Tripp Atkinson

Pastor, Speaker, Consultant

College

Check Your Pockets

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Students, thanks for hanging with us through these First 30 devotionals for college students. I promise the spiritual investment you make in yourself will pay dividends for years to come. As we wrap up this First 30 series, I pray that the spiritual investment will continue. I pray that college will not be a time to simply survive, but to thrive.

As you face the rest of your first year in college (or work, military, etc.), I hope you never forget three things. These three things are so important, I had them engraved on a challenge coin for each of my graduating students. If you are not familiar with a challenge coin, here is the significance…

Challenge coins are a longstanding tradition in the military that builds camaraderie and signifies a person is a member of a special group. Challenge coins serve as a symbol of identity, a source of pride, and a reminder of the support that one has behind them. We have a special challenge coin minted for our graduating class in hopes they serve as a constant reminder of their identity and values.

Let the features of this coin remind you of:

– Your Identity (Cross):

On the front of the coin is a cross (specifically the one we use in our Sugar Hill Church logo). Let this always remind you to find your identity in Christ & what He has done for you.

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. – 1 Cor. 15:3-4

Jesus really is the BIGGEST DEAL!  What he did on the cross and in raising from the grave three days later are the most significant events in all of history. Because of the cross, our sins can be forgiven (Romans 3:23-25), we can be reconciled to God (Romans 4:25), we can experience abundant life (John 10:10), and our eternal home can be heaven (John 14:1-4).

Belief in the events surrounding the cross of Christ is what separates Christianity from every other world religion and faith system. It is not only the cornerstone of our faith, but also of our identity.

Let your identity always be rooted in:

– Your Support (“Welcome Home”):

Next to the cross on the front of the coins there is “Sugar Hill Church – Welcome Home.” We want you to know that no matter how far you may go, you are always “welcome home.” This is always your home & we always have your back. God never intended us to live life alone.

We were created to live in community. Throughout Scripture, we see that community is a big deal. (Genesis 2:18, Proverbs 27:17, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Romans 12:4-5,10, Romans 15:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Community in context of the church is modeled for us in the Bible. Acts 2 describes the early church,

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. – Acts 2:42-47

If you are away for college, we hope and pray you make it a priority to actively be a part of (& serve) a local church that makes the Bible a big deal, Jesus the biggest deal, and serving the way you show the love of Christ to your community. If you are close by, we hope and pray that you actively serve and grow in your faith at Sugar Hill Church.

Whether home or away, know that you will always have a home at Sugar Hill Church.  You will always have pastors, mentors, and leaders who love you and want the best for you.  We want to be friends and family for life!

– Your Foundation (Grounded for Life – Jeremiah 17:8):

On the back of the coin is a large green tree with the words “Grounded for Life” and the Scripture reference Jeremiah 17:8. This verse speaks about those who put their trust in the Lord –

They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. – Jer. 17:8

The tree is a picture of the life we want you to live. There will certainly be tough times ahead in life, Jesus even assured his disciples of this (John 16:33). But as you continue to trust in the Lord, you can have a foundation (“roots”) that offer stability in hardship and peace in uncertain times. In fact, even in the toughest days, you can thrive and “never stop producing fruit.”

As you continue to trust in the Lord, & intentionally live according to His Word, you truly can be Grounded for Life; that is, grounded to experience abundant life, and grounded for the duration of your life. You really don’t have to be a statistic of someone who fell away from their faith in college. You can fully enjoy the college experience without the regret, stress and disharmony of an inconsistent or lost faith. God wants the very best for you! This is discovered and lived in consistent relationship with Christ.

Check your pockets…

I encourage you to put your coin where you can see it everyday. Some days, you may need to physically carry it with you, and check your pockets often. (We all have days like that.) Whether you physically carry your coins or not, I pray that they will serve as constant reminders of your faith, family, & friends. Always know that God has got you & we are with you!!!

This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the podcast of this devotional and the entire series, click here.
To subscribe to this blog, simply scroll up & add your email address in the box on the right.

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Boundaries

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The first time anyone ever trusted me to babysit was my sister asking me to watch her first born son, Trey. I was a senior in high school, and spending time with my three-year-old nephew who was like a younger brother to me sounded like fun. I mean, how hard could babysitting really be?

(If you have ever babysat, you know what an awesome responsibility that is. You probably also know that if you are not careful and don’t foresee dangerous situations, things can go terribly wrong. I now know that.)

Outside the lines

I decided that Trey and I would play soccer in the front yard. He just started playing soccer on a team and was trying to learn basic skills and things like how to stay in the boundary lines. “Uncle Tripp” was going to show him a few pointers. Well, Uncle Tripp was no better at soccer than three-year-old Trey, so we found ourselves kicking the ball in the road more times than not. Living at the top of a small hill, the ball would hit the road and quickly head towards a storm drain at the bottom of the hill. Every time we kicked the ball into the road, I would tell Trey to stay put while I raced the ball to the bottom of the hill.

