Author: Rhodes Davis

My passion is analyzing information, exploring ideas, lifelong learning and sharing knowledge with others. I have a wide range of interests and am not easily bored so I approach unfamiliar and diverse subjects with great zeal. I am a business nerd, fascinated by what can be accomplished through innovative companies and people who want to change the world. My faith is very important and I enjoy opportunities to share my observations and study insights through teaching and writing. I follow the simple teachings of Jesus and try to reflect His glory in my life. I work with young people on applying the teachings of Jesus to their unique challenges and opportunities. "Curiosity keeps taking us down new paths." - Walt Disney

A Godly Student

It is back to school time. Whether you go to a public or private school or are home schooled and meet with other students from time to time, you must make sure that you live properly before others.

Some of your class-mates may not care about serving God at all. They may be more interested in things that you know displease God. Though you have to be around such people, you do not have to be like them.

1 Corinthians 15:33 warns us that friends who do not serve God could teach us to do ungodly things. We can pick up filthy words from people who use foul language. These words do not please or glorify God, Colossians 3:8.

If our close friends get angry quickly, we can develop bad tempers, Proverbs 22:24-25. A person who loses his temper does not glorify God, James 1:19-20.

Some people like to do many things that destroy themselves and others. They may drink alcohol, use drugs, or look at magazines and movies that they should not see. They will think you are strange if you do not do it either:

For you spent enough time in the past doing what the Gentiles like to do, living in sensuality, sinful desires, drunkenness, wild celebrations, drinking parties, and detestable idolatry. They insult you now because they are surprised that you are no longer joining them in the same excesses of wild living. 1 Peter 4:3-4 (ISV)

Even if people do insult you, you do not have to please them. They will have to answer to God for the way they lived if they do not repent. You know you will be judged by God; therefore, you should not follow their evil ways.

When I was in school, choosing to do the right thing meant that I was not always popular with my friends. Sometimes when they wanted to do something wrong and I told them I would not, others took courage and did not do the wrong thing.

Sometimes I had to let them go without me because they would not do right and I would not do wrong. Make friends of people who want to please God and encourage one another to do right.

How The Mighty Have Fallen

When King Saul and Jonathan, his son, were killed in a battle with the Philistines, David sang a sad song.  In 1 Samuel 1:19, he said:“how the mighty have fallen.”  King Saul, who was one time so powerful and was the king of God’s  people, lay dead on the battlefield.

David had many reasons to be sad about Saul’s death.  When God told Samuel to make Saul king, Saul was very humble.  He obeyed God and it seemed he would be a good king.  However, when God told Saul to attack and kill all of the Amelekites, a wicked nation that did not obey God and were mean to God’s people, Saul did not keep the commands completely.  He did most of what God said to do, but he did not do everything.  So Samuel told Saul that God was going to make someone else king.

When King Saul realized that David would be king, he became jealous.  The king tried to kill David several times so David had to run away from his home and his friends.  King Saul also quit serving God.  Even though he did this, David was sad when Saul died because he was the king of Israel and at one time obeyed God.

Sometimes Christians that we admire quit serving God or don’t serve Him the way that they should.  It may be a parent, a preacher, your Bible class teacher, or someone else you admire.  It is sad when they quit serving God but we must continue to be faithful to God even when they quit.

We need to encourage that person to do what is right and pray for them to change.  David tried to teach King Saul but Saul would not listen.  However, some people will listen and will return to the Lord.  Even if they don’t change, you keep serving God.  Don’t give up!

5 Day Bible Reading Plan Now Available

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

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

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.