Designed

By Angel Edwards 

A Teachable Generation

When I was younger I believed that adults had everything figured out. They always had the answers to my questions. They always seemed to know everything. As I have gotten older I now see the world differently.

Recently school let out and I felt the need to be home for the summer. Having been home for about a week now I have been job searching. Since I have started the job hunt I have been more aware lately of how people communicate with those around them. I have been searching for a place with a positive atmosphere. The sad truth of the matter is that I have seen a lot of miscommunication take place resulting in poor attitiudes, behaviors, and negative atmospheres. I see a desperate need for change. We need a generation with teachable hearts.

I believe the level of teachability a person has is a representation of their walk with God. What I mean by this is that throughout our walk with God He is constantly teaching us. As we read the word He gives us revelation. As we pray He opens our hearts towards Him. As we listen, He speaks. Our relationship with God is all about Him being our all in all and changing us from one degree of glory to the next. 

We were created to change and transform in order to reflect our Lord and Savior. This truth applies to every moment of every day. This concept does not just apply within the secret place with God alone but also while we are in world. We should always be in a spirit of worship towards God throughout the day.

The elders in my life have often told me that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". In respect towards my elders I have to say that I absolutly disagree with this secular statement. Our parents, our teachers, our role models have been taught to believe that once you reach a certain age you can't change. This is a lie placed into their minds by the enemy himself. Of course Satan doesn't want you to change the way you are! God sees potenial in you yet the world often drowns it out.

I often think about the transformation that took place in Saul's heart in order to become Paul. One day Saul was executing Christians and in one moment God intervened and everything changed! God took an evil, hard, broken man and transformed him into a light for many. He speaks a powerful testimony of God's identity. He communicates a message of hope. God saw more in Saul than others believed could be possible. 

Now is the time to take our hearts before God. Ask Him to lead you. What does it mean to be teachable? One day our generation will be leading all the others. Whether you realize it or not you impact the enviroment around you now. I want others to see, through our transformation, that Christ never stops teaching and we never stop growing. 

During my time at the Honor Academy I learned the meaning of having a teachable spirit. Everyday I impliment what I have learned into my life. Having a teachable heart has aloud the Lord to break through some tough areas in my life. By asking the Lord to open my heart He also opens my ears to hear. Here are just a few practical examples of obtaining a teachable spirit.

As you enter into a classroom or a church service ask the Lord to give you a teachable heart toward the things that He wants you to learn. Pray that He would show you things that you could use to advance His kingdom. 

While out be aware of those who are hurting around you, let the Lord open your eyes and mouth to go and pray for them. This is a perfect opportunity for you to learn to listen to the spirit. 

If you're working with others always be humble with what you know. It is always easier to get assistance from someone who has patience to teach. 

If you are the one who needs assistance ask the Lord to give you an open heart to learn from those He has placed in your life. "Ask, and it will be given to you." - Matthew 7:7 

These are simply a few. Going throughout the day being aware of the postion of our hearts changes everything. We need to be aware of our actions and the motives behind them. There is a reason for everything. Satan tries to keep everything in the dark but by digging deeper and asking "why" towards our motives will cause us to become more aware of the position of our heart. 

Some may ask why is this important? Around us is a broken world and while we are not called to be a part of it we do live here momentarily. As Christians we want others to see Christ. We want the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). This fruit cannot be obtained through know-it-all attitudes or in an apathetic learning environment. Through Christ we have the ability, the power, to change the environment around us into a positive productive place. We are to be the encouragement the world seeks to find. 

What spirit do you carry with you? As children of God we are to wear the armour of light (Romans 13:12). The words you speak, the attitude you have, the tone of voice you use, your behaviors, all these attributes have the ability to deeply impact the ones around you. Know that God has given you the love to love others. Be open to learning and growing in Him. Ephesians 5: 8-11) "...for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."

You were DESIGNED to have a teachable heart.

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Mediocre Christianity

By Angel Edwards 

Mediocrity plagues this world.  The worst part is that we are blind to it. We feel as though we were meant to live here day to day doing what society demands of us. Actually, the opposite is true. Christianity was NEVER meant to be ordinary. What’s a normal Christian anyway? Trick question….there is no such thing, at least, there shouldn't be. To be a “normal” Christian is to have “accepted” Christ into your life. The difference between ordinary Christianity and radical Christianity is that Christ becomes an all- consuming fire placed in the center of your life.  Nothing is done without Him.

