The past two weeks, the IGNITE staff has been writing devotionals for our students to read throughout the week. We have received a lot of positive feedback. We are continuing this project for the next couple of weeks, and at that time, we are going to reevaluate the usefulness, productivity, etc. of writing the devotionals.

With that said, I have decided to post the devotionals each day that our students are reading this week. Here we go with Monday:

SCRIPTURE: Read-Romans 1:11-12

THOUGHTS: Everyone loves to have friends. I know that growing up I had a group of about 5 of us that went everywhere together. Wherever you saw one, you saw the other. We were there to bail each other out when we got in trouble. We were there to not let one get in trouble. We were there through losses of family and friends.

I am so thankful for the time that I had with each of them. I know that it was through their help and love and encouragement that I even made it through my teenage years. Even though I rarely talk with some of them, I am continually thankful for their influence over my life. They had a profound impact on the person that I am today.

That is why the Lord has given us each other as the church. We are there to encourage each other. Show them Jesus. Show them love and acceptance when we don’t feel it from anywhere else. We are there for each other because others are there for us, but most of all, Jesus is there for us. When things around us don’t make sense, Jesus does. And through him living in another person’s heart, that person represents Jesus in some way.

I encourage you to build up strong, Christ-centered relationships. These people that love Jesus can challenge you, keep you out of trouble, and love you when it seems like everything else around you is going crazy.

PRAYER: Take a second and thank Jesus for the positive and uplifting people that he has put in your life, and keep building those friendships!

CLOSING QUESTION: So what do you need to do today? Are there some friendships you need to let go of? Still love them, but maybe their influence is not what you need in your life. Are there some Christ-loving friendships that you need to pursue?

Monday’s Devotional was written by Lindsay Owens. Lindsay serves as the Assistant to the Middle School Pastor (thats me!). She does a PHENOMENAL job of keeping up with everything that has to do with the Middle School Ministry. Not only does she keep up with my schedule, event signups, assist in caring for volunteers, but also is the occasional teacher at IGNITE. Lindsay is a veteran of NewSpring, but came on with the Middle School staff in October of 2006. Since that time she has quickly become a vital part of the staff.