Goals for 2010

Goals for 2010
• Develop better skills in my witnessing
• Share my faith more boldly and authenticity
• Be a mentor to people
• Develop a better relationship with parents and siblings.
• Improve in my preaching skills
• Go on another Amazing missions trip
• Figure out my plan for college.
• Learn from my mistakes from 2009
• Grow stronger in the things that I am week in.
• Help others develop an amazing passion for God
• Be Real for God
Overall, this year is NOT going to be a repeat from 2009. It’s going to be a unique year with many exciting things in store for me. I am going to grow stronger this year. My overall goal is just to be the person God has called me to be and to be an authentic person of my faith. God I am ready for what you have in store for me. Thank you for a great year of 2009

Reflection of 2009: A Year To Remember

WOW!!! I cant believe that another year has gone by. The year 2009 was a year of growth and development for me. I have overcomed challenges that really streched me not only physically but spiritually. God has challenged allot this past year. He told me to not worry about towmorrow. I just need to go out and DO HIS WORK!! God has given me strength to overcome strongholds. Strongholds that I was bounded to for years. God is an amazing God. What was really cool about this year was the amazing Missions trip we made to Osage. That week was one of the best weeks of my life. God told me my calling in life. To be a Missionary to India! The time that I spent with God and the group really made me strong. As the school year approached, I realized that I was not going to be able to be with my youth group while at school.
As school took session, God placed many opportunities for me to make Him known. Many times I had theological arguments with students and teachers about their opinion about Christianity. I learned that God has me at this school for a reason. Even though I complain about all the lost people, I know that my work is not in vain. They are noticing my difference. God has been faithful to me when I did not think it was possible to accomplish this objective. However, with God on my side he was able to provide $1,225.00 for missions in just TWO WEEKS!! This was a time were God had me to have faith in His abilities and not doubt. This year was an also a time of learning from mistakes.
In the beginning of the summer, God told me not to date, however, I did it out of my own will. As time progressed I became guilty. God had to get my attention span focus on Him in order to prepare me for future events. After analyzing my situation, I have came to a conclusion that dating is a WAISTE OF YOUR TIME (No dating in Highschool, unless God says okay). It just a bunch of emotions being waisted. I wish that I would have listened to God and not have done what I wanted.
Overall, even though our nation has been through alot of turmoils, I feel that the year 2009 was a great year! I can't wait to see whats in store for 2010! Im GOING ALL IN FOR GOD!!

Happy Birthday Jesus!!

I absolutly love this song. It really touches my heart.

My New Sermon

This sermon was the outline I preached to the youth group at the beginning of the month of December. It went realy well!. I spoke about obedience.

Obedience:
“Listening to God’s commands. The Rewards for being Obedient”.
Terms:
Obedience: To dutifully complying with the commands, orders, or instructions of one in authority.
* Basically it means be submissive to ones authority.*
Disobedience is just the opposite of obedience.
Biblical Reference:
Reflect on story of Moses and the events that led up to the event of the golden calf.
Exodus 32:1-8
1) Israelites disobey God by making an Idol
a) Why would they disobey after being freed from the Egyptians?
i) Because, they were used to be around gods that they could see.
ii) Moses represented the God of Israel, since he was not there, they felt far from God.
2) Consequences
a) God became very angry, Moses commanded the Levites to strap swords and kill the people who have disobeyed Him.
i) Exodus 32:27-29
3) Israelites sending spies into the promise land.
a) Rebel, become afraid and don’t go into the land.
i) Deuteronomy 1:21-22, 26, 34-35.
b) Effect: Israelites wonder in the desert for 40 years!
4) Disobedience
a) Deuteronomy 28:15-19

Overview
• When people are following God, He will always punish us.
• If we take our time in obeying him, we are basically disobeying Him. (Belated Obedience)

Testimony:
A. Relationship with Girlfriend
a. He told me to give my relationship but I refused
b. Life became difficult and uneasy
c. It was always on my mind, I felt guilty
B. Turn Around
a. Gave her up and life became wonderful!
b. I realized that she was a distraction in my life; He wanted me to be MORE FOCUSED on HIM.
c. God began to bless me more abundantly!
1) Obeying Him when giving to missions.
i) The giving up my relationship prepared me for what God had in store for me.
ii) He had me pledge a Goal of $1,000
iii) Obeyed and pursued the goal by doing a Bike Athon.
iv) In the end He blessed me with over $1,155.00
2) Blessings
a) Deuteronomy 28:1-6
Overview
• When you listen to God and follow His commands, He will ALWAYS Bless you for what you have done.
• Sometimes it might be hard to listen to Him, BUT it is worth it.
• It was hard for me to give up my girlfriend and make a promise for $1,000, but he rewarded me for my efforts. It was worth it.
• He will NEVER leave you in vain when you obey.
• His plan is far better than our own.
• Whenever you feel something in your heart, don’t put it off, God is telling you to do something.
• However, we might not get our blessings here on earth, but we will receive our blessings in heaven.
• God might be telling you to share your faith at school, SO WILL YOU LISTEN.
Will you begin to listen to Him and obey Him at all cost?

