Teen Survival Guide by Dexter Humphrey

Introduction Many teenagers have made the bold and important decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Although accepting Christ is of utmost importance, it is just as important to develop spiritually by studying and living by the Word of God. A Teen Survival Guide from A to Z provides fundamental principles for victorious living in the Christian faith. Because many new converts to Christ are faced with the challenge of „Now that I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, what do I do? What scriptures are essential for securing a solid foundation in the Lord?’ A Teen Survival Guide from A to Z is an insightful and easy to follow study aid that assists in answering these challenges. I trust that the following biblically based principles and scriptures will enhance and empower your walk with Christ Jesus our Lord. As you commit yourself to the truth of God, may the glory of God manifest successfully in every area of your life. Blessings Upon You, Dexter Humphrey Dexter Humphrey Jasa Leadership Group www.Jasaleadership.com

Amos 3:3 Do two walk together, unless they have Agreed to meet? We must surround ourselves with individuals that Agree in faith and are positive, godly and productive. One of the greatest needs of teenagers is the need to socialize and be accepted among friends and peers. Not too many people find pleasure in isolation, having their interaction with others denied. As we develop as Christians, we must be mindful of the company we choose to keep. Although is it correct to be friendly, we should not seek the friendship of everyone. The bible provides a multitude of guidance for us as it relates to our relationships. Psalms 1:1 reads, „Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;‟ Proverbs 13:20 states, „He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.‟ People will do one of two things to us: they will either increase by multiplying or decrease by dividing. We should surround ourselves with individuals that are positive, godly and productive. Those that are negative, deceitful and lazy should be avoided. Meditate on the words in Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.‟ Our hearts and minds will be filled with peace If we monitor the relationships of the company we keep!

Proverbs 10:22 The Blessing of the Lord, it makes rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. We must seek the Creator to manifest the Blessings and purpose of God for our lives. The word blessed means being empowered to prosper. God has endowed all believers with the grace to excel, to increase and to succeed. It is when we tap into our purpose and begin to fulfill our God-given call or assignment that we will enter and reside in the realm of the prosperous. Our prosperity is connected to our faithfulness in accomplishing our purpose. In order to know our purpose, we must seek the Creator. Jeremiah 1:5 says, „Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.‟ God revealed to Jeremiah his purpose. If we seek Him, the Lord will enlighten us with the nature of our calling. There is a reason why you were born in this time, in your particular country, possessing your unique set of gifts, skills, and strengths. God is a God of purpose; God never does anything haphazardly or without a cause. The purpose of the blessing is so that God is glorified as we become a blessing to others. (Genesis 12:2) In the wisdom of God Our blessing does sing Once operating in our purpose We shall know the Lord of the BLING For we are BLessed to be a blessING!

I John 1:9 If we Confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive use and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. If you make a mistake, Confess your sins to God. The Winans penned the lyrics, “It is good to know God will be there if ever I fall. But it is better to know that I don‟t have to fall at all.” As a believer in Jesus Christ, we are dedicated to living a life free from the practice of sin. However, there may be times when we fall short or miss the mark and commit a trespass against the Lord. If we make a mistake, we must confess our sin unto God immediately. Confession to God requires that we acknowledge our wrongdoings as sin. Proverbs 28:13 declares, „He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.‟ When we confess our sins to God, He forgives, forgets, and restores us into the abode of His divine love. Proverbs 24:16 declares, „For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.‟ We all make mistakes but the key is that if we fall down, we do not stay down. Do not become discouraged; get back up, get back in the race for your eternal crown. For the Lord will never stop loving you.

Psalms 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of thy heart. The ideal place in God is having your desires aligned with His desires for your life. When you desire what God desires, total Delight is the end result. To delight means to find enjoyment and pleasure. Your walk with the Lord will progress as you draw closer to Him in daily prayer, bible study and praise and worship. In order to draw nigh unto God, there must first be a Desire, then Discipline and finally you will enter the stage of Delight. The Lord wants us to serve Him in gladness (Psalms 100:2) and not grudgingly or out of obligation.

