It was all over the news: the papers, the internet, the TV. The “Miley Cyrus Photo Scandal” as it has been dubbed. Some say it was bound to happen. I however, was shocked. How could someone so good, so perfect, fall like that?
I’m not going to go into a big news special about this. No, I’m not going to fill you in on all the details. But I am going to show you something.
Well, Miley Cyrus wasn’t perfect (and she says that in one of her songs). But she was a “good girl”. She was funny, pretty, and didn’t get into much trouble, so many girls looked up to her. There were Hannah Montana lotions, hairbrushes, folders, clothes, beds, and more. The most alarming thing of all: Miley was a Christian. So, the big question is, why would she do that?
A Barlow Girl song, Pedestal, talks about glorifying a celebrity – only to see them fall. In the end, the song concludes that God is the only perfect being, and he’s the one that everyone wants – they just don’t know it yet. (We gotta tell them!)
This goes to prove that nobody’s perfect. The bible says, “No man is perfect, not even one.” That’s so true. Sure, there are “good people” and “bad people”, but everyone has a bit of good and a bit of bad in them. Get this: the only person who’s perfect is Jesus. Jesus never sinned. Not even once. Jesus is perfect. I’m not perfect, you’re not perfect, the nicest celebrity in the world is not perfect.
So, because they aren’t perfect, we shouldn’t worship celebrities, stars, or the big pop-culture sensation of the week. We shouldn’t glorify them, because they are no better than us. You see, God made humans to long for someone who’s perfect, someone to worship – but often we forget that God is perfect, not that picture-perfect singer who’s jammin’ on Disney Channel.
17.5.08
Megan (Casting Crowns) Speaks
When you write music, usually the songs are something that you've experienced.
So Megan Garrett (piano/vocalist from Casting Crowns) tells us how a song on their new album "The Altar and the Door" relates to her.
"A lot of the songs feel like they were written for me. But on the new album, 'Slow Fade' really touches me. I see people who have made a lot of mistakes, and they’re at a place where I think, I’d never be in that place. I’d never allow myself to get there. After hearing Mark’s [lead singer and songwriter] explanation on it, it’s not just one long mistake that causes you to be there. It’s a series of little compromises, where you take something that flatters you and you acknowledge it. And the next time something flatters you, it goes a little bit further. It makes me realize that I need to take every little thing that happens captive and say, 'God, what is the right decision I need to make on this?' - Megan Garrett, Casting Crowns
So Megan Garrett (piano/vocalist from Casting Crowns) tells us how a song on their new album "The Altar and the Door" relates to her.
"A lot of the songs feel like they were written for me. But on the new album, 'Slow Fade' really touches me. I see people who have made a lot of mistakes, and they’re at a place where I think, I’d never be in that place. I’d never allow myself to get there. After hearing Mark’s [lead singer and songwriter] explanation on it, it’s not just one long mistake that causes you to be there. It’s a series of little compromises, where you take something that flatters you and you acknowledge it. And the next time something flatters you, it goes a little bit further. It makes me realize that I need to take every little thing that happens captive and say, 'God, what is the right decision I need to make on this?' - Megan Garrett, Casting Crowns
16.5.08
Disobedience = Disaster
The friend I told you about? Well, she had to leave early because her brother and my brothers were doing something they had been told not to, and her brother got hurt and had to go to the hospital. It isn't a major injury, but please pray that he'll be able to handle the pain and the possible stitches that come with it.
I know you've heard this before, moms and dads aren't trying to make your life miserable when they say, "You're not allowed to do that." They're just lookin' out for ya. Your parents don't want you to get hurt. And I'm not saying that I've never thought, "Gosh, you're WAY to over-protective!" We've all struggled with this (even your parents have wondered why THEIR parents could make such "awful" rules).
Think about it. Your parents say,"You can't ride with those kids, ok?" But that night you sneak out and hop in the car with the people your parents just told you not to drive with. The car swerves on the road, and the brakes jam. Tell me how this story ends.
So, next time your parents tell you something (and you know you'd rather just ignore them), stop and think. And then obey. Do what they say, even if you don't like it. It'll be hard, but they'll respect your maturity, and you'll be kept from doing something that could hurt you in the long run.
