His Encouragement #16

Happy Thursday! I am blessed to be a part of a group of bloggers who feel led to share a bit of encouragement each week from the Bible. We recognize that the source of our peace, strength, and security in this life comes from Jesus, and we aim to share that with our readers. Plus, when Thursday comes around, we can all use a little encouragement right? I hope that this posting blesses you and that you find strength and peace in the Lord today ❤

This week I’m sharing:

⁷ Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; ⁸ for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
~1 Tim 4:7-8 (ESV)

If you read my post last week, then you possibly remember the fact that I stated I was away at what our church calls “Grace Adventure Camp.” It’s for kids ages 7 through going into 9th grade. This year the theme verses were 1 Tim 4:7-8. I won’t lie, at first I felt like this might be a little too deep for the younger kids, but as the week progressed I was able to see the Lord really working in the kids.

Let’s be honest, when we think of teaching younger kids about the Bible, we often don’t think about the spiritual growth that will occur through what they’re taught. We share Bible stories with them hoping they’ll hold their attention long enough to finish the story, but do we really think about how much they can grasp on a spiritual level? Should we be teaching kids to read the scriptures on their own and having an individual prayer life even while they’re young? Almost exactly two years ago, our church hired a new youth pastor. I have to say he’s done an amazing job with the youth. He has gone deeper and fuller into what it means to have a relationship with Christ, and the change and growth in many of the kids is visibly evident. He teaches the kids in a way that includes them in growing relationally on a deeper level with the Lord even at a young age. Personally I work with the middle school youth, but I am amazed at the depth of understanding the kids have developed in their Christian walks. The kids are encouraged to be growing in their relationship with the Lord now, and developing their own devotional and prayer life. It has been an amazing thing to witness the Lord working in the lives of each of them. Showing Christ to others is not exclusive for adults.

Even though this passage sounds like one that would be taught to an older group, I believe the kids last week really got this, and were both encouraged and challenged by it. You are never too young to develop a real relationship with the Lord. Understanding grows with time, but if you continue to strive to know the Lord on a deeper level, He will reveal himself to you more and more as you walk with Him. Godliness grows in us the more we learn about and strive to be more like Christ. The more we know God, the more we are able to show Him to others.

On the last day of camp, our last “cabin time” is a bit of a wrap-up from the week where kids are able to talk about their most memorable moments of camp. I was amazed and blessed to hear from each of my campers that they all felt that the “prayer night” was the most memorable to them. (The question wasn’t specific to lessons… it could have been anything from camp). Pastor Matt asked each of the counselors to step out behind the chapel so that kids could have an opportunity to come out and pray with one of us. He then scattered the kids inside and guided them through some prayer. All he gave were a few leading topics to pray about, and he shared a new one every thirty seconds or so for about 5–10 minutes. They prayed for things like growing in their relationship with the Lord, and praying for unsaved friends and family. At the end I was shocked to walk back into the room to see that there were actually a few kids crying. While I don’t know all of their stories, the ones I do know involved the Lord really working in their hearts. One of my campers was really affected by it, and I was able to talk and pray with her. When God works in the hearts of the youth, it’s an amazing thing to see.

I am amazed at the level of understanding even young kids were able to have over this passage. It’s a great reminder to be looking towards Christ daily, and to be walking away from worldly things. In order to show Christ to others, we need to be walking in Christ ourselves. This passage is a great reminder and encouragement in growing into a deeper, purer relationship with the Lord.

I know this is the song I shared last week, but I think it’s just too relevant to not share it again now. I hope you will take a moment to listen and meditate on it’s truth. You’re never too young to show Jesus to others. Keep that in your mind as you finish out this week. God bless!

Now, it’s your turn!

What Biblical verse is encouraging you today?

And, check out more Thursday Encouragement from my fellow blogger friends:

Nicole @ Christian Fiction Girl

Trisha @ Joy of Reading

Jacquelyn @ A Heavenly Home

Jessica @ A Baker’s Perspective

Jenny @ Author Jenny Lynn

If you would like to join us: please contact Trisha or Nicole