by J. Randal Matheny

My wife and I just returned from directing an entire week of Christian camp, with 35 young people between the ages of 14-17. It was a marvelous week, with one young lady accepting Christ through baptism. I taught the Total Transformation course, which was well received by the campers.

This week reminded me of several truths.

1. Energy decreases over time.

I'm tired from camp, from keeping up with energetic youth, from questions and interaction and rain every single day! And I'm only 47! Think of how tired I'll be at 87 ...

If "the glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old," as Proverbs 20:29 tells us, I'm definitely tending toward the latter category (NIV).

But aren't we all? That's where our hope builds, as we slide toward the end of life.

2. The energy of youth needs guidance and direction.

We had not a single major problem at camp. No one got expelled, and all the campers had great attitudes, even though the rain kept us inside most of the time. That didn't happen by accident. I had a terrific team of monitors and counsellors whose upbeat attitude and optimistic spirit infused the campers with joy and kept them from mutiny.

"Likewise, you that are younger be subject to the elders" (1 Peter 5:5a, RSV).

3. Young people want and need meat and positive food.

On an evaluation form after the classes, I got comments like these -- remember, from 14-17 olds:

"I adored the course. It's very important to have classes geared not only to things that can remove us from the faith but also how to fortify our faith."

"Deep studies that call the Christian to his duties, but also call him to the love of Christ."

So Paul says in Ephesians 6:4, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Negative has its place, but positive teaching shows the way to go. And simple is good, but these young people have heard and seen everything in this world, and need to be challenged to think hard and long about life.

When a sudden cancellation opened up a teaching slot for the next camp session during Carnaval (a week away), I got invited to teach those 14 and up into their 20s. But I need a break (besides catching up on my work).

I'll let someone else get reminded of how to keep up with the energy of the young.

Excuse me, I hear a nap calling.

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year Today Read Matthew 20:1-16

Where do I place myself among other people? Now, let us think on what Jesus says,

16a So the last will be first, and the first last. (Matthew 20:16a).

Now, let us ask the question again, but with a different twist: Where should I place myself among other people? Do you see the difference in the question this time? The first time, it was asking where in fact do I have a habit of placing myself among other people. Now, the question is, after hearing the teaching of Jesus, where should I be placing myself.

Watch what you do today. Then see whether you need to make adjustments in how you handle yourself among others.

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year Today Read Exodus 19 and 20

God reminds the children of Israel,

4 "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself" (Exo. 19:4).

God was in Egypt with Israel, but He had a special place where He dwelt on the earth, and it was Mt. Sinai. What was special about Mt. Sinai that the God who created the earth would want to dwell there? I have seen pictures of what they say is the mountain, and it did not seem to be anything out of the ordinary. I have never heard any reports of an unusual mountain or one that was extra beautiful in the Sinai Peninsula. Why then did God choose that mountain? Does the Bible give any reason? Not that I can remember. All we can say is we do not know why He chose that mountain. Do we need to know? Do we always need to know the reason for everything that God does? Why can we not just trust Him? He did a good job creating the earth; let us believe that He does a good thing in all that He chooses, even if we do not understand it.

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year Today Read Matthew 18:21--35

Think for a while on Peter's question,

21 Then Peter came to [Jesus] and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" (Mat 18:21).

Peter asked if he has to forgive his brother as much as seven times, but we ask whether we even have to forgive our brother in the first place. Read the answer of Jesus and see that He teaches us to forgive our brother an unlimited number of times. If we can get to the place of Peter, I suppose that we are doing well, but if we can attain to the place of Jesus, we are doing better, for then we have touched His heart and brought it into our bodies. Ask yourself today whether you want the heart of Peter or the heart of Jesus.

by Don Ruhl

Read the Bible in a Year Today Read Exodus 21 and 22

In the case of premeditated murder, the Law of Moses is simple in showing the Israelites what to do,

14 But if a man acts with premeditation against his neighbor, to kill him with guile, you shall take him from My altar, that he may die (Exo. 21:14).

There are no exceptions, and once there is a conviction, Israel carried out the sentence. Likewise, God knows why criminals do their wickedness and He will deal with them in simplicity. Man complicates matters, but not God. Rest assured that God will do justly. Therefore, let us resist personal vengeance and place matters in the hands of God.