What Should We Post About?
There a many reasons why Alex and I haven’t been posting as much lately. Here are a few of them: (1) we’ve been traveling almost more than we’ve been home the past several months, (2) we’re in the middle of a national conference tour and a wild book release, and (3) we don’t always know what to post about.
Well, we’d like your help in resolving Reason Number Three. What topics would you like to see addressed on the blog? What questions or concerns do you have after reading the book? Are we missing anything? Leave us a comment and let us know.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:38 am
SInce it’s Summer… maybe something about kids doing hard things in the summer, even though most teens just want to hang out with friends at the pool or waterpark…
June 17th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I had an idea that I would love to hear you guys blog about. You may have already addressed this issue, but I looked around your blog and didn’t see anything pertaining to this. (but I could have completely missed it! I do that sometimes…)
Today while I was thinking about doing hard things, I began to ponder the importance of occasionally joining forces with others and doing hard things together. Sometimes the “hard thing” God is leading us to do requires help from others. Now with this said, I know there is a fine line to walk on when choosing to do hard things with others. One extreme being to use this as a “cop out” from actually doing the hard things by riding on the coat tail of another. The other extreme being what my parents call being “hard-headed”, meaning too stubborn to accept any help from anyone and plodding on alone to the point of exhaustion. (this extreme is one I personally tend to struggle with.)
To further illustrate I will use you two as an example. (please don’t panic
) Let’s say one of you originally came up with the fantastic idea of “doing hards things” but were unwilling to accept the help from your own brother. Not only would you have missed what I think is an amazing testimony of “doing hard things” by the example of consistently and successfully working with a sibling, but you would have also missed out on a valuable resource of encouragement and vital aid found in your brother. God was pleased to join you two together to accomplish a very hard thing. And it’s amazing.
Anyway, I think I am rambling… thought I would throw this idea out there…
Blessings to your ministry!
Kaysie
http://www.alabasterboxblog.wordpress.com
http://www.crosseyedblog.com
June 17th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I think you guys have done an awesome job on this website! I thoroughly enjoy your content…whether it’s silly or serious. I would like to hear more about doing small hard things. All of us have to do mundane stuff…It’s an area that I would like to hear more about.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:06 am
That’s a great idea Allison! We could think of lots of hard things to do during the summer. In fact, summer is a huge opportunity for a lot of teens to do those big hard things for Christ because they don’t have to work around a school schedule. I need to read the book again (for the twentieth time!). I’m personally working on starting a Do Hard Things study group with some friends.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I agree with the first and last poster before me. I think that you should post something about Doing Hard Things in times such as Summer Break. I would also like to hear more about Doing Small Things.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:19 am
First of all I just want to say that I really enjoy all your articles, and the book is amazing! I don’t know if you have anything like this already, but I was thinking, what if you talked about when hard things come to you?? Like someone dying, or helping a friend through a really tough time, or a parent with cancer? Things like that? I know right now I’m trying to help a friend through a really hard time in her life, and it’s been really hard for me to know how to exactly help her out. Oftentimes I feel like I’m of no help to her. It’s just a thought! Thanks for all the great work you two do.. this blog is really a blessing!
June 17th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Zac Sunderland or a guest piece.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:25 am
You should blog about doing hard things in your daily life. Your struggles, triumphs and dependence on God’s grace.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:31 am
I’ve recently heard some startling connections from Joel Rosenberg [see Glenn Beck's You Tube links http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fXUWjjCwEM&feature=related to get you going. There were 5 short links.] between the Bible’s end time prophecies and current events that have never been this “lined up.” How do you think this effects us and our generation? What should we (if anything) do?
June 17th, 2008 at 11:44 am
I think it would be cool for you guys to do a series on Biblical Rebelutionaries. Big ones I can think of are David (especially in I Samuel 17) and Daniel (especially his stand against eating the food of the king). I’m sure there are probably more.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:45 am
I did a post on David and Goliath myself on my blog, as an example of kind of what I mean.
June 17th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Andrew, I was just going to suggest doing a series on youth in the Bible!! haha..great minds think alike, right?! =)
June 17th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I am currently reading Lies Young Women Believe, by Nancy DeMoss and Dannah Gresh. Has anyone reading this read that book? Right now, I’m reading the chapter that deals with youth pastors, and the profound effects they have on some teenage girls in their youth groups. Some teens even think that their youth pastor is their connection to God, so when their youth pastor leaves, they’re devastated. I was wondering if maybe you could write something about that, in relation to the “Rebelutionize Your Youth Group” section of your blog. Maybe give a little encouragement to people who have been in that situation, or give suggestions on how to NOT think that way about a youth pastor. It seems like maybe this is a subject that Ms. DeMoss and Mrs. Gresh would deal with on their blog, but as soon as I saw you asking for suggestions, I thought about that. Because for some people, it would be hard for them to get over their youth pastor leaving.
I really enjoy this whole website. It’s sending out a message that the world has waited too long to hear. God bless the whole Harris family.
Praying for you,
Claire
June 17th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Wow, these are all good ideas–and I really like the Biblical Rebelutionaries idea, Andrew and Erika!
I’m kind of low on specific ideas right now, but I’d like to see something very practical–like for all of us who have gone to the conference and finished reading the book and want to see more ways to live out these concepts. Every post I’ve read on this blog has been wonderful and I can’t wait for more!!!
June 17th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Well…I’ve been waiting to read the rest of the competency series.
Or, did I miss that?
June 17th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I was wondering about the balance between small and big hard things. Does everyone need to do a “big” hard thing? What exactly defines “big?” Are small things really all that small? Would the kid who does well all the small things God sets before him be rewarded in heaven just as much as the kid who’s name is known by everyone, and who does incredible things? What about how small hard things can actually be the hardest because no one’s watching?
Just some thoughts!
June 17th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
I know a topic I’d love you to write about, it’s this-
How one ensures that ‘hard things’ they are accomplishing are actually linked to a spiritual growth. I want to know how to make sure that my doing, isn’t just ‘doing’, I want there to be a real change and progress…
I’ve got some ideas, but I would lovely to hear what you think about the subject!
But whatever you write, I’ll read,
God bless,
Lydia
(Also, if you could write that you’re coming to the UK, I know a LOT of people who would LOVE to read that!)
June 17th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I like the idea that Andrew and Erika had
I think it would be cool to hear about “rebelutionaries” of the Bible, and what we can learn and imitate from their lives. And I like what Lydia said too 
June 17th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I think Kaisha REALLY hit the spot! These are some incredible suggestions, and I would really like to see more about those topics, here.
June 17th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
More photo submissions of Do Hard Things!!
June 17th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Hello,
I would like to see cultural marxism (not to be confused with economic marxism) exposed for what it really is on this blog. Feminism and a lot of other terrible things are a result of it. Isaac Botkin talks a little about it in his book, “Outside Hollywood” and Anna Sofia Botkin and Elizabeth Botkin talk about it in their book, “So Much More”.
Also, I think posts regarding Biblical manhood would be good.
Last but not least, I would like to hear more about different teen rebelutionaries who are changing their world for the better.
~Alyssa
June 17th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Ditto Karen!
But seriously, I’m sure whatever you guys choose will be great! I love it whenever I check this site and find new posts.
June 17th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I like the practical mundane hard things. And interveiwing people would be great. READ BELOW FOR AN IDEA YOU NEED TO COMMENT ON…
Another idea is to “interveiw” some dead people. I’m reading a biography of King Henry II of England (don’t know who he is? Neither did I). He invaded Enlgand to save his allies from seige with a band of knights at 16, arrianged a marriage alliance of epic proportions ot Elanor of Acquitaine at 19, and reorganized the government of England upon his coronation at age 21. After which he fell prey to several faults to which I can be particularly prone (unable to see things from other’s perspective, too black and white, puffed up by easy victory and faltered at hard points), but recovered in his “old age” to become famous regarding castles. He’s but one example among many who would make great blog posts.