A month of OVERFLOW!!

WOW!! This month of November has been a time that I will NEVER FORGET!! God has done amazing things in my life. It all started at Momentum Youth Convention. God told me to step out in faith and pledge to give $1000 by the end of November. I was very nervous to accept this goal because I did not have a job. So I OBEYED God and listened to His goal that He had for me. Once I did that I began to think about different ways to raise money. God placed on my heart to do a Bike Athon. I decided to ask people to sponsor me as I biked 20 miles to raise money for STL. Well, with only week until my bike ride I had only raised $350. I began to question if this was a to big of goal for me to raise. But, I kept remaining faithful and pursing after God. That next day was a sunday, (last sunday), God blessed me with $350. I began to realize that God was going to take care of me. As the week of Thanksgiving unraveled and my bike ride aproaching sooner, God continued to bless me abundently. The day before Thanksgiving, God was gracious enough to provide enough sponsors to give me my goal. I had raised my $1000 goal. The only thing left was to bike 20 miles. However, that day God provided me with a few extra phone calls and I reached 38 dollars above my quota. When the day of the Bike ride came, I was excited. I biked from New Baden all the way to Highland and up to I-70. The last three mile were the most diffulct. I had to climb some steep hills and keep my rate at a steddy pace. The whole time my dad was right behind me on the highway with his flashers on directing traffic. When i made to the finish line I was soo tired but excited at the same time. Even though I was tired, I knew that over 1000 lives would be effected because what I did.
When I got home I thought to myself that I might get a letter in the mail from someone that sponsored me, but I was not going to worry about that. Well, we checked the mail, and there was a letter for me in the mail. It was from Tyler Reisings parents. Before I opened it I expected to receive the amount between $5 and $20. BUT, I opened it up and there was a check for $100!!!! I MY GOODNESS. Soon after that I received another phone call and received an additional $20. At the end of totaling, I have raised $1,158.00!! God's love really did overflow through me. I figured that with the time me being gone and the time I started promoting this event, I raised the amount of money in JUST TWO WEEKS!! If God can do that, He can do anything!! This event I will NEVER FORGET!! GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES. Whenever you do something, you need to make sure God is in the equation. Without Him, I could have not reached the amount I did. I give Him all the Glory and Honor!! Thank You GOD!!

AN OVERFLOW!!

WOW!!! This past weekend was amazing!!! My youth group went to Momentum youth convention in Springfeild IL. Well, the speaker was Scotty Gibbons!! He is awesome. Well the topic was about having an overflow of God's love to everybody around you. He challenged the whole convention to dream a big dream. He asked us to pray to God and aske Him what is our big dream. Long story short, our youth group consisting of 25 students, pledged to give over $14,000 in just one month!! THAT IS SOOOO Awesome! God is trully doing something great in our group. His love is just overflowing through us as a group! I cant wait to see what God is going to do for me personally and the group. He is stretching our faith to the limits. This is making us stronger! God is sooooo good. We reap what we sowe. We will get back more when we invest in God's plan. His plan is so much better than ours. Now lets see how God is going to pour His love over us as we go out and do His ministry! Lets have an OVERFLOW!!

Update

I am so sorry that I have not been keeping up with my blog. I have been very busy. I will blog as soon as I can. School is going great. I have all A's. God has been providing me with many opportunities in school to share my faith. He has blessed me with an amazing youth group. God is doing great things in the lifes of my friends at church. I am called to be a missionary to India!!! I might be going next summer. I am dating an old friend of mine named Tiffany. She is amazing!!!!!!!!! I went to Homecoming last night with her. well, i will blog more later.

Fine Arts Celebration Service: Orlando

Friday Night General Council: Orlando

Amazing Youth Service: Orlando

Fine Arts Nationals: Orlando

My New "Friend'

So here is the latest news about my personal life. I recently started meeting up with a girl from Granite city. My parents have known her parents since I was born. After I was born they moved to Texas. So a few months ago I decided to get back in contact with her. Long story short, I have a girlfriend. I was blown away when I got permission from her dad. Her dad is a pastor a City Temple in Granite City. Her name is Tiffany Cope. This has been a huge change in my life. I have to keep in mind that God is most important. I told her that on sunday because she said that she did not want me to leave. But, I told her that our personal relationship with God is far more important. We cant hinder our relationship with God over ours. Its just not worth it. Satan could use this against,a distraction.

