Another Love Dare

iBegat the Begotten, iBegat U, Tessa Hall

I’d like you to understand when I say, “God is our God.” Of course he is. Even Satan knows that.

But just knowing this truth isn’t all that being a Christian is about. Mark 8:34 says:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (NIV)

Let’s say there’s a guy that loves you more than you could know, and constantly tells you, but you keep ignoring him because you’re “too busy.” What if he wrote this long love letter that explained how much he cares for you? Not only that, but this letter contains all the answers that you’ll ever need to know in life, including promises for your future.

Why would you ignore this special kind of friendship? In order to follow God we need an intimate relationship with him. Part of that is to find who you are in him. Why would you want this dear friend to only be a small part of your life? Follow him and he will become your everything if you allow him!

I dare you to get to know the friend that loves you no matter how awful you treat him. I dare you to read the love letter that is scratched and dusty, hidden and ignored in the back of your bookshelf. God wrote it to you thousands of years before you were born. Turn your Sunday religion into a true, eternal relationship.

TESSA HALL

Tessa Hall is a writing and coffee obsessed seventeen-year-old. She lives for Christ only and believes that it’s not just a religion, but a relationship. Her Young Adult, Christian fiction contemporary novel, Purple Moon, is currently under contract with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She also writes a blog called “Christ is Write” where she posts teen devotions, writing tips, book reviews, author interviews, and coffee recipes.

Tessa has always enjoyed writing and has a passion to spread God’s healing, love, and comfort to her peers through the written word. Some of her other passions include acting, film, music, photography, and dance. She has big dreams and high hopes for her future, but believes that God can grant the desires of her heart as long as she puts Him first. Her favorite scripture is Ecclesiastes 11:9 (MSG): “You who are young, make the most of your youth. Relish your youthful vigor. If something looks good to you, pursue it. But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it.”
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God of Second Chances

iBegat HOME, iBegat the Begotten, IBegat Trouble, iBegat U, Shannon Meiers

“Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.” (Psalm 119:175 NIV)

Our God is a God of second chances and that fact was never more real to me than one summer afternoon.

In a single moment, I decided carelessly to jump in a pool. My swimming skills were lacking. A nanosecond after I hit the water, I knew something was wrong. I should have floated right back up. The water was only four feet deep. If only I could stand up! But buoyancy was working against me, and the shimmery floor below was evading my efforts to plant my feet firmly on the surface. During this harrowing experience, I went from a confident, bubbly teenager giggling on the sidelines to a scared, terrified little girl fighting for her life.

Panic set in. So this was it. This is how I would go home. I was about to die.

Immediately following my thoughts came an absurd sense of peace. I knew where I was going if I died. When I put my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I was assured an eternity in heaven. And that fact, in what I thought to be the last few seconds of my life, was immensely comforting.

But I knew if God wanted me on earth, he would bring me out of this. I had swallowed some water and was choking, so I prayed fervently to God for clarity of mind, something I could do, or some way out of this nightmare. My arms and legs were still flailing all over the place. Spots swam in front of my eyes, and for a couple seconds it went black. I knew I didn’t have long. Only a miracle could save me now.

And a miracle is exactly what I got. Somehow, God gave me the sense to stick my hand out of the water and wave it frantically to get someone’s attention. Then, I heard a voice whisper across my heart, “Calm down, my daughter. Everything will be all right. Calm down and plant your feet.”

Suddenly, my head was out of the water, and I was gulping in glorious, wonderful air. I was clinging to the side of the pool with a fellow teen bobbing beside me. I’m not sure how he got me out, but I know that God is definitely active in my life, and as the pool incident proves, I’m here and have a purpose. I keep thanking God for giving me another chance at life.

Since then, I’ve found that I am able to laugh more, love better, and share more. During those horrifying seconds under water, I decided I would live my life for God and make every second count

“The LORD will keep you from all harm- He will watch over your life, the LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:7-8)

SHANNON MEIERS

Final Interview

Christine Wessilius, iBegat the Begotten, iBegat U

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.” 1Thessalonians 5:9-10 (English Standard)

I hate interviews.

And it’s not because I get nervous or have bad communication skills. The employers don’t intimidate me, and the amount of competing applications don’t even cross my mind. No – it’s that horrible question that you know they’re going to ask: “Why do you deserve this job? Why should we hire you?”

Somehow, whenever I hear that awful question, my mind draws a blank. I mean – what do they want me to say? I don’t want to come up with some “I’m the best” braggart line that turns me into some narcissist. But at the same time I don’t want to say something weak sounding where they think I have no conviction or aspirations!

When we die, we’re going to be confronted with a similar scenario. We’ll have to hand in our resume of all our life’s work. Satan is going to bring up every sin we’ve committed against God and highlight them in yellow. But … we’re covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. In this life, we don’t have to prove anything to people by either boasting or being overly modest. Because in this case we’re not here to display ourselves – but to showcase Him.

