We hear about the marathons for leukemia, breast cancer, or autism on the news or radio. What we never hear about is the marathon for Christ. Training for a marathon takes months of work. You must build up your endurance to the point that you can finish the race. “But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22b). The marathon for Christ lasts a lifetime and encompasses every area of our lives. It includes our spiritual health, physical health, how we talk, what we watch, what we read, how we dress, and so much more. I’ve heard of a quote that I think applies really well here: “If they can’t tell you’re a Christian, you’re not doing it right” (Clyde McCall).
Here in the United States we have a lot of freedoms, including the freedom to be different. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Each of us begins as babes in Christ – and then we grow. And we should continue to grow throughout our lives. “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14).
Think about the words of this song – “None of Self and All of Thee,” arranged by Theodore Monod and James McGranahan – and what they mean.
Oh, the bitter pain and sorrow
That a time could ever be,
When I proudly said to Jesus,
“All of self, and none of Thee.”
All of self, and none of Thee,
All of self, and none of Thee,
When I proudly said to Jesus,
“All of self, and none of Thee.”
Yet He found me; I beheld Him
Bleeding on th’ accursed tree,
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self, and some of Thee.”
Some of self, and some of Thee,
Some of self, and some of Thee,
And my wistful heart said faintly,
“Some of self, and some of Thee.”
Day by day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Brought me lower while I whispered,
“Less of self, and more of Thee.”
Less of self, and more of Thee,
Less of self, and more or Thee,
Brought me lower while I whispered,
“Less of self, and more of Thee.”
Higher than the highest heaven,
Deeper than the deepest sea,
Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
“None of self, and all of Thee.”
None of self, and all of Thee,
None of self, and all of Thee,
Lord, Thy love at last has conquered:
“None of self, and all of Thee.”
These words characterize the stages of the marathon for Christ. Each of us starts out taking baby steps, but someday we must run the marathon ourselves and rely on our own faith in God, and not our parents’ or guardians’. When we reach this point in our lives, we are living for Christ and giving our all!
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). “After Christ rose into Heaven, many of the Christians of the time were killed for their beliefs, even Christ. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). It took brave men and women to stand up and teach and study God’s word. Today, sadly, even though we are persecuted less severely for our faith in God, we also stand up for Him less. Let’s think less of ourselves and our will, and more of His perfect will.
By Megan Skinner
Q. I received two very similar requests this month so I’m going to answer them at the same time. They were:
can choose to make God your best friend, or a mere acquaintance with whom you only exchange a few words every other day. In order to have a close, spiritual relationship with God, you have to speak with him on a daily basis as if He is your best friend. You can’t call God or email Him, but our avenue, prayer, is even easier—we only have to start talking.
Summer is finally here! School’s out, and now you can do all the fun activities summer has in store for you–family vacations, amusement parks, camp, etc. You have probably spent hours planning what you are going to do with all your free time. When planning your summer, did you plan time for God? Are you going to use your time for Him this summer? Even though you may not have a car or your driver’s license, or money, you can still make time for God’s work. As stated in last month’s issue, God has made you unique. Each one of you has your own special talents. Don’t let them waste away over the summer. Use this time to build on what God has given you, to grow in Christ, and to glorify Him. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to pierce your heart for Christ.
We each have something we like to do and/or are good at. What is it that you like to do? I’m sure there are some out there who think they don’t have anything to contribute. This is NOT TRUE! Remember, God made you in His image. He didn’t put you here to do nothing. It is time to take an inventory of yourself. List the things you like to do and the things you are good at. Do you like to talk on the phone? The next time you pick up the phone to call a friend, why not call someone who is sick or shut in. They would love to hear from someone, even if it is for only 5 or 10 minutes. Do you like to shop? Next time you go shopping, ask that girl that nobody talks to to go with you. You could make a huge difference in her life. Do you like to draw or make things? Sunday School teachers would love the extra help in preparing crafts for their classes. The sick would appreciate a card, as well. Do you like to go to the movies or the park? There are plenty of moms who could use a break. Why not ask them if you can take their child(ren) to the park or to a movie. Or better yet, stay with them at their home so the mom can run errands or just get away for a couple hours. These are just a few ideas. There are plenty more that you can do. You just need to think of what it is you can do and who you can help. It may be hard at first to make a phone call or ask if you can help someone. It is often equally hard for that other person to accept your help. So be patient with them. Keep trying. Let them know that by accepting your help, they are allowing you to serve. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 25:34-36: “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came unto me.”
God did not make a mistake in creating us. We have a purpose, and that purpose is to glorify Him in all that we do. Since God chose to create you in His image, shouldn’t you have faith in Him that you can make a difference?
It’s time for the pools to open, which can only mean one thing: summer! Summer means picnics, swimming, summer camp, and bonfires. It also means it’s time to hit the drugstore and find your perfect summer shades. Summer make-up is meant to be fun and easy. Why spend hours inside getting ready when you could be having fun in the sun?
CoverGirl Queen Collection Eyeshadow Single, $2.99
Maybelline pure makeup, $5.99
Maybelline Mineral Power Naturally Luminous Blush, $8.99
Maybelline Define-A-Lash Waterproof Mascara, $7.99
Maybelline Shiny-Licious Lipgloss, $5.79
Sally Hansen No Chip Ten Day Nail Color $4.49
Wet n’ Wild Ultimate Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 $3.99
Neutrogena Instant Bronze Sunless Tanner $9.99
This month we’re talking grilling, and I mean the real deal. Here are some tips that will help you throw the best backyard barbecue bash of the season.
This month we have chosen to post something from a gifted guy instead of a gifted girl. This gifted guy is a very special uncle of both editors, and he has a firm grasp on the true freedom that Christ offers, no matter what the circumstances.
As U.S. citizens, we are given the freedom to express ourselves in many ways that people in other countries are not. Two of those ways are through our dress and speech.
Using inappropriate language is, unfortunately, becoming more and more acceptable in our world. Like any habit, cursing is one that is hard to change. If you already use that kind of language, perhaps to help yourself to stop, you should fill your vocabulary with other words. Find a word in the dictionary and try to learn a new word each day (of course, it has to be one that is appropriate). Force yourself to find words to express your feelings without using vulgar language.
Freedom Book of the Month
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