What’s a Playlist?
A Playlist is a set of activities exploring a topic. The activities might include reading an article or scripture, listening to a podcast or sermon, watching a video or movie clip. Each month we’ll post three Playlists designed for Children, Youth, and Adults. All of us will explore the same topic, but the Playlists will be designed for each age group. You can work your way through the Playlists at your own pace throughout the month.
Remember you can always share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of this page.
May Playlist
Disciples
Katelyn Williamson, Director of Youth and Family Ministry
5/1/23
Introduction
Most people, and maybe you, sometimes think that making disciples of all nations means going out of your area and sharing the good news and converting people. But I’m here to tell you that making disciples of all nations does not mean converting people. Every day we see people, we talk to people, we help people, and this is a way that we can make disciples of all nations. I think the essential part of sharing the good news in the gospel is being a person of faith, living in it every day, and showing love to everyone you meet.
Disciple-making. It’s something we should strive to do every single day. God has invited us to share his good news. It is our honor and privilege to do so. We must do this with steadfast love for others and the Lord. So how can you make disciples? I’m just a high schooler; what could I do? I don’t even know what I’m talking about; how can I do this? What if I tell them something that isn’t true? What if I don’t know how?
The beautiful thing about our church and our youth group is that we are in a community together, and we get to learn together. Every week we get together to share the good news of being a community. This is an excellent opportunity for you to be a disciple and to share the good news by inviting friends to youth group and church. We have the great honor of planting the seed, and the Lord will make it grow. We might not always see the end results, but that doesn’t lessen the impact.
Discussion
I challenge you to make a list. Make a list of everyone that has had an impact on your spiritual journey; make a list of people who are in your life that you know need to feel God’s love.
Now with the first list of the people who have made an impact on your spiritual journey, I would like you to write a note, text, or email them something and thank them for the impact that they’ve had on your life and on your spiritual journey. The second list is going to be a little bit harder, and I want you to write down next to the’ names ways that you can share God’s love and bring them closer to God. This isn’t something you need to do all in one go, and this is something you can do every single day.
For the next week, I want you to write down every time someone did something for you to show God’s love. This may be checking in on you, asking how your day was, or asking to pray with you. Whatever it may be, make a list. By the end of the week, look back and see how many times God was in your life, and think of all the people on your list that need that same love.
Watch
This summer we are going on Mission Trips, but just as important as these trips and outreaches are, we are called to make disciples of all nations, even our own.
Parents, you’re encouraged to watch the following video.
Listen
Take the time to sit and listen to the songs…listen to the meanings. Hold the lyrics in your heart and spend these few uninterrupted minutes with the Lord. Close your eyes and imagine you are sitting with the Lord, our Heavenly Father.
Pray
O God, Almighty God everlasting! how dreadful is the world! behold how its mouth opens to swallow me up, and how small is my faith in Thee!… Oh! the weakness of the flesh, and the power of Satan! If I am to depend upon any strength of this world – all is over… The knell is struck… Sentence is gone forth… O God! O God! O thou, my God! help me against the wisdom of this world. Do this, I beseech thee; thou shouldst do this… by thy own mighty power… The work is not mine, but Thine. I have no business here… I have nothing to contend for with these great men of the world! I would gladly pass my days in happiness and peace. But the cause is Thine… And it is righteous and everlasting! O Lord! help me! O faithful and unchangeable God! I lean not upon man. It were vain! Whatever is of man is tottering, whatever proceeds from him must fail. My God! my God! dost thou not hear? My God! art thou no longer living? Nay, thou canst not die. Thou dost but hide Thyself. Thou hast chosen me for this work. I know it!… Therefore, O God, accomplish thine own will! Forsake me not, for the sake of thy well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ, my defense, my buckler, and my stronghold.
Lord – where art thou?… My God, where art thou?… Come! I pray thee, I am ready… Behold me prepared to lay down my life for thy truth… suffering like a lamb. For the cause is holy. It is thine own!… I will not let thee go! no, nor yet for all eternity! And though the world should be thronged with devils – and this body, which is the work of thine hands, should be cast forth, trodden under foot, cut in pieces,… consumed to ashes, my soul is thine. Yes, I have thine own word to assure me of it. My soul belongs to thee, and will abide with thee forever! Amen! O God send help!… Amen!
