Youth Summer Devotional 1

Josh Gaudreau • Associate Pastor
July 16, 2026

2 Minute Read
Lots has happened in John's Gospel even in these first few chapters. But for this week's devotional I want to go back to chapter 1, verse 5. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
What a beautiful message of hope, right at the beginning of John's Gospel. I feel like John is spoiling Jesus' story a bit - Jesus is crucified in chapter 19, and while the disciples are (understandably) devastated, we know that the darkness cannot overcome Jesus. And of course, this is proven true three days later.
Sometimes it can feel like the world has been overcome with darkness, when we see what's happening around us. Wars, hatred,violence, and addictions ever fill up our news feeds and, sometimes, our personal lives too.
For teenagers, and many adults, there can be darkness inside too. Depression, anxiety, eating disorders/body image, and other mental health issues can sometimes make even the smallest things seem overwhelming. And while ultimately these darknesses will not overcome them as they remain in Jesus, which can give them hope, there are of course helps for them in the here and now too; prayer & Scripture, counsellors and psychiatrists, and medications are all valuable tools for those suffering. If you suspect your teen (or you yourself) are struggling with mental health issues, please do not just hope it will go away on its own. Pastor Joel and I are available to meet, and if it's more serious, your family doctor or a counsellor are great options too.
While our hope isn't in medications or human help, valuable as they are, Jesus will say later in John's Gospel, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b). And that is a hope that will not be disappointed!
The Lord be with us all,
Josh
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From this Collection: Student Ministry
August 12, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Youth Summer Devotional 5
Have you ever felt happy when someone didn't have a good opinion of you? It's in our nature to want others to think well of us, and we feel pleasure when people are impressed with us. Because of this, a temptation that many people face is to lie, exaggerate, or hide the truth in order to make ourselves look better than we actually are. That's exactly what two people, Ananias and Sapphira, did in the Early Church. In Acts 5:1-11, the husband and wife decide to sell a field, and give the proceeds of it towards helping the poor. Great! But, they wanted to keep some of the money for themselves, which of course they had every right to do. But because they wanted others to be impressed with them, or to see what sacrifice they made or how much they loved the poor, they told the church leaders the amount they gave was the full amount they sold the field for. In other words, they lied to try making themselves look better than they were. And what was the result? The Holy Spirit killed both of them. That might seem extreme, but think about what that says to how extremely seriously God takes lying and truth-telling. God makes an example of Ananias and Sapphira for the early Christians, and I bet none of them did something like that afterwards! Thankfully He doesn't often punish us with death when we sin! God hates lying so much that He included it in the 10 Commandments and in verses like Proverbs 12:22: "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy." The root of wanting kudos from others, or to be impressive, or to be thought of better than we are, is pride. The main weapon we have against pride is humility. Humility means not thinking of ourselves as better than we actually are, but also not thinking of ourselves as lesser than we actually are. Humility means we don't always have to talk about ourselves, or share our accomplishments, and definitely not exaggerating them, or lying about our sins or deficiencies. Humility also means celebrating who others are and their accomplishments. Think of Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." The rest of the passage talks about how Jesus modelled humility in his life. In what ways do you try to make yourself look better than you are? This week, who can you show interest in and celebrate, while fighting the desire to put the spotlight on yourself? ------------ This week until next Thursday, please pray with your youth that they would take God and His commands more seriously in their day to day lives, and grow in their love of Him and love of others above all other things.

