The Encounter

We often criticize the Israelites for not appreciating God for all that He did for them. A pillar of fire, a moving cloud, bread that fell from the sky, every little thing possible to keep them safe and sound. Regardless of what God gave them they worshiped idols and turned their back on Him. Yet aren’t we the same? Only loving what God can give us but never really loving Him. Loving the creation more than the creator Himself.

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us the Lord has plans for us which will lead to prosperity not harm, so how can we learn to trust in something we could never fully grasp? The will of God works in supernatural ways that we couldn’t possibly begin to understand. The Bible shows us that the Lord’s ways and thoughts are infinitely higher than our own, which is why disappointment comes when often we make decisions based on what we see fit for ourselves. How can we discern the path of the Lord for our life and leave behind the paths we think are best for ourselves?

Occupying a seat every Sunday at church will surely lead to my salvation… right?  Truth be told, being a genuine disciple is not about following a routine or being part of a religion. Judas was a follower of Jesus, spent time with Him, listened to His teachings, etc. yet his heart wasn’t in the right place. He then denied Jesus and sold Him which eventually led to his death. True disciples know and love God to the point that they would give their life and be a martyr just as Stephen was. Are you willing to do the same?

Knower of Hearts - Daniel Ponce - #Youthcon

Easy, smooth, and problem free — that is what a life with Christ ought to be. Instead we are hit with the realization that it’s an impossible uphill climb, being in a constant competition with the world’s perspective on how life should be in order to achieve happiness. That is until we understand that being a disciple of Christ means: temptations, trials, and tribulations, but His promise is joy through it all. With Jesus nothing is impossible there is no mountain He cannot climb, or valley He cannot uplift. We must decide whether or not we will continue to take on the challenge of the narrow path. 

“Keep my commands and follow them” says The Lord, but there’s a fine line between being a follower of Jesus Christ and a religious Pharisee. Either you become too religious and set rules or you become too liberal and start accepting the ways of this world. Romans 12:9 says, Your love must be real. Hate what is evil. Do only what is good. What is the balance of between extreme and liberal? Where do we stand and how do we follow Jesus correctly? 

“Just try it once, just one hit, just drink, you are only young once have fun.” We all think addiction will never reach us, until it's no longer fun and you need your fix to feel normal. Without it, it seems impossible to fend off depression, guilt, anxiety and despair. It doesn’t matter how much you want to stop, it’s too little too late. What at first sets you free from all emotions and worry now becomes a prison even worse than the one it freed you from. Come to Jesus, try Him once and everything that held you captive will flee. 

Attacked by voices that know all your weaknesses. You can’t breathe nor function, all you can do is worry. You have no idea what you are so afraid of, no rational explanation for the way you feel. Jesus said to cast all our anxieties on Him, but can it really be that easy to just let go?

Darkness envelops you as the reasons to live become meaningless. You have reached the point of desperation, but suddenly you’re in the eye of the storm and everything grows silent. The God of Elijah, Job, and David reminds you that you’re not alone, and just like He did for them he will do for you. This too shall pass…

From Instagram models to TikTok influencers, unreal beauty standards are constantly engraved in our head. Forcing our body to go through unnatural processes to be considered “normal” we strive to be as beautiful no matter the cost. With all the attention and appreciation these girls/guys are given we tend to forget the beauty that pleases God, our beauty within. Listen in and be reminded that our true worth and confidence is found in Christ.