Haggai was a prophet who carried this specific message of God’s to the Israelites. Prior to the book of Haggai the Jewish people were taken into exile by the Babylonians. Haggai opens with their returning back to Jerusalem after many years of captivity. Once they had returned home they began to rebuild the temple since it had been destroyed by the Babylonian king . Even though Israel had started the rebuilding process they soon gave up.  The Lord saw this and spoke to Haggai:

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.”  Then the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.” - Haggai 1: 3-6

God’s children neglected Him. They desired only to satisfy themselves. They would eat, drink, and clothe themselves continually but it was never enough for them to be content. In order to fill themselves they tried to accommodate more things. They stopped looking at God as the provider and relied on their own devices. They attempted to fill the void in their hearts by themselves. They lived in “paneled houses” while the Lord’s house laid “in ruins”. The people were living to their fullest while God’s glorious temple was desecrated at the center of the community grounds.

God saw the heart posture of His people. He desired for them to see that He was the satisfaction they needed. They were blind to the truth. The best part is that this truth still stands today. God hasn’t changed and neither has His heart for us nor His desire to fill us.

It sometimes seems easier to pursue the things of the world. These people would say, “…the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord (1:2).”  To build a temple consists of hard work.  It’s hard to lay down your own life for Him. It’s hard to live set-apart from everyone else around you.  While we start to follow Him, while we start to do His will, while we start to rebuild the broken temple, sometimes we lose motivation and walk away. We begin to set our priorities above Christ.

“Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes?” – Haggai 2:3

The people once knew the former glory of the temple where Gods’ presence resided. They walked away from the Lord’s work and became numb and disconnected from it. This is a direct correlation to us as the temple. We believe that if we try hard enough we can provide our own way. We can’t. You are the temple. He longs to make His temple- YOU- glorious in order to be glorified. Although we as frail humans can fall so easily God is so much greater.  When He promised them He promises us now:

“The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.’.- Haggai 2:9

God is saying that it is not too late to come to Him. If you decide to perform for God or do your own thing, know that without a heart turned to God nothing will ever produce from the work of your own hands. This is what Haggai communicated to the Jews.

“So is it with this people, and with this nation before me, declares the Lord, and so with every work of their hands. And what they offer there is unclean”. – Haggai 2:14

All of this brings me to my next point. Perhaps your reading this and thinking, “My heart is numb to Him. Why should I care to center my life on Him?” Although you may think you are alone God knows what you’re going through and what you’ve been through. He has never left you. He has so many mysteries He longs to share with you. He wants you to search for Him. Within the past year I have heard people say that they spend time with God when He calls them to. I don’t believe this is how it’s supposed to work. God wants to be everything to us because this is His love for us. We are to spend time with Him even when we don’t desire to. God sees our hearts and our faithfulness to Him. “The one who spends time with God knows God.”- Mike Bickle, Founder of IHOP

 I challenge you to ask God to reveal who He is. Ask Him for understanding. Ask Him for revelation. Ask for your heart to be on fire for Him. Ask Him to help you love Him. Do not be afraid to ask love for love. This is why He created you. Meditate on the scriptures below. Each of them are about seeking, questioning, and pursuing God. I guarantee the Lord will speak many powerful things to you through them.

Psalm 27:7-9

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;

be gracious to me and answer me!

8 You have said, “Seek my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

9 Hide not your face from me.

Turn not your servant away in anger,

O you who have been my help.

Cast me not off; forsake me not,

O God of my salvation!

…..

Psalm 34: 4-5

I sought the Lord, and he answered me
    and delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed.

…..

Matthew 7:7-11

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. ⁹ Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? ¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

………………………………….

Check out this awesome video about devotion to Him!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0jbBlcWzyk

You are A CHOSEN GENERATION: Set-Apart for His Glory.

Also available from Angel Edwards 

Called Beyond Societies Standards

Devoured, Withered, Choked and...Alive?

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To Contact or support 10:31 Life Ministries email us at: hi1031.ministries@yahoo.com

Called Beyond Societies Standards

By Angel Edwards 

Looking at the world through the eyes of a child you believe anything is possible. As a child I remember adults always asking me, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I would often reply with some ridiculous desire. "I want to be a... mime... vampire... magician... actress...spy...even a backup dancer for Brittany Spears" The list goes on and on. Taking into consideration my age the adults in my life didn't express their concern for my bizarre dreams. 

It seems that our society, media, parents, and peers, encourage us to aim for our dreams but there is something much more important that we have taken removed our focus from. The focus has moved off of Christ and onto ourselves. This is the problem. 

We are taught within American culture to focus on our education, our career choices, our husband/wife, our lifestyle. Our whole life is focus on our accomplishments.

A short time ago I attended a Christian internship. Through the ministry I worked at a call center where my job was to call teenagers who wanted information on the specific internship I was a involved with. 