Josh Gaudreau

Associate Pastor

August 7, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Youth Summer Devotional 4
In John chapter 21, some of the disciples are fishing yet have caught nothing. A stranger on the beach nearby tells them to cast their nets on the side of the boat, and they haul in a massive amount of fish. One of the disciples realizes the stranger is Jesus, and they begin bringing in the boat and fish. This is the part I love: "When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”” (vv. 9-10). Jesus knows they have been working all night and that they'd be hungry, and has breakfast ready for them. But he also invites them to participate in the breakfast by bringing what they have too. There's a lot of different applications we could get out of these verses, but here's what I was thinking about. Jesus doesn't need their fish, of course, and He doesn't need anything from us - but He wants us to bring what makes us happy to Him to enjoy together. Have you ever thought about that? While God is the giver of all good gifts, He enjoys us enjoying those gifts, and enjoys us sharing those gifts with Him. There's a lot of gifts amongst our youth. Based on our 'show and tell' I could point to Jonathan's Rubik's Cube-solving speed, Zoha's crocheting and art, Sarah's baking, Sawyer's game and music creating, Jon's deep thinking (and woodcraft skills), Joel's joy of sharing his slurpee machine, Nathan's athleticism, and Amaya's love of reading. (Of course, you parents can think of many gifts their youth have.) But I wonder what it would be like for you to invite Jesus to enjoy your gifts, skills, and interests with Him? Can you imagine Jesus inviting you to talk about Pokemon with Him? Or enjoy a piece of music or video game with Him? The smell of a freshly-baked bread, or a fantastic play by your favourite team? It might sound weird, but based on John 21:9-10 I don't think it's that far-fetched. Jesus enjoys you, and enjoys you enjoying His gifts. Why not try enjoying them together sometime? -------------------- This week until next Thursday, please pray for Zoha's new baby brother Ilya (Elijah). He is healthy and crying a lot! Pray for the family to continue adapting to a new baby, and that Ilya will be a great blessing to them (this was requested by one of the youth).

Josh Gaudreau

Associate Pastor

August 5, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Youth Summer Devotional 3
In John 15 Jesus tells His disciples that the world will hate them because it hates Jesus. Even more, the world would persecute and even execute Christians simply because they were Christians (which we read happening in Acts and throughout history). In Canada, and especially in Manitoba, the likelihood of us being persecuted for being Jesus-followers is fairly slim, although we may meet people who dislike us just because of our faith. Generally, we're more likely to face bullying or mocking for reasons other than our faith (and hopefully not reasons we warrant), and that can be hard to go through. Most of us care about being accepted by others, accepted by our classmates and co-workers, and it can hurt when we're not. We shouldn't tolerate bullying happening to anyone, and maybe you have some ideas of what to do in a situation like that. But even getting the situation changed doesn't change the hurt we feel when it happens. So what do we do then? One of the things that helps to lessen the impact of rejection by others is to know our worth and acceptance in Christ. In John 14:23 Jesus gave His disciples the promise that He would be with them. He says, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." A home with the Creator of the universe and the Lord of lords! That's more than just being accepted by God, it's being welcomed by Him, and wanted by Him. If you are a follower of Jesus who loves and obeys Him, this promise is currently true for you! God has and is making His home with you. And, as our relationship with Jesus grows, we come to value His opinion over that of others, especially those who are against us. Like the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 56:4, "In God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" ---------------------- This week until next Thursday, please pray that the youth would grow in their social skills and connecting with others - peers and adults - in person. This is a prayer request from one of our youth.

Josh Gaudreau

Associate Pastor

July 16, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Youth Summer Devotional 2
Today’s Youth Summer Reading plan reading is John 10, but for the devotional I want to talk about John 11 and the death of Lazarus. From Martha and Mary’s perspectives, that is exactly what happened – God was silent. They had sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick, yet Jesus did not go to them immediately but waited two days. Jesus knew what would happen and why He was waiting, but for Mary and Martha it must have seemed like Jesus didn’t care. And then, when Jesus did arrive, Lazarus was already dead. When we pray, especially if they’re urgent prayers, and we don’t see God answering, it can feel like God doesn’t care sometimes. Why is He silent? Why isn’t He doing anything? When Martha meets Jesus, she frankly complains to Him – “If you had been here, my brother would not have died” (v. 21). Throughout the Psalms we read complaints to God quite often: “Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Ps. 10:1), and Psalm 22 is probably the most famous one. Do you ever complain to God in prayer? It might feel blasphemous or wrong to do so, but God is big enough to handle it. Jesus doesn’t rebuke Martha for complaining, and when she misunderstands Him He is patient with her. And that’s how God is with us too. Patient and understanding. He knows our weaknesses. How do you think complaining to God would change the way you pray? Of course, when you read the chapter, you see that Martha doesn’t just complain. She also has trust in Jesus’ power: “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (v. 22). Most of the Psalms end this way too, in a declaration of trust in God’s sovereignty. So, don’t hesitate to complain in your prayers – God knows what you’re unhappy about already, we don't have to hide from Him! But trust that He knows what He’s doing, and if He waits to answer us, or answers in a way we didn’t ask for, that it’s for our best. May He continue to be with us all, Josh

