A message for young men.
God has a plan for you.
"I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jer 29:11
Young man, you are here on the earth now in this time, in the place you're at, for a purpose.
I know you have dreams for how you'd like your life to turn out. You have desires for happiness, friendships and love. You want success and a meaningful career. You may want to know how you can be a blessing to others. You dream about a wife, a family, a home of your own.
I'm sure you've often found yourself wondering what your purpose is in this life. Let me tell you... God has in mind for you great things, and a future filled with hope and joy and true love.
The Bible makes many glorious promises to those who are "children of God", to those who seek Him and listen to Him, to any who will trust in Him, and commit their lives to follow His Son Jesus.
He promises "Unfailing love" and "Peace" (Psalm 85:7-8). "Fullness of joy" and "Pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). God's Word declares - "He shall give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4), and that you can "dwell in prosperity" (Psalm 25:13). It promises that His children will "live securely" (Prov 1:33), "enjoy long life on the earth" (Eph 6:2-3), and when raised to Life at the Resurrection, "they can no longer die" (Luke 20:36).
And even when we go through trouble and difficult situations, God says He "will never leave us or forsake us" (Heb 3:5), "though we may stumble, we will not fall, for the LORD upholds us with His hand." (Psalm 37:24), and He will always give us a "way of escape" that we may not fall into sin when tempted (1Cor 10:13).
All these wonderful promises are for those who "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matt 6:33), and "Trust in the LORD with all their heart." (Prov 3:5), allowing Him to guide their steps. (read all of Proverbs 3).
Having been a young man once myself, I know many of the struggles you face. Most movies, music, magazines and TV convey messages of instant gratification, often using sex, violence and partying as means of having pleasure and power. The pull of these worldly things can be very strong, and enticing to our human nature. But I've experienced and seen the results of giving into such worldly lusts that the Bible warns us to "flee from" (1Tim 6:9-12, 2Tim 2:22, 1Co 6:18-22).
For several years, I fell prey to temptations of lust and partying and greed. My speech was filled with profanity and degrading talk. What seemed 'fun' when I first started, soon turned to misery. I found myself in jail a few times, lost a lot of money gambling, and ruined friendships and lost girlfriends because my self-centeredness. Not knowing where to turn, I sunk myself deeper into this lifestyle, and fell deeper into disillusionment and despair. On the surface, to my buddies, I seemed 'cool' and 'in control', but inside I was mostly miserable and hated my life. I was often depressed and a few times thought of suicide.
All the good things I wanted deep down in my heart - love (the love of a good woman, family & true friends), peace (life without anxiety & fretting about bills and the injustices of life), joy (enjoying the simple things of life and someone to enjoy them with) and security (a career that I liked, a truck, and a home) - seemed to be always just out of reach, and I began to believe that they weren't meant for me. I did not have God in my life. Although I had been raised in the Catholic Church, baptized as a baby, and went to Sunday school, and said I believed in God... I had not made Him a part of my life. I had no personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Even when I did pray, other than asking for healing for my Mom (who died too early in life) my prayers where mostly selfish.
It wasn't until I truly surrendered my life to Jesus Christ that the opportunities for these good things I wanted in life became a reality. I surrendered my life by giving up those things which I knew deep down where displeasing to God. Drinking, gambling and pornography had really only caused me much pain over the years and caused me to waste a lot of money and also time which I should have spent on my family, my dreams and seeking God. I surrendered my life by spending time each day reading the Bible and praying rather than watching TV or playing video games. As a middle-aged man I now strive to keep my way pure before the God, to be found pleasing in His sight in all I do and say and think. Striving to do so at an earlier age would have saved me from many troubles over the years, and dealing with the consequences of my poor choices.
The career I now have, my home, my wonderful wife, my church family, my relationship with Jesus - I owe to surrendering my life to God and allowing Him to bring these things into my life in His time, in His way, according to His plan. Trying to obtain these in my own way, without the Lord, had not, and never would have worked. The temptations I fell to seemed to promise these good things, but would never have delivered.
Men, we never have to succumb to temptation. If I had known God and the power of His Word when I was in my late teen's & throughout my 20's, I would have been able to resist the temptations of the devil and the world. Each of you young men knows more about the Lord than I did at your age. You know He requires you to live righteous and holy lives. You know that in Christ there is power to stand against temptation and strength to say 'No' to sinful behavior.
