Do Something Kind

By: Jake Schrimsher

I've always been taught that a small act of kindness can go a long way. So, tonight I decided to put that to the test. As I was driving home tonight, I saw a man on the side of the road who was holding a sign. I couldn't see what the sign said because he was facing away from me, but I knew what he essentially wanted, food or money. So, I drove over to McDonald's and got him some food. I left a note on the inside of the bag that listed our times of worship at Southaven, the Southaven church of Christ address, and a friendly note that invited him to worship.

The reason I bring this up is because we need to follow our Lord's example and help others. In John 6 we see where Jesus fed the multitude and then toward the end of the chapter in verse 35 we read that Jesus said, "I am the bread of life..." We should lead others to Christ, the bread of life, to fulfill their hunger. Many have a hunger, both spiritual and physical, and it's our duty to help fulfill them both. Whether it's buying them food or showing them the bread of life. There is a need for both. Let's all do our part.

Cocoa and Jesus

By: Paige Almond

Last week my cousin told me this sad story that happened to her dog. She has a cute chocolate lab named Cocoa. She loves to run around and be crazy. She barks at everything; squirrels, cars, people, you name it and she barks at it! Well my cousin has a neighbor and he is a grumpy pants. He is always complaining to her of how her dog is too disruptive and is driving him crazy. Lately he began threatening to shoot it if they didn't do something about the noise. So one day my cousin was out with her family and Cocoa was left home pinned up. She saw some squirrels and birds and just went crazy. My cousins neighbor walks outside and is so angry with her dog. So he has had enough and is going to quiet the dog himself. So he takes her and chains her up to a tree. He hits her in the head with a piece of wood and then starts whipping her with a twig. He beats her several times and then takes her and chains her up to the back of his truck. He then drags her along down the long gravel road. The rocks dig into cocoa's skin and cut her flesh while a trail of blood follows. Cocoa wails and hollers but my cousin's neighbor only goes faster causing her more pain. Soon Cocoa is about to pass out and near the point of death, she gives one more squeak as the neighbor hits the gas and that is the end of Cocoa. My cousin comes home to find her dead body in the yard and the trail of her blood on the road. Such a sad story.
Here's another one:

Mark 15:12-39 "Answering again Pilate said to them, 'Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?' They shouted back 'Crucify Him!' But Pilate said to them, 'Why what evil has He done?' But they shouted all the more 'Crucify Him!' Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. The soldiers took Him away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium), and they called together the whole Roman cohort. They dressed Him up in purple, and after twisting a crown of thorns, they put it on Him; and they began to acclaim to Him, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' They kept beating His head with a reed, and spitting on Him, and kneeling and bowing before Him. After they had mocked Him, they took the purple robe off Him and put His own garments on Him. And they led Him out to crucify Him. They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross. Then they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it. And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take. It was the third hour when they crucified Him. The inscription of the charge against Him read, 'THE KING OF THE JEWS.' They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. [And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'And He was numbered with transgressors.'] Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, 'Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross! In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, 'He saved others; He cannot save Himself. Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!' Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him. When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice 'Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani?' which is translated, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?' When some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, 'Behold He is calling for Elijah.' Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, 'Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down.' And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last. And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, 'Truly this man was the Son of God!'

Both of these are horrifying stories. However the difference between them is that the second one isn't just a story, it's a reality! Jesus died on the cross for us and it was REAL and continues to be real for those of us who have decided to give our lives to Him. If you felt more sad while reading the first story and began drifting off while reading the second one then WAKE UP!! That first story didn't even happen, I just made it all up. But Jesus' death on the cross DID happen! What will you do about it?

"Live Life To the Fullest"

By: Jake Schrimsher

"Live life to the fullest." That's what we have been told to do all of our lives, but what does it truly mean to "live life to the fullest"?

What I see this as is an opportunity to do something that not many people attempt to do. Many people are told "live your life to the fullest" and have no clue how to do that. I would like to tell you the best way possible to "live life to the fullest."

Put God first, others second, and self last.

God first.

If there is one verse that makes me want to strive my best to live my life for God it is John 3:16.

"For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Putting God first requires a change of mind. How can I not put my self first in a decision? Think of how it will effect your relationship with God if you put yourself first in a decision and don't turn to God.

It could destroy it.

Others second.

I cannot stress enough how important this is. It is not easy to put someone else before you, especially if you do not even know the person. It is hard, but necessary.

This means that you have to think of others before you think of yourself.

Some people think, "if I don't get my way I'm gonna die." But you can't put yourself before others.

