His Call for the Seasons: Fall & Winter: A Devotional for Youth

By J. A. Reid

This is a book that addresses real life experiences for young adults while pointing to Jesus as the Source of hope in difficult times. See some of the following excerpts:
Dont you ever talk to me that way again! Tinas mother scolded her angrily. You just dont understand, retaliated Tina
Bret faced the crowd with sweat breaking out on his temple We need to stop this! Two rival gang members were fighting each other
Sometimes being fifteen seemed to be the hardest thing a person could live through He said he loved me! Jeannie mumbled to herself. Yeah, right!
Bruce walked away from the grave site. The family was still gathered sorrowfully around the casket How could Johnny have done this to the family?
Thomas felt so lonely sitting at the back of the room by himself. Being the new kid all the time made adjusting and finding new friends so difficult
Serena looked down at her stretching belly, feeling the little growth inside her. She was too young for this just barely a junior in high school.
Candace walked to the window and watched the kids down below playing together. She had come upstairs for a moment of peace the bruises on her upper arms no one could see
Jennifer coasted her wheelchair over to the lunch line. She hated this time of day!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781512783698

J. A. Reid

J.A. Reid has been story telling since her pre-teen days. As a young teen she wrote her first book, creating the illustrations. With a vivid imagination and love for reading, many of her stories have come from personal life lessons. Becoming a Christian at age 12, she was active in a Christian youth group called “Youth Ranch.” She stayed active in ministry, worked as a youth ministry secretary for a number of years, was a youth counselor, and helped lead worship music. Raising three teenagers of her own and being a mother to seven exchange students has opened the door for more opportunities to enrich her life with youth. Her love for the Lord and desire to see young people know Him and His solutions to life’s problems is the major factor that led her to write this book.

Book preview

AUTUMN

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One: Standards with A Price

The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. Psalms 119:51

Tamika sat down outside the high school on a bench and looked through her homework folder to make sure she had completed her chemistry paper. Tamika, can I copy your chemistry paper? Jessica ran up to her breathless, and asked. I haven’t had time to do mine. I have been so busy with volleyball. You don’t mind, do you? This was asked as Jessica reached over, glanced at the assignment, and plucked it from Tamika’s hands. She scanned the information quickly; satisfied it was the correct assignment. Plopping down beside Tamika, she pulled a clean paper out of her spiral. She glanced at Tamika, checking her reaction, and then with a cheeky smile, she said. Everybody says you are so smart. With that, she deftly copied each line without looking up. When she completed the job, she handed the paper back to Tamika with another smile. Mission accomplished! she announced. Then up and off she was without a backwards glance. Tamika, slightly breathless, huffed in disgust, then writing her name on her paper, placed it back in her folder.

A few moments later, John walked over to Tamika and sat down beside her as he waited for the bus to show up. Hey Tamika, did you finish the English assignment Mrs. Canter gave us? I was working last night and didn’t get it finished. It’s due tomorrow and I have to work again tonight. You are so smart. You wouldn’t mind helping me out would you? Tamika knew that he hadn’t been working last night because it was circulating around school he had taken the new girl in their English class out last night.

Before she had time to answer, the bus pulled up. She stood up as it pulled close in front of them. Come on, Tamika. If you let me have it, I will get it back to you tomorrow morning. I promise. He smiled an engaging smile that all the girls loved, his bright, white teeth flashing in a handsome face. To say no and offend the good looking track star would not help her social life any.

She thought quickly. I’ll meet you early before school around 7:30 a.m. You can copy it then. John frowned slightly, his displeasure apparent, as he climbed on the bus behind her taking a seat near the back to join his group of friends.

She admitted to herself that she felt used by some of the other students—including Jessica and John. Maybe it was for her brains or maybe simply because she did her homework. At one time, she had belonged to a circle of friends who now no longer hung out with her. They said it was because she thought she was better or smarter than them. But the truth was, she applied herself, and, well, maybe some of them just didn’t. Tamika took her studies seriously. It still hurt though, when the girls would stop to ask her a question about one of her assignments, but would not invite her to sit with them or hang out with them anymore.

