rebelling against low expectations
This past year was hard, no question. Looking ahead to the new year, I immediately feel a little worried about the uncertainty. None of us know what the new year holds. But I for myself have decided not to let the enemy win this one. One of the best weapons we have against the devil’s schemes is thankfulness. I want to start the new year with thankfulness. Thankfulness looking back I have always...
A relationship with God takes commitment and investment. We need steadfast faith to keep us in pursuit of the Lord even when life gets difficult. There is no shortage of distractions that seek to subtly pull us away from God. Worldly pressure can ensnare us through intimidation to fit its mold. The lies of the enemy pierce our hearts like arrows with discouragement and deception. Our own flesh...
Editor’s Note: When it comes to working out and taking care of our bodies, we might think things like that don’t have anything to do with being a follower of Jesus. But we believe that, as Christians, we should be wise stewards of the resources God has given us and one of our foremost resources is our own body! Read on for Audrey’s excellent tips on being intentional to care for...
In the past year or so, I’ve thought a lot about joining the Army. God hasn’t yet revealed to me if I should take that path. I’m still unsure about what to do, and am still waiting and praying. But one thing I’ve been reminded of recently is that I’m already a soldier. I am already in a war, under orders, and on a mission. God’s orders. God’s mission. I’m fighting a...
Our culture idolizes perfection. Walk into a library and you’ll see shelves stocked with self-help books that claim to improve your life. Scan social media on New Year’s Day and you’ll find myriads of resolutions. Shop in any mall and you’ll find perfect photos of perfect models with perfect bodies. Perfection is everywhere. As teens growing up in this society, it’s easy to become lured by the...
It creeps in during the middle of history class. It shows up unannounced on a hot summer day filled with no plans. Boredom. Apathy. Laziness. The older we get, the less often we seem to be plagued by boredom because we stuff our schedules to the brim with sports and activities and homework and friends and technology. But we still feel it. Where does boredom come from? Is it a sin to be bored? The...
You are falling—once again—into that sin you confessed weeks ago. The thought you assumed you had vanquished last night is now being entertained. Having just finished your personal devotions, you snapped at your sibling. After a whole day of “saintly” attitude, you congratulate yourself for being so pious, then realize you just fell into pride. Discouraged yet? I’ll admit, I’ve done all of these...
When we’re caught up in Rebelutionary living and striving to do big, hard, risky things, it’s easy to forget the why. Why leave our comfort zones? Why live radically? Why do hard things? Because Jesus breathed life into our dead souls (John 5:24) and calls us to live for his glory (1 Corinthians 15:49). This gospel characterizes the Rebelutionary. It breeds radical intentionality. In a lazy...
I watched from the back of the room as people sat, knelt, stood, sang and prayed at all the right times. From my vantage point, it looked like a performance. “These people are so legalistic,” I thought to myself. Suddenly I felt a stab of conviction. I could not see the hearts of these people. How could I tell whether they were just going through the motions or truly worshiping the...
Sometimes, devotions are great. You sit down with your Bible (and coffee, if that’s your thing) as morning light filters through the window and read a few chapters or dig deep into one passage. You write out the beautiful, powerful truths you’re learning in your journal. You spend time in prayer, praising God for his goodness, overflowing with thankfulness and dependence on him. Other times, you...
rebelling against low expectations
