God Upon The Rock Ministry Youth Page

23/05/2019

How to Become a Great Leader
Four traits you can learn from Deborah, Israel’s leader.

Written by Son of God Sbu on 23/05/2019
Series: Weekly Devotional
Tags: Bible, Leadership, Women
Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel.

Judges 5:7
Leadership comes from some of the strangest places. Over and over in the Bible, God tells us He sees what others do not in terms of capability and leadership. The story of Deborah in Judges 4 and 5 provides great insight into how God shapes leaders, from humble beginnings to wise judgement and even to defending their country. While there are many leadership lessons we can learn from Deborah, four stand out:

Great Christian leaders have confidence in their decisions because they depend on a close, personal relationship with God
Great Christian leaders trust their team to accomplish the task
Great Christian leaders are servants who don’t take credit for winning
Great Christian leaders rise to challenges through God’s strength
How did this all start?
The book of Judges talks about many cycles of sin, slavery and salvation. Israel was oppressed because they had turned away from God, but when they turned back to Him, God raised up judges like Deborah to lead them. Judges were spiritual, political, judicial and often military leaders.

Why a close, personal relationship with God helps you in your decisions
As a wife, spiritual leader for the people, judge and prophetess, Deborah had to learn balance in all of those roles. Deborah had a special relationship with God. She was called by Him to lead, and she trusted God to show her His will. Her decisions were based on her relationship with God. Israel recognized that relationship and accepted her leadership. We should remember to seek God’s guidance to serve Him in whatever roles to which He calls us.

Great leaders trust the team
“My heart goes out to the commanders of Israel who offered themselves willingly among the people.” (Judges 5:9) Unlike most of the judges, Deborah was not a military leader. God told her to commission a man named Barak to lead the army into battle. She knew there were others who had the skills to fight and trusted in them. Yet Barak refused to go into battle without her there. Even though Barak should have trusted God’s word, his condition for battle showed how much respect Deborah had as a leader. We learn that respect ran throughout the people.
Judges 5:15 tells us “the princes of Issachar came with Deborah, and Issachar faithful to Barak; into the valley they rushed at his heels."

Leaders should be servants
Deborah’s faith in God gave her confidence in the decisions she made. She had confidence in the military to carry out God’s plan. Deborah did not want any credit for the victory. She was modest yet assertive, taking on the mantle of leadership with strength and knowing when to step back. Great leaders follow Jesus’ example. “whoever would be great among you must be your servant . . . even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26, 28)

God gives you the strength to lead
While it was not typical for women to be judges in that time, Deborah heard God’s call and did not hesitate to give God’s words to the people. When the time came for action, she went with Barak to Kedesh. “Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?” (Judges 4:14)
God also granted her the gift of prophecy, proclaiming that Sisera (the commander of the enemy) would be delivered into the hand of a woman. When that prophecy came true, Deborah gave credit to God. Most of us try to depend on our own strength, only turning to God when we think we need it most. Deborah knew all of her strength came from God, and she walked with Him daily. Her actions provided a wonderful example to the people of Israel (and to us) of how God can use anyone, woman or man, to be a strong leader.

27/12/2017

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Just like every other human, Jesus had a birthday (which is what Christians celebrate on Christmas) and came into the world as a baby. But that’s where the similarity ends. Unlike other people, Jesus’ existence did not begin on the day of His birth.

Each of the four Gospels offers a unique account of Jesus’ life. Mark’s Gospel starts with Jesus launching His public ministry. Matthew and Luke begin with genealogies.

27/08/2017

For Strength and Wisdom

Thank you, Lord, for being there for me and allowing me to cry out to you in my times of need.

It is amazing to me that the Lord of the Universe would take time to listen to me and to care about what I say.

God, there are things happening around me right now that I do not understand. Some of these things make me feel weak, helpless and afraid.

Even in the midst of this, I know that you are the Lord.

I know that the situation is in Your hand, and I trust You.

I beseech you for strength and for wisdom that I would be able to endure this situation and be able to handle it in a way that would bring glory to Your name.

In Jesus name. Amen.

27/07/2017

One of the amazing qualities of the Word of God is its power to change lives. Whenever you are reading the Scriptures and you come to a passage that has a listing of words or attributes, look carefully at that list. Why? It means the writer wants to make sure you understand the importance of each thing on the list.

11/07/2017

11/07/2017

”But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Reflective Question:

Take a moment to reflect on all of the things you pursue in your life. What thing do you often put first in your life, before God?

15/02/2017

Do You Need Salvation?
Salvation is what you need if you realize that you have sinned.
Written by sbu on 15/02/2017
Series: Weekly Devotional
Tags: Salvation
“The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Look at the people around you: the people in your home, at your job and on television. Every single one of them is a sinner. Everyone has sinned against God. The Bible says it like this: “No-one is righteous — not even one” (Romans 3:10 ). So what can you do when you realize you have sinned?
God Promised Salvation
As humans, we are naturally sinful. We turn away from God, choosing sin rather than living the life God wants for us. But from the very beginning, God had a plan to save us. The plan is called Salvation. The Prophet Isaiah wrote in God’s Word about the Savior. “I will make You a light to the Gentiles, and You will bring My salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6 ) .
This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus (His Son) in the form of a human. Jesus lived a sinless life and taught people how to live in God’s ways. He became the payment for our sins when He sacrificed his life and died on the cross. However, the power of death could not stop Jesus, so He rose from the dead. When we believe in Jesus, He promises forgiveness for sin and eternal life. Learn how to receive God’s forgiveness and salvation by clicking here.
Salvation is for Everyone
No matter how terrible your life seems, God can help you. When you accept God’s Salvation through Jesus Christ, God can remake your life so you will live a life God is pleased with. You no longer have to be a slave to sin and death! God’s Word tells you to “Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” ( Romans 12:2 ) .
Salvation Is Eternal Life
In a prayer, Jesus described the way to eternal life: “to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One You sent to earth” ( John 17:3 ) . If you know the Lord and have accepted Jesus Christ, you have been guaranteed God’s love for all eternity in Heaven. When we live our life with faith in God, His eternal rewards are tremendous. Remember, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6 ) .

