TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER
By Ashley Stevens

As teenagers it is in our very nature to ask, “why.” We are left with so many questions to the difficult situations that we face throughout our life. “Why did I not make the team?” “Why do I get picked on at school?” “Why is my family going through such a difficult time?”
In the Bible there are many examples that show us that these difficulties we face are all for His glory. The Israelites were held in captivity for many years in Egypt so that God could deliver them from slavery into the Promised Land. The Apostle Paul was sent to prison for preaching the Gospel and suffered many hardships all so that the power of Jesus could be seen through him. Even Jesus Himself asked his Father as He lay dying on the Cross, “Why hast thou forsaken me?” As you can see, the Lord has showed His glory and strength in many times of despair and darkness. So I ask you the next time you are facing a trial or test in your life not to ask God “why” but ask God how He can be glorified and praised through it. The lyrics to an old Christian song tells the message so clearly;

“Just remember when you’re standing in the valley of decision, and the adversary says give in.
Just hold on our Lord will show up, and he will take you through the fire again.”

Until next time                          Ashley Stevens

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TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER By Ashley Stevens

SHOWING YOUR FAITH

In James 2:17 we are told that if we have faith without works, then our faith is dead. It is very easy to say that we have faith and believe in God, but only through our works can we prove that. We must live the way that Christ did and follow His example. There is a song from years back that exemplified this message;

“What you are speaks so loud that the world can’t hear what you say. They are looking at your walk, not listening to your talk;They’re judging from your actions every day.”

God isn’t saying that you have to start visiting the elderly or start handing out pamphlets or even go to a foreign land to show your works. I am not saying that this kind of ministry is not important, but demonstrating faith with works can begin right in your home, at your school, or on your job. A witness for faith means that you are showing others your faith in Jesus Christ, by walking each day with Him. Trusting in His Words to guide you, praying each day to be closer and more like Him, showing everyone that you have a tower of strength that comes only from believing in the Lord. This message was demonstrated by Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Superstar Tim Tebow when he told reporters, “I don’t want to be another guy who’s walking down the street. I want when people see me they say, “Hey, there’s something different about this guy and that’s because he has a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Until next time, Ashley Stevens.

  TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER
                   By Ashley Stevens

        THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

What would you do if you knew everything you said was being recorded? Would you think twice before you spoke? Would you think twice before you let the shameful and hurtful words slip out?
Dr. Deb Roy, a researcher and cognitive scientist in Massachusetts decided to record the first three years of his child’s life to learn how humans learn language. He and his wife collected over 200,000 hours of audio and video footage. What if Dr. Roy wanted to conduct his research project at your home? Would you participate if you knew that every single word you said would be recorded and then analyzed? What if he did analyze your words? Would he be surprised about how well behaved you were, and how Christ shines through you? Or would he be disappointed by your choice of words?
In James 1:19 it states, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Be very careful when choosing words to come out of your mouth. God is listening to every word you are saying. Would He be disappointed? I sure hope not. We should not just say that we are Christians, but through our actions and our words everyone should know that we are believers in Christ. They should see Christ through us.

Until next time,                      Ashley Stevens

TEEN TALKS THAT MATTER
By Ashley Stevens

         THE ULTIMATE SUPERHERO

Today many of the movies we teenagers watch portray a superhero who is so powerful, so mighty, and afraid of nothing. He has superhuman strength to defeat all the evil in his way. He is able to overcome all adversity and obstacles placed in his way to ensure victory and justice for the good of the world. This synopsis can be seen in many of our favorite action heroes movies today such as Superman, the Avengers, Spiderman and so many more. However we know all these super strong all powerful beings are simply actors playing a role. But did you know that there is an all powerful all knowing everlasting hero that you can have a personal relationship with today? You see, the Lord Jesus was so committed to overcoming evil and providing a way for you and I to be saved that He overcame all the obstacles in His way including death. By inviting Jesus into your life you can have a relationship with the greatest superhero this world has ever known. You will no longer have to turn on a DVD to watch your favorite superhero or take a trip to the movie theater. With Jesus, you can talk to Him anytime and spend forever with Him. When evil or dark times come into your life you will be able to have peace because He will always be with you.. Psalm 46:1-2 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Will you accept the Greatest Superhero into your life today?
May God bless you each and every day.

Until next time,                      Ashley Stevens