As she walked into the house her mother came up to her, giving her a hug with a smile. Hi, Hon. How was today?

Oh, you know, same ol’ thing. Then, suddenly, the pent up frustration escaped and she burst out, Mom, you always told us copying was cheating, right? Her mother nodded, a question in her eyes. Well, kids at school are always asking to copy my papers. Tamika sighed wearily as she said this. I feel used—they’re really not my friends, they just want my answers. She sat down on the sofa heavily, her book bag flopping beside her.

Her mom, dust rag in hand, looked her over considering. I see… Well… have you told them ‘no’?

Tamika looked down sadly. If I did, Mom, they would be pretty mean, I’m afraid.

I see, her mom paused in thought.

Well, let’s talk this over with your dad and the Lord tonight and see how your Heavenly Father directs you. You go relax for a bit and dinner will be ready in an hour.

That night, after dinner, Tamika and her mom and dad sat together in the family den and bowed in prayer for the family needs and for Tamika’s problem. As her dad prayed over her and for God’s direction, Tamika felt peaceful about the matter. She felt God’s pleasure at her doing her best. She felt His love for her as she shared her feelings of being used, and not genuinely cared about by some of the students. She also felt the Lord understood her hurt by the rejection of one-time friends. Lord, I pray my daughter knows Your love for her. Help her to know how to answer others in a loving but effective way. Reward her for her hard work and diligence, and thank You for Your Son and Your gift of eternal life. Amen.

At 7:30 am the next morning, John was not there. He showed up 5 minutes before the bell rang and asked for her paper. He wanted to copy it during the next two classes and would give it back to her by English class. With confidence and the prayers still ringing in her ears from the night before, she felt peaceful and calm as she gently said, I’m sorry John. I was here at 7:30 like we discussed. I can’t give you my paper. I have to get to class now before I’m late. And she determinedly walked away towards her first period class. She could still see his mouth hanging open, prepared to argue the point, but she had already left.

She may have to face matters with him later, but she decided she felt good about putting an end to being used. Jessica was walking towards her, and Tamika quickly turned into her classroom. No more chemistry help for Jessica either. She would recommend Jessica come to her house for a tutoring fee. It was time for a change!

Two: Hurting the Ones We Love

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10

Scott climbed in the bedroom window, the moon looking down upon him in bright reproach. Surely no one had seen him, he tried to reassure himself. He briefly looked over his shoulder as he heaved himself into the room trying to make as little noise as possible. The liquor on his breath would have to be brushed away, and his disheveled appearance with the stained sweater and torn jeans taken care of. Well, I better take care of those when Mom ain’t around, he muttered to himself.

As he closed the drapes behind him, pushing down the window that he always kept unlocked for his nightly escapades, he thought he heard a door close somewhere in the house. He quickly dressed down in his bedclothes with the lights out, pulled back the sheets and then gingerly opened the door to avoid the familiar squeak. He listened for any sound out in the hall to warn of his having been discovered. He tiptoed down the hall to his mother’s room and stopped suddenly stunned.

Dear Lord, please Father, don’t let Scott make those mistakes I made. Lord, help him desire more from life… he heard her say tearfully. Her door was slightly ajar, and all he could see was a form kneeling in front of her bed. After a few sniffs, she continued.

I can’t help Him, Lord. He doesn’t listen to me. I fear for him, Lord. More gentle sobs were heard. Be the father he doesn’t have, Lord. Help him to know You love him, Lord… At this point, Scott felt so small and guilty—a lump of some sort seemed stuck in his throat that he desperately wanted to dislodge; the lump seemed to compete with the moisture in his eyes. He made it stealthily back to his bedroom and closed the door.