REGARDING POINTS NUMBER 1 AND 2: you could recruit people to research the dead people interveiws. They’d get credit for it on the post, you’d make sure it was properly applied to the blog’s mission statement. What about it, rebelutionary commentators? ANYONE WILLING TO DO THAT? [hey, you two asked for ideas, we might as well offer assistance beyond the inspirational]
June 17th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I think you guys shud post some things about the potential of a small group of college students (who are still teens) and hard things that you would suggest (taking into consideration that they are students). I just read the book, and it seemed like all those fenomenal stories were totally out of the ordinary, everyday teen (and I don’t mean that in a bad way) but I would love to hear some suggestions or encouragment for us.
P.S. (Did I mention I think you guys are amazing?)
-mpshnizzle
June 17th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I think it’d be great if you guys could post some ideas abuot memorizing more scripture. I have found this to be a “hard thing” in my life and was wondering what some of ya’ll’s ideas might be. Another idea might be to just post about some new things God is teaching ya’ll lately and what ya’ll have been learning. I always enjoy to hear new ways in which God works! This blog has definitely been a blessing in my life.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
All of these ideas sound good, especially the Biblical rebelutionaries and the dead people interviews. I am kind of a history geek so of course those would appeal to me :). I’d also love to see specific trends in our culture addressed and what the hard thing would like fighting against that. A great example of that is the modesty survey. Theological discussion is also fantastic. I loved the free will vs. predestination discussion that arose from the Gospel skit that was posted. Maybe you guys could blog about a specific theological issue, giving us your view, and then we could discuss it in the comment section. Just my two cents worth!
June 17th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Another idea would be to start a “book club” type of thing. You know, have everyone read so many chapters a week, you guys write about them, and then we discuss. Sticking to spiritual books would in my opinion be best, but whatever you guys think would work is cool!
June 17th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
These are some great ideas, guys (and gals)! Thank you all so much. Keep them coming.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I believe you should post about ideas for other rebelutionaries. Not just leadership. I know other rebelutionaries have struggles in their lives that would seem mediocre to me, but also, list ideas on how to do certain hard things.
God Bless
Kimberly
June 17th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
What advise would you give those who don’t have a pronounced “holy ambition”? How do you discover it? and what should you do in the meantime?
I’d also love to hear more about why we do hard things and how the gospel fuels our mission.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
What Amythest..and many others have said.
Everyday life. We all live there. Not everyone has found their big thing, and some still need to work on the mundane before they are even equipped for bigger and better.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Evangelism.
Please. 
June 17th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I would love to hear more ideas about how to start “big hard things”. There are so many people I want to help and so many things I know are so wrong, like abortion. I just don’t know where to start. I know you all talked about this in your book, which I read. I was just wondering if you could maybe talk about how to start “big hard things” a little more. Thank you guys so much. You are tremendous examples for Christ in all that you have to say. You are in my prayers every day.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
(Oh, and by the way, I really appreciate this post. While I wasn’t entirely comfortable with Anders’ tone (though of course, he might not have meant it to come across the way it did), he did address something I had been thinking about. I realize you have been busy…and there is nothing wrong with posting pictures, either…but I had missed the content-full stuff.)
June 17th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
“(3) we don’t always know what to post about.”
Welcome to the club! Haha. Anyway…
Missions! Focusing on others. A hard thing for almost every Christian is selflessness — denying ourselves material things so that we may provide for others.
Something along those lines.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I believe that should post about the possibility of passing on The Rebulution to those coming up behind you. Since you will be heading to college soon and taking on more responsibilities, very soon you won’t be so young.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
We’re studying the book - Do Hard Things - in our High School Education (aka Sunday School
) class at church.. A lot of the kids seem to think that it’s not possible to actually change anything about the way we’re living. I think it would be awesome to hear more about how, as youth groups, we can become a part of the rebelution. What’s out of the norm? What expectations are we bound by, as groups of Christian teens? How would it look if we took our roles as brothers and sisters in Christ seriously? What “little” and big things can we begin to do in our churches to reach our God-given potential? Just some thoughts! 
June 17th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I have several ideas…fwiw.
Servanthood~ Have you ever noticed that it’s everywhere in the Bible? Yet teenagers have this thing about serving themselves- actually it’s not just teenagers that are self-centered.
Modesty for guys~ It isn’t just guys that struggle with improper thoughts, and it isn’t just girls that are immodest.
Everyday evangelism~ How can we be incorporating God’s truth in our lives in such a way that we can be missionaries without leaving the neighborhood or even opening our mouths? What would that look like?
Small hard things~ The book seemed to focus more on big things than small things. How do we do small hard things? Particularly since small things tend to work their way into huge things.
Submission~ How can submission be defended? How can I prove to non-Christian friends that meek isn’t weak? How can I explain the difference between a submissive woman and a doormat?
June 17th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Hi all!
I’ve been thinking about doing hard things and I think I got it.The Bible command us to pray for our political leaders, wich is something I struggle with(especially Berack Obama)
Maybe you guys’ could do series on praying for our leaders. Just a thought.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Heya! I would agree with Anika Q (Hi Anika by the way! lol). Evangelism (to me) seems like one of the hardest things in particular amoungst our generation who are very sceptical about religion and the exsistance of God.
One thing I would like to know if how all teens here would suggest we talk to other teens about coming back to Christ and doing hard things for his Glory. I’m even talking about the young people at our churches who you know are backsliding and are just not motivated and encouraged in the Lord without sounding too ‘Holy am I’…even ministering to maybe teens and youth who are older than you……I know in my life God has been having sooo much mercy on me changing my attitudes, thoughts and commitment to my spiritual life.
I am so greatful.
I just want to share this with people my age but how? What would a fellow teen/youth suggest the best plan of action is?
June 17th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I second Carmen Nuevo’s idea of talking about everyday evangelism. I was just going to say that and then I saw what she had said and it echoed my thoughts exactly.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Well, I have trouble getting people I know to read at all, much less read about “doing hard things”. I need some help. I’ve put Bible verses on my friends’ site and e-mailed everyone I know. I even talk about it all the time they say. What can I do to help strengthen their interest in living a rel Christian life?
June 17th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Missions would be great. =)
June 17th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I would like to see a post about everyday evangelism as well
I’d also like to hear ways that this particular group could do some hard things and work together. It might be tricky though because we live all over the world.
June 17th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I would echo Carmen’s ideas, especially modesty for guys. I’m a guy and I have no clue.
One issue that has come up as I’ve read your articles, posts, and book is pride. As we do hard things and rebel against low expectations, the trap of arrogance in our accomplishment contrasted with others’ apathy is so easy to step into. You’ve mentioned how to deal with this in passing in various places, but it has never been directly addressed. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how to overcome the obstacle of pride.
June 17th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I really appreciate your guys’ constant encouragement to do hard things. I think that it would be really helpful if you could write about how the gospel, the Good News that Jesus Christ died for our sins, motivates us to actually get up and DO hard things.
Maybe you could write short devotionals from gospel-rich verses in the Bible and briefly explain some simple ways to apply those truths in our everyday lives.
June 17th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
May God give you guys wisdom as you decide what to write about . . . .
June 17th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
A person before mentioned this and I’d totally like to agree. What do you do when hard things come to you? Hard things that you didn’t choose or want? Hard things you don’t understand and wonder how on earth they will help you grow?