This day was hot and we had both worked up a pretty good sweat kicking (and chasing) this soccer ball. I thought I’d be a good uncle and run into the house to get us something to drink. I gave Trey some boundaries and told not to cross the boundary.

It’s OK to leave a kid in the yard by himself briefly, right? What could possibly happen in just a few brief moments? I gave him boundaries!

I ran up the steps, ran inside the house, and got us something to drink. As I headed back out, I walked by a big picture window in the living room that faced the front yard. Passing this window, I saw that Trey had kicked the ball and it went into the street and started rolling down the hill.

Trey had obviously seen me run across the road and he had seen me chase the ball to the storm drain. To my horror, I saw him take off running into the street to get the ball.

Because of my vantage point in this window looking down, I could not only see Trey running into the road, but I could also see around the curve, and that there was a car coming up the street.

Screaming through the window

In that moment, I freeze. In that moment, I’m looking out at a life that I love even more than my own life. I’m looking out at someone that I would literally give anything for, that I would die for. I see him running into the street and I know that from his vantage point, he couldn’t see down the road. He couldn’t see around the curve. From his vantage point, he couldn’t see the danger that was coming. In that moment, I’m frozen and my worst fears rush to mind.

“He doesn’t even see what’s about to happen.”
“He doesn’t even see that this car’s coming.”
“What if this car doesn’t see him?”
“What if they don’t slow down?”
“How is this going to play out!?”

In that moment, I wasn’t thinking of how upset I was at Trey for crossing the boundary. I was not worried about him getting in trouble for disobeying. All I’m thinking is, “I want the best for him. I would rather it be me in the middle of the road in front of this oncoming car than him. I would do anything if I could just trade places right now with where he is and take whatever it is that’s about to happen.” I began to helplessly scream through the window.

Fortunately, that car saw him and stopped, and he was able to get the ball and everything was okay. But I will never forget that moment when my heart almost stopped. I will never forget looking out that big window and seeing what was about to happen.

Love in boundaries

I think this is a picture of how God reacts to his children.

I think sometimes God looks at us and he says, “Hey, I want the very best for you. Know that I love you and would give anything for you. In fact, I did give everything for you when I came and died for you and I took what you deserved on myself so that you could live.” As we live life, I imagine there are so many times that God sees what is ahead and screams at us like I was screaming through that window to my nephew, “Stop! Don’t do it! Slow down! Think! Look!” I think this is the heart of God as we begin to violate the boundaries he has established for living life well.

I established boundaries for my nephew because I love him. As a parent, I establish boundaries for my kids because I love them. I know what is on the other side of those boundaries because I have a perspective on life that my kids don’t have. The boundaries don’t exist to spoil their fun.  The boundaries exist to give them life!

From his vantage point, God can see things we can’t see.

That’s why, in his Word, God gives us instructions on things like sexuality. It’s not because he’s trying to spoil our party or fun. He’s saying, “I see down the road, what this can lead to. I see the consequences of taking something great, and going outside the lines with it. I want the best for you, so stop and look around.” When it comes to relationships, when it comes to how we take care of ourselves, when it comes to how we live our lives, God wants the very, very best for us.

You have an all-loving God that is saying, “My child, I love you. Trust me, put your eyes on me and let me give you my very best for your life.”

Consider the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 84:11,

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.

Do we trust God to do this as we honor him??

Avoiding chaos

If we didn’t have boundaries in basketball, football, or baseball, how would that work out? It would ruin the game.  The boundaries don’t exist to spoil the fun of the game…the boundaries exist so that the game can be played the way it was made to be played. No boundaries lead to chaos. The same is true in life.

King Solomon, the wisest person to ever live said,

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” – Proverbs 22:3

God is not big on rules; God is big on life. Any boundary he gives is for our good. Remember the words of John 10:10,

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Today, evaluate the following:

  • In what ways are you living outside of God’s boundaries?
  • Do you trust that God is for you and not against you?
  • Do you believe that the author of life is the authority on life?

Remember, any boundary God gives is for YOUR GOOD & HIS GLORY because He loves you & wants HIS VERY BEST for you. No one is more for you than God!

The 140:

Any boundary God gives is for YOUR GOOD & HIS GLORY because He loves you & wants HIS VERY BEST for you. No one is more for you than God!

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Today, enjoy the abundant life that is possible through active obedience to the One who loves you enough to give you boundaries.

 

*For more of Trey’s story, check out this highly emotional clip.

 

This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the podcasts of this devotional and the entire series, click here.
To subscribe to this blog, simply scroll up & add your email address in the box on the right.

God’s Best

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Here is some good news:
– God loves you and wants the very best for you.
– God wants you discover and live His best.