Stupidity at it's most.

Well, this past weekend I went on the Royal Ranger campout. Well, I was VERY VERY STUPID. Here is the story. Last Friday my brother Nathan, Luke, Aaron, and Kaleb decided to walk around the camp at 12:45 when everybody is asleep. Well, a few people had an idea, (not pointing fingers) to walk all the way to Highland walmart. So we did. We walked five miles round trip. We walked through many fields and through a grass field that is up to my stomach. When we got to Walmart and was getting ready to buy our mountain dew, the cashier said "Should you guys be in bed." Luke said,"We are having a morning jog for football camp" Oh by the way at this time it is 2:18 and we don't play football. Well we took the short way back to camp. We decided to walk on the side of the highway. When we got back no one knew where we had went. We did it without getting in trouble. Well, I was feeling guilty, because we were not suppose to leave. That next night(Saturday) we decided to tell my dad. WOW! HE WAS SO MAD I THOUGHT HE WAS GOING TO GET THE BOW AND ARROWS FROM THE COMMANDERS AND SHOOT ME. Come to find out we had alot of mercy. First, We were out pass legal cerfue. Second, we are all minors. Third, We could of gotten aressted. Fourth, we could of gotten hit by a drunk driver. God's grace was truly on us. He blessed in the mist of us doing something wrong. He really is an awesome mercyfull God. I will never do that again

Sweet Summer

YES!!!!!!!!! School is oficialy done! I am a Junior. I finished all of my exams. They were EASY! I got a 99% on my Biology exam and a 100% on my World History exam!!! Thank you Jesus for helping me. He is the one who I give credit to for my grades. So after school was over today at 11:30, which by the way was the time I finsihed my Geometry Honors exam! Easy! So after everything was done I had to return my books and say my goodbyes. Then I took my friend Ben Schmitt to Pizza Market. This is a place in Trenton. It was really good! I can drive by myself now!! So I am at home blogging looking for some fun, but I have to go cut the stupid grass! BOOO! Well I am excited about the Missions trip and Nationals. Summer will be great!
Thanks God for everything. I am excited to see what God has in store.

If anyone wants to hang, catch a movie or just talk,
call me:
618-978-4917
See ya

Pass the barrier

So last night, Pastor Marc talked about removing all the barriers in the way between our lives and God. Well, last night I got rid of my barriers. I was shamshing through all of them. I was praying that God would help me keep my life centered on him. Well, after an awesome Youth service last night, today, God really showed me that those barriers werer gone or just about gone. Today in my Biology class, we had a substitute teacher. We were required to go to her class room instead. Oh by the way she is a religion teacher. Well, this particular teacher, I wich in fact had last year, asked if we wanted to pray. But someone who is in her class asked if we could do a prayer song. Basically she picks out a song from her library of music and plays it in her room and gives us all the copy of the music. When the sheet of music came to me, it was surprisenly a song that I knew. It was the song How Great Is Our God, by Chris Tomlin. So as the song started to play I was getting into it. I started to sing louder and slowly raise my hands. I was a little afraid because satan kept telling me I can't do this, I'm weird. But I remembered what Pastor Marc said. Be different for God. So I then stood up out of my desk and started singing in front of the class. I told them to stand up, but they refused. So I sang louder and raised my hands higher. This was an awesome moment. I could feel the spirit coming upon me. I could tell that I impacted my peers in my Biology class. The barrier that I destroyed for sure was Pride. I had to humble myself and not care about people's aproval. It was so worth it. I can't wait to see what else God has instore for me and my school. This is just the beginning. Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!

Funniest Baptism

If I did this, Pastor Edwards would kill me!!!!!!!

Baptism

WOW!! Last night was so cool! For some of you who don't know I was baptized last night. God really touched me. This was my second time getting baptized. I thought I should get babtized again because I had fallen away and I want to reasure my faith. When service started, I felt like an angel wearing a huge white robe worshiping an almighty powerful God. It was AWESOME!!!!! Then it was my turn. I get into the nice warm smooth water and I felt relaxed. Then pastor marc took me and started to say a few words. Then right just before he babtized me, he began to move, which inturn caused me to begin to lose my balance. But God held me up and allowed me to fall at the right time. Then I felt like a new person. I was under I could see the top and I felt like the old me had floated away and was burried at the bottom of the ocean floor. I am excited to see what God has in store for me!