Where we fail, Jesus Christ has already stepped in the pick up the slack. There are no rejected applications, no failed interviews, and the ‘benefits’ of heaven are pretty much limitless.

Don’t live life in fear of failing that final judgment – Jesus has already selected you as one of His own.

CHRISTINE WESSELIUS

Christine grew up in the windowless basement of her grandparent’s house and has thus been fondly nicknamed “The vampire in a box” by her friends. She has a strong affinity for sarcasm, shiny purple things, and random, useless information that “normal people probably wouldn’t care about.” She likes to sing, act, draw, write, read, and make fun of Prince Charming in her spare time. Some of her epic skills include: surviving a piano being dropped on her, carrying on a five hour conversation with a wall, and making a grilled cheese sandwich spontaneously explode. (read more…)

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White as Snow

iBegat the Begotten, iBegat Trends, iBegat U

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow;” (Isaiah 1:18 NKJV)

I grew up where it snowed a lot in the winter. But cement streets, traffic, pollution, and garbage strewn about made the days gray and dingy. Even a colorful sunset often would be marred by a brown lingering haze.

One winter, things were extra nasty. A garbage company strike left streets scattered with bags of trash. Most had been ripped open by animals. Rats and roaches were everywhere. Every kind of creature roamed, making a fitting stage for a horror flick.

On a frosty afternoon, I walked home from school, counting the icicles hanging from the power lines. My breath lingered on the thickness of ice cold air. When I reached the lifeless block I lived on, I hoped a thick blanket of snow would fall to cover the dreariness.

That night it did snow, and in the morning it was if I had been given a new chance to live. Everything was white. School was closed so kids were everywhere throwing snowballs and diving into snow banks made by the plows. Some slid down the tall piles of garbage covered with enough snow to imagine they were each manicured ski runs on top a far away mountain.

I met up with friends and quickly forgot about the dirty old setting underneath. We walked the streets and hung out for hours. But as afternoon approached, temperatures warmed up and the beautiful white snow began to fade to gray and brown slush. Mountains of garbage resurfaced as snow drifts slid down into the grime. Late afternoon brought about the old neighborhood, now more depressing as ever.

The snowfall in my neighborhood only lasted until the heat came. When it was exposed to the change in temperature, it melted away. I trudged inside and wondered why the newness couldn’t stay forever.

Have you ever lived where it snows all winter? Or a place that gets just one snowfall? Maybe you are living in snow country right at this moment. If it’s winter, you probably have fresh snow on the ground. Fresh, clean, white snow. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow . . . “

Jesus shed his blood to cover all our sins. We were like that dingy old neighborhood that was transformed into a winter wonderland. But because of the sacrifice Jesus made, we can have newness that will stand the heat. The snowfall of grace and mercy is one that will not fade away when difficulties intensify.

Cindy Scinto, Editor, iBeGat.com

Truth That Sets You Free

Ashli Roussel, iBegat the Begotten, IBegat Trouble

“You are a liar.”

Although I would normally never encourage anyone to speak these words, there is an exception to that rule when it comes to one thing: an eating disorder. In fact, if you have an eating disorder, I encourage you to look it in the face and tell it, “You are a liar.”

Through an eating disorder, Satan tricks our minds to exchange God’s truth for lies, which can convince us easily that we are ugly or invaluable. Whenever we think these things, a red flag should alarm us that we are believing lies. But even when an eating disorder shouts lies that bring hopelessness, God’s truth can fill us with strength and life.

When the lies seem unconquerable, God’s power is stronger.

When an eating disorder tells you that you are not pretty enough, God says you are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

When Satan tricks you into thinking that your eating disorder is unconquerable, know that “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

If you feel invaluable, remember that you are “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

If you think that God is not interested in your problems, don’t buy the lie. Trust God when He says, “I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4)

Wherever truth dwells, lies flee. We can conquer lies by surrounding ourselves with God’s truth. Let’s saturate our minds with truth by pondering God’s Word, posting Scripture on our mirrors, praying often, and listening to Christian music. When we ask God to fill us with His truth, the lies of an eating disorder will have no place to belong. His truth sets us free!

ASHLI ROUSSEL

Ashli Roussel, a nineteen-year-old sophomore at Harding University, is passionate about sharing the truth and love of the Lord through writing. She loves camping, running, playing the piano, and participating in missions. Most of all, she is passionate about knowing, following, and serving her Lord and Savior. Without Him, her stories would mean nothing.

Ashli has battled and overcome an eating disorder, which God used to teach her great truths about who He is and how He is involved in our struggles. Now she desires to comfort others with the comfort that she has received from God. Keep an eye out for Ashli’s regular articles on iBegat.com! (read more…)

Different

Haley Snyder, iBegat the Begotten, iBegat U

“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NASV)

On February 4, 2011, I went to Winter Jam with my youth group. The music was amazing, and my friends and I danced around like idiots, loving every moment. A group of guys sat in front of us with the guys from our youth group. They knew each other from school and wanted to hang out. While my friends and I were dancing, they kept looking back at us. They’d laugh at us when we’d dance stupid dances. I finally asked one of the guys from my church why they were laughing, and he said they thought we were weird.