So how exactly do we go about discovering and living God’s best?

We see some great truths of how to do this in Luke 5:1-11. This story is referred to as “The Great Catch” and is about a fishing trip that changed the course of Peter’s life. In this story there are 3 Defining moments through which Peter discovers and begins to live God’s best.

This story is set on a large lake, referred to as the “Sea of Galilee.”

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” – Luke 5:1-4

When Jesus told Peter to “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets,” this made absolutely no sense. We are told that on Sea of Galilee, fishermen would fish at night, in shallow water.

Peter’s responds by informing Jesus ,

Master, we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing.” (vs. 5)

It’s important to note that when Peter referred to Jesus as “Master,” he was using a Greek word (epistates) that was a respectful title to one who is in authority, but not an acknowledgment of diety.

Peter reminds Jesus that he had “worked HARD all night” and hadn’t caught a thing. I imagine he was a little annoyed that a preacher (Jesus) was telling a professional fisherman (Peter) how to fish. But out of respect for Jesus, Peter reluctantly obeys. Peter says,

But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again. (vs. 5)

As he does this, we see the first defining moment for Peter:

1) He responds in obedience to Jesus.

Look at the result of Peter’s obedience…

And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. (vss. 6-7)

Against the backdrop of Peter’s failure, God shows him what can happen as he does it God’s way… two boats filled so full with fish that they begin to sink!

Students, always remember, WHEN GOD DIRECTS OUR WORK, WE SEE RESULTS. God’s words can always be trusted.

We put faith in doctors because of the qualifications associated with their title (“M.D.”) We put faith in pharmacists because of the letters behind their name (Pharm D). Think about this… if you trust a doctor to diagnose a health problem and prescribe you medicine, and you trust that pharmacists to give medicine that will help you and not kill you because of the title associated with their name, how much more can you trust the one who has the title “King of Kings” and “Lord of Lords?” Don’t you think if there is anyone qualified to speak truth into your life, it’s the Creator of life!

If there is anyone qualified to speak truth into your life, it’s the Creator of life!

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That’s why we say “The Bible is a big deal.” It is the Word of God.

Let’s look at what happens next in verses 8-10,

When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!”

The second defining moment for Peter is when:

2) He acknowledges Jesus for who He is.

In verse 8, notice what Peter called Jesus. Previously he had called Him master, clearly a term of respect, but now he calls Jesus LORD. The Greek word translated Lord means “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding”. (It comes from the word kuros, which means ‘Supremacy’.)

Peter now sees Jesus for who He is. He realizes that the one who did a miracle in the lake, wants to do a miracle in his heart.

Peter changed his response to Jesus from one of respect to one of Lordship and notice what he does:

  • Falls At His feet.
  • He took his eyes off of the blessing to look at the blessor.

In the terror of realizing his sinfulness, Peter wants to get away from the holiness of the Lord, but Jesus wants to draw Peter closer. Jesus says to him, “Don’t be afraid…” (vs. 10) We see here the beauty of repentance; it is the place we exchange our sin for God’s grace. We sometimes view repentance as an ugly thing, when in fact, it is such a beautiful thing. Repentance is responding to an invitation to experience God’s best.

Repentance is responding to an invitation to experience God\’s best.

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Jesus continues,

…from now on you will fish for people.

Jesus not only receives Peter in repentance (draws him close), He tells Peter that he wants to use him as His instrument. Peter’s life is changed when he gets Jesus right. He learns the most important life lesson: It is all about Jesus. This leads to the third defining moment in verse 11,

 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

3) He drops his net and allows Jesus to direct his life.

This response led Peter to “forsake all” to follow Christ, shifting the view of his future, career, and dreams. He left everything and followed Jesus. He realized that Jesus doesn’t want a place in our hearts or lives, He wants all of it. God doesn’t want us to fit Him into our plans; he wants us to submit our lives to His.

You may have dreams and desires, but God may have something bigger in mind. Jesus took Peter from having an occupation (“to take up space”) to a vocation (“calling”).

Most likely, God doesn’t want to change your dreams, but He may want to give you a different view of it. You see, your calling is to reflect the purposes of God through whatever vehicle He has given you. Because He is God, you can trust Him, and in trusting Him (allowing him to direct your path) you can experience His best for your life.

Before this life-defining fishing trip, Peter would have said that he was a “follower” of Jesus. But it wasn’t until he forsook all (“all in”) that he became a true follower of Christ and became on mission with Christ. When he walked off that beach that day, there was no doubt where he stood in his faith.

Today can be a defining moment in your life as you acknowledge Jesus for who He is and respond in obedience to Him today. You don’t have to “follow” Jesus from afar. You can intimately know Him and receive His best for your life as you allow Him to direct your life.

As we acknowledge Jesus for who He is & respond in obedience to Him, we discover God’s best for our lives. Live his best today!