Job finding

So I have been looking for a job for the summer and through the next school year. I have applied for Cracker Barrel, Subway, and my local grocery store. Well, Cracker barrel told me that I have to be 18 to work there. Bummer! My grocery store said not sure because of students already working there. So that just leaves subway. I could apply for others but there is not much around my community. If I don't get a job:
1)No money
2)No car
3)No life
please pray that God would intervine and provide a job for me. I hope everything works out. I need to start June 1.

Evangelism Linebacker

This movie is SOOOOOOOOO FUNNY!!!!!!!!!

My book report on the Bible

So some of you may not know that I recently read the whole bible, well at least most of it. I decided to do this for a book report due tomorrow! I am so excited to see my teachers respone. I pray that God can use in some shape or form.

Here it is!


Are You Ready?
When someone reads the Bible, it might seem that it just contains stories that have occurred in the past. But, that theory does not seem entirely true. In the book of Revelation, written by John, he clearly tells his audience a very symbolic story that will occur at the time when Jesus returns for his second coming. The New Testament gives the audience warnings about the antichrist and how the world soon comes to an end. It says in Revelations 16:15 “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.” This passage clearly says that no one knows the day or the hour when Jesus will return. However, in this point in history, it clearly shows that something big will soon happen. John’s predictions about the end of the world have come into play. This society will face judgment in the very near future.
In the New Testament, it states “When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near” (Luke 21:20). Right now, countries around the world have had their sites set for this country. They want to take over this land and make it their own. North Korea has sent many threats to Israel trying to take over the promise land. Iran sent many missiles over to Jerusalem hoping to push the Jews out of their country. This clearly makes the prophecy from Jesus true. Israel’s borders have become battles grounds and will continue to have battles until the Lord returns. This prophecy stated by Jesus, has become a reality.
Right now in this world, meetings have taken place involving a one world government. In Brussels, Belgium, a building has come into existence for a group of people to run this world under one ruler. This building will have divisions for different countries and the ruler will have control over everything. It states “He was given power to make war against the saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation” (Revelation 13:7). This clearly describes a nation controlled by a ruler that can do anything. At the same time, a meeting in Europe occurred on April 2, 2009 and they came together to discuss a global currency. Basically, they want every single country under the same currency. If a person does not use this currency, he will not have any source of money. In the Bible it says “ He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name” (Revelation 13: 16-17). With this evidence becoming true, this clearly shows that this country needs to be ready for when Jesus comes.
Overall these warnings made by Jesus and the prophets, clearly tell the Christian believers to be ready, and not live in fear about the end of the world. Those who have accepted Christ through salvation should have a positive outlook regarding the end of the world. If they have a fearful attitude about the destruction of the world, then they will not have a peaceful life. Revelation not only describes the destruction of the earth, but it shows the building of the New Jerusalem. At the end of Revelation, scripture provides a sense of hope to those born again Christian believers. This hope tells them to not worry about their life on the earth, but to focus on the new life of joy and peace in heaven.

Bummer

So I had this huge idea this last week. I thought that tomorrow since my school is having an all school mass, I could than share my sermon with every student in the school. So I started with the principle, he said Yes! Than I want to my counciler who is incharge with masses and he said YES! This might work. So I had to go too one more person in order to do this. I asked a lady that is in charge with the mass and she liked the idea. But she had to speak to the bishop or priest whoever it is. So I came back today to school with my sermon for her to read and I am all pumped up and excited. She sadly said that I can't present my sermon because the "Bishop can only do the 'homily'" I was so mad I wanted to yell in front of her and the bishop, but I knew better. So I left, gave her my sermon, and just left it at that. Well, later on she told me that she might have the priest talk about my sermon tomorrow. Oh don't know what to think. I thought God would give me this huge opportunity to share my faith to my school and the door was closed. Please pray that some other opportunity would come up?
Ben Boyer

difficult dicision

SO, I had to make a difficult dicision today about band. I have been pacing the floors all day. Well, finally I told me teacher. I told him that I was not going to be able to be in band next year. After I told him, I came back and said thanks for everything and I began to cry. Well, I just hope I made the right dicision. I am still looking forward to Fine Arts Nationals!

Boyer Boyer

Being funny

Look for me in the back!

This Man

MusicSRC.com - Music Videos

Yes, I am overjoyed

Oh my goodness! I can't believe what has been happening at my school. So some of you may know that last friday I presented my sermon to three of my classes. Well when monday came, everyone that heard my message was asking how did it go? And I had the perfect opportunity to witness through my actions. Eventually students began to ask me to present my sermon again in my other classes. I was so touched. So I remembered what Zach told me. If I don't have my sermon, just do it from my heart. So what I did, I did not use my notes on purpose. I did not look at sermon since saturday. It is still in my head. I am so excited to see what God has in store for my school. Oh my goodness, I have an idea. Next week, my school is having a mass service for some reason. Maybe I could ask my counciler if I could present my sermon to THE WHOLE STUDENT BODY!!!!!!!! I am so pumped right now. GOD IS SO GOOD!!!! I will tell you what will happen once I find out.

