R³ Devotional - Day 158

Our youngest is at camp this week and the rest will go in a couple weeks.  We love Church Camp!  We always tell our kids to listen to what God has in store for them, build on the friendships they bring with them, enjoy making new ones, be kind, include everyone and find the joy in all situations.  Most importantly, thank God for what He taught you while you were there and how He wants you to use it when you get home. What was it that He put on your heart? Was it to grow your faith, share the gospel, reach out to someone, surround yourself with Christ loving people and get rid of things that keep you from doing what is good?   At camp, the love of Christ shines in everyone. Some will leave it, but others will treasure it and bring it home. Don’t leave it at camp, bring it home!  I picked out a few verses in Proverbs Ch 13-15 that no matter if you are young going to camp or an adult way past camp days, hopefully it will remind you how to live wisely and follow God’s path.  

Proverbs 13:20 “Walk with the wise and become wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm.”  Keep choosing people in your life that helps you grow closer to Jesus. Surround yourself with people that will cheer you on when you do something good and picks you up when you fall.   Be the person that others want to be around because they see something different in you.  “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.” Psalm 1:1

Proverbs 14:26 “ In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a  refuge.”  Trust in God and be in Awe of Him!  There is nothing you can’t overcome if you have the God Almighty with you.  Keep your eyes always looking up toward Jesus.  He will give you His strength to be strong.  “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and he delivers them.” Psalms 34:7

Proverbs 15:1  “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  Your words matter.  Speak with kindness, gentleness and love just like Jesus did. Remember our words have the power to either build up or tear down others.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” Colossians 4:6

Real Life Principles:
Spend your time with people that love the Lord and wants to live their life for Him each and every day!  
Be in Awe of the Lord.  Fear the Lord always
Remember your words have power.  Always reflect God.

Real life applications:
Are you choosing people who will build you up?  Surround yourself with people who love God.
Are you trusting God to give you strength and confidence? 
Do you speak with kindness?  Walk away when anger arises and then go back to address the problem with the person.