Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

Contentment. It’s not standard equipment for human beings! Babies don’t have it – they want what they want when they want it. Learning contentment is a lifelong process and often a very painful one at that. Even Paul said he had to learn patience through the things he suffered (Philippians 4:11-12).

Caleb is one of those unsung heroes in the Bible who never had a movie made about him. But his life is one of devotion and faithfulness under difficult circumstances. Only he and Joshua had faith that God could defeat the giants and give the promised land to the Jews. The other 10 spies influenced the people with their fear and as a result the nation wandered for 40 years until that whole generation dies off. Only Joshua and Caleb remained to enter the land. Caleb had to suffer the consequences of disobedience even though he stayed faithful to God. Imagine having 40 years of your life wasted because of the sin of others?

Then when they entered the land God chose Joshua to replace Moses. Caleb was passed over, but he had a good attitude and helped Joshua any way he could. His faith didn’t waver for when Joshua offered him his choice of the land he picked the very place where the giants were the strongest. Then he and his clan defeated them by themselves (with God’s help). What a story of lifelong devotion, of faithfulness, of willingness to be a support player and help in any way he could. What an example Caleb is for us today.

Scripture
Philippians 4:11-12, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Numbers 14:23-24, “Not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it. But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.”

Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Reflect

• Do you get jealous when someone else gets more attention than you?
• Are you content in your present situation, or does discontent keep popping up in your heart?
• Are you willing to be a good number two man, supporting others without getting the credit yourself?
• Is you faith stronger now than when you first believed, or has the unfairness and injustice in life caused you to start doubting God?

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

Some decisions seem so easy we don’t even give them a second thought. The answer seems obvious. Why even bother God with it? So we made the decision and think nothing more of it – until later we realize that it started us on the wrong path. Think back on your own life, how many major difficulties started with what seemed like a small thing, a little decision that seemed simple at the time.

Joshua had such a time himself. God directed Joshua through the Jordan River and to victory over Jericho. Defeating tiny Ai seemed no problem after watching mighty Jericho crumble, but the Jews were defeated. They didn’t go to God first or they would have learned that there was sin in the camp.

Then when the Gibeonites offered to sign a treaty with the Jews Joshua thought it was a sure thing. At first glance it was evident they had come from a long distance so they couldn’t be part of the people that God said had to be destroyed. After signing the treaty Joshua found out they had fooled him and were really from nearby.

But it even gets worse. The Gibeonite’s neighbors attacked them because they signed the treaty with Israel so Joshua had to come to their assistance. Here he finds himself defending the very people he was supposed to destroy – all because making the treaty seemed like such a simple decision that he didn’t go to God with it. God bailed him out and turned it to good by using the battle to destroy many Canaanite tribes. God even sent hail and kept the sun from setting until they were destroyed.

Now we don’t have to pray and wait for an answer about what color socks to wear in the morning, but we must be careful about quick, simple decisions that seem OK without asking God. Things are not always what they seem, as Joshua discovered. We, too, are open to deception. Be very careful, always run it by God first.

Scripture
John 8:44, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

John 8:31-32, “Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Reflect

• What lessons can you learn from times when you didn’t go to God for advice before making a decision? How can you prevent that from happening next time?
• How can you help someone who seems to be making a poor decision and it leaving God out of it?

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

Roy “Wrong Way” Riegels is known for running a fumble the wrong way in the 1929 Rose Bowl. His error cost his team the victory. Roy was devastated. He sat in the corner of the locker room at half time with a towel over his head and cried. But his coach made him get back in the game and he played the second half at such a high level of intensity that his teammates voted him captain of the team for the next year. Roy didn’t quit.

Americans seem to have a real love for the underdog, the upset victory, the big come from behind victory. I think that’s because we can identify with them and we love a good ending. We fantasize that the same thing will happen in our life. That’s why movies like Invincible and Facing the Giants have been so popular. In the first movie, an average citizen tries out for the Eagles, makes the team, and contributes to their victories. The later is about a high school team that goes from perennial losers to state champs. We love them because the underdog doesn’t quit and so ends up winning.

It’s easy to quit in the Christian life, as well. It’s often tempting to not suit up, get in the game, play our position and stay tough despite the hits and hardships. Discouragement is one of the enemy’s biggest tools against us. But God blesses us when we persevere and stay faithful.

To persevere without quitting takes strength and endurance. Physically, athletes need a healthy diet, good rest and proper training. The same is true for us spiritually. Spiritual junk food may make us feel good for a moment, but its only when we nourish ourselves in His Word that we will be strong enough to endure and not quit.