Therory

So I heard this statment from a friend of mine and I thought, why don't I just ask my friends for their oppinion. The question is

Are we still a sinner after being saved? I know that we have a sinfull nature and evrything but do we consider ourselves a sinner? Comment and cocerns on this please.
More questions to come

Fine Arts: 2009

OH my goodness, Fine Arts was amazing!!!! I can't believe how well everybody did. I am so proud of everybody. I think we should give Marc and Leabeth a huge a round of applouse. I am so excited that the percussion team, puppetry, sign language, and Autumn's writing are all going to Orlando for Nationals!!!!!!! I called Alecia Barlow today, she is so excited for us. She can't wait to see us. I was also surprised when our percussion team and Autumn recieved the merit award. So as you can probally tell, I am so excited and I am having a spiritual high. Even though I did not get an invitation for my sermon, I am still happy. It's not about winning. The whole reason I wrote it was for God. I had the perfect opportunity on Friday at school when I was able to present for 60 people. AWESOME!!!!! God is so amazing. Summer is going to be amazing! First, I am going to an Survival camp in Oklahoma, then in July I am going to another Leadership training camp and I am earning my saber. Then at the end of July I will be going back to Oklahoma for an missions trip. Than after we get back, we go to Orlando for Nationals!!!!!! I am ready for summer. I turn 16 in one week. I'm ready

You’re Always There for Me

This is a poem that I have found on the net.

When the world comes crashing in
And chaos rules my mind,
I turn my heart to you, Lord,
And pure, sweet peace I find.


You lift me out of trouble
You comfort me in pain;
You nourish, heal and cleanse me,
Like cool, refreshing rain.


In times of joy and bliss,
When things are going right,
You lift me even higher,
And fill me with delight.


You listen to my prayers;
You hear my every plea;
I’m safe because I know
You’re always there for me.

Life and growing up

Well, I am getting ready to turn sixteen in 10 days! Yeah. That means I will become a licened driver. Yeah! But, the more I think about this and how much time has past since I started going to Royal Rangers and etc, I begin to feel that I don't want to turn 16. I want to be that little boy who is getting into trouble because he kept Commander Russ up all night at camp because I was being to loud and we kept sneeking out.I want to be that person that gets whatever he wishes. I miss all those times of camping and those awesome Friday night services. But, it is just this we have to grow up. Time goes on and time never stops. This summer I am getting a job, wow! My mom does not want me to get one because deep down inside she does not want me to grow up. I have came to a conclusion that if we stay in our little comfort spot and we don't allow God to change us and makes us the way he wants us, we will never have the full potential of doing what God wants us to do. So, I am excited about my birthday! God is an amazing God.

Fine Arts

It's almost here! I can't wait for that awesome bus to take us. I am going to bring a ton of caffeine. I can't wait to see what God has instore for us this weekend. I hope that we all do our best. I have to remind myself of the whole reason for fine arts. It's about share your talents for God with other people. I hope that I will do great on my sermon. I hope that I can do better than last time. But, it's not about winning. I have to say that everyone has done a really good job getting ready for the festival. Percussion team is going to rock the house. It's going to be so funny. I am interest to see how well the human video team is going to do. It's awesome. Resonate, go sing from your heart, not your mind.
It's going to be amazing!!!!!!!!

Opportunity missed

So last night was awesome! God was really moving in the hearts of all of us. Before the service started, I had this erge to say something to the group but I just thought that it was my own desire just to make myself look good. So as the service when on I was really getting into it, as some of you may have notice. Well, befor the praise and worship was almost over, Pastor Marc said that he feels that the spirit has to say something tonight and he wants to use someone. So I thought wow, this might be my opportunity to say what God wants me to say. But, I kept thinking that "It just my own personal desire to just look good". As the time was running out I thought that I could give someone of you minutes and then I will same something. But soon enough I missed it. Well, let me spring a few hours later when I was going home with Zach and Josh. We were talking and Zach brought up that he was wondering who had the message. I knew then for sure it was me. So I told him what happened. But, to come to find out I was not alone. Josh told me that he was so close to go up there and say " I don't have the word, but I am here to encourage that person to say it" So we are in the same boat. After all this I have learned to just listen to your heart. Listen to God and don't let the devil toy with your mind. Even though I am little upset that I missed a huge opportunity for God to use me, but there is always going to be more opportunities. God is good.

