Some parts of the Body of Christ have gone conspiracy crazy. I used to be one of them, checking ATS every day to get my doom on, and when the theory of the week failed to materialize, I'd latch on to another. It was a twisted sort of thrill, ramping myself up with fear and worry, then release when i woke up safe. It certainly was a welcome relief from the boredom of working in a call center. Luckily Lord Jesus showed me a better way through the preaching on Future Quake and his word and removed that fear: God is still on His throne. What Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 helped alot in this as well.
Last post i addressed this and myth chasing in a general sense, but today there's a specific example of myth chasing: Predictive Programming.
What that is, is basically something (ie a movie, book, TV show) foreshadowing and preparing all of us for an event. Examples of this would be aliens in movies preparing us for "real aliens." Or Star Trek preparing us for advances in technologies. Hollywood movies preparing us to accept societal changes of some sort or to help guide our response to a certain type of event. And it does work to an extent and seems to have some truth to it.
A very hot example of late, and the main reason i brought this up is the "Illuminati Card Game" from the 90's. Allegedly, cards in this game are predictors for world events to come. The rationale for this is that two cards, "Terrorist Nuke" and I believe the "Pentagon" cards were used as proof that the Illuminati, whoever "they" really are, planned the whole thing and revealed it in the cards ahead of time, for some reason, probably just a "look how powerful we are" kind of thing. In even mentioning those cards, I've probably just added myself to 4 different watch lists.
See for yourself.
Full gallery of all the Illuminati cards:
http://media.adamdodson.org/index.php/Illuminati-Card-Game?page=1
Why it's relevant now is that some were indicating the card "Combined disasters" "pandemic" and "tape runs out" (now i'm added to 3 more watch lists) were predicting upcoming events. The first two were tied to the Olympics, which thankfully nothing materialized yet, while the third, supposedly had a hidden Jesus in the picture rapturing folks out. How the illuminati has control over the rapture, i don't know.
That's a cool, interesting theory given that there's two cards that surely seemed to have been "predictive" at the time they were made.
It also makes sense that the illuminati as agents of satan/lucifer would follow his example. Many believe, i among them, that the following verses reflect satan's plans, and God has allowed us to see that apparently satan announced his plan before enacting it.
Isaiah 14:12 - 15
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
So it is a good assumption, based on a decent premise with the 9/11 cards, that "they" behind all the conspiracies would do something like this.
However.
This is also where problems arise. So far, only 2 out of 330+ cards have proven to be even slightly predictive of anything. 2 more cards that seemed to predict something at the Olympics fizzled spectucularly and thankfully. That leaves 328+ that thus far have amounted to nothing.
That being said, how do we know which ones are predictive and which aren't? If you stretch it, you could make any of them predictive of anything you like. Especially after the fact, or if you invent your own illuminati symbolism.
Another interesting thing to note is that a number of these things are absolutely ridiculous, and if they predict anything, i'd be highly surprised. Some of which are:
Albino alligators - alligators in a sewer
Bigfoot - 'nuff said
Eliza - a computer program that is alive or thinks it is
Faction fight - shows an arm wrestling match, perhaps there was more to stallone's "over the top" than we first thought
And Go Fish! - which depicts a diver being attacked by a shark.
If these cards are predictive of anything, I'd like to know what. Maybe i'm missing some hidden symbolism, but i just can't see how cards like this show the future or reveal the plans of a secret group. If such a group existed, and i suppose it's possible, maybe even probable i don't see why they would use an obscure card game to do it. A better platform would have been X-Files, and maybe it was.
Rather than being a tool of the real illuminati as an implement of prognostication, i think it's more likely all a tongue in cheek game about conspiracy theories. Unless someone can shed some light on hidden symbolism and the people involved on the game, I'm not buying it. Even if it does reveal plans, so what?
Regardless of the origins, it has been sold with enough truth to draw people into deception and believing these cards are predictive. Sure, maybe some of them are or were plans, but in the end God is the only one who can call the future before it happens, and He's done that in the Bible.
Isaiah 46:9-10
9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
Anything predicted by humans will not necessarily pass, and certainly satan's "5 I wills" won't come to pass either. As outlined in revelation 20, Satan is going to be captured, bound and thrown into the abyss for 1000 years, then get thrown into the lake of fire after being set loose for a time.
In short: Don't expect these cards to be a very good warning of anything without your decoder ring.
If you want to know real predictive power, go no further than your Bible. The Old Testament is FULL of prophetic detail, even down to idioms and numbers (according to Chuck Missler's theory) that all point to Jesus Christ's first coming as Messiah, the sacrifice for our sin.
