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Follow the Leader Youth, Marilao (2026)

06/04/2021

Companions in Christ
By: Glenn Packiam

"I thank my God every time I remember you." -
-Philippians 1:3

Read: Philippians 1:3–8

The Harvard Study of Adult Development is a decades-long project that’s resulted in a greater understanding of the importance of healthy relationships. The research began with a group of 268 sophomores at Harvard University in the 1930s and later expanded to, among others, 456 Boston inner-city residents. Researchers have conducted interviews with the participants and pored over their medical records every few years. They discovered that close relationships are the biggest factor in predicting happiness and health. It turns out that if we surround ourselves with the right people, we’ll likely experience a deeper sense of joy.

This appears to reflect what the apostle Paul is describing in Philippians 1. Writing from prison, Paul can’t help but tell his friends that he thanks God for them every time he remembers them, praying “with joy” (v. 4). But these aren’t just any friends; these are brothers and sisters in Jesus who “share in God’s grace,” partners in the gospel with Paul (v. 7). Their relationship was one of sharing and mutuality—a true fellowship shaped by God’s love and the gospel itself.

Yes, friends are important, but fellow companions in Christ are catalysts of a true and deep joy. The grace of God can bind us together like nothing else. And even through the darkest seasons of life, the joy that comes from that bond will last.

Reflect & Pray:
Who are the friends that surround you? What’s the substance of your relationships? How has the grace of God shaped your choice of companions?

Dear God, thank You for the gift of friendship. Help me to express my gratitude to those who have been faithful companions to me. Give me the grace to strengthen and encourage them.

Source: ODB

04/04/2021

In the Garden
By: Alison Kieda

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” -John 20:18

Today's Scripture: John 20:11–18

My dad loved to sing the old hymns. One of his favorites was “In the Garden.” A few years back, we sang it at his funeral. The chorus is simple: “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known.” That song brought joy to my dad—as it does to me.

Hymn writer C. Austin Miles says he wrote this song in spring 1912 after reading chapter 20 of the gospel of John. “As I read it that day, I seemed to be part of the scene. I became a silent witness to that dramatic moment in Mary’s life when she knelt before her Lord and cried, ‘Rabboni [Teacher].’ ”

In John 20, we find Mary Magdalene weeping near Jesus’ empty tomb. There she met a man who asked why she was crying. Thinking it was the gardener, she spoke with the risen Savior—Jesus! Her sorrow turned to joy, and she ran to tell the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” (v. 18).

We too have the assurance that Jesus is risen! He’s now in heaven with the Father, but He hasn’t left us on our own. Believers in Christ have His Spirit inside us, and through Him we have the assurance and joy of knowing He’s with us, and we are “His own.”

Source:ODB

21/01/2021

Small Fish
By: Cindy Hess Kasper

"Come, follow me." Matthew 19:21

READ: Matthew 19:16–26

Over several years, a British couple living in West Africa developed a strong friendship with a man in their town and many times shared the love of Jesus and the story of salvation with him. Their friend, however, was reluctant to relinquish the lifetime of allegiance he had to another religion, even though he came to recognize that faith in Christ was “the greater truth.” His concern was partly financial, since he was a leader in his faith and depended on the compensation he received. He also feared losing his reputation among the people in his community.

With sadness, he explained, “I’m like a man fishing with my hands in a stream. I have caught a small fish in one, but a bigger fish is swimming by. To catch the bigger fish, I have to let go of the smaller one!”

The rich young ruler Matthew wrote about in Matthew 19 had a similar problem. When he approached Jesus, he asked, “What good thing must I do to get eternal life?” (v. 16). He seemed sincere, but he didn’t want to fully surrender his life to Jesus. He was rich, not only in money, but also in his pride of being a rule-follower. Although he desired eternal life, he loved something else more and rejected Christ’s words.

When we humbly surrender our life to Jesus and accept His free gift of salvation, He invites us, “Come, follow me” (v. 21).

What one thing does Jesus require of us to receive salvation and the promise of eternal life with Him? What’s keeping you from fully surrendering to Him?

