The Dark Side of Relationships:
With Valentine's Day coming up, a lot of us can feel a little lonely or even jealous of those that are in relationships. Turning to God in these times can help us grow in our faith:
Overcoming Jealousy
Bible Verses on Jealousy
What the Bible Says About Loneliness
Random Thoughts, Ideas, and Advice:
From the versions of the Bible to cultural diversity...some random things to check out:
Bible Verses on Cultural Diversity
Learn more about the English Standard Version of the Bible
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Stuff to Check Out this Week: Loneliness, Jealousy, and Some Random Thoughts originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 at 23:11:33.
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Acts 20:35- "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." (ESV)
Many of us have been given a lot. When we live well, it can be easy to forget that others do not have as much. There are people starving around the world. There are people with no homes. There are those that struggle to put clothes on their children's backs. Meanwhile, there are also those that do not have intangible things like love, kindness, or respect in their lives.
As those who have these things, God calls on us to give back to others. We are to be his light by providing what others cannot for themselves. This is why many churches have outreach programs like feeding the hungry, tutoring underprivileged kids, spending time with nursing home patients. It's also why we have missions to other countries.
We are often rewarded by giving to others, but expecting some major reward is not the reason to get involved in reaching out to the community. The rewards are spiritual and emotional. Helping others brings us closer to God, who helps each of us every day. It warms our hearts. Helping others also teaches us and expands our world in ways we never could have imagined.
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Sunday Scripture: Acts 20:35 originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Sunday, January 29th, 2012 at 13:34:50.
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Deuteronomy 31:6- "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." (ESV)
Sometimes we just feel lonely. We can be in the middle of a huge crowd and still feel like no one understands us, no one supports us, and like no one will ever love us. It happens to the best of us that, at times, we just feel alone.
However, we're never really alone. God is always there with us. Sometimes he allows us to feel alone to help us grow and see things. Sometimes we just need to seek Him when we feel lonely to develop a better relationship with Him. God wants us to develop relationships with one another, which is why we sometimes feel lonely. We're designed to be social. Yet, when things seem a little dark, we always know we have God to turn to.
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Sunday Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6 originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Sunday, January 22nd, 2012 at 09:26:32.
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Proverbs 21:5- "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (NIV)
There is much to be said for living in a culture where we are all a little different. Cultural diversity is what makes our society special. We learn about one another. We see deeper into ourselves as humans. If we learn more about tolerance, we begin to see each of us as God sees us - as his creation and something to be loved no matter what.
When we become judgmental, either about race, sex, etc., we lose sight of what God does when He judges us. God provides judgement, but does so with a large dose of mercy. As His children he loves us, which means that, as harsh as He could be on us for our sins, He chooses to provide us mercy. Need an example? Well, just look to how God gave up his one Son for our sins.
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Sunday Scripture: James 2:12-13 originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Sunday, January 15th, 2012 at 13:42:02.
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Proverbs 13:4- "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied." (NLT)
Hard work is something that can be incredibly rewarding. Many people today are always looking to cut corners or not do anything, but sometimes putting your nose to the grindstone and doing the work ahead of you can be incredibly satisfying. Not everything in life comes easy, and sometimes it's better when it doesn't.
God tells us that we can be successful if we put in the effort, and we need to fight through the desires to be lazy or give up. He promises us that our diligence will be rewarded.
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Sunday Scripture: Proverbs 13:4 originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Sunday, January 8th, 2012 at 12:47:59.
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Proverbs 21:5- "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." (NIV)
With the start of any new year we inevitably end up in a discussion about resolutions. Every year people want that fresh start to set goals, and while most of them are never met, many of them are. Where do you think you will fit this year?
In Proverbs we read about how successful those who are diligent can be. Putting in all your effort, keeping your focus, can lead you to success.
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Sunday Scripture - New Year's Edition: Proverbs 21:5 originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Sunday, January 1st, 2012 at 14:03:22.
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Dating and Relationship Advice:
Relationships are one of the toughest areas of our lives, but they also can be one of the most important and happiest part of them, too. Here's some helpful advice for finding and developing positive relationships:
Dating Checklist for Healthy Relationships
How to Set Good Boundaries with Others
Teens in the Bible and More:
Don't think the Bible applies to you, because it's all about adults? Think again. There were plenty of teens in the Bible, including Leah and Abel. Also, get to know more about the Gospel.
Teens of the Bible: Leah
Teens of the Bible: Abel
Understand the Gospel of Matthew
Understand the Gospel of Mark
For You and Your Parents:
Being a parent isn't easy, but here are some things that might be helpful:
Tips for Obeying Your Parents
A Parent's Prayer
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Stuff to Check Out this Week: Dating, Parents, and Teens of the Bible originally appeared on About.com Christian Teens on Saturday, December 31st, 2011 at 16:38:23.
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Tim "Tebowing" before the Denver Bronco's game against the Oakland Raiders on November 6, 2011 in Oakland, California.Even though Tim Tebow won't be playing in the Super Bowl this year as I had hoped, many football fans still consider him the most victorious quarterback in the NFL. This is due largely to his unashamed, outspoken witness and uncompromising stand for Jesus Christ.
Image: © Davide Guglielmo
A Manly Valentine's Day
When we consider the blessings of God--the gifts that add beauty and joy to our lives, that enable us to keep going through stretches of boredom and even suffering--friendship is very near the top.
Warning! These books will change your life!