But, God...There? Oh Come on!

I talked earlier about servanthood. It's almost funny. People learn about it. They get excited. And then, many of them stop. Why? Well, God asks us to things that won't get recognition, the dirty jobs, if you will. But, many people ask, "Why me? Can't that other person do it just as well?!"
I read in a book once this: God doesn't need us, he wants us. Just think of that. God, the Almighty Creator of the universe doesn't need you, but he wants you. Sure another person could do that job, but God wants you! Not your neighbor, not your brother. He wants you! He wants you to serve him by helping that elderly lady to the car, though you would rather be with your friends.
Sometimes, we just plain don't want to. There isn't any other reason, we just do not want to do it that day. Well, sorry to be the one to break it to you, but you need to. "Oh come on", some would say, "You sound like my mom!" (*remember this, I am a teenager just like you!*) Well, your Mom is probably a wise person.
So, let's do what God wants us to do!

Okay..So Why?

There is a Ginny Owens song "This Road." I really like it. The song deals with asking God why we have to go (live) the way we are. I have asked God "Why?" so many times that this song really touched a part of me.
A million miles away from anything familiar
A thousand places I would rather be
So I choke back the tears and try to find the bright side
Though I find it hard to see beyond my suffering
In my heart I know your plan is so much bigger
But this small part is all that I can see
And I believe you haven't left me here to wander
Still I can't help but ponder where you're leading me

(Chorus)
And I ask why this road
Why this way and this load
Tell me how far must I go till I see
Till I know why this road

A million miles away from anything familiar
What was it like to be so far from home
Though you came in love
The world misunderstood you
There must have been some days when you felt so alone
But you endured, cause there was joy before you
Joy that came because you sacrificed
Since you gave yourself just to spend forever with me
Surely I can trust you'll lead me through my darkest times
When I ask why....

(Chorus)
And I ask why this road
Why this way and this load
Tell me how far must I go Till I see
Till I know why this road

From here I can not see
Why you'd choose this path for me
But I don't have to understand to believe
That you know whyYou know why this road
Why this way and this load
You know how far I must go till I see
Till I know why this road

It's okay to ask God why. In fact, some of the strongest Christians I know, do it every day. Ask why, but believe and trust that God knows, even if he doesn't tell you clearly.

Servanthood? No Fun!

Servanthood is an essential part of being a Christian. Think about it for just a second. What if no one you knew was willing to do anything for anyone else? What if they thought of no one but themselves?

I know that many people wouldn't be Christians today without some people demonstrating servanthood. But, first, think. What is servanthood?

Well, servanthood is getting rid of the words me, myself, and I. To be a servant you have to put yourself last. To be a servant is to consider others better than you. A servant never does anything for his own gain, but to further the kingdom of Christ. I'm not saying you shouldn't participate in anything (school, church, reading books, drawing etc.). But, you have to consider how that might help you serve others (and ultimately Christ!) better. To me (oops, that word again!), servanthood isn't a thing you religiously practice one hour a week. Servanthood is a mindset.

But, true servanthood is not doing something for others and mumbling and grumbling. Or even thinking about where you would rather be. Servanthood is so completely in submission that a servant doesn't consider what is best for himself (or herself).

To be a servant you must consider your master. Jesus is the ultimate example of servanthood. He came not to please himself but to serve others. Look to him for your example.

Quite honestly, I wish I could say that this is what I do all the time. But, it isn't. Trust me, to be a servant it takes work and time. You aren't going to become the greatest servant ever in a day or two.

Well...God Gave the Increase!

I love 1 Corinthians 3:6. Paul says, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth[increase]. Paul takes absolutely no credit for what he did in the equasion. He gave God all the glory. We need to be like that.

Many times I know we (myself included!) tend to think of ourselves are heroic for the very least little thing. You know, "Oh, I picked up a toy, and Mom didn't ask me too. I must be the greatest thing on earth!" I'm not belittling obeying your mother, you should. But, you should go above and beyond what she asks. I know that I could improve in this way, and I know others can too. We need to do as much as we can, remembering Jesus's words (If you do this to least of these, you are doing it to me.). If we just tell someone "Thank you" or say something politely, we are doing it to Jesus. But, on the flip side, if we say something rude or not nice, we are doing that to Jesus. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be rude to Jesus (Who wouldn't?).

But, back to the other, I think we need to live with humility. Micah 6:8 says "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" We need to walk humbly. What does that mean for you? Stepping out of the spotlight? Making friends with the person no one wants to be friends with? Be prepared to do anything without credit. Sometimes you will have thankless jobs. Sometimes you'll feel no one cares about what you do. Sometimes people might take advantage of your willingness to serve and help others. Be ready! God will give you your reward in heaven, so don't worry about the one down here.

