Today ran a bit differently than most, and I couldn’t be happier. We’ve been slowly introducing times of worship into our gatherings, and this evening, a member of our worship team came up to lead our students. Following our time of worship, our students experienced two messages.
To start off, I took our students to the Book of Hebrews. The author of Hebrews is writing to a group of Jewish Christians who are trying to navigate life as Jews but also as followers of Jesus. There’s some confusion as to what of the Old Testament they should still do and should not do. Amid this conversation, the writer gives the following encouragement to the community
Hebrews: 10:23-25
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
This encouragement to stir up each other is not directed towards just the church leaders but the community as a whole. We are each responsible for finding ways to encourage each other. But sometimes, we need practice doing that. We need someone to allow us to do that in a safe place. Here at THP, we strive to create these opportunities. Tonight, we gave room for one of our students to do this!
STUDENT’S MESSAGE
Today, we have the great opportunity to create a safe place for someone to do just that. Today one of our own is going be sharing something the Lord put on his heart to encourage us all.
Today, it’s time to jump up, kick back, whip around, and spin into today’s devotion!
So today, we’re going to talk about “Lego Ninjago Rise of the Serpentine.”
Throughout the entire season, Sense Wu talks about how the Ninjago have barely scratched the surface of their powers and don’t even know what they’re capable of. He tells them about their true potential and how the key to unlocking it is to fill a hole in their hearts, which means fixing the problems that hurt their hearts.
Over the season, the ninjas unlock their true potential by fixing problems they have, like:
Bad relationships: One character, Cole, and his father have had a rocky relationship ever since his mother died. Then Cole’s father accepts that he is a ninja.
Obsession: Kai thinks he is the chosen ninja to defeat the dark Lord, and he is willing to do almost anything it takes. Until he realizes he is not supposed to be the chosen ninja but to protect the chosen ninja.
Hiding your emotions: During the show, Jai hides his feelings for Nya Kai’s sister. Later, he opens up and tells Nya how he feels.
Finding your identity: Everyone thinks Zane is weird because he’s different from them. He later realizes he’s different from them because he’s a Nindroid. Then, he figures out that he was made to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
So, how do we unlock our true potential as Christians? Well, in Ephesians 2:10 it says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us a new in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Just as the ninjas were given their powers to help Ninjago, God has created us with the potential to do some amazing things, but we need to unlock that potential!
So, my question for you is: What keeps you from unlocking your true potential, and how can you fix it? For some of you, it could be a bad relationship with a parent, hiding your feelings for someone, finding your identity, or obsession. You are not the only one facing it. You can always ask your mom, dad, friend, teacher, and pastor to help you fix a problem that keeps your heart from being whole and unlocking your true potential.
Adventures in Student Ministry 