Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Real Notice: RTF has a new home!
Check out our beautiful new site at Real Teen Faith.
Same great topics, but we're branching out to reach youth workers, youth pastors, and of course, you -- teens who believe in relevant faith, or who are seeking relevant faith.
Suzie Eller, Founder RTF
http://realteenfaith.com
Same great topics, but we're branching out to reach youth workers, youth pastors, and of course, you -- teens who believe in relevant faith, or who are seeking relevant faith.
Suzie Eller, Founder RTF
http://realteenfaith.com
Monday, June 04, 2007
Real Link: Pray 21
Pray21, a national youth initiative to encourage teens and adults to pray together during 21 days in September, starting Sunday, Sept. 9, while empowering youth ministry in their church and community, is being endorsed by a cast of Christian musicians including Mercy Me, Sonic Flood, Building 429, Geoff Moore, Tammy Trent, and more.
Plus, national leaders such as Congressman J. Randy Forbes (Chairman of The National Congressional Prayer Committee), Josh McDowell, Tony Campolo, Jim Daly, Dr. Jack Hayford, Dr. John Ankerberg, and others have joined together in support of Pray21.
See www.pray21.org for more.
Real Poem: Jenn Joshua - Knowledge or Love?
Knowledge or Love?
Jenn Joshua
Why should I always try to be the best?
To be the most smart – the most well-dressed
To know everything from present and past
So as to answer every question asked.
What makes me think I’m any better than you?
We’re all just humans, so we mustn’t confuse
Knowledge with love, and possessions with grace
We’re all just humans with the trials we face
I’m just a “normal” person – so please excuse
Me, if I don’t know such ‘important’ news
Such as why rhythm differs from tempo
And how many instruments are in a typical concerto
Who the Sino-Japanese war was between
And what on earth synthesis means,
Who painted ‘Still Life With Onions’
(Or that a sequence of three nucleotides is a ‘codon’)
Knowledge is a gift, a wonderful thing
But if it is placed over love, it is nothing
It is like a tinkling cymbal, a sounding glass
Who cares if you get to the head of your class?
If you don’t love your neighbor, and you love yourself more
You’re the only person you’ll have to answer for
So while you’re in school, strive to learn all you can
But never place its value over loving your fellowmen.
Pride is ugly, and intelligence, a joke
If we think it makes us better than any other folks.
Thank God for our minds, that can store information
But thank God for our hearts that can love His creations
Jenn Joshua
Why should I always try to be the best?
To be the most smart – the most well-dressed
To know everything from present and past
So as to answer every question asked.
What makes me think I’m any better than you?
We’re all just humans, so we mustn’t confuse
Knowledge with love, and possessions with grace
We’re all just humans with the trials we face
I’m just a “normal” person – so please excuse
Me, if I don’t know such ‘important’ news
Such as why rhythm differs from tempo
And how many instruments are in a typical concerto
Who the Sino-Japanese war was between
And what on earth synthesis means,
Who painted ‘Still Life With Onions’
(Or that a sequence of three nucleotides is a ‘codon’)
Knowledge is a gift, a wonderful thing
But if it is placed over love, it is nothing
It is like a tinkling cymbal, a sounding glass
Who cares if you get to the head of your class?
If you don’t love your neighbor, and you love yourself more
You’re the only person you’ll have to answer for
So while you’re in school, strive to learn all you can
But never place its value over loving your fellowmen.
Pride is ugly, and intelligence, a joke
If we think it makes us better than any other folks.
Thank God for our minds, that can store information
But thank God for our hearts that can love His creations
Labels: jenn joshua, real poem
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Real Devo: Giver of Strength by Elizabeth A. Wright
“Giver of Strength”
“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.” Psalm 18:32 KJV
At the daycare where I work, there is a little boy that has inadvertently helped me in my spiritual walk. I love this child. He is two years old, generally dirty, and BAD. (I say that with all the love in my heart.J) But one day, it was precisely that disobedience that shook me up and taught me a lesson.
First off, let me explain that I have always had this weird fear of death. Even though I know where I am going, it is death itself that I fear. It has always caused me to doubt myself. I have heard stories of people doing brave deeds, risking their own life, and wondered if I could do the same. I feared I couldn’t. “God will give you the strength”, I always heard. “You don’t even think about it”, said others. I doubted the truth of both statements. God had to show me Himself.
One day, as my band of 2-year-olds and I were leaving the playground, this little boy broke from the line and took off across the parking lot. Our parking lot opens onto a very busy road with speeding cars. My heart started racing. I was next to an SUV and couldn’t see around the corner. What if someone was pulling into the parking lot? They’d never see him! I dropped the basket I was carrying, called to the other children to stay put, and ran after him. God truly did give me the strength that day. Somehow, I caught up with him in three seconds. I scooped him up and ran to the side of the road, not sure whether to cry or scream at him.
Shaking now, I plopped him in the line, maintaining a firm grip on his hand. My supervisor had seen the whole thing and was as scared as I was. I stammered that I would come back for the basket of extra things. I just wanted to get him inside, and safe. She understood and carried the basket herself.
Once we were inside, I woodenly continued what needed to be done, my heart still pounding from the adrenaline rush. My supervisor assured me that she would talk to his parents about it. I pushed it from my mind, knowing I had to keep going. There was no time to collapse and/or cry now.
That night, as I lay in my bed, shaking and on the verge of tears, I was struck by a new realization. I had run into that street not knowing if something was coming straight at me or not. I hadn’t thought about it, and God had given me the strength to do it. It had not been myself I doubted, but God. I was ashamed and grateful at the same time. How stupid I had been! I had assumed that just because I didn’t have the strength when I was thinking about it, God couldn’t give me the strength when I truly needed it. It really was that He saves it for when you need it.
© 2007 by Elizabeth A. Wright. All rights reserved.
Bio: Elizabeth Wright was homeschooled from Kindergarten through 12th grade and is now taking the Apprentice course from the Christian Writers Guild. She works in a daycare, is active in her church, and enjoys her five little brothers and two dogs.
Labels: Elizabeth Wright, real devo
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Real Question: Lindsay, Brit, and Paris
Another "bad girl" hits the dust. At least, that's the headlines ripping across the print magazines, and airwaves. But it makes me wonder. Are they really "bad girls"?