What was the brass serpent in the wilderness about? Jesus being lifted up to die and bear our sins for us.
What was the water coming out of the rock Moses struck about? Jesus' life being poured out for us. (Missler says Moses messed up by hitting it twice).
Many more passages predict Jesus' first coming, His death and resurrection. Many more in both Old and New Testament predict His return and what will happen then.
So don't waste your time looking at a card game to see what's going to be happening in the world. Seek the face of Jesus Christ, accept Him as Lord and Savior. He's returning soon, and although we will likely face struggle and hard times ahead, He will take us away if we're alive at His return. And if we've died, He'll resurrect us. Either way, escaping the plans of the evil one can be done only through Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
You Must be Myth-taken: Rampant Myth Chasing in the Body of Christ
In my past, there has been some value in studying the "Christian" perspective of various things. UFOs, ghosts, transhumanism, conspiracies and all the rest. Through programs like Future Quake, PID Radio/VFTB and others i was given proper perspective on "a thing" and ultimately it led me back to the waiting arms of Jesus Christ. Christ transformed my fear of aliens, conspiracies, and earth ending calamities and replaced it with trust in Him.
I hope that's what this blog does. Reaffirm that God is in control, that yes there is deception and evil stuff going on, and Jesus Christ is the only way out of it.
What i hope to avoid, and what is going on in some circles is an unhealthy emphasis on those same things. And that focus, when i read about brings me to fear.
Case in point, some Christian folks are convinced planet x is coming, based on what one or two people say on a podcast. People accept it despite there being more evidence against that topic.
It doesn't have to be planet x though. You can insert comets, nephilim, fallen angels, illuminati, HAARP, and anything else. And when these don't materialize, we move to something else. The boy who cried wolf is becoming a regular occurrence.
Many of us in the body (my fear is that I'm doing it too) is that we're drawing too much attention from Jesus, and moving it to the snares of the devil. And far too often we're caught up on trying to convince each other we're right when really much of it is speculative.
Many are caught up on modern nephilim, that it was prophesied in the Bible. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. Also, it doesn't have to have been addressed for it to happen.
I'm not a huge modern nephilim guy, and I question the use of "who's 'they'" in Matt 24, Dan 2 to support the existence of modern nephilim. I think "they" could mean more than just nephilim, as in everybody.
That said, articles that tell us about 150 animal human animal hybrids and this one increase the possibility there are or will be nephilim (or something like them) soon, whether or not the Bible mentions them in the last days scenarios.
"http://www.infowars.com/u-s-super-soldiers-of-the-future-will-be-genetically-modified-transhumans-capable-of-superhuman-feats/"
Rather than standing solid in our position, we can acknowledge that yes, this is interesting and possibly a sign Jesus is coming soon, Matthew 24, etc... Repent.
Instead, what often happens is fighting, disprov-a-thons, and chasing after more and more myths and non-Biblical sources (yes, they can be useful, but take care!) that prove our point.
Thankfully, we can rely on God's word which warned us that our days would be just like this. Itching ears doctrine isn't just for the prosperity folk, Osteen-ites and Dominionist folks. It can also apply to conspiratronics.
The following passages probably pertain mostly to the unsaved, but we in the Body of Christ aren't immune to it either. Especially if tares sneak in unawares.
2 Timothy 3:1 - 10
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2 Timothy 4:3 - 4
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Perhaps because of that first passage, many of us are quick to discount anything that doesn't fit what our itching ears want. The second passage is definitely something more common of late. People (while maybe still saved) are following myths and forgetting our precious savior. Or if not forgetting Him, are getting caught up in being right on a speculative issue.
Because there is so much deception afoot these days, we must use God's fail-safe. Examining the scripture against all that is taught. That includes everything written on this blog. If i err, please let me know!
Acts 17:10 - 11
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
And we must also be careful not to endure the doctrine and teaching of false teachers. If i ever fall into this, please tell me so.
From a blog quoting pulpit pimps.
