As I sit here on the school bus, several types of people surround me. The avid book lovers and academic scholars read books and finish homework (myself included). Others sit quitely, patiently awaiting the moment they can run home, kick off their schoes and watch a good T.V. show. Starkly contrasted with these quiet bus riders, many loud teenagers blast innapropriate music, attempting to prove their popularity through cussing and not-so-nice jokes. I listen to cat fights, threats and unending gossip as I wonder about these people.
Every single person has a story, many of which I will never know. Because my parents have raised me with a strong sense of right from wrong, this behaviour puzzles me; I do not understand it. Nevertheless, I dare not judge them. Only God knows who they truly are, and only God can judge their lifestyle.
Paul explains in Romans 2:16 that God will judge the secrets of men. God has not given us the responsibility to determine the motives of other peoples' actions. They may not have a background full of church services and Sunday school lessons. When we take this responsiblity into our own hands, we eliminate God from our lives, telling Him that we posses the ablity to handle everything without Him. Matthew 7:2 tells us, "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you " (NKJV). That does not sound pleasant, considering my condescending tendancies. I guess everything boils down to love. When we love others with the same love God shows us, we will never judge, look down upon or talk hurtfully about our peers without knowing that the same measure we use will be passed right back to us. Rather, we will compassionately reach out, showing the world the true meaning of Christianity.
Who will you love?
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
A Day for Remembering
How do we react when something unexpected occurs? Nine years ago, our nation received a wakeup call. Unexpectedly, two hijacked planes flew into the Twin Towers in New York City, one plane flew into The Pentagon in Washington D.C., and one plane crashed near Pittsburgh. The passengers on these planes never expected that their flights would end in unimaginable tragedy. They simply boarded the planes according to plans. Regretfully, so did the hijackers. Obviously, these people did not wake up knowing that September 11, 2001, would be the last day they would hug their children, their sisters and their parents. Nonetheless, many families still face the grief of losing loved ones nine years ago from today.
God calls us to live holy and godly lives in the last days of this earth. No ones knows when the last days are, "not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself. Only the Father knows," but we do know God's love (Matthew 24:36b NLT). We know how He calls us to live in peaceful accordance with our neighbors, both kind and aggravating. He calls us to forgive. Matthew 6:15 tell us that, "If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (NKJV). Wow. You mean God won't forgive me if I don't forgive the people who hurt me? No. When we refuse to forgive, we surround our love for others and for God with impenetrable walls. We show no mercy, we show no love; we only want revenge. How can God forgive someone who shows no desire to be forgiven?
If today was your last day, how would your friends, family and neighbors react? Would they grieve the loss of a dearly beloved friend, or would they scoff at the sight of a bitter enemy who never once asked for forgiveness? Would they tell the world the legacy you left behind, or would they ashamedly claim they never knew you? I encourage you: forgive every grievance and live every day as if it was your last.
God calls us to live holy and godly lives in the last days of this earth. No ones knows when the last days are, "not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself. Only the Father knows," but we do know God's love (Matthew 24:36b NLT). We know how He calls us to live in peaceful accordance with our neighbors, both kind and aggravating. He calls us to forgive. Matthew 6:15 tell us that, "If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (NKJV). Wow. You mean God won't forgive me if I don't forgive the people who hurt me? No. When we refuse to forgive, we surround our love for others and for God with impenetrable walls. We show no mercy, we show no love; we only want revenge. How can God forgive someone who shows no desire to be forgiven?
If today was your last day, how would your friends, family and neighbors react? Would they grieve the loss of a dearly beloved friend, or would they scoff at the sight of a bitter enemy who never once asked for forgiveness? Would they tell the world the legacy you left behind, or would they ashamedly claim they never knew you? I encourage you: forgive every grievance and live every day as if it was your last.
Were you affected by 9/11? Post comments and/or questions below.
"But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live" (1 Peter 3:8-11, NLT).
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Live from Detroit 2010: More than Skills
After hours of navigating through thousands of anxious teenagers, I sit in the hotel room pondering Fine Arts as a whole. Why are we here? What is it about FAF that brings a nation of AG teenagers together?
I will never forget my first year of Fine Arts. While observing others perform their talents, I witnessed many participants heart-broken by the seemingly fruitless results of their efforts. It struck me as odd that people increasingly intertwine success with ratings and judges' approval.