Last Sunday I sat in my home church and I watched a group of women sitting in the front row. They've been coming to our church for months now. One named Stephanie caught my attention. During worship she raised her hands. She jumped up and down with excitement.
Isn't that distracting, Suzie?
Hmm. I don't know. Maybe so, unless you know her story. She was also a "bad girl", at least that is the label she wore for a very long time. She didn't have Paris' riches or family heritage. She didn't have Britney's musical talent. She's never starred in a movie like Lindsay. But she had a lot in common with these three. Drugs railroaded her from the life that she wanted. She got pregnant. She alienated a lot of relationships that were once very valuable to her. One day she hit rock bottom.
She was in a drug rehab when she met a woman named Kim, a former drug addict who found God in prison and who now served as a Chaplain. This woman shared the news that Stephanie's life mattered to God, and that there was a better way.
Leaving a life of drugs, of sex without love, and addictions that had nothing to do with drugs seemed impossible. And yet that is why she worships so freely now. Because she is free and has been for a year. She knows that God loves her. She knows that her search for purpose and meaning has only just begun, and each day it unfolds a little bit more.
As I read the headlines about the three "bad girls", I feel an overwhelming desire to pray. They are beautiful. They are privileged. But perhaps they just need to know who they are out of the spotlight, out of the fame, and in the hands of their Creator.
Sure, you can learn from them what not to do, and I hope that you gain insight from their lives. But I also ask you to pray for them that they will find a loving, life-changing relationship with an amazing Savior.
Real Word: John 3:16-17 (The Message) - This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.
Labels: Real Question, T. Suzanne Eller
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Real Link: Hoops of Hope
One of the things that I love to do at Real Teen Faith is to talk about teens who are making a difference in the world. I ran across this quote the other day:
"I'm just a normal 12-year-old who's trying to live his life, shining for Jesus and do what I've been called to do by the Bible. Any other kid [can do this], all they've got to have is a passion and let Jesus ‘do his thing'." Austin Gutwein
What did he do? What is he saying that anyone can do?
He raised nearly a hundred thousand dollars through his foundation called Hoops of Hope, which will be used to build a school for AIDS orphans in Africa. This is an article excerpt written about Austin and of Hoops of Hope at Pastors.com.
Headline: 12-year-old makes dream of providing school for AIDS orphans a realityby Allison Cox
After raising more than $35,000 in December 2006 to help HIV/AIDS orphans in Africa, 12-year-old Austin Gutwein heard his dad, Dan, promise that if he raised more than $100,000 through his Hoops of Hope organization, Dan would take him to Africa.
Austin better pack his bags.
The 2006 event raised nearly $60,000 that will go toward building a school in Zambia.The school will be built in memory of Jonathan Sim, a World Vision employee whose dream of building a school for his sponsored children was not realized before his death in 2006. His wife, Kelly, was able to raise part of the money needed to fund the building. Hoops of Hope raised the additional funds needed to start construction this year.
"I think that it's going to be an awesome opportunity for us not only to share Jesus with some of the kids over in Zambia," Austin said. "But it'll be an awesome opportunity for kids to finally get the education that they've been wanting for so long."
Read the rest of the article. . .
From Suzie: Pretty awesome, isn't it? One person will impact so many. Just let someone tell me that tweens and teens aren't amazing! I love what God can do through youth (you!) to make a difference in the world.
From Suzie: Pretty awesome, isn't it? One person will impact so many. Just let someone tell me that tweens and teens aren't amazing! I love what God can do through youth (you!) to make a difference in the world.
I hope you'll check out Hoops of Hope. I hope you'll be challenged to make a difference in your world.
Labels: real article, real link
Real Quote: Texting God?
Phillip Yancey writes: “Increasingly, time pressures crowd out the leisurely pace that prayer seems to require. Communication with other people keeps getting shorter and more cryptic: text messages, email, instant messaging. We have less and less time for conversation, let alone contemplation. We have the constant sensation of not enough: not enough time, not enough rest, not enough exercise, not enough leisure. Where does God fit into a life that already seems behind schedule?” (Prayer, Does it Make Any Difference? p.15.)
Labels: prayer, real quote
Thursday, May 24, 2007
If you are a daily reader of Real Teen Faith
In just a couple of days Real Teen Faith will have a new look, and a permanent home at http://realteenfaith.com instead of here at blogspot.
I hope you'll mark your favorites links to the new site. We are growing bigger. We are adding new writers. We are changing the site to connect to youth groups, youth pastors, seekers, rebelutionists, shoutlife groups, myspace, facebook, and more.
Want to join RTF as a staff writer? Send a sample of your writing (devo, lyrics, poetry, testimony, editorials, book or music reviews, and more) to us. We hope to add five new staff writers over the next two months, and several guest writers. Teens or college students only, please.
Suzie Eller
I hope you'll mark your favorites links to the new site. We are growing bigger. We are adding new writers. We are changing the site to connect to youth groups, youth pastors, seekers, rebelutionists, shoutlife groups, myspace, facebook, and more.
Want to join RTF as a staff writer? Send a sample of your writing (devo, lyrics, poetry, testimony, editorials, book or music reviews, and more) to us. We hope to add five new staff writers over the next two months, and several guest writers. Teens or college students only, please.
Suzie Eller
Real Devo: Pray Without Ceasing by Jade West
Pray Without Ceasing
by: Jade West, RTF Staff Writer
I us
e to think that "pray without ceasing" stuff was meant for the "super spiritual". But lately, I've found that being "super spiritual" isn't one of the requirements.
In fact, I'm finding more and more ways to pray frequently throughout my day. Here are my ten favorite:
1. Talk to Him--say "Good morning, Lord" when you wake up and "Goodnight, Lord" when you go to bed.
2. Thank Him--for everything and anything.
3. Praise Him--just because He's God!
4. Ask Him--for protection, patience, or anything else that you need!
5. Tell Him--how you feel, what your day's been like.
6. Sing to Him--memorize a Psalm (145-150 are good chapters) and sing it to Him during your day. Remember, it's not about your singing ability. It's about the God you're singing to.