Dear Father, thank You for offering Your Son as payment for my sin. Help me to surrender wholly to You.

Source:ODB

30/12/2020

True Success
By: Sheridan Voysey

"The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." - Exodus 34:6

Read: Exodus 34:1–7

My interview guest politely answered my questions. I had a feeling, though, that something lurked beneath our interaction. A passing comment brought it out.

“You’re inspiring thousands of people,” I said.

“Not thousands,” he muttered. “Millions.”

And as if pitying my ignorance, my guest reminded me of his credentials—the titles he held, the things he’d achieved, the magazine he’d graced. It was an awkward moment.

Ever since that experience, I’ve been struck by how God revealed Himself to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:5–7). Here was the Creator of the cosmos and Judge of humanity, but God didn’t use His titles. Here was the Maker of 100 billion galaxies, but such feats weren’t mentioned either. Instead, God introduced Himself as “the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (v. 6). When He reveals who He is, it isn’t His titles or achievements He lists but the kind of character He has.

As people made in God’s image and called to follow His example (Genesis 1:27; Ephesians 5:1–2), this is profound. Achievement is good, titles have their place, but what really matters is how compassionate, gracious, and loving we’re becoming.

Like that interview guest, we too can base our significance on our achievements. I have. But our God has modeled what true success is—not what’s written on our business cards and resumés, but how we’re becoming like Him.

How tempted are you to base your significance on your accomplishments? What aspect of God’s character needs to grow in you today?

Spirit of God, make me compassionate, gracious, patient, and loving!

Source: ODB

12/12/2020

Prayerful Wrestling
By: Arthur Jackson

"Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak." Genesis 32:24

Read: Genesis 32:24–32

Dennis’ life was transformed after someone gave him a New Testament. Reading it captivated him, and it became his constant companion. Within six months, two life-changing events occurred in his life. He placed his faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins, and he was diagnosed with a brain tumor after experiencing severe headaches. Because of the unbearable pain, he became bedridden and unable to work. One painful, sleepless night he found himself crying out to God. Sleep finally came at 4:30 a.m.

Bodily pain can cause us to cry out to God, but other excruciating life circumstances also compel us to run to Him. Centuries before Dennis’ night of wrestling, a desperate Jacob faced off with God (Genesis 32:24–32). For Jacob, it was unfinished family business. He had wronged his brother Esau (ch. 27), and he feared that payback was imminent. In seeking God’s help in this difficult situation, Jacob encountered God face-to-face (32:30) and emerged from it a changed man.

And so did Dennis. After pleading with God in prayer, Dennis was able to stand up after being bedridden, and the doctor’s examination showed no signs of the tumor. Although God doesn’t always choose to miraculously heal us, we’re confident that He hears our prayers and will give us what we need for our situation. In our desperation we offer sincere prayers to God and leave the results to Him!

What are you struggling with that you could bring before God in prayer? What are some of the benefits of praying from the depths of our hearts even when He chooses not to change the situation?

Father, help me to see that life’s difficulties and challenges are opportunities for me to seek You in prayer and to grow in my understanding of who You are.

Source: Our Daily Bread

10/12/2020

The True Servant
By:Glenn Packiam

"Being found in appearance as a man, [Jesus] humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:8

Read: Philippians 2:6–11

In 27 bc, the Roman ruler Octavian came before the Senate to lay down his powers. He’d won a civil war, become the sole ruler of that region of the world, and was functioning like an emperor. Yet he knew such power was viewed suspiciously. So Octavian renounced his powers before the Senate, vowing to simply be an appointed official. Their response? The Roman Senate honored the ruler by crowning him with a civic crown and naming him the servant of the Roman people. He was also given the name Augustus—the “great one.”

Paul wrote of Jesus emptying Himself and taking on the form of a servant. Augustus appeared to do the same. Or had he? Augustus only acted like he was surrendering his power but was doing it for his own gain. Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8). Death on a Roman cross was the worst form of humiliation and shame.

