Called 2 Outreach

1 Timothy 4:12

2010-02-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example to those who believe in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." -1 Timothy 4:12

--Nikki (C-Force Team Member)

On Faith Alone

2009-09-13T18:38:00.000-07:00

On faith alone I stand, there is no higher ground
I give all I am, for my soul will never doubt
Though the storms they may be raging,
you have always held my hand.
To thy cross my heart will always cling,
On faith alone I stand.

On faith alone I live. Not in what i say or do;
But the blood you freely give covers me and makes me new
For your love is ever with me, Lord, Jehovah, Great I Am
Oh my trust grows stronger on my knees;
On faith alone I stand

Hallelujah Hallelujah
Hallelujah, on faith alone I stand

When I reach my final breath, and I fall into your arms
I'll proclaim with no regret; on faith alone
Sola fide, sola fide, sola fide, on faith alone I stand
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
On faith alone I stand
(-Robert Pierre "On Faith Alone")

I abolutely love this song. It's helped me through some pretty rough times. Not only does it have a sweet melody, but it's also extremely inspirational; and, most importantly, true. On faith alone I stand. God should be our one and only solid foundation. Many of us (myself included) tend to lean on things in our social lives; such as boyfriends, girlfriends, family, and websites; for support. And to some extent, they provide. But have any of these people ever let you down? Has a boyfriend broken up with you, or has a friend ever stabbed you in the back? Sometimes this foundation is faulty, and we only have ourselves to blame. We need to turn to God for our needs, because he is the only one who will never let you down.

Do the Unpractical

2009-07-14T07:33:00.001-07:00

In Acts 21, while Paul is headed toward Jerusalem, he stops in different places and stays with fellow disciples. He is urged by prophets and their prophesies to skip over Jerusalem because of what has been revealed by the Holy Spirit to them of what will happen to Paul in Jerusalem, as described in Acts 21:10-14,"After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, `The Holy Spirit says, `In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered,`Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, `The Lord's will be done.' "
Paul had many warnings of the perils he was about to face, but he was not about to lack courage by remaining in a safe place. We all wish we could remain in our comfort zones where we are content and feel safe, but if we did how would we be being the hands and feet of Jesus or showing the love of God the way He wants us to? How would we be doing God's will for our lives if we forever stayed in our comfort zones? As Paul took courage in the will of God being the best way for His life (even the threat of if it costing him his life), we need to take complete trust in God and His will. We need to follow through with His will no matter how insecure or out of control we feel of the situation. God knows our future and sees the big picture. We just have to put our trust in Him and His will even if no one understands (even if we don't understand.) Do we think that God's will is being practical? We have to do the unthinkable, the insensible. We have to go beyond the practical. Paul went beyond the practical when he decided to go on to Jerusalem when everyone was pleading with him to take the safe way out, the sensible way. Let us be like Paul and not do the reasonable, but do the unpractical.

--Jacqui (C-Force Team Member)

Fear & Bravery

2009-07-07T13:15:00.001-07:00

"For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us the spirit of power and love and a good mind." -2 Timothy 1:7

"For courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear." -Ambrose Redmoon

"So we can say for sure, "The Lord is my helper. I am not afraid of anything man can do to me." - Hebrews 13:6

