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

God’s Comfort

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

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: https://godlyyouth.com/articles/starting-today-i-will/

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

Speaking at FC Lectures

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?

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

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.