Show Them~ Hogan Stevens

As Christians in today's world, there are going to be a lot of things that we do not particularly agree with. There are going to be people that we do not agree with, especially. And a lot of times, our thoughts and beliefs as Christians are going to be scorned...and some people may even hate us because of it.

 

We really do live in a great country, but though the 1st Amendment gives us the right to speak and believe whatever we want, Christian ideals sometimes seem to be the most hated and critized. Even though everyone is encouraged to speak what they feel without any consequences, whenever we try to let others know our thoughts on things we get shut out and judged.

 

But that's okay, right? It's best not to let the oppression of this sin-filled world discourage us. There are going to be many instances when you as an individual Christian are accused of being self-righteous and wrong because of your beliefs. That's just a proven fact. But are we to judge others because they believe differently than we do? No!

 

We should be accepting, loving. It isn't our right to judge what others think, even if what they are thinking is wrong according to God's Word. Only God has that right. Only He has the power to justly judge and govern His people. If someone gets angry with you because you voice your belief in Christ or anything from His Word, don't grow just as angry with them for their own beliefs.

　

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Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

 

Instead, show them the love of Jesus. Show them that Christians aren't all judgmental and condemning of the world. Even if we don't agree with what the world holds as right today, we shouldn't go around condemning those who choose to follow the way of this world. We should show them love.

　

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Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7

 

By showing them love and kindness, you take away their reason for contempt. And maybe, with Christ's love, you'll ignite a curiosity within them, a small spark that might make them soften their hearts toward Christians--and most important of all, toward the Lord.

SOAPing Up~ Abigail Massung

What you need:

~Bible (study Bible with notes preferred)

~Notebook or paper

~Pen or pencil

  I recently learned about a Bible study method known as SOAP (Study, Observe, Apply, Pray). The first time I ever did it was in a small group. Instantly, I fell in love with it. Some of you may already be familiar with this study type, but for those of you who don’t know about it, here’s how it works.

  First, you have to pick a passage from a Bible that you want to study. The passage can be one you or your group thinks about beforehand or it could be one chosen at random. It works either way. Next, you read the chosen passage. After that, look over it again and decide on a part you find interesting and want to focus in on. Grab your pen and paper to write down your chosen verse(s) and your thoughts about what you chose along with how you could apply it to your life. Afterwards, pray or write out a prayer about it.

  If you’re doing this as a small group (which I recommend), you could take turns discussing what you chose to focus in on and your thoughts on it. Although I’m not a big sharer myself, I do really love this part because it deepens the lessons you can learn from the whole experience. Even if you don’t share yourself, you can really gain quite a bit by listening to the thoughts and perspectives of others.

  SOAP is a fun, refreshing Bible study that can have many or only a few people, and last only as long as you want. So, if you’re just interested in a quick study by yourself before work or a big group study at camp or something, it’s perfect. It gives you a moment to slow down, zone in on God, and step away from everything. So why not try it out this school year? It’ll probably be the most refreshing soap you’ll ever use!

Wet Seal Review~ Renee Arnold

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Tuesday, July 24, 2012 8:12 PM

 

Waking up for school can be a drag, and a hassle! Often it helps knowing that you have a show stopping outfit waiting to be worn in the morning. Although most of you are done with back to school shopping, you don't need a legitimate excuse to do a little more shopping. One of my favorite stores is Wet Seal and so I visited their website to find a motivating outfit that would be comfortable to wear through classes.

This bright, screen printed graphic tee is very pretty and intricate and should be worn with a camisole or tank top to maintain modesty. It looks like regardless of your body type it will show cleavage because of the deeper v-neck. This shirt is only $9 so it will not break your budget!

These comfy pants are not jeans but they're not leggings either! They are a revolutionary fabric called moleton. Moleton fabric is stretchy and versatile but offers the coverage and modesty of jeans. They have five pockets just like jeans and can purchased for a decent price of $25.

In case you didn't notice, the graphic tee shirt shown above has swirls of silver running through the lower right side. These gladiator sandals are $17 and will bring out that stunning silver.

Stay ahead of the fashion curve this school year while being modest, money conscious and stylish! Have a great start to the school year!

Re:Creation by Steven Curtis Chapman~ Review by Michelle Pell

The newest album from Steven Curtis Chapman is very fun because it contains some stellar new songs along with exciting "recreations" of some of his past hits. Including some of my personal favorites: Dive, Live Out Loud, and Speechless.

This album is also special because it has two currently popular singles on it (Do Everything and Long Way Home). Even though Steven Curtis Chapman could be called a seasoned veteran when it comes to the christian music realm, his attitude has remained humble. He has been able to remain trusting God even when going through a terrible tragedy: the death of his young daughter.
The tracks on this album speak of doing EVERYTHING to God's glory, the long journey we are taking to our Home, and how to experience heaven here on earth.

Track List:
1. Do Everything (Single)
2. Long Way Home (Single)
3. The Great Adventure (Re:Created)
4. Dive (Deeper)
5. All That's Left
6. Heaven in the Real World (Re:Created)
7. Speechless (Re:Created)
8. Live Out Loud (Re:Created)
9. For the Sake of the Call (Re:Created)
10. Magnificent Obsession (Re:Created)
11. Meant to Be
12. More to This Life (Re:Created)
13. Sing Hallelujah