Josh Gaudreau

Associate Pastor

Currently Reading
July 16, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Youth Summer Devotional 1
Lots has happened in John's Gospel even in these first few chapters. But for this week's devotional I want to go back to chapter 1, verse 5. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." What a beautiful message of hope, right at the beginning of John's Gospel. I feel like John is spoiling Jesus' story a bit - Jesus is crucified in chapter 19, and while the disciples are (understandably) devastated, we know that the darkness cannot overcome Jesus. And of course, this is proven true three days later. Sometimes it can feel like the world has been overcome with darkness, when we see what's happening around us. Wars, hatred,violence, and addictions ever fill up our news feeds and, sometimes, our personal lives too. For teenagers, and many adults, there can be darkness inside too. Depression, anxiety, eating disorders/body image, and other mental health issues can sometimes make even the smallest things seem overwhelming. And while ultimately these darknesses will not overcome them as they remain in Jesus, which can give them hope, there are of course helps for them in the here and now too; prayer & Scripture, counsellors and psychiatrists, and medications are all valuable tools for those suffering. If you suspect your teen (or you yourself) are struggling with mental health issues, please do not just hope it will go away on its own. Pastor Joel and I are available to meet, and if it's more serious, your family doctor or a counsellor are great options too. While our hope isn't in medications or human help, valuable as they are, Jesus will say later in John's Gospel, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b). And that is a hope that will not be disappointed! The Lord be with us all, Josh

Josh Gaudreau

Associate Pastor

June 23, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Congrats to our Grads!
A season completed. A new journey begins. With grateful hearts and great joy, we celebrate the graduation of Kisae Hildebrand and Levi Black Class of 2026 We thank God for the ways He has grown, guided, and blessed these two young people throughout their journey. As they step into this next chapter, we pray they continue to walk in faith, pursue His purpose, and trust His plans for their lives. "For we live by faith, not by sight." — 2 Corinthians 5:7 May God direct their paths, strengthen their hearts, and use their gifts for His glory. We invite you to celebrate and pray for Kisae and Levi as they begin the adventure God has prepared for them.

Josh Gaudreau

Associate Pastor

June 23, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Youth 2026 Summer Plans
Hi Parent and Guardian Friends, Just because Youth is finished meeting doesn’t mean we’re done! Here are a few things we’d like you to know about for this summer and beyond. 1. Starting on June 28th, we’re inviting the youth to read the books of John and Acts over the summer, one chapter a day with Sundays off. We’ll be the youth Bible reading outline cards before then. Also, once a week I’ll be sending out a devotional and prayer that you can share and pray together with your youth. 2. We’re planning two special events during the summer - a youth family potluck on Friday July 24th, and a fun outing on Saturday August 22nd. Both are TBA, but save the dates for now! 3. Next year we are separating Youth and Quizzing into their own ministries, but in order for Youth to happen we need two more leaders to join me. Please pray that God would put it on the hearts of those He is tapping to to do so. May the Lord be with you in wisdom and energy as you raise your youth (and other children), and if you’d like prayer for something in specific for you and your family please don’t hesitate to ask.

Josh Gaudreau

Associate Pastor

April 16, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Student Ministry Update
A Look Back. This past Friday we celebrated the end of year for our youth ministry with a fairly regular youth night, but with better snacks - ice cream & Slushies! Joel H. was super pumped to bring his slushie machine, and his Coke slushies were great! We also talked about what the youth’s summer plans were, and following Jesus over summer. For the month of May we followed a video devotional series that encouraged us to shatter the lies and illusions that we can sometimes believe about ourselves, and to fix our eyes on Jesus and live in His love for us. The rest of the past year we participated in Bible Quizzing, memorizing parts of 1 & 2 Corinthians, and competing in Quiz Meets. Jonathan C. and Sawyer were our standout memorizers and competitors!

Josh Gaudreau

Associate Pastor