.

DAVID came out VICTORIOUS!!!

The SIZE of the enemy or his SHOUTS did not terrify David unlike others. He knew God is bigger and stronger than the enemy and is able to deliver him from all kinds of trouble. He was confident that the Lord who delivered him from the lion and bear will also deliver him from the hands of Goliath. He trusted God completely!!!

Treasures uncovered

During times of trouble,

God is our HELPER and our DELIVERER

God is Bigger than all troubles, so TRUST HIM completely, take REFUGE in HIM & FACE the trouble in the NAME of THE LORD

Prayer:

Father we thank you for revealing to us that you are our deliverer and you are able to deliver us from all trouble no matter how terrifying it looks. You are bigger and stronger than all our problems and troubles.. Help us to trust you completely and take refuge in you during times of trouble… In Jesus name Amen!!!