24 May, 2007

Did you vote for Jordin?

A teenager shows her talent and heart!

Jordin Sparks Crowned As 'American Idol'

LOS ANGELES -- Jordin Sparks, a teenager with a big voice and big dreams, was crowned Wednesday as the newest and youngest "American Idol." Sparks, 17, of Glendale, Ariz., prevailed over beatboxer Blake Lewis, 25, of Bothell, Wash., after a triumphant performance Tuesday that wowed the show's judges and the viewers who gave her a majority of the record 74 million votes cast.

"Mom, Dad, I love you," Sparks, the daughter of retired NFL player Phillippi Sparks, said tearfully after a bearhug from Lewis.

The contest came down to either the stronger singer, Sparks, or the better entertainer, Lewis. Sparks delivered her songs simply and powerfully; Lewis' flourishes included his sound-effects beatboxing and sharp dance moves.

photo & story courtesy msn.com, 5/23/07

1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT)

10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the abilities that God gives us?

Please know that there is a difference between talent and the spiritual gifts or abilities that God gives to each person who trusts Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior.

Both Jordin and Blake, the 'Idol' finalists, have musical talent. This kind of talent or ability is God-given to both followers of Christ and those who are not followers of Jesus. It can be genetic and or developed by lots of practice.

Talents can be used with even greater impact when combined with spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to every follower of Christ for the purpose of glorifying God as we build His Kingdom.

Tyndale's LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE adds this from the study notes:

4:10,11 Some people, well aware of their abilities, believe that they have the right to use their abilities as they please. Others feel that they have no special talents at all. Peter addresses both groups in these verses. Everyone has some gifts; find yours and use them. All our abilities should be used in serving others; none are for our own exclusive enjoyment. Peter mentions speaking and serving. Paul lists these and other abilities in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, and Ephesians 4:11.

Millions of people will now be "worshipping" the newest 'American Idol', but you can worship God by using the ability He's given you to serve Him.

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
  • Thank God that you have at least one Spirit-given spiritual gift or ability. If you have no idea what it is, ask God to help you discover it. Offer your abilities to God right now. Ask His Spirit to empower you to glorify God as you use your abilities to do whatever it takes to build God's Kingdom.
  • Read the other verses mentioned above to get more details on spiritual gifts.
  • Ask your youth leader or pastor for help in discovering and using your spiritual gifts. This might be at your church or through some outreach project.
  • Whenever you see reports on the latest 'American Idol' this week, let it be a reminder to worship God by serving Him with your abilities.

How can we connect today's story and God's Story scripture and our story to others?

  • There will be lots of talk about the the new 'American Idol' this next week. Use it as an opportunity to encourage others in their abilities and talents.
  • If you have someone in your storysphere who is pretty interested in God's Story and your story, use conversation about Jordin Sparks to explain how God has given everyone abilities and His followers special spiritual gifts. Don't feel like you have to go into great detail. Just continue to talk naturally about your relationship with Jesus.
  • Pray for Jordin Sparks to experience God at work in her life during this incredible experience and opportunity.
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God's Story is brought to you by Youth for Christ. YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.

Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been with YFC for over 30 years and has served as Campus Life Staff, in leadership for DCLA, and as an author and speaker. Byron is available for speaking at youth or adult events and conferences. For booking, write to byron@3Story.org.

Byron and his wife Linda live in Minnesota and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, a grandaughter, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.