We also need proper rest – peace that comes only from God. When we are tired, stressed and frustrated we can easily become discouraged and want to quit. Then we can persevere in prayer, Bible reading and holy living. We can keep going when it is hard to reach out to others, forgive those who hurt us and love those who aren’t easy to love.

So put on the uniform God provides, get in the game and don’t quit no matter how tough it gets. Even if it seems you’re losing and a comeback seems impossible, remember you’re the victor in Jesus. Talk about a great comeback! Imagine being nailed to a cross and hit with the eternal hell punishment for every sin ever committed? Who would have thought He’d win? But He did. What an upset! What a comeback! What a great ending! Because of His victory we are victors as well. So don’t quit no matter what. He didn’t quit on you, don’t quit on Him.

Scripture
Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

James 5:10-11, “Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

2 Timothy 2:3, “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

Reflect

• Do you spend quality time each day connecting with God, talking to Him as well as listening to Him, and studying His Word?
• What usually gets you discouraged quickest? (The enemy knows, so you better know as well.) What can you do about it?
• Think of someone you know who is discouraged and out of the game. What can you do today to help them?

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

Football is a contact sport. It’s a tough game. There are 15 times as many injuries in football as in bowling or tennis, ten times as many as in gymnastics. Football players get hurt. That’s why there is always an injury report for each team listed in the newspaper or on line.

But, you know, life is a contact sport. Life is tough. You can’t get in the game and play your position for very long without receiving some hard hits from your opposition. If you want to keep your uniform clean and neat don’t go in the fame. When you are playing your best you’ll get dirty, you’ll get hit. You’ll get scars and limps. Life is full of pain and suffering, of injustice and rejection, of fear and disappointment. The more we try to be like Jesus the more the enemy will attack us. He can’t get at Jesus so he takes it out on us.

Many Christians solve that problem by getting out of the game and watching from the sidelines. They’ve discovered they don’t get dirty, they don’t get hit when they aren’t suited up and playing their hardest. They give in to the intimidation of the enemy.

So why doesn’t God protect His people from the contact and tackles of the enemy? He Himself wasn’t immune and we are certainly no better than Him. Plus, God allows them at a means of strengthening us. They become opportunities to get stronger, to trust God and obey Him. When we get to heaven there won’t be any more hits, but in this life they are our way of standing for Him and showing the world by our example all He can do for a person.

God allows us to get knocked down some times to help us get our eyes back on Him (Hebrews 12:5-11). Even the dirty cheap shots the enemy takes at God’s children are used for God’s glory and our growth. Job is an example of that. Hosea and Paul are examples of those who took some major hits for God’s cause.

So put on your uniform, get in the game and take your hits. The game isn’t as long as you think – there’s less time than we realize. Soon the whistle will blow and that will be it. Then we’ll enjoy the fruits of victory for all eternity. But now its time to get tough! And if you ever think the game is too hard, remember Jesus. He took the really bit hits on the cross for us. What we face is nothing compared to Him. He got tough for you – can you get tough for Him?

Scripture
2 Corinthians 1:8-9, “Brothers and sisters, we don’t want you to be ignorant about the suffering we experienced in the province of Asia. It was so extreme that it was beyond our ability to endure. We even wondered if we could go on living. In fact, we still feel as if we’re under a death sentence. But we suffered so that we would stop trusting ourselves and learn to trust God, who brings the dead back to life.”

James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

1 Peter 4:19, “Those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

John 15:2, “Every branch that bears fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Romans 8:28, “All things work together for Good for the benefit of those who love Him.”

1 Peter 4:16, “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed but praise God that you bear that name.”

Reflect

• What is your attitude to the things in life that are hard, unfair, or painful? Do you resent them and feel sorry for yourself, assuming God should make you exempt from them?
• What can you do to help a friend going through a hard time? What can you do today?
• Take a moment and write out a plan of how you should approach the difficulty you are currently facing.

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

It’s been said that a good offense wins football games but a good defense wins championships. A solid defense is crucial, but if a team can’t score they’ll never win even if they hold their opponents to no points. Every team needs a good offense, too. Winning teams can slowly but surely move the ball down the field to score. They can also score from far away. When necessary they can grind it up, using the clock and moving the ball down the field. A strong offense brings victory.

God provides for our offense as well. Not only does He give us ways to defend ourselves against the enemy’s attacks, He also provides a way for us to go on the offensive, to take the battle to the enemy, and to win. That is through the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

When Jesus was tempted He quoted Scripture to have victory over Satan’s temptations. Psalm 119:9,11 tell us that it’s through God’s Word that we have victory. When we have negative thoughts and attacks we must use Scripture to have victory. Ask God to give you some verses that will help against these things, write them down and memorize them. Say them over and over when these thoughts attack you. That is the only way to victory, and God guarantees it will work!

