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!