Glancing across his bedroom at the neatness of it, he knew Mom had been in there today, straightening up as she always did. He looked at the bed, getting a vision of her crying to God beside her own bed, and then, with a slow, heavy gait, he headed to his own bed— not to climb in bed, but to drop down in front of it. Lord, forgive me. I have failed You and my mother. I need to get my life right with You. Help me to get back on track, Father. Your prodigal son wants to return home.

Sometimes the lure of the world is so inviting that we get sucked in without a backward glance…but when the glitter is gone and the music has stopped, it is the grieving of our loved ones we left behind that really have value. So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

Three: The Value of His Time

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

Alana climbed on the bus with the other students, excited at the idea of a youth retreat in the mountains. The talk and bustle around her expressed the enthusiasm and anticipation of the other students as well. Several hours later, they reached the retreat facility, and everyone rushed to locate their dorms.

For the first couple of hours, they were in a conference. The music was awesome and the message was moving to Alana. Alana had personally been hungering for this retreat. In her heart, she desired a closer walk with God. She was not satisfied with her Christian life. She had read about some of the famous missionaries like Robert Livingston and Lottie Moon. She believed there was more to know about walking with God. Dear Lord, I want a close relationship with You like the apostles Peter and Paul and those missionaries. I want to serve You like they did. Lord, touch my life to be a faithful child and someone You can use. That night, on her bunk, while the other youth slept, she lay awake and talked with her Lord.

In the morning, after breakfast, and after the first meeting, the students were sent outside to have a quiet time. She walked along the wooded trail, listened to the birds singing, enjoyed the crunching of crisp fall leaves under her feet, and hummed to herself praise songs. Never could she recall having such a peaceful feeling in her heart as she did just now. Then a sweet, still, small voice spoke to her. My child, I have heard your prayer. I can use you. Walk with Me daily, be willing to do as I bid you, and I will reveal to you great and mighty things that you know not. Her heart dropped and her skin tingled with this special touch from her Lord. She knelt where she was, thanking and praising Him. Tomorrow would be different as she anticipated the hand of God orchestrating her life in greater and mightier ways.

Four: Brothers at Odds

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else… Galatians 6:4

Denzel had always been compared to his big brother, Terrell, growing up. Terrell was the star student, the athlete, and quite frankly, had the good looks to go with it. He was never without a girlfriend, had a large group of friends, and the relatives and community sang his praises.

Denzel, however, was tall, slender (couldn’t gain a pound if he tried), gangly, lacking coordination, and was glad to be a B student. He had grown up in his brother’s shadow. He didn’t resent Terrell but he had to admit he hated hearing about him all the time. Why can’t you be more like Terrell or Terrell made a 100 on that test or Terrell scored the winning point –again or Is Terrell there? in a silky, sultry voice when he answered the phone.

One day, feeling extra sorry for himself, Denzel came downstairs for breakfast. There was Terrell, holding court at the table with family members captivated while he told how he sacked the quarterback at last night’s game in a play-by-play.

Denzel sat down and could see that his family members expected him to jump in and join the Terrell ‘fan club.’ Terrell turned to him teasingly, "Hey, little brother! You get your beauty sleep while I was out there slaving on the ball field?

No, I was bagging groceries at the local grocery store and drawing a paycheck, was Denzel’s sour comeback.

Terrell’s humor seemed to have left him as well as his talkativeness, so he began to stuff his face, for once a little silent. The family was rather surprised their star member was quiet, and looked over accusingly at Denzel. Someone’s in a bad mood this morning, said his mother.

Denzel continued to look down at his cereal bowl, slightly depressed. The remaining meal was eaten in silence. Terrell pushed back his chair, smiled charmingly at his family and excused himself. Time for school, he explained briefly and grabbed his books from the hall table. See you at school, Bro, he told Denzel. Terrell had to be there early for athletics.

I’ll leave now, too, Denzel decided. He didn’t mean to hurt his older brother’s feelings and felt a little guilty about helping to remove the smiles from the breakfast table.

Why are you quiet suddenly, Terrell? Denzel asked when they got to the car. I’ve never heard you pipe down like that just because I had a comeback.

