Refuge Youth Ministry

Forever Praise

Just a teenager desperate for you, is all that I am,
And I truly worship you because you're the Son of man.
Lord, break our hearts and bring us back to you,
Until worshiping you for all eternity is all that we can do.
You died on the cross to take away my shame,
So for me to live is Christ, and to die is truly gain.
All I have to offer is this life you've given me,
Lord, more like you, is what I long to be.
You took away my sin when you died upon the cross,
And I know that without you I would be completely lost.
Ignite my passion for you deep inside of me,
And help me to overlook the world, until your face is all I see.
On the third day, from the tomb, you were raised,
So for that, I will give you all glory, honor, and praise.
When You died, to the world, Your name was known,
That's why I will forever praise you and live for You alone.

- Heidi McGraw

Being an Imitator of God

   As Christians, all of us, no matter what age we are, have to contend with the temptations Satan can throw at us.  In Ephesians 5:1 we find these challenging words:  Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love.  Being an imitator of God can seem impossible, but it isn't with the help of God, Himself.
   In verses 3 and following we find the key to living a life of love:  But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed because these are improper for God's holy people.  All of us Christians are God's holy people.  Even young people have moral responsibilities to fulfill as Christians.  Verse 4 says, Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.  Be careful about the things that come out of your mouth.  Allow God to be Lord of all of your life all day, every day.

   If you had something very valuable and precious to you and someone came in and took it from you, you would be angry and upset. We always cherish and protect our valuables. If it would make you angry for someone to take something of great value from you, then why is it okay for you to rob yourself? You continually rob yourself by not being in Sunday School and worship on Sundays. You rob yourself of Christian fellowship and influence. You rob yourself of the benefits of studying God's Word, the Bible, a book that can transform your life and help you answer questions to every problem of life. You also rob yourself of the opportunity to worship and praise God for all He does for you. Don't rob yourself anymore, be in Sunday School.