This one just strikes me because this last year, it seems that everyone close to me has lost some one to one tragedy or another (a mall shooting, a car crash, a tornado just last week). Sometimes it’s not even death though. Sometimes it is emotional loss like mending a broken relationship or restoring trust. These are all very important hard things that I think you guys should try addressing.
And I think it would be nice to have some guest writers like some others suggested. Maybe you could combine these two ideas and bring on guest writers who have tackled some of those tough things I mentioned earlier.
June 17th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
I love all the ideas that have been mentioned so far but I especially like the idea of guest articles. I love to hear what other people have to say about Do Hard Things and The Rebelution…as well as what ya’ll have to say!
June 17th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Alex and Brett should post more book pictures!!!!!!!!
June 17th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
These are all such great ideas! I’m sure you’ll have alot to post on for awhile.
I personally like the idea of posting about small hard things (since we’ll always be doing them, even in the midst of big hard things), as well as what Victoria said about guest writers.
June 17th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
you should post about things that god is doing
in your life now and how we can pray for you!
June 17th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
kt*stry: Just pray. It can’t hurt anything, in fact, it may help you find yours. It helped me find mine.
June 17th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Try asking a few rebelutionarys, as guest posters, to share how they do hard things at home, work, play etc… I personally love to hear from my fellow rebelutionarys
We only got to hear the testimonies of a few in the book…:-)
June 17th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
All of these suggestions are great.
I second the ideas of posting about both modern-day and historical world changers. I also think expounding on the life lessons of biblical characters is an excellent idea.
Of course, what God is teaching both of you in your own lives is always inspiring to us readers.
Thanks for opening up for suggestions. Was that a loss of ideas or a real curiousity that prompted you to do that, I wonder?
June 17th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I third with the ideas about posting modern-day to historical world hard-doers…!!
It is really encouraging to read about others who are doing this right as we speak and going against the flow of culture. I helps motivate and fuel us, knowing we aren’t just the only ones stepping up to our responsibility but that we have brothers and sisters right next to us doing the Lord’s will.
This is our duty. Do hard things.
June 17th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Political stuff.
June 17th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
I agree with the political stuff suggestion. Politics, obviously, are important. But at what point should rebelutionaries realize that we can’t always win everything with politics? When is it best to fight for a candidate/bill/anything else political, and at what point should we focus on winning hearts?
This is a weakness of mine. I am outspokenly pro-life, and often I get caught up in the political aspect. But I’m beginning to realize that no matter how many laws are passed, it really comes down to changing hearts. However, politics do play a key role in protecting the rights of the unborn.
So I’d like to hear your ideas/thoughts on how far we should go with politics.
June 17th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
I would really appreciate some ideas on what to do while I’m waiting for my “big hard thing”.
I also really enjoy hearing stories of your childhood.
Funny things happen to you two!
June 17th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I agreed with several of these ideas. I particularly feel the ones relating to summer hard things would be great! I know right now my friends and I are working together to try and figure out what we can do with our summer and how we can use some of our extra time for God (”spend” it rather than “waste” it–I forget where that quote comes from). So, I know I have been seeking for ways to use my time for Gods glory this summer. (Not necessarily mission trip–though I will do that too…but it may be as simple as some intentional time with siblings or friends…some time helping a neighbor, etc.) It would be great to get all the Rebelutionaries looking for ways to use their summers–talk about rebelling against society’s low expectations!
That’s just my thoughts. I have enjoyed and been challenged by just about all you ahve written thus far though.
June 17th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I definitely agree that it would be cool to hear fellow Rebelutionaries’ stories about how they are working to do big and little hard things.
June 17th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Honestly? I’d love to see a post about how you guys struggle, not for the sake of putting down rumors of perfection, but to see what you do when you don’t feel like doing hard things, how you encourage yourself and/or each other, what inspires you when things are really rough, Scriptures that are particularily meaningful to you…
June 17th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Someone said missions… I second that and I’d like to hear more about long-term missions (especially cross-cultural- maybe you can get some guest posters in?)
June 17th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I would like to see stuff about People in The US struggling and working for God…. also stuff about summer would be cool to hear about
June 17th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Sorry, I was thinking of more stuff last night.
How about something about following God’s will, no matter what the cost. Maybe some encouragement and/or examples on that 
Thanks 
June 18th, 2008 at 1:09 am
Firstly, I’m a Mom, not a rebelutionary. I think you young men are teriffic and I love what you’re doing.
I would like to see you comment on this article by Dennis Prager regarding the activism of youth. I agree with him that the youth activism of the 60’s and 70’s was not good for our nation and that negative potential exists today; however, I believe there is Godly wisdom behind “The Rebelution.”
How would you respond to Mr. Prager?
God bless you Alex and Brett!
Christina
http://townhall.com/columnists/DennisPrager/2008/06/17/when_young_people_get_excited
June 18th, 2008 at 2:02 am
Wow, so many ideas. I think that they all have potential. And don’t discouraged by the number of ideas. We would love to read whatever you post. May He guide you and give you wisom as you choose.
I would also be interested in hearing more about how to spread the rebelution among very unrebelutionary teens that we may be around. How can we be a lasting influence to those around us without coming across as too good or mature for them I know that it all has to do with humility and grace, but how does it really look in real life.
June 18th, 2008 at 2:30 am
about dating, or not dating
June 18th, 2008 at 3:53 am
How do we deal with the problem of legalism in churches? Do hard things is different to legalism… the difference needs to be explained. Do hard things is a great concept but so many churches and religions become institutionalized with rule and regulations and the compliance of them is a measure of spirituality. What can we as young people do where there is a regimented/entrenched legalistic way of thinking? Now just to clarify so noone gets confused, Do hard things is different to legalism but how do we impress this fundamental difference on modern day pharisees that exist in some churches?
June 18th, 2008 at 4:55 am
Men,
Just want you to know you guys are champion role models for other guys out here.
I pray the Lord keep you in great, vigorous good physical health,
Just read “I Would Die For You” If you guys have read it, and if you have had a relationship with BJ, (or not) please review the book on your blog, and tell others about it.
rw
June 18th, 2008 at 5:30 am
I started doing hard things a bit late in the game, and I do not want my little sister to miss out like I did. I’m a bit at a loss where to begin with her, and the teen years are coming round the bend very quickly. I would love ideas for guiding younger people to start pushing themselves and flexing their spiritual muscles.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:52 am
On #3: I’m glad I’m not the only one!
Could you do a post about witnessing 1) people of other faiths eg. Mormons, Muslims, Catholics,etc. 2) getting out and witnessing to your neighbors in a place where neighbors don’t have much contact with one another.
Thanks for asking.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:03 am
In our family there are 2 teen boys, and 4 younger siblings ages 5 (girl), 6, 6 (adopted twin boys), and 7 (girl). I like the idea of posting on mentoring younger siblings.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:04 am
You should post about actforamerica.org’s petition to elected officials to investigate how imams in America are distributing anti-democratic materials and preaching to do such actions against the US. It will scare you spitless, so it’s definitely a hard thing. Unless you allege/submit to Islam, or are a primitive (jahilia), they want to get rid of you, not to mention the US as the great Satan. You should have every reader sign it. They need 200K and have about 15K last I checked.
By the way, as far as witnessing to Muslims, they must accept that someone else’s work can be transfered, credited or imputed to you. Otherwise they cannot accept justification by Christ alone, which is the indispensable anchor of the Christian message.