7. Write to Him--keep a prayer journal.
8. Seek Him out--just to spend time with Him.
9. Petition Him--for others and their needs.
10. Invite Him--into your daily activities.
by: Jade West, RTF Staff Writer
"Pray without ceasing." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17When I seek to pray throughout my day I notice a difference--in myself. My words are sweeter. I'm slower to anger and judgement. I'm kinder.
I us
e to think that "pray without ceasing" stuff was meant for the "super spiritual". But lately, I've found that being "super spiritual" isn't one of the requirements.In fact, I'm finding more and more ways to pray frequently throughout my day. Here are my ten favorite:
1. Talk to Him--say "Good morning, Lord" when you wake up and "Goodnight, Lord" when you go to bed.
2. Thank Him--for everything and anything.
3. Praise Him--just because He's God!
4. Ask Him--for protection, patience, or anything else that you need!
5. Tell Him--how you feel, what your day's been like.
6. Sing to Him--memorize a Psalm (145-150 are good chapters) and sing it to Him during your day. Remember, it's not about your singing ability. It's about the God you're singing to.
7. Write to Him--keep a prayer journal.
8. Seek Him out--just to spend time with Him.
9. Petition Him--for others and their needs.
10. Invite Him--into your daily activities.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Real Devo: Let Your Light So Shine
Let Your Light So Shine… by Lydia Rule, RTF Staff Writer
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The family van swung around the corner and stopped across from an old, beat down house. In front of the house surrounded by a high metal fence, a group of teens and adults stood in a circle, smoking and talking quietly. My mom honked the horn and a little boy ran out of the house towards our van. I opened the car door and let him in, making sure his seatbelt was securely snapped in. The excitement in his eyes told me that he was glad to be on his way to church.
Suddenly, one of the teens looked our way and shouted across the street, “Tell God hi for me!”
The tone in his voice wasn’t mocking. He was serious. He really wanted us relay the message to God.
It was as if a blinking neon sign had been placed on the top of our van that said, “Christian! Christian! Christian!”
It felt strange to think that my family and I represented God’s light to these people and to
the little boy we were picking up. I felt inadequate, awed by the responsibility to “let your light so shine before men…” All Christians are lights in this world. And even to people that you don’t know, you are the only glimpse of Christ that they may see.
How can I, an imperfect person, represent Christ’s perfect love? The very thought of the all-mighty God choosing me to be His ambassador is frightening. The only word that describes this situation perfectly is “YIKES!!!”
The fact is, God does choose you and me to be His representatives. The privilege is priceless, but at the same time, it is such a load to carry—especially when you’ve just fought with your family the whole way to church, you’ve been angry with someone, or you’ve been spending more time chatting online than you have spent chatting with God.
Fortunately, God offers us a special strength. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” When we try to represent God in our own strength, our light will flicker uncertainly. When we let Christ shine through us, our light will not fail, but it will be a steady glow.
Labels: Lydia Rule, real devo
Real Article: Everything But All the Way
~Real Article~
by Katie Allen*
Christianity Today -- CampusEXCERPT of article. . .
I spent a whole hour fixing my hair the first time I went to my church's youth group. Why
am I even going? I fretted as I struggled to get my hair to look half decent. I don't really have any friends there. But I figured it was better than sitting around the house or doing homework. So I jerked a comb through my hair one more time, hollered "I'm Ready!" to my mom, and headed for the car. When Mom dropped me off at the youth pastor's house, a guy I recognized from church answered the door.
"Hey, Katie, come on in. It's cool that you came," he said. He introduced himself as Ben and walked me into the living room. I blushed, flattered that he knew my name. Music was playing and kids were talking and laughing in tight little groups. Ben must've realized I felt out of place because he stayed by my side, introducing me to the others.
Soon, Ben and I started dating. Like the other kids in the youth group, we both agreed it was smart to save sex for marriage. But we never really talked about how far we would or wouldn't go. It didn't seem to be that big of a problem until we'd been dating over a year and ended up alone one winter afternoon.
Read rest of article
am I even going? I fretted as I struggled to get my hair to look half decent. I don't really have any friends there. But I figured it was better than sitting around the house or doing homework. So I jerked a comb through my hair one more time, hollered "I'm Ready!" to my mom, and headed for the car. When Mom dropped me off at the youth pastor's house, a guy I recognized from church answered the door."Hey, Katie, come on in. It's cool that you came," he said. He introduced himself as Ben and walked me into the living room. I blushed, flattered that he knew my name. Music was playing and kids were talking and laughing in tight little groups. Ben must've realized I felt out of place because he stayed by my side, introducing me to the others.
Soon, Ben and I started dating. Like the other kids in the youth group, we both agreed it was smart to save sex for marriage. But we never really talked about how far we would or wouldn't go. It didn't seem to be that big of a problem until we'd been dating over a year and ended up alone one winter afternoon.
Read rest of article
Labels: real article, sex
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Real Poetry: Heartbroken
Heartbroken
My world was once torn in two.
A sadness came and settled like dew.
All around me things did change;
And in my heart I'd try arrange,
Why my mind wanted different ways-
Filled with laughter and summer days.
And now that I am heartbroken,
What can I take from this world as a token?
A token? Why? Of pain and despair?
I wrinkle my nose and twirl my hair.
I'm thankful that I'm heaven bound;
The Lord Jesus Christ my soul hath found.
I rest in that He cometh soon,
To rid the world of all life's gloom.
Blessings,
Kaitlin Atmore
http://www.missionamare.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Real Devo: Baked Clay by Maggie Johnson
Psalm 51:10-12
Baked Clay
By Maggie Johnson
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: I will give you a new heart and put anew spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 37:26 (NIV)
Baked Clay
By Maggie Johnson
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: I will give you a new heart and put anew spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 37:26 (NIV)
When you were little, did you ever play with toy clay? My three brothers and I were constantly making sandwiches and people with the squishy stuff. One year we even made clay nativity sets for our family Christmas. The very last step of our creation was to bake the clay; otherwise, baby Jesus would fall apart. When we baked the clay, it got so hard that the only possible way to break it was to jump on it. And, believe me, we tried a few times.