I Peter 3:11 Let him Eschew evil and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. The best way to shun Evil is to pursue righteousness. Evil manifests itself in all that is ungodly, deviate, lawless and unrighteous. In order to live a successful and victorious life in Christ, we must, with all diligence, depart from evil. I Corinthians 15:33 records „Evil communication corrupts good manners‟. Communication involves giving and receiving of information. Light does not fellowship with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:17). The bible gives a strong and stern warning to those who practice evil. Isaiah 5:20 declares, „Woe (great calamity and danger) unto them that call evil good and good evil.‟

2 Peter 3:18 But Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen. The Bible provides instructions for spiritual Growth. “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation:(1 Peter 2:2).” God desires and requires us to grow in our relationship. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior into our hearts, we become as newborn infants, spiritually speaking. Although we enter the family of God as a child, we are not to remain in this stage. The ultimate goal of every believer should be to develop into a mature adult rooted and grounded in the things of God. Just as a baby matures over time with proper nourishment, so must we develop spiritually by feasting on the Word of God. Beware not to stunt your growth by neglecting to feed your spirit with the wholesome principles of God‟s Word.

Hebrews 11:6 For without Faith it is impossible to please God, for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. . The foundation of your Faith insures a permanent residence within the grace of God. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is essential to our relationship with God. Faith is defined as a firm conviction or persuasion accompanied by corresponding action. What you believe you will act upon. Jesus said in John 10:10, „ I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father (in heaven) but by Me.‟ It is our unyielding and living faith that will bring us to the fullness of God‟s glory and purpose for our lives. Faith is a Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:13), therefore it is not subject to the forces of the natural realm. We should not allow our circumstances, regardless of the severity of the adversity, to decrease or destroy our total confidence in the Lord God.

2 Peter 1:16 For it is written be ye Holy for I am Holy. Hebrews 12:14 Follow peace with all men and Holiness without which no man shall see the Lord. The standard of Holiness is an essential key to unlocking the blessings of God. Holiness is a standard of living in which we separate ourselves from all ungodliness. While many profess Christianity, yet live in a state of compromise (Titus 1:16), true believers in Christ Jesus live according to the holy integrity of God‟s Word. Leviticus 10:10 states that we establish a difference between holy and unholy and between unclean and clean. Holiness is a progressive process whereby we separate from the sin of the world and consecrate our lives unto God for His glory. 1 John 3:22 reads, “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: The Holy Bible is a source of Inspiration expressing the will of God. The Holy Bible is a written revelation of God‟s nature, truths and purposes. It explains the Will of God for His creation. Inspiration is defined as divinely breathed, initiated, activated and controlled by God. God, the Master Author, used holy men to pen the words of Scripture. 2 Peter 1:21 reads, „For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.‟ The Bible is a miracle in and of itself. It was written by 40 different men from three different continents (Africa, Asia and Europe) over a span of 1600 years. The first writer died 1450 years before the last writer was born. Despite the varying educational backgrounds, cultures, ages, generations and occupations of the authors, there is one common theme the 66 books of canon: God‟s loving redemption of mankind through Jesus Christ. The Holy Scriptures provides instructions warning against moral lapses and unethical choices. The God‟s Word is a living Word incapable of becoming obsolete or out of touch with the times. The Holy Bible is our road map to success both spiritually and naturally. Psalms 1119:105, „Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.‟ All that adhere to the Word of God shall never abide in the darkness of sin and ignorance.

Nehemiah 8:10 …For this day is holy unto the Lord: and do not be grieved: for the Joy of the Lord is your strength. . God is the true source of Joy. Joy is knowing that Jesus Ooves You. Psalms 16:11 “You will show me the path of life: in Your presence is the fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Joy is the expression of gladness and mirth that comes from the Spirit of God. It is not based on our circumstances or what happens to us. Happiness requires something to happen in order for gladness to exist. Joy is greater than happiness because its source is independent of our experience. Joy is the ultimate level of contentment and peace for its foundation flows from the heart of God. Whether life is going well or whether things are all out of sorts, we can be content knowing that we have a caring God who loves us beyond measure.