I know you've heard this before, moms and dads aren't trying to make your life miserable when they say, "You're not allowed to do that." They're just lookin' out for ya. Your parents don't want you to get hurt. And I'm not saying that I've never thought, "Gosh, you're WAY to over-protective!" We've all struggled with this (even your parents have wondered why THEIR parents could make such "awful" rules).
Think about it. Your parents say,"You can't ride with those kids, ok?" But that night you sneak out and hop in the car with the people your parents just told you not to drive with. The car swerves on the road, and the brakes jam. Tell me how this story ends.
So, next time your parents tell you something (and you know you'd rather just ignore them), stop and think. And then obey. Do what they say, even if you don't like it. It'll be hard, but they'll respect your maturity, and you'll be kept from doing something that could hurt you in the long run.
15.5.08
Waiting
So, today, my friend is coming over to just "hang". She's two minutes late, and I haven't seen her in a while, so I keep glancing out the window, hoping she'll come.
The suspense is killing me.
C'mon, Avery!
This reminds me of waiting for Jesus to come for us. He's the best friend anyone can have, and while we talk to him through prayer (like talking to my friend over the phone), think how great it will be when you finally get to see Jesus, face to face! That's WAY better than running down your cell minutes and not even getting to see him. As much as I want to see Avery's mom's car pull up the driveway, Jesus's cloud pulling down to earth will be even more exciting.
And just like when company comes over, and you have to clean your room and change into clean clothes, there are things we need to do to get ready for when Jesus comes. God tells us to wait patiently, dress ourselves in good deeds, and tell people about him so that EVERYONE can be ready for when Jesus comes.
C'mon, Jesus!
The suspense is killing me.
C'mon, Avery!
This reminds me of waiting for Jesus to come for us. He's the best friend anyone can have, and while we talk to him through prayer (like talking to my friend over the phone), think how great it will be when you finally get to see Jesus, face to face! That's WAY better than running down your cell minutes and not even getting to see him. As much as I want to see Avery's mom's car pull up the driveway, Jesus's cloud pulling down to earth will be even more exciting.
And just like when company comes over, and you have to clean your room and change into clean clothes, there are things we need to do to get ready for when Jesus comes. God tells us to wait patiently, dress ourselves in good deeds, and tell people about him so that EVERYONE can be ready for when Jesus comes.
C'mon, Jesus!
My Purpose: Switchfoot Speaks
Switchfoot gives us some advice on making career decisions to find out what your purpose is.
What advice do you have for teens making career decisions?
Jon: There’s a quote from A.W. Tozer that says essentially it’s not necessarily what you’re doing or where you’re doing it that determines whether it’s sacred or secular but why you’re doing it. I found that to be true in my life with all sorts of people. Certain people have a ton of money, but they couldn’t care less about money. They’re all about people. Then certain people in charge of some charitable organization couldn’t care less about people.
I remember something Charlie [Peacock] said that inspired some kind of motto for me: “People over projects.” He said at the end you won’t look back and say, “Oh, I wish I would have won more Grammy Awards. I wish I would have produced more records.” The one thing you’ll have is the people, those relationships. Where you put your treasure, that’s where your heart will be. So be careful what you invest in, where you invest your time.
What advice do you have for teens making career decisions?
Jon: There’s a quote from A.W. Tozer that says essentially it’s not necessarily what you’re doing or where you’re doing it that determines whether it’s sacred or secular but why you’re doing it. I found that to be true in my life with all sorts of people. Certain people have a ton of money, but they couldn’t care less about money. They’re all about people. Then certain people in charge of some charitable organization couldn’t care less about people.
I remember something Charlie [Peacock] said that inspired some kind of motto for me: “People over projects.” He said at the end you won’t look back and say, “Oh, I wish I would have won more Grammy Awards. I wish I would have produced more records.” The one thing you’ll have is the people, those relationships. Where you put your treasure, that’s where your heart will be. So be careful what you invest in, where you invest your time.
Lead them to Love
Some Christians forget that if you want to lead someone to Christ, you have to actually care about them first. Some Christians just "go through the motions", not really caring about the person they're trying to save. If you don't have love, you have nothing. If you don't care about the person you're reaching out for, that person won't listen to you. Ask God to give you the gift of love.