Author: Jared C. Wilson is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Author in Residence at Midwestern Seminary.
April Playlist
Forgiveness
Katelyn Williamson, Director of Youth and Family Ministry
4/1/23
Introduction
When you type “What is the true meaning of forgiveness?” into google, it gives you the following explanation, “Forgiveness means different things to different people. But in general, it involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger. The act that hurt or offended you might always be with you.”
Discussion Part 1
We hear repeatedly about forgiveness and the importance that it has on our faith. Knowing the definition of forgiveness and knowing how to forgive someone in our lives are two very different things.
Discussion Part 2
So how can forgiveness impact our lives? Forgiveness impacts our lives by how God forgives us and how we forgive others.
Sins are forgiven at baptism when we become Christians (Note: Baptism requires us to repent of sins) Acts 2:38, 22:16.
After baptism, sins are forgiven when we repent and ask God for forgiveness 1 John 1:9.
God forgives us with compassion and limitless love. He removes our sins far from us Psalm 103:1-12.
God forgets our sins He has forgiven Jeremiah 31:34.
God forgives us in the same way we forgive others Matthew 6:14-15.
That last one is the one that can change everything. In case we try to convince ourselves the way we forgive others doesn’t really impact how God forgives us, Jesus told a parable. Read Matthew 18:21-35.
What does Jesus want us to understand about forgiveness from this parable? Jesus and the New Testament writers give us even more information about how we are to forgive others. What do the following scripture readings teach us about forgiveness?
Mark 11:25 (We need to forgive those we have something against.)
Matthew 6:15 (We need to forgive those who sin/trespass against us.)
Matthew 18:21-22 (We need to keep forgiving.)
Colossians 3:13 (We need to forgive those we have complaints against.)
Luke 17:3-4 (We need to forgive brothers who repent.)
James 5:16 (We need to honor requests of those who ask us to pray that God forgives them.)
How can we know if we have really forgiven someone? The Bible does give us a few hints of how we will act and feel if we are forgiving others.
We will serve them when they need it Proverb 25:21.
We will do good to them Luke 6:27.
We will pray for them Matthew 5:44.
We won’t try to stir up their friends against them Proverb 17:9.
We won’t try to take revenge Romans 12:17-21.
We will ignore it when they offend us Proverb 12:18.
We won’t have bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander or malice in our hearts Ephesians 4:31-32.
We won’t have the gall (bile secreted in the liver) of bitterness in our hearts Acts 8:23.
We won’t have hatred toward others 1 John 2:9-11.
We won’t have the anger that is found in the “bosom of fools” Ecclesiastes 7:9.
We will remember all have sinned including ourselves Romans 3:23.
When thoughts of the person and what they have done to you pop into your head, pray and ask God to help you forgive the person. Then distract yourself with a healthy activity or encouraging thoughts. Remember forgiving someone is not the same as saying they were right to have said or done what upset you.
Remember someone doesn’t have to ask for your forgiveness in order for you to give it.
Remember forgiveness is a decision. The release of all of the emotion may take some time.
Praying for those whom you are trying to forgive makes it easier. So does doing good things for them.
Remember until you can forgive the person you are looking at the past and dwelling there. It can keep you from moving forward in the way God wants for you.
Application Challenge
Read Genesis 37, 39, 40-45. What did Joseph have to forgive? How was he able to forgive these wrongs? What can you learn from him to help you forgive others?
Listen
Close your eyes and listen to the songs linked below. Really listen and feel the lyrics and find the meanings!
Pray
Most merciful God,
We confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name.
Amen.
March Playlist
Seeking
Katelyn Williamson, Director of Youth and Family Ministry
3/1/23
Introduction
Take five minutes . . . breathing and finding God in the things around you, the sky, floor, sun and creation. Listen while doing the same exercise, but this time write down all of the ways you see God everyday. This is a simple way we seek and see the Lord in our everyday lives.
Discussion Part 1
If you have been around me for even a small amount of time, you will know how often I lose everything. This past summer at camp the staff had a running joke about how I was always losing, swapping, and leaving (not on purpose!) my walkie talkie. These things are the backbone of summer camps, it was not a fun time. The best of us have lost something irreplaceable or valuable like your car keys or wallet. The rush to find it can become all-consuming because even a high price or inconvenience is worth it to get it back. At the end of the day, we must not neglect the valuable things of life. Jesus shared a story in Matthew 13:44-46 about a man who sold everything he had to buy a plot of land because on that plot there was buried treasure. It probes the question, are we willing to let go of what we have just to know God?
