Pass It On

Many different youth leaders, adult leaders, and youth have been a part of Holland’s Youth Ministry over the years, but one place has always stood the test of time. The picture (taken atop Shackford Hall) for today’s devotional is more than just a picture to some of you. If you’re like me, this picture can be filled with countless memories and leaves you wanting to make more memories. Lake Junaluska is a special place to us for a variety of different reasons. In middle school, it was here that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. In high school, it was here that I finally helped Holland’s win the volleyball tournament (we beat the staff 21-0 and made other churches argue with each other). As an adult leader, it was here that my life came full circle, and it was here that I watched my sister get married. If it weren’t for COVID-19, Holland’s would be here today playing volleyball, eating Waffle House, and praising God (for order of importance…reverse the order!)

Lake J gives us a literal spiritual mountaintop experience. In Exodus, we can read about Moses coming down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments to share the covenant laws with the Israelites. Moses did not realize that his face was actually glowing while walking down the mountain because he had been on top of the mountain talking with God. Exodus 34:30 says, “When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.” When we come home from Lake J we are just like Moses. Our faces are glowing with the Holy Spirit inside of us and people probably look at us a little funny. However, as time goes on, this feeling starts to wear off.

It’s a tradition at Lake J to sing the song “Pass It On” and shout “PRAISE GOD” into the mountain range as we hear it echo back to us. My favorite part of the song says, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And soon all those around will warm up to its glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love once you experience it. You spread His love to everyone. You want to pass it on.” We may not be at Lake J today, but we don’t have to be glowing on top of the mountain to spread God’s love. PASS IT ON.

-Jacob 

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