The most common excuse I heard for not coming to the internship was, "I was interested but now I am going to go to college." My response to this was in a form of questions. Why college? Do you know the next step is college? Have you prayed about going to that college? Are you being called there by God or is it your own desire leading you? Usually there was silence or someone would respond back to me by stating that this must be what God wants because it's what they want  or because it is a good plan. It doesn't work that way. I wonder how many of Gods plans have been rejected for the desire of our own plans. 

A very wise woman I worked with once told me, "There are our plans and there are God's plans. Why settle for second best when God has the greatest plan for you?"

This is what so much of today's youth is doing. They are following the standards of society.  I remember talking with some of the parents of these teens on the phone and they were not happy with me telling their child about an internship before college. They told me time and time again, "No, my son/daughter is going to college." When I asked them whether they had prayed about it or not the usual response was, "We can't afford anything else and that's just what they need to do." The reason why any other option besides college was shot down was because it didn't seem logical to them. Money was out of the question, not attending college was out of the question, not becoming "successful" in the worlds eyes was out of the question. It seems as we get older we feel we have to view the world in such a realistic way that anything that seems illogical can't be correct. 

Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to college. I am a college student but that only came to be through prayer and conformation from God. I know that this is where I need to be right now and I find so much comfort in knowing that this is the best way I could be living right now. Also, I know that parents care for their children's well being enough to guide and direct them. I have to ask though what is more important: The way the world views us or the way God wants to use us? 

We need to view the world through a child's eyes. In Matthew 18:3 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." If God calls us to a mission, through fervent prayer, then we need to believe that it can happen. A child believes that anything can come true and just because we get older does not mean that this concept doesn't apply anymore. 

I challenge you today to start looking at this world from a biblical perspective. We have been trained to see everything through secular eyes. As Christians, however, we have been given a new mind and a new perspective. God knows far more than we do. In Isaiah 55:9 it states: "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts".

In the book of Jeremiah there is a story where the Lord tells Jeremiah to go down to the potters house where He will give him a message. Jeremiah obeys and as he walks into the potters house he sees the potter working at the wheel. Jeremiah watches as the potter takes the spoiled clay and forms into another vessel. The Lord uses the potter and the clay for a symbolic act. 

Then the word of the LORD came to me [Jeremiah] : “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the LORD. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.  - Jeremiah 18:5-6

The Lord shows His heart here for His people. He wants us to become clay in His hands. When we surrender our will over to Him we give Him the ability to form us into a beautiful piece of art. He cares for us and this is why He wants us to obey His will for our lives. He has an an individual calling just for you!

If I could challenge you with anything it would be for you to view God as one who loves you so much that he wants to partner with you for His mission on Earth.He wants to use you for His will. What an amazing honor to be called by God! It's time to listen and obey. Break out of your comfort zones. The Lord is only one who can satisfy our deepest desires. Our dreams and aspirations alone will leave us dry and cracked like clay without the potter. Ask Him to share His heart with you and He will.

Also Available from Angel Edwards; 

Withered, Devoured, Choked and...Alive?

Also Available from 10:31 Life Ministries; 

The Truth: Why Love The Word by Jonathan Faulkner

College Commitment: The Toughest Test by David Faulkner

The 10:31 Archives: Finding a Church  by 10:31 Life Ministries 

Confessions of a College Freshmen; That One AM Feeling by Amy Faulkner

To contact 10:31 Life Ministries email us at: hi1031.ministries@yahoo.com

Or visit us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/1031ministries

Devoured, Withered, Choked, and...Alive?

Hello! My name is Angel Edwards and I am a new writer for 10:31 Life Ministries. This is my first article. My desire in writing this to you is for you to know God; to truly know Him. A lot of this article is about my story of where I have been and where the Lord has brought me from.  I look forward to writing more articles for you all. Thank you for reading. God Bless!

Devoured, Withered, Choked, and… Alive?

Teens were everywhere I looked moving from one place to another. Every moment of time was filled   with the hustle and bustle of the early afternoon. The sound of voices echoed off the walls throughout the narrow halls. As I made my way through the chaos I saw numerous groups gathered around the crème painted lockers. There were those who were busy orchestrating plans for the weekend while I witnessed the sharing of secrets between others. Usually separated from their group was the couple walking hand in hand treasuring each moment before time elapsed. Occasionally, I caught the eye of one of my peers; one whose name was often unknown. Individuals soon became blurred as each one briskly walked past me on the way to their destinations. Each break in the day was just like the one prior; a time to meet up with friends while reluctantly making my way to class. The bell would often ring threatening me to get a move on, the word TARDY branded on my forehead.