News flash: God didn't give you talent solely for the purpose of pleasing judges. While competition helps to strengthen these abilities, your certificate does not dictate who you are, how God will use you, where He will send you, or if you could ever be what God has called you to be. No matter what others may say, God is pleased when you humbly offer back to Him the talents that He has given you, and He will honor your selfless desire to draw near to Him through your gifts.
As we continue to glorify God in Detroit, just remember to keep God first. Perform for Him so He can live through you.
Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men " (NIV).
Proverbs 16:3: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed"(NIV).
Monday, July 5, 2010
Let Your Guard Down
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” How many times have I heard this verse? It seems like every pastor at every youth convention you will ever attend includes this in his message. It’s a given when thinking of our faith’s foundations. If this is so, why do we turn every direction looking for love and acceptance? Despite the fact that our “solutions” never mend our broken hearts, we continue placing ourselves in situations that are destined for failure.
God is a very real being. When we take His love and acceptance for granted, we grieve Him. He made us with a plan and purpose, and when we accept this, we will know God. I know we hear this all the time, but when will it sink in? No, God will not strike you down with a lightning bolt because you sinned. You say that I don’t know what you have done? You’re right. I don’t, but God does, and your sins can never change the way He thinks of you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. I don’t care if you rob a bank, take advantage of someone or commit murder. When you ask for forgiveness, God will forgive you. He’ll take your willingness to accept responsibility for your wrong-doings, and He will help you work through your past. So no matter what your life has been like, give God and His compassion a chance. Let Him show you who He really is. Ask Him to take away the perception you already have of Him and replace it with the reality of His faithfulness. I promise He won’t disappoint you.
God is a very real being. When we take His love and acceptance for granted, we grieve Him. He made us with a plan and purpose, and when we accept this, we will know God. I know we hear this all the time, but when will it sink in? No, God will not strike you down with a lightning bolt because you sinned. You say that I don’t know what you have done? You’re right. I don’t, but God does, and your sins can never change the way He thinks of you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. I don’t care if you rob a bank, take advantage of someone or commit murder. When you ask for forgiveness, God will forgive you. He’ll take your willingness to accept responsibility for your wrong-doings, and He will help you work through your past. So no matter what your life has been like, give God and His compassion a chance. Let Him show you who He really is. Ask Him to take away the perception you already have of Him and replace it with the reality of His faithfulness. I promise He won’t disappoint you.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Just Drive
“Don’t get too close -- WOA! Watch the mailbox! OK, that’s it -- easy now. You got it. Please, God, don’t let me die. OK. Woa, too slow. The people behind us are getting impatient. Go a little faster. Not that much! It’s OK. It’s going to be OK.”
I got my permit last Wednesday, and life has definitely been an adventure since then. After a week of driving in the neighborhood, my dad decided to make me drive on the highway. I did not think I was ready for that. Turns out, I was. Who knew? Granted, I’m not the greatest driver in the world, but I’m alive, right?
Lately I have been thinking about my new turn in the road of life (pun intended). During our hour-long drive I told my dad, “This is like placing a two-month old in the middle of the ocean and telling him to swim.” His answer: “Exactly.”
In real life, God knows what is best for us. Sometimes He even throws us where He desires us despite the fact that we feel incapable. You see, no matter what happens, God is ready to guide-even when we feel like giving up. Honestly, I would rather not drive down Highway 54 at 55 mph, but somewhere down the road, my willingness to step out of my comfort zone will benefit me. The simple fact that I continually trust God to keep me alive will help me when I don’t know what else to do in life. He patiently awaits the day when we look to Him for direction, for that will be the day when we learn how to trust.
“Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass” (Psalms 37:5, NKJV).
I got my permit last Wednesday, and life has definitely been an adventure since then. After a week of driving in the neighborhood, my dad decided to make me drive on the highway. I did not think I was ready for that. Turns out, I was. Who knew? Granted, I’m not the greatest driver in the world, but I’m alive, right?
Lately I have been thinking about my new turn in the road of life (pun intended). During our hour-long drive I told my dad, “This is like placing a two-month old in the middle of the ocean and telling him to swim.” His answer: “Exactly.”
