40 Days of TRUST
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of TRUST
Day 27 | THE BALANCED LIFE
40 Days of TRUST
Day 27 | THE BALANCED LIFE
THE BALANCED LIFE
Luke 2:52
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
Many years ago, when I was about 19, I was a part-time youth minister. My first position was as a staff “Club Director” for Youth for Christ/Campus Life. I oversaw three high school clubs, which met weekly. I was also a full-time college student and dating Debbie at the time … so life was busy!
Youth for Christ or YFC (started by Billy Graham) had an anchor verse. We relied on that key verse as we were ministering to the high school kids – Christians and “pre-Christians” – in our programs.
Luke 2:52 was the verse. And we considered it the anchor for our “balanced life” formula. We TRUSTED it to be our GUIDE in working with teenagers.
“And Jesus increased in WISDOM” (Mental area): Intelligence, good character, common sense, and an ability to make GOOD decisions. When I think of wisdom, I think of Proverbs.
“and STATURE” (Physical area): Physical growth which was appropriate and under control.
“In FAVOR with God” (Spiritual area): A KEY to what we were trying to do with our teen clubs; to help students understand how to have a real relationship with a living God.
“And (in favor with) men.” (Social area): Kids (and adults too) need to get along with other people. That was often VERY challenging for teens, but I find that today, even with some adults, getting along with and forming good relationships with others is “easier said than done.”
Once again, God’s plan is simple yet comprehensive. He can be trusted to cover all the bases.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be well-balanced today. I understand this verse was about Jesus as a boy; but I need Your help in some of these areas today too. I trust You know what I need and will help me to improve. Amen.
Luke 2:52
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
Many years ago, when I was about 19, I was a part-time youth minister. My first position was as a staff “Club Director” for Youth for Christ/Campus Life. I oversaw three high school clubs, which met weekly. I was also a full-time college student and dating Debbie at the time … so life was busy!
Youth for Christ or YFC (started by Billy Graham) had an anchor verse. We relied on that key verse as we were ministering to the high school kids – Christians and “pre-Christians” – in our programs.
Luke 2:52 was the verse. And we considered it the anchor for our “balanced life” formula. We TRUSTED it to be our GUIDE in working with teenagers.
“And Jesus increased in WISDOM” (Mental area): Intelligence, good character, common sense, and an ability to make GOOD decisions. When I think of wisdom, I think of Proverbs.
“and STATURE” (Physical area): Physical growth which was appropriate and under control.
“In FAVOR with God” (Spiritual area): A KEY to what we were trying to do with our teen clubs; to help students understand how to have a real relationship with a living God.
“And (in favor with) men.” (Social area): Kids (and adults too) need to get along with other people. That was often VERY challenging for teens, but I find that today, even with some adults, getting along with and forming good relationships with others is “easier said than done.”
Once again, God’s plan is simple yet comprehensive. He can be trusted to cover all the bases.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be well-balanced today. I understand this verse was about Jesus as a boy; but I need Your help in some of these areas today too. I trust You know what I need and will help me to improve. Amen.
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