Know Where You're Going

In November, 1975, seventy-five convicts started digging a secret tunnel designed to bring them up at the other side of the wall of Saltillo Prison in northern Mexico. On April 18, 1976, they tunneled up into the nearby courtroom in which many of them had been sentenced. The surprised judges returned all 75 to jail.

Many teens and young adults are like those convicts, they don't like a particular situation they are in so they just start digging with no, or little direction. They think that as long as they are not in the uncomfortable situation that they were in, they are safe. More often than not they end up back in the same situation only in worse condition. What you need to do is to humble yourself before God; He will guide you. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Like the Psalmist, you should exclaim to the Father, "For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me."

When you follow God's guidance, you know you are where God wants you, whether you are moving or staying in one place. Instead of praying, "Lord, what do you want me to do next?" ask, "Lord, what do you want me to do while I'm right here?" Direction from God is not just for your next "big" move. He has a purpose in placing you where you are right now. This is especially important when considering God's purpose for you as He has placed you in a New Testament Baptist Church. It is important for you to understand God's purpose for your life as you hear and heed the preaching and teaching of His Word. It is also important to submit to His purpose.

Sometimes situations may be uncomfortable, but God makes no mistakes. He has a purpose and He uses the circumstances He places you in to bring you to spiritual maturity. Escapism is never the answer. Following God's principles is the only response that will lead to spiritual victory and freedom from the bondage of sinful reactions.

As my pastor used to say, "What happens to you is not as significant as what happens within you." Be sure your attitude and actions lineup with biblical principles rather than your feelings. Then you will experience the peace of mind that comes from a life of obedience to God, no matter what circumstances come your way. Don't just dig, dig with biblical direction and purpose. Freedom, true freedom will be the result.

Questions of Young Christian Singles

It is extremely important that young Christian singles have a place where they can air important questions about the needs in their lives. In order for a student ministry to be effective, older teens and young adults need to be able to approach a spiritual leader with these questions. It is imperative that spiritual leaders convey approachability to those they lead.

Here are questions that are on most of the minds of older teens and young singles:

1. How do your parents’ roles change as you get older?
2. How can you be 100% sure about God’s will for your life?
3. How do I discern or understand that God is leading in a certain direction?
4. Where/how do you draw the line on music?
5. How do you react/talk to friends who have trials that you can’t understand?
6. How do I deal with co-workers who ridicule me for being a Christian? (How can I witness to my co-workers?)
7. How do you not let fear of the future stop you from moving forward?
8. Dating—finding the right person, developing a godly relationship, when to say “I love you,” parents’ approval, dealing with breaking up, being physical, etc.
9. How do I approach my finances—budgeting, saving, giving, etc.?
10. How can I handle trials and stay faithful through them?
11. How do I deal with spiritual struggles—my relationship with God being up and down or failing in the same areas over and over?

12. How can I help a friend that I’m burdened for who is drifting away from the Lord?

Those of us who have been placed by a pastor in these areas of ministry should make sure we're addressing these topics regularly and biblically. I would emphasize that only those whom a pastor has authorized should deal with young people in these areas; people with the same heart and biblical convictions of a pastor. I would also encourage parents to seek godly counsel from their pastor on how they can deal with these topics. Our older teens and single young adults need sound, spiritual leaders to lead them in the paths of righteousness for the Lord's sake (Psalm 23:3).

The Lord Is Our Light

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Often we are reminded of light’s importance when the electricity fails during the night and we are forced to stumble around in the dark. Once we find a flashlight, however, we maneuver through the house with greater confidence and certainty than before. In a similar way, God is our light, illuminating our way and alerting us to potential danger around us. His light reveals our sin as well, so that we may confess it and find forgiveness. As the Lord’s brilliant presence floods our soul, it dispels the darkness of our doubt and despair, and we receive confidence in our Lord and Savior. May we praise God that He is our light and our salvation.