Terrell looked over at Denzel levelly. I guess I felt a little convicted that I really haven’t shown a lot of responsibility like you have, you know, getting a job and paying your way. Truth hurts sometimes! Terrell said with a touch of self-mockery. The boys climbed into Terrell’s car, a gift from the parents. Terrell continued, I mean, you are earning money and you are younger than me. I still bum money off of Mom and Dad, but you don’t.

Denzel found himself almost speechless at his brother’s admission as the car pulled out onto the road. But Terrell, Denzel stammered, you are out there on the football field and scoring touchdowns. I’m not anybody’s hero! he sighed glumly.

Terrell stopped at the stop sign and looked over at Denzel. Denzel, look, I admire you. You earn a paycheck, man. You work hard at what you do—and, honestly, I respect you more than you know. A lot of what I do gets me noticed, but… Terrell paused and was rather silent for a while as he drove. Maybe he kind of surprised himself at his own honesty. Then, with sudden decisiveness, he said, I think it’s time I considered getting a job. I’ve been bumming off of Mom and Dad. You show me up. Chalk one up for my little brother. Terrell punched his brother on the arm, and they both grinned as he pulled out into traffic.

We don’t need to walk in another’s shadow. We have our own course to walk. With that realization, we need to do our best with what our Lord has given us. He has given each of us gifts and abilities. They are different for each of us and unique to each of our lives. God designed it that way. We are all learning and growing and our callings are different as well.

Sometimes, in our own homes, within our families, there may be unfairness or favoritism. Although this may be wrong, God has an intrinsic purpose for making you who you are. He doesn’t miss the unfairness, but He has made it possible to work through the most difficult of circumstances.

Grow where you are, bloom where you are planted, and watch beauty come from your life when you use your gifts for His glory.

Five: A Labor-less Day

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. Psalms 127:3-5

The teenagers sat on the dock, their legs swinging over the edge dipping into the cold lake water. Giggles erupted every so often as they looked over at the parents and younger children who were enjoying the sunshine amidst the back drop of tents and picnic tables packed high with food and camp paraphernalia.

Man, do we have to go back to school? Labor Day can last the rest of the week if you ask me, Charles said to his cousin, Billy.

Katie, the edge of her shorts wet from the splashing water, laughed as Grant came up and pretended to shove Ami in.

No, please don’t, Ami, the fifteen-year-old friend of Katie, pleaded.

Katie grinned slightly. Yes, she knew Grant, her older brother, secretly had a crush on Ami. He had let it slip as they were packing for the weekend.

Hot dogs are ready! Uncle Bill called to the teens from the grill in front of the tent. With a slight breeze blowing, a bit of splashing, and a few giggles, the teens pulled themselves away from the dock and headed to the picnic table where young and old alike were grabbing paper plates and going after hot dogs and the trimmings.

When are we going to water ski, Dad? Billy asked his father, directing everyone’s attention to the boat parked next to the dock. I guess when everyone’s had time to digest lunch, his dad responded stuffing down his fourth hotdog.

The camaraderie and pleasant bantering went on an hour or so more, then the teens and Uncle Bill climbed into the boat. With Katie’s dad at the wheel, they drove out close to a little island where everyone did some swimming, then enthusiastically waterskied for a few hours. Returning to shore later that afternoon, the teenagers climbed out of the boat with their energy spent.

Once everyone had settled into lawn chairs, relaxing, Uncle Bill started a campfire while Katie’s dad pulled out his guitar. Singing a few camp songs, adults, teenagers and younger children all joined in singing harmoniously.

Then someone started calling for some Christian worship songs. Uncle Bill, the worship leader at Grace Community Church, obliged, while the young people joined in, Katie enjoying the harmony.

Billy, would you get my Bible inside the tent flap? Uncle Bill asked.

Billy reached inside the tent flap and secured the Bible for his father. Grant moved up a little closer, as Uncle Bill opened to a passage. Here, son, can you read this for me? he handed the Bible to Grant and asked him to read.