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." - 1Cor 10:13
Jesus Christ is that way of escape! I remind myself often of this verse, and it has helped me overcome many sinful behaviors in my Christian walk. And we read in Revelation an incredible promise to those who overcome temptation to sin -
"He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son." (Rev 21:7)
I can think of nothing greater than to be called God's son, and a brother of Jesus Christ. An heir of His Kingdom and all His goodness (see Rom 8:16-19). To be able to stand before God with a clear conscience and receive His blessings, both in this life and the world to come when Jesus returns.
The Bible asks a question -
"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
Or who may stand in His holy place?"
And then gives us the answer -
"He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation."
- Psalm 24:3-5
Oh, the blessings to the man who keeps himself pure in the eyes of God! Oh, how His plan can come together for us when we cooperate with Him and strive to keep our hands clean from sin and our hearts pure with love for God and others. (See Mark 12:29-31)
So how can we know that our ways are pure before God? The psalmist asks and answers that powerful question in this single verse -
"How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your Word."
- Psalm 119:9
Contained in the Bible is the blueprint for Godly living. The Holy Spirit teaches us as we read the Word, to help us understand what God desires and commands for our lives.
Young brothers in Christ, we must be reading the Word of God each day. Studying the Scripture, grabbing hold of the promises and heeding the warnings. And we must be following the Living Word - Jesus, looking to His life as an example, and what He taught as our guide of how to treat others.
If you would, read Psalm 1. As you do ask yourself these questions - Are there things I do because my friends do them, even though I know they're wrong? Do I stand up and defend my faith when others mock Christianity? Do I spend even 15 minutes a day reading the Bible?
My prayer for you is that you will begin to seek God more in this New Year, and that you will "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, holding fast the Word of Life." - Phil 2:15
I pray that for myself as well, and for all men young and old. May God's plan for each of us continue to unfold according to His will. And may we accomplish the good works which God has prepared for us (Eph 2:10), that those around us will see our light and give glory to God (Matt 5:16).
Amen
God bless you & guide you, in all you say and do.
Have a great 2011.
Michael
p.s. ~ please feel free to comment here or message me with any questions, or if you'd like prayer.
God has a plan for you.
"I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jer 29:11
Young man, you are here on the earth now in this time, in the place you're at, for a purpose.
I know you have dreams for how you'd like your life to turn out. You have desires for happiness, friendships and love. You want success and a meaningful career. You may want to know how you can be a blessing to others. You dream about a wife, a family, a home of your own.
I'm sure you've often found yourself wondering what your purpose is in this life. Let me tell you... God has in mind for you great things, and a future filled with hope and joy and true love.
The Bible makes many glorious promises to those who are "children of God", to those who seek Him and listen to Him, to any who will trust in Him, and commit their lives to follow His Son Jesus.
He promises "Unfailing love" and "Peace" (Psalm 85:7-8). "Fullness of joy" and "Pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). God's Word declares - "He shall give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4), and that you can "dwell in prosperity" (Psalm 25:13). It promises that His children will "live securely" (Prov 1:33), "enjoy long life on the earth" (Eph 6:2-3), and when raised to Life at the Resurrection, "they can no longer die" (Luke 20:36).
And even when we go through trouble and difficult situations, God says He "will never leave us or forsake us" (Heb 3:5), "though we may stumble, we will not fall, for the LORD upholds us with His hand." (Psalm 37:24), and He will always give us a "way of escape" that we may not fall into sin when tempted (1Cor 10:13).
All these wonderful promises are for those who "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matt 6:33), and "Trust in the LORD with all their heart." (Prov 3:5), allowing Him to guide their steps. (read all of Proverbs 3).
Having been a young man once myself, I know many of the struggles you face. Most movies, music, magazines and TV convey messages of instant gratification, often using sex, violence and partying as means of having pleasure and power. The pull of these worldly things can be very strong, and enticing to our human nature. But I've experienced and seen the results of giving into such worldly lusts that the Bible warns us to "flee from" (1Tim 6:9-12, 2Tim 2:22, 1Co 6:18-22).
For several years, I fell prey to temptations of lust and partying and greed. My speech was filled with profanity and degrading talk. What seemed 'fun' when I first started, soon turned to misery. I found myself in jail a few times, lost a lot of money gambling, and ruined friendships and lost girlfriends because my self-centeredness. Not knowing where to turn, I sunk myself deeper into this lifestyle, and fell deeper into disillusionment and despair. On the surface, to my buddies, I seemed 'cool' and 'in control', but inside I was mostly miserable and hated my life. I was often depressed and a few times thought of suicide.