The Rebelution Modesty Survey

TheRebelution.com just launched the results of their massive Modesty Survey! Over 1,600 Christian guys answered questions on everything from glitter lotion and lip gloss to swimsuits and skirt slits! For you girls, it's everything you've ever wanted to ask guys about modesty, but were afraid to ask! For you guys, it's really interesting to see what other Christian guys think!
Most importantly, the survey is presented as a resource to help Christian girls (and guys), not a list of legalistic rules, and it is accompanied by the Modesty Survey Petition (which tons of guys have signed) which encourage young women to focus on the heart, not the hemline, to honor their parents, etc.
TheRebelution.com presents the results of the survey as a big St. Valentine's Day gift from 1,600 Christian guys to all Christian girls—and I can't think of a better one!
Go check it out: www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey
But also make sure you spread the word to all your friends. We want as many Christian girls as possible to see it on Valentines Day, so you can repost this post on your blog or forward it as an email.
Guys, they are still accepting signatures for the Modesty Survey Petition, so this is an opportunity for you to still share your voice on the topic of modesty!



I really would like for you all to check this out! It is so cool!

This Man

Last time I posted I told how Jesus suffered on the cross for us. This is a song by Jeremy Camp that I think really illustrates it.

Jeremy Camp - This Man

From the album Restored

In only a moment truth was seen, revealed this mystery
The crown that showed no dignity, He wore
And the king was placed for all the world to show disgrace
But only beauty flowed from this place

Chorus:

Would you take the place of this Man
Would you take the nails from His hands
Would you take the place of this Man
Would you take the nails from His hands

He held the weight of impurity
The father would not see the reasons had finally come to be to show
The depth of His grace flowed with every sin erased
He knew that this was why He came

Chorus:

And we just don’t know
The blood and water flowed
And in it all He showed just how much He cared
And the veil was torn so we could have this open door
And all these things have finally been complete

Chorus


I think that this song is really cool. The first time I ever heard it was at church camp. They had taken this song and put clips from Passion of the Christ to it. I don't think that there was a dry eye in the place. But, the thing that really struck me was the chorus. Seeing clips of that movie, and asking "Would you take his place?" really hit home. I wondered if I really would take his place. I know that he did it for me, but would I do it for him? I have to ask myself this question every day. I could say that I say yes every day, but I don't. I should, but I don't. Do you? Would you take his place?

Amazing Love (why do I deserve it?)

I want you to think about this scene for a few minutes: There is a rugged hill. A group of people standing gawking. A few of them are weeping. You look up, and there are three crosses. Three men are hanging on them, but your attention is drawn to one. He has blood flowing down his body. He has a crown of thorns mashed into his head. He is covered in bruises, dirt and dried blood. With a great effort he speaks! He says, "It is finished." As he drops his head lifelessly a darkness sweeps over you. You hear a murmur in the crowd. A few of the women wailing. The soldiers come up and break the other two men's legs. The die shortly after. But, they come to the central man and pierce his side. Water, then blood flows out. The soldiers nod to the others that he is dead. A man hurrys up to claim the dead body. The women group around it. You wonder why the man had to die.

Well, it sounds dark and depressing. Actually, it is. But, the good news is that this man didn't die in vain. He died for you! Imagine you on your worst day. Then, think he did it for me! I know I don't deserve it. None of us do. But, you ask, "Why? Why did he have to die for me?" Well, he died for you because he loved you. Now, think about this for a minute. Even if you have been in church your whole life (like me!) you won't lose the wonder, the joy, the peace. He loved you. Think about that. He won't ever leave you, he loves you, he died for you! Wow! He did that for me!? I really don't deserve it! But, what can we do to repay him? Well, we can't. Ever. But, we can love him and live for him with everything that we've got. Just think, he died for you! Can you surrender your life to him?

But, the best thing about this story is that Jesus didn't stay dead! No matter how many times I hear it, this story never loses the joy for me. Jesus really did die. And he stayed dead. But, he conquered death and the grave and rose again on the third day! Wow! You know, he did that for you too. Jesus loves you. Never forget that. No matter where you are, or what you are doing never forget that Jesus loves you. He died for you to save you, to rescue you. Can you give him yourself completely? Without holding anything back? He is waiting for you. You might be saved already, but you feel you haven't completely given it all to him. Do that now. Or you might not be saved. If not, do that now. Ask God to forgive you, to save you and to make you his child and give you eternal life. He always will do it if you ask. If you did either of those please tell me! I won't put it on the blog if you don't want me to, but I want to know!

Persecution

How many of you have experienced persecution? Well, most Christians have. It might be a death in your family or someone just rolling their eyes at you. If you have witnessed to people and are truly serving you will have. But, did you know that extreme persecution still happens today? I have been getting Voice of the Martyrs newsletter every month lately, and it really makes you think. I wonder what is like to have your parents killed, just because you attend church. I wonder how these people live. Quite honestly, I know the only thing that keeps them going is God. Their faith in him is such an example for me. So many times we take for granted the little things. These people are being beaten, cut, tormented, even killed just because they love Jesus. In some places there "concentration camps" of a sort. But, these places are just to torment people who believe in God. It is so sad that we can pray, worship, read the Bible, sing, and share our faith whenever we like, and these people can't do it at all. (Not to say that they don't) But, I think one of the most touching stories I heard was of one Chinese pastor. An American asked him how he could pray for him. The man replied to not pray for them, but pray for the church in America that it would grow, and see a revival. You see, the devil tries to scare people away from becoming Christians, but all he accomplishes is growing their church. But, the devil is running scared himself, that's why he persecutes Christians. We can change things. Maybe we need a little persecution to help us out. I hope it doesn't come to that. We need to pray for these people that they would have the courage to keep on. But, at the same time we need to learn from their examples.