Discussion Part 2
Taking a deeper look at the Old Testament, the word “seek” is often associated with seeking God’s presence or seeking His face. In Jeremiah 29:13, God says, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” The Hebrew uses two different words for seek. The first “you will seek” means to seek, require, desire, exact, request. The second means “to resort to, or seek out”. God promises His presence (Hebrews 13:5), yet we are to seek Him with our whole heart — moment by moment— because He is worthy.
In the scope of eternity, diving deeper into the depths of knowing God is the most eternally significant thing we can do while on earth. Humanity was created to know and enjoy Him. We could never fully comprehend the all-knowing God, yet the apostle Paul celebrates what God has revealed about Himself in the Gospel. Romans 11:33 says, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”
In addition to His complexity, God has revealed Himself by causing the Word to become flesh (John 1:1, 14), and He invites us to grow in relationship and in holiness. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Though the words, “draw near” sound passive, they are not!
Listen
Close your eyes and listen to the songs linked below.. Really listen and feel the lyrics and find the meanings!
“See a Victory”
“Open My Eyes”
Pray
Dear Lord,
Thank you that you see my heart and that you know every plan and thought that I have. Thank you for your powerful promise: that if I seek you, I will find you. Give me a deep hunger for you. Fill me with your Spirit, that I would seek you more, that I would love you more, and that my mind would be filled with more of you. Help me as I go through this day, that I would see each challenge as an opportunity to worship and serve you. May you be glorified with how I live this day.
In your name I pray,
Amen
February Playlist
Commandments
Katelyn Williamson, Director of Youth and Family Ministry
2/1/23
Introduction
Today we are going to take a look at the truth of what God has given to His people through the Ten Commandments. God does not save us, turn us loose, and say “do your best!” He loves us too much for that. Rather, He gave us a clear and concise set of directions on how to navigate life! The first three laws are given to show us how to be in relationship with God. The remaining seven, teach us how to have a relationship with one another. Unfortunately, many people see them as outdated and irrelevant. Nothing could be further from the truth. God’s Word is timeless and will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).
Question
Can all the Ten Commandments, given in Exodus 20 and other places, also be found in the New Testament?
Discussion
Near the very beginning of Jesus’ well-known Sermon on the Mount, He states something that is often twisted, or simply forgotten, by those who wish to do away with the commandments. He states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill . . . until the heaven and the earth shall pass away, not one jot or one little stroke of a pen shall in no way pass from the Law (God’s commandments, judgments, statutes, and so on) . . . (Matthew 5:17 – 18).
The apostle John, in the last book of the Bible, makes a crystal clear statement regarding the importance of God’s law. Writing about newly converted Christians who live in the time just before Jesus returns to earth, He states they ‘keep the commandments of God’ AND they also have faith in Jesus Christ (Revelation 14:12)! John is stating that both obedience and faith can coexist!
Listed below are God’s commandments as found in the book of Exodus, Chapter 20. Along with each one is where they are repeated, either exactly or in principle, in the New Testament.
#1
You shall have no other gods before Me (Exodus 20:3).
You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve (Matthew 4:10, see also 1 Corinthians 8:4 – 6).
#2
You shall not make for yourself a carved image – any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them . . . (Exodus 20:4 – 5).
Little children, keep yourselves from idols (1 John 5:21, see also Acts 17:29).
But the cowardly, and unbelieving . . . and idolaters . . . shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone . . . (Revelation 21:8).
#3
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain (Exodus 20:7).
Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name . . . (Matthew 6:9, see also 1 Timothy 6:1).
#4
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy . . . (Exodus 20:8 – 11).
The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath; Therefore, the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27 – 28, Hebrews 4:4, 10, Acts 17:2).
#5
Honor your father and your mother . . . (Exodus 20:12).
Honor your father and your mother (Matthew 19:19, see also Ephesians 6:1).
#6
You shall not murder (Exodus 20:13).
You shall not murder (Matthew 19:18, see also Romans 13:9, Revelation 21:8).
#7
You shall not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14).
You shall not commit adultery (Matthew 19:18, see also Romans 13:9, Revelation 21:8).