Ben's Praise Music

Hey if anyone wants some more music of your choice let me know.

Any remarks

Hey, the whole reason for me putting my sermon on my blog was to have other people to read it and hopefully to encourage them with their spiritual walk with Christ. Another thing is that anyone is welcome to make any comments about it (basically I need proofreaders). Thanks guys!

My Short Sermon: Will You Expand Your Horizons?

Have you ever made fun of someone for the way they acted or for the way they shared their faith? Or, are you that person who is picked on for what you believe in? People that are made fun of are known as unique. However, the people that go out witnessing to others in their society live an extraordinary life. They are living for God to the fullest. But, the problem with our society today is that too many of us are afraid of being ridiculed and don't want to become known as the "weird" person. The person that is doing God's work by following His commands may find himself labeled as "weird" as he shows people God's truth. But, what does it take to live an extraordinary life? Well, let me tell you a story that has recently occurred in my life.

    This past year I rededicated my life to the Lord and started to begin a new chapter in life titled: My New Extraordinary Life with God. When I rededicated myself, I also received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Ever since the night of my transformation, I have a passion to be on fire for God. I do not care if I will be made fun of for my faith. I asked God to place me in situations that I have never encountered before when witnessing to my peers. Little did I know that God had bigger and harder plans for me. God started using me in my school. I found myself witnessing to a group of Atheists. God placed me in a situation where He knew that I would not give up and not allow them to walk all over me. God gave me the strength to realize that popularity is not important. What I discovered is that my walk with Christ is more important than popularity. Even though these past few months I have lost a lot of friends for my faith in Christ, I realize that I can rise above this with God's grace and power. God will never disown me and will always be by my side. He is my best friend and I can come to Him with all my problems.

    But, sometimes we might think that all the work we do for Christ is a waste of time. Many times it seems that no one is listening to us. Well, 1 Corinthians 15:58 states: "Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor is not in vain." This is telling us that we should not let the devil lie to us and tell us that our work for Christ is a waste of time. We will be rewarded in Heaven for the work we do here on earth for Christ.

    At times we might find ourselves afraid of having no friends if we witness to others and live for Christ. But, doing God's work is totally worth it. The more we witness, the more we become fluent with talking with people about Christ. God gives us strength, the courage, and the words to say when we are witnessing to others. We can find fulfillment and peace in showing others the way to Christ. By doing what God wants, we find ourselves living a life that is extraordinary.

    Today, I want to challenge you. This is something that will take a lot of courage but it is worth it. God will give you the courage and help you if you live totally for Him. I want you to begin to live a life that is extraordinary for Him. But the question is will you do it? Will you risk losing your popularity for Christ? I did.

 

I am Blessed

This past few weeks I have been wondering how I am going to be able to do all these activities in school and Fine Arts ( and do not forget homework.) I was becoming worried about my grades because I did not have all A's. Well let me tell you something. I asked God to provide one more opportunity to bring up my grade in my favorite World History class ( I hate world history) and he provided another opportunity. I know have all A's for third quater which in fact ends tomorrow! God is so good. God is also giving more time at night to read his word by not giving me so much homework. I am currently in the book of 1 Kings. I am working my way up to the end of the book. I am excited to see my "peers" reactions at school when I bring a book report in about Revelations. Awesome! Another thing, on monday I took a Geometry proofs test (a little hard) and most of my classmates failed, but I got an 95% God is an awesome God!

Good Job Youth group

WOW! I really think that we have some leaders in our group. Courtney, Josh, and Christian you guys touched me last night. You inspired me to strive for a better relationship than I already have. You guys rock!