THE 140:
As we acknowledge Jesus for who He is & respond in obedience to Him, we discover God’s best for our lives.

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This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the podcasts of this devotional and the entire series, click here.
To subscribe to this blog, simply scroll up & add your email address in the box on the right.

Accountability: A Key to Success

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There are many abilities that become a big deal in college. For instance…

– Affordability: the reason you eat fish taco’s from a gas station.
– Flexibility: learning the art of turning a 15-minute break into a “power nap.”
– Wearability: judgement call on getting one more use out of an outfit before you HAVE to do laundry. (usually involves turning something inside out)

All joking aside, there a number of things you learn to do in college, that will set you up for success the rest of your life. Of all the many “abilities” that are useful in college, perhaps the most legit beneficial ability to incorporate into the college experience is ACCOUNTABILITY. Accountability is defined as “responsibility, liability, answerability.” It is the encouragement, support, correction and discipline provided by an intentional and meaningful relationship.

Accountability does not just happen. It is a choice, and only occurs as one willfully and vulnerably submits to another, trusting that it is for their good and God’s glory.

There are several aspect of accountability that can greatly benefit your life. I strongly encourage you to seek it out in the following three relationships:

1) Pursue a Paul (someone older to serve as a mentor)

There is a long list in Scripture of those impacted by the mentoring of the Apostle Paul. (Titus, Onesimus, Luke, and Timothy, to name a few.) This impact did not take place in a formal classroom setting, but in the context of life and ministry. Paul’s mentoring was both theoretical AND highly practical.

Who in your life is a Paul-type mentor you are pursuing? Who in your life is older and wiser that you are allowing to influence you? Mentoring is typically not best accomplished through a formal program, but as one desiring such training and mentoring pursues it.

Asking “Will you mentor me?” is probably not the best approach to a mentoring relationship. Let it happen more organically and relationally. It typically best happens as one observes, questions, learns, and imitates another. I know very few great leaders who will not invest their lives in someone they see trying to emulate their life and leadership.

How do you pursue a Paul? Look around and ask these questions:

  • Who is someone older and wiser than me that I respect?
  • Is there someone who has the character and reputation I desire?
  • Who is making the impact that I desire to make?

Pray that God will open doors for you to have relationship and favor with this person. Ask for wisdom in pursuing opportunities for proximity and influence. Then begin to watch, listen, learn, and imitate what you see in them.

2) Seek a Silas (a friend that offers true accountability)

There is absolutely nothing like a genuine friend who wants the best for you and loves you enough to be honest with you. True friends are hard on you when necessary, and stick with you no matter the circumstances. In Scripture, we see such a friendship between Silas and Paul. Silas traveled extensively with Paul, ministering and spreading the Gospel. In Acts 16:19-40, we see that he was arrested with Paul, beaten severely with Paul, and confined to the dungeon of a jail with Paul with their legs in stocks together. Silas had Paul’s back no matter what.

Notice the nature of their friendship in Acts 16:25-31,

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household.

Even in jail, they sang hymns of worship together and encouraged one another as they ministered to those around them. Do you have a friend like that? Who in your life wants God’s best for you and is committed to helping you discover and live it?

In seeking a Silas, ask the following questions:

  • Who is someone I can relate to & rely on?
  • What friend loves me enough to call me out?
  • Who wants God’s best for me no matter what?

As you identify such a friend, make time with them a priority. You may only have a friend or two like this in your lifetime. If you have one, do all you can to value that person and invest in that friendship. If you don’t have that yet, pray that God opens the door for a friendship like that.

Remember, the best way to have a friend like that, is to be a friend like that.

3) Train a Timothy (someone younger to pour into)

As much as you can benefit from a mentoring relationship with someone older and wiser than you, there is equally as much value in you being that mentor to someone younger and less-experienced than you. Who are you intentionally investing your life into as a mentor and coach?

Paul served as a “spiritual father” to Timothy. He spent time with him, taught him, equipped him, encouraged him, and help him be successful in his faith and ministry.

But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured…But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. – 2 Timothy 3:10-11, 14

Such encouragement as this only flows from an intentional investment of Paul’s life into Timothy.

But know that such a mentoring relationship does not just benefit the one being mentored. Mentoring another can benefit you in a number of ways:

  • As you teach a principle, it highlights that truth in your own heart.
  • Teaching another challenges you & creates accountability.  (1 Corinthians 9:27, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”)
  • Investing in others brings joy. (3 John 4, “I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”)

As Paul mentored Timothy, he encouraged him to take all that he learned and pass that on to others as well.

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. – 2 Timothy 2:2

Mentoring in such a way exponentially multiplies your influence and impact.

 

Accountability is not always easy, but it is vital to success. When you know who you want to be and where you want to go, there is nothing like investing in relationships that can help you get there.

