“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn.” -Isaiah 51:1
Ever feel like the world is stacked against you? Your day was fine until some jerk cut you off on the highway. Then an ornery cop pulled you over and slapped you with a speeding ticket, and on top of that, your ruthless chemistry teacher pulled a pop quiz. Goodbye,… Read More »No Excuses: A Challenge to Own Your Problems
Let’s start today’s post on mental health for Christian teens with a quick mental health checkup: What three adjectives would you use to describe how you feel about your life right now? When I consider my life, I feel . . . [Angry, anxious, frustrated, scared, lonely, depressed, stressed, apathetic,… Read More »Mental Health For Christian Teens: Cultivate Joy Outside Yourself
Many years ago, a bizarre incident happened in my hometown: A little boy went missing. I wasn’t there, but I imagine the parents searched high and low, calling his name with growing urgency and perhaps enlisting the help of neighbors and relatives. Eventually, law enforcement was contacted and the search… Read More »Seeking Jesus: Where is He Now?
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.“ Kelly Clarkson may not have been the first to say that line, but no one can deny she made it popular. It’s become a motto of resilience, a fight song for those battling a test in life. The assumption is if you survive… Read More »Life’s Trials Are Not What Make Your Faith Stronger
“It feels like God is watching from his throne far away.” “I’m sure God cared about those guys in the Bible, but I’m not sure he cares about me.” “God doesn’t have time for me.” “Me and God aren’t very close.” If you’ve ever thought or said any of the… Read More »9 Bible Passages for When God Seems Distant and Aloof
It’s winter here in Wisconsin, which today means a temperature of 4℉ and a wind chill of -10℉. Inside my house, however, it’s a comfortable 70℉, thanks to the two wood-burning units literally firing away right now. Between keeping the home fires burning and living in an area where proficiency… Read More »How to Build Rock-Solid Faith When God Stirs the Coals
Being a Christian is difficult. Especially if you’re a teen. You want to fit in, but then your peers start talking about the latest blockbuster movie and you find yourself giving an awkward head bob because you haven’t seen it. You’re the only one who has to skip the Sunday morning… Read More »Feed Your Faith With Psalm 119: Spiritual Encouragement For Teens
Fog is a fascinating phenomenon. In the Driftless Region of Wisconsin—an area known for high bluffs and steep valleys—fog can drastically alter perspective. You wake up to a bright, sunny morning on top of the hill, then drive to the edge and find the valley completely filled with thick, white… Read More »Seek the Lord and He Will Be Found By You