PS By the way, here is The Voice of the Martyrs website address: www.persecution.com This is a ministry that is dedicated to God, and I strongly encourage you to subscribe to their newsletter.

The Rebelution

You've probably heard a little bit about the Rebelution from me. But, I wanted to tell you more about them here. The Rebelutiuon is written by Alex and Brett Harris. They wanted a movement in our generation: a rebellion and a revoloution. (Hence, the Rebelution :) ) They want a rebellion against "the low expectations of our culture." They also want a revoloution to occur and for us to turn to Jesus. At present, the Rebelution is hosting a Modesty Survey. For more information on this, click on the flashing banner ad below. I highly reccomend going to the Rebelution, I know I have been blessed by it, and you might too. Here is the address (it's also in my links) www.therebelution.com. Please check this out, and see if you too can grow through it.

Daddy, There's Noise

This is a poem I got off the Rebelution forums. I read this poem and it really spoke to me about how weak and pitiful we are. Anways, Heidi M. wrote it. Here is the link to her website: http://www.xanga.com/a blessed servant. I highly encourage you to tell her if you like her poem.



Daddy, There’s Noise
by Heidi M.

Daddy, when I'm sick and weak, and all my strength has fled
Let me sit upon Your knee and hear the words You said
To listen as I hear Your smile within the gentle voice
Calling me to rest in You from all the outward noise.

Daddy, I am so confused, with all that's spinning 'round
I need Your hand to lift me up off what might be the ground.
Draw me closer, keep me near, oh, help me to hold true –
And so receive the strength I need from You to pull me through.

Daddy, why the struggles? Why the trials and the pain?
I try so hard to just press on and count each loss as gain
But I'm so tired and I know the battle's raging fierce
So please reach down, and let Your touch this worldly mindset pierce.

Daddy, I am sick and weak, and all my strength has fled
I am hugging tight my knees, all curled up on my bed.
Let me hear Your gentle smile within the whispered voice
And give me joy to bravely turn and face the outward noise.

It's All His? Then, Why the Chaos?

Well, yes I finally did brave it and change the template. I like this one too, and I needed to change some stuff on here. (note the music and new pictures!)
But, that's not what I posted for. Sometimes our live are so hectic. (Okay, for some of us, all the time!) Anyways, if we truly give our all to God, and surrender our lives to him, we need to actually do it. Surrendering your life shouldn't be a mere form in which you just say it and never do it. Surrending everything to God means surrending your time too. In that case, why should your life be so stressed. Now, please understand, I'm not saying this is an excuse. I'm saying if your time is God's it should change things. It might change the ways you spend your time, because if its God's it needs to glorify him. That is the reason our lives don't have to be hectic. Now, if you're like me, you're wondering how that will happen. Well, if your time is God's it means that you don't dictate it. But, I am not saying you can't have fun. In Proverbs it says that laughter is good medicine. (I guess I'm healthy then!) If you're having a good time you will laugh or smile. So, next time you're running out the door, where is your head? With God, or the next person you are going to see? If you have the latter, you need to focus in a bit more on God! If you have the former, great! I wish I was there. But, you gotta surrender to get there. Will you?

Cooking Tip

Well, I guess you wouldn't really call this a tip. I would call it a something I do in the kitchen that isn't good but sometimes helps. Anyways, here it is:
Improvise!
If you ran out of cocoa grab a handful of mini chocolate chips to add to your cookies, cakes, and brownies. Or if you don't want the extra step of rolling cookies in sugar, simply coat your hands with powdered sugar when you make up the balls.

Have fun in the kitchen!

Well...Let Me Pray About It!

As a side note: Sorry I haven't posted in so long. I guess I don't really have an excuse...
Anways, I think one of the most annoying things is when people say they will "pray about it". Please understand, I am not saying as in some cases, which you really do need to pray about. But, then there are the typical, "Would you care if I used the fellowship hall for -----" and the response, "I don't know. Let me pray about it."
That's a really well...ludicrous example, but it kinda shows my point. We use prayer so often as an excuse and nothing more.

But, there is another side to this story that I want to add. In the area of tithing, you need to pray about what to give. Maybe God wants you to give this much or that much, but all the same, you need to pray and ask him. Or maybe it is a life-changing decision, one that you will have to live with the consequences. Pray about it.

PS Another Note: Well, you know I posted another quote from the Two Towers. Well, I memorized it. :P