In a recent young adult Bible class, we discussed 1 Samuel 18:1-16, and the lesson really intrigued me. In this passage, we learn David was striving his best to do what God wanted him to do. We also learn that Jonathan loved David as himself, and helped David to excel. Saul, on the other hand, was so jealous of David that he tried to harm David, to the point of attempting murder.
Then the question was broached – “Who are you?” Really, who are you? Are you David, seeking God’s will above everything else? Are you Jonathan, selflessly serving others? Or, are you Saul, only caring about what you want, and becoming jealous of others when they surpass you in some area?
If you’re a David, you can make it through the Sauls, through prayer (Matthew 5:44), and with help from the Jonathans in your life. If you’re a Jonathan, then God bless you! Sometimes you may not know how much you’ve helped someone through a difficult situation, but keep on keeping on, because you will receive your reward one day (Matthew 6:3-4).
If you’re a Saul, learn to feel secure in your own successes so you don’t need to be jealous of others in theirs, pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22), ask forgiveness of the people you’ve purposely hurt (1 John 1:9), and prayerfully strive to resist jealous impulses in the future. Recognize that everybody has their own God-given potentials and talents, and respect others for the talents they have (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). Only when you learn to focus on doing your own best, and stop worrying about everybody else, will you be able to live up to the full potential He has planned for you.
By Davonne Parks
I’ve been with my boyfriend for a year, but lately he acts like he doesn’t care anymore! I hate it, but on the other hand he can be the sweetest guy. He helps me with things and he is a gentleman, but sometimes he has his bi-polar ways. There is also a 2-year age difference and he’s going to college this year, but I’ll still be in high school. What should I do? – Dory
You must also realize that once he goes to college, he will be starting a new chapter of his life, apart from you. He will be faced with different things that you have probably not faced yet. It’s very easy for us to become comfortable with someone we’ve been with for awhile, and we often don’t want to give up the relationship simply because we feel we’ve invested so much time and energy into it. I encourage you to realistically look at this person and decide if he is someone you could really see yourself marrying, and as a result, growing old with. If not, no matter how hard it may be to admit, it’s time to give up the relationship.
As the months are warming up, thoughts tend to go toward the newness of spring. And what better way to celebrate the approach of this warm season than with a manicure! But who wants to––or can––shell out $40 for a half-hour at the salon, when you can give yourself a manicure in the comfort of your own home? So, grab your mom, sister, or best friend, or spend an quiet evening alone, and give your nails a hand.
Use the hand lotion to massage and soften your hands. If they are really dry after the winter, use an exfoliating lotion or scrub to loosen and remove dry, rough skin.
“Pierce my heart to live up to my full potential,” is our theme for March. The key scripture is Psalm 139:14: “…I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” To see God’s magnificent and unmatchable power, all you have to do is use any of your senses to recognize that all the things around you were created by Him! We ourselves were created by God Almighty 
Now, you may ask, where are we supposed to find good people to hang out with? At times, it might seem like there aren’t many people who sincerely want to follow the Lord. But we can know who those people are by their fruits 
A popular quote goes like this: “Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” That is a wonderful thought! We, as Christians, can relate to that. Paul tells the Philippians in 
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. . . . For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31, 33
MAR 1 1 Cor 1-2
The random drawing winners of the 
Many people like to outwardly, physically show their affection for their significant other, and in February (the month of love) we’re actually encouraged to do so! This PDA (Public Display of Affection) has become widely accepted in our society, but it’s actually contrary to God’s word.
PDA can also lead to gossip. Even though 
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). In school, I hear quite often these statements from peers: “It’s not my problem,” or, “Well she said that about me first, so I’m gonna talk about her!” However, a young Christian should strive to have a different attitude. We read that God commands us to be kind and to help others, even if they are not kind and helpful to us 
Yesterday, 
If you have a craving for ice-cream, go out for a cone, or purchase a pint of ice cream instead of a half- gallon. The same goes for a candy bar – instead of buying a whole package, purchase one of the smaller bars at the checkout counter.
Serve with dinner rolls and milk, and have canned peaches or fresh fruit with low-fat frozen yogurt for dessert. For the entire meal, allow 30 minutes prep time, plus four hours cooking time.
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