Godly Youth

GodlyTeens now live!

rhodesdavis — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:50:01 +0000

I have launched a new web site called Godly Teens for teens with an interest in godly things. It can be reached at http://www.godlyteens.com

5 Day Bible Reading Plan Now Available

rhodesdavis — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:38:52 +0000

Here is a great chart for tracking a 5-day Bible Reading Plan (allows you two days to make up for missed days. It’s never too late to start. Don’t feel bad if you fall behind…just keep reading and checking off days and eventually you may catch up. If not, you’ll still learn a lot!

http://bibleclassmaterial.com/Catalog/Mark%20Roberts/BibleReadingSchedule.htm

Virtual Travel to Bible Lands

rhodesdavis — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:36:15 +0000

Most of us cannot afford the money or time to travel to places mentioned in the Bible. However, Ferrell Jenkins has visited these places and weaves interesting history and personal observations together with beautiful photographs to give us the next best thing. Visit his blog at http://ferrelljenkins.wordpress.com/feed/ and begin your journey and education.

Back to School

rhodesdavis — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:48:11 +0000

For many of you a new school year has arrived. When you go back, don’t forget to go with the Lord. There may be temptations to do wrong things, talk about others, or choose friends who will not influence you to do what is right. Be sure to stand strong against those temptations as they will not only lead to problems now but may ultimately draw you away from a closer relationship with God. You will be much happier doing the right thing, even when it seems like you are the only one. You are to be a light! And when you do what is right, you may be surprised at how many others will have the courage to also stand for what is right. I pray that you will stand strong and enjoy a joyful school year.

Michael Jackson: A Cautionary Tale

rhodesdavis — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:41:19 +0000

Michael Jackson had fame from youth, earned incredible millions, considered the greatest in his work, adored by millions–all the things that so many people seek. Yet he was haunted by his troubled youth, insecure and unhappy with his appearance, failed in marriage, lost his millions and accumulated excessive debt, fought addiction to painkillers, and was dubbed Wacko Jacko by the public and media that formerly praised him.

MJ is an American Tragedy and cautionary tale. Fame and fortune will not bring you joy or fill a void in your soul. Some of the happiest, content, and noble people you will meet live simple lives unnoticed by the cult of personality and insignificant to Wall Street or Hollywood Blvd. Yet they are genuinely loved and love sincerely, are content with what they have, take joy in the simple pleasures in life, and follow the wisdom taught by God. They are men and women of whom the world is not worthy. They care not that the world doesn’t know them only that God knows their name and it is in His Book of Life. Some will scoff at this simplicity yet by abandoning these simple things many live tortured, miserable, and unsatisfying lives as they strive to catch the wind. “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” He loses eternal joy and loses himself along the way.

Be content with who you are, who you love, and what you have. “What your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Trust and serve the one who created you because His word can guide you through the rocky shoals that lay waste to the lives of those who do not seek His help, guidance, and strength.

MJ had great opportunities and talents but got lost along the way. He could not find joy and contentment because he looked in the wrong places. I mourn his death–not of a pop icon but of a tragic life that could have been so different.

I hope your life story has a happy ending. You will write it by the actions of today. If you live a contented life with God, you will have greater riches than Michael Jackson ever enjoyed in his life and your death will not be a tragedy but a victory.

God’s Comfort

rhodesdavis — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:21:26 +0000

A favorite song of mine has the verse, “Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand. But I know who holds the future and I know who holds my hand.” There many things that seem frightening in this world: war, this sickness called Swine Flu that is going around, maybe your parents or others are worried more about money and paying the bills. There are many things that a person can worry about but we don’t need to be so sad. You see, God is still in control of everything. Sometimes we have to go through tough times in order to be stronger. Sometimes we need to go without things to realize how much God has blessed us. Sometimes bad things happen because of poor choices that others have made and we suffer some also.

Jesus tells us, in Matthew 6, not to be anxious for our food, clothes, or place to live because God will take care of us. It may not be the richest but God will care for us. Daniel teaches us that God rules in the kingdoms of men and that the things that are happening are fulfilling His purpose. Paul teaches us that all things work together for good for those who love Him. Pray to God and tell him about your worries and ask for His help and to help you to understand His will. Then take comfort that God is taking care of you and will make things work together for good. If we are blessed with tomorrow, God will be still be there and still be in control. Hold His hand and you will not need to worry about what tomorrow will bring.

New Year’s Spiritual Resolutions

rhodesdavis — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:35:18 +0000

I believe it is a good practice to consider improvements to how you think and act when starting a new year. No matter how good we are doing, there is always room for improvement. Why not check out the articles in the “Starting Today I Will…” section of the web site. You can find it here: http://godlyyouth.com/articles/starting-today-i-will/

I hope you all have a safe and encouraging new year.

Speaking at FC Lectures

rhodesdavis — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:53:44 +0000

Hey guys. If any of you will be attending the Florida College lectures, I am teaching the Wednesday teen class (Be an Example in Faith, Love, and Life) and would love to see you there. Young people have a great opportunity to positively influence the world as they become like Jesus. A great example of godliness in an ungodly world can be a magnet for those who are searching for meaning or are dissatisfied with worldly things. Let your light shine and glorify God.

Who do you choose?

rhodesdavis — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 01:57:51 +0000

This past Tuesday Americans came out in large numbers to vote for a president and other government representatives. It is a special day of the year and I hope that when you are old enough you will participate in this important process.

However, each day we also make another vote. We choose whether to serve God or reject Him. We vote when we choose to tell the truth over lying, when we choose to be nice to someone instead of being mean, and when we choose good entertainment on TV, radio, and books. It is an important vote you cast because you either support the godly life or turn against it. How will you vote?

ESV Bible

rhodesdavis — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:42:30 +0000

In the last few weeks I have been using the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible by Crossway Publishers and I am VERY impressed with its readability and accuracy. It is written on an 8th grade level and is supposed to be textually accurate. It claims to be in the same tradition as the King James Bible (but much more readable!). An online version is at www.esv.org if you want to evaluate particular verses.

I know there are some “King James Only” advocates but it has been my experience that kids have great difficulty reading many passages in the KJV. I know some claim that the KJV is easy to read but they are usually adults and people who have been reading that version all of their lives. However, the archaic language is very difficult for kids to understand as they read which discourages them from reading and makes some conclude that the Bible is too tough to read. It is interesting that the “KJV Only” advocates don’t insist on going back to THE KJV: the 1611 version (see picture at http://www.kjv-only.com/oldscans/kjvgen1.jpg). Parents, make sure your children have a Bible that faithfully renders the original texts and is readable. The ESV certainly fits that requirement.