Did you know that all humans are born with only one fear? Yup, it's true. The fear of falling. I mean, really, of all things, right? Falling? Why couldn't it be... spiders, or roller coasters, or something like that? Because probably, most of you are thinking, "If I was actually born with my major fear, I'd feel a lot better about myself." And I totally understand where you're coming from. A lot of us aren't even scared of falling anymore, for goodness sakes. But the reality is that all of our fears (besides falling, of course) have been acquired as we have encountered them. If we lived in a perfect world (and we almost did... Adam and Eve really messed up, didn't they?) there would be no fear. And I'm sure we all think that would be great, right? BUt the truth is that, where would the excitement be in all that? No fears. Sounds awesome, but when you actually think about it, it sounds like a load of crap. True, there would be no stress, anxiety, but there would also be no anticipation. No mystery. No learning from our mistakes and fears. Wouldn't you miss that feeling that you would get when you went out and conquered one of them? I know I would. See, fears strike up something in people that is mutually irreplaceable: Determination. It's in our genes to want to go out and beat down our fears so that they don't seem so huge anymore. For instance, I have a cousin (15) who used to be petrified of roller coasters. And by petrified, I mean petrified. Seriously. One time we went on a ride that was in kiddie land for my birthday? Yup. Started bawling. On a kiddie ride. But she finally cracked. She went to the amusement park with her friends, and she was sick of being left alone by herself while they all went to ride "Tower of Terror" and "Rockin Roller Coaster". And once she had realized that, by the end of the day she was riding the biggest rides in the park, and loving it. And you know what? There's a word for this kind of thing. And it's bravery. This might sound insanely contradictory, but if everyone had no fears whatsoever, we'd all be cowards. So get out there, conquer your fears, and make yourself stronger.

Happy belated 4th of July, everyone! (:
--Kirstyn (founder)

"It is curious that physical courage is so common in the world and moral courage is so rare." -Mark Twain

Outside the Norm

2009-07-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!
Ok, so you've heard it before. Our generation is believed to be the most influential generation of all times. But now seriously, think about that. The most influential generation. Ever. So who's going to be the influence? If we as Christians don't step up and take a stand for what we believe in, how do we expect the world to change? We need to not care what people say. We don't have time to care what people say. There's a world out there that desperately needs a Savior. And that's a job that Savior called each and everyone of us to do. We are called to go "outside the norm" to be a witness for Him. And we have opportunities to do that every day. To be different. To be there for someone when they don't have anyone else because that's exactly what Jesus did. Our actions are what's going to be the influence. And are influence is what's going to change the world. Yeah, that sounds ambitious. But we just so happen to have quite the benefit:) And that benefit said that nothing is impossible with Him. So let's get out there and do something. Whether it's something big, or just being there for someone. You never know what's going to make an impact.

Thank you so much for checking out our blog! And be sure to keep coming out!

-Macey (C-Force Team Member)

Jim Elliot & The Auca's

2009-07-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Jim Elliot was a missionary who was speared to death while trying to spread the Gospel to the Auca Tribe in Ecuador. Sure, he was trying to spread the word of Christ... But did he do it? No. The only thing that remains of Jim Elliot is a failed attempt.

His life, if left at this, is totally insignificant. However, the legacy that he left behind made his life much more worthwhile. After Jim and his fellow 5 missionaries' deaths, the wives of the men, inspired, continued to minister to the Auca tribe. Today, the tribe is both peaceful and... (dun dun dunn) Christian. So why am I telling you this? Don't worry, I'm not telling you that you need to go and get yourself speared to death in Ecuador. Actually, I would highly reccommend not doing that. But the story of Jim Elliot is one that has been remembered. Books, movies, websites... Basically, the dude is a legend. My point to this whole tirade is that you need to get out there and do something worthwhile! Elliot took a risk. He put his life on the line for Christ. Take a minute and ask yourself... Would I do that? Would I risk my life for God? The answer to that question, for most of you, is most likely no. I'm sad to say that would most likely be my own answer if asked that question. And you know what? It's sad. But we can change that. Do something that would leave your own legacy! Start a charity. Write a book. Walk all across America. Do something to make yourself... And Christ... remembered! Overcome your shyness and anxiety and put yourself out there.

--Kirstyn (founder)
"He must increase and I must decrease." -John 3:30

For more information on Jim Elliot... Well, google Jim Elliot! (:
Or you could watch the movie, End of the Spear.