In real life, God knows what is best for us. Sometimes He even throws us where He desires us despite the fact that we feel incapable. You see, no matter what happens, God is ready to guide-even when we feel like giving up. Honestly, I would rather not drive down Highway 54 at 55 mph, but somewhere down the road, my willingness to step out of my comfort zone will benefit me. The simple fact that I continually trust God to keep me alive will help me when I don’t know what else to do in life. He patiently awaits the day when we look to Him for direction, for that will be the day when we learn how to trust.
“Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass” (Psalms 37:5, NKJV).
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Drive of a Lifetime
“Don’t get too close… WOA! Watch the mailbox!!! Ok, that’s it… easy now. You got it. Please, God, don’t let me die. Ok. Woa, too slow. The people behind us are getting impatient. Go a little faster. Not that much! It’s ok. It’s going to be ok.”
I got my permit last Wednesday, and life has definitely been an adventure since then. After a week of driving in the neighborhood, my dad decided to make me drive on the highway. I did not think I was ready for that. Turns out, I was. Who knew? Granted, I’m not the greatest driver in the world, but I’m alive, right?
Lately I have been thinking about my new turn in the road of life. (Pun intended) During our hour-long drive I told my dad, “This is like placing a two-month old in the middle of the ocean and telling him to swim.” His answer: “Exactly.”
In real life, God knows what is best for us. Sometimes He even throws us where He desires us despite the fact that we feel incapable. You see, no matter what happens, God is ready to guide-even when we feel like giving up. Honestly, I would rather not drive down Highway 54 at 55mph, but somewhere down the road, my willingness to step out of my comfort zone will benefit me. The simple fact that I continually trust God to keep me alive will help me when I don’t know what else to do in life. He patiently awaits the day when we look to Him for direction, for that will be the day when we learn how to trust.
“Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring [it] to pass.” Psalms 37:5
Monday, May 3, 2010
Do I have to?
Mother’s Day is coming up, and let’s face it: We all have conflict with our mothers at one time or another. But there’s something about motherhood that we as teenagers cannot understand.
You know how our moms always answer our questions with, “Because I said so?” I don’t know about you, but this really frustrates me. I want to know why. As a parent, our mothers realize that we will not understand their explanations. Even if they try to tell us why, we still will not want to do the task at hand. This is part of being a mother: wisely guiding your child even when they think their way trumps your own.
Now, being a teenager is obviously different. When my mom asks me to clean the dishes, I usually grumble and complain. Why do I need to do this? I think to myself. But there’s one thing we always need to remember:
Mom is right.
Even if she messes up, she wisely messes up. It’s not easy to raise kids. Of course the road is going have a few potholes along the way. That being said, she is in authority. She drives us, the passenger, to the places she feels are best. She may even get lost along the way, but we submit to her. We trust that she loves us and only wants what will benefit us. A mother’s heart is not to hurt her children, even though that may happen in the process of the drive.
Don’t let your hurt or anger get in the way of showing your mother the love you have for her. Get creative. Make her something that she can treasure forever. No matter what you do, don’t forget that God has placed us under our mothers. Things will work out under her authority.
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you” (Romans 13:1-3, NLT)
You know how our moms always answer our questions with, “Because I said so?” I don’t know about you, but this really frustrates me. I want to know why. As a parent, our mothers realize that we will not understand their explanations. Even if they try to tell us why, we still will not want to do the task at hand. This is part of being a mother: wisely guiding your child even when they think their way trumps your own.
Now, being a teenager is obviously different. When my mom asks me to clean the dishes, I usually grumble and complain. Why do I need to do this? I think to myself. But there’s one thing we always need to remember:
Mom is right.
Even if she messes up, she wisely messes up. It’s not easy to raise kids. Of course the road is going have a few potholes along the way. That being said, she is in authority. She drives us, the passenger, to the places she feels are best. She may even get lost along the way, but we submit to her. We trust that she loves us and only wants what will benefit us. A mother’s heart is not to hurt her children, even though that may happen in the process of the drive.
Don’t let your hurt or anger get in the way of showing your mother the love you have for her. Get creative. Make her something that she can treasure forever. No matter what you do, don’t forget that God has placed us under our mothers. Things will work out under her authority.
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you” (Romans 13:1-3, NLT)
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