July 25, 2009

busting loose!

Here's the deal. I am still working on the website. I am still trying to juggle eight million things. But one thing I miss and feel like I just need to do is write. I don't really want to maximize and marketize my blog. I don't think what I have to say is all that original or noteworthy. I just like to write, and that is what this blog is really about.

It's not about people are following it and its not about me making more of myself than I am. It's about talking honestly about my Savior and how He works in my life (and also about the many times that I try to tell Him how my life should go) . So there it is. If you want info on the student ministry, check out www.gogracefellowship.com also you can check www.gogracestudents.com (coming soon!). Thanks and God bless. -Norm

July 23, 2009

Let's be real.

If you do not have someone in your life that is pouring into you, find someone.

If you are not pouring your life into someone else, find someone.

If you do not have a friend that challenges you, holds you accountable, cheers you on, will bleed with you and will walk with you no matter what. Find one.

Im not saying this will be easy. You can take time and pray through it. But we all need mentors, students, and teammates if you want to make a lasting impact and be around for the long haul.

July 22, 2009

1 Timothy 4:12

Many young people love to quote the scripture 1 Timothy 4:12. It is our battle cry of respect since we are young believers in Christ! We shout "Don't look down on me because I am young!" But it wasnt until just recently that I took a step back and really thought about it.

Look at the scripture again. I'll give you a second... (1Tim 4:12) Did you read it? What did it say? The big word is "BUT". "But set an example"... See this scripture has less to do with us getting respect for being young and more about us setting an mature, Jesus-filled example of what it means to follow Christ.

The big picture of this scripture is for us to set and example in our lives that blows older (could mean either physically or spiritually) people away! I mean live a life that honors God boldly!

Here's 5 things you can check yourself with. Trust me I will be doing this with you!

1. Speech-- are we honoring God and others with the things we say. (Matthew 15:18)

2. Life-- are we living each moment in accordance to what God would have us live? (1 Peter 1:13-16)

3. Love-- is your heart broken and burdened for your neighbor? Do you deal with people fairly and with honor and respect? (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

4. Faith-- Do I trust God with what He is doing in my life? Do I forgo my own will and lean on His word and His calling in my life? What in my life shows a life of faith? (James 2:14)

5. Purity-- What do my heart and eyes long for? Do I wish to fill them with selfish temporal pleasures? Or do I walk a life of mental/physical purity? (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

Lets set an example, then it really won't matter if people look down at us because we are young.