Ephesians 4:32 And be Kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God for Christ‟s sake has forgiven you. . Sowing the seeds of Kindness produces the nourishing fruits of friendship and peace. A little kindness goes a long way. When we walk in kindness, we are conscious and considerate of others. Kindness is the ultimate cure for selfishness. Understanding the needs of others accompanied with the compassion to meet those needs is the essence of kindness. The seeds of kindness will produce a sweet and bountiful harvest that will nourish the lives of its sowers. Kindness eradicates roots of bitterness and discontentment. Never allow the adversities of life to cause your gift of kindness to be withheld from others. Being kind to others establishes a fertile environment for kindness to overtake your life.

I John 4:7,8 Beloved, let us Love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who Loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not Love does not know God, for God is Love. A true testament of your Love for God is showing Love for everyone. Love is the unyielding ability to serve, suffer, and sacrifice for the well being of another. The truest measure of our Christian character is exemplified when we love one another. Jesus stated in John 13:35, „By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.‟ Love is not an emotional sentiment; it is an action that gives in order to benefit and bless the recipient. The greatest testament of Love is written in I Corinthians 13. We are most like God when we love one another.

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of Money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. Learn to master Money or Money will master you. Money should be your servant not your god. Money is not evil; it is neutral. The Bible teaches that the love of money is the root, foundation or motivation for all evil deeds. Money is an amplifier of the issues of the heart. It does not instill virtue but reveals the condition of our character. God wants us to be wise managers of the finances He entrusts to us. Another name for money is currency; it is most effective when it flows from one person to the next. Luke 16:10 reads, „One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.‟ Money should be used to bless the Kingdom of God, take care of our needs and meet the needs of the less fortunate. We should have money but money should never have us. Money should not be your god, it should be your servant.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a New creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become New. Faith in Jesus Christ marks a New beginning in the life of every believer. A clean slate is what we receive when the Lord Jesus Christ is accepted into our hearts. Psalms 103:12 reads, „As far as the east is from the west, so far has [God] removed our transgressions from us.‟ When God forgives, He forgets. The Lord no longer holds our past sins and moral failures against us. When we repent of our sins, we become born- again; it is if we have never sinned in the eyes of God. It is true that when we repent, our passed sins are washed away by the precious Blood of Christ; we must be diligent not to continue practicing sin by committing the very things that God has already forgiven. Ezekiel 18:21-22 provides great understanding regarding repentance. It reads, „But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live.‟ The love of God is manifested in His willingness to forgive our sins when we confess to Him (1 John 1:9). Be mindful of this principle: you are free to choose or make decisions but you are not free to choose the consequences of your behavior. Forgiveness does not necessarily remove or eliminate the penalties that may result from your choices.

John 16:33 These things have I spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have Overcome the world. Overcoming obstacles and challenges demonstrates strength of character and spiritual fortitude. “And they overcame him (i.e. the devil) by the Blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; (Revelations 12:11a).” It is the will of God that we overcome all obstacles, challenges and adversities. The truest test of our faith is revealed when we remain faithful to the Lord in spite of persecutions, trials and sufferings. If we endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3), we shall receive blessings and honor from the Lord. 1 John 5:4,5 states, „For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?‟ What a blessing it is to know that victory over all things is assured unto all that place their faith in the Lord God Almighty!

