Consider: Paul “adopted” Timothy. The apostle became a mentor, an encourager, a father in the faith for Timothy—and later on for Titus, too. Paul invited Timothy (whom he called his “beloved and faithful son”—1 Corinthians 4:17) to travel with him to the ends of the earth to share the Good News of Jesus. An audacious invitation. And yet, Timothy followed Paul on the adventure of a lifetime.

Paul knew the courage it takes to confront and correct rebellious children. (See 1 Corinthians 4:14-16.) Like a father, Paul experienced the pain of waiting for wayward children to repent. (See 2 Corinthians 2:4.) Like godly dads in every era, Paul committed himself to set an example of Christlikeness for the family of God even in the most difficult circumstances. (See 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 2:28, and 2 Corinthians 1:8–9; 7:5–6)

Leaning on God’s grace in Christ for his sins and failures, Paul lived as a man of courage. Here are four encouraging thoughts drawn from Paul’s life and ministry:

†   God wants dads, just as fully as moms, to know the joys of nurturing, mentoring, and guiding children and those young in faith. Single men, strong in their relationship with Jesus, can make an eternal impact on boys—and girls, too—as they model, teach, and witness to Jesus’ faithfulness and forgiveness. Congregations need to create opportunities for this to occur and recruit faith-filled male leaders.

†   A man’s highest calling is the calling God gives. God does not call all men to be husbands and dads; many men serve the Lord and his people in other ways. Father’s Day can stir up a unique and deep pain for infertile couples and for those whose wives have experienced a miscarriage—even if that loss happened decades ago. When we in the church are sensitive to this deep ache, we will find ways to celebrate the contribution and calling of fathers in the congregation, while still ministering to the men (and women!) who live as singles or in families without children.

†   Few families raise perfect children. Paul had good reason to agonize over his spiritual children. Father’s Day observances give pastors and other church leaders an opportunity to encourage dads who struggle with family problems—debt or job insecurity, rebellious teens, shaky marriages, and the everyday crises common to life in every family on Planet Earth. Father’s Day provides an opportunity to encourage everyone living in every kind of family by reminding them that Jesus died for the sins we commit in our relationships.

†   Many men know the pride (and pain) of living apart from one’s own children. The divorced dad who takes his children on weekends, the dad who has sent a son or daughter halfway around the world into military or missionary service, the dad whose son or daughter has run away from home in a moment of rage or pain—all these dads will wake up on Father’s Day with mixed feelings and perhaps hurting hearts. We in the church can support these men on Father’s Day, even as we elevate the importance of the role God intended fathers to play from all eternity. We can look for ways to stir up within them new courage and confidence in the all-sufficient grace of God, the Lord who protects, enfolds, and cares for all of us and all our children, wherever they may be.

To help you acknowledge and encourage all the men in your congregation on Father’s Day (June 17), and especially the fathers, CTA has created a number of meaningful and cost-effective gifts.  

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #051612. © 2006, 2012CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com.

For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.

Psalm 40:12 NIV^®

Where do you struggle today? Relationships? Finances? Emotions? Addictions? Health issues? Purpose? Guilt? Hurting for and with someone else? Faith issues? We each have our own checklist. Some weeks (or years) the list is longer; some weeks (or years), it’s shorter. But there’s always a list.

If you want to find someone who can relate, someone who has already put into words what you’re feeling, check out the book of Psalms. Many of the prayers and songs in this Book come from the hearts of men struggling with heavy issues, issues just like yours.

These men knew where to turn when they needed relief and deliverance. They knew whom to thank for relief and deliverance—the one true God, the Creator of heaven and earth.

Even when life in a sinful world fogs the road ahead, even when your own sin creates confusion and desperation, know that you have a Savior, and his name is Jesus. He sees you, even when you can’t see him. He’s with you. He is your way out. He’s your help and deliverer (Psalm 40:17).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, when troubles without number surround me, help me live in the greater truth that your presence and promises surround and save me. In that truth I rejoice and give you thanks. Amen. 

This devotion has been adapted from one that first appeared in CTA’s devotion book for men, God’s Direction Is Always Best. You are welcome to copy it for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line printed below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com 

Used with permission grant #051412 © 2012 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

“The ceremony itself is very evangelistic,” said church member Jeffery Brown. “There are many references to Christ in the ceremony and the Marine Corps League did a fantastic job of sharing Jesus with our congregation.”

On a usual Sunday at Springs Road, approximately 100 members attend services, but for the special Memorial Day service, there were over 175 attendees. Brown estimates that there were nearly 50 first-time guests. He says most came only for that one Sunday, but a handful of people came back to the church on the Sundays following the event. “It was really important to follow up with our guests and make good inroads to families in our community,” said Brown.