He is REAL AND ABLE

Hey, I am sorry I have not blogged in over a week. I have been very busy. God is been awesome to me. He has helped with school. I have all high A's and one very High B. It is one percent from an A. God has helped me when I am at school when I am around people who disagree with my beliefs. Let me tell you something, I feel like taking my friends ( not realy they are aquantinces) and twist their arm. They are so blind. I can not stand how the can go through life without christ. Well, I guess that is where we come in a show them the truth. Oh by the way, last Saturday night I gave a speech on the topic of prayer at a catholic church. Needless to say I felt awkward because I was not catholic. Oh well. Anyway after I presented my story about prayer and which I related an event in my life that has occured I went to a Basketball team to play in the Pep Band. Go Knights! Well anyway, it was probally about an hour after I did my presentation, a student told me that my story was awesome. I was amazed because the Catholic Church is spiritually DEAD. I am not joking. Well I was glad that I had touched someone else heart besides my dad. Enough of that. I got a new CD. TOBY MAC: ALIVE AND TRANSPORTED. It is awesome. Also, I am very thankful for my church because youth group is where I have my true and real best human friends. (God is my first best friend ofcourse) I am glad that there are people that will listen to me when I need something. Thank you Zach. Today, I was talking to my Band instructor and I was telling him about Fine Arts Festival. I told him what I was doing and he was wondering what I was doing for my sermon. He was blown away by what I was doing. He told he would love to hear me do my sermon sometime. This was a great time for me to plant a seed in his heart. Even though he is Christian, he still needs more of Jesus. I will be turning sixteen in a few months! YEAH! Last week I gave the Atheists a note in which I told him that I would be praying for him and that God is standing at his heart whating. Well, I was not surprised when he ridiculed me. I told him that I do not care about the comments and that I will be praying for him infront of all of my peers. Today he made a comment and he said so Ben you can do what you want and pray for me but nothing is going to work. I just told him that I love you (as a friend) and that I will remain praying for him. At that same time the devil is telling me that it is a waste of my time but I have to remind myself of a verse. I Corithians 15:58, "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" Our work that we do might seem worthless but it is worth it. God is real and he is able to do anything.

Free time.

Hey, Anyone in the Youth group who is free this weekend and on monday, I would love to get together and hang out!

God is Good

God is so Good! This week he showed me how real he is. Even though I have stumbled spiritualy and the devil is trying to tell me that I am not a real christian because of a certain sin I did, God knows my hearts desires. I wish I could give God a big bear hug for everything he has done. This week he has protected my friendships when I was doing his work. He helped me pass my World History Test ( 95% on got on it) and gave me the strength to be a better person at home. I will strive to do everything for him just like Deryks message on Wed night. I feel like having youth group right know because I can't get over how awesome church is and how much I love the people and ofcourse God himself. Watch this video about evangilism linebacker. //www.tangle.com/flash/swf/video_player.swf I am going to start writing my sermon this weekend. I think Zach has given me some ideas on what to say. Please pray for me for spiritual strength. Thanks,

On the Spot Light (literally)

WOW! These past twenty-four hours have been crazy! It all started with WNL on Sunday. It was awesome how everyone did. I loved how the guys did crowed surfing in front of the Jonas Sisters. When I did my testimony, I felt at peace. It was the greatest moment I have ever felt because I am sharing my testimony with people I know. Well after church and the meeting( Oh by the way I am going on the Missions trip, I cannot believe how fast all the spots filled up) I had to go to Breese and work at a chicken dinner for my band. OH yeah, I was starving the whole time. I only had breakfest before going to the dinner. The chicken smelt very very good. Okay enough with that here is the reason why I am blogging about this. Well as you may know that Friday, God placed me before some Atheists. If not read my last blog. Well during that whole conversation on Friday, I had a friend name Andy. He is a person who always gets in trouble for being obnoxious. Anyway, I met his mother and she told me that she and her son Andy, were talkng about what had happened on Friday morning. She told me that he felt very concerned for Tad and wanted some advice on what to do. She told him that Me and Andy should get to together and pray for Tad and the others and be witnesses to him. I think this is awesome because I never knew that Andy was this way. Well after that conversation, I went back to work thinking that everything was going to go back to normal. Well, I ran into another lady and she recognize my name tag and said are you Ben Boyer. Well of course I told her yes. To come to find out that she is the mother of Tad ( the guy who is struggling with religion). Well we started talking , asking the normal question like where do you live and so forth. During this whole time God placed the burden on my heart to tell his mother what had happened on Friday morning. Well, I told her and she was very shocked to hear what I have said. But she said that God placed me here in this situation for a reason. I told her the best thing we could do is pray.The power of prayer works. She asked me if she could talk to her son, I told her it her dicision. After that conversation had happended Tad came to me twice and asked me to not tell anyone about his struggles with Christianity and not to tell his mother. At that time I felt very guilty, but I told his mom what just happened and she was shocked. Once again I told her that God is allowing this to happen for a certain reason and something good is going to come out of this. The last thing I told her was that I cared about her son I will be praying for him. God really did put me on the spot light yesterday.

