I survived!

Well, with pain in my throat and congestion in my nose, I survived all day today at the office and all night at Uturn. My battery was running pretty low at around 3:30 p.m. today and wasn´t back up again until Uturn. But, God was faithful and said that He was going to be with me when I spoke tonight and was He ever! I spoke about 1 Tim. 4:12, the verse that says, "Don´t let anyone look down upon you because you are young but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity." In the Norwegian Bible, the translation is a little more unique, "Do not let anyone look down upon you but set an example for the believers in words, in behavior, in love, in faith, in spirit, and in purity." I really spoke deep tonight and said that people see teenagers as lazy, inconsiderate, disobedient people. Teens like to rebel against their parents and against society. But they can change the way society sees them; they can be rebellious against what society labels them as by being an example to others around them of what a Christian should truly be. They are responsibile to make the change, not the adults aroundt them, not others, but they are responsible. And I said we need to be an example in our speech -- are you swearing? are you breaking others down or buidling them up with your words? Our behavior- are we obedient? Do we respect each other? Our love- do we love with the love of Jesus to those around us who need it? Our faith- do we believe in New Age "out there" theology, or do we truly believe in Jesus, the only way to Heaven. Our spirit- are we doing things with a glad heart? Our purity -- are you taking drugs? Stop! Are you drinking? Stop! Are you having sex? Stop! Are you looking at pornography? Stop!

We need to live lives so that people will not have any reason to look down on us. We need to live lives so we can gain others´trust and respect. The kids want to show that they are mature enough to handle life, well, they need to step it up.

It was a VERY strong time. One of the other youth leaders said "Gretchen that was truly a power teaching tonight!" God was truly with me because I didn´t feel capable at the moment at all. I am so amazed. You should have seen the conviction He brought into the room tonight. The kids were quiet and were thinking a lot. He was truly speaking and dealing with very deep issues tonight. When I brought it to a close, the kids had a minute to confess to the Lord what it is that they needed forgiveness for and asking Him for help to live lives that are pure for Him. I am so glad that He was there, and that He spoke through me because I am feeling so sickly right now!

THANK YOU everyone for you prayers. I know that you were truly there with me fighting in the spiritual realm. God bless and good night!