Here are some of the same things God says about false teachers:
• They are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15-16)
• They are practicers of lawlessness (Matthew 7:22-23)
• They are hypocrites ( Matt 15:7-9)
• They are thieves (John 10:1)
• They are slaves of their own appetites (Romans 16:18)
• They are men of flesh (1 Cor 3:1-4)
• They are peddlers of the word of Christ (2 Cor 2:17)
• They are accursed (Galatians 1:6-8)
• They are tricksters and schemers (Ephesians 4:14)
• They are deluders (Ephesians 4:14)
• They are deceivers (Colossians 2:8)
• They are defrauders (Colossians 2:18-19)
• They are teachers of strange doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3)
• They are blasphemers, and have been handed over to Satan (1 Timothy 1:19-20)
• They are teachers of myth (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
• They are paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
• They are liars (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
• They are conceited and understand nothing (1 Timothy 6:3-4)
• They have gone astray (1 Timothy 6:20-21)
• They are evil men, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13)
• They are empty talkers, after sordid gain (Titus 1:10-11)
• They turn away from the truth (Titus 1:13-14)
• They are false prophets, false teachers, greedy exploiters (2 Peter 2:1-4)
• They are stains and blemishes, greedy, loving of wages of unrighteuosness (2 Peter 2:13-15)
• They are slaves of corruption (2 Peter 2:19-20)
• They are ungodly (Jude 4)
• They are rebellious people (Isaiah 30:9)
http://thefoolishgalatian.wordpress.com/2007/06/18/what-the-bible-says-false-teachers-and-how-to-identify-them/
It's one thing to write a blog on the latest UFO theory or a conspiracy, or how the coasts are being evacuated (with no proof of such). It's quite another to do so, but then use that as an opportunity to share the Gospel, like Paul on Mars Hill, and lead people to Christ. Failure to properly use "myths" will only build fear. God is not a God of fear.
Don't think your pet theory is the corner on truth for a given issue, be open to the ideas of others in speculative matters, but don't waver from sound doctrine. When possible, be aware of whats going on out there, but be ready to use that to share Christ and ease the fear of our wicked days.
I hope that's what this blog does. Reaffirm that God is in control, that yes there is deception and evil stuff going on, and Jesus Christ is the only way out of it.
What i hope to avoid, and what is going on in some circles is an unhealthy emphasis on those same things. And that focus, when i read about brings me to fear.
Case in point, some Christian folks are convinced planet x is coming, based on what one or two people say on a podcast. People accept it despite there being more evidence against that topic.
It doesn't have to be planet x though. You can insert comets, nephilim, fallen angels, illuminati, HAARP, and anything else. And when these don't materialize, we move to something else. The boy who cried wolf is becoming a regular occurrence.
Many of us in the body (my fear is that I'm doing it too) is that we're drawing too much attention from Jesus, and moving it to the snares of the devil. And far too often we're caught up on trying to convince each other we're right when really much of it is speculative.
Many are caught up on modern nephilim, that it was prophesied in the Bible. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. Also, it doesn't have to have been addressed for it to happen.
I'm not a huge modern nephilim guy, and I question the use of "who's 'they'" in Matt 24, Dan 2 to support the existence of modern nephilim. I think "they" could mean more than just nephilim, as in everybody.
That said, articles that tell us about 150 animal human animal hybrids and this one increase the possibility there are or will be nephilim (or something like them) soon, whether or not the Bible mentions them in the last days scenarios.
"http://www.infowars.com/u-s-super-soldiers-of-the-future-will-be-genetically-modified-transhumans-capable-of-superhuman-feats/"
Rather than standing solid in our position, we can acknowledge that yes, this is interesting and possibly a sign Jesus is coming soon, Matthew 24, etc... Repent.
Instead, what often happens is fighting, disprov-a-thons, and chasing after more and more myths and non-Biblical sources (yes, they can be useful, but take care!) that prove our point.
Thankfully, we can rely on God's word which warned us that our days would be just like this. Itching ears doctrine isn't just for the prosperity folk, Osteen-ites and Dominionist folks. It can also apply to conspiratronics.
The following passages probably pertain mostly to the unsaved, but we in the Body of Christ aren't immune to it either. Especially if tares sneak in unawares.
2 Timothy 3:1 - 10
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2 Timothy 4:3 - 4
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Perhaps because of that first passage, many of us are quick to discount anything that doesn't fit what our itching ears want. The second passage is definitely something more common of late. People (while maybe still saved) are following myths and forgetting our precious savior. Or if not forgetting Him, are getting caught up in being right on a speculative issue.
Because there is so much deception afoot these days, we must use God's fail-safe. Examining the scripture against all that is taught. That includes everything written on this blog. If i err, please let me know!
Acts 17:10 - 11
10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
And we must also be careful not to endure the doctrine and teaching of false teachers. If i ever fall into this, please tell me so.
From a blog quoting pulpit pimps.