Today, invest in those relationships that are for your good and God’s glory.  I’m confident that is an investment that will offer a return for a lifetime!

Investment in relationships that are for your good & God’s glory are investments that will offer a return for a lifetime!

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This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the podcasts of this devotional and the entire series, click here.

 

 

Identity Crisis

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So many college students, their first 30 days on campus, experience a significant crisis… an identity crisis. With so many things changing, so many new influences, so many new people to compare yourself to and impress, it’s sometimes easy to fall into the trap of questioning your value and purpose.

Let’s remind ourselves of some truth today…

1) God has given you immeasurable value that no one or nothing can change.

Consider the words of the Psalmist, who said,

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. – Psalms 139:13-14

Have you ever considered what it means that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by the Creator of the universe? The apostle Paul reminds us,

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:10

As a “masterpiece of God,” you have been given a value that is priceless! And nothing can take that value from you.

I like to illustrate this point by pulling a $20 bill out of my wallet and asking who wants it. Of course, if I’m giving away $20, most would want it. (You never really understand the value of $20 until you get to college. Am I right?!) I then like to wrinkle up the money and ask again who wants it. Even after stepping on it, getting it dirty, and sneezing on it, the response to those who still want the money seldom changes. Why do people still want a $20 bill that is dirty, wrinkled, flawed, and even broken? Because no matter the condition or abuse it has endured, the $20 bill still has value!

If I did the same illustration with a piece of notebook paper, I doubt anyone would want it. But it’s different with money because a power with proper authority (U.S. Mint) has taken a piece of paper, has made it special, and has assigned a particular value to it that cannot be changed.

That is what God has done with us. He has made us his “masterpiece” and has demonstrated our priceless value by giving his very Son, Jesus, to die for us so that we could have life in and with him. (Romans 5:8)

If the Creator of the Universe loves you with such an unconditional love and has uniquely made and gifted you, why would you ever allow any attention from a guy or girl, any comparison to anyone else, or any opinions of anyone to take your eyes off of the priceless value given to you by God??

2) You were created by God to fulfill His purposes.

Most of our identity issues are related to a foundation problem. You were created for God’s purpose, you were not created so God could help you with your purpose. Getting this backwards has caused many people to build their lives on the wrong foundation.

But for us, there is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. – 1 Corinthians 8:6

For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. – Colossians 1:16-17

We were made for God. Forgetting this simple truth leads to much frustration and identity issues.

If I tried to use my toaster oven to make a smoothy or my blender to make toast, what would happen? Right, I would have a hot mess! Well that’s exactly what happens when we try to use our lives for purposes other than that for which they were created.

It’s important to remember… a successful life is not a life that’s measured by comparing your life to what others have done, a successful life is measured by comparing your life to what you are supposed to do.

Well, what am I suppose to do?? So how do I live His purposes??

In discovering your purpose, start with what you KNOW is God’s purpose for you.

2 Foundational Commands from which our purpose flows

Great Commandment: Jesus is clear about what matters most to Him in Matthew 22:36-40. When asked “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied:

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Great Commission: In his final moments on earth, Jesus reminds his followers of his authority, gives them  a mission of huge significance, and promises to help them accomplish his purposes.

Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ – Matthew 28:18-20

This mission is our mission. The apostle Paul reiterates the significance of this mission and purpose in 2 Corinthians 5:20,

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

God has given you priceless value, and he wants to use you for his purposes. There is really no greater identity and no higher calling than what God has given you.

So today, remember this… In Jesus (nothing else) we discover our priceless value and divine purpose.

The 140:
In Jesus (nothing else) we discover our priceless value & divine purpose.

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We are praying for you as you live in that wonderful truth today!!

This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Who can you encourage today by sending them this devo?)

The Truth

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Last week we talked about the identity crisis that so many college students face their first 30 days on campus. Today we want to talk about another crisis…a crisis of faith.

This crisis is rooted in the exact same thing a crisis of identity is – believing lies when life gets tough or your conditions change. It’s a given in life that circumstances will change and life will get unpredictably crazy. But in the midst of the craziness of life, don’t forget this truth:

Your circumstances in life will change, but God never changes!

God is God, no matter what & God’s truth is truth, no matter what.

In a culture where you are being told that everyone can hold their own truth and moral relativism and pluralism is being promoted as the norm, we need followers of Christ who hold to the truth, who stand, and who do the right thing no matter what.

Tolerance. Compromise. Co-exist.  These are words your generation hears a whole lot. You are told to find middle ground. But none of these messages change that fact that truth is truth, and truth never changes.

Today, I want to remind you of someone in the Old Testament who not only lived in a tolerance-driven society, but he stood for his faith in God NO MATTER WHAT. The story of Elijah can be read in 1 Kings 18.