Has your heart ever been like baked clay? Has it been so hardened against God’s words that the only way to hear Him is to have Him jump on you? Because you have stepped away from daily conversations with Christ, this jumping can come as quite a shock. The breaking process can feel devastating at the time; painful beyond all description. But even in the midst of all that pain, you can feel touched, softened, and restored. When you have constant communication with God and keep your heart soft, He can mold you into anything He wants!
PRAYER: Father God, please mold my heart to Your will. Make me into what You want. Use me for what You want. I love You. Amen.
Bio: Maggie's devotional, "Baked Clay", won first place in the 2007 Writer's Bloc Devotional Contest. RTF is grateful that she allowed us to share it.
Labels: real devo
Real Quotes: Following Christ
~Real Quotes~
"People aren't turned off to Jesus, they're just tired of Christians who don't really follow him." - Rick Warren
"The only way of winning a knowledge of the Cross is by feeling the whole weight of the Cross." - Edith Stein, (1891-1942), German Carmelite Nun, in 444 Surprising Quotes about Jesus
"When God is not greatly praised, it's only because we don't think he's that great of a God. When our worship is small, it is because our concept of God is small. When we offer God little-bitty sacrifices, it's because we have somehow reduced him in our hearts to a little-bitty God.
"People aren't turned off to Jesus, they're just tired of Christians who don't really follow him." - Rick Warren
"The only way of winning a knowledge of the Cross is by feeling the whole weight of the Cross." - Edith Stein, (1891-1942), German Carmelite Nun, in 444 Surprising Quotes about Jesus
"When God is not greatly praised, it's only because we don't think he's that great of a God. When our worship is small, it is because our concept of God is small. When we offer God little-bitty sacrifices, it's because we have somehow reduced him in our hearts to a little-bitty God.
Our vision has become clouded, our hearts distracted. As a result, our lives shrivel into insignificance and meaninglessness. We just bump along in this mass of humanity, having no real clue what life is all about. We fret. We get depressed. We worry and get bent out of shape. We go down all kinds of dead end paths as we try to accomplish everything by ourselves. Sometimes leading to irreversible destruction." - Louie Giglio, Wired for a Life of Worship
Labels: real quote
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Real Issue: Truth
Recent psychological studies have shown that we lie on average around 150 to 200 times a day.
Why is that?
This is something I examine in my own life. Sometimes small lies escape, and yet I strive for integrity and honesty in my life.
I could say that I never lie -- and yet that would be lie #1 for the day.
Some lie to cheat. Some lie to smooth things over (. . .no, I'm not mad). Others lie because it's easier (. . .you look great in that, really).
And yet we are called to speak truth.
This is one area of my life where I want to honor God. I always make sure that I am honest in the big stuff. I care very much to have integrity in the small details as well.
There's a really old saying: What a wicked web we weave when we practice to deceive.
It sounds corny. Ancient. Outdated. But is there truth to it? I think so. Every time we lie, we get caught in the sticky, icky threads of deception. We have to cover our tracks, remember what we said or didn't say, instead of just knowing that whatever we said was the truth.
Why is that?
This is something I examine in my own life. Sometimes small lies escape, and yet I strive for integrity and honesty in my life.
I could say that I never lie -- and yet that would be lie #1 for the day.
Some lie to cheat. Some lie to smooth things over (. . .no, I'm not mad). Others lie because it's easier (. . .you look great in that, really).
And yet we are called to speak truth.
This is one area of my life where I want to honor God. I always make sure that I am honest in the big stuff. I care very much to have integrity in the small details as well.
There's a really old saying: What a wicked web we weave when we practice to deceive.
It sounds corny. Ancient. Outdated. But is there truth to it? I think so. Every time we lie, we get caught in the sticky, icky threads of deception. We have to cover our tracks, remember what we said or didn't say, instead of just knowing that whatever we said was the truth.
Labels: real issues
Real Word: for you today
Psalm 56
A David psalm, when he was captured by the Philistines in Gath.
A David psalm, when he was captured by the Philistines in Gath.
1Take my side, God--I'm getting kicked around, stomped on every day.
2Not a day goes by but somebody beats me up; They make it their duty to beat me up.
3When I get really afraid I come to you in trust.
4I'm proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust in God.
What can mere mortals do?
5They don't let up--they smear my reputation and huddle to plot my collapse.
6They gang up, sneak together through the alleys
5They don't let up--they smear my reputation and huddle to plot my collapse.
6They gang up, sneak together through the alleys
To take me by surprise, wait their chance to get me.
7Pay them back in evil! Get angry, God!
7Pay them back in evil! Get angry, God!
Down with these people!
8You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights,
8You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights,
Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book.
9If my enemies run away, turn tail when I yell at them,
9If my enemies run away, turn tail when I yell at them,
Then I'll know that God is on my side.
10I'm proud to praise God, proud to praise GOD.
11Fearless now, I trust in God; what can mere mortals do to me?
12God, you did everything you promised, and I'm thanking you with all my heart.
13You pulled me from the brink of death, my feet from the cliff-edge of doom.
Now I stroll at leisure with God in the sunlit fields of life.
Labels: real word
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Real Article: Paris Hilton says sentence is "unfair"
Excerpt from article:
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
LOS ANGELES - Paris Hilton has rehired the publicist she dumped over the weekend after being sentenced to 45 days in jail.
Elliot Mintz confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday that he is again representing the 26-year-old socialite, who was ordered to report to county jail by June 5 for violating the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.
In a court appearance Friday, Hilton told the judge Mintz informed her it was all right to drive on a suspended license for work obligations. Mintz also testified Hilton believed she was allowed to drive. The judge called Mintz's testimony worthless.
Hilton - star of reality TV show "The Simple Life" on the E! network - has parlayed her party lifestyle into worldwide fame.
She has called the sentence unfair, and her fans have posted a petition on the Internet urging Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to pardon her.
"I feel that I was treated unfairly and that the sentence is both cruel and un
warranted and I don't deserve this," Hilton told photographers assembled outside her home Saturday.
LOS ANGELES - Paris Hilton has rehired the publicist she dumped over the weekend after being sentenced to 45 days in jail.
Elliot Mintz confirmed to The Associated Press on Tuesday that he is again representing the 26-year-old socialite, who was ordered to report to county jail by June 5 for violating the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.