#8
You shall not steal (Exodus 20:15).
‘You shall not steal’ (Matthew 19:18, see also Romans 13:9).
#9
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor (Exodus 20:16).
‘You shall not bear false witness’ (Matthew 19:18, see also Romans 13:9, Revelation 21:8).
#10
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house . . . your neighbor’s wife . . . nor anything that is your neighbor’s (Exodus 20:17).
You shall not covet (Romans 13:9, see also Romans 7:7).
Listen
Close your eyes and listen to the song linked below. Really listen and feel the lyrics and find the meanings!
Pray
Have you ever wondered what Martin Luther’s prayer life was like?
I recently stumbled upon one of his letters that reveals some of the methods that he used in prayer. This letter was written to an interesting person in his life: his personal barber!
Luther begins the letter by wishing that his barber and others like him would be able to pray even better than he does. He then discusses how prayer can sometimes become joyless and emotionally dry. I found it encouraging that even Luther struggled with prayer sometimes!
Then he lays out three methods of prayer:
1. Praying the Lord’s Prayer
2. Praying through the Ten Commandments
3. Praying through the Creed
Let’s take a look at the second one.
Praying the Ten Commandments
The first thing Luther tells us to do is to free ourselves from distractions. Practically speaking for us today, that means taking time out of our busy schedules, taking a deep breath and turning off the noise of technology around us.
To give us a better idea of what this looks like, let’s see how he prays through the commandment, You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Luther writes,
“First, I learn that I must keep God’s name in honor, holiness, and beauty; not to swear, curse, not to be boastful or seek honor and repute for myself, but humbly to invoke his name, to pray, praise, and extol it, and to let it be my only honor and glory that he is my God and that I am his lowly creature and unworthy servant. Second, I give thanks to him for these precious gifts, that he has revealed his name to me and bestowed it upon me, that I can glory in his name and be called God’s servant and creature, etc., that his name is my refuge like a mighty fortress to which the righteous man can flee and find protection, as Solomon says. Third, I confess and acknowledge that I have grievously and shamefully sinned against this commandment all my life. I have not only failed to invoke, extol, and honor his holy name, but have also been ungrateful for such gifts and have, by swearing, lying, and betraying, misused them in the pursuit of shame and sin. This I bitterly regret and ask grace and forgiveness, etc. Fourth, I ask for help and strength henceforth to learn this commandment and to be preserved from such evil ingratitude, abuse, and sin against his name, and that I may be found grateful in revering and honoring his name.”
First, praying through the Ten Commandments helps us to confess our specific sins to God.
Second, this reminds us that God is holy and requires perfect righteousness. When we reflect on this, we more readily throw ourselves upon the mercy of Christ.
Third, we are naturally led into a time of thanksgiving and praise. Jesus has saved us by His great mercy, despite the fact that we sin against Him and fall short of His glory everyday!
In closing, Luther gives us some advice about this method:
“They [the Ten Commandments] are intended to help the heart come to itself and grow zealous in prayer. Take care, however, not to undertake all of this or so much that one becomes weary in spirit…With practice one can take the Ten Commandments on one day, a psalm or chapter of Holy Scripture the next day, and use them as flint and steel to kindle a flame in the heart.”
January Playlist
Light
Katelyn Williamson, Director of Youth and Family Ministry
1/1/23
Introduction
Light . . . we use light everyday, and we can even take it for granted. First thing we do when we walk into a room is turn on the lights. When we look into the biblical meaning behind the word light, it makes us think about light a little differently. Light always involves the removal of darkness. The literal contrast between metaphysical good and evil and God and evil forces. God is the absolute Sovereign who rules over the darkness and the powers of evil.
A Light to the World. God is light and dispels the darkness of this world. Jesus came as the light of the world, breaking through the darkness of sin by his work on the cross. It follows that believers are a light to the world as well. Jesus describes his disciples as light and light-bearers. We even today are the bearers of God’s light.
Read
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Ephesians 5:8-9
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
John 3:19-21
19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Thoughts
From infants to adults we are taught to share our light for all of the world to see. Sometimes it is easy for us to share the light, like singing in Sunday worship. Other times it can be quite difficult. As someone who went to school for ministry, at times even for me it can be hard to shine a light in such a broken world. The special thing about being in those moments when the last thing you want to do is show God’s love and forgiveness is that moment realizing that we were called to be the bearers of God’s light. I mean how special is that! We have a God who loves us so much that He put some of His light in us to share with everyone we meet! During the Christmas season it can be easy to share His light, but my challenge for you is to share His light like it’s the Christmas season all year long!