Marcus Sanford
MCS, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada
author, FOOTHOLD, a novel. An Islamic terrorist stops in the middle of an operation to cripple the US. It’s a God thing. ask@interplans.net
June 18th, 2008 at 6:16 am
I read a really good review of your book from a friend of mine who is also a pastor. He mentioned some pros and cons that I thought might be helpful. One of the cons had something to do with the local church and I thought that maybe making posts on the importance and value of the church would be pretty good to see on the blog.
Here’s his post: http://debtortograce.blogspot.com/2008/05/do-hard-things.html
June 18th, 2008 at 6:48 am
i didn’t read all the suggestions, so this may be a repeat…
what about suffering? do hard things when it hurts.
trusting God’s goodness, faithfulness, and love in times of trial. that is indeed a hard thing.
i would second the modesty for guys post suggestion.
how about some posts just about the gospel? how does the gospel inform and empower our hard things?
oh, and second the motion on small hard things. those are often harder than the big ones!
thanks for provoking us to do hard things guys! you are a blessing to so many people around the world. God bless you.
mo
June 18th, 2008 at 6:49 am
Betsy: Good Idea!
How about articles about rebelutionizing your peers? (And younger ones, as Betsy said.)
June 18th, 2008 at 6:49 am
I’m a dad with 3 boy ages 14, 12, and 9. I have yet to pick up your book but what I’ve read on your blog intrigues me. Jonathan Edwards was an exceptional man of GOD because he chose GOD over distraction. We have decidedly many many more distractions these days, how do you (rather can I) help them focus on GOD plan for their life? (You may have covered this previously)
grace and peace
http://powerfulforce.wordpress.com/
June 18th, 2008 at 7:00 am
I really like Betsy’s (the other one!) idea about mentoring younger people (not only your siblings but also younger people in your church)
The local church (post-modern church movements, the local church’s role, our part in it, etc)
Missions and missionary biographies
Jesus Christ’s life and death on earth
Everyday witnessing
June 18th, 2008 at 7:28 am
I agree with kt*stry, Jed, and Mo. We need to hear the gospel. It can never be told too many times! All our best hard things are shabby and worthless without the blood of Christ. Only Jesus did hard things sinlessly and His perfect actions (the cross in particular) perfect ours. The last gospel post was excellent, please continue!
June 18th, 2008 at 7:44 am
1. I would like see a post about whether lying is ever justified or not. (For instance, people like Corrie Ten Boom hiding Jews during the Holocaust, Rahab hiding the spies in Jericho, or just someone asking you your opinion on their new very ugly haircut, etc.)
In a communications class in school last semester, the book told us that little white lies are good, and we should use them so we don’t hurt other peoples feelings. What are your thoughts?
2. Also, I would appreciate a post (or series of posts) about stewardship with money, including our responsibility to tithe and how much we should give above and beyond the required 10%. There are examples in the Bible (like the widow who gave her last pennies, or the church who gave “more than they were able, because they first gave themselves”) of people giving everything. How much are we called to give? Should we be like George Muller and have nothing, but in faith rely on God to provide? And, is it wrong to spend money on entertainment (e.g., a movie at the theatre costs me $8) when I could give that money to missions instead? How much should we give? Am I really supposed to “give everything”? What does that mean practically?
Thank you for your thoughts and your faithfulness,
Sarah
June 18th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I think you should post about ministry experiences or things you’ve done to accomplish God’s purpose in sharing the gospel with others.
June 18th, 2008 at 8:41 am
I’ve not left a reply on anything new yet so here it goes.
I love your blog Alex and Brett, and the issues you’ve covered are wonderful. I felt sort of like you needed more in the Modern Day Chivalry series. At least more on what the ladies can do to encourage the young men to be gentlemen. Don’t get me wrong though, it was all great, but the deal about what ladies should do just didn’t seem enough to me.
Another was the brothers and sisters. Having a little brother myself, I find it hard sometimes to be nice to him. I feel like maybe there are people out there who need a little help with that issue, people like myself.
I cant really think of anything else to say but thank you Alex and Brett for starting The Rebelution. I love the blog entries and the website. You’ve helped me so much.
~ Amber Lynn
June 18th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Politics. I don’t know how it is in the US, but a lot of teens here in Canada couldn’t care less about politics and to be honest, it’s not my #1 point of interest. But what is the responsibility of a teen when it comes to politics? I’ve often considered that the top stories in the news today could be what students will be studying in history books a hundred years from now so shouldn’t we care?
Just a thought. Glory to our King.
June 18th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Hey, I was thinking you could maybe talk about doing hard things even through pain. Because our current situation doesn’t always seem to be the best time to do something hard. Sometimes, doing something hard when you’re in pain can just mean making it through. Especially since these days there are so many suicides and people hurting themselves. You can talk about how God equips us, even when we feel like we’ve hit the bottom. I don’t necessarily mean physical persecution, like persecution of the church, but maybe how that, or emotional or psychological pain, can lead to despair. When we’re in despair, it’s hard to do anything for Christ.
So yeah, I think that would be a profitable thing to talk about. You could say it’s and internal hard thing. But there are so many kids who cut themselves and stuff, it’s almost like it’s “the thing you do” when you’re depressed. Try to show another way. It’s hard to overcome stuff like that.
God bless,
Nina
June 18th, 2008 at 8:57 am
Why is it so hard for “adults” to embrace the concept of DHT?
We took a handful of truly mature, committed teens to the DHT conference in Charlotte. They came back even more determined to impact their world for the glory of God. And the response from most church “adults”? These kids are weird…dreamers…not really in touch with “reality”. Sad, sad, sad. And yet, OUTSIDE the church, these same kids are impacting their peers in ways very few adults do!!!
June 18th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I would say it would an interesting discussion to read people’s thougths on different denominations and how those effect christianity. I have heard “I hate denominations” and it’s just that it makes christians fight with each other when we have a whole lot of other people already trying to manipulate christianity. Already on your blog you have seen many different perspectives and learning to respect different interpretations is important because quite literally no one knows. This could also lead into believing the Bilbe as a whole and not picking and choosing what verses and parts you want to follow which is a vibe I have felt from many people recently, “you can modify to fit your needs” But the Bible is, just as God is who he is. Different interpretations are good and interesting but leaving stuff out because it doesn’t fit our lifestyle doesn’t seem like God’s idea to me. So, I would love other’s perspective on this because I have heard a lot of opinions on it.
Thanks so much and I hope everyone who reads stuff on this blog has a wonderful week and hopefully your all done with school.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:37 am
First of all, I just wanted to say thank you so much for this blog. It’s helped me re-think alot of things. Hard things.
I really like the idea of Biblical rebelutionaries. How did they respond to problems? Not only can we learn from their accomplishments, but also from their mistakes. Ruth is one of my personal heroes, who did the hard thing and followed Naomi.
For the King!
June 18th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Well, I’m rather new to the Rebelution, so I don’t know about what you’ve posted already.
1. How to get started on Doing Hard Things, for those of us new to the Rebelution. For example, witnessing to classmates in school, or money management, or getting closer to God.
2. Again, growing closer to God: knowing what Hard Things He wants you to do. I have been having a lot of trouble with faith in God.
3. I agree with whoever posted about dating/not dating. In addition to that, suppose someone wants a closer relationship with God while dating, struggling through school, AND Doing Hard Things. How does one fit those things together?
4. I also agree with the commenters who asked about Hard Things one can do over the summer, as well as whoever asked about doing practical, everyday Hard Things.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Some topics I think would be good are:
Bible Memorization, becuase it is vital to growing stong in our faith but many people never even think about it. I have heard a lot of older christians lament that they did not take time to memorize when they were young. Maybe you could write an article on how important it is to memorize God’s Word and then people could share what methods they use in the comment section.
I think a series on apologetics would be really helpful and/or links to websites that have that kind of information.
