Trucks are being packed with food and backpacks, sleeping bags are being stuffed in the corners, and tents crammed into the spaces between. Tomorrow, our church youth group for camp and the preparations are immense. The scale of the work that goes into such a thing leaves me breathless and so thankful for a youth pastor who loves these kids enough to really shepherd them, an amazing group of youth staff who have been so faithful to love this group, and for such a great group of friends.
It really takes me to my knees – and I hope you will join me there, on your knees before the throne of grace for these kids – for all of our kids.
I love the verse Eccl. 12:1, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth; before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’.” I challenge you to pray this verse this summer for the students you know. Hang it on your frig, write it on your bathroom mirror, have an index card on your car dashboard. Do whatever it takes to remember. Let’s flood the gates of heaven with prayers for our kids – OUR kids – the next generation. Share this challenge. Pray this challenge.
It is just incredibly important to follow hard after the Lord in your youth – for one thing because you CAN. There is a best time for everything, and the best time to learn is when we are young. Our minds are receptive, our souls unbiased, and our lives unembittered by past mistakes and unhampered by the evils of prejudice. I am praying that these kids start loving and studying God’s Word young, and it will be there to guide them – as a “light to (their) path.”
The young are bold. Maturity is great for holding the kingdom, but youth is bold in pushing the frontiers of the kingdom forward. God can use the daring, the passion, the endurance of the young. I am praying that the hearts of our kids are ignited with a desire to be the hands and feet of the gospel to a hurting, needy world.
And, when you dedicate your life to God whole-heartedly young, it leaves you with no regrets. Sure, you can come to Christ later in life – but so many of us live with remorse over wasting our time and energy in destructive ways. God is gracious, and His mercy extends to the limits of our life. But I am praying that these kids don’t waste a single day, following the example of Christ all the days of their lives. Let’s make that prayer a daily cry to the heart of our Father God this summer.
Father God, I pray today for these students. I pray that the teaching of the Word will be like water to their thirsty souls. I pray that they will be able to shut out the world and focus on You. Lord, please shutter their hearts to temptation and soften them to hear Your call. Guide them, direct them, draw them to You, Lord I pray. I pray for this next generation to be emboldened by your Spirit to meet the needs of this world in Jesus’ name – giving a cup of cold water to the thirsty, food to the hungry, and pointing the way to You with every grace given. I pray for protection over them. I pray for grace and blessing over those who diligently work with them in Your name. For the sake of the Kingdom, in Christ's name I pray, Amen.
For Him,
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity: A Year of Timeless Devotions
It really takes me to my knees – and I hope you will join me there, on your knees before the throne of grace for these kids – for all of our kids.
I love the verse Eccl. 12:1, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth; before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’.” I challenge you to pray this verse this summer for the students you know. Hang it on your frig, write it on your bathroom mirror, have an index card on your car dashboard. Do whatever it takes to remember. Let’s flood the gates of heaven with prayers for our kids – OUR kids – the next generation. Share this challenge. Pray this challenge.
It is just incredibly important to follow hard after the Lord in your youth – for one thing because you CAN. There is a best time for everything, and the best time to learn is when we are young. Our minds are receptive, our souls unbiased, and our lives unembittered by past mistakes and unhampered by the evils of prejudice. I am praying that these kids start loving and studying God’s Word young, and it will be there to guide them – as a “light to (their) path.”
The young are bold. Maturity is great for holding the kingdom, but youth is bold in pushing the frontiers of the kingdom forward. God can use the daring, the passion, the endurance of the young. I am praying that the hearts of our kids are ignited with a desire to be the hands and feet of the gospel to a hurting, needy world.
And, when you dedicate your life to God whole-heartedly young, it leaves you with no regrets. Sure, you can come to Christ later in life – but so many of us live with remorse over wasting our time and energy in destructive ways. God is gracious, and His mercy extends to the limits of our life. But I am praying that these kids don’t waste a single day, following the example of Christ all the days of their lives. Let’s make that prayer a daily cry to the heart of our Father God this summer.
Father God, I pray today for these students. I pray that the teaching of the Word will be like water to their thirsty souls. I pray that they will be able to shut out the world and focus on You. Lord, please shutter their hearts to temptation and soften them to hear Your call. Guide them, direct them, draw them to You, Lord I pray. I pray for this next generation to be emboldened by your Spirit to meet the needs of this world in Jesus’ name – giving a cup of cold water to the thirsty, food to the hungry, and pointing the way to You with every grace given. I pray for protection over them. I pray for grace and blessing over those who diligently work with them in Your name. For the sake of the Kingdom, in Christ's name I pray, Amen.
For Him,
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity: A Year of Timeless Devotions
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