4/29 Engaging Your Faith

Engage 

1. What is most important to you? (family, popularity, etc.)

2. What can you not live without? (food, friends, etc.)

3. What are the things you find yourself thinking about most? (money, grades, boys/girls etc.)

Get a piece of paper and make a list for each question above. This is a private list for your eyes only, so be honest with yourself. When you have thoughtfully considered each question, added everything you can think of, and all three lists are complete , fold it up and set it aside.  

Meditate
Philippians 4:4-9 (New International Version)

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Prayer

Last weeks lesson helped us to consider the power of our minds and the importance of submitting our thoughts to the Holy Spirit. This weeks scripture reminds us not to stress over anything, and to pray about everything. So now I want you to unfold the paper with your three lists, look over the things that are written, and pray about each thing on the list. If these desires are true, noble, admirable, and general good things, pray that God would grant you patience and the ability to make good choices on your path to those things. If they are desires that would not honor or please God, pray that God would help you to avoid such things and that your mind would be cleansed of such things. 

Post

Share your thoughts on this process of seeking God through prayer regarding all things.

April 22nd - Devotional & Scripture

Devotional - let god control your mind

Read

The mind is the most restless, unruly part of humankind. Long after you have learned the discipline of holding your tongue and remaining silent, your thoughts continue to work against your will to be obedient. If your thoughts are working against your will to be obedient they may cause you to act against God. Man is the highest of God's creation, and the human mind is wondrously complex. God risked all by granting you the freedom to think for yourself. This is a privilege, forever setting you apart from animals and robots. He made you in His image.

Though His blood has fully redeemed you, your mind is the last stronghold of rebellion. Open yourself to God's radiant Presence, letting His Light seep into your thinking. When God's Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled with Life and Peace.

Pray

Genesis 1:26–27

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Post 

Share your thoughts that came to mind after reading the devotional and prayerfully reflecting on the scripture. this week I would like to hear your unprompted thoughts. 

April 15th - Devotional & Scripture

Read
Devotional - Jesus Calling
Trust Me in every detail of your life. Nothing is random in My kingdom. Everything that happens fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me. Instead of trying to analyze the intricacies of the pattern, focus your energy on trusting Me and thanking Me at all times. Nothing is wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your mistakes and sins can be recycled into something good, through My transforming grace.

While you were still living in darkness, I began to shine the Light of My Presence into your sin-stained life. Finally, I lifted you up out of the mire into My marvelous Light. Having sacrificed My very Life for you, I can be trusted in every facet of your life.

                      Pray

Psalms 71:5-8

5For You are my hope, O Lord God;

You are my trust from my youth.

6By You I have been upheld from birth;

You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.

My praise shall be continually of You.

       7I have become as a wonder to many,

But You are my strong refuge.

8Let my mouth be filled with Your praise

And with Your glory all the day.

Post

Do you believe the plan for your life has already been decided by God? Do you think God allows good and bad things to happen to you? If so explain.

Youth posts are due no later than Wednesday night. Post your response then read, reflect, and comment on the posts of others. 

New Hope Youth Serve at Ronald McDonald House Charities Walk for Kids

Check out how the youth and parents got involved and supported the 2nd Annual Long Beach Walk for Kids event on April 7th, 2013.

New Hope Presbyterian youth joined with students from Long Beach Poly High School & Wilson High School to ensure the Kid Zone ran smoothly.

Up in the morning before the sun began to rise but ready for the task of helping make a difference in the lives of children & families. 

Came for the driving, stayed for the service! Thankfully coffee was available to all.

The family that serves together, can pretty much do anything else together. Volunteering puts a beautiful smile on Dominique's face. 

Lauren & Danielle saved the day along with some Long Beach City College students at one of the water stations.

New Hope Presbyterian youth are the best!

One of our youngest Zyrah sharing her "You Matter" spirit with the community.

After an assignment at one of the water stations, Makeda and her friend Alannah returned to lend a hand in Kid Zone with fellow NHP youth. 

Who said community service can't be fun? Amir sports his balloon hat and Wes is all smiles while working!