Relevance

rel·e·vance

noun \ˈre-lə-vən(t)s\

Definition of RELEVANCE

1

a: relation to the matter at hand b: practical and especially social applicability : pertinence <giving relevance to college courses>

2

: the ability (as of an information retrieval system) to retrieve material that satisfies the needs of the user

 

 

If someone asked you to describe what you've done that has real relevance - what would you say?  What makes you important?  What have you done that has meaning?

 

Now that you've had a moment to ponder that question - did you mention anything that is relevant to God?  What have you done today, or this week, or this month  - that is relevant to Him? 

 

Stop for just a minute today and simply pray to God.  Don't worry about flowery, elaborate prayers - just talk to Him.  Tell Him thanks.  Tell Him what's bothering you, what you worry about - and ask Him to help.  He wants you to share your life with Him and to include Him in all the details.

 

So, before you go to sleep tonight - include God in your day.  Make it relevant.

It's On!

I'm going to make a serious effort (with some assistance) to get you a blog every week.  I have some fantastic Youth who will be helping me out by providing a few posts of their own.  We'll try and be sure to do special posts when we're away (Youth Annual Conference, Youtheology, Mission trip, etc.).  Please be sure to stay tuned for our posts!

Here's what's coming up for the Youth:
today we had a picnic at the park, played frisbee, some baseball and tossed the football a bit too.  We had a new chaperone (Walt Thomas) join us.  He has some great ideas for future Youth activities.

Next week (April 29th) we'll be going rollerskating.

Here's a little devotional for you to ponder.  It's from the devotional journal "God is in the Small Stuff".

This is real love.  It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us. . .  1 John 4:10

The only love that is completely other centered is called agape love.  This is love of the highest order.  When we love with agape love, we desire the best for the people we love.  We are even able to love those who are unlovable.
We are capable of agape love only to the extent that we give the details of our lives over to God and allow Him to work in us.  But even before that can happen, we must realize that God loves us and that He can only love us with this kind of love.  God's love is never self-centered, and God's love is always sacrifical.  While we were enemies of God, He loved us.  When we ran from God, He loved us.  And He loved us so much that He sacrificed the Son He loved most so that we could experience eternal life.
Love is the essence of God.  Love is what motivates Him to do what He does for us -- down to the last detail -- even when we don't love him in return.  Knowing that should give tremendous meaning to our lives.
Whenever you feel insignificant, remember how important you are to God.
Love yourself as the unique individual God created you to be -- nothing more, nothing less.
God does not help us because we deserve it; He helps us because He loves us.
Love isn't an option. We are commanded by God to love others.
Never confuse love with lust.
Loving God is the greatest thing you can do.

Take a few minutes this week to spend with the Lord - it could be while driving, maybe in the shower, before you go to sleep at night or when you first wake up in the morning.  Think about how much He loves you, the blessings He has given you.  His love isn't something you earn or something you deserve - He loves you no matter what (the good, bad and the ugly).  Don't forget to thank Him!