Our church is introducing a new series for young people. We are going to touch on dozens of specific topics that young people are dealing with today, from substance abuse, relationships and teen suicide. We will also talk about to how to live a vibrant and interesting life with purpose in Christ.

The stressors and life issues we have always turn out to be spiritual issues.

Youth are highly valued and loved by God.

In fact the apostle Paul tells young people:

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 1Timothy 4:12

There is no influence so profoundly life shaping for young people as a relationship with Jesus Christ.

This new Clean Living Series is based on Psalm 51:10-13, a Psalm of David:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

David realized that our right spirit begins in our hearts. David realized we need to know God, reverence God, and we need to love God. David prays:

“Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”

King David knew that to be continually influenced by God, he had to be in the presence of God.

How do we stay in the presence of God? First, God speaks to us personally through the reading of the bible. Second, We speak to God through prayer. Third, Only obedience to God’s Word results in blessings to our lives.

God puts the Holy Spirit inside of you when you believe and put your love and trust in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit prompts you in accordance with the Word of God. This is why David pleaded: “and take not thy holy spirit from me.”

Then, David says “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit”.

You are freed by knowledge of scripture to know the right paths to take. You have liberty in Christ Jesus. You are free to receive His love and purpose and relationship. You are no longer a slave to sin and its’ negative consequences. You are free.

God calls us sons and daughters. In Christ you are a child of God. You are a child of the King.

Being in faith is also about sharing our faith with others in relationship. David tells us:

“Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

God is also calling you to share your faith with others. The way we receive a clean heart is simply to trust and love Jesus, and to follow Him daily.

Dr. Roger Holl is pastor of the Sterling Grace Community Church, which is meeting by videos at: https://www.facebook.com/Sterling-Grace-Community-Church-124281021559190/ or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCblo4m03j0uiWcSq7gconVQ.

• Dr. Roger Holl, For the Peninsula Clarion