One of my most important goals in life is to learn how to put others before myself.

Self last.

This is probably the most difficult of all. How is it possible for me as my own person to put myself last?

Again, it is a mind set. If you tell yourself, I am going to put God and others before myself, you will follow through with it.

That is how it is with many things.

If you tell yourself at the beginning of the day that you are going to put yourself last and set continuous reminders throughout the day, you will be able to accomplish it.

Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all the se things shall be added to you."

Matthew 22:39 says, "And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

God first. Others second. Self last.

Fitting In

By: Katie Long

What is something that almost every girl struggles with? How about popularity? Always trying to fit in and be liked by everyone. This is probably one of the main struggles because this is what brings us to wear the immodest clothing, give into peer pressure, say those words, etc..


As a Christian, are we supposed to fit in and be liked by everyone? I guess a better question would be CAN we be a faithful Christian and still be liked by everyone? The answer is NO. "And you will be hated by all for My names sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22).


As Christians we are supposed to be different than the world (Romans 12:2).


If we wear the same clothes, speak the same way, etc. How are we any different?


As Christians we WILL be persecuted, and when we are, we shouldn’t be discouraged but encouraged. In Acts 5 the apostles were put in jail and beaten for preaching Jesus Christ, in verse 41 it says “They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” They were glad to suffer for Christ! When was the last time you were thrown in jail or beaten for being a Christian? 


Our persecutions are nothing compared to what the first century Christians went through! So, when someone talks about you or makes fun of you for not wearing what they wear or doing what they do, don’t be discouraged and more importantly don’t give in to their peer pressure, but be happy that you are suffering shame for His name. “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Peter 5:10).


If you are a faithful Christian you WILL be persecuted for Christ’s sake (2 Timothy 3:12). If you are not being persecuted, maybe you should take a look at your life and try to see why not. The struggles of a teen girl can be pretty tough, but we have to keep our mind set on Heaven and remember to take pride in our Christianity and not worry about the world persecuting us “But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14).


Dealing with life’s struggles can be hard, but remember, if we keep pushing on and stay faithful then when Jesus comes back we can say “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Something Is Calling Me Away

By: Jake Schrimsher

God told Adam and Eve to not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but something called them away.

There are so many times in the bible where God tells his people to do one thing and they do another. Simply because the devil is calling them to do the opposite.

Christ tells us in Matthew 5:21, "You shall not murder" and what do we see on the news just about everyday?

Christ tells us in Matthew 5:27, "You shall not commit adultery" and what do we see happening all around us?

Christ tells us in Matthew 5:44, "love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you..." and what do we see people doing today?

Christ tells us in Matthew 6:1, "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them..." and what are people out doing?

Christ tells us in Matthew 6:14, "if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." and people are still holding grudges.

Christ tells us in Matthew 6:19, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal..." and what are people doing?

Christ tells us in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters..." but what are men trying to do?

Christ tells us in Matthew 6:25, "do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?" Yet, people are making such a big deal out of them.

Christ tells us in Matthew 7:1-6, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." Yet, again, people are doing this!

Christ tells us in Matthew 7:13, "Enter by the narrow gate..." Yet, people everyday are doing things that push themselves further and further away from it.

Christ tells us in Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." Yet, we let our guards down.

Everyday we are faced with the decision, "Am I going to do what is right or what is wrong?"

I encourage you to do what is right. I encourage you to follow what the bible says, leaving nothing out. I encourage you to try your best in everything that you do, especially when something as important as your soul is at stake.

The devil is calling us away from our God. I encourage you to plug your ears. Do not listen to him. Do not follow him.

Follow God. Study his word. Live by his word. Be the Christian that he wants you to be.

I know that it is easier said than done, but we can do it. Together we can achieve eternal life.

Not As Strong As You Thought You Were

By: Jake Schrimsher

In every one of our lives there is always, at some point in time, a thought that goes through our minds that says, "I'm stronger than I've ever been." Yet, somehow most of the time when we think we are at our strongest point we are actually at our weakest.

"Well, I haven't sinned in a week or so. I'm doing pretty good." Right then is when our guards goes down! Sometimes it's not even a week. It may only be a day or two.

Life is difficult. If you think otherwise, you're wrong.

There are times when we just don't want to leave the house because we are so down. There are times when we feel like we can't get back up because we are so weak. There are times when we bottle everything up inside of us and we reach the point where we don't trust anyone, not even God.

Don't let this happen to you. The one thing that no one should ever do is give up on trusting in God.

Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart..." Trust him with everything. Go to him and just let it all out.

Isaiah 41:10 says, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." God will give you strength.

Trust in God, lean on him for strength, and when you think you're at your strongest point, keep going.

Change Your Mind

By: Jake Schrimsher

Changing how you think is one of the hardest things that you can possibly do, but if you're a sinner it's necessary. Sin corrupts the mind and changes how someone should think.

In Psalm 51:10 David said to God, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Because he was in sin, realized that he was in sin, and wanted to do something about it.

What do we need to do when we are in sin? Change our minds.

Sister Hazel has a song called "Change Your Mind" and in the chorus it says,

"If you want to be somebody else, If you're tired of fighting battles with yourself, If you want to be somebody else change your mind."

If you're trying to leave sin in it's tracks and never turn around and go back, change your mind.

Well, that's easy to say, but let's look at how we can change our minds.

1. We have to want to change our minds

If we aren't 100% dedicated, we can't do it.

This is so difficult. I've been striving to do this for a while now and it still seems impossible, but it's not.

I'm here to tell you, if we set our minds to something it can be accomplished.

How did you learn how to play the instrument you play, how to swim, or how to do anything that you do? You set your mind to it.

So, want to change your mind.

2. Get help.

There are a lot of things in this world that require help from another person and it just so happens that this is one of them.

How can someone else help you do this?

Ask them to text or call you on a regular basis to encourage you do continue striving. I recommend that it include a daily bible verse.

That will get you thinking. It will keep you focused on what's important and keep your mind where it needs to be.

3. Pray about it.

A persons most difficult problems can be solved by talking to their heavenly Father.

It's something that you can't live without. If you could live without it, I don't think that God would have made it possible, but he did!

Proverbs 3:5 says, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

Don't think that you can do it without God. Because you can't.

God is an essential part in changing your mind and if you don't include him, your mind will not be changed.

Pour out your whole mind to God. He wants you to tell him everything. He is all knowing, but he wants you to go to him with your problems.

4. Read God's word.

Open up your bible everyday and read at least one chapter.

Don't just read it, but think about what it means. If you can't figure out what it means ask one of your brothers or sisters in Christ.

1 Chronicles 16:11 says,

"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always."

Always seek him.

5. Get rid of things.

There are things everywhere that cause us to stumble and the best thing for us to do is try to get rid of all of them.

Anything that's holding you back from a strong relationship with God, get rid of it.

There's no reason to keep it in your life if it's holding you apart from God.

If you have a problem, CHANGE YOUR MIND!

New Shoes

By: Paige Almond

Ok so yesterday I got these really cute shoes! They were half off at Payless and look super cute with my new outfit! I love to wear them ALL the time and show them off to everybody! They fit perfectly on my feet and are very comfortable!

Wouldn't it be awesome if we as Christians felt this way about God!? If we always wanted to talk about Him and show Him off to the world. If we got excited to worship Him and grow deeper into His word. If we felt comfortable talking about Him and sharing the Good News. Girls if you are getting more excited about a new pair of shoes than you are about Jesus Christ being the Savior of your life then you have your priorities mixed up. 

Mark 12:30 says, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." We should love God with all that we have. We should put all of our effort into loving Him and proclaiming Him to everyone. As much as we long for new shoes and are excited about them we need to be even more alive and excited for God!! Because of Jesus Christ we have hope of an eternal life in Heaven. I personally would prefer that to a pair of shoes! 

1 Thessalonians 5:19 says "Do not quench the Spirit." Girls, we need to be on fire for God and always thirsting and seeking for His righteousness and Godliness. Always seek God and strive to live for Him in all that you do!

The song "I love to tell the story" says I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love; I love to tell the story because I know 'tis true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do. I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest; and when in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, 'twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long. I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY!! Girls, it is our job as Christians to proclaim the Good News to all the world (Mark 16:15). Speak about Jesus to others and also show Him through your actions and words so that others may be drawn closer to Him through you! 

So the next time you are telling a friend about some new shoes, also talk to them about Jesus, your Savior. Don't be afraid to tell the story! I pray that you girls may be drawn closer to the Father and grow daily in His wisdom and love. If you are ever struggling, lift your burdens up to Him and take refuge in His love and power.