At the conclusion of the Memorial Day service, church leaders at Springs Road gave each person a flag lapel pin. “I was very impressed with the quality of the pins from CTA,” commented Brown. “The pins were beautiful and very well made. The congregation enjoyed the gift very much.”

Brown sent the leftover pins to veterans in a local nursing home and to a mission team traveling to Argentina.

Honoring the veterans and fallen soldiers in your community can be a great outreach event! The lapel pin is no longer available, but visit CTA’s website to find other great gifts for celebrating these important men and women like patriotic pens, bracelets, and coins.

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line printed below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #050912. © 2012 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

Here are three simple ideas you can deploy—almost instantly!

1. Invite students to help you insert plastic cups in your playground’s chain link fence. Write one letter in indelible marker on the bottom of each cup to spell out the words: “We love our teachers!” 

2. Close out the week by greeting teachers on Friday with a simple “grab and go” breakfast buffet. Consider giving each teacher a travel mug for their coffee. CTA’s “Trust” Stainless Steel Travel Mug  will bless teachers daily with encouragement from God’s Word. 

3. One Sunday this month, give each of your Sunday school teachers a simple bouquet of flowers. Tuck a gift card inside each bouquet, one related to that individual teacher’s hobbies or interests.

Editor’s note: Check out the array of teacher appreciation gifts CTA has available. Many of them will work for all your volunteers, not only teachers!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line printed below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #050812. © 2012 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com. 

God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV®

Our culture idolizes outward beauty and the people who embody it. We all know who the “beautiful people” are. Still, ideas of beauty change over time and across cultures. What is beauty, really? Is there a definition, a portrait of beauty that endures through all time and applies in every place? The surprising answer is yes!

At first, though, that picture may surprise you. Unsurpassed, eternal beauty hung on a rough-hewn cross on the day Christians call Good Friday. On Calvary’s cross, true beauty was clearly visible, unmistakable, as in love, Jesus took onto himself the repulsiveness of our sin.

Jesus died to wash away our guilt. Now, he wraps us in his grace, giving us his very own beauty, his own perfect obedience to the law of God. It’s his gift to us, a gift that is at work in us, making us more and more outwardly beautiful—beautiful in forgiveness, patience, and love.

Prayer: My Savior, thank you for making me beautiful. Help me reflect the beauty of your selfless love today and always. Amen.   

This devotion has been  adapted from one that appeared in CTA’s devotion book for women’s ministry, Reflecting the Beauty of the Lord http://www.ctainc.com/Reflecting-the-Beauty-of-the-Lord/products/372/.  You are welcome to copy it for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line printed below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com 

Used with permission grant #050712. © 2012 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

As Holtz’s players entered the locker room after their last practice, they expected a tongue-lashing. Practices had been a disaster the entire week. Inattention. Fumbled plays. Missed cues. Every player felt the failure that filled the room.

But instead of scolding, Holtz explained that in his family, whenever someone experienced a personal best, the family would sit down with that person and, one by one, share a word of genuine praise. Holtz paused, and then told the team they were going to take the time, right then and there, to do that for one another.

In the moments that followed, each member of the team shared stories of appreciation. They talked about their friendships with each other and about the honor of playing for Arkansas that year. Someone mentioned the privilege of having Steve Little, the nation’s best field goal kicker, on the team. Soon, even big, strong linemen were choking back tears. That locker room conversation became the highlight of the season.

Though the Oklahoma couldn’t have known it, they lost the Orange Bowl that evening. Forty-eight hours later, Arkansas’ 31 to 6 victory glowed on the scoreboard.

The Power of Appreciation

Coach Holtz knew the power of appreciation, of mutual encouragement. Do you?

While your staff and volunteers no doubt derive many blessings from working at your church, they likely treasure nothing as much as knowing that their efforts matter, that what they do makes a true difference.

Feeling that we matter, that others appreciate and love us is like oxygen. Remove it from the room, and people can think of little else. Study after study has shown that one thing drives worker engagement on the job: the feeling that leaders genuinely care about our wellbeing. Study after study also shows that only about 40% of workers actually believe their leaders care.

When we feel appreciated, we can do our best work. We’re more willing to throw our best efforts into the task at hand. We have the energy we need to keep at a task until we succeed. Conversely, when we feel unwanted, unnecessary, it can create fear almost as powerful as threats to our physical survival!

If all this is true—and it is—then why do 60% of leaders fail to communicate caring and appreciation? Why are we so much better at criticizing than at affirming others?