In a court appearance Friday, Hilton told the judge Mintz informed her it was all right to drive on a suspended license for work obligations. Mintz also testified Hilton believed she was allowed to drive. The judge called Mintz's testimony worthless.
Hilton - star of reality TV show "The Simple Life" on the E! network - has parlayed her party lifestyle into worldwide fame.
She has called the sentence unfair, and her fans have posted a petition on the Internet urging Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to pardon her.
"I feel that I was treated unfairly and that the sentence is both cruel and un
warranted and I don't deserve this," Hilton told photographers assembled outside her home Saturday.From RTF: Does Paris have a point? Does having money and fame make this sentence unfair? Is she picked on because she is who she is?
Maybe this is too personal to me. Seven years ago a drunk driver hit my son and his friends, and my son had 13 fractures from the waist down, lost his athletic career, and spent six weeks in the hospital in traction and another year relearning how to walk and run again.
I think this is the point that is being missed in the article. Paris could have hurt someone--seriously. She could have hurt herself. She was driving recklessly under the influence--again. She was on probation for the other infraction.
It doesn't matter who she is or what she's done on TV. 900 signatures. Wow. 900 people saying give her a break, after all she's Paris Hilton.
I hope that 45 days in jail means that she thinks about her life, and what she could do with the fame and riches that she has, and the harm that could come if she doesn't slow down and be real with herself about what matters. I pray for her that she will find that God has real plans for her, just like you and me, to know him and to pursue him and all that he has.
My two cents,
Suzie
Labels: real article, T. Suzanne Eller
Monday, May 07, 2007
Real Photos: Mauthausen Concentration Camp and Europe
I've been away for most of the month, which made RTF a quiet little blog. But big things were happening in the heart of this author.
I was part of a team speaking in Germany, Austria, and Hungary for 15 days. Wow! The countryside is beautiful. I stood on high places throughout the city of Budapest and watched the night lights. I investigated the labrynths under the city where people hid during communism. I spoke in a reformed church, an international church, and on a military base. I visited a concentration camp, Mauthausen, and walked through the crematorium and the gas chamber where thousands and thousands of innocent and beautiful people died.
And the whole time I asked God, "Why me? Why do I get to do this?"
I was stretched because so many times we put an American slant on the gospel, and you realize that when you want to talk about Christ with people who have fought for freedom to worship God freely. The American angle falls away when presented with the harsh reality of man's inhumanity to man in places such as Mauthausen.
I glimpsed heaven when I sat in a small room in a small church and I prayed in English while my new friends prayed in Hungarian, or German, or Dutch.
I'll share more about the trip, and the things that God showed me, and I hope you'll talk with me, with us at RTF, about the things God is showing you.
If you want to see pictures of Mauthausen or some of the pictures from the trip to Europe, go 
to my facebook page at:
to my facebook page at:See you later,
Suzie
Labels: Real photos, T. Suzanne Eller
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Real Devo: Shy Shine! by RTF Staff Writer, Lydia Rule
By Lydia Rule
Ministry… it is a scary word, especially to inverted teenagers. Often, ministry is looked upon as something only the bold and brave attempt, but this is not true. God used shy people to spread the word just as much as he did the bold. Jeremiah was a shy person
(Jeremiah 1: 4-9). Moses did not think he was bold enough to do what God wanted (Exodus 3: 11-12). Gideon was hiding from enemies when God called him to be the leader of Israel’s army (Judges 6: 11-13). The woman who touched Jesus’ robe was afraid (Mark 5: 28-34). God can use anyone, including shy people!
“But I don’t know what to do,” you say. “I’m not sure what ministry is right for me.”
There are several different ministries that are perfect for shy people. One is the Puppet Ministry. Not all churches have a Puppet Ministry, but it is perfect for the withdrawn. You can hide behind a curtain and still be serving God at the same time! It doesn’t get any better than that!
Another place to get involved in is a “Greeter’s Gang”. In a Greeter’s Gang, you can try to overcome your shyness by greeting newcomers to your teen group. However, if that is too hard, you can just send visitors a “welcome-to-our-youth-group” e-mail. Or you can keep track of visitor information for your Youth Pastor.
If you have a designer streak inside of you, church decorations is another area of ministry that doesn’t require an extraverted personality. From flower arrangements to
organizing the (very messy) church storage room, there are plenty of ways to help your church’s interior stand out. Other avenues of service include gardening, cleaning, or cooking for church banquets.
Kid’s clubs, V.B.S., and Sunday School are other great places to serve God. Little
children do not care if you are outgoing or not. You can be involved in children’s ministry in a variety of different positions. Games, snacks, and teaching times offer many needful areas to serve in.
And as always, your Pastor is there to help. Ask him if there is a particular ministry in the church that you can do. Pray about which ministry God wants you in. The Bible calls Christians a light in the darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5). Don’t be afraid to let your light show! Every light has a purpose. Find where you belong in your church, and then let Christ’s love shine through you! Let God be your boldness when you feel shy.
Shine on for Him!
Labels: Lydia Rule, real devo
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Real Poem: Filling My Cup by Charity Christy
The sun comes up
And a new day begins
What I fill in my cup
Results in what hends.
The weather may change
But time goes by
Rain and shine acts as a cage
To make me cry.
I make mistakes
That I can’t erase
Look at what’s at stake
I don’t want to chase.
As the sun sets
And checking my cups content
I don’t want any regrets
But to take the gifts that I was meant.
Charity Christy is a college student and follower of Christ.
Labels: Charity Christy, real poem
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Real Opportunity: 31 day prayer challenge
Wanna be part of an extraordinary journey? Wanna see God change hearts and lives? Wanna go deeper in your faith?
Join the 31 day prayer challenge!
During the month of May, Abundant Lifers (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/abundantlifers/) will be holding a 31 day prayer challenge. We'll be praying for the unsaved to find God.
You don't need to be a member of Abundant Lifers to participate.
In fact, you can contact me (abundantlifer -at- gmail -dot- com) to add the names of family and friends who need salvation to the list, or to join the prayer challenge or to just ask questions. Please use the subject line 31 day prayer challenge, so that your email doesn't get marked as sp*am. :-)
Be sure to forward this email to friends and family who might be interested in participating! Thank you!
your friend,
RTF Staff Writer, Jade
diamond_1190@yahoo.com
OR: abundantlifer@gmail.com
Join the 31 day prayer challenge!