With all my love through Him,
Paige Almond

A Christian Boy’s Perspective On Modesty

By: Dillon Mansel


What is modesty? The modern day Webster’s dictionary defines modesty as: “1. freedom from conceit or vanity 2. Propriety (Propriety means socially acceptable) in dress, speech, or conduct.” But Webster’s original dictionary had this to say; “3. Moderation; decency. 4. In females, modesty has the like character as in males; but the word is used also as synonymous with chastity, or purity of manners. In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace and ignominy fortified by education and principle. Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor.” (Emphasis and parenthetical item added)

Now, clearly, the definition of modesty has changed in some ways or rather it has degraded over time. But it has in some ways stayed the same. But let’s think about the Bible’s definition of modesty for a moment… 1st Timothy 2:9-10 says, 

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works”

Let’s think about the things mentioned above… Paul admonishes here that women should dress modestly. He mentioned fancy hair, jewelry and expensive clothes. Why? Because these things are distracting. Could you imagine a girl who always wore Chanel or Prada to services? Wouldn’t that be distracting? Wouldn’t that be… showy..? People wouldn’t be able to focus on worshiping our Father if someone like her was around. 

Now, when you are showing cleavage, wearing tight tops or jeans, short skirts… guess what? YOU ARE BEING SHOWY. If you’re showing off your body are you doing something that becomes a Godly woman? I don’t think so.

Consider the opening chapter of Esther…

Esther 1:9-12 “Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus. On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on. But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.” 

Vashti, who we can tell was a beautiful woman, clearly didn’t want to be immodest. Even though it went against the king’s (her husband) command.

Let’s look at some more scripture… The book of Proverbs is a wonderful and practical book of wisdom collected by King Solomon. The last chapter of this book is a wonderful exhortation from a mother to her son. It closes with an acrostic poem about A Virtuous Woman. 


Proverbs 31:10-31 “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

Now, think about this woman. Does she sound like a woman who dresses provocatively? Does she sound like someone who is boastful or showy? 

These passages that we’ve noticed are very important and straight forward. These should be the standards by which Christian guys measure girls. Do you meet up to these standards? Or are you the girl that the king’s momma would tell him to stay away from?

When it comes to modesty, it’s not just an outward thing, its inward. Modesty is more than clothes, it’s in your head. Do you WANT to be modest? Consider this: Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

It is pretty plain that looking at a girl and thinking sexually about her is a SIN. When you wear tight clothes or show skin, you are leaving no mystery. It’s not that far of a stretch to imagine a girl naked when she is wearing clothes that display every inch of her body. Now, remember what Jesus said… do you want to be responsible for some poor boy’s soul being lost in Hell? Or do you want to do everything possible to help him and other boys out?

The fact of the matter is, if you are a Christian, you are above being immodest. What does Romans 12:1-2 say? 
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Now, let’s look at three things about modesty. These things are what I call “the ends of the deal.”
Have you ever heard someone say “I’ll keep my end of the deal” or “You haven’t kept your end of our deal?” I believe that there are three ends of the deal when it comes to modesty. These three things go together and benefit from each other but they are not conditional. You must keep your end of the deal no matter what. The three ends are:

1. The Parent’s end of the deal. Christian parents should want their daughters (and even their sons) to be modest! Parents, encourage your kids to be modest! It’s a wonderful thing. It is to be respected! The Bible says to; “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6


2. The Girl’s end of the deal. Girls, just because you weren’t taught by momma and daddy to be modest doesn’t give you an excuse. If you are taught, then you STILL have no excuse. Your part of the deal is simple: ask yourself, “Will this cause a boy to lust after me? Will this cause my brother in Christ to stumble??” these are powerful questions. I encourage you to study 1st Corinthians 8.


3. The Guy’s end of the deal. This part is extremely important and guys need to understand that. Christian guys should encourage Christian girls to be modest and pure. And one of the best ways they can do this is by example. Ladies, do you want to marry a Christian? Someone who will help you get to heaven? What kind of Christian guy would I be if I encouraged immodest and immoral behavior? Guys need to uphold the purity of their Sisters. I’m appalled at any “man” who doesn’t encourage modesty and purity.

This letter was written out of pure love and concern for the young people of the Church. I encourage any girls reading this to be honest with themselves… examine your mindset AND your wardrobe. Guys, I encourage you to man up and uphold these girls! Make sure they know that you want nothing to do with a girl who says she’s a Christian and dresses immodestly! And parents, love your children… cherish them. Teach them that purity and modesty, and God’s standard for them, is of the highest importance. 

It is not just the salvation of others that’s at stake… it is yours too.

Life Is A Road Traveled By All

By: Jake Schrimsher


In life we do a lot of driving. It's how we get from place to place on a day to day basis, but sometimes we lose sight of where we are and have to either look up directions or stop and ask someone.

