Daily Direction Reading PlanSample

Research shows that teens join gangs for various reasons: They are looking for respect, attention, protection, money, and thrills. Often they search for what family has not or cannot provide. In return, gangs demand loyalty. If a member fails to be loyal, leaders will punish them and may even kill them. Jesus asked His followers to be loyal. We read in Matthew 16 how He probed His disciples to find out what people were saying about Him. Some said He was John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Peter spoke for the rest of the disciples when he said, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to Peter, "You did not come up with this on your own. My Father revealed it to you. I will erect my church on your confession and not all the powers of death will be able to conquer it." Later, Jesus told them He would suffer, die, and rise again. Peter tried to dissuade Him. Jesus said, "Peter, you are letting Satan use you now. You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of man." Jesus then said to all His disciples, "If you want to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me." He also said, "One day I will come in the glory of my Father with his angels and will judge all people according to their deeds." So since Jesus has the last word, it makes good sense for us to remain loyal to Him.