Here are some of the same things God says about false teachers:
• They are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15-16)
• They are practicers of lawlessness (Matthew 7:22-23)
• They are hypocrites ( Matt 15:7-9)
• They are thieves (John 10:1)
• They are slaves of their own appetites (Romans 16:18)
• They are men of flesh (1 Cor 3:1-4)
• They are peddlers of the word of Christ (2 Cor 2:17)
• They are accursed (Galatians 1:6-8)
• They are tricksters and schemers (Ephesians 4:14)
• They are deluders (Ephesians 4:14)
• They are deceivers (Colossians 2:8)
• They are defrauders (Colossians 2:18-19)
• They are teachers of strange doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3)
• They are blasphemers, and have been handed over to Satan (1 Timothy 1:19-20)
• They are teachers of myth (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
• They are paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
• They are liars (1 Timothy 4:1-3)
• They are conceited and understand nothing (1 Timothy 6:3-4)
• They have gone astray (1 Timothy 6:20-21)
• They are evil men, deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13)
• They are empty talkers, after sordid gain (Titus 1:10-11)
• They turn away from the truth (Titus 1:13-14)
• They are false prophets, false teachers, greedy exploiters (2 Peter 2:1-4)
• They are stains and blemishes, greedy, loving of wages of unrighteuosness (2 Peter 2:13-15)
• They are slaves of corruption (2 Peter 2:19-20)
• They are ungodly (Jude 4)
• They are rebellious people (Isaiah 30:9)
http://thefoolishgalatian.wordpress.com/2007/06/18/what-the-bible-says-false-teachers-and-how-to-identify-them/
It's one thing to write a blog on the latest UFO theory or a conspiracy, or how the coasts are being evacuated (with no proof of such). It's quite another to do so, but then use that as an opportunity to share the Gospel, like Paul on Mars Hill, and lead people to Christ. Failure to properly use "myths" will only build fear. God is not a God of fear.
Don't think your pet theory is the corner on truth for a given issue, be open to the ideas of others in speculative matters, but don't waver from sound doctrine. When possible, be aware of whats going on out there, but be ready to use that to share Christ and ease the fear of our wicked days.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Getting Schooled
Kids, Teens, You're Right...School is a Waste of Your Time
This is something you already know, or will soon learn on your own. School sucks, it always has and it is a waste of your time. It is also designed to basically destroy who you are as an individual, to conform you to the standards they want you to meet. To make you a robot. But it's far worse, deeper and darker than that. You'll see soon. Even so, there is hope and an escape from the soul crushing time you are in school. Here me out a bit.
I haven't been a teenager for a while, but i can relate to what you feel in school. It's still fresh in my mind, and furthermore, i feel it still every day at work. The corporate world is really no better than school. Unfortunately, the corporate world views us as replaceable, because school makes us all the same. Or it tries to.
All of the advice me guidance counselor could give me was that every decision was or was not good for a four year college. I could have cared less, as i had no money to go anyways.
By 11th grade, i was starting to realize it was bunk, and by 12th, well there were no more electives i was interested in, and they wouldn't let me graduate early or join a work program.
Well, now i know why.
School as we now know it, was financed by elitist corporations and individuals. These wonderful (sarcasm alert) folks, were basically Darwinist/eugenically minded "i want to rule the world" types. They paid buckets of money to influence school content, and in so doing, had considerable say in the curriculum. So they designed it to strip away your individuality and make you what they think you should be.
This is outlined very intricately in John Taylor Gatto's "The Ultimate history lesson". It's 5 hours long, but i can't recommend it enough. He states more eloquently what i just said. Please watch it, your teachers won't want you too, because they'll be out of a job. It's all on youtube, or it was.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL463AA90FD04EC7A2
Why would anyone want school to dumb us down?
My theory is this. God (the God of the Bible) made you and i each as an individual, and these "elites" rejected God, and follow satan.
Jeremiah 1:4 - 5
4 Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Psalm 139:13 - 14
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
And Jesus said in Matthew 10:29 - 31
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Indeed, to the government, corporations, schools and so on, you and i are worth little, and our individuality is worth even less. But to God, you are precious. He especially loves, and has often used teenagers to do amazing things.
Joseph - God favored him with wisdom and dreams, he later made him nearly king of Egypt
Samuel - as a teen, heard and responded to God's call to become one of the greatest prophets
David - killed a giant and became king
Mary - a pregnant teen who carried and gave birth to Jesus Christ
None of these people fit the image of what the world thought "should be". In fact the entire Bible is filled with people (though not all of them are teens) that didn't fit society's expectations. And He used those people to do His will and challenge the established standards. Perhaps Sunday school at church doesn't tell you this, but it should.