Listen
Take some time to listen and to reflect on the reasons behind the lyrics. Look for the beauty in the songs!
If you message/email me with the name of one of the songs and what stood out to you, I will have a surprise for you at HS/JR night!
Pray
Thank you for giving us your light and letting it shine in our own ways. Lord, with you there is no darkness. Your character has no shadows, and you are pure and good. We thank you and love you. Amen.
December Playlist
Generations
Katelyn Williamson, Director of Youth and Family Ministry
12/1/22
Introduction
The Webster’s Dictionary definition of “Generation” is a body of living beings constituting a single step in the line of descent from an ancestor. When I think about it, recently in the media all we have heard about are generations. You’re constantly hearing about Gen X, Gen Z, or Boomers. Unfortunately, you can feel the tension in the media between all of these generations. When we think back to biblical times and what God has envisioned for all generations and all people we are quite far off from it. But what can we do about it?
Read
Fun Fact:
Did you know that there are roughly 150 Generations references in the Bible.
Psalm 100:5 ESV
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Luke 1:50 ESV
And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
Genesis 22:18 ESV
And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.
Exodus 34:7 ESV
Keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.
Thoughts
“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you” (Deuteronomy 32:7). God clearly communicates that we are part of something larger—that existed long before we did—that was passed down to us.
Generations also extend into the future. “His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50). We are part of something that God is doing now—that will continue long after we are gone.
Watch
This is based on the Scripture in Numbers 6:22-27.
When they get to this part of the lyrics, I’m already sobbing:
“May His favor be upon you
For a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children”
There is absolutely nothing more precious to me than this blessing from God on our families, from generation to generation – from us to our children and their children and their children, for a thousand generations . . . and beyond!
Pray
Thank you for giving us generations in front of us to help lead us, and for generations behind us to help lead us. Lord, we know that you call each one of us to mentor in different ways to each other on a daily basis, and we ask that you pour your Holy Spirit down into us so that we can do it in your will, Lord. Amen.
November Playlist
Pray
Katelyn Williamson, Director of Youth and Family Ministry
11/1/22
Introduction
Prayer can seem scary because there are so many different ways to do it, but let me tell you there isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of prayer. Every individual is made differently, and each one of us has a preferred method of prayer. My preferred method of prayer is “Stretch and Pray” and I have linked a video below for you to try. The Bible is filled with scriptures on prayer. In the NIV there are 367 specific Bible verses about prayer. (This does not include the word “ask” when it is used as a substitute for prayer). I’m a believer that prayer is figured out by trial and error, and that it doesn’t always happen right off the bat. It took me a couple years of trying different methods of prayer before I found the ones that feel right to me. Please don’t feel discouraged if you are in this stage of your faith journey. There is light at the end of the tunnel. If you would like to talk more about my faith journey and how I found my “way to prayer” let me know, I’d love to talk over coffee!
Read
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
1 John 5:14
In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears.
Psalm 18:6
Different Ways to Pray
1. Sing your prayers-singing your prayers is one of the most creative ways to pray. You can make up the words as you sing. It can be a private concert between you and God.
2. Pray written prayers-I love reading the prayers written by Stormie O’Martian. Her way of praying to God has changed the prayer lives of so many people, including mine.
3. Prayer journal-keep track of your prayers by writing in a journal. It is a good way to not only pray but process your feelings and give them over to God. And you can doodle.
4. Prayer group-get a group of people together at your home to pray. A creative way to pray is to offer dessert afterward.
5. Internal prayer-if you want to learn how to pray, start with an internal dialogue with God. You can keep this going throughout your day. It is a great way to get comfortable with the idea of prayer.
6. Imaginative prayer- this is one of the most creative ways to pray. The idea is to focus on the Gospels. Imagine yourself with Jesus walking by the Sea of Galilee, sitting on his lap as a child, or talking to him at dinner. Talk to him like you would a friend. Or even imagine yourself resting in His arms.
7. Laying in bed-there are no rules on how we should pray. I have spent more time laying in bed at night praying than probably any other location. I think there is probably a hole in the ceiling straight to God.