So every morning before getting up and getting into the game you must put on your uniform. Put on the helmet of salvation so you have God’s thoughts, the breastplate of righteousness (pads) to protect yourself from sin by Jesus’ holiness, and the belt of truth to keep from being deceived by the enemy’s lies.

In addition, put on the shoes of peace so your daily standing is secure, take up the shield of faith (stiff arm those trying to tackle you) so you can face whatever happens in strong faith, and pick up the sword of the Word of God, which is the only way to move ahead against the enemy. Study, memorize and quote Scripture against whatever comes up in your life. When you wear His uniform you can enter the game assured of victory. But you have to put it on and use it!

Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-18, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms…. Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Hebrews 4:12-13, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Reflect

• Each morning, before getting out of bed, mentally put on the uniform God has provided so you can get in the game and defeat the enemy of your soul.
• When in ministry its easy to use the Word each day without really personally feeding on it. Are you guilty of this? What do you need to do today to correct this?
• What part of the uniform are you weakest in? That’s where the enemy will attack to defeat you. What can you do to be stronger in that area?
• What are some of your favorite verses to use when attacked? Make sure they are always available. No matter how good a defense you have, winning only comes by attacking your opponent using the Word of God.

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

When is the last time you saw a football player run onto the field without wearing pads? They know how dangerous that would be. Football pads are very expensive but totally necessary. Without them injuries would occur that would know the player out of the game. The team owner is willing to provide the best equipment so his players can perform at maximum efficiency.

Our owner, God, has spared no expense in providing us with the breastplate of righteousness. The cost was the life of His dear Son on the cross. Without His righteousness we would be doomed and defeated by sin. But when we are covered by His blood and righteousness we are safe from any condemnation for His righteousness protects us.

While the belt isn’t the most glamorous part of a football players uniform, he’s in trouble without it! Thigh pads would pull his pants down and hinder his progress. It wouldn’t take much for him to trip and fall. Without our belt of truth we’ll trip and fall as well. The enemy slips us eyes to cause us to stumble. Only by knowing and applying God’s truth can we keep our spiritual balance.

Another very important part of a football players equipment is his footwear. Correct foot wear is necessary to prevent injury and to provide stable footing for running and cutting. If a player is slipping and sliding he is worthless to his team. Players have dozens of different shoes to choose from to assure stable footing and safety.

God also provides an outer wall of protection, our shield of faith. Just as a good stiff arm can keep a tackler from us, so a strong faith in God can keep doubt and fear away. This is our outer protection.

God provides His followers with “sandals of peace” so we can enjoy our safe footing in Him and stand secure against anything the enemy throws against us. Operating from a base of peace is the only way to move on to victory in life. God provides that for us as well.

Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-18, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…”

John 8:31-32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:44, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Reflect

• Ask God to show you any lies of the enemy you are believing. How are they causing you to stumble? What truth of God can you use to defeat these lies?

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

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Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

Football is a touch sport. Thus, it requires special equipment to protect those who participate. The players don’t have to provide their own equipment, the team owner does that. But players must avail themselves of the equipment and use it. How foolish would it be for a football player to decided he didn’t want to wear a helmet, or to leave his cleats in the locker room? God also provides the protection those who fight on His team need.

The helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment for a football player. Last year 36,412 football related head injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms. These can cause lifelong disability or paralysis – or even death. That’s why new rules state that a play is immediately dead if a player loses his helmet.

For the Christian, too, proper head protection is essential. We are first attacked in our thoughts and attitudes, our motives and values, our priorities and beliefs. Every sin starts as a thought. All our actions begin as ideas and beliefs. Thoughts determine actions. The enemy attacks our mind to defeat or discourage us. So God provides the helmet of salvation to guard our thoughts.

The helmets of some football players contain small radios so the coach can talk directly to the player and give him the guidance he needs. We, too, need to listen to God as He guides and directs us through our game of life. So get in the game, play your decision but make sure you wear your helmet when you do so!

Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-18, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand…. Take the helmet of salvation…”

Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Reflect

• How is your thought life? If the images and thoughts that you allow in your head were broadcast for your family and friends to see, how would you feel?
• Take a moment to confess any and all thoughts or attitudes that are sin.
• Would you say your attitude to your ministry is what God would want it to be? Where does it need to change? Pray about that now.
• Ask God to put His helmet of salvation on your head daily so you have His thoughts and the mind of Christ.

