“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…)

by Assistant Editor Halee Matthews

It was a goner. Dead and gone. Lifeless. I was convinced.

Oh well, I tried, I thought as I tossed it into the backyard. I figured that was the last of it.

I was wrong. (more…)

“I want to serve God, but I don’t know what to do. How do I figure it out?” - Caroline

hey Caroline,

I applaud your desire to serve God! It can definitely be hard to find the right place to serve. But I’ve got some tips that could help.

1. Consider your talents and gifts. What is it you are good at and enjoy doing? It could be music, acting, sports, drawing, etc. If you’re not sure, that’s okay! Ask your parents or friends what talents they see in you. A lot of times they may notice gifts you didn’t recognize. But you have a talent, Caroline. (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 Assistant Editor Halee Matthews

Breathe it in, soak it up.
Can you feel it, can you see?
Revel in, embrace it fully.
It’s a beauty, it’s a gift.
Highly valued, yet it’s free.

It is ours, to be owned,
Though it cannot be controlled,
Sometimes quiet, but sometimes bold,
Wholly unpredictable,
Priceless, worth more than gold.

Fight for it, this dear gift.
Cultivate it, let it thrive.
This is the gift: you are alive!
Savor it, every moment.
Love it, live it: it’s life!

by RTF Assistant Editor Halee Matthews

I couldn’t take it any more. Something had to be done.

I ran into my husband’s home office waving a hammer. “No more beauty wasted!” I declared. He looked at me, eyeing the hammer. “Uh-huh.. okay.. Whatever you say…” (more…)

by RTF Assistant Editor Halee Matthews

They try to wrap their fingers
Around my very soul,
Drag me down into the depths,
A deep, dark, bottomless hole,
From which there is no return.

They assail me from all sides,
Fear and worry and doubt,
Trying hard to trap me in,
Make me think there’s no way out.
But there is a way, I know. (more…)

“I don’t like the way I look. I spend hours getting ready every morning, trying to make myself look better. My parents tell me I shouldn’t care so much, but I just want to look good. Is that wrong?”
~ Alissa

Hey Alissa,

It’s not wrong to want to look nice. When you put work into your appearance, it gives you confidence. And a little confidence is definitely a good thing.

If you’re a Christian, your body is God’s temple. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (more…)