Matthew 2:13-15 by Jen S.

Two Saturdays ago my youth pastor, Jessika, asked us to go "Treasure hunting". Treasure hunting is when you ask the Lord who He wants you to pray for, speak to, etc. I won't lie at first I thought that was dumb, but being the obedient person I am (lol), I prayed, and I GOT SOMETHING!

At the city wide outreach our church had, we had the opportunity to "treasure hunt", I shared what God had given me and waited for who God wanted me to pray for. "cricket, cricket" no one answered. That moment was one of the most awkward moments ever. I became very discouraged and a few days later was still rehashing it. "Was it God?", "Was it me?", and God answered.

That day I read Matthew 2:13-15 which relates the story of how Joseph heard from God to take Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt because Herod wanted to kill Him.

Now imagine if Joseph had sat there and questioned if it was God who had told Him to go. Herod wanted to kill Jesus!! There was nothing for Joseph to think about!

It may sound silly, but we do the exact same thing. What God gives to us can save another person's life, but we get caught up in ourselves, our doubt, and our emotions, and many times we don't step out.
Let's say Joseph wouldn't have obeyed?!? God would have found another way to get Jesus away. God will make a way to touch people's lives, He will make a way to save people. If I wouldn't have shared what He gave me, He would have given it to someone else. Will you let Him use you?

He wants to stretch me, to get me out of my comfort zone, not to condemn me. I can stay a little seed all I want, but God wants me for so much more than that. I can't stay put, we must always move forward, and if you feel discouraged for stepping out and not seeing immediate results, don't feel condemned. Remember 1 Cor. 3:6 says, "I planted, Apllos watered, but God gave the growth"

So even if no one responded to what I had to say, God is responsible for the growth. I am content knowing that God can trust me with a simple message. I hope this encouraged you for times you feel like you have "missed it".

Jen S.

Matthew 5:38-48 by Katherine H.

Matthew 5:38-48

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’³⁹ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

This shows me that the Lord will handle all of our problems and it's not my duty to find justice for myself. There is no need for man to plot revenge against others and take matters into our own hands because God is our defender. It is better to please God than to seek my own justice. Not only does God stop with  we are not to seek revenge, but then also we are to give to those who are wanting to take from us. Then, go even a step farther and not only are we supposed to let them slap us, give to them, but then we are to love them. We are to treat them as someone we love. If someone I loved asked for my shirt I would give it to them without hesitation, but it's not so easy when it's someone I don't care so much about. It's not so easy when I feel like I'm being taking advantage of. We come up with many excuses for why we don't live these verses. We think about the other's motives, what they don't do, what they've said and done wrong, when God didn't really make it optional. If they want to hit you, let them hit you again. If they want your shirt, give them more than they asked for. If they want a mile, go another mile. If they ask of you don't turn them away.
God doesn't just say to love my friends, but to love everyone. Many people find it easy to love our neighbors and hate our enemies, but God says that we must love all, just as He loves. He's asking the question "Have you forgotten how I love you and died for you? Did you forget that you weren't perfect? That you were a sinner when I gave to you? That you were a failure when I died for you?

Love all. Give to all. Pray for all.

Katherine H.

READ THROUGH THE NEW TESTAMENT WITH FFYC

Hey guys!!!

We are starting our reading through the New Testament in 6 months TOGETHER!!!
In this blog several members of our youth group will be posting on what the Holy Spirit is showing them through our group readings. I think you will be blessed to see God moving in this generation from young to old.

Please take time to leave comments and encourage them as they set aside time each day to not only read through the New Testament, but discuss and share what God is doing in their lives through the readings.

Be Blessed,
Jessika Tate
Freedom Family Church Youth Pastor