Interviews or articles by other Rebelutionaires on how they are “doing Hard things’ and how God is working in their lives. I think that would be really encouraging.
God Bless.
~Bri
June 18th, 2008 at 9:51 am
When are you coming to Florida, or have I already missed that conference?
June 18th, 2008 at 9:52 am
What are your thoughts on a Godly relationship with siblings, both younger and older? I’m a middle child with two older siblings and two younger siblings. I have struggles with treating my younger sister kindly when she’s being, well, a normal younger sister, and I also don’t know how to talk to my oldest sister, who isn’t living with the family anymore and has become rather estranged from us physically and (it seems) spiritually. How can a younger sibling be an example to older siblings, and vice versa?
I know several others have mentioned this already, but it’s been on my heart and mind recently, so I just thought I’d throw it out there.
June 18th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Hey,
Will you guys please pray for our band? We will be performing this Sunday at a mayoral candidate picnic and we are nervous. We just really want God to be glorified in all of it. Six days after the performance we head to Dallas to attend the conference. We are all so excited.
We really like Pastor Timothy’s suggestion about posting on the importance of the local church. Also, Thabiti Anyabwile has a new book out about what a healthy church member looks like. http://www.4ever4given.com/2008/06/so_what_does_a_healthy_church_1.php
Maybe you can write something about that and how it relates to the teenagers role within the body of Christ at the local church.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Hey,
You have done an excelet job with your website!!!
Maybe you could post more Video’s on your site i love watching them and i really liked the lighthouse one!!! Keep up the amazing work
God Bless,
Skylar
June 18th, 2008 at 10:08 am
More Photos!!
June 18th, 2008 at 10:10 am
U guys should post about being pure in a fallen world. And also more videos. Maybe a preview of the Rebelution DVD. Thanks u guys r the bomb.
Matthew
June 18th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Hey,
Will you guys please pray for our band? We will be performing this Sunday at a mayoral candidate picnic and we are nervous. We just really want God to be glorified in all of it. Six days after the performance we head to Dallas to attend the conference. We are all so excited.
We really like Pastor Timothy’s suggestion about posting on the importance of the local church. Also, Thabiti Anyabwile has a new book out about what a healthy church member looks like.
Maybe you can write something about that and how it relates to the teenagers role within the body of Christ at the local church.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I like Nina’s suggestion. If someone is struggling with an issue like that, is not committing suicide/not cutting/etc. “enough” of a hard thing? Is there any way that someone just surviving can be to the glory of Christ? I have a good friend who has a rough time with the idea of “do hard things” because she feels she’s almost being told she’s a failure–she doesn’t do anything really unusual; she just manages to live, and for her that’s a struggle.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Perhaps you would consider posting about what a mature Christian teen loooks like in terms of pursuits, levels of wisdom, involvment in the local church, recognition and use of gifts and talents, cultivation of relationships. How would/should a mature Christian teen differ from a mature Christian 45 year old for instance? I put this question to a bunch of Christian teens and their parents and they responded with some interesting thoughts and descriptions that were both encouraging and helpful
June 18th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Yeah, a post on how living everyday life (1 Cor 10:31) can glorify the Lord would be cool.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am
great job so far
I think you should post something on standing out in high school or at work. On making a difference in a world that doesn’t really care to hear about something that would rattle their comfortable life or be change what they want to believe. We are called to shine as a light to the world and lately i’ve been struggling to come up with 10 watz. I think it would be great if you guys talked about how to minister to others through your actions.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:52 am
And Nina’s suggestion is good.
June 18th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Hey!
I think it would be a great if you could post something about having a godly active summer. I think after school is over we like just to hang around and do nothing, which really is not a great idea. This is something I struggle with so it would be sweett to have something like that posted.
June 18th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Okay, is there anything you left out of your book that would be cool to say anyway? What about more stories of fellow rebelutionaries? More bible evidence toward our cause? Maybe you could even talk about stuff of that teens struggle with everyday besides our laziness to work. Oh, and what of the people you mentioned in you book towards the end, like Brandon, Serena, and Noah. I know I would love to know what’s happening in their missions.
June 18th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Hi to Carmen Nuevo, if you read this. I loved all your ideas, and I really appreciate your asking for posts on those topics. You put into words several of the things that I frequently wonder about - modesty for guys, everyday evangelism, and submission particularly. I’d like to put in my vote for those also. Especially the submission topic. I foresee going to college and having to defend not only our whole faith, but also certain topics like submission to people who just plain don’t get it. I frequently think I’m not prepared to defend it suficiently, and sometimes it worries me, as I’m sure it worries other fellow Rebelutionaries. So I’ll put in my vote for those topics that Carmen mentioned, and especially submission. Maybe you could also write about defending our faith at college.
June 18th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Could you discuss music, specifically, rock music?
June 18th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Hey guys, How about you go thru a series on people in history who chane the the world in a God glorifying way and people who are carring on there fight today.Kinda like a now and then thing.You coulod look for for people making a difference now kinda like someone in the past.Your Sister In Christ,Hannah
June 18th, 2008 at 11:55 am
p.s, Another reason for my idea is because America is at a dangerous point in its history and we need to show people how working for God makes the better differnce.
June 18th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Maybe you’ve already written about this before, but how about writing about ways to share the ideas of The Rebelution with others?
June 18th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Hi,
I think book suggestions would be awesome. I’m such a reader it’s kind of insane, so that would be really cool to see what books have influenced you guys.
June 18th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
First off I want to say that everybody’s ideas have been great so far and I really agree with Nina, Claire, and Faith Blum. I also want to thank you, Alex and Brett, because your blog has been a great resource for me in my Christian walk. I became a true, born-again Christian little than a year ago and have changed a lot since and am so thankful that my eyes were opened. However, my parents are not Christians and it is definitely a hard thing for me. They love me very much but it is often difficult to be around them and to remain loving, forgiving, and hopeful. It seems like all I can do is pray for them and show Christ’s love and grace through my actions, but both are easier said than done. Honestly, I have been very discouraged lately and find it hard to keep going and am dwindling at times in my trust in God. I barely have a prayer life and am ashamed in that fact. Would you please do a post on prayer (persistence in, keeping promises of praying for other people)? Also, if there is anything else that I can do to bring my parents to salvation, can you talk about it? One more thing, my friends are somewhat Christians and I really care for them. Sometimes when I try to talk about Christianity, it tends to sound boring. Do you have any advice on how I can talk to them about taking their faith seriously and truly living for Christ?
Thanks for taking our suggestions you guys. And if anybody reading wouldn’t mind praying for me, would you please do so? Please pray that my parents would soften their hearts and come to know the Lord for the loving and graceful Savior he is.
God bless you guys! ^^
June 18th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
http://www.sltrib.com/davis/ci_9565318
That’s a link to a 20-year old (I know, not a teen: but close to it!) homeschooled girl leading a Senate campaign. I love to hear these sort of stories, and refer people I talk to to TheRebelution to read these stories!
June 18th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
It would be great if you could post something about how to keep your eyes on Christ and not get lost in the demands of this world while trying to follow the Lord. For example, in order to go into long term missions it is generally required to have graduated from highschool and have a four year degree. In the midst of pursuing that goal it is very hard not to loose your focus and have it all become about the means and not the end goal.
June 18th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Hey,
Mabey you have already written about this before but I think it would be really cool if you guys posted a blog about music and how it affects us personally. I think it would be interesting to see what types of music inspire you guys.
If not It would be just as interesting to do one on how the stuff we watch on T.V. and the stuff we put into our minds affects our lifes. You kow what they say “Hear no evil, Speak no evil, See no evil”!