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

A football team is composed of many players each of whom plays a different position. There is offense, defense, special teams, kickers, and so forth. Everyone has a little different job to do and they must all work together. If only 9 players run onto the field to try and score against a defense of 11 players, what will happen is obvious. Each player must be doing his part in order for the team to win. If only a quarterback went to play he’d never accomplish anything. Or if 11 quarterbacks went out then what would happen? As a group the purpose is to defeat the opposition, but each contributes in their own unique way.

That’s the way it is with Christians as well. God gives each of us special abilities, spiritual gifts and talents. He assigns us to the position He wants us to play and gives us each our own unique mission in life. If we don’t accomplish what He wants we are hurting the whole team effort. If someone in a family or church isn’t functioning as God wants them to the whole group is hurt. When we don’t pray, give, serve, help or witness as God would have us then everyone is the loser. That’s why so many families, churches and ministries struggle. Everyone has a part and everyone must play their part.

The best teams don’t succeed just because of a superstar, they win consistently because everyone plays together well as a team. The 1972 Miami Dolphins were the only professional football team to go undefeated through a whole season. They aren’t remembered for any outstandingly great players but for their play as a team. Any coach wants that. Our great coach, God, wants the same thing from His players. So get in the game and play your position!

Scripture
A body isn’t just a single part blown up into something huge. It’s all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together… If the body was all eye, how could it hear? If all ear, how could it smell? As it is, we see that God has carefully placed each part of the body right where he wanted it. 1 Corinthians 12:14-18 (MSG)

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10)

…each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. (1 Corinthians 7:7)

At the moment of salvation when the believing person is baptized into the body of Christ, the Holy Spirit gives to every believer one or more gifts, God-given abilities for service as He chooses (1 Corinthians 12:11)

Reflect

• What position does God want you to play in His game plan? Are you playing it?
• What are some abilities that God has given you which you aren’t using? Why?
• Are there any areas in which God would have you serve but you aren’t? Why aren’t you?
• Is there anything you’re doing that someone else should be doing? What can you do to have others do that so you don’t have to?
• Are you a good team player? Would others say you are a good team player? How can you improve in this area?
• Are you more interested in your own performance, your statistics, what awards you get – or in the accomplishments of the whole group?

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

We recently went on a trip, but did it differently than is usually done. We found out at the last minute we had to use up some vacation time or lose it, so we had to plan a special trip in just a few days. Normally we would dream about where we wanted to go and then start making plans, but this time we first looks for a cheap airplane ticket and when we found something unbelievable affordable its destination became where we decided to spend our time. Finding a last-minute deal at a resort was easy because the economy was causing everyone to lower prices, especially for rooms that would have been going unused. Finding a cheap airfare is easy if you aren’t particular about the destination. We ended up in Cancun!

The point of telling you all that is to make an analogy with life. Many people live their lives like we planned our trip. Instead of picking a destination and planning how to get there, they just go in what seems the easiest, cheapest direction. What ever seems like fun and doesn’t take a lot of effort is the path their life takes.

There definitely is a down side to planning this way. While we saved a lot of money on travel, our travel days started at 2 AM and didn’t end until late in the evening. When life is lived this way there are definitely hidden costs that at first one doesn’t expect.

How are you entering 2009? Do you have a definite destination in mind for yourself spiritually, emotionally, educationally, socially, financially and relationally in 2009? Or are you just going to take whatever comes easiest and follow that path? If you don’t know what you are shooting for you’ll never hit the target! And sometimes we don’t want to shoot at anything. We just want to stay safely at home and not risk the difficulties or travel. We don’t want to leave the comfort of where we are now at so we don’t grow or stretch. That may be safe, but it doesn’t bring growth.

How should we plan for 2009? First spend time in prayer and meditation evaluating where you are in life spiritually, emotionally, etc. Then think about where you’d like to be a year from now. The goal should be large enough to challenge and stretch you, but not so far out that it is unattainable and discourages you. When you have an idea then start planning. As in any trip, research where you are going and how to get there. Talk to others who have made the trip to get advice from them. Plan it all step by step, like you would a vacation. Then carry out your plans just like when you travel.

Living this way is more costly than taking the cheapest and easiest route, but you must be willing to pay the price if you want to get to the destination. Life often puts detours and obstacles in your way. There are very few direct flights from where you now are to where you want to be next year, so be prepared for some tough travel conditions. That means be flexible, but always keep moving toward your goal. See the obstacles as challenges. Remember, the process is the key, for without the process there is no product. We just want to get there, but God is more concerned about the process. When God is your travel agent and plans your trip it may not be as smooth and easy as you’d like, but you can be sure the destination is worth it.

So have a nice trip – no matter what it is like. Take it one step at a time. By the time the end of December 2009 rolls around you’ll be glad you did!