For one thing, we may not recognize the importance of expressing appreciation. We may assume those who work with us “just know” how thankful we are for their efforts. Or we may let the busy-ness of our days and weeks lull us into forgetting to say thanks. Then, too, we may not know what to say; we may feel awkward as we try to find just the right words.

How might church leaders use appreciation to help create more engaged, effective teams? Here are three ideas:

1. Don’t devalue people! Someone has said it takes ten positive statements to undo the harm of one negative statement in the human heart. This doesn’t mean you don’t take corrective action when someone falls short. It does mean that you help the person retain dignity no matter how far short the individual has fallen.

2. Catch people being good and affirm them. All around us every day our followers are doing things both small and large that enhance the ministry God has given us in our community. Ask God to open your eyes to see your co-workers as he sees them. Then look—every day—for actions and attitudes you are currently taking for granted. Find ways to say thanks.

3. Cultivate an attitude of appreciation. Those with whom you work are gifts from God to you! Often when bosses are looking to fire someone, they document all the mistakes that person makes and the problems he or she causes. Why not document the positives about your staff and volunteers, noting the ways they go the extra mile day by day? Write them a note. Bring in a cup of their favorite morning coffee. Put a single flower on their desk. Brag about them to others—and let them overhear it.

The research is clear. So is our everyday, human experience. We all need to be appreciated, respected, loved. (And when we show these things to others, they will grow in their willingness and the ability to show them to us!) Most of all, our team will work together with more skill and in more harmony to accomplish the mission and ministry our Lord Jesus has given us.

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line printed below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #050212. © 2012 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

Congratulations! The last four years are officially filed away in your memory. The classroom doors have closed and your future lies, wide open, ahead of you!

How are you feeling now? Confident? Shaky? Excited? Confused? Not sure? Maybe a mixture of it all? That’s all normal and good. Even though you may have told your parents you have everything figured out, you realize you don’t.

It’s great to know you’re not making this new beginning on your own. The One named Jesus offers to guide you. If you haven’t done so yet, take some time to look back over the last few years. On your trip down memory lane, watch for specific markers—those that show the hand of God shaping your past. When you see his faithfulness there, it will help give you the hope, clarity, and encouragement you need to move into the future with confidence.

You’re likely praying for a smooth transition and for new adventures packed with potential. Your Lord has lots of experience with both. He brought Joshua from the status of student to that of teacher and a leader with stature (Numbers 11:28; Joshua 1). He helped Deborah transition smoothly into a position of leadership (Judges 4–5). And he transitioned Timothy from studying God’s Word to teaching it (2 Timothy 1:5–6; 3:14–15).

What will he do through and for you? It will be exciting to watch his plans unfold day by day. Watch as his blessings overflow. Let what you see and experience empower you. Allow the Holy Spirit to encourage your faith through the his Word.

The Lord holds out these words of promise to you, just as he did for his people long ago:

 I know the plans I have for you, . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

You have a certain hope and a bright future because of Jesus Christ and all he’s done for you! Enjoy the journey ahead! Congratulations and God’s blessings on the new beginnings that lie ahead of you!

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line printed below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #050112. © 2012 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 1 Corinthians 14:20

Let’s pretend you’re getting older. (It’s probably not really happening. But for the moment, just pretend it is.) You’ve always had laugh lines. But somehow they look, well, a bit deeper now. And your neck. Does it seem crinklier somehow, less a sculptured work of art and more a cry for additional moisturizing cream?

When we focus on outward beauty, the changes maturity brings aren’t always for the better. Spiritual maturity, however, carries a different ring altogether. It hints at inner beauty in all the various facets we have been considering in this book. It suggests being clear-headed, peace-loving, dependable. It implies that someone is even-tempered, even when a neighbor grooves her lawn with his motorcycle. It speaks to an emphasis on the needs of others rather than on self.

Even as Paul describes and commends maturity, he encourages us to become like infants in regard to everything evil. Why infants? Infants lie in the crib and coo. They don’t try to get even. They don’t understand greed or hatred or lust. They are guileless, accepting.

All this is easy to say, but hard to do. Unkind thoughts creep into our minds, sometimes uninvited. Selfishness elbows out love. Too often, we turn everything around, becoming infants in our thinking and adults in regard to evil!

The really great news is that Jesus knows all about our struggle. He died on Calvary’s cross to declaw the worst evil of all, eternal death. He joins us on the battlefield, opposing the sin that threatens to make us inwardly ugly, unable to reflect his beauty.

And when we fail, becoming a bit too friendly with sin, what then? Away with guilt! Jesus’ love shouts, “Guilt’s gone! Calvary buried it all!” As we grow up into the beauty of holiness, our Lord grants unlimited do-overs in the cross of his Son.