During the month of May, Abundant Lifers (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/abundantlifers/) will be holding a 31 day prayer challenge. We'll be praying for the unsaved to find God.
You don't need to be a member of Abundant Lifers to participate.
In fact, you can contact me (abundantlifer -at- gmail -dot- com) to add the names of family and friends who need salvation to the list, or to join the prayer challenge or to just ask questions. Please use the subject line 31 day prayer challenge, so that your email doesn't get marked as sp*am. :-)
Be sure to forward this email to friends and family who might be interested in participating! Thank you!
your friend,
RTF Staff Writer, Jade
diamond_1190@yahoo.com
OR: abundantlifer@gmail.com
Labels: Jade West
Real Quote: Be still, okay?
A.W. Tozer - "Religion has accepted the monstrous heresy that noise, size, activity and bluster make a man dear to God…" Ps 46:10 says "Be still, and know that I am God."
Labels: real quote
Friday, April 27, 2007
Real Poem: RTF Staff Writer Jenn Joshua
Worth Waiting For
by Jenn Joshua
Make me worth waiting for,
Lord, let me deserve my man
And whether I be rich or poor,
Give me strength of hands
I ask you for a smiling face
Pleasant as I grow old
I don’t ask for beauty outside
But for a heart of gold
Help my head be high,
And my thoughts be pure,
Give me peace of mind
And cleanliness of soul
A gentle spirit, God, that gives
When nothing’s to be found
That thinks not of itself, but lives
To wipe away a frown.
Let me believe the best of those
Who touch my life each day
And put regrets behind to know
This is the straight, the narrow way.
Though terror I may never choose
Guide me unfearful through the way
And help me see the things I lose
Are really blessings gained.
I want to be worth waiting for,
So help him patient be...
And if I’m worth it, Lord, I pray
You’ll help him know and see.
by Jenn Joshua
Make me worth waiting for,
Lord, let me deserve my man
And whether I be rich or poor,
Give me strength of hands
I ask you for a smiling face
Pleasant as I grow old
I don’t ask for beauty outside
But for a heart of gold
Help my head be high,
And my thoughts be pure,
Give me peace of mind
And cleanliness of soul
A gentle spirit, God, that gives
When nothing’s to be found
That thinks not of itself, but lives
To wipe away a frown.
Let me believe the best of those
Who touch my life each day
And put regrets behind to know
This is the straight, the narrow way.
Though terror I may never choose
Guide me unfearful through the way
And help me see the things I lose
Are really blessings gained.
I want to be worth waiting for,
So help him patient be...
And if I’m worth it, Lord, I pray
You’ll help him know and see.
Labels: jenn joshua, real poem
Monday, April 23, 2007
Real Poem: First and Last by Jade West
First and Last
by: Jade West
I want to be first to lend a helping hand,
and the last to point a finger in blame,
I want to be first to encourage,
and the last to spread rumors,
I want to be first to forgive,
last to hold a grudge,
I want to be first to smile,
and the last to frown,
I want to be first to speak Your name,
and the last to be silent,
I want to be first to love this hurting world,
and the very last to pass judgement!
by: Jade West
I want to be first to lend a helping hand,
and the last to point a finger in blame,
I want to be first to encourage,
and the last to spread rumors,
I want to be first to forgive,
last to hold a grudge,
I want to be first to smile,
and the last to frown,
I want to be first to speak Your name,
and the last to be silent,
I want to be first to love this hurting world,
and the very last to pass judgement!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Real Word: Check it out with God first
So the Israelite leaders examined their bread, but they did not consult the Lord. ThenJoshua went ahead and signed a peace treaty with them, and the leaders of Israel ratified their agreement with a binding oath. Three days later, the facts came out --
Joshua 9:14-16a
"He looks so good."
"I know that this must be a God thing. It seems like it's the way to go."
"Why shouldn't I go to that school? It's the best university in the state!"
How many times does something look good and you plunge in without talking to God first? We hear it a lot -- God has a plan for your life -- but is that true? Is that plan so detailed that we need to check it out with God, even if it seems like the right thing to do?
Joshua had a plan. God gave it to him.
A group of men straggled into his camp with moldy bread and worn out sandals. They pleaded their case. It looked good. Making an alliance seemed like a safe thing to do.
The only problem is that appearances were deceiving. These men had put on a good show to make Joshua think they were something they were not.
And yet he bought in to their lie. When the facts came out -- and they always do -- Joshua realized he had missed one very important detail.
He never checked in with God.
How important is it to ask God first? As followers of Christ, it's crucial coz of that one word -- followers.
God takes you to a place called destiny as you follow him. He's the map. He's your GPA system and he knows what's around the curve. He knows where the snags are that can trip you up. He knows just how high he wants to take you as he helps you discover who you are as a man or woman of God.
So, check it out with him before you dive in. Give God the first option. Wait for that green light, the peace or confirmation that says "yeah, that's where I want you to go". That doesn't mean that God won't take you into hard places or high places or even places where you have to trust him as he develops your heart and mind. It just means that you know what's up because you've checked in with the God of the universe first.
Joshua 9:14-16a
"He looks so good."
"I know that this must be a God thing. It seems like it's the way to go."
"Why shouldn't I go to that school? It's the best university in the state!"
How many times does something look good and you plunge in without talking to God first? We hear it a lot -- God has a plan for your life -- but is that true? Is that plan so detailed that we need to check it out with God, even if it seems like the right thing to do?
Joshua had a plan. God gave it to him.
A group of men straggled into his camp with moldy bread and worn out sandals. They pleaded their case. It looked good. Making an alliance seemed like a safe thing to do.
The only problem is that appearances were deceiving. These men had put on a good show to make Joshua think they were something they were not.
And yet he bought in to their lie. When the facts came out -- and they always do -- Joshua realized he had missed one very important detail.
He never checked in with God.
How important is it to ask God first? As followers of Christ, it's crucial coz of that one word -- followers.