Grant reverently received the Bible, honored that Uncle Bill had asked him to read. Ami looked on, listening to the strong voice read the words almost musically.

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power. 1 Corinthians 2:1-4 As Grant continued to read, Katie, Ami, Charles, and Billy looked on.

Katie’s mom and Aunt Carolyn, Charles’ mom, gathered the ingredients for s’mores. The quietness of the evening, the soft waves pushing to shore on the lake in front of them, and twilight collectively creating a hush around them, allowed a time of reflectiveness among the relatives.

So what do you think it’s saying, Charles? Aunt Carolyn asked her son once Grant stopped reading.

Charles looked somewhat surprised to be singled out, but answered, I was thinking that he was saying he didn’t pack his message to sound pretty and impressive. He was just frank and up front. He wanted people to know Jesus and let the Holy Spirit do the talking through him. So, Paul just basically told it how it was.

Everyone nodded in agreement. Uncle Bill chipped in a few thoughts, and then the relatives grabbed hangers and marshmallows, along with a chocolate bar, and graham crackers. Warming the marshmallows in the campfire created a wonderful chocolate treat.

Zipping up her tent that night, with Ami snug in her sleeping bag, Katie climbed into her own sleeping bag, welcoming the warmth and security. You know what I enjoy about my family, Ami?

Ami smiled sleepily, I think there’s a lot to like.

Yes, Grant’s pretty good, but I was thinking of something else, Katie teased.

Throwing a pillow at Katie, Ami grinned, Besides Grant!

I love this family. They are genuine, not pretentious, kinda like the scripture Uncle Bill chose.

I sure enjoyed being here this weekend. Count me in every Labor Day! Ami said, burrowing down deeper in her sleeping bag.

It’s a promise! Katie smiled.

Family gatherings are always special and provide the opportunity to get close to relatives and family members. Seek to appreciate the unique qualities of your siblings and relatives. Despite the differences, always look for the good.

Six: The ‘Date’

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body… Ephesians 4:25

Kenisha was so looking forward to this date. She had wanted to go out with Byron for some time. All the girls thought he was a great looking guy. He was also popular in athletics with the other players and, of course, the cheerleaders. What he saw in her, she had no idea.

Last Sunday at church, the lesson had been on being unequally yoked. But really! What did that have to do with her? She was just going out on a date! Yes, she had heard the talk about Byron. The guys had said he was just looking for a girl to lay. A number of girls at school said they’d be happy to stand in line. Kenisha knew that she was not like that. She was a virgin and it had been drilled into her early on that God wanted her to stay that way until she was married. That’s what the Bible said and Christians were supposed to obey the Bible, she knew.

She tried to shut out those voices. Hmmmh, okay. Which earrings: the long, dangly ones, or the small stud diamonds? Now, for the outfit: something with a scooped neckline or something tight fitting that really showed off her figure? Her mom knew she was going on the date, but Kenisha felt a little guilty because she had misrepresented the fact that Byron was from school—not church. No, her mom would not have approved of Byron.

Kenisha’s mother trusted her to make the best decisions, and yes, not to lie…but it was just a small one. Besides, her mom hadn’t always made the best decisions! What about the fact that her mom and dad had never married?

She took down a shirt off the hanger, the one with the scooped neckline. It showed a little cleavage and made her look more mature…like the other girls Byron seemed to like.

She heard the phone ring. It was her grandma. Grandma knew she was going on the date. Just wanted to let my girl know I will be praying for her, said Grandma affectionately.

Thanks Nana,

When the door opened an hour later, Byron looked Kenisha up and down and let out a Wow! Then, he added, You look like my kind of girl! He hung his arm around her possessively, leading her to the car. He allowed her to open her own door, however, as he jumped in on his side. While getting seated, his phone rang and he proceeded to talk on it. She tentatively asked where they were going when it appeared there was a lull in the phone conversation. I thought we’d go somewhere private, he responded as he glanced suggestively down at the low neckline of her shirt. Kenisha found herself becoming more nervous at his suggestive looks. Is this really what I want? She wondered, starting to feel a little uncomfortable.