A little background…

Ahab was the King over part of Israel. He was married to Queen Jezebel, who worshiped a false god named Baal. Over time, Ahab began to be more and more influenced by his wife to compromise his faith. Ahab built a temple and altars to Baal to appease his wife. And eventually Ahab, an Israelite, began to worship the false god of Baal! (Ahab slowly turned his back on the Creator of the universe, to please people by worshiping something created by people.)

The Israelites followed their King, and turned their backs on God to worship Baal also. God would not tolerate their disloyalty, so God sent the prophet Elijah to tell King Ahab that there would not be any rain, and not even any dew, until Elijah called for it. After many weeks, the plants began to wither and die. After many months, the drought dried up the streams and rivers. The lack of food and water caused animals to die, and soon death became imminent for the people. This drought lasted over three years. Finally, it was time for a decision…

Decision Time.

In 1 Kings 18:17, Elijah and King Ahab meet, and Elijah tells him, “Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mt. Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” So these 850 false prophets meet Elijah on the top of Mt. Carmel, and Elijah asks them an important question…

Then Elijah stood in front of them and said, “How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!” But the people were completely silent.

This is such an important question, because truth demands a choice. Elijah made them choose, but he also showed them what it looked like to choose.

Showdown on Mt. Carmel.

Elijah tells them to build an altar and put a bull on each altar. Elijah then states, “Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire – he is God.”

So the prophets of Baal prepare their bull and shouted “Baal, answer us!” Verse 26 tells us, “But there was no response; no one answered.” They continued to call out all day into the evening, “But there was no response; no one answered.” (Vs. 29)

You know, what happened here still rings true today. No idol (“Any person, pleasure, or possession that is more important than your relationship to God.”) will ever have an answer!

Whatever it is that you are putting your trust in and giving your affection to other than God, don’t expect them to have an answer.

Idols never have an answer. (They are cheap imitations of God’s best.)
God always has an answer!

 

So Elijah called everyone to come in closer, and he repaired the altar of the Lord. He had the people pour 12 large jars of water on the bull and even around the altar. Elijah then prays that everyone would see God exalted and Elijah as only a servant of God. Then the miracle happened. “Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.” (Vs. 38)

What incredible faith Elijah had. Outnumbered 850 to 1, Elijah created a scenario in which only God could be honored.

I wish my faith was always that big!

Why do you think our faith is sometimes so small? Perhaps because it’s difficult to trust someone you don’t know well.

2 Truths

Consider these two truths…

  1. The more you know God, the more you trust God.
  2. The more you know truth, the easier it is to spot a lie.

When conditions change, when the cost is great, when the crowd is doing something else… are you going to choose what is easy or what is right? Are you going to build your life on the unchanging truth of God or on a changing lie?

The whole reason we developed the Grounded for Life plan for students is centered around this idea. Our theme verse is Jeremiah 17:8,

“They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”

That is our prayer for you – that you have deep roots and are unwavering in your commitment to God, no matter what.

Notice the effects of such faith, “When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord – he is God! The Lord – he is God!’” God always honors commitment to him and commitment to His truth.

So today, hold to the One that is truth and thank Him that although life in college will get crazy, He will NEVER change! Find peace as you live in that truth today!

Your circumstances in life will change, but God never changes. God is God no matter what & God’s truth is truth no matter what.

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This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Who can you encourage today by sending them this devo?)

Freedom!

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One of the biggest things I hear students say they look forward to in college is FREEDOM! (No more bedtime, no more curfew, no more opinions about what they wear, etc.)

BTW, Most college students quickly learn that with great freedom, comes great responsibility. But treated responsibly, freedom can be a wonderful thing!

Unfortunately, many college students do not enjoy that freedom responsibly and what they find is the very expressions of “freedom” have the reverse affect. They set out looking for freedom, but become enslaved to what they choose to do with that freedom. For example, many students have embraced drugs or alcohol as an expression of freedom and have become alcoholics, drug attics, or made life-altering decisions while under the influence. The very thing that they did in the name of freedom, ended up stealing abundant life from them. This idea is true for things not as severe as drugs or alcohol as well. Some students enjoy the attention they get from others when they dress a certain way or post certain pictures. In celebrating the freedom to do this, they end up becoming enslaved to a need for likes or attention.

Whatever it is, the reality is that God does not want us to be ensalved to anyone or anything. He wants us to experience freedom in a way that honors him. And he wants us to experience a full and satisfying life. Such a life is only found in abiding in Christ.

I want to share three important reminders to you today from a story about one of Jesus’ best friends.

John 11 – Story of Lazarus

Jesus receives word one day that his good friend Lazarus (the brother of Mary & Martha) is sick. Jesus responds in vs. 4 by saying, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Scripture points out in the very next verse, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” Jesus had a great love for these friends of his. That is why the next verse seems a little odd. “So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.” (vs. 6)

What!? If Jesus loved Lazarus, why would he stay where he was two more days??? Well, we later learn that Jesus wanted to do a far bigger miracle than they were asking for…

In the following verses we see three truths that every college student needs to grasp:

• There is nothing too dead for Jesus.