The C-Force : Expanding and Promoting

2009-07-03T06:34:00.001-07:00

I'm happy to report that we have two new C-Force team members; Macey Klaiber and Jacqui Johns! (: They'll be posting their own messages shortly. I know both of these girls from church camp last year, and I can guarantee that they are perfect for this kind of thing. Three more team members are pending (as in I haven't heard back from them yet). This is great in the progress of C-Force and C2O. Now we need to work on promoting the blog! Tell your friends, family, and schoolmates about us. Any publicity is greatly appreciated! (: Thanks. Please pray for us as we try to spread God's word to teenagers everywhere - without prayer, we will definitely get nowhere.

--Kirstyn (founder)
"He must increase and I must decrease." -John 3:30

1 Timothy 4:12

2009-07-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." -1 Timothy 4:12

Hi! I'm Kirstyn, and welcome to Called 2 Outreach (C2O). I chose this verse to kick off the blog because it delivers the perfect message to people our age: just because we are young doesn't mean that we can't do great and powerful things for God and our community. It gives a meaning similiar to that of Alex & Brett Harris, in their blog, "The Rebelution" (http://www.therebelution.com/). Teenagers today are faced with a sterotype that we are forced to mold to in order to be an "average" teen. And most of us do conform to it. I know that I, myself, am still struggling to break free of that mold. I absolutely love a phrase from Alex & Brett's book, "Do Hard Things", that illustrates this perfectly. They say "Most people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you ... and even if you understand, they don't expect you to care. And even if you care, they dont' expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect it to last". You're probably thinking, "Hey, that's not true! I'm not as stupid and shallow as that makes me sound!" Of course, you're right. But does the world know that? It's not about the mind and heart for God that you have inside you, it's how you choose to let that potential show on the outside. For instance, how many of you have come up with an idea for some really cool invention that would help lots of people with everyday things? Such as, a restaraunt with child care or a portable hair straightener. I know that I've had some ideas like that. But very few people, teenagers and adults alike, actually put actions to these ideas. You know that you're smart and that you have some really good, innovative ideas, but does the world? No. How could it? The world does not know your potential because you have chosen not to show it. I'm most definitely not saying that I am immune to this problem; believe me. I'm definitely not. But this blog is my way of spreading my potential with other people. What's yours?

--Kirstyn (founder)
"He must increase and I must decrease." -John 3:30

For more on this topic go to http://www.therebelution.com/.
Want to join the C-Force? Email Kirstyn at hippechick01@yahoo.com!

COPY AND PASTE! (:

Hi! I'm Kirstyn, and welcome to Called 2 Outreach (C2O). I chose this verse to kick off the blog because it delivers the perfect message to people our age: just because we are young doesn't mean that we can't do great and powerful things for God and our community. It gives a meaning similiar to that of Alex & Brett Harris, in their blog, "The Rebelution" (http://www.therebelution.com/). Teenagers today are faced with a sterotype that we are forced to mold to in order to be an "average" teen. And most of us do conform to it. I know that I, myself, am still struggling to break free of that mold. I absolutely love a phrase from Alex & Brett's book, "Do Hard Things", that illustrates this perfectly. They say "Most people don't expect you to understand what we're going to tell you ... and even if you understand, they don't expect you to care. And even if you care, they dont' expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don't expect it to last". You're probably thinking, "Hey, that's not true! I'm not as stupid and shallow as that makes me sound!" Of course, you're right. But does the world know that? It's not about the mind and heart for God that you have inside you, it's how you choose to let that potential show on the outside. For instance, how many of you have come up with an idea for some really cool invention that would help lots of people with everyday things? Such as, a restaraunt with child care or a portable hair straightener. I know that I've had some ideas like that. But very few people, teenagers and adults alike, actually put actions to these ideas. You know that you're smart and that you have some really good, innovative ideas, but does the world? No. How could it? The world does not know your potential because you have chosen not to show it. I'm most definitely not saying that I am immune to this problem; believe me. I'm definitely not. But this blog is my way of spreading my potential with other people. What's yours?