Pulse Youth Ministry

08/25/2026

Day 237

“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.” ~ Hebrews 6:1

As I read this passage this morning, the thought came to mind about how we refer to this relationship with Jesus (and the Bible does as well) as a “Walk” and/or “Journey.”

When looked at in context, you can see that principle being drawn upon by the writer. Our relationship with Jesus is not about the arrival but about the journey! That is what is being conveyed here; we don’t just linger at the entrance but we keep moving forward through the door!

For a long time, man turned the church into the doorway to eternity. “Come to church and you will be saved!” Man’s greed for power and money turned the church into a controlling institution instead of a classroom and place of worship. Peter’s rebuke to Simon in Acts 8:20 has been needed in the “institution” of the church for centuries! Jesus is the door, “the Way, the Truth, and the Life!”

Don’t misunderstand me; the church is imperative and has a definite role to play in the life of every believer! Salvation, repentance, and Faith in Jesus as Lord is only the beginning! It is not the church that grants this but rather promotes it! The role of the church is to encourage the journey, not control the arrival!

The writer here, to persecuted Jews who had accepted Jesus, was to spur them on to more and more and more!

We should never lose sight of the beginning of our relationship with Jesus, the moment we became “born-again!” At the same time and with the same weight of importance, we must never forget that this Christian “Walk” is a journey, and we must keep moving forward!

“Heavenly Father, to know you more is the cry of my heart! Help me to dig deeper, push harder, and learn to linger in your presence that I continually grow closer and closer to You! In Jesus’ Name! Amen!!”

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

Day 236

“He waited another seven days and then released the dove again. This time it did not come back.” ~ Genesis 8:12

As I came across this passage this morning in my personal devotion time, there was truth that struck me, and I felt compelled to share it with you (ultimately that’s how this works!🤣)

Noah and the ark had come to rest on the peaks of Mt. Ararat, and as time passed, the waters continued to recede, and other mountain peaks could be seen. Noah sent out the dove to see if it could find a place to rest, abide, take up residence, and live. This happened three times.

It is this third time, this verse, that struck me and moved my heart. The dove didn’t return. At first glance, it might seem sad, as after so many days, I’m sure Noah had a caring connection with all the animals; now this one was gone (literal empty nest syndrome!).

But it was the thought that the dove had found a suitable place to rest, live, abide, etc. The effects of sin, the flood, had cleansed everything, and life was returning to normalcy.

The dove has long been a symbol of the Holy Spirit in scripture. As I read this, I thought of the Father, constantly sending the Holy Spirit out to man, but the effects of sin kept Him from resting upon us. The second time it returned with an olive branch, a symbol of hope. The third time it didn’t return.

Are we allowing God to deal with the sin problem in our lives so that His Spirit can take up residence in our hearts? Are we surrendering all to Him and letting Him have His way? This is what is required for the Dove of God to not only hover over us, but to land and take up residence!

“Father, cleanse me and wash me that I may be clean. Help me to be a place the Holy Spirit can rest and take up residence! Help me to continually allow you to roll back and recede the waters of sin so that life may abound! In Jesus’ Name! Amen!!”

08/23/2026

Sundays are better together. 🔥

Join us at Christ Community Church every Sunday at 10:00 AM for worship, encouragement, community, and a life-changing encounter with Jesus.
Come exactly as you are—casual attire, open heart, and ready to be on fire for Jesus. Everyone is welcome!

📍 304 Parkland Place Rd
Greenwood, SC

See you Sunday! 🙌

08/23/2026

Day 235

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” ~ John 14:12

When I read this verse, I experience a roller coaster of emotions. I think about how mighty and powerful Jesus is—and how gracious He is to give us the privilege of doing the works He did. He even says greater works! I am humbled to read it and have been humbled to see it.

That is the “high” of the roller coaster—the part that humbles me and exalts Him. The other side comes when people dismiss this verse or simply spiritualize it: “God doesn’t do things like that anymore.” Of course He doesn’t—only because we fail to give Him a vessel to use or the faith to see!

I stand with many early church fathers who argued that God is alive and unchanged. They preached and believed that Jesus Christ is “the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Irenaeus of Lyons, Eusebius, Justin Martyr, and many others described the continued work of miracles through the body of Christ.

E. M. Bounds, a 19th-century Methodist preacher, put it this way: “The church that is dependent on its past history for its miracles of power and grace is a fallen church!”

Author Kim Owen challenges us: “Are you willing to risk your reputation with ‘the small group’ to get the ‘oil’ needed to keep the door swinging?”

We often shy away from letting God be God among us because we are afraid He will not show up. So, just in case, we over-spiritualize everything. While I agree that the greatest miracle is the conversion of a soul, I do not believe that was Jesus’ meaning here—because we do not convert anyone; Jesus does. We can only lead people to Him.

Wherever you land on this passage, can we agree that the church needs to rise up, get moving, and let the world see the love and power of God at work?

“Father, in Jesus’ name, increase our faith. Keep the hinges of the door open so we may do Your will, no matter what. Amen and amen!”

08/22/2026

Day 234

“So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.”
~ Matthew 9:28

As I read this verse this morning and began praying about it, I couldn’t help but think about so many that are willing to do “some things” or “their things” but finding someone who is willing to do “anything” is a rare find.

Let me explain. We have no problem “giving up” time for what we want or like to do. It’s when it’s completely the opposite of what we like, want, or desire that it truly becomes a sacrifice.