I'm reminded of this particular time when me and a couple friends of mine were headed to Chickasaw State Park for a retreat. We used my iPhone for directions. I typed in the address to Chickasaw and we began the trip. It took us to all the wrong places. So, I looked at where it was originally taking us to a state park an hour and a half north of Chickasaw.

In our Christian life, if we do not use the correct source of direction we will end up in the wrong place.

Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."

God's word in all things should be our guide map. We should turn to it, not only when we are lost and look at how to get back on track, but in our everyday lives to keep us on the right track. So, that we won't get lost.

I encourage you to turn to God's word in all things. Not only when you realize that you are lost, but even when you know you're on the right path.

Another time comes to mind when I got lost (I don't get lost very often, by the way). Me and one of my friends were on our way to another friend's house and I'd never gone the route that we decided to take, but I had been with someone else when they were driving. So, I decided to try to drive by memory (bad idea). I think that we turned around at least 5 times before I turned to my ever famous iPhone for directions. Once, we arrived I was happy.

The point of this article is to show you how easy it is to become lost and be taken on detours and places that we shouldn't be and that if we don't use our map (the Bible) in our daily walk with Christ we won't stay on the right track.

So, stay away from life's detours (sin) and stick to God's word and let it guide you through every step of the way and never take a step without talking to God you'll be successful.

Much love, Jake.

Payday

By: Katie Long

"Tomorrow is “Payday”! I can't wait, I'm going to go shopping, get some new clothes, and maybe even get a new purse!" This is what a lot of us girls say before payday, right? That's okay! I'm not saying it’s wrong, I mean, who doesn't like to go shopping? :) I know I do!

The payday I am looking forward to, is the day Jesus comes back and we go to spend eternity with God in Heaven, which is our reward for living according to His Word (2 John 8). I cannot tell you when that day will come, no one can, (Luke 12:40, Matthew 24:36) but I do know it’s coming! The first part of 2 Peter 3:10 says “But the day of the Lord cometh…”

Eternal life with God in Heaven; nothing in this life can even compare to that. You could have everything you ever wanted plus more on this earth, yet I promise Heaven will be 100 times better! Let’s look at some verses on what Heaven will be like...

Matthew 6:2 says, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." You see Heaven will be glorious for all eternity!

In Heaven we won’t have any of the troubles that we have in this life, Revelation 21:4 says, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." This verse alone makes me want to do everything I can to get to Heaven!

Heaven will be one eternal day! We read in Revelation 22:5 that, “There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light from the sun, for the Lord God gives them light..."

Heaven is a prepared place, but only for those who are prepared. (Matthew 25:31-34, John 14:1-3) But don’t get me wrong the unprepared will also receive a payment as well. We see in the first part of Romans 6:23 it says,”For the wages of sin is death…” So, one way or another we will get paid, but we can choose which payment we will receive (Romans 6:16). 

With this article I hope I have shown you a little of what Heaven will be like, and I hope I have encouraged you to do your best to be prepared for the “Payday”!

Where No One Stands Alone

By: Katie Long

When I was in Memphis this past month for the MSOP lectureships, a couple nights me and a group of brothers and sisters in Christ got together to sing praises to God, it was so encouraging!  One song in particular that we sang was “Where No One Stands Alone”. That song has stuck with me ever since. The second verse in that song says "Like a king I may live in a palace so tall, with great riches to call my own, but I don't know a thing in this whole wide world that's worse than being alone." I couldn't agree more with those words! Alot of times we as girls feel alone because maybe something happened with a friend and they are unhappy with us or maybe because we feel that no one has gone through what we are going through. Well I am here to say that you are not alone and there are plenty of strong Christian women that have been through the same thing! Don't be scared to ask those ladies for help, I have asked a couple of ladies for advice that they would give to teen girls.

“I did not grow up in the church, I was baptized after Michael and I were married for 3 years. So for me if I hadn't married a Christian chances are I wouldn't be one. That was my number one goal for my girls was to marry a Christian. And you marry who you date. Watching my kids grow up the most important thing I saw were they kept company only with Christians. Not meaning their work, etc., but their social time. My kids who made it thru very well kept only friends who were strong." (Diane Richardson, IA).