Battling with Atheists

WOW! I am spirtually worn out! This morning God put up against some Atheist. Have ever encountered some and had a conversation about faith? Well here is what happened. One of my friends asked me if I could tutor him during 1st period Study Hall. I am like okay. When I was ready, I went over to him and saw that he had an Atheist book that a friend of his reccomened for him. Oh by the way, this student is a Freshmen and the person that influenced him is a Junior. I asked him what is that book? He said what I thought it was. Well, his other friend who is a freshmen is really good friends with the guy who is a Junior and an Atheist. Well, I could not just stand there and let him read that horrible book. I started telling him why that book is wrong. Then we got into the discusion (and I don't know how) about why did God have the Israelites take over the Promise Land by kicking them off of their land. Well that went down hill. Then the Atheist came over and took full advantaged and joined the arguement. I could tell that my friend Tad, is in alot of trouble spiritually. He has allowed a Junior to twist his thoughts about Christ and he is trying to convert him to Atheisum. I could tell that he is very confused. We go on the topic about morall vaules and pre-marriage sex. I said, " How would you feel if your wife slept with someone and you saved your virginity for her" He kept trying to cover up the question by changing the question. But he finally answered the question he said it to please the Atheists. Then I asked the Holy Spirit to give the right words to say and then I asked my friend Tad, to step aside and let me talk to him in private. I told him how much I cared about him and his relationship with God. He told that is very confused and does not know what to do. He told me that he went to a catholic Priest and asked him some question, but he did not help besides basicly you are going to Hell if you fix yourself. During this whole time while I was trying to talk with him, Satan knew that God was using me and was trying to help him, so the Atheists comes over and starts saying things like read the Bible and make the inteligent decission. So I invited Tad (freshmen) to go to Youth group with me. But he said I don't know. The Atheist told me to read a book about some atheist and get informed. I do not want to read it because honestly I do not want to hear what they have to say and will make me even dougbt God even more. I told him it would be a waist of my time and it would not convert me. But at the same time I was trying to protect myself. I told the Atheists he should come to Youth group and talk to pastor marc. Of course he refused. I even told Tad the same thing and he was doubtfull So then the bell rung and he had to leave. During the whole morning I had these thoughts from the Atheists and was proccesing the info. I began unfortunatly to doubt Christ. I feel really horrible about this. I then went to the bathroom not to go, but to pray. I prayed and asked for strength and guidance. He reminded me some of the amazing miracles that have happened in my life. After school, I ran into Tad and asked how he was doing, of course he said yes. He told he was going to spend the afternoon with Matt ( Atheist). Later on , Tad's friend Adam ran into and told that he heard that something happened. I told him everything. He said that ever since they have started High School together Tad has changed his moralls. He said that he went through Grade school together and he was very religious. So what I am trying to say that, PLEASE PRAY FOR THE FOLLOWING:
TAD (freshmen)
Joey ( freshmen)
Matt (junior, and the Atheist)
Finaly for me. I need strength to not doubt and the words to say to them when I encounter them.

In His Hands

WOW!! Last night was AWESOME! I knew that God was going to do something amazing last night. I can not wait to see what is going to happen on Sunday. Even though we did have a little short turn out, God knew what he was doing long before it happened. God truely helped me last night when I had to give my testimony. I was very nervous but, He gave me strength and comfort. Everybody did an oustanding job.Go Powerless team. But( Daniel Scaggs is not powerless, he could whip all of our buts) God is doing amazing things in our Youth Group. I hope to see all the newcomers from last night to start coming to youth group. Have you ever been in suspense and VERY nervous at the same time? Well, it is one of the best feelings you could ever feel. I felt totaly covered in HIS Spirit. IT WAS AWESOME! I wish we had Youth Group everyday. Church is AWESOME! If anyone has specific prayers or special needs, I will be there 100% to back you up with help. Oh yah I almost forgot. I received an e-mail this morning from a person from England. YAh I know to delete but the curiosity of what it said made me read it. This letter said that I am a person that is like 57 years old with cancer. She said she was searching online because she is wanting to give her deceised husband's mission money. She said she hoped to find someone that would to God's will and use the money for good. WOW! I better get going I have Class.

Update

Hey! Two more days until WNL!! I am so excited for this event. I can not wait to see what is going to happen. Well, I have made a new goal for myself. I have decided to read the WHOLE entire Bible and do a book report on it for school. I think I will be doing an Apocalyptic theme. I started reading it yesterday and I am half way through Exodus. I have a long way to go. I am amazed of how much stuff I know about the Bible when I read. But I bet there will be alot more to learn about. School is going good. I was just given the recoginition for student of the quater. Yeah. Well, it is all fine and dandy but I really don't care. I do not need to be recognize for my efferts. They will be recognize in heaven. What did you think about the SuperBowl? Go Stealers!!! Oh well. I really dont't care. Well I better get back to my daily walk with Christ. Pray for WNL.

I am so mad that today that we did not have school. I was hoping to go to Youth tonight but it was cancled. Oh well. I am cold and I want to move to Florida. I can not wait to see what is going to happen at WNL. Winter Jam was awesome!! Toby Mac was the best part. Well, I better get back to my school work.