Glenn Hascall - It All Matters to Jesus Devotional for Boys: Bullies, Bikes, and Baseball...He Cares About It All!

2016 by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Print ISBN 978-1-63058-921-9

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Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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05301 0216 DP

How is it possible to pick just 40 topics that matter to Jesus? Honestly, we tried. Since everything matters to Jesus, we decided to choose 40 things that should also matter to you. After all, if it matters to Jesus, it should matter to us, right?

This book is the result of months of research, writing, and review. We wanted this to be just right for the issues you face every day. Things like compassion, attitude, worry, generosity, integrity, obedience, prayer, our thoughts, and wisdom. Well find out why it matters and what the Bible says about it.

Spend time here and consider some pretty important information. When things that matter to Jesus also matter to us, we can help others see how Jesus changes lives, helps us understand, and gives our lives new purpose. He never leaves us without direction.

Youll also see the things that matter to us bring about the compassion and patience of God.

It all matters to Jesusand Jesus should matter to us.

At family gatherings people tell stories. You might hear about something your grandpa did when he was young or a fish that got away on a trip to a nearby creek. You may not have been alive when the stories happened, but the names of those who lived them become important when you share the stories with others.

Names are important. A first name is personal and helps others see you as unique. A last name points to the family you come from. A middle name? Well, that can be a name you like, loathe, or forget. Sometimes you only hear your middle name when youve done something wrong. When your entire name is spoken, it usually means you need to pay attention to an important messageusually from a family member.

Jesus had many names. He was called Prophet, Teacher, Friend, Savior, and Son of God. Each name helped people understand Him better but also showed how others viewed Him. For instance, someone who called Him Teacher didnt know Him nearly as well as someone who called Him Son of God.

You have special names, too. Some might call you Smart, Talented, Trustworthy, or even Son, Grandson, or Nephew. You might be Neighbor, Friend, Classmate, or Student. Not all people will call you by these special names. For instance, you wouldnt expect your best friend to call you Grandson. This is a special name only your grandparents would use. On the other hand, your grandparents probably wouldnt call you Classmate. Your teacher could use many names such as Smart, Talented, Trustworthy, and Student. On a bad day, other names might apply.

People you see in school have names. Some you know, a few you use, and some you might need to learn. More than just names, these people can carry labels such as Kind, Funny, Friendly, Stuck-Up, and Bully, along with more labels than we can print. Not all labels are good. Not all labels are true. And not all labels should be used.

When we show honor in the way we use names, were telling other people that we see them as valuable. Showing respect helps other people see you as friendly, and they will be less cautious when talking to you. Friendships can only grow when you trust the other personand they trust you.

Our actions have names like Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control (see Galatians 5:2223). To have someone use these names to describe you is a real compliment, it pleases God, and this type of name-calling is never against the law.

Do not be misled:
Bad company corrupts good character.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 NIV

People we call friends should be encouraged by our lives, and we should be encouraged by their faith. Everybody needs friends, but some people will only encourage you to do things that have never pleased God.

God invented relationships. He never wants us to try to live in a way that keeps us apart from people. Because it matters to Jesus, we have to learn the value of friendships, the choices that inspire friendships, and the heart that welcomes friendships even when the idea of introducing ourselves scares us.

Friends are known for their compassion and for wanting to know us well enough that trust becomes a two-way street. Jesus had this kind of friendship with most of His disciples, and Hes always shown that if you have real friends, you have an impressive treasure.

When we show compassion, were saying that other people are important to us. We care about them and want to help them. This is why friendship is something all of us need. This is why being a friend is something we all should be. Its also why we understand the power of names and use them wisely.

Be the friend God wants you to be by doing what He asks you to do.

[Jesus said,] You are my friends
if you do what I command.
JOHN 15:14

Jesus wants us to have friends and be friendly.

Good friends are people we can trust.

Good friends are a gift, not something you buy.

Good friends dont give up.

Meeting new people can be scary.

Not everyone who wants a friend will act like it.