Time with God – Bethany Smyth

If you don’t have God at the centre of your programme, STOP THE PROGRAMME.

Proverbs 3v5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

In September, I had the chance to come together with other youth organisations to ‘Look Forward Together’. One of the speakers during the afternoon programme said, ‘If you don’t have God at the centre of your programme, STOP THE PROGRAMME.’

In Boys’ Brigade, we are ‘Advancing Christ’s Kingdom.’ As a leader, you will look at making a varied programme which could include competitions, DofE, King’s Badge, crafts, games etc. Having a varied programme is great for the boys and young men attending each BBNI company and that will look different in every company. Since hearing the quote above, I have been challenged. You can have the best BB programme, but none of it matters if it doesn’t have God at the very centre. You only have the boys and young men for a few hours per week, how do you make the most of the time you have with them?

BBNI have over 2,700 leaders, committed to sharing the gospel with the boys and young men in their company. I want to encourage you that as you continue to ‘Advance Christ’s Kingdom’, how can you acknowledge Jesus in all of the BBNI programme? What works well within the company? What doesn’t work well? What is God calling you to do within the programme?

In Proverbs 3v5-6, it says, ‘5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,  and do not lean on your own understanding.6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.’

1. Trust in the Lord with all your heart:

Your programme in your BBNI company will look different depending on what works well in your company and what doesn’t. Your company, the boys, young men and leaders each bring with them different interests, skills and hobbies and it is a privilege to form a BB programme that includes everyone. You may be struggling to figure out the best way to keep God at the centre of your BB programme. Trust Him and allow Him to guide you as you plan and prepare.

2. In all your ways acknowledge him:

Asking God to help you prepare your programme and to allow Him to guide your direction. It may be in the simple conversation, through the story, as they complete their craft or the prayers but God will plant the seeds when we are faithfully serving Him.

How can your programme with your company make a difference? Sometimes you may feel tired during a week of work but just remember this week as you walk into your BB company, God will use you and the programme or activity you are preparing to make a difference.

You can make a difference for that one young person or that parent.

Bethany Smyth

Engagement Officer & Programme Co-ordinator at BBNI