By RTF Editor Bekah Hamrick Martin

Some of you know my story.

Shame.

Loss.

Depression.

Worthlessness.

(more…)

By Guest Writer Sarah G.

“Mom, I don’t feel good. I’m going to bed. Wake me up for dinner, please.”

That statement, I don’t feel good, was being said way too often in my house – every day after school. (more…)

By Guest Writer Lydia Rule Collins

There I was, praying to God about the day. “Dear God…” Ok, I thought, I sound under control. “Please help me to manage my temper and give me wisdom so I can handle myself better…”

I suddenly stopped praying. I was trying so hard to keep it all together, when what I really needed to do was let go. It was time to be real. I broke down, cried, and told God how I really felt: I was angry, hurt, and upset. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Matthew Van Tryon

Zoe is a typical high school girl, who if you looked at for a second, you would assume had a typical teenage life. However, if you got to know her, you would find that… (more…)

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. – Isaiah 41:13

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

“At church they say we should always believe the Bible, but sometimes it seems like it’s contradicting itself. What’s up with that?” ~ Dave

Hey Dave,

You’re right. Sometimes the Bible is confusing. Like, I could open it up and read, “No one living is righteous before you” (Psalm 143:2b) and then flip over to see, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16b).

If that’s all I looked at, I could come to the conclusion that no one alive should pray because no one alive is righteous and only the prayer of a righteous man is effective. (more…)

“Sometimes people tell me I’m too young to do anything great for God, but one day I’ll be old enough. I just want them to respect me and my faith now. Is that too much to ask?” – Brad

hey Brad,

I know how frustrating it is when people look down on you because of your age. But I’ve got an awesome true story to share that I think will encourage you. (I know, you’re asking for advice, not story-time, but bear with me. I promise it relates.)

This story takes place back in the Old Testament age of princes, prophets, and priests. One particular king ended up rejecting God, the very One who had appointed him. So God decided it was time for a new king, one who would follow Him wholeheartedly.

God talked to one of his prophets (let’s call him Sam) and told him He had chosen a new king, one of the sons of a specific family. Following God’s instruction, Sam went down to visit the family, and he was impressed by the sons.

One by one, Sam appraised the sons, beginning with the oldest. Aha! Samuel said to himself. He’s tall, strong, a great leader. Surely this is the new king. (more…)

By RTF Guest Writer A.E. Zander

The first time I saw my family’s new German Shepherd puppy, I was ecstatic. Zach was the epitome of cute with droopy ears, fuzzy black fur, a wagging tail, and best of all, his melted chocolate gaze that could steal the heart of even the coldest person.

That was before I spent more than 24 hours with him. (more…)