Spiritually mature? It’s quite a pleasant thought. I like the way it sounds. I think the Lord does too.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include the copyright line printed below and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Coordinator.

Used with permission grant #043012. © 2012 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this article is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026-1205. www.CTAinc.com.

Creating an Online Group

Once you’ve created your Friend Lists on Facebook, you can use it to create a Group. Groups can be public, private, or secret. From your Home page, click on Groups (left column), then on Create a Group (center column).

Notice the definitions given there for each kind of Group. If you want to keep comments made on the discussion board confidential, you will probably choose to create a “secret” Group. However, you may want to give your pastor or another adult access for the sake of accountability. If you know that person will eavesdrop from time to time, you’ll be less likely to post comments that might create issues. In addition, parents will likely find the “secret” designation more appropriate if they know you’ve made yourself accountable in this way.

Simply follow the directions from there, choosing Group members from among your friends. Then click Create. The new Group will appear in the left-hand column on your home page. At that point, you’re ready to go!

(If you have trouble with any of this, search for “How to Create Facebook Groups” on www.YouTube.com Several people have posted helpful step-by-step videos.)

Using Your Group Interface

Here’s the real challenge—creating meaningful content, content that matters and keeping it coming! For the most part, you’ll want to avoid long-windedness. Limit most posts to a sentence or two—especially since many youth will read your messages on their cell phones. For example, you might . . .

• Share an encouraging Bible verse.
• Pose a question to provoke thought.
• Ask everyone to share a prayer request for today.
• Urge group members to bring a friend to tonight’s event.
• Remind group members to bring a Bible to this weekend’s retreat.
• Post a link to an appropriate website—a song, YouTube video, or news article, for example.

In any case, plan to comment at least 4-5 days a week, more often if possible. That does not mean, though, that you need to devote an hour a day to it. You may want to sit down once each month with a large planning calendar—or an online version. Plot out content for every day. Most days, all you need is a sentence or two (“Happy Groundhog Day” on February 2, for example). Not every post needs to carry pious overtones; in fact, it’s better if they don’t!

Jot down the references for Bible texts you’ll use on some days. Enter individual birthdays on the days when they fall. Leave a few days blank and fill them in as you happen upon helpful quotes or links to share.

You are welcome to copy this article for one-time use in your organization as long as you will receive no monetary benefit from it. Please include this copyright line and submit an actual copy of use to CTA, attention Editorial Manager.

Used with permission grant #042512. © 2012 CTA, Inc. No duplication of this devotion is allowed without the express written consent of CTA, PO Box 1205, Fenton, MO 63026. www.CTAinc.com

Adapt this commissioning/sending service to your setting as you recognize high school and college graduates and encourage them for the opportunities that lie ahead: 

1. Ask all graduates to come forward. Specifically mention those graduating from high school, community college, training programs, college, and graduate programs.

(Optional) If time will allow, let students pass a microphone to one another, sharing with the congregation:

Their names.

The school or program from which they have been graduated.

Where they are now headed (e.g., the military, a job, job-hunting, a community college or university, grad school).

2. Briefly share a few thoughts based on this outline:

• Congratulations on your achievement! How good God has been to make that achievement possible.
• The next steps will be exciting for you and for all of us who love you as you continue to learn, as your life’s work begins to make a difference in the lives of others, as you establish a home and perhaps a family, and maybe even as you begin to pay your own bills:-)
• Your Lord Jesus has even more in mind for you, though! The “hope” and “future” he intends (Jeremiah 29:11) isn’t really about how much you can learn and earn. His purpose for you is that . . .

Your relationship with him will grow deeper and broader;

Your life will shine out with his love; and that

Your words will offer his pardon and peace to a restless and dying world.

• If those things happen, our Lord is the one who will work them in you and through you. Let’s ask him to do that!

3. Use a prayer like this one. Adapt it to fit your situation.

Lord Jesus, thank you so much for all you have done in the lives of these graduates. Thank you for your hand of protection that has sheltered them and your wisdom that has guided them. In your cross, assure them of your forgiveness for their past sins. 

Work in them now to want what you want for their lives. Draw them close to you and keep them there. Teach them that they serve you best by serving those around them. Continue to give them your peace, courage, hope, and love. Make them examples to us of how extraordinary our lives can be when we yield ourselves up to you. 

We pray in the gracious and powerful name of our Lord Jesus! Amen.

4. Close by sending/commission the graduates with a blessing based on Jeremiah 29:10, Numbers 6:24-26, or 2 Corinthians 13:14.

5. Distribute the item you are giving as a memento. CTA has some great, Christ-centered items you may want to consider. See some of them here.