Tear down your walls!

What walls are you keeping up in your life that is preventing you from experiencing the life that God wants for you?

Three of the most common walls that we allow in our lives are:

1. The Lack of Understanding - It's important to get to a place where you understand that God does want the very best for you.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

2. The lack of Obedience - Choosing to disobey  puts a wall up that can cause your heart to harden to the way God wants you to live.

"But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him." 1 John 2:5

3. The lack of Trust - Not trusting that God is with you and for you will prevent you from knowing who Jesus truly is.

"Our ancestors trusted you; they trusted, and you saved them.
 They called to you for help and were rescued. They trusted you and were not disappointed." Psalm 22:4-5

By tearing down these walls will allow God to invade your life giving you the life that He wants for you - the best life.

God created some really amazing and beautiful things like the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon, Mt. Everest, Victoria Falls, yet it's clear that you (humans) are the most amazing thing that God created.

You aren't amazing because of anything you have done or have accomplished: not because of sports, singing, grades, etc. You are amazing simply because you were created in God's image!

Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them."

Luke 12:6-7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

If you are created in God's image then your life should reflect Him - just like a mirror. People should be able to see Jesus by the way you speak, how you love and serve others, and how you treat yourself.

Is your life reflecting God?

Middle School is a Mountain

Climbing a mountain can be exciting, but also quite daunting. Standing at the bottom of the mountain and looking up and not being able to see the top can cause anxiousness. Middle School can often feel like climbing a mountain; it can be exciting with each day bringing something new and unexpected, while at the same time it can cause feelings of fear and anxiousness. 

Just like a mountain climber needs to be prepared so do middle school students.

As the school year approaches there are things that you can do to help yourself while hiking the "Middle School Mountain:"

1. Take a climbing partner with you
"Don't try to live your faith alone - "By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped." Ecclesiastes 4:12

2. Take the right equipment
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes...The belt of truth...the breastplate of righteousness...the gospel of peace...the shield of faith...the helmet of salvation...and the sword of the Spirit." Ephesians 6:10-17

3. Take one step at a time
"God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns." Philippians 1:6

3. Take a determined attitude
"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace." 2 Corinthians 4:16

Choose your friends wisely as you're on this hike, take the truth and grace of Jesus with you, and don't give up. 
If God is with you, what can stand against you?