So how can you avoid being turned into a zombie at school?
Proverbs 3:5 - 6
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
God respects you as an individual, and He wants what is best for you. Every command in the Bible is designed to protect you from harm, not to keep you away from fun.
Unfortunately, because of our human nature, we can't quite please God. When i was 12, i had stolen things. Because i broke that rule, and many others, i fell short of God's law.
But thats not all.
Even though i broke God's rules, He still loved me. So much, that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins, and destroy satan's work in my life. But because Jesus was perfect, God in human flesh, He rose from the dead! And all of this was predicted in the Old Testament!
And because i believed this and accepted God's gift, i am forgiven. Now, at peace with God, through Jesus Christ, He will use who i am, and my specific gifts for His kingdom.
And in doing this, God has kept me free from losing my individuality. I died to my self, yes, but God has taken that, and restored me to what He created me to be. And He can do that for you too. All you need is faith, and to accept His free gift!
This is something you already know, or will soon learn on your own. School sucks, it always has and it is a waste of your time. It is also designed to basically destroy who you are as an individual, to conform you to the standards they want you to meet. To make you a robot. But it's far worse, deeper and darker than that. You'll see soon. Even so, there is hope and an escape from the soul crushing time you are in school. Here me out a bit.
I haven't been a teenager for a while, but i can relate to what you feel in school. It's still fresh in my mind, and furthermore, i feel it still every day at work. The corporate world is really no better than school. Unfortunately, the corporate world views us as replaceable, because school makes us all the same. Or it tries to.
All of the advice me guidance counselor could give me was that every decision was or was not good for a four year college. I could have cared less, as i had no money to go anyways.
By 11th grade, i was starting to realize it was bunk, and by 12th, well there were no more electives i was interested in, and they wouldn't let me graduate early or join a work program.
Well, now i know why.
School as we now know it, was financed by elitist corporations and individuals. These wonderful (sarcasm alert) folks, were basically Darwinist/eugenically minded "i want to rule the world" types. They paid buckets of money to influence school content, and in so doing, had considerable say in the curriculum. So they designed it to strip away your individuality and make you what they think you should be.
This is outlined very intricately in John Taylor Gatto's "The Ultimate history lesson". It's 5 hours long, but i can't recommend it enough. He states more eloquently what i just said. Please watch it, your teachers won't want you too, because they'll be out of a job. It's all on youtube, or it was.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL463AA90FD04EC7A2
Why would anyone want school to dumb us down?
My theory is this. God (the God of the Bible) made you and i each as an individual, and these "elites" rejected God, and follow satan.
Jeremiah 1:4 - 5
4 Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Psalm 139:13 - 14
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
And Jesus said in Matthew 10:29 - 31
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Indeed, to the government, corporations, schools and so on, you and i are worth little, and our individuality is worth even less. But to God, you are precious. He especially loves, and has often used teenagers to do amazing things.
Joseph - God favored him with wisdom and dreams, he later made him nearly king of Egypt
Samuel - as a teen, heard and responded to God's call to become one of the greatest prophets
David - killed a giant and became king
Mary - a pregnant teen who carried and gave birth to Jesus Christ
None of these people fit the image of what the world thought "should be". In fact the entire Bible is filled with people (though not all of them are teens) that didn't fit society's expectations. And He used those people to do His will and challenge the established standards. Perhaps Sunday school at church doesn't tell you this, but it should.
So how can you avoid being turned into a zombie at school?
Proverbs 3:5 - 6
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
God respects you as an individual, and He wants what is best for you. Every command in the Bible is designed to protect you from harm, not to keep you away from fun.
Unfortunately, because of our human nature, we can't quite please God. When i was 12, i had stolen things. Because i broke that rule, and many others, i fell short of God's law.
But thats not all.
Even though i broke God's rules, He still loved me. So much, that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins, and destroy satan's work in my life. But because Jesus was perfect, God in human flesh, He rose from the dead! And all of this was predicted in the Old Testament!
And because i believed this and accepted God's gift, i am forgiven. Now, at peace with God, through Jesus Christ, He will use who i am, and my specific gifts for His kingdom.
And in doing this, God has kept me free from losing my individuality. I died to my self, yes, but God has taken that, and restored me to what He created me to be. And He can do that for you too. All you need is faith, and to accept His free gift!
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