While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name:....
Every year as the school year draws to a close, I am reminded of this passage. Students leave the safety and security of a daily routine, a Christian environment and Godly influences only to be bombarded with a barrage from the world and the Devil. From being helped and encouraged to read the Bible and pray, walk with God and obey His Word, to a freedom that the majority cannot withstand.
Statistics among Youth Departments show that 60-70 % of the young people in churches backslide, make bad decisions, and banish their Bible during the summer. This is an alarming stat. It is usually not until Camp or Youth Conference (most of which are toward the end of the summer) that teenagers make things right with God and allow him to work in their lives.
Is this how things have to be? Jesus didn't think so. He taught the Disciples how to live while He was away. He showed through His prayer in John 17:12-26, how to have a Spiritual Summer. Over the next few weeks, I am going to show you from Jesus' prayer, how you can avoid that summer slump. You can have a spiritual summer....
....a summer where you grow closer to Christ instead of colder on Christ
....a summer where you go to Camp fired up and not to get fired up and God can really work on you
....a summer where afterward, you start school and you bring Revival to your school!
That is a Spiritual Summer... Here is how Jesus said we could do it...
1. Summer Fun
John 17:13b .... that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
I know, I know... not what you were expecting right? Jesus tells the Disciples that He wants them to have joy.
If you want to have a Spiritual Summer have some fun. Sleep in, go camping, go fishing, play outside, kill some Xbox, hang out with friends, attend all of the Teen Activities, help someone, get a summer job, and BY ALL MEANS... go to Teen Camp (www.circlecbaptist.org).
Enjoy your summer. If you find yourself saying those dreaded words.... I'm Bored... WATCH OUT! The Devil is on your trail. Do some fun things this summer. Don't get bored. Stay connected with your Youth Pastor and Church, stay busy, stay active and enjoy the Summer. Having fun is not a sin. This is the last summer you will ever have this year! LOL... Enjoy your Summer!
#Fuel
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