Student Devotion: Inspiring Others

Key Verse: "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

Everyone needs to be reminded that God creates us with a calling for each of our lives. Everyone is given gifts that need to be shared with the world. You can be an agent of change in our world. You can empower anyone, no matter what age, to make a change in their life and to follow God’s call. Ever have to sit at the “kids’ table” at family get-togethers? I remember sitting at a small table with my cousins, separated from adult conversation. Sadly, many of us feel removed when it comes to faith. We are led to believe only our church leaders and adults are the people who really possess knowledge and gifts. However, what about those who are not pastors or deacons or elders or teachers? Writing to Timothy, a teenager, Paul reminds him that in Christ there is no kids’ table. Timothy is told to demand respect, pull up a chair and join the conversation. Surely Timothy was shocked when Paul told him to be the leader in the congregation! Don’t sit at the kids’ table because you don't feel worthy or able to contribute to the cause of Christ! YOU have something to say, a gift to use, something to contribute. Welcome to the table! God, thank you for your invitation to the table! Help me to step up and offer all that I have in service to you, even when I feel inadequate or that my opinion does not matter. I offer myself to you. Amen.

It is easy to feel that we are not inspirational to others. However, each day we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be agents of inspiration and change in the lives of others. How have you been empowered by the Holy Spirit to inspire someone else? How can you make a difference in the world today?

You have the gifts, the ability, and the Spirit of the Living God to inspire others.

Go! Be! Inspire!

Student Devotion Week 6: More Than On Your Own

Key Verse: Joshua 1:1-9, "1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide:² “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them —to the Israelites.³ I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. ⁴ Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates —all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.⁵ No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.⁶ Be strong and courageous,because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. ⁷ “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditateon it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Ok, it's Bible Story 101. Time to test your knowledge. What do you remember about Moses and his story? What do you remember about Joshua and his story?

Here's a recap. Moses was God's handpicked leader to free His people from slavery in Egypt. Moses was a just and faithful leader. But due to the people's sin along the journey from Egypt to the promised land, God told Moses that he would never actually enter the land. Next up: Joshua. Joshua was Moses' right-hand man. He had been at Moses' side while Moses was leading the people. Joshua was the heir to the leadership of the Israelites.

Now, take a moment and read Joshua 1:1-9. But before you do, here's some quick background info. Moses had died, God had some words of encouragement. As you read the passage, pay close attention to verse 5. What important message did God give Joshua? If you were in Joshua's shoes, how would this make you feel?

You could spend hours reading about all the ways God was with Moses. And here God was telling Joshua, "You know what? All the awesome stuff I did for Moses? I'm going to do the same for you." What a powerful promise! It must have been just what Joshua needed to get ready to lead God's people.

The important truth is this: God does not call His people to a task without empowering them. God calls you then gives you His strength to carry out the call. As you live out your call, don't forget Joshua and how God promised to be with him