Elevate Student Ministries

By: Shelby Reid

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:15-17

Recently I read an article in the newspaper titled “The world according to Ashton Kutcher”. It talked about how Ashton was a sort of “light in the darkness” at the Teen Choice Awards 2 weeks ago. He isn’t generally known for being the family values type, but he did give a rather inspirational speech upon getting up at the awards ceremony. He talked about how you need to build your own life and make something of yourself; how in order to be happy you need to have real morals. Being a good person makes for a far better experience on this earth. And of course, he’s right.

The article went on to ask the question, “Why aren’t important qualities like good work ethic, thoughtfulness and generosity taught in schools anymore?”. The writer answered with the well-known concept that if we tell people what to do, they’ll get offended.

The United States has become an ever so apathetic people, when it comes to what’s right. “Why am I even being this ‘good person’ to begin with?” Why blame them for wondering? When you don’t ‘build your life’, as Kutcher said, on something structurally sound there really isn’t a point! This brings me to the question: are you a moralist, or are you a Christian? Do you know the difference? A moralist, as defined by google is, “A person who teaches or promotes morality.” Morality, being the principles of distinguishing right from wrong. In short, a moralist is someone who practices good behavior.

Now, most people will say that they are a christian. They believe in God; that there is a deity, or a higher power. But take a look at their lives. Are they portraying who Jesus is? Would you be able to pick them out of a crowd and say, “They must be following Jesus”. Many times I don’t think I could even say that about myself, let alone someone else! Sure, I could say they’re a good person, but in the end the term ‘moralist’ is far more accurate.

See, Christian, to me, means that you whole-heartedly worship the King of the universe, giving Him all the glory and putting full trust in His divine plans. If you’re doing that, people will see that you’re different.

I mean, why did God give the Jews so many laws to abide by back in the Old testament? Some of those seemingly ridiculous laws to the eyes of our current society, were actually a way of telling God’s people apart from others. God wanted people to be able to tell that the Jews were His- and His alone.

That being said, you should know now that being a Christian is a lifestyle choice. Not only is it profession of faith, but it is an action of that faith. “Jesus died for you in public, don’t live for Him in private” is a quote I hear all the time. Why not make that truth evident in your life? Don’t just be a good person, know that you have been chosen and called to walk just as Jesus did.

By: Megan Alyea

When we think of heros, we think of people in tight suites with capes and super powers. Then sometimes we look at ourselves and think that we can’t make a difference in the world, or even the city we live in because we aren’t old enough, wise enough, or special enough. The truth is, God has made each of us with unique abilities that we can use everyday to impact the people around you! We are here to do God’s work, to be his hands and feet. Everything we do, we can show God’s amazing love through our actions. We can make someones day through showing them compassion, and letting them know that there is someone who cares about them and a God who loves them immensely! You can make more of an impact, then you can even begin to imagine. Don’t doubt that for a second! Go out and Share God’s great love, start a conversation with someone you might not usually talk to! Who knows what battles they may be struggling with.

By: Shelby Reid

So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.
-1 Peter 4:14-

Need some perspective? Think about this. There are only 3 things that can happen when you share your faith. 1) The person will accept Jesus, 2) they will reject Him, or 3) you will plant a seed. Now, you’ll probably find that 2/3 of the time it’s a victory. But what we don’t realize is that that verse, 1 Peter 4:14, says to be GLAD when people reject us for believing in Jesus. God rewards us for our efforts, no matter what one of the options comes to pass. So, although you may not have gotten to tell someone what Jesus has to offer, you showed them who Jesus is. It isn’t a 66% chance that the turnout will be good, it’s 100%, because when He calls us to do something, and we follow through, even if it seems like failure, He will bless us beyond what we can even imagine. Don’t wait until tomorrow to step out. Don’t wait until it’s too late to show who Jesus is. He thought YOU were to die for, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to ask someone if they know The Savior of the world. Be bold, because we are, and will, and should be blessed to tell others about Him.

By: Derick Brown

John 4:21-24 – “Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.””

Do you “get” worship?

It’s a simple question but I believe that it is something that many Christian teens struggle with. What is worship? Why do we worship? What should it look like?

I believe that Jesus was telling us that real worship is more than sacrifice. It is more than giving. It is more than loving others. I believe that Jesus was telling us that true worship can’t be faked. That true worship starts within. In the deepest parts of our soul. True worship starts in our spirit.

We will never find fulfillment in physical acts of worship until we allow God to light us up from the inside. True worship starts with giving everything we have, everything that we are to God and allowing him to have his way. Until our innermost being is motivated by love for God, our outward actions are just actions.

So I guess the real question is, do you burn?

By: Megan Alyea

If we could just sit down and be able to listen to God’s heart, we would hear that His heart beats for those of us that are lost and broken, who have nothing to turn to. The abandoned, the lonely, the fearful, the rejected, those of us who feel we aren’t good enough, or have been through too much. His heart beats with a Loving passion, specifically for YOU!

God is the ONE person who will always be there to help you. He will NEVER leave you, NEVER ignore you, ALWAYS except you, and will NEVER stop loving you! He has set you apart from your fear and loneliness, so that you could become closer to Him, and His enveloping embrace.

Will you trust God enough to be so blind to fear, that all you see is His joy and consuming glory? I pray that you would be SO blessed today, with overwhelming strength and happiness. That NOTHING will faze the peace that God will give you!