Reflect
Take a few minutes to pray and meditate about where you are now and where God wants you to be in the following areas. Write down what He shows you.

• Spiritual
• Emotional
• Relational – spouse
• Relational – family
• Relational – friends
• Educational/career
• Social
• Financial

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!

Time Out (by Jerry Schmoyer)

Because of a last minute change in my wife’s vacation policy at work we ended up taking our 30th wedding anniversary 6 months early – less than 2 weeks before Christmas. Fortunately a poor economy and last-minute rock-bottom rates enabled us to get an unbelievably great deal and last week we found ourselves at a beautiful resort near Cancun, sitting on the beach. Our biggest concern was making sure we didn’t get too sun burnt! It certainly wasn’t like any other Christmas season I had ever experienced!

There was a Christmas tree in the lobby of the resort. Here and there throughout town were subtle reminds that it was almost Christmas. Every once in a while Felice Navidad could be heard playing in the background. But it definitely did not seem like Christmas.

I sat on the beach one day pondering that whole idea of what Christmas should “seem” like. Being from Pennsylvania, it seems like cold weather and snow, family traditions and decorations, singing Christmas carols in church, shopping, sending cards and visiting friends. That’s what Christmas seems like to me. But as I sat on that beach I was struck with reality of it all – what does cold weather and familiar activities have to do with the birth of Jesus? Absolutely nothing! Not a thing I associated with Christmas had anything to do with God Himself leaving heaven to come to earth to pay for my sins. Clearly the birth of God’s Son wasn’t the central focus of the holiday I was celebrating. It was a quite sobering thought, a humbling revelation.

I’m as quick as anyone to reject the idea of a “Winter Holiday” as secular and insist it is Jesus’ birthday I celebrate. Yet when it doesn’t “seem” like His birthday without my cultural traditions it makes me wonder. What should Christmas really “seem” like anyway?

Then my thoughts ran to how God looks at our customs at this time of year. Is He angry? Upset? Disappointed? Jealous? Quite honestly, I don’t think He minds the traditions and customs that make it “seem” like Christmas, as long as we keep Jesus as the central focus of it all. He created the colors and sounds, the smells and tastes, the music and togetherness that makes this time of year special. Yet if that is all it is then something is missing. Why even bother? Clearly many of our fellow vacationers didn’t bother at all. This whole massive event we put on every December can either help us remember the reason for the season, or it can keep us so busy we leave Jesus our of His own birthday party.

How can we keep Him in focus? It has to happen in our hearts and devotion, in our love and praise to Him, in giving Him the credit for all we have and telling others about Him. It transcends location and weather, traditions and cultural events. It may not “seem” like the Pennsylvania Christmas celebration I am used to when I sit on a Mexican beach right before Christmas, but then it isn’t the externals that make it Christmas anyway – it’s what happens in my heart. That’s where the real celebration takes place, wherever my body is.

So if this applies to you, if things have changed and it doesn’t “seem” like Christmas, realize that you are looking at the wrong things. The essence of the season is a God who loves us so much He gave up everything so we could one day be with Him in heaven. And if your ducks are all lined up so that it “seems” like Christmas to you, make sure you look within and not at the external celebration to find what Christmas is all about. If it “seems” like Christmas or not doesn’t matter. It is – because God Himself came to earth in human flesh! And that’s where our center of attention must be!

Reflect
If you would like to focus a bit more on Jesus this season here are some suggestions.

• Pray and ask God to return to you the special “magic” of this season, to give you a fresh awe and wonder concerning the miracle of His coming to earth.
• Write Him a card expressing your love. Then get a gift for Jesus. Do something that would please Him like helping someone in need, getting a gift for those without finances, make a donation to a worthy charity or ministry, etc.
• Memorize some or all of the Christmas story in Matthew and Luke.
• Make sure you have a special time of devotions each day. Focus on family devotions as well. Don’t be too busy for this.
• Take time to discuss some of your favorite memories of past Christmas celebrations.
• Reach out to someone without family and include them in your family events.
• Read the words of some Christmas carols slowly, thinking about what they mean. You can even use them as the basis of a prayer.
• Write down a list of how your life would be different if Jesus has never come to earth.
• Have a birthday cake for Jesus first thing Christmas morning. Read the Christmas story in Luke and sing happy birthday to Jesus.

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Jerry Schmoyer has been a minister in Pennsylvania for over 25 years and has worked with teenagers for 14 years, ever since I became one myself. He authors the weekly Time Out series here at Life in Student Ministry in hopes to spiritually refresh your soul as you continually pour so much of yourself into students. God bless!