God takes you to a place called destiny as you follow him. He's the map. He's your GPA system and he knows what's around the curve. He knows where the snags are that can trip you up. He knows just how high he wants to take you as he helps you discover who you are as a man or woman of God.
So, check it out with him before you dive in. Give God the first option. Wait for that green light, the peace or confirmation that says "yeah, that's where I want you to go". That doesn't mean that God won't take you into hard places or high places or even places where you have to trust him as he develops your heart and mind. It just means that you know what's up because you've checked in with the God of the universe first.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Real Advice: My friends are hurting
~Real Advice~
I am a fifteen-year-old at a small school. In the past three days I have had two friends try to commit suicide and one of them was like my best friend. The other one not only hurt herself, but beat and attempted to stab her mom and sister. she slit her arm all up to mid-forearm, and is now at a Mental Institute. I need help. WHAT DO I DO?
Katrina
RT Response:
Hey Katrina,
It's really important that you understand what you can and cannot do.
You can't fix anyone but yourself. You can't control the circumstances. You can't make all their problems go away. If they are making destructive decisions, you can't try to be a superhero and put yourself in harm's way.
But you can be a friend (be kind, be supportive, and encouraging). You can believe in them as you pray for them and the adults in their lives who are trying to help. You can direct them to adults that you know who are compassionate and qualified to help. Perhaps your youth pastor or pastor would know of free counseling in your area.
There are internet resources. One is Teenline, a live counseling (free) ministry. This is the blurb from their website:
I am a fifteen-year-old at a small school. In the past three days I have had two friends try to commit suicide and one of them was like my best friend. The other one not only hurt herself, but beat and attempted to stab her mom and sister. she slit her arm all up to mid-forearm, and is now at a Mental Institute. I need help. WHAT DO I DO?
Katrina
RT Response:
Hey Katrina,
It's really important that you understand what you can and cannot do.
You can't fix anyone but yourself. You can't control the circumstances. You can't make all their problems go away. If they are making destructive decisions, you can't try to be a superhero and put yourself in harm's way.
But you can be a friend (be kind, be supportive, and encouraging). You can believe in them as you pray for them and the adults in their lives who are trying to help. You can direct them to adults that you know who are compassionate and qualified to help. Perhaps your youth pastor or pastor would know of free counseling in your area.
There are internet resources. One is Teenline, a live counseling (free) ministry. This is the blurb from their website:
- Teenline counselors are available on the chat room Monday through Friday between the hours of 5 and 9 PM. Or you may speak with a Teenline counselor on the telephone during these same hours by calling (714) NEW-TEEN or (714) 639-8336. This is sponsored by a church called the Crystal Cathedral.
As you pray, I hope you understand that God loves your friends even more than you do. It's not his will that they hurt emotionally, or that they hurt others. In your alone time with God, ask God to give them wisdom, healing, and joy. And remember, with God's help, any situation can turn around.
May I share a story with you?
In the Bible there was a man who was alone, shackled, hurting in his heart and head. He lived in a cemetary and people were afraid of his actions because he was so distraught that he frightened them.
Jesus passed by and the man ran out of the cemetary asking for help. Christ healed him. He impacted this man's heart and hurt so profoundly that people didn't even recognize him.
When everybody else had given up on this man, Christ didn't.
He loves your friends too. This is bigger than you, Katrina, so as a friend you will not only connect them with caring adults, but take this problem to a much higher place -- to Jesus. Talk to him about your friend. Believe in her, as you pray for her, even when she is struggling to believe in herself.
~Prayer~
May we pray for your friends today?
Father, we ask that you help these friends. They are hurting and don't know how to find help. You said that you see every hair on our heads, which means that you see these situations and they grieve you just as much. We pray that you give the adults in these situations wisdom. Show them what to do. We pray for peace and joy that comes through knowing you to be in the hearts of these friends.
Thank you for Katrina. Give her peace as well. Let her find joy and comfort as she hangs out with you, sharing her heart and hopes for her friends. Thank you that she cares.
Labels: friendship, real advice
Monday, April 09, 2007
Real Word: Easter, the day after
I have just recieved permission to copy part of an exciting story from the Author himself! :-) You guys are going to love this! I recommend buying the book and reading it all the way through! It's amazing! -Lydia Rule -- Sorry Easter Bunny!
Matthew 28
1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2And, be
hold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28
1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
2And, be
hold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
9And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.
10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
RTF: Thanks, Lydia! We waited to post this because it's just as powerful the day after Easter, as it is on that special day.
Labels: Lydia Rule, real word
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Real Thoughts: Shameless Audacity
~Real Thoughts~
A friend of mine, Kris, taught a simple message that is still on my mind.
He taught about Shameless Audacity.
Shameless: feeling no shame
Audacity: fearless, daring, bold
He shared the story where Jesus taught the disciples how to pray. They were unsure, and wanted the Boss to tell them how to connect with God.
That's a question I hear a lot on Real Teen Faith. "Suz, how can I feel God?" or "how can I talk to God about things when I feel like such a screw up?".
Jesus showed them a simple prayer, one that covered physical and spiritual territory, but then he followed up with a story.
There was a person who needed bread because he had company. Hospitality was a big deal in that cu
lture and to be out of bread was embarrassing. So the guy went to his friend's house. The hour was inconvenient, around midnight.
The man beat on the door. It was late at night so it took some time for his friend to respond. But he didn't give up until his friend answered, and then again until his friend gave him some bread.
When some read that scripture they concentrate on the fact that the man had to wait to get the bread. They get hyped up and ask questions like, "why didn't the friend give him what he needed right away?".
I don't think that is the message that Jesus was sharing in this story.
The hour was late. It was inconvenient. The man couldn't find what he needed with ordinary means. He couldn't trek down to the market. His cupboard was bare. But the cool thing is that he had a friend. A friend that he knew that he could go to when ordinary measures wouldn't work.
The man didn't just knock and walk away. He knew this friend and trusted that if he stayed at the door that his friend would answer and provide what was needed. In fact, he was shameless as he knocked. He went to his friend's house with boldness.
He had audacity -- asking because he wanted to be a friend, a good host, to someone else, knowing that if he stayed there that he would find what he needed.
This is the center of the message of this parable: Be without shame in your prayer life. Go before God at all times, without shame, and with hope and joy that God is a friend and knows exactly what you need.