8. Art prayers–art is a wonderful way to connect with God, especially art about God, Jesus, the cross, or some other spiritual focus.
9. Listening-most of the time, prayer involves doing something active. While that is good, a time of quiet and silence is so important. If you have never stopped to listen to God’s voice, add this element to your prayer life. It will change everything.
Watch
I challenge each and every one of you to follow along with this video, even if you’re not flexible. This is a great way to practice spending intentional time with God in Prayer and intentional self care.
Pray
Dear Lord, help me remember what a difference it makes when I make time with You a priority in my morning. Awaken me in body and spirit each day with a desire to meet with You and to hear You speak words of affirmation, assurance and wisdom over my heart as I prepare to go into my day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
October Playlist
Faith
Katelyn Williamson, Director of Youth and Family Ministry
10/1/22
Introduction
In our current society, the word faith means a multitude of things. Webster defines it as “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” We have faith in the sun and that it will always shine, and we have faith in our instructors that they will teach us everything we need to know. We also have faith in the Lord God and his forgiveness and love.
Story Part One
Every year with my youth students, I give them one simple present as they move on to the next phase of life . . . that gift is a mustard seed inside a small vial. I’m usually met with a confused smile and hug while they wait for me to explain the reasoning behind my odd gift. All I say is, “take this and remember to have faith.”
Scripture
Read Matthew 17:20
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Listen
“Faith of a Mustard Seed”
Story Part Two
Many of my youth when they graduate, have heard parts of my testimony; a vast amount of my testimony is having the faith of a mustard seed. Sometimes the only thing I had was my faith, the size of a mustard seed. I carried one around with me on my keychain to remind me that He would walk on water and move mountains for me. The one thing I hope my seniors take with them as they move on is to keep faithful, even if it’s the size of a mustard seed.
Scripture
Read Mark 4:30-32
Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
Question for Thought
Where and to whom are you putting your faith?
Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the hope that we have in the faith that You’ve given us. You’ve told us that without faith it is impossible to please you. But in the story pictured here, our faith does not have to be as big as a mountain. It just must be as tiny as a little mustard seed to move mountains, and nothing will be impossible for us. Thank You for that encouragement in a world that seems so upside down right now that might cause us to lose hope.
Lord, help us to increase our faith by being in Your word, claiming the promises that You’ve already given us, keeping them in our hearts and in our minds to help us live this life down here no matter what happens for Your glory. We will praise You for everything You are, not just for what You do.
In the precious name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen!
September Playlist
Generosity
Katelyn Williamson, Director of Youth and Family Ministry
9/1/22
Introduction
We as humans come with some instincts that I like to call a “Fight or Flight” response. I tend to “fight” in times of crisis. Something happens inside us humans in times of crisis. Our instincts for self-preservation kick in, and we begin to cultivate a scarcity mindset. It becomes very easy to focus on the well-being of ourselves and our family and forget the difficulties of others around us. We are especially prone to this behavior in times of uncertainty.
Jesus of Nazareth was no stranger to this kind of social instability. He grew up in land occupied by a foreign military, and oppressive Roman taxes made life difficult for his family and neighbors. Yet he called his followers to a very different kind of response. He taught that our obsession with self-preservation, not only makes us more miserable and anxious, it actually creates more of the thing that we’re trying to avoid.
Read
Luke 12:22-24
“22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. 23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. 24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!”
Reflection Question – Where do you see the generosity of God in the world, your life, or the story of the Bible? What are you most grateful for?
Thoughts
To me generosity is ultimately not about amounts but attitude. Someone can give a great deal and not be generous, or someone can give only a small amount and be very generous. Often people imagine that if only they had more money, they would give more away. But in reality, if you aren’t generous with a little, you won’t be generous if you have a lot. It’s a heart issue. I think that in our society those who have the most money are less generous (as a percentage of their resources) than people of average or lower income. I encourage you to be generous with what you have now, whatever it might be. Don’t be limited by a percentage. Live with the mindset to be as generous as you can, with your time, money and space in your heart to bless as many people as you can, and to impact eternity.
Watch
Check out this video on Generosity from The Bible Project.
Pray
Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous;
teach me to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to seek reward,
except that of knowing that I do your will.
Amen.
Desert Cross Faith Formation 