June 18th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I would be interested in hearing about some of the books you guys have been reading lately. I see that you do have a booklist on your sidebar, but I would enjoy seeing some expanded posts on books. I really liked the post Alex did on the book Knowing God…perhaps something like that?
June 18th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Good idea Micah! I would be interested to hear your guys response to that too!Another topic that I’ve thought would be cool for you guys to talk about is what you think about courting/dating? I read and loved “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” by your brother and have been curious what your take is on this! I hope this idea helps!
June 18th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
How about helping us apply biblical manhood and womanhood to Do Hard Things. We were talking about this at our Do Hard Things Book Club Sunday morning before church and we need help answering the question:
How do young men do hard things differently than young women do hard things?
Thanks,
steve & five15
June 18th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I’d like overflow of the book–some stories that were sent you that you just didn’t have room to publish
And someone else already said this, but post about what God is personally doing in your life and how we can pray for y’all!!
June 18th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Another idea: What if the young person’s parents/authority don’t support them doing any “hard things” other than taking out the trash, making the bed and faithfully feeding the dog until their young person reaches the 20’s.
I know this young man who has just turned 19, and is already a successful business owner/manager. He is really remarkable (from my perspective). However, alot of the adults in my circle seem to think that the only thing he gained from these enterprises, however successful, was an inflated ego. One older lady remarked to me that young people should not be given too much responsibility until they reach 20, since it “matures them too quickly.” I would be interested in knowing how to react to this mindset/attitude. Do we sit back complacently and do nothing, like they seem to want us to, or . . . what?
The adults have examples right in front of them of young people who, instead of lazing away the teen years, are rebelling against the culture’s low expectations, and are doing so successfully, in a God-glorifying way. Still, the adults not in support. If we can’t show them by our lives, how do we show them?
June 18th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
A post based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 would be helpful. I have 3 siblings and realy struggle with my lack of patience and geting angry easily, keeping record of wrongs, ect…
June 18th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I also really like Rachel Gross’s suggestion. What do we do when we show the adults around us that we can do hard things, but they’d rather that we didn’t…or they see it as a bad thing?
June 18th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I think You guys should post things on courting.
June 18th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I’d like to hear your thoughts on youth groups. It seems that a Rebelutionary wouldn’t fit in that well with a typical church youth group. Should he/she be involved anyway, as an example to the other kids? Be marginally involved? Abstain completely?
June 18th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Hey “The VIVIT Band”, I’ll definitely pray for you guys so that everything will go well and God may be glorified! Also, I agree on the courting suggestions. So many young people these days are dating and seem to have a new “___”friend within moments. Since we are supposed to be living Biblically and apart from the world, it would be nice to know more about courting.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I would love to hear you write about a lot of different things!
Maybe you could write about having a good relationship with God. (keeping up with prayer, Bible Study, and having God as your best friend.)
I would also love to hear about courtship/dating, or even how we should interact with people of the opposite sex without seeming..”forward.”
Anything that you write about will be great! I love this blog so much. You are such an inspiration to me.
God Bless,
Autumn
June 18th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
i liked kaisha’s idea, because i’m really having a hard time figuring out “big things” to do.
the chapter in the book that was most meaningful to me was the very last one, where teens listed practical things to help change the directions of their lives. i see small things more in the near future than big things, and so it would be nice to see something about small things too!
June 18th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Alot of good ideas are going around. I’ll see if I can come up with something
VIVIT Band,
I’ll definitely keep you in prayer.
God Bless!!!
June 18th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Someone said following God’s will no matter the cost– that’s a hard one for me and some encouragement and discussion about that would be great.
June 18th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Hey…You guys are about to become 20 year olds and go off to college. I think you would have a lot to share there! I think you could take your message to the college crowd and start sharing how to continue doing hard things in young adulthood!
June 18th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
I’d like to add another thought…it seems that many of the stories in your book and here on your blog are about kids involved with politics. And while I LOVE to hear stories about that, I’d also would love to hear more about how young people are getting involved in missions and spreading the Gospel.
June 18th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
On becoming thirteen… how should new teens organize themselves for the teen years ahead? Thanks, guys.
June 18th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Wow — these are all awesome ideas. I second…
1) More stories about teens doing hard things (big and small). Especially how small things lead to big things. I loved reading all those stories in the book.
2) I liked the book club ideas too. That could be really neat with a spiritual book on Christian living or something.
3) Modesty for guys could be really good.
4) I wouldn’t mind some more posts on modern day chivalry and the girls’ role as encouragers.
5) Evangelism in every-day life would be great — that is a really hard thing!
I can’t think of anything else right now. Everything has been pretty well covered!
June 18th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Ditto to #4 Bethany S.!
June 18th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
First I would like to say, Alex and Brett, you have done awesome on running this site. All your posts are great.
As for me, I like the idea VIVIT band had, about younger siblings. With 5 younger siblings, I know I have a chance to have a big impact on my brothers and sisters. I really have a hard time knowing how to mentor them. I know it is my parent’s job to bring them up, but I think that as their sister, I can still have an impact on their lives… besides just being nice. In what ways can I do this? What would be the best way to approach? Any ideas would be great.
Really, I like all of the ideas!! The ones on church and politics caught my interest too.
Thanks for all you do, guys!
-Nicole
June 18th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Okay, after reading most of the comments, here are the ideas i like best!
1. what to do when you don’t feel like doing hard things/get discouraged
2. book club idea
3. examples of biblical rebelutionaries
4. more videos of you guys sharing your message and perspective!
Hope that helps! ;D
June 18th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Hey guys,
I agree the peoples who suggested evangelism and the biblical rebolutionary idea. You guys could also draw attention to other orginizations like TWLOHA (to write love on her arms) and the like. Orginizations that rebos. could get involved with to start “doing hard things.” Here is a link to TWLOHA:http://www.twloha.com/index.php
Spread the love,
Tom
June 18th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
oh also modesty for guys. I have absolutly no clue about that.:-P
Spread the Love,
Tom
June 19th, 2008 at 6:48 am
I agree with Faith Blum on discussing music. Some people consider louder music to be bad. By loud, I mean like rock, heavy metal, etc. Sometimes people just don’t like louder music, but sometimes they think that loud music, even if it’s by a “Christian” band or artist, is coming too close to non-Christian music that might have offensive language or lyics in it. And is there such a thing as a “Christian” band/artist? Does every one of their songs have to be about or have some reference to God for them to be considered Christian? Just a few ideas. Thank you so much for this blog and your book, Alex and Brett. It’s so nice to have a blog that I can visit to encourage and be encouraged by other Christians.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Looks like it has all been said!
Well, I’d like to see more posts about (or rather, against) low expectations. People have low expectations for us, but I think that the more “threatening” ones are the low expectations we set for ourselves. How do we identify them? How do we get rid of them?
And perhaps…more articles on rebelizing youth groups?
Thanks. God bless you both!
June 19th, 2008 at 7:55 am
I would like to hear some true stories about normal teens who are doing hard things. It is encouraging and inspiring to hear stories about teens all around the world who are living for God and who are doing hard things. (Hearing about everyday teens doing hard things was one of my favorite parts of the book.)
June 19th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Another idea– The thing that made me think of this was the news of the terrible things that were just put into law in California. It reminded me how much we will be bombarded with false world views, lies, and twisted ways of looking at things. We need to be strong, firmly rooted in sound doctrine. We need to be competent warriors for the truth. So I was wondering if you could do some more discussion about knowing what we believe and standing firm for the truth, even when all our peers are believing lies. I know you have talked a little about this, and even if you don’t address it directly, maybe you could highlight some programs/organizations that are equipping young Christians in that way, such as The Truth Project, World View Academy, and, for teens nearing college, Impact360. Thanks.
