Where Do I Turn To

Where do you turn to when your cell phone is not working correctly. Do you go and ask your parents for help? Maybe - with the hope of a new one?! I'm certain you go to your friends. They know how important the cell phone is and want to have you up and running. These "go to" are fine. I'm certain they care and love you and want to help. But the best choice would be to look at the manual and if you cannot correct it, you would go to the carrier (creator) (T-Mobile, Verizon...). Why? Because the manual was written by the creator who has your interest in mind to keep you using the cell phone.

So where to you turn to in your need of help and guidance. If the best choice for your cell phone was to go the creator, why not allow this to be the best choice for you as well, your Creator, Your Lord. In Isaiah Chapter 44, verse 2 we are reminded that the Lord made you, He formed you from the womb and He is willing to help you. Seek the Lord first and He will guide your next steps. Where is He? You can find Him in His manual, your bible and where He has always been - right by your side.

Do I Really Have Control?

There are so many things that control your life. Drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, hanging around the wrong crowd, even insecurity. Believe it or not, these things can make you a slave to them. Do you want to be "their" slave or be in control of your freedom?

In John 8:31-32 Jesus said to those who believed in Him, "If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my followers. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free".

You have the power to take control of your freedom by knowing the truth Jesus talks about. Ask Him to show you how to handle all things you are facing today. He is just waiting to hear from you.

Where Do I Go From Here?

There is HOPE.

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

We Listen and We Care here at House of Hope - Illinois.

More importantly though, God Listens and He Cares!

You are Made for a Purpose!

Romans 12:6 - "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us".

Do you realize just how important you are. God put you here for a unique purpose. Don't let the enemy tell you that you don't matter. You matter to God. You have natural abilities, strengths and talents, you just need to be aware of what they are and make sure you are taking advantage of them. Use them for His glory. There is something very important that only you can accomplish for God! Ask Him to guide you, then listen for His voice in your heart.

Keeping a Friend Means Being a Friend

Six Steps to Being a Good Friend:

1 - Treat friends like you want to be treated. Just think about what you want in a friend and then be that person to others.

2 - Kick the cliques. Don't let that stop you from meeting or becoming a friend to someone. (Do you recall the story of the Good Samaritan?)

3 - Be slow to point fingers. Even when someone hurts you, let your anger simmer before you do anything. The way you treat others is often how you will get treated in return. When you point 1 finger, 3 fingers come back to you.

4 - Be secretive. How cool would it be to get a secret surprise from a friend. Do something nice for someone on the sly. One day, you'll get a better thanks than you could imagine!

5 - Care enough to tell. If a friend you care about is making harmful choices, have the courage to talk to them about it. It may be uncomfortable to tell a friend they need to change, but its the right thing to do. They may even thank you later!

6 - Be trustworthy. Honesty is the best policy. It's a must if you want to be a friend others can trust.

Who wouldn't want a friend like the above? Is there one - yes! Jesus! He loves you unconditionally. He will always be there for you. He is just waiting for your friendship with Him.