Don't Assume You Know It All

January 21, 2010
Genesis 23-24; Psalm 7:1-5; Proverbs 3:7-8; Matthew 9:1-17


A common trap for teenagers in this day is to think they know more than the adults around them.  Some times they do!  I mean who do you go to when your cellular device isn't working correctly?  If you're anything like me, I go to one of the teens in the house.

The question isn't whether or not one person knows more than another.  The real question is a matter of humility and a lack of pride in your own intellect.  The Message Bible says in Proverbs 3:7, "Don't assume you know it all."

It's the assuming that makes us look both foolish and full of pride.  Be careful to have a humble and teachable attitude.  Don't forget the reason why you know most of what you do.  It's the adults and the leaders around you who have laid their lives down for you that have taught you most of what you know. Demand of yourself that you act with an attitude of respect toward them.

From the kids
Joy noticed how sad Abraham was at the death of Sarah.

She also wondered why the people in Jesus' home town had pigs!

Don't Try to Figure Out Everything On Your Own!

January 20, 2010
Genesis 20-21; Psalm 6:6-10; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 8:18-34


The Message Bible says,
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; 
   don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
   he's the one who will keep you on track.

How easy it is to feel that it is our responsibility to try and figure everything out on our own.  I know that I am definitely not qualified to figure things out on my own, but I still fall into the trap of thinking it is my Christian duty.  Then, after I mess things up, I dislike myself.

How much happier we would all be if we understood our limitations and allowed Christ to help us in them.  He wants us to depend on Him.  He will never allow our life to be such that we are completely independent of Him.  It pleases God when we trust in Him.  Our pride never pleases God.

Make a committment today to trust God from the bottom of your heart.  Let Him help you figure things out.  He knows everything.  What a wonderful counselor we have!

From the kids

Alex wondered how Abraham recognized God's voice without the Word of God to compare it to.

We all noticed lots of types and symbols in the reading of Abraham being willing to sacrifice Isaac.  Especially that Isaac carried the wood he was to be sacrificed with just like Jesus carried the cross he was to be crucified on.