Jesus made this statement traveling through all the towns, healing every kind of disease and blessing everyone. He was exhausted but knew that it was only the tip of the iceberg. It was with compassion that he explained there are so many more hurt and lost in the world that what is needed is a people who don’t care where, who, or when, but rather simply that they be sent by the Lord!

E.M. Bounds, an old Methodist preacher, speaking of laborers needed, said, “People who can stir things mightily for God, whose spiritual revolutions change the whole aspect of things, are the universal need of the church.”

Bounds also said of the church, “The full work of the Spirit which turned the world upside-down would be useful in these days.”

God doesn’t just need busy bodies, but laborers! Those who are not only willing to labor over things, but also those who are willing to labor in prayer and in the Spirit! Instead of asking God to send laborers, ask Him to make you one!

“Father, my heart’s desire is to be fully Thine! Use me any way you can, want to, or desire! Fill me anew with the Spirit that I might serve You to the fullest! In Jesus’ Name! Amen!!”

08/21/2026

Day 233

“That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” He said.” ~ John 20:19

The disciples, at this point, had seen a lot! They had seen Jesus work miracles, including raising Lazarus from the dead, changing water to wine, healing every kind of disease, and so much more. Yet here they are, fearful and afraid, hiding behind locked doors.

They had seen The Lord be taken, beaten, ridiculed, lied upon, spit on, paraded around like a nobody, and nailed to a cross like a common criminal! They watched him die and be buried in a tomb! However, at least two of them had seen the empty tomb, and one of them, Mary, had already met the master!

Their fear was in the unknown. No direction, not sure what was going to happen. Peter felt defeated, and they all felt like failures. “What now?” The question of the century!

As far as they were concerned, they were next! That’s how Rome operated, and all the Jewish leaders knew exactly who they were at this point! Surely they will come for them next! It’s only a matter of time!

But that’s not what happened! As they gathered in fear, Jesus appeared in strength!! Even though they had done everything to keep people out! Even though they were hiding, fearful and anxious, Jesus showed up! Freaked them all out!

So many times we feel like we have to get everything together before we can meet with the Master. So often we fear that because of our past choices and current situations, God won’t hear us when we pray or He doesn’t care when we suffer!

Nothing is farther from the truth! No matter where you are, what’s happened or happening, in spite of any and every choice you have ever made, Jesus is right here, right now, and He is speaking peace over your life! Will you receive it today? That’s all it takes!

“Father, I’m so thankful that when I felt like I had done everything wrong, you showed up to remind me that you love me! You are not only the God of second chances, but third, fourth, fifth and so on to infinity! In Jesus’ Name! Amen!!”

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

Day 231

“Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:25

In the Apostle’s closing words of the letter, he makes this request. Between encouragement and salutations, “Pray for us.”

The placement seems off. The timing in writing almost feels like it was a forgotten “phrase” more than a request. I know a lot of times people will come up to me after church and say thank you for the sermon, and the response is always the same, “Pray for me!”

It’s not a passing phrase, a forgotten request, but a sincere and desperate cry from my heart! “Pray for me!” I find it hard to share the burden, the inadequacies, and the lack of confidence I have in my abilities. However, that is because I know where my true strength lies…In the Holy Spirit!

Reading in context, you can see and hear the tone of the words, “Pray for us!” A cry from the heart recognizing that with the call, without the Lord, without the power of the Holy Spirit, they would just be spinning their wheels!

The next time you hear the words, “Pray for me” presented to you, remember to do just that! Pray for them that God would open up the heavens over their life! Pray that God would give them direction, strength, wisdom, understanding, and power to do His will! The best thing and the most important thing you can do in the Kingdom of God is PRAY!

“Oh, Father, may we grasp this simple yet powerful truth! Through Jesus, we have direct access to the throne, to our Strong Tower, our Refuge, and a very present help in time of trouble! Help us to pray! In Jesus’ Name! Amen!!”

08/18/2026

Day 230

“One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and He prayed to God all night.” ~ Luke 6:12

I have heard and received many a different “words of wisdom” when it comes to my personal prayer life. Most have been to set aside time first thing in the morning. Others have simply said to be deliberate in setting aside time. Still others have said to make time before going to bed. All are true and good and would improve my devotion and walk with God for sure.

However, I have noticed that when I have been “deliberate” about setting a time to pray, it often becomes more of a “religious act” than intimate time with the Lord. In the morning, I have the day on my mind, and at night, I have sleep on the brain. Throughout the day, there are so many distractions that I find it near impossible to focus on any one thing!

I’ve learned, over many years, that it’s not about being deliberate in setting aside time; rather, it’s being deliberate in my desire to spend time with Jesus! If my heart is set and my mind made up, I will spend time with Him. It may be in the morning, night, or driving down the road in the middle of the day!

Jesus goes to the mountain to pray and ends up praying all night! Can’t say it was His intention to pray all night, but that’s what happened! It happened because He was deliberate in His earthly body to be dependent upon the Holy Spirit! It was after this “all nighter” that He selects the 12 Apostles.

It’s good to set aside time to pray, read, study, and meditate on the Lord, but it’s not the time that makes the impact and difference; it’s the choice and determination to spend time with Jesus that makes the difference! Be determined today to spend some time with the Master!

“Father, just to be in Your presence is the cry, the desire, and the drive of my heart! Like the woman with the issue of blood, my heart cries out that I might just touch the hem of Your garment! In Jesus’ Name! Amen!!”