Christian music when I need a lift – Eph 5:18-20

Bible Bites 4 Teens Posted on by

musicnoteFeeling down in the dumps? Been there myself … After messing my life up with 5 years of stupidity, and getting married before I recovered from my rebellion, I often lived in tearful regrets. By this time I had learned to trust in Jesus and look to him to get me out of the dumps. One of the best tools I had was Christian music. I drove to an isolated spot at the park with my Bible and my cassette tapes (yes, this was several years ago) and listened and sang along until Jesus’ Spirit lifted my spirits, and I went home with a new smile on my face.

Ephesians 5:18-20 tells us to sing Psalms, hymns, and Spiritual songs to lift our spirits instead of turning to wine. Click the link and read it for yourself.

I created a “page” on this blog that you may click on anytime and listen to any of several praise and worship songs. Songs that sing the Scriptures are my favorites. I hope that my teen readers will suggest more songs to add to the ones I found on YouTube. Here is one to get you started:

The Potter’s Hand

Father God, thank you for the song you have put in my heart. I pray that the teens who find my blog will seek you and find your song in their hearts as well. 

Mind control – Phil 4:8

Bible Bites 4 Teens Posted on by

BrainWho or what influences your thinking? What kinds of thoughts do you encourage and what do you discourage on a regular basis.

We looked at Philippians 4:8 a few days ago in regard to making decisions, but as I continued to reflect on the verse I felt I had under-emphasized the importance our thoughts have on our lives.

Let’s look at it again: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV)

I was a teen during the hippie generation. The expression “free thinker” was heard often. It meant we were free to think our own thoughts even if they went counter to what others thought. But in reality it became one of letting the crowd influence our thoughts instead of the “establishment.”

What kind of outlook on life is presented by the world around you – through your friends, the TV, movies, Internet…? This is your intellectual food. It nourishes your mind in much the same way that the food you put into your mouth nourishes your body. If you eat healthy food you will have a healthy body. If you eat junk food you will be less healthy. If you eat spoiled or poisoned food you will definitely suffer.

It is important to consider the things you let influence your thinking. Re-read today’s scripture verse. . . . . . . . How can you assure yourself that you will think about whatever is…true, ..noble, ..right, ..pure, ..lovely, ..admirable, ..excellent. or praiseworthy? In the same way that we choose what we put in our mouths, we can choose what we put in our minds. We can choose the best TV or radio programs – or turn them off if there is nothing of merit available. We can listen to angry rap songs until we too become angry at the world, or we can listen to music or speakers that will fill us with life-giving messages that make us whole. And we can seek out healthy options for reading, with God’s Word at the top of the list.

Father God, help us to truly want what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy to fill our minds and give us hope as we face the days ahead.

Photo credit: Adapted by Janice D. Green from painting by Ramona Richardson, used with permission

 

Can I do all things through Christ? Phil 4:13

Bible Bites 4 Teens Posted on by

2697780_sI can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Did you ever memorize this verse as a child? If not, I suspect you’ve heard it before if you’ve ever attended Sunday school or listened to many children’s sermons. It’s easy to get carried away with a Superman mentality with this verse – then try something really hard, fail, and become disillusioned.

When we have problems with this verse, it is because we take it out of the context of the rest of the verses that come before it and try to make it fit anything and everything we want to do.

Find verse 13 in the following passage (Philippians 4:10-14) – there are three translations to choose from. If you aren’t in too big of a hurry, you might read the whole passage.

Notice that this passage isn’t about Paul performing wondrous feats of strength or doing miracles. Paul is actually talking about being content with very meager provisions while in jail. He is saying that his relationship with Jesus Christ keeps him strong so he can be content with whatever comes to him – poverty, prison, chains, and in plenty.

Our strength comes from being content with Jesus and the provisions he gives us. God sometimes uses trying times to make us grow, and to make us sensitive to the needs of others around us. And when the time is right, we will find God is ready to do something powerful through us.

Nick Vujicic was born without arms or legs. You don’t want to skip watching this YouTube video of Nick Vujicic.

Make a determined effort to thank God for what he has given you, even if you have felt disappointed because you don’t have what you see others enjoy.