“For those who are Christian teens, my best advice is stick together with those friends who are godly and keep your activities with them. You are much less likely to fall when you are with those with the same value systems and beliefs. Also, MAKE time to study daily (2 Timothy 2:15; Psalm 119; 11). It is imperative to do so if you want to be faithful! If we can find time to text/call friends, go where we want etc., we can find the time for God. He should be the first thought when we wake up and the last before we go to sleep. For those who do not have Christian parents, link yourself up with others who are Christians so you can get the fellowship, advice, and comfort that are needful to stay a Christian. We can't do it all by ourselves. God knew this when He told us to be "knit together as one," (Colossians2:2). The teen years are the most difficult, I believe, because of the pressure to conform (whether it is perceived or real). Above all - STAY CONNECTED! Once you turn loose from the fellowship of those with like precious faith, you start slipping and it is so much easier to slide backward that it is to climb upward.” (Nancy Goring, MO.).

Our friends are a very important part in life and have a huge impact on the choices we make in life.  “Two are better than one” (Eccl. 4:9). We all have at least one friend that is closer to us than our other friends (Proverbs 18:24). We need to make sure that who we hang out with are not going to pull us away from God,” Evil company corrupts good habits”(1 Cor. 15:33). Don't let the world corrupt you. Surround yourself with Christian friends and know that they are always there and will always be willing to help you. The week of MSOP lectureships was so helpful to me, it helped me to see what is important in life, which is living the Christian life and teaching others about God. Also it helped me to realize I am not alone. My Christian friends are striving for the same thing I am, to get to Heaven! As Christians we are to help each other, be there for each other and even though we may not like it, admonish one other. (2 Thessalonians 3:15).

If you feel like you don’t have anyone to go to for help always know that God is there! He is always willing to listen and in fact He wants us to talk to Him and know that He is there for us, because, He cares for us!  (1 Peter 5:7).

"Take my hand, let me stand,
Where no one stands alone"

My Bible... My Cell Phone

Unknown Author

I wonder what would happen if we treated out Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we used it as we traveled?

What if we used it in case of an emergency?

This is something to make you go, hmmm...

Where is my bible?

My Christian Creed

By: Paige Almond


GIRLS ONLY

OK so this guy spoke in chapel one day and he was from the military.  He read to us the creed that he had to follow.  I thought that we as Christians also have a creed to follow and that creed is for God.  So, here's my creed:

        I will do everything in my might and power to follow the commands of my God. I pledge allegiance, loyalty, and my life to the following of God's will and fulfilling my duty as a Christian. I will meet whatever requirements necessary to successfully be a hard, fighting Christian soldier. I will remember my fellow comrades and keep them accountable as I expect them to do for me. I will be the bright light shining in this dark world. I will love everyone and will always set the best example I can. I commit to this duty for my whole life and I will never back down nor forget where my priorities lie. God first before everything, then others, and myself last. I will always remember the price that was paid for me and will do my best to give back what is due. I am a committed Christian soldier and I will follow the one true God.

       I hope y'all can make a creed for yourself and try to live by it each and every day.  Soldiers in the army have to know their creeds by heart and must obey what it says.  I hope that as Christians we strive to be the best we can be and always remember our duty on the battlefield and follow God's word at all times.

Nearer, Still Nearer

By: Jake Schrimsher


Every time I sing this song I think of it as a promise to God.


"Nearer, Still Nearer, while life shall last, Till safe in glory my anchor is cast; In endless ages, ever to be Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee, Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee."


This verse is saying, while I'm here on this earth I will remain near to you. My anchor has been cast out and it's going to remain strong and will not stray. One day I will be in heaven and then I will be nearer to you than I could ever be here on this earth.


It's very important to cast your anchor firmly in Christ. In fact, it's the most important thing you can ever do.


Until you're safe in Heaven, it's not safe to pull your anchor up, but sometimes it's easy to pull it up and place it somewhere it shouldn't be.


How firm is your anchor placed in Christ? Is it barely grazing the surface or is it deeply set?


An anchor's weight has a lot to do with how firmly it's set. Our faith in God should make our anchor so heavy and so deep that it will never stray. Our anchor should be "both sure and steadfast..." (Hebrews 6:19).


The way we live, what we say, how we treat others, the choices we make, what we watch, what we listen to, and how we think can all effect how close we are to God and how strong our anchor will hold. If our anchors holds strong we will forever be with our Savior.


The song says, "In endless ages, ever to be Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee." Endless ages. Wow! How awesome does this sound? If we live our lives the way God wants us to and firmly set our anchor then we will FOREVER live in Heaven with Jesus!


Stay closes to Christ and follow in His footsteps and never pull up your anchor. Place your anchor and make sure it's "both sure and steadfast..." (Hebrews 6:19).