To my readers,

Thank you for putting up with a week of no blogs. I hope you spent the time praying for Phoebe and Jackson.  Please continue to pray for them as you’re prayers have power. If you’d like to follow their journeys home, you can check back at the photolisting page. Once they find their families, “I have a family” will be typed over their picture. Please remember to praise God for his goodness. Sometimes I can hardly fathom how much He cares for us.

On another note, Wednesday I start a devotional with a group of 8th grade girls from my church. So today, I thought I’d share the Bible study with you.

When I was in school, we had groups of preps, farmer, skaters, jocks…you get the picture. What kind of groups are in your school?

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Each year you attend school, and you try to fit in with somebody. May I suggest that this year, you fit in with a new crowd. You take on a new label. On the weekends or Wednesday nights, we come to church, and we represent Christ. You enjoy hanging out with friends, singing with the band, and taking in parts of the message. Do you ever take what you learn here out into your school? …This year, let’s not represent preps, farmers, skaters, or jocks…let’s participate in those groups, but make your primary objective representing Christ.

Matthew 5:14-16

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

What does a light do? How are you a light? Light takes away darkness. It reveals truth. As a Christian, your actions should make you stand out. They should make you unique. Whether it’s your attitude at school, your work effort, your actions towards your parents, what you listen to and watch, make sure you’re representing Christ to those around you. Seeing your actions, may make them want to know about your relationship with God and give you a chance to share your faith with your friends.

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.

When you’re representing Christ, your actions are to honor Him. So even if you hate that teacher or you think that classmate is a bit weird, step up, because your actions shouldn’t be to honor yourself or others but to honor Christ.

Psalm 119:2
Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.

There are promises throughout the Bible. One promise is that those truly representing Christ will be blessed or rewarded. Represent Christ this year, and you might be surprised how God will change your year for the better. Support each other, encourage one another throughout the school day, and ask your friends here at Bible study how they’ve represented Christ when you pass them in the halls at school.

This Bible study applies to those out of school as well. Representing Christ is something we’re all called to do.