Father God, sometimes it is hard to thank you for my cell phone because my friends have smart phones that let them go online and do Facebook. And I can get feeling disappointed when I see all the cool clothes some of my friends wear that my family can’t afford. I just read how the Apostle Paul had learned to be satisfied with less. Help me find the peace Paul had. Remind me of the freedoms I have in Christ who died so I could be forgiven – so I could be clean in your eyes. I have so much to learn. Help me to grow in my faith.

Listen to Nick tell about finding contentment

Image credit: mandygodbehear / 123RF Stock Photo

Decisions, decisions… – Phil 4:8

Bible Bites 4 Teens Posted on by

questionsDo you wish your parents would let you decide more things for yourself? Most teens do. But let’s stop and consider some of the decisions you are making every day…

Do you choose your friends? Do you choose what TV shows you watch? Do you choose what clothes you wear? Do you choose the movies you watch? Do you choose where you hang out after school? Do you choose your Facebook friends? You can probably think of several other choices you make on a daily basis if you think about it.

How do you make these decisions? Do you think about what might make you popular in the eyes of certain people? Do you consider what God’s Word might have to say about it?

God’s Word? It doesn’t talk about TV or movies or the hangouts in my neighborhood… How is the Bible supposed to help me make these decisions?

Consider what the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:8 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (NLT)

I have heard this verse called the “sifter verse.” It is a powerful way to sift not only our thoughts, but every kind of decision we make. Look at the words that describe the kinds of things we should hold on to in life:

true
honorable
right
pure
lovely
admirable
excellent
worthy of praise

The awesome Creator God has given us every evidence that he knows about beauty – just look at a sunset, a mountain peak, or the rolling tide that washes the beaches every day. He is the master architect of everything excellent in our lives.

And if we will use his measuring rod as revealed in this verse, we will find ourselves more closely aligned with everything that truly makes you fulfilled in life.

Will your friends support you if you use this verse to sift out what is good? If not, maybe you need to sift your friends. Do your movies and TV programs fit the standard? The clothes you wear?

This is a tough standard for teens in today’s world. It won’t be easy for you or anyone else at any age to apply to every situation. But it is the formula that works for finding a fulfilled life with permanent and meaningful relationships. It is also the way to gain your parents’ trust so they will allow you to make more of your own decisions.

Father God, sometimes it is downright scary to put my trust in you. I think about my friends and I’m afraid they will think I’m weird. I want things I want and I’m afraid you will say I don’t need them. If you really love me like my Christian friends say you do, help me to put my trust in you. Help me to feel your love in a way that will help me to trust you more. Help me to use your sifter verse to make decisions in my life. That’s a big step for me.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy… but how? Phil 4:6-7

Bible Bites 4 Teens Posted on by

Don't Worry Be HappyHave you heard Bobby McFerrins’ pop hit, Don’t Worry, Be Happy? If not, click the link and take a listen.

When I hear this song I can’t help but wonder how he thinks you are supposed to get from the “don’t worry” part to the “be happy” part. Making a personal decision to be happy only gets you so far. Sometimes we need a little help.

Sadly many people look for this help in all the wrong places… drugs… fast crowd… unhealthy relationships… things…

The Apostle Paul offers a much better plan: Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

Spending time with your Creator is the best option for rising above your worries and disappointments. It may sound intimidating at times, but God knows you through and through. He knew you before you were born and he knows what it takes to satisfy your deepest desires. But it won’t happen while you are chasing after Satan’s deceptive prizes.

Line yourself up with Jesus and his teachings the best way you know how. Spend time talking to him and reading his Word. Share your deepest desires as well as the things that have hurt you. And make it a practice to thank him for everything that comes your way, even if you don’t understand it. Remember that he loves you too much to send anything that will destroy you, and that some of your troubles may be God’s sandpaper to shape you into a better you. Seek God’s wisdom and discover how joy and peace can come tapping you on the shoulder when you’re not looking.

Dear Jesus, help me to let go of those thing that seem to have a grip on me – things that pull me down. Help me to look to you for the answers to all of my questions, and show me your peace.

Listen to the song Come Just As You Are.