Archive for November, 2006

November 30, 2006

~Real Quote~

“We tell people that the cross means we are forgiven. Jesus has paid the penalty of our sins. And that Jesus’ resurection means we will have life after death and be with God in Heaven. That has been our message. But it has retained only two dimensions: we have neglected the Good News about the Kingdom in the here and now. The powerful experience and explanation of the inbreaking rule of God, in which people were being set free from sin, sickness, and spiritual oppression and even the spirit of a nation was being changed, has been largely lost. We’ve replaced it with a much more individualistic message about freedom from guilt and fire insurance after we die.” - Rick Richardson, Reimagining Evangelism (InterVarsity, 2006)

“It’s real, it’s changed my life, it’s transformed my heart, I’m not who I was. No longer … do I feel the pressure of, ‘how fancy are my shoes? Or what kind of car am I driving? Or how much money do I make?’ None of that matters to me anymore … I’m having a daily experience with the spirit of God that’s more priceless than anything I’ve experienced before.” - Actor Stephen Baldwin discussing his Christian conversion with ABC News

Filed under: real quote

November 22, 2006

“You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’ You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.” - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Filed under: real quote

November 21, 2006

Can you skip over an article with such a great title? I couldn’t.

Here’s an excerpt. Follow the link back to Campus Life to read the rest of this great story.

Campus Life, November/December 2006
Tighty Whitey Worship
A crazy story from the life of David.by Jarrett Stevens

As much as I hate to admit it, I care what people think about me. I’d love to be cool and tough and say that I don’t care, but I do. It’s why I sometimes take 15 minutes picking out the right outfit for the day … only to change at the last minute before I walk out the door. (more…)

Filed under: real articles, real devos

November 20, 2006

By: Jade West

“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God:” ~Psalms 143:10a

I’ve sang the song countless times. I’ve said the words: Have thine own way, during prayer. But my heart never REALLY meant them.

What I mean when I say those words is, Have thine own way, Lord, just don’t let your will make me uncomfortable or inconvenience me.

Or even worse: Have thine own way, Lord, just let your will be my will.

But our wills are seldom aligned.

His will is holy and just.

Mine is…selfish. Really selfish.

Recently, I met another young lady (who’s name I won’t reveal) for the first time. We didn’t really talk. We just exchanged a few brief comments.

It wasn’t a pleasant time. She appeared impatient and rude, but I dismissed it from my mind as soon as I left the scene of our meeting. I knew we’d meet again, so I figured there was no use in holding grudges.

I later learned this young lady claimed I had been rude to her.

I was outraged!

To say I was rude, wasn’t just incorrect–no, it was a lie. If anyone had been rude or shown even the slightest hint of unkindness, it had been this other young lady. Not me.

I told my mom this. She listened for a few minutes then suggested that perhaps I should just apologize. Apologize? Me? What for? What had I done?

I grunted and went in search of my younger sisters. They listened for a few minutes. But eventually went back to their games.

Finally, when I’d exhausted all other people with which to voice my complaint, I told God. “You know I wasn’t rude, Lord. I’m the one being wronged here.”

Apologize, I heard God tell me. Apologize–the word sounded strangely familiar…

“But it’s not fair, God! I’m the one who’s innocent! I’m the one who’s been wronged-”

“So have I been also. I am innocent. I have been wronged. If anyone has any right to bear a grudge, then certainly it is your most high Lord who was condemned to a sinner’s death, having done nothing wrong.”

Suddenly, I stopped.

Apologize, Jesus whispered again to my heart.

I sighed. “Lord, you don’t understand. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Is it not better to suffer a wrong than to turn someone away from me in anger? Do you not represent me in whatever you do–bad or good?”

I squirmed in my seat but refused to say I’d apologize…until Jesus asked my stubborn heart, “What if you’re the only glimpse she’ll ever see of me?”

I thought about that for a moment. I thought about heaven and hell, but more than that I thought about the horrible things that go on in our society. What if I WAS the only glimpse she’d ever see of Jesus’ love? Would she be able to see His love evident in my life? In my attitude?

Asking silent forgiveness for my stubborness, I promised to apologize next time I see the girl.

BIO: Jade still hasn’t seen the other young lady again. But she’ll keep her promise to the Lord and apologize at the first oppurtunity. Jade now reconizes that the words “have thine own way” aren’t something to be taken lightly but a commitment to obedience!

Filed under: real devos, Jade west

November 18, 2006

Filed under: real videos

November 16, 2006

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. (The Message James 4:7-10)

We don’t talk much about this aspect of faith anymore. I love to talk about Jesus’ love. It’s what draws me to him and to my faith. It’s why I want my life to reflect his teachings. And yet sometimes we use that grace and love in a way that I don’t believe he ever intended.

I was talking with some teens and asked them to describe God.

One said, “he’s my best friend.”

Another said, “no matter what I do, he’s always there.” (more…)

Filed under: real word

November 15, 2006

We receive a lot of e-mails from teens asking difficult questions about things like self-injury, eating disorders, and addiction. Most are from beautiful young women wanting a better life.

We don’t pretend to have all the answers. We listen. We look to scripture. We pray. But we also love to share resources of those who are equipped to handle the need.

I recently found about Mercy Ministries of America.

(more…)

Filed under: real links, self-injury, real advice

November 13, 2006

Most of the time when we hear the word “persecution” we think of people mocking our faith or making life uncomfortable because they don’t agree with your views.

That’s not persecution in the truest sense. These are up-to-the-minute stories about real teens around the world who are giving all to call themselves believers.

FAITH UNDER FIRE
Posted: November 9, 20061:00 a.m. Eastern
2006 WorldNetDaily.com

A veteran of more than 100 missions into North Korea to provide ministry to Christians and non-Christians alike says the first thing to do in any meeting there is to close and cover all the windows and send the children outside.

The description of the persecution under which North Korean Christians suffer comes from “Roli,” whose story was reported by The Voice of the Martyrs, a worldwide ministry that directs its aid to members of the persecuted Christian church. (more…)

Filed under: persecuted church, real missions, real articles