I’m praying for the conferences!
June 19th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Well, one of the biggest helps to me on this site is still the modesty survey. Whenever I’m discouraged or need to double check a point on modesty it’s there. But, it really only covers modesty and I think we (us girls) need to hear something about what is, modest yes, but also feminine. Helping guys guard their hearts is very important but I personally don’t want to be “just” modest, I want to be a feminine woman of God.
An article on what guys out their feel is modest but also feminine would be very interesting to me.
Keep up the good work!
June 19th, 2008 at 11:41 am
How about write something about being true to what you believe in and not compromise too much in your life - for teenager of course! We know how hard to maintained your integrity when you are young especially facing challenges in school and even in church community.
June 19th, 2008 at 11:41 am
I would love to read more about how to fight complacency regarding doing hard things when you’re going through a rough time. When you’re family is falling apart and there is all kinds of hurt and pain, how do you fight and find the encouragement and hope to continue doing hard things? I would love to hear any suggestions or encouragement you have.
God bless you guys. You are in my prayers every day.
June 19th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
First of all, I would just like to tell Alex and Brett that you two are doing an amazing thing and your blog and book have really helped me. Thank you so much. Here are the things that I could really benefit from.
1) “Christian” music
How we can pray for you guys
2) How to start on doing big hard things
3) being not just modest, but being feminine
4) rebelutionizing your youth group
5) politics
6) more stories and examples of people doing hard things
7) guys’ modesty
9) Looking back on life, is there anything that you wish you could’ve changed?
Thank you guys so much and God Bless!
June 19th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
The problem I see with Pastor Timothy’s comment (6/18/08, 6:16am) and the blog post he mentioned written by his friend Matthew Hoskinson, is that the local church does not allow teenagers—much less twenty-somethings like myself—any room to minister and do hard thigns. The contemporary church today, as a general rule but there are always exceptions, hides the teenagers from “big church” ina room all by themselves and assigns youth pastors who—in my experience at least—are a paragon of immaturity in hopes of “relating” with their constituency. Then, when we go to college and come back, we don’t fit in anywhere—not the youth group, and not the big church, and are referred to the meat market of singles ministries…
The Emergent Church is, in my opinion, a reactionary response of evangelical mosaics tired of a Church that doesn’t know what to do with them… tap the potential on the shoulder and mentor them would be a good start, pastors.
Anyway, what I would like to know is your view of 1 John 5:3 which states: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” If it is your primary message that following Christ is hard, but worth it, and yet here we read it isn’t hard, what is your response?
A REALLY good book to read on this would be Stanley Gundry’s “Five Views of Sanctification” which seeks to solve the problem from a theological standpoint as to why Christians don’t act like Christians. It outlines the Reformed view (downplays the struggling Christian by saying Romans 7, ala Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, is a non-saved person, and Romans 8 is the true Christian experience… if you aren’t experiencing Romans 8, you aren’t saved) the Pentecostal view (the filling of the Holy Spirit, typified by speaking in tongues above all else, is becoming sanctified) the Wesleyan view (Christians can become unsaved if committing willful sin) and the Keswick view (relying upon Christ to live through you, not just in you, is the only way to live the Christian life since its impossible for man to live without divine enablement. This view hold more weight than others, but when the rubber meets the road, clichés jare the only thing holding it up—it’s quite impractical and ambiguous). Well, frankly, all those views are ambiguous, as theology isn’t very empirically based aside from the Bible and people’s experiences.
Sanctification is one of those things many people either misunderstand or have varied opinions on… The three opposing viewpoints for sanctification are as follows: a moment by moment growth in grace (which the Baptists and Presbyterians and those with Reformed backgrounds believe), a crisis of commitment (which the Wesleyans and Methodists believe and those with Armenian backgrounds believe), and finally that all believers are already sanctified, being “saints.” (which you would get that reading a Scofield Bible). All three perspectives were taught by John Darby, John Wesley, and John Calvin, so they’re easy to remember (being 3 “John’s”): John Wesley taught critical sanctification, John Darby (of which 98% of the Scofield Bible is his theology) taught positional sanctification, and John Calvin taught progressive sanctification… all great stuff I wish I could give you oodles of things to read for further study, but Keswick, as I’m sure you’re well aware, is the combination of the three: we are all in Christ (that justifies us) and Christ is in us (that sanctifies us). There is a crisis in your walk with God where you realize your depravity in humility (“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?”) and THEN there’s a growth in grace by faith in what has already been done for you (“I thank God through Jesus Christ my Lord… for the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ has made me free from the law of sin and death…”)
Problem is, what happens when the Christian struggles and all they are told to do is “read the Bible, pray, and serve” when they’ve been doing that and more yet still there’s no fruit of righteousness, not relationship with Christ (just an intellectual knowledge), and a Church, as indicated above—blind and deaf to your plight and yearning to be nearer to God? Like you both say, “The ceiling is closer to where the floor should be” and in terms of sanctification, in terms of actually having a REAL relationship with Christ, depending on your theological viewpoint, is one of the hardest things I have ever come across at actualizing.
Take that, and apply it to obeying God (the fruit of sanctification, in my opinion) which 1 John 5:3 says is not burdensome, and you think “the only way I can obey God from a true heart that loves Him is if I’m changed: sanctified. Because in myself dwells no good thing, though I desire to obey in my heart of hearts. But it’s impossible to in my own strength.” What do you do if you aren’t sanctified HALF as much as you should be? Do you “hurry it up” through religious fervor and activity that (for me, after five years of trying) doesn’t do a thing, or resign to the inevitability of growth that is too painfully slow to make a difference in the world for the glory of God?
Thanks for hearing my rant.
-R
June 19th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Thank you, Alex and Brett, for all the work you have put into this. It has been a great help to me. I think you should post about books. I love to read, but I noticed recently that I read a lot of novels that are “fluffy” and don’t make me think. What books have influenced you? What are some hard books to read? What benefits do you reap from reading hard books? I would also like to echo Tiana N. about posting about “being not just modest but being feminine” for us young ladies in your audience. Also, I really enjoy books by C.S. Lewis and Elisabeth Elliot. I would enjoy a post about what you think of these authors and how others have influenced your lives and ambitions.
June 19th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I meant to put my two cents in a while go…..write something about politics! Certain social issues! How a teen should have an understanding of the certain things in government! How we as a nation were founded on Godly prinicples!
Can anyone tell I like politics? Though I am not wild about the choices this year now! =)
June 19th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Ditto on Siobhan’s request. I was just going to ask for the same thing! Book reviews would be awesome.
June 19th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
If y’all could post about guy/girl relationships, and whether it’s ever appropriate for a girl to initiate a relationship with a guy, that would help some of us (like me). :/
June 19th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
how about something related to “Christian cuss words”? I have heard and read about how words people use in place of profanity or misusing GOD’s name are inappropriate for Christians to say. I agree that as Christians we should hold to a higher standard than the world, but isn’t not saying “oh my gosh” a little extreme?
I hope that made sense! Thanks so much for your great Christian influence and encouragement! And be sure to let us know what we can pray for you about!!
June 19th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Dear Ryan,
Thanks for commenting. I’m not really sure I can answer what seems to be a lifelong question for you in a few minutes. Nor do I pretend to know more than you about on this topic. You are obviously well read in this area.
What I can do is answer your question about 1 John 5:3 — which says that God’s commands are not burdensome. You take this as a contradiction of our “do hard things” message.
