Words Of Encouragement From YP In Cleveland

Since the state mandated quarantine last spring, the Cleveland YP have been fellowshipping together on Saturday nights over zoom. Starting in the summer, we were blessed to have been able to have some in person gatherings outside (playing socially distanced games, sending off the 2020 seniors, and singing songs around a bonfire), while still primarily meeting over zoom. Since the cold months have come upon us however, we have no longer been able to meet in person.

While not being able to be in a normal setting and see each other face to face may be discouraging to some, the Lord has been faithful to supply us with the same light and life we received before these restrictions.

​The YP in Cleveland --- Over the winter break, the YP were challenged to read Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. An addition to this challenge for those who wanted to go deeper was to do a word study throughout these books. During one of the Saturday night YP meetings in January, some of the high schoolers shared what they had learned and enjoyed from this challenge.

​From Lydia Watkins (sophomore), I did my word study on faith. My definition of faith from what I read in these four books is having steadfast and firm belief in the Lord, even though we can't see Him, and having a strong assurance that He will work everything out in His time. Something that stuck out to me as I was reading and learning about faith is that before faith even existed, the law was put in place by God to be our tutor, to teach us about our sin and need for Christ, so that when faith did come, we would be ready, and be justified by this faith (Galatians 3:24-26). Through my word study, I was inspired to look for deeper meanings when reading the Word, and to listen more when the Lord speaks to me.

From Rebecca Chin (freshman), I did my word study on peace. At first, I thought it just meant people getting along, and often associated the word “peaceful” with quiet. After reading these books, my definition extended. The word “peace” is often used with “grace” and “mercy,” implying that peace is related to those things. I also learned that peace is something God has and is giving to us so that we “are joined together ... through the spirit.” (Ephesians 4:3) The things I found out have inspired me to try to get along with everyone more.

Songs we’ve been enjoying:

Good and Gracious King by City Alight
Springtime by Chris Renzema
Nobody by Casting Crowns​