It kind of bugged me for the rest of the night that they were making fun of us, but then I thought about it. I am weird—plain and simple. I dance badly and sing around my house at the top of my lungs randomly. I work really hard on my hair every morning, even when I’m not going anywhere. My heart literally hurts when people are in pain. I struggle with depression. I care too much about what people think of me. So, me weird? –definitely. Then again, who isn’t weird? God made us all different and unique. If this is the way God wants me, then it’s the way I’ll be. God’s plan for me is far greater than any plan I have for myself.

The same principle applies to everyone. God made us all unique and special so that He can accomplish whatever he has in store for us. My challenge for you all is to remember that your weirdness is what sets you apart from everyone else. It’s what will help you achieve God’s will for you. Don’t try to change it, instead embrace it.

HALEY FAYE SNYDER

I’m Haley Faye Snyder. I’m 14 years old and a freshman in high school. I’ve lived in the same Christian home in Kentucky since I was born. I have one little brother and two loving parents. I go to Westport Baptist church and have my whole life. I accepted Christ into my heart when I was six and then re-committed my life to Him when… (read more…)
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The “Body” of Christ

iBegat the Begotten, iBegat U, Tessa Hall

You have legs to walk; eyes to see; ears to hear, and a nose to smell. If it weren’t for these body parts, which contain a specific assignment, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish certain jobs.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (NCV) says:

“If each part of the body were the same part, there would be no body. But truly God put all the parts, each one of them, in the body as he wanted them… Those parts of the body that seem to be the weaker are really necessary. And the parts of the body we think are less deserving are the parts to which we give the most honor… Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body.”

God has given each of us a gift to help build his kingdom. You have talented hands to write, but those same hands may not be skilled to paint. These talents were chosen by our Creator for each of us specifically!

We are called to glorify God and help others by using the talents he has given us. It doesn’t work well to go outside of your calling. Why would you want to use a body part for something other than the function it was given?

Think of how much stronger the body of Christ would be if each of us did the assignment that God has given us. Let’s all work together by using our gifts as we allow God to teach, heal, and reach others—one gift at a time.

TESSA HALL

God Has His Own Eraser

Aimee Lynch, iBegat the Begotten, iBegat U

It was the second hour of history class and my brain was functioning on power saver. I nodded occasionally to let the teacher know I was still cognizant, but beyond that I was there only in body. Gradually I came up for air, and was struck by what I heard.

The unit we were studying was on Abraham’s life. The teacher was talking about the many terrible ways that he sinned against God. He lied about his wife being his sister … twice, he tried to force God’s promise of a son to come true on his own, and he didn’t act as the leader of his house to end the disputes between Sarah and her servant, Hagar.

Yet, even though Abraham made countless mistakes, God was still faithful to bring about his promise for his life. He did not hold Abraham’s deeds against him. God has his own eraser, and he uses it all the time with the sins of his chosen people.

It is so freeing to know that God will bring about his plan even when I mess up. He has a goal at the end of this, and I can be sure that he will accomplish it. My part is only to follow his direction for my life as best as I can.

Like Abraham, God called you when He drew you to himself. Follow his direction even in the smallest things. Don’t despair when something seems to go wrong because God is powerful enough to use it to his glory.

I’m sure glad I came up for air.

AIMEE LYNCH

Aimee Lynch is a homeschooled high-school student in Gaithersburg MD. She has a heart for children whose parents are divorced because she grew up in a single-parent home after her own parents divorced when she was five. Her blog, allfilledup.wordpress.com, is a place where she seeks to encourage other kids in difficult situations. In what little free time she has, she enjoys gardening, reading, getting involved in various youth projects, taking walks on the beach, and writing articles. (read more…)

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real devo: good out of bad

iBegat the Begotten, IBegat Trouble, iBegat U

I’ve never been a huge fan of change.

Maybe because when I was little, it seemed that change only brought bad things. Change brought stressful jobs to my dad. Change moved me away from my best friends. Change was a little bit scary. And change hurt.

Then I grew up (not necessarily matured, just sayin’,) and realized that change could also bring good things. Change brought a better job to dad. Change moved me to new friends. Change wasn’t so scary anymore, and sometimes it could even be fun!

Then I grew some more and realized that God always has a plan or my life, and He uses the change to bring good things from it.

Always. Every time. Maybe not instantly, maybe not anything that we can see, but we can be assured that He will bring… Read the rest of this article at Real Teen Faith!

By RTF Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

SHANNON MEIERS

Shannon Meiers is a 16 year old home-schooled sophomore in high-school. Shes an aspiring writer, and is currently working with the special needs ministries at her church. Shannon, or Shan as her friends know her, is constantly learning new things about God’s grace, forgiveness, and unmeasurable love. Shannon came to know Christ at the age of 5, and has been striving to live for him ever since!