Psalm 139:7-12 talks about how God is everywhere; that there is not a single place we can go to get away from Him.

How do we know this is true? We can’t see God, so how do we know God really is everywhere? Let’s think about some things you know are there, even though you can’t see it. There is electricity. You can see a light turn on because of electricity, but you can’t actually see the electricity. How about air? You might see a balloon filled with air, or feel the wind, but you can’t actually see the air. Have you ever smelled something horrible, like a skunk, but not actually seen what was causing the bad smell?

That is similar to how we know God is everywhere. We can see the result of Him being around us. People, plants, animals, the ocean, the sun, moon and stars are all things God created. We are completely surrounded by what we CAN see, what God continues to create and holds together. Are you breathing? That breath comes from God giving it to you.

God really is everywhere! Some people don’t like that, but it is actually a very good thing, because that means whenever we need Him to help us, to be with us, to fight for us, He is always right there. That isn’t just a good thing; it is totally and completely awesome!

Do you like people who are fake? They say one thing, but then act a totally completely different way? I know many Christian kids who are good at being fake. They give all the “right” Christian answers to the adults around them, but act totally different when they are with their friends. The word for that is “hypocrite”.

It isn’t what you know that matters, but what you do with what you know that counts. You can know the rules for spelling, but it is the actual spelling of the word that counts. You can know a math formula, but it is working out the problem correctly that counts. You can tell a friend you know how to change a flat tire because you’ve watched your dad do it, but it’s actually changing the tire that counts.

It is the same with God. You can tell someone that you are a Christian because you have been taught about God, but it is spending time with Him and getting to really know Him for yourself that counts. And that is way too important to fake!

When we need to go outside in the rain and we don’t want to get wet, what can we do? Many people will use an umbrella.

God is like our umbrella. He wants to be our protection in life, but if we don’t obey and do things God’s way, we are not under His umbrella of protection. This means when bad things happen, we often find out we are on our own, because we have chosen to come out from under the promises of God’s blessings and protection by doing things our own way instead of His way.

Follow the Holy Spirit. He is speaking to you, because He wants you to be protected and blessed. Do what He shows you to do, and don’t do what He tells you to not to do. Go for all the blessings God has for you by obeying Him and staying under His umbrella of protection.

Second Peter 1:13 tells us “… add to your faith, virtue…” Do you know what virtue is? It is doing what is right, and doing it the best way you possibly can, even when no one is looking. Virtue includes encouraging others to do the right thing, and doing what is right, even if it means you stand alone.

Why is virtue important? Who cares if you do everything right all the time – it’s impossible anyway, no one is perfect, right? It is very important for many reasons.  But the most important one is that God won’t be able to trust you to do big things for Him if you do not have virtue. God has a purpose and destiny for each one of you, but he can’t throw you into it because you have to grow into it by growing in virtue (added to you your faith).

God has to be able to trust you with the little things, first. I tell the kids around me all the time, “The little things ARE the big things.”

We grow in virtue by doing day-to-day things. Things like kids who want to have a pet sometimes need to prove they are ready to take care of it, by proving they are responsible by doing other things like keeping their room clean and helping with house work. That is actually growing in virtue!

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in virtue, adding it to your faith. He has big plans for you, not just later but right now, and needs you to be prepared.