I thought we were going to a movie or dinner, she said softly, but his attention had reverted back to his phone conversation. He continued to ignore her as the car headed out of town. Anxiously she watched houses and businesses fly by. Twenty minutes later and totally unsure where they were going, she felt strongly that she must terminate this date. Still talking on his phone, she finally got his attention by pounding his arm rather insistently. Byron, I need to go to the restroom. Can we stop at one of these gas stations, please?

He looked irritated at the request but told the guy on the phone to hold on a second. As he pulled into a small gas station, she quickly left the car and hurried to the station entrance. Byron, she called from the doorway getting his attention. He turned his head, pulling the phone away to look at her with a frown. My grandma will be coming to get me. Why don’t you just go on?

Swiftly she entered the building with the door shutting behind her and cringed at the anger she anticipated would be forthcoming—as indeed it was. Byron let out a stream of curses and roared out of the parking lot with grinding gears and squalling tires. Kenisha made a phone call to her grandma. When her grandmother answered the phone, Kenisha softly asked, Nana, can you come pick me up?

Of course! was the immediate response. On a sob, Kenisha said, I think God answered your prayers.

Granny replied, He does, darling. He always does.

Speaking quietly with her voice breaking, Kenisha confessed, I didn’t belong on that date. I wasn’t equally yoked or honest with Mom. Thank you for praying for me.

Anytime, my girl. Grandma’s voice was strong and reassuring. I’ll be right there as soon as you give me the address. For the first time that day, Kenisha felt calm and at peace again with God. She was relieved that Someone was watching over her and, indeed, He was listening to the prayers of a sweet old lady who cared.

Seven: Loss of a Friend

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Beverly surveyed her artwork and had to admit she was pleased with the results. The effort had cost her a lot of time, and Rena had actually stopped talking with her. She said that Beverly seemed to value art more than friendship.

Beverly gingerly placed the last touch of color on her brush and gently smoothed the blue hue onto the already brilliant masterpiece. She laid the brush down to wipe her hands. Surely Rena can appreciate what I’ve done, she thought to herself. She picked up the phone and dialed the familiar number, leaning against the counter while listening for the ring.

Hello, Rena’s strong, forceful voice could be heard.

Hi, Rena, it’s me! I wanted to let you know I’ve finished the painting. Could you come on over and see what you think of it? Beverly’s voice was a little unsure, but upbeat.

No! I don’t want to see your painting or you! I’ve got better things to do! Jamie’s coming over! and Rena hung up with a bang.

Beverly looked at the painting one final time, picked up the brushes to clean them, and thought about the art contest she had so hoped to win. Winning this would place her in the running for a scholarship to one of the finest art schools in the state. Why was Rena so unhappy with her?

Beverly’s mom walked into the room at just that moment, seeing the tears stream down Beverly’s face as she began putting the painting supplies away. Beverly looked up to catch the look of compassion and concern in her mom’s eyes.

Oh, Mom! Beverly put the art supplies down and walked into her mom’s open arms. Rena was really mean on the phone. I don’t know if we’ll be able to patch it up.

Looking compassionately into her daughter’s eyes, her mother placed an arm around the slim frame of her daughter as Beverly explained the brief telephone conversation.

Beverly, her mother began, if Rena can’t understand how much this art project means to you, perhaps it’s time you leave her with the Lord and continue to move forward. The words were unexpected but Beverly continued to listen, pulling away to wipe her eyes.

Speaking gently, her mom looked inquisitively at her daughter as she asked, Has Rena ever been supportive of your extra-curricular activities, Beverly? Then, taking a seat on the settee, she looked up at Beverly waiting for an answer. Thinking back, Beverly acknowledged that, no, Rena usually wasn’t—so why should she expect this time to be any different? Rena had been unhappy with Beverly’s involvement in Young Life, the Drill Team, and didn’t like her participation in 4-H.

