Q. I received two very similar requests this month so I’m going to answer them at the same time. They were:
“I need suggestions on how to be more spiritual through prayer and Bible study.”
and
“How do you find time to study the Bible?”
A. Sometimes it may seem like there just isn’t enough time in the day. How are we supposed to study the Bible, do homework, go to school, play sports, and still have time to be teenagers? It may be impossible to get everything done, so we need to prioritize. Of course, God needs to be our first priority. My preacher gave one of the best suggestions I have heard about incorporating Bible study into everyday life. He recommends devoting at least 10 minutes every morning to quiet Bible reading and meditation. You may only read a few verses a day, but it’s better than nothing. It’s best to conduct this activity in the morning, if possible, because the evenings are often too busy, and our days tend to get away from us. In the morning, one’s mind is clearer, less troubled, and refreshed. Pretty soon, those 10 minutes will turn into 15-, 20-, and even 30-minute sessions. Remember that we are commanded to “study to show thyself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). As far as prayer is concerned, the only thing I can suggest is to do so everyday. Don’t pray only when you want something from God. It’s important to thank him daily and to talk to Him about your problems. Ask for His guidance, and seek advice in His word. For example, you could turn off your radio in the car on your way to school, helping you to meditate and talk to God while you drive. Be careful though—it could be dangerous to concentrate on praying if you’re an inexperienced driver. You could even pray in the shower. Don’t limit your praying time to only when conducting other activities, though. It’s important to fully devote yourself to prayer. A good time for this would be before and/or after your daily bible study. It doesn’t matter where, as long as you can devote your mind to it. You 
can choose to make God your best friend, or a mere acquaintance with whom you only exchange a few words every other day. In order to have a close, spiritual relationship with God, you have to speak with him on a daily basis as if He is your best friend. You can’t call God or email Him, but our avenue, prayer, is even easier—we only have to start talking.
– Rachel Conley
Summer is finally here! School’s out, and now you can do all the fun activities summer has in store for you–family vacations, amusement parks, camp, etc. You have probably spent hours planning what you are going to do with all your free time. When planning your summer, did you plan time for God? Are you going to use your time for Him this summer? Even though you may not have a car or your driver’s license, or money, you can still make time for God’s work. As stated in last month’s issue, God has made you unique. Each one of you has your own special talents. Don’t let them waste away over the summer. Use this time to build on what God has given you, to grow in Christ, and to glorify Him. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to pierce your heart for Christ.
We each have something we like to do and/or are good at. What is it that you like to do? I’m sure there are some out there who think they don’t have anything to contribute. This is NOT TRUE! Remember, God made you in His image. He didn’t put you here to do nothing. It is time to take an inventory of yourself. List the things you like to do and the things you are good at. Do you like to talk on the phone? The next time you pick up the phone to call a friend, why not call someone who is sick or shut in. They would love to hear from someone, even if it is for only 5 or 10 minutes. Do you like to shop? Next time you go shopping, ask that girl that nobody talks to to go with you. You could make a huge difference in her life. Do you like to draw or make things? Sunday School teachers would love the extra help in preparing crafts for their classes. The sick would appreciate a card, as well. Do you like to go to the movies or the park? There are plenty of moms who could use a break. Why not ask them if you can take their child(ren) to the park or to a movie. Or better yet, stay with them at their home so the mom can run errands or just get away for a couple hours. These are just a few ideas. There are plenty more that you can do. You just need to think of what it is you can do and who you can help. It may be hard at first to make a phone call or ask if you can help someone. It is often equally hard for that other person to accept your help. So be patient with them. Keep trying. Let them know that by accepting your help, they are allowing you to serve. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 25:34-36: “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came unto me.”
God did not make a mistake in creating us. We have a purpose, and that purpose is to glorify Him in all that we do. Since God chose to create you in His image, shouldn’t you have faith in Him that you can make a difference?
It’s time for the pools to open, which can only mean one thing: summer! Summer means picnics, swimming, summer camp, and bonfires. It also means it’s time to hit the drugstore and find your perfect summer shades. Summer make-up is meant to be fun and easy. Why spend hours inside getting ready when you could be having fun in the sun?
CoverGirl Queen Collection Eyeshadow Single, $2.99
Maybelline pure makeup, $5.99
Maybelline Mineral Power Naturally Luminous Blush, $8.99
Maybelline Define-A-Lash Waterproof Mascara, $7.99
Maybelline Shiny-Licious Lipgloss, $5.79
Sally Hansen No Chip Ten Day Nail Color $4.49
Wet n’ Wild Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 $3.99
Neutrogena Instant Bronze Sunless Tanner $9.99
This month we’re talking grilling, and I mean the real deal. Here are some tips that will help you throw the best backyard barbecue bash of the season.
This month we have chosen to post something from a gifted guy instead of a gifted girl. This gifted guy is a very special uncle of both editors, and he has a firm grasp on the true freedom that Christ offers, no matter what the circumstances.
As U.S. citizens, we are given the freedom to express ourselves in many ways that people in other countries are not. Two of those ways are through our dress and speech.
Using inappropriate language is, unfortunately, becoming more and more acceptable in our world. Like any habit, cursing is one that is hard to change. If you already use that kind of language, perhaps to help yourself to stop, you should fill your vocabulary with other words. Find a word in the dictionary and try to learn a new word each day (of course, it has to be one that is appropriate). Force yourself to find words to express your feelings without using vulgar language.
Freedom Book of the Month
Prep Time:
Recent Comments