Vs. 17, “On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.” Lazarus wasn’t just dead. He was dead dead. In fact, when Jesus reached the tomb they were worried about the stench of what was inside. The fourth day was significant, because Jewish tradition believed that the spirit hovered over the body for 3 days. After three days, they were completely gone.

If you ever feel like you or someone else is too gone for God to save or Jesus to heal, that is a lie. Someone once told me “no matter how many steps you take away from God, it only takes one to get back to him.” That step is a step of surrender and obedience.

How awesome it is to think that no matter our condition, Jesus is able to give life.

• Jesus came to give life.

In vs. 38 we see, “Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. ‘Take away the stone,’ he said.” Jesus then blew their minds when he called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” When Jesus called him, “The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.”

Can you imagine the response when everyone sees a mummy come walking out of the tomb??!

At the beginning of this story, the disciples were expecting Jesus to heal a sick man, but Jesus wanted to demonstrate that he can raise a dead man and bring life to that which had none. The sisters were wanting a healing. Jesus wanted a resurrection. That’s what Jesus does. He heals. He gives life!

John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that
they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Jesus died so that we can experience life. Life eternal in heaven for everyone who puts their faith in Him, and life abundant on this earth for all who abide in Him.

• Jesus came to set free.

We see that Lazarus emerged from the tomb wrapped in the death clothes of a mummy.  Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (vs. 44)

Jesus not only wants to give life, but free from all former evidence of death.

John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

Jesus doesn’t set us free to remain in bondage to anyone or anything. Jesus came to set free!

Notice this…

It’s important to go back note the shortest verse in Scripture in the context of this story. Most of us know the verse, but don’t know the context of it. John 11:35 says, “Jesus wept.” Why did Jesus weep?

Jesus wept because those he loved wept. Jesus loves us with a perfect and unlimited love and cares deeply when we hurt. I believe Jesus also wept because although his friends believed he could heal a sick man, they failed to see that He could and wanted to do immeasurably more than they even thought to ask.

Do you believe that God wants to do more in your life than you may even think to ask? Are you feeling distant and away from God? Do you ever feel like you’ve done something so bad, that Jesus can’t bring healing? Is there anything (a past mistake, an addiction, an attitude) that is robbing you of life?

If so, let me encourage you today to walk in the freedom of Jesus, the one who not only wants to give you life, but completely free you from all that would keep you from experiencing abundant life in Him!

The 140:

Jesus not only wants to give you life, but completely free you from all that would keep you from experiencing abundant life in Him.

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This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Who can you encourage today by sending them this devo?)

Big God, Big Faith!

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As excited as you may be about then new college experience, there are probably some things you are missing about home right now. (home-cooked food, laundry, a private bathroom, etc.)

One thing that many college students don’t realize they would miss about home is the security of it. As tough as high school may have seemed at the time or as ready as you once were to leave home, those days may more and more seem like times when things were easy and safe.

Some students describe the transition to college as being the first time in their lives that they have genuinely been scared…. scared about the future, scared about the responsibility, scared about the unknowns. Some are even scared about their faith being challenged or whether or not they will royally screw up in their walk with Christ.

Let me offer you some good news about fear. So much about dealing with fear is perspective. Your point of view from which you view your circumstances makes all the difference.

Here is some truth:

1) If you are a little scared… know that you are not alone.

In fact, everywhere you walk today you will pass other students who are dealing with their own fears. Some may be really good at hiding it, but it is there.

2) Fear is a tool of Satan.

Satan knows that he cannot take the salvation from those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. But he can do his best to steal their joy, their witness, their realization of God’s best for their lives. Fear often begins as a thought that can lead to intense emotions that can literally paralyze us. Fear cripples many college students and robs them of the abundant life that God intends for them, and provides for them through Christ.

3) The opposite of fear is faith.

While Satan wants us to live in fear, God wants us to live in faith. Throughout the Bible we see men and women who faced incredible circumstances and had to make a decision whether they would face them with fear or faith:

– David staring at Goliath
– Elijah, outnumbered 850 to 1 on Mt. Carmel
– Esther boldly approaching the King
– Moses standing in front of Pharaoh.
– Paul facing unimaginable hardships and persecution (and on and on)

Each had to make a choice based on truth that changed their perspective.

Paul’s perspective is no more clear than his words in Galatians 2:20,

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

You may be asking “How can Paul have this kind of faith?” Because he understood the object of his faith.