All the good things I wanted deep down in my heart - love (the love of a good woman, family & true friends), peace (life without anxiety & fretting about bills and the injustices of life), joy (enjoying the simple things of life and someone to enjoy them with) and security (a career that I liked, a truck, and a home) - seemed to be always just out of reach, and I began to believe that they weren't meant for me. I did not have God in my life. Although I had been raised in the Catholic Church, baptized as a baby, and went to Sunday school, and said I believed in God... I had not made Him a part of my life. I had no personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Even when I did pray, other than asking for healing for my Mom (who died too early in life) my prayers where mostly selfish.
It wasn't until I truly surrendered my life to Jesus Christ that the opportunities for these good things I wanted in life became a reality. I surrendered my life by giving up those things which I knew deep down where displeasing to God. Drinking, gambling and pornography had really only caused me much pain over the years and caused me to waste a lot of money and also time which I should have spent on my family, my dreams and seeking God. I surrendered my life by spending time each day reading the Bible and praying rather than watching TV or playing video games. As a middle-aged man I now strive to keep my way pure before the God, to be found pleasing in His sight in all I do and say and think. Striving to do so at an earlier age would have saved me from many troubles over the years, and dealing with the consequences of my poor choices.
The career I now have, my home, my wonderful wife, my church family, my relationship with Jesus - I owe to surrendering my life to God and allowing Him to bring these things into my life in His time, in His way, according to His plan. Trying to obtain these in my own way, without the Lord, had not, and never would have worked. The temptations I fell to seemed to promise these good things, but would never have delivered.
Men, we never have to succumb to temptation. If I had known God and the power of His Word when I was in my late teen's & throughout my 20's, I would have been able to resist the temptations of the devil and the world. Each of you young men knows more about the Lord than I did at your age. You know He requires you to live righteous and holy lives. You know that in Christ there is power to stand against temptation and strength to say 'No' to sinful behavior.
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." - 1Cor 10:13
Jesus Christ is that way of escape! I remind myself often of this verse, and it has helped me overcome many sinful behaviors in my Christian walk. And we read in Revelation an incredible promise to those who overcome temptation to sin -
"He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son." (Rev 21:7)
I can think of nothing greater than to be called God's son, and a brother of Jesus Christ. An heir of His Kingdom and all His goodness (see Rom 8:16-19). To be able to stand before God with a clear conscience and receive His blessings, both in this life and the world to come when Jesus returns.
The Bible asks a question -
"Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
Or who may stand in His holy place?"
And then gives us the answer -
"He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive blessing from the LORD,
And righteousness from the God of his salvation."
- Psalm 24:3-5
Oh, the blessings to the man who keeps himself pure in the eyes of God! Oh, how His plan can come together for us when we cooperate with Him and strive to keep our hands clean from sin and our hearts pure with love for God and others. (See Mark 12:29-31)
So how can we know that our ways are pure before God? The psalmist asks and answers that powerful question in this single verse -
"How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to Your Word."
- Psalm 119:9
Contained in the Bible is the blueprint for Godly living. The Holy Spirit teaches us as we read the Word, to help us understand what God desires and commands for our lives.
Young brothers in Christ, we must be reading the Word of God each day. Studying the Scripture, grabbing hold of the promises and heeding the warnings. And we must be following the Living Word - Jesus, looking to His life as an example, and what He taught as our guide of how to treat others.
If you would, read Psalm 1. As you do ask yourself these questions - Are there things I do because my friends do them, even though I know they're wrong? Do I stand up and defend my faith when others mock Christianity? Do I spend even 15 minutes a day reading the Bible?
My prayer for you is that you will begin to seek God more in this New Year, and that you will "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, holding fast the Word of Life." - Phil 2:15
I pray that for myself as well, and for all men young and old. May God's plan for each of us continue to unfold according to His will. And may we accomplish the good works which God has prepared for us (Eph 2:10), that those around us will see our light and give glory to God (Matt 5:16).
Amen
God bless you & guide you, in all you say and do.
Have a great 2011.
Michael
p.s. ~ please feel free to comment here or message me with any questions, or if you'd like prayer.