Is God troubled by your prayers? Is he upset that you ask him for what you need to live a strong, spiritual life of joy? Does he get tired of you asking for his help for your friends and family that don' t know him?
No. Absolutely not.
That night, after Kris preached, I found a quiet place alone with God. I thought about what I wanted most from God and I went to him with shameless audacity.
"God, I have loved ones that don't know the beauty of following Christ. I've been praying for a long time that they would know how awesome you are. I'm here with boldness, and I will keep knocking because you are my friend. You have what I need. You have what they need."
And then I asked for something for myself--more of him.
I felt his presence as he opened the door and gave me exactly what I needed.
~Real Word~
It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples."
And He said to them, "When you pray, say: `Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. `Give us each day our daily bread. `And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.' "
Then He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and from inside he answers and says, `Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.'
"I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. "For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened."
"Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? "Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"
Luke 11:1-12
Have a wonderful Easter.
A friend of mine, Kris, taught a simple message that is still on my mind.
He taught about Shameless Audacity.
Shameless: feeling no shame
Audacity: fearless, daring, bold
He shared the story where Jesus taught the disciples how to pray. They were unsure, and wanted the Boss to tell them how to connect with God.
That's a question I hear a lot on Real Teen Faith. "Suz, how can I feel God?" or "how can I talk to God about things when I feel like such a screw up?".
Jesus showed them a simple prayer, one that covered physical and spiritual territory, but then he followed up with a story.
There was a person who needed bread because he had company. Hospitality was a big deal in that cu
lture and to be out of bread was embarrassing. So the guy went to his friend's house. The hour was inconvenient, around midnight.The man beat on the door. It was late at night so it took some time for his friend to respond. But he didn't give up until his friend answered, and then again until his friend gave him some bread.
When some read that scripture they concentrate on the fact that the man had to wait to get the bread. They get hyped up and ask questions like, "why didn't the friend give him what he needed right away?".
I don't think that is the message that Jesus was sharing in this story.
The hour was late. It was inconvenient. The man couldn't find what he needed with ordinary means. He couldn't trek down to the market. His cupboard was bare. But the cool thing is that he had a friend. A friend that he knew that he could go to when ordinary measures wouldn't work.
The man didn't just knock and walk away. He knew this friend and trusted that if he stayed at the door that his friend would answer and provide what was needed. In fact, he was shameless as he knocked. He went to his friend's house with boldness.
He had audacity -- asking because he wanted to be a friend, a good host, to someone else, knowing that if he stayed there that he would find what he needed.
This is the center of the message of this parable: Be without shame in your prayer life. Go before God at all times, without shame, and with hope and joy that God is a friend and knows exactly what you need.
Is God troubled by your prayers? Is he upset that you ask him for what you need to live a strong, spiritual life of joy? Does he get tired of you asking for his help for your friends and family that don' t know him?
No. Absolutely not.
That night, after Kris preached, I found a quiet place alone with God. I thought about what I wanted most from God and I went to him with shameless audacity.
"God, I have loved ones that don't know the beauty of following Christ. I've been praying for a long time that they would know how awesome you are. I'm here with boldness, and I will keep knocking because you are my friend. You have what I need. You have what they need."
And then I asked for something for myself--more of him.
I felt his presence as he opened the door and gave me exactly what I needed.
~Real Word~
It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples."
And He said to them, "When you pray, say: `Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. `Give us each day our daily bread. `And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.' "
Then He said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and from inside he answers and says, `Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.'
"I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. "For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened."
"Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? "Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"
Luke 11:1-12
Have a wonderful Easter.
Labels: real devo, real faith, T. Suzanne Eller
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Real Quote
"I am serene. I have full awareness of what I have chosen ... If I must die, I will die. Somebody, a long time ago, did it for all of us ... I never thought it would end this way. But I am ready to face the consequences." - Abdul Rahman, an Afghan convert to Christianity, quoted in AP
Labels: real quote
Friday, April 06, 2007
Real Letter: Hope
Good day Suzanne.
I believe that your story will touch the heart of millions of people around the world.
In the way it touched my heart. I grew up in a family where my dad used to beat me up, physically and emotionally. In the beginning when I was the punching bag and he used to break me down emotionally as well, I felt so weak and useless.
But the day when he threw me out of the house (at that time I was 9 years of age) I sat outside on the street. I didn't know what to do. I just closed my eyes and prayed. Two days later out of the bl
ue, my Grandfather appeared and picked me up from the pavement. He didn't want to face my dad. He just took me in and to me he was a glimpse of God.
He took me in and taught me all the good things in life. He died three years ago, and I wish he was still here, there is so much I still have to learn and what I want to share with him. But He taught me about GOD, He helped me to become a strong young man. A young man strong enough to face the dad that threw him out many years ago.
I tracked my dad and faced him, I told him how I felt and then gave him a hug and I told him I still love him. He was so shocked but he still stays the same. I know deep in my heart that my dad won't change, but what my Grandfather taught me that I hold most dear to my heart is forgiveness and peace.
I live my life to become more like JESUS, and also to live like my Grandfat
I believe that your story will touch the heart of millions of people around the world.
In the way it touched my heart. I grew up in a family where my dad used to beat me up, physically and emotionally. In the beginning when I was the punching bag and he used to break me down emotionally as well, I felt so weak and useless.
But the day when he threw me out of the house (at that time I was 9 years of age) I sat outside on the street. I didn't know what to do. I just closed my eyes and prayed. Two days later out of the bl
ue, my Grandfather appeared and picked me up from the pavement. He didn't want to face my dad. He just took me in and to me he was a glimpse of God.He took me in and taught me all the good things in life. He died three years ago, and I wish he was still here, there is so much I still have to learn and what I want to share with him. But He taught me about GOD, He helped me to become a strong young man. A young man strong enough to face the dad that threw him out many years ago.
I tracked my dad and faced him, I told him how I felt and then gave him a hug and I told him I still love him. He was so shocked but he still stays the same. I know deep in my heart that my dad won't change, but what my Grandfather taught me that I hold most dear to my heart is forgiveness and peace.
I live my life to become more like JESUS, and also to live like my Grandfat