I heard Tony Evans share a story once of a businessman who had to travel to a small town for a meeting and invited his wife to come with him. His wife was excited about the trip until she learned her husband was going to be flown to the small town in a minuscule twin-engine plane. She told her husband that she decided not to go. “I’m not going on a little-bitty, twin-engine plane,” she told him. ” Her husband smiled, and said, “Honey, your faith is too small.” She responded, “No, the plane is too small.”  He really wanted his wife to go, so the businessman canceled the small plane and booked tickets with a major airline for a larger plane. His wife went with him because, as she put it, “her faith grew because the size of the plane grew.”

The object of her faith determined how much faith she decided to have.

4) The object of your faith determines how much faith you have.

Don’t be scared to put yourself in situations for the sake of God’s glory, where God is your only answer.

My friend, Dr. Jay Strack says, “The bigger your God, the smaller your obstacles.”

So how can you move beyond fear and live in faith today?
By meditating on the bigness of God and the Truth of His Word.

The Bible says that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. As you put your mind on the character of God and the good news of Jesus, you can view the obstacles you face today with perspective.

Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but 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.”

Overcoming fear begins in the mind. Meditate on God’s truth today. As you do, the lies of this world (the lies of Satan) will be exposed. As you focus on truth, you can walk in faith and confidence in the one who has a “good and pleasing and perfect” will for you.

And how awesome is it to know that the One who wants the best for you is the one who can do ANYTHING!

Today, find great joy and peace in abiding in the love of Christ and the truth that perfect love casts out fear! (1 John 4:18)

The 140:

The size of your faith is directly proportional to the object of your faith. Don’t be scared to trust God in BIG ways today!

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This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Because we know you are busy, just click here & save as bookmark. You’re welcome.)

Welcome to College!

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Welcome to college!

This is a big.. a HUGE… season in your life. Whether you are living at home or you moved off to college, you are discovering a new freedom, making new friends, having new experiences that are probably radically different than what was “normal” just a few months ago.

The college experience is truly unlike any other time in your life. Some students find that they have more freedom and time than they really know what to do with. Some students feel challenged beyond what they think they can even handle. But one thing is for sure… the experiences you have and the choices you make over the next 3-5 years will largely shape your future.

I know that the thought that the next few years can have consequences for a lifetime can be pretty scary. I mean there is so much that is unknown about the future right now. The unknown coupled with the radical changes that college brings leaves many students feeling nervous and fearful of what lies ahead. Unfortunately, the most significant factor in a student’s life – their spiritual life- is often neglected or set to the side. During this time of great change, the one thing that NEVER changes, God, is sometimes completely ignored.

While students may not plan to abandon their faith or relationship with God, many do not intentionally plan to grow in their faith and live God’s best for their lives. The purpose of these “First 30” devotionals is help you in this.

Let me remind you of two very important truths today:

1) God loves you and wants the very best for you.

Think about this. God (the creator of the universe, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords) loves you. He created you, He knows everything about you, and He loves you more than anyone else ever could. He demonstrated that love by giving very Son, Jesus, to die for you so that you could know Him and experience His best for your life…

Ephesians 3:20, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Think about that. God wants to accomplish more in and through us than we could ever imagine. What’s the prerequisite to experiencing this? “His mightly power at work within us.” Discovering and living God’s best is found only in relationship with Him and through His spirit at work in us. It’s about abiding in Him!

Here is another truth that many miss…

2) College can be an incredible time of spiritual growth and influence.

Jeremiah 17:8 describes the person who puts their hope and trust in the Lord.

“They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:8

Know that during a time of incredible changes and uncertainty that you can thrive. Like a tree with deep roots that is not bothered by changing climate, but continually producing fruit, you can thrive. How can you do this?

Again, by abiding in Christ. By relying on truth… not changing circumstances or feelings. By being intentional in pursuing and living God’s best.

We have done our best to send you off to college with an actual plan for how to be successful in this. This plan is based on the truth of God’s Word. It’s not a checklist or something you have to get exactly right. It’s simply truth that will help you discover and live God’s best.

Through these devotionals, we want to encourage you in your faith as you hold to God’s truth found in His Word and through abiding in Him. Over the next 30 days, we want to remind you that you can not only start well, but finish well. You’ve got this!! God has the best in store for you and He wants to use you in college and beyond in ways that you can’t even imagine!!

Know that we love you and are so proud of you. We are here for you. Do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call us or text if you need ANYTHING. We can’t wait to see what God does in and through you in the days and years ahead!

My prayer for you today is the prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3…

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth

14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

 

Now go and live with purpose today, trust in God, and be amazed at what happens!

 

The 140:

Students rarely plan to fail; most simply don’t plan NOT to. Don’t rob yourself from experiencing God’s best! Discover & live it!

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This devotional is one in Sugar Hill Church’s First 30 devotional series for college students.
To access the entire series & podcasts be sure to check SHC’s site each day,
as new ones are added daily.
(Because we know you are busy, just click here & save as bookmark. You’re welcome.)