Today, a primary reason people praise “servant leadership” as a virtue is because of Jesus. Humility wasn’t a Greek or Roman virtue. Because Jesus died on the cross for us, He’s the true Servant. He’s the true Savior.

Christ became a servant in order to save us. He “made himself nothing” (v. 7) so that we could receive something truly great—the gift of salvation and eternal life.

Why is it true that we’re never out of God’s reach? What does it mean for you to know that Jesus is the Servant who suffered and died in order to save you?

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for me. Your servanthood wasn’t a show but the reality of Your love for me. Fill my heart with love and gratitude today.

Source: Our Daily Bread

02/12/2020

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=762016277726360&id=120002581390985

05/09/2020

LIVING OUT YOUR FAITH

How do you "live out your faith"? Is it possible to find contentment through obedience in everyday living? God wants us to live out what we believe by serving others. There is much fruit that we can bear in our lives and the lives of others as we live out what we believe by acts of daily obedience and kindness. As we live out our faith with the Spirit of God active in us, we will be in step with the Spirit who dwells within us.

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Galatians 5:25

There are acts of kindness and love waiting for those who are willing to act and share their faith. God wants us to keep doing good even when we may feel unappreciated or unwanted. When weariness sets in, God will strengthen us for the work He needs us to do. We will reap contentment as we help others. Do not give up doing good, as the seeds you plant today, will grow fruit that will last forever!

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Galatians 6:9-10

How can you do good to others? Is there someone who needs you to keep in step with the Spirit? The Spirit is calling you to serve..Serving others will give you a purpose and a calling. A heart filled with purpose and passion for Christ and a mind set on the things above will lead to a life of contentment.

"When Christ who is your life appears, then you will also appear with him in glory."
Colossians 3:4

Dear Lord,

I know that You want me to help others as I live out my faith. I will grow stronger as I walk with You. I am pressing forward to greater opportunities with You as I stay in step with the Spirit in me. I will find contentment through my obedience to You and service to others.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Source: Youversion Bible App

04/09/2020

WANT TO BE CONTENT?

There is a way of living that brings contentment and leads to happiness and satisfaction. In order to be content IN our circumstances even when we are not content WITH them, there are choices we must make. We must flee the things that lead to discontentment and pursue the things that give us contentment. The list of things to pursue to be content are found in scripture.

"But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:11,

Each quality will bring us closer to living the way Christ wants so that we can be content in Christ. Living with these treasures from heaven will give us a life of contentment. Clothe yourself in these things:

1. Righteousness

We know the commands of God and we obey Him because we want to show our love for Him. Our obedience to God keeps us in His will. We want to obey God and live the right way so as to please God. Righteous living brings contentment.

2. Godliness

We are devoted to God and our actions reveal our heart. We want to please God more and more in all that we do because we love Him deeply. We have a dedicated relationship to God and know that He loves us. A godly devotion brings contentment.

3. Faith

We believe that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. We are sure of what we hope for and are certain of what we cannot see. We believe God and live with our hope set on heavenly things. A life filled with faith brings contentment.

4. Love

We live in love because we know that God loves us. We love others as Christ loves us with our heart set on Christ. We have brotherly love for our neighbor through the Spirit who dwells in us. A life of love brings contentment.

5. Steadfastness

We do not quit when the going gets tough but we trust God to be our strength to press on. We know that our God will fight our battles when we face challenges. Rather than quit, we fix our eyes on God and run our race with endurance. A steadfastness, even in the challenges, brings contentment.

6. Gentleness

We are patient and kind in our words and our actions as we let God have control over what we say and do. We listen and pray before we speak or act. And we live wanting to help others with kindness and compassion. A gentle spirit brings contentment.

As we live in pursuit of Christ, these qualities come to life in us and we will find our treasures in heaven.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:21

Dear Lord,

I want to live a life of contentment with You. As I pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness, I will find Your hand upon me. My heart is open to You as you lead me to the treasures of heaven. I am content in You, my Lord when I seek You above all else.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Follow the Leader Youth

06/04/2021

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