14/02/2017

6 Pieces of Armor for Spiritual War

God has not left us defenseless in spiritual warfare

Written by sbu on 14/02/2017

Feeling loved by God as you see it is a Valentine's day😍😍😍

Series: Weekly Devotional
Tags: Bible, God, Jesus , Prayer ,
Spiritual Warfare

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:10-11
Last week we discussed the real truth about the Spiritual War we are in. We cannot fight in our own strength. That’s why God has given us spiritual armor to defend ourselves from our enemy. ( Ephesians 6:10-18 ) Here are the 6 pieces of armor you need for spiritual war.
1. The “Belt of Truth”
The belt of truth holds everything together. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father , except through me.” ( John 14:6 ) . Jesus is the Truth. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the “Spirit of Truth.” ( John 16:13 ) Jesus said the Bible is truth God uses to sanctify us. ( John 17:17 ) As we get everything that is untruthful out of our lives, we become more and more like Jesus, and safer from spiritual attack. Without Jesus, you are unclothed and unprotected during battle.
Accept Jesus today so you can be ready for battle with the belt of truth.
2. The “Breastplate of Righteousness”
The breastplate of righteousness protects our heart. “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” ( Romans 3:22 ). Jesus makes us a new person created to desire Godly things. (Ephesians 4:22-24 ) But it’s His righteousness, given to us (2 Corinthians 5:21 ), that we trust in, not our own.
3. The “Shield of Faith”
The shield of faith is our trust in the promises of Jesus. Focusing on God’s faithfulness can block accusations, doubts, and temptations that attack us. ( Ephesians 6:16 )
4. The “Helmet of Salvation”
The helmet of salvation protects our thoughts. Our enemy falsely accuses and lies to us. “But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:8 )
5. The “Shoes of the Gospel”
The shoes of the Gospel represent the readiness given by the Gospel. It’s important to understand the truth about Jesus well enough to explain it to others. That helps you remain standing even after some of the worst attacks. It also makes your feet beautiful! “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good new, the good news of peace and salvation, the goodness that God reigns!” ( Isaiah 52:7 ).
6. The “Sword of the Spirit”
The sword of the spirit is the Word of God and our only weapon of attack. We must become skilled in using it, which we will discuss next time.

12/02/2017

What is Worship?
It's Not About Us
Written by sbu on 12/02/2017
Series: Devotional
Tags: Glory , Praise , Purity, Purpose
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
This verse describes true worship. Do you worship your Maker? We need to know what worship is, what it isn't, and why it matters so much to our God and to our souls.
What Worship Is
God defines worship as "love": "Love the Lord your God." Love is a verb, an action word. It requires doing, not just attending church, listening to a sermon, singing hymns, or giving money. You've only worshipped when you've loved, adored, and honored. And it is about loving God in every way a human can love.
With all our hearts : our emotions and senses.
With all our souls : the life force itself, that which gives our bodies life, our essence. Worship involves a passionate love for God.
With all our minds: We are to have no ungodly thoughts, or songs, or movies, or television shows, or books in our minds (see Psalm 101:3 ). We are to think about our faith, to study God's word, to engage intellectually in the worship of God.
With all our strength : We love God with our actions, not only on Sundays. God is looking for Monday Christians, Monday worshippers, Monday disciples.
How to Worship
You can love God the same way you love anyone else. You can spend the day with him—talking to him, thinking about him. Ask him for what you need, and thank him for what he gives. Spend the day with Jesus. Love him. Worship him. This is his first commandment for every day.
Worship is not performance, entertainment, therapy, or even evangelism.
Worship is not about us. It is about loving God, every moment of every day.
We were created for worship. He gave us free will so we could choose to worship him. Nothing else fulfills us.
Worship provides the power to serve God. If you want God's power for your life, you must worship God every day.
Why Do We Worship?
Because God deserves our worship.
“We love him because he first loved us“ ( 1 John 4:10 ). He created and redeemed us, and made us a place in his perfect heaven forever. He watched his Son die on the cross, to save our souls and purchase our salvation. He gave everything for us. He deserves our worship.
When last did he receive yours?
Pray this week:
Lord, help me understand what it really means to worship. Take away my wrong ideas, and teach me how to love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Amen.
Is this a new idea for you? Do you need help knowing what it means to worship God?

06/01/2017

Hello Follower of Jesus:

One way God is not like us is that He is outside of time itself. This is not so easy for us to picture, but God explains clearly that He “inhabits eternity” in Isaiah 57:15. We're created beings living in time, so we experience time much differently than our God, who says “I am the first and I am the last.” (Isaiah 48:12). As we look forward to the New Year, how astounding it is to realize that God is already there! How can we relate to someone who says He is "the one who is and was and is coming?" (Revelation 1:8) What we experience in our lifetime has a lot to do with beginnings — and endings; Where is God in all of these times?

06/01/2017

Dear Follower of Jesus:

God is the same yesterday, today and forever -- and promises He will never leave or forsake His children. He says:

"Though I live high above in the holy place, I am here to help those who are humble and depend only on me." (Isaiah 57:15)

11/09/2016

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