You know, Mom, she really wasn’t. But we always had good times at other things: spending the night, sharing CD’s, walking home together, and talking about stuff like guys and the like.

Her mom nodded with a slight smile at this, then asked, But how did she react to those things in your life that she wasn’t a part of?

Well, I suppose sometimes it seemed like she resented it, Beverly admitted with a slight nod. How did you know?

From things you said, hon, and things I saw, her mom replied quietly.

Well, so what do I do, Mom? I hate to lose her friendship. But, I guess, I’m not really sure I haven’t already lost it. I was too busy to go with her to that party last Friday, and I couldn’t make it to the sleepover two weekends ago, so she just said to forget it. She walked off with Jamie Summers yesterday and didn’t even acknowledge me.

Beverly’s mom studied her daughter intently. Beverly, is Rena a good friend to you?

Beverly casually picked at the thread on her sweater and considered how to answer. Mom, I don’t have many friends at school. Rena hasn’t always been nice to me but she’s funny sometimes. Hmmh, we do have to do things her way most of the time. But—I don’t like sitting alone very much. She’s in most of my classes. And… tears filled Beverly’s eyes. I really don’t want her for an enemy.

Smiling affectionately at her daughter, her mother pulled Beverly close. Honey, God wants us to be honest with ourselves and Him. If Rena is really a friend, she will miss your friendship and try to make up. To be a special friend, she needs to support those things that are dear to your heart and particularly those things that affect your future. From this point on, pray for her, her needs, etcetera, and continue to treat her nice. God will be your Defender. But let’s give this relationship to the Lord right now and ask that He work out things with Rena His way. I will be praying that God also brings some good Christian friends your way, okay?

With a nod towards her mother, Beverly and her mother bowed their heads.

Losing a friendship can be heartbreaking and will often affect other areas of our lives. Grieve the loss, restore the relationship if possible. But acknowledge with honesty when it is time to move on and leave the friendship with your Lord. He cares about every detail of our lives—even the loneliness and loss of a friend.

Eight: The Military Plan

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5a

Vanessa looked over the information in front of her. Marines, could I really be one? She listened to the information from the recruiter and all that he had to say. He spoke of the advantages and benefits of being a Marine. As she walked away, she carefully stuffed the flyer in her binder, and told the recruiter she would think about it.

Vanessa loved her country, and her father and grandfather had both been in the military. Her grandfather had been in the Navy and her dad had been a Marine. Could she make it as a Marine? Could she make it through boot camp?

Walking the two blocks home from school, she thought about the pros and cons of joining. What would it mean to her as a female to be a part of the military life? Without bringing it up to her parents, she first decided she was going to take some time and talk to her Heavenly Father about it. She knew her mom would be against it. She knew her dad would be proud of seeing her carry on the family tradition, even if she was a girl. She wanted to know what her Heavenly Father had to say about it.

After dinner, she shut herself up in her bedroom and pulled out her Bible. As she read Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

She lowered her head. Dear Lord, I am calling to You, and praying about this opportunity. Lord, I know pretty much what my parents will say, but I want to know what You would have me do. You said You have it planned out, You have plans for me… a future. Please, Lord, guide my life and my steps. Give me direction and prevent me from taking the wrong path. Amen.

Over the next few weeks she had plenty of opportunities to look into military work, foreign exchange programs, and college options. With the help of her Heavenly Father and her family and friends, she finally came to a decision that gave her assurance and excitement.

Thank You Dear Lord for your guidance. I know now what You want me to do. Amen.

God has a plan for your life–take the time to ask Him!

Nine: The Date Investment

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we were healed…and he will bear their iniquities…for he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:4, 5,11b, 12b

Sherry sat in the youth room and listened to the guest speaker talk with the girls. And when the guy pays for you on the date, he isn’t paying for a kiss, or necking, or petting, or sex afterward. He is paying to be in your company, girls. You do not owe him anything except pleasant conversation, if he is pleasant. Don’t EVER let your date pressure you into thinking differently! The youth leader paused for a moment, looking intently over the large group of girls who had attended this weekend retreat.

