Hi Youth,

As we continue to grow in Christ, I want to share with you the things that God has put on my heart. Many of us have heard the word “renew” as it is a fundamental step to grow in Christ. If we are to grow, we need to have a heart that is willing to be renewed. However being renewed is not an easy task, for God is asking us to give up our old habits that are not pleasing to Him. But when we do give these addictions or bad habits up, we honor our Heavenly Father. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says this,

“And now, Israel, what is the Lord your God asking you to do? Honor him. Live exactly as he wants you to live. Love him. Serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. ¹³ Obey the Lord’s commands and rules. I’m giving them to you today for your own good.” (NIRV)

Now when it comes to bad habits, some of the things we go through might be understandable in what needs to be renewed from our life (ex. lying, cheating, and etc). However, something the Holy Spirit reminded me was the need to have a heart that is willing to be open (vulnerable) to everyone around me. For those who don’t understand what I am implying, there are certain behaviors we may have that isn’t healthy to practice. For me, it would be shutting off from specific people during conversations because I didn’t want to share my own frustrations. I would only share the frustrations with people I wanted to open to. This behavior enabled me to continue to be selective with who I talked openly with. However, because of this, I would shut off from ever opening to these people.

The best example I can think of is in the book of Jonah. This prophet is asked to preach the gospel to Nineveh. Jonah preached about God’s words but Jonah himself was biased to who he shared the news with (in this case those in Nineveh). Through much struggles, Jonah eventually does what God has asked but with a calloused heart against the people of Nineveh. This week God has reminded me that I needed to be open about my hurt with the people He has placed around me. I should not be biased in who I talk with but rather open to how the Holy Spirit leads. Even though I am a child of God, God’s family consists of many sons and daughters too. God is reminding me that it’s okay to be vulnerable about my hurt and frustration with everyone in God’s family. By choosing to follow what the Holy Spirit has asked me to renew in my thinking, I can honor Abba. It’s not easy, but I want to grow in my renewing process. For His ways are better than my ways. Ask yourself this, “How can I honor Abba?” Be blessed in hearing clearly from Him as you pour out your heart to Him.

Blessings,
Sam