A long time ago in England, a criminal named Charles Peace was arrested. He was a burglar, a forger, and a double murderer. His sentence was death.
As Charles made his way to the gallows on the day of his execution, a chaplian walked by his side. The minister was simply "going through the motions", speaking coldly of the importance of faith and belief. In the course of his oft-repeated speech, the minister mentioned the power of Jesus Christ to save him from sin.
Suddenly, Charles spun around, staring the chaplian right in the eye, and exclaimed, "Do you believe that? Do you REALLY believe that? If I believed that, I would willingly crawl across England on broken glass to tell men it was true."
It's true. We know it is. So, today, ask God to give your an unconditional love for others. It's the first Fruit of the Spirit, and a whole chapter of the bible has been dedicated to love. Think about it. And live it.
A long time ago in England, a criminal named Charles Peace was arrested. He was a burglar, a forger, and a double murderer. His sentence was death.
As Charles made his way to the gallows on the day of his execution, a chaplian walked by his side. The minister was simply "going through the motions", speaking coldly of the importance of faith and belief. In the course of his oft-repeated speech, the minister mentioned the power of Jesus Christ to save him from sin.
Suddenly, Charles spun around, staring the chaplian right in the eye, and exclaimed, "Do you believe that? Do you REALLY believe that? If I believed that, I would willingly crawl across England on broken glass to tell men it was true."
It's true. We know it is. So, today, ask God to give your an unconditional love for others. It's the first Fruit of the Spirit, and a whole chapter of the bible has been dedicated to love. Think about it. And live it.
13.5.08
God's Joy: Get it Now!
I’m sitting here, typing while a TV advertisement drones on and on about some “Pancake Puff” thing. Another commercial pops up, encouraging people to brush their teeth: “Happiness is a healthy mouth.”
What? Did someone actually say that? Happiness – the thing everyone on earth is searching for – can be found if you have nice teeth?
I’m sure these dentists meant well. I’m sure they were just trying to get people to buy their product or something. But really, they’re lying. Sure, it’s nice to be able to flash a smile when a friend walks by, but is that what makes us happy? What about Pancake Puffs, or room décor from Target? What about a credit card, Neutrogena shampoo, or a widescreen TV? Sure, you might be glad you have those things, but they don’t make you happy.
Ok, wait a minute. I define “happiness” as a simple, good feeling. Like when you get that TV for your birthday. It makes you happy – but only for a short moment. Happiness from stuff is fleeting – it doesn’t last.
God gives us joy that really lasts. He is the only thing we need to have happiness that stays with us forever. It doesn’t go away like an outdated TV. It grows, even. The joy that God gives us is perfect, and it grows bigger and bigger until people start noticing: “Dude, that person’s always happy! Why?” Well, the answer? Because we have God. And, get this: you don’t have to pay for God’s joy. Nope. It’s free. No tax, no shipping or handling costs. Nothing. It’s perfect. Go get God's joy today!
What? Did someone actually say that? Happiness – the thing everyone on earth is searching for – can be found if you have nice teeth?
I’m sure these dentists meant well. I’m sure they were just trying to get people to buy their product or something. But really, they’re lying. Sure, it’s nice to be able to flash a smile when a friend walks by, but is that what makes us happy? What about Pancake Puffs, or room décor from Target? What about a credit card, Neutrogena shampoo, or a widescreen TV? Sure, you might be glad you have those things, but they don’t make you happy.
Ok, wait a minute. I define “happiness” as a simple, good feeling. Like when you get that TV for your birthday. It makes you happy – but only for a short moment. Happiness from stuff is fleeting – it doesn’t last.
God gives us joy that really lasts. He is the only thing we need to have happiness that stays with us forever. It doesn’t go away like an outdated TV. It grows, even. The joy that God gives us is perfect, and it grows bigger and bigger until people start noticing: “Dude, that person’s always happy! Why?” Well, the answer? Because we have God. And, get this: you don’t have to pay for God’s joy. Nope. It’s free. No tax, no shipping or handling costs. Nothing. It’s perfect. Go get God's joy today!
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