Josh McDowell's Youth DevotionsSample

"YES SIR, DRILL SERGEANT, SIR!" Have you ever seen the members of an army platoon going through their drills? At each command from their drill sergeant, the group moves as if they are one. "Right face!" Everyone turns. "Forward march!" Everyone marches. "Company, halt!" No one moves not a muscle. After months of hard work, these men and women know that when their drill sergeant gives a command, they'd better respond-and quickly. Not only that, but many of them discover that their commitment to obedience pays off: They become stronger, faster, more agile, and more effective. God has given commands to us, too. He doesn't shout in our ears like a drill sergeant. He doesn't make us run ten miles with forty pound backpacks. He doesn't make us drop to the ground and do twenty push-ups if we make a mistake. But he has given commands for us to follow day after day. So, what kind of soldier are you in the army of God? Are you as committed to following God's commands as the members of an army squad or platoon are to following their officer's commands? Are you as quick to respond as they are? Or do you look for another way that makes it look like you're doing what God's asking when you're really more committed to having your own way? Being committed to God means spending time in prayer and reading God's commands (the Bible) each day. Being committed to God means memorizing his words to us, which makes his commands easy to remember and follow because they're written in our heart. Being committed to God means aligning our will with his. Being committed to obeying God's commands will pay off for you, too, just as obeying the drill sergeant does for armed forces recruits. As you spend time with him and his Word, as you commit yourself to obeying him, you'll become stronger, better, quicker to do what's right. REFLECT: Being committed to something means giving it your wholehearted devotion. Are there things in your life that you're more devoted to than God? Which of God's commands are easy for you to follow? Which are difficult? PRAY: "Lord, I'm committed to building my relationship with you day by day. Help me to respond quickly and willingly to your commands, especially to your command to..."