You know, she continued, a date is an investment of his money and your time. His money is being invested to find that future wife. And your time is being invested in finding that future husband. If you both go out and at the end of the evening, you find you have nothing in common, then you have lost nothing but maybe a boring evening and he lost maybe $20-30 bucks. If you like each other but are not attracted to one another, then perhaps you may have gained a friend. If you like each other enough to go out again, that’s great. But the standards must still be the same. A paid date is NEVER a pay-off for sexual favors. The pay-off is a couple of hours in your awesome company!

The session ended, but Sherry could not get the image of last weekend out of her mind. Trevor had pressured her to have sex on the way home, pointing out how much he had paid for them to spend the day at the expensive amusement park. She had felt pressured, guilty, and then afterwards, regretful. The youth leader had encouraged anyone who needed to talk to see her or one of the available counselors after the meeting.

With tears in her eyes, Sherry sat down with a counselor afterward and explained her last weekend and her feelings now. I feel cheap and used; but also feel like it was my fault. I feel ashamed and unclean, even.

The counselor spoke to Sherry, encouraging her of her value and worth. Pointing out Sherry’s vulnerability in the situation, the counselor, from scripture, reminded her of her worth and value in Christ. Jesus Christ valued you so much that He gave up His life for you so that you could have eternal life.

Sherry was reminded that everyone has sinned, everyone makes foolish decisions, some costlier than others. While holding the counselor’s hand for comfort, Sherry was told that today was a lesson learned, tomorrow is a new day. "’As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us,’ the Bible tells us in Psalms 103:12," the counselor said.

Remembering the speaker’s conclusion later on that evening, Sherry pondered the words:

I want you young ladies to know, the speaker had said, there will be hard days, there will be temptations, and there will be good looking wolves in sheep’s clothing. But, I encourage you girls, know that you are valuable. These guys need to treat you like ladies! You are ladies with value and should be treated with respect. They need to talk to you that way, too.

You need to take your time dating. Don’t rush into a relationship—no ‘sexual favors’ before marriage. A relationship that is not sexually active is a lot easier to end if you decide that the individual is not marriage partner material for you. Coming to that conclusion can take one date, weeks, months, and sometimes a year or more to realize. It’s much better not to complicate the relationship with sexual activity (or fornication as it is called in biblical terms). We girls need to say ‘no’ keeping in mind, we are worth it!

Sherry left the weekend feeling better about herself. She learned that God accepted her as she was and valued her greatly. Her feelings of guilt and shame were gone. For the first time in a long time, she actually felt confidence.

Thank you, Lord, for this joy in my heart. I’m not perfect, I’ve made mistakes, but You love me, value me, and accept me as I am. Tomorrow’s a new day!

Ten: A PK’s Story

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!…for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3, 5-9

Jerry was a PK (preacher’s kid) as the kids at church called him. Actually, at church, being a preacher’s kid had its perks. The kids at church respected him. But, at school, well, that was another story. If a bad word slipped out in athletics, he never heard the end of it. If he said something negative, he was hassled. Often times, he was the brunt of jokes when there was a raunchy conversation going on. Like: …what Jim did with his date last night— and then, Oh, Jerry’s here! and coarse laughter would follow. Sometimes the guys would walk off when he came over. Never mind, Jerry’s here. We’ll talk about it later. Even the Christian kids would change their demeanor when he came around almost like they were afraid he would tell his dad. They would comment, Oh, we shouldn’t be talking about this. Here comes Jerry.

Of course, he didn’t necessarily want to participate in the lewd or raunchy conversations with the kids anyway. It was, just, he didn’t like being shut out and snubbed. Lord, is this how it feels to be You? At heart, Jerry wanted to do the right thing, to please his heavenly Father. He just felt left out and alone so much. He felt the expectations on him and his reputation were so high— but also separating and restricting.

That night in the youth meeting the youth minister, Dale, talked with the youth about ‘freedom in Christ, and