(Proverbs 1:8-9; 4:5-13)

With a heart full of gratitude to the Almighty God Who has been our fortress, I welcome you all to another school year. Our theme for September is “Back to school - seek knowledge”. ‘Back to school, back to life, back to reality’. At MFH, September is specially dedicated to all the young ones in age and at heart. As you start this new school year, I have some nuggets for success for you.

This school year, pay special attention to your parents, your teachers, and all people in authority. Prov. 1:8-9 says, “My child, obey the teachings of your parents, and wear their teachings as you would a lovely hat or a pretty necklace.” It always pays to pay attention in life, as not paying attention can get you into trouble regardless of what you’re doing. I Peter 2:13 says, “The Lord wants you to obey all human authorities…” That means: parents, schoolteachers, Sunday School teachers, the police, etc. When you don’t, you’re just asking for trouble. God will bless you for doing what you’re told to do.

Secondly, do not give in to peer pressure. This means don’t do everything that everybody else is doing. I Cor. 15:33 says “Don’t fool yourselves, bad friends will destroy you.” If nothing else, bad friends will get you into trouble. Prov. 1:10 says “Don’t be tempted by sinners or listen when they say, ‘come on!’”

When some of your friends are saying, “Come on, let’s go do something even if it’s wrong,” don’t do it. Some temptations to do wrong are very obvious, and some are not so obvious - be wise. Young people, be smart. Just because everybody else is doing something, it doesn’t make it right. Think before you do something. Don’t always follow the crowd. Bad friends will surely get you into trouble.

Thirdly, make Christ the Lord of your life. I Pet. 3:15 says “Honor Christ and let Him be the Lord of your life.” Most of you probably know how to be better people than you are, but going to church can help us to become better people. Jesus is the only One that nobody can match. Young people, please make Jesus your Lord, your Savior, your King, your Master, and your Hero. Believe in Him, trust Him, obey Him, follow Him and live for Him. And all will be well.

Fourthly, seek knowledge. Please study Proverbs 4:5-13. Seek and study to know. Study your course work material, study the Word of God, study to know what is happening around you. Do not be lazy this school year, and do not procrastinate. Please read  Proverbs 6:6-8. Work harder and work smarter. Do not drag your feet in your studies and God will reward your efforts.

In the series, we shall explore some practical advice for youth going back to school: you are a child of destiny, you have a future, the power of focus and knowledge is power. Come along!