Luke 18:1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to Pray and not lose heart. . Prayer represents a vital component in the life of a Christian. Prayer is simply communication with God. Just as we converse with our loved ones and friends, we ought to speak to the Lord in prayer everyday. Lack of communication will destroy any relationship. Because of their inability to communicate, the builders of the Tower of Babel were unable to complete their project (Genesis 11). Communication increases unity and familiarity. The more we speak with God, we become more like God. James 4:8 encourages us to “Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto us.” It is only through the gift of prayer that we realize our purpose and unleash the power of God in our lives and the world around us. There is no set formula for prayer, that is, you can pray silently (Matthew 9:21; 1 Samuel 1:13); standing (Mark 11:25); lying down (Psalms 63:6); or kneeling (Luke 22:41). The primary elements for praying successfully require faith in your heart, purity in your motives and sincerity.

I Thessalonians 4:11 And that you study to be Quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; . Quality Christian living promotes peace, positivity and self-control. Proverbs 29:11 states “A fool utters his entire mind: but a wise man keeps it in until afterwards.” There is nothing more annoying than someone who talks too much. These types of individuals have an answer for everything yet understand very little. Proverbs 21:23 provides further insight on the wisdom in monitoring our words when it records, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul form troubles.” Let your words be few and your good deeds be many.

2 Peter 1:13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this life, to stir you up by Reminding you, Remembering the promises of God illuminates the path to victorious living. We must remember what God has said about us. To remember means to recall something, to recollect. It means to call back to mind; to think of something again by an act of memory. What has God said concerning you? The Word of God is life. It produces a powerful harvest of blessings and fulfillment. Personal promises from God are only effective when they are accompanied with the existence of your faith. We must believe (e.g. be fully persuaded) that God‟s Word concerning us is true. Living faith is a conviction or persuasion manifested by corresponding action(s). How can we believe God concerning His promises if we do not remember them? Proverbs 29:18 says, „Where there is no vision (revelation) the people perish‟ (e.g. cast of restraint and discipline). When the Word of God is absent or forgotten from our consciousness, we do not have a foundation for our faith. Since it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), it is also impossible to have faith without the living (Gk. rhema) Word of God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). We are encouraged to stir ourselves up by way of remembrance. What we neglect, we will eventually forget.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. . Only through diligent Study of God’s Word, will you fulfill the Lord’s will for your life. The word study means to investigate or to learn by careful examination or thinking. To be is to study, what you study you will become. The investigation and application of God‟s word is essential to living a victorious and righteous life in Christ. The Lord Jesus instructs us in John 5:39 to, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think (e.g. are persuaded) ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.” In order for us as believers to obey the Word of the Lord, we must first know the Word. The knowledge of God‟s word can only be obtained through study. The diligent student who saturates him or herself in God‟s word will be equipped and empowered to rightly (e.g. properly and skillfully) apply it‟s truths. If God‟s people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge according to Hosea 4:6a, then salvation can only be attained through the knowledge that comes via study. Ignorance is not bliss; for what we do not know can harm us. The Word of God produces life and liberty and it is impossible to enjoy these essential blessings without knowing the principles of the Holy Scriptures. “How shall a person cleanse their ways? By taking heed to unto the Word of God (Psalms 119:9).”

1 Corinthians 10:13 No Temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you will be able to endure it. . Resist Temptation by obeying the Word of God. Temptation is a test or trial designed to take us out of the will of God. Temptation can and will come in many forms. Our walk with Christ does not exempt us from temptation. It is not a sin to be tempted. Sin only occurs when we yield or give in to temptation. Hebrews 4:15 reveals that Jesus was tempted in all points, as we are, yet without sin. The Word of God says in James 4:7 that we are to, “Resist the devil (c.f. also called the Tempter in Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5) and he will flee from you.” Say No To Temptation Say No To Sin Say Yes to Jesus By obeying His Word Against Temptation You Will Always Win!

Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; and with all your getting get Understanding. Victorious Living is only achieved through an Understanding and application of God’s Word. Understanding means to comprehend or perceive, to know the meaning of. It is vitally important that we understand the Word of God. It is pointless to read for accomplishment without gaining an understanding of what has been read. Without an understanding of God‟s principles, we will inevitably violate His Holy standards. The understanding that God desires for us to have is only achieved by personal study and sound biblical teaching. Daily devotions as well as corporate (e.g. church) study of the bible are necessary to secure a solid foundation in the Lord. Proverbs 19:8 says “He that gets wisdom loves his own soul; he that keeps understanding shall find good.” Proverbs 13:15 states, “Good understanding gives favor: but the way of transgressors is hard.”

2 Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith Virtue; and to Virtue knowledge; . Virtue is moral excellence and righteousness; goodness. Although our faith is first and foremost in the establishment of our relationship with the Lord, we must add virtue to our Christian foundation. Our profession in Christ goes far beyond the circle of our own existence. Our character must be saturated with moral excellence. How sad it is to see individuals professing the name of Christ conducting themselves in a manner that is contradictory to the revealed principles of Scripture? 2 Corinthians 3:2 says “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all.” More important than our knowledge of the bible is our faithful ability to live the Word of God. We are instructed to be doers of the word, and not hearers only (James 1:22). As we live according the Word of God, our lives will abound with virtue and truth.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that Worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Worship acknowledges the glory and magnificence of God. Worship is adoration of who God is, independent of what God has done. It literally means to draw nigh in order to kiss or show affection. Worship allows for intimacy with the Lord. In true worship, we express to God how great He is, how wonderful His love is and how precious He is to us. Worship is different from praise in that praise celebrates and thanks God for what He has done, whereas worship extols the Lord just because He is God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Let us be ever mindful to follow the instruction of Psalms 34:3 which states, “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Jesus said, “But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him (John 4:23).”

2 Corinthians 13:5 EXamine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?- unless indeed you fail to meet the test! EXamine your life on a regular basis. “Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).” One of the attributes that makes a company successful is its ability to take inventory of its business affairs. Analysis of financial statements, inventory of equipment, and customer satisfaction, among others aspects of business, must be evaluated constantly to insure growth and profitability. So it is with our relationship with the Lord. We must continually align our lives with the Word of God to make sure that we are living a life according to God‟s standards. Read the wisdom of James 1:22- 25 which states, “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your Youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them;” Allow the days of your Youth to be reflected by your love for Jesus Christ. There is no greater time to accept the Lord Jesus Christ than in the days of your youth. Many individuals delude themselves into believing that they are too young to give their lives to the Lord. They believe that the days of their youth should be spent partying and „living it up.‟ Nothing can be further from the truth. Accepting the Lord while you are young enables you to develop a deeper relationship with God. It also exempts you from the detrimental effects of sin. Using drugs and alcohol, having pre-marital sex, and rebelling against authority all have drastic consequences that many have not lived to escape. Saying yes to God means saying yes to the many blessings God so greatly desires to give you. I Timothy 4:12 says, “Let no man despise your youth; but be an example of the believers, in word, in manner of life, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” The greatest way to take advantage of your youth is to lay your life down at the feet of Jesus.

2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know the willingness of your mind… your Zeal has stirred up the majority. In spite of life’s challenges and adversities, never lose your Zeal for God. Zeal is the essence of enthusiasm and excitement. It is the tireless devotion to a cause, intensified by the passion that burns within. The life of a Christian is an exciting and glorious life. Yes there are challenges and adversities that we will face, but we can take courage in the scripture expressed in Psalms 34:7 which reads, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” When we serve the Lord with zeal, we can rest in His graceful assurance of victory. No one wants to follow someone who is always down and out, or always complaining and murmuring about everything. God expects us to have our „best foot‟ forward at all times. We are instructed to bless the Lord at all times, whether times are good or bad (Psalms 34:1). Its not that we are happy when things are not going well, but praise and excitement about the Lord during these times will keep us from becoming bitter and discontented. Just as excitement about a new movie or product generates sales, so does a Christian full of zeal and fire for the Lord will attract many to inquire about the Source of their enthusiasm. Is there a greater witnessing tool than zeal for the Lord‟s grand appeal?