My high school experience wasn't much different from anyone else. It was a time for friends, memories, self-expression and discovery. Despite all these "normal" experiences there was an unseen battle raging from within me. What were once mere shadows of sin quickly became an expansion of darkness. The worst part, however, wasn't the darkness. No.... it was thinking that there was nothing outside of it.

So often I appeared to be happy; a smile simply printed on my face masking the unrevealed truth. I had given up trying to change myself. I vowed to follow my heart and emotions. I desired to be free of the lies… the worries…. the fears… often questioning why the “real me” could not be accepted. As I scanned face after face of other teenagers like myself I felt alone. I didn’t believe that others could contain deep secrets similar to my own, but perhaps they too were afraid to disclose their true identities. I didn’t realize at the time that following my heart was one of the best ways to remain lost.

…..

If we look at the Parable of the Sower we see Jesus discussing to a large crowd the conditions of the human heart:

And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Luke 8:4-8 ESV)

He goes on a few verses later to discuss the meaning behind this parable. The former self that I shared above was prior to Christ in my life. As stated in this parable, I was one who had heard the word of God yet this seed fell along the path and was trampled where the birds devoured it. I was oblivious to the enemies work in my life. The word warns us of the enemy’s attacks but if we are not prepared or are unaware of such things then how can we fight? The word was taught to me on many occasions but I felt it wasn’t for me. The soil of my heart was hard and impenetrable.

As I continually heard about the word my heart soon became heavy. I became more aware of my actions believing I didn’t belong on the same path as God’s beloved ones.  One week I claimed to have found the Lord and the next I was back to listening to satanic music filled with rage towards God. I ran to the Lord as much as I ran away from Him- spiritual forces fighting for my life.

One day, at school, a sower went out to sow His seed. This sower in particular was a young woman. She had the creativity of an artist and the long legs of a cross-country runner. We both worked on the senior ads for the high school yearbook and attended the same church.  I met her when my heart was constantly withering the word. This specific day I had just about enough. My life seemed to have shattered into fragments right before my eyes for the life I had lived in secret was no longer covered by a mask. It appeared open for all to peek in and see.

Throughout the year this girl had invited me to various events which I usually declined. She continued to witness by showing me the love of Christ. She did this by simply becoming a friend despite our extreme differences in morals and interests.  This specific day she invited me to go to a Christian winter camp in Colorado with the youth group. She had mentioned it once before but now seemed like a good time to get away. I gave in and told her I’d look into it. That weekend I discovered that someone had graciously donated money so I could go. Not only that but I filled the LAST available spot.

That weekend I met the Lord for the first time. Since then nothing has remained the same. After becoming a Christian I saw my heart for what it was. As time went by my heart began to change and take up this precious word that’s been given to us. Within the recent past I have found my heart to be within the thorns. These thorns are an illusion of the world around us. We can be so easily ensnared by the ways of this world and not realize it until it is too late. So often we may justify our actions based on the world’s standards instead of Gods.

The last condition of the heart that Jesus talks about is the good soil; the soil that “grew and yielded a hundredfold”. This is where we should strive to be. This is someone who receives the word with an open heart. One who consumes it and makes it a part of their lifestyle. I know this was the case for the girl at my high school. I was able to witness Gods desire to love me from her. She didn’t care that I seemed too lost to try and find. She didn’t care how many times I declined her invites. She did care, however, about me knowing God. I look at this story, my story, and see the perseverance that is needed sometimes to open the eyes of the blind. Jesus states to His disciples that good soil needed for the seed will bear fruit with patience. Patience produces a maturing faith.  Eventually we reflect God Himself who is the ultimate sower. We start to portray His ways by seeing what He sees. The seed is a very important part of the parable- just as important as the sower Himself. While the sower is only mentioned once within the passage we see that nothing can take place without Him. The idea that the seeds are placed within various soils shows that all hearts can change. This should give us tremendous hope. While we aim to become the sower and have a heart of good soil there are times in our lives where our hearts may be hindered.  Life is a journey through various trying times so there may be instances in your life where your heart can change for better or for worse. This is why It is so important to check our hearts so often.

No matter where you are at right now, this every moment, know that there is hope. I encourage you to be aware of those around you- to seek the heart God has for others. Know that you have the ability to alter someone’s life! Seek to know the Lord more. As stated within this parable, Luke 8:6, moisture is vital for a seed to grow. Jesus says He will fill you: “…whoever drinks of the water that I give him will never be thirsty again” (John 4:14). In order to receive this water we MUST spend time with Him. It is not simply a matter of knowing about Him but it’s all about knowing Him. The word is essential to understanding the way He feels about us. This then impacts how we feel about Him. The seed will take root when, and only when, the soil is well watered. In order to water others we must first be filled ourselves.

You are A Chosen Generation: Set-Apart for His Glory.

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