I’d first say that you left out the second half of the verse. The rest of the sentence is, “for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” In other words, God’s commands are not burdensome because we have Christ dwelling in us. In my opinion 1 John 5:3 is essentially saying, “With God nothing is impossible.” This doesn’t mean that God’s commands are not hard, it means that (with Christ) they are not impossible.
God’s commands definitely aren’t burdensome/oppressive like the legalistic code the Jews were living under at the time. They aren’t commanded as our means of eternal life — which is a huge burden lifted — but instead as a joyful expression of our love and appreciation for being saved (i.e. “This is love for God: to obey his commands” (1 John 5:3) -NOT- “This is how we are saved: by obeying God’s commandments”).
I’m convinced that God’s commands can be hard — but not burdensome. They can be hard — but not oppressive. They can be hard — but we can joyfully do them through Christ. They can be hard — and God is glorified by the fact that it’s hard.
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthian 15:10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was in me.”
Here you see a beautiful paradox. Paul’s hard work didn’t get him any glory, and God’s grace didn’t make it easy. But both of them together brought Paul to the end of his life where he was able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
In regards to the main thrust of your comment I can definitely relate to the desire to “hurry up” the sanctification process. Two books that have been invaluable to me on this topic are “When I Don’t Desire God: How To Fight For Joy” by John Piper and “The Pursuit of Holiness” by Jerry Bridges. I can’t recommend any books more highly to someone with your questions.
In closing, I’d like to encourage you that there is a battle going on between our sinful nature (that is being put to death) and our new nature in Christ (that won’t be perfected until Christ returns). How is that encouraging? Well, because the fact that we feel this battle internally is proof that we’re alive! And we know who wins in the end. Don’t lose heart.
In Christ Alone,
Brett
June 19th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I loved your articles on modern-day chivalry!! I’m an Old Western Geek. If it’s John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, or Gene Autry, I’ve probably either seen it, heard of it, or will look it up when I get home!
What I mean to say is that gentlemen, like those movie-star cowboys, are practically the salt of the earth (well, second to Christians, that is)
To know that there are men who respect woman would make my life a lot nicer!!!
June 19th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
A little bit ago today an idea struck me. So far I’m just toying with it, but I thought I’d see if there was any possible interest. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I think it would be really neat if rebelutionaries got together to meet, fellowship, share ideas, etc. I know The Rebelution conferences do this to some extent, but what I’m somwhat thinking of, that would be more of the central purpose of this gathering. Does that make sense? Especially here in the Midwest since it seems to hold a majority of the rebelutionaries.
It’s still just a seedling of an idea, but I thought I’d see if there was any interest. Just an idea I wanted to voice and watch if it would whither away or take actually take root.
In Christ,
Amanda
June 19th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I REALLY appreciated the series you had on chivalry awhile back. I’d love it if you had another post about how guys and girls can relate to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.
June 19th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Hey Brett…. Was NOT seeking to be pedantic or condescending, or come across as well-read, but you read right through me… i guess it is a life-long question… all the more reason why this website is especially important to me.
I wasn’t aware that i was leaving out the second half of teh sentence. In my translation (NKJV, probably not your ESV) the punctuation is different… i’m looking into it though, but you bring up a great point! Sorry for being neglectful to the context.
I wanted to thank you for the reply. I will chew on it. And buy the books.
June 19th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Please do a series of posts on prayer. It is something that is neglected, yet desperately needed in our culture. We need prayer if we ever want to change the world - not to mention changing ourselves.
One of the disciples’ specific requests to Jesus Christ was, “Teach us to pray.” Likewise, praying and learning how to pray should be a priority for us.
Imagine how the world would change if teenagers like us started to really get ahold of God through prayer.
June 19th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
This is a problem I have had to endure in the past, and it’s not over yet. Girls are attracted to me. They will start conversations with me in the bookstore and stare me out the door, compliment my eyes and try to get a hug. How do I explain simply, clearly, and without room for argument, that I’m not that type of guy?
June 19th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Ryan: I was very interested in what you had to say! I am homeschooled and this year we studied Church History, so it was interesting to see your references to different denominations and what they believe.
I can really relate to what you said about the Church not really having a place for the teens, or twenty-somethings. My Church seems to be trying to find that balance, but at 15, I am finding it difficult to find where I fit in best. I am on the Youth Worship team at my church, and we are leading worship there on Sunday morning in a couple weeks. The kids are pretty excited about it, but again, the lead singer is 27 and it feels like the rest of us (all teenagers, 17, 15, 15, 15, 14, and 12) don’t really have any say in what we do.
And honestly, I hadn’t been able to put it into words before now, so thank you so much for bringing this up!!
June 19th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Daniel: as a girl, one suggestion I would have for you is, stay on topics that don’t even come close to that…talk about the books you’re looking for or something like that. Then, when you’re leaving, shake their hands. You may not be that kind of guy, normally, that shakes peoples hands but to me, when I guy reaches out to shake my hand, it says, “Hey I’ve got to go now, but it’s been nice talking to you.” And it also communicates that you’re not looking for compliments and you’re not one of the guys at Lifest last year with a “Free Hugs” shirt on!
June 19th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Many of the suggestions have been really great.
I am not sure if this has been already said, but I would really appreciate a post or posts on how to keep on track doing hard things and how to not get distracted.
Keep up the good work,
Rebecca
June 19th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
they should post about the lives of younger teens
June 19th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Hey guys…I recently found an audio recording of your book so I’ve been listening to it when I get ready for the day in the early morning, and it has seriously motivated me in a multitude of ways. So for that, I’m grateful. But anyways, that’s not what I wanted to say. My suggestion for a post topic would be how to reach out to unsaved teenagers who are not…well…who are struggling. For me, this is a hard thing, although it may be simple for you. Everywhere I look, I see the lives of teenagers who do not know Christ crumbling, teens who’ve been educated to believe in evolution and the idea that all religions lead to heaven. It’s my heartcry to see them come to Christ and see our generation rise up as righteous children of God, but whenever I’m given an opportunity, I feel lost. Yes, I’m praying and asking for guidance and boldness, but I’m having trouble when actually there, in the moment. And if I say something it is not well-received. Anyways, I was curious as to whether or not you guys had any opinions or personal experience that might be helpful. And I know you’re busy, so you know. We all are, I guess. Thanks, anyways. I’m really encouraged to know that God is raising up godly young men and women, as evidenced by this website. Keep going. Imagine when you’re 70 yrs. old, looking back…Ok, I’m a rambler, so I’ll quit. God bless you even further than He is now.
June 19th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
By “raising up godly young men and women,” I meant in places other than my church/school. Just wanted to clarify, sorry..
June 20th, 2008 at 1:03 am
Jacki (June 19th, 2008 at 6:51 pm):
Hey there! I wanted to throw out an encouragement to you since being homeschooled and only 15 (man, do I feel old) you have SO much potential! If you’re interested, I would direct you to read a few things:
1) Study the revivals and movements from the Early Church onward. A couple good guys to read would be J. Edwin Orr (I wish I could transfer some of my files of this for you on here!), who made such a subject his life passion before his passing, or Leonard Ravenhill, whose terse and convicting words should grip the heart of any contemporary Christian.
2) You will find that, in general, what happens is the Church being salt and light on some ways lost her savor and her gleam—though there always remained a remnant. A group of people—most of the time young people like yourself—would have an urge to pray for the Church and the world (Dr A. T. Pierson once said, “There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality that did not begin in united prayer.”), and God would with an outpouring declare Himself in the communities. A good example of a revival that affects only church members would be Jonathan Edwards’ and George Whitefield in the First Great Awakening (1730-1740), while the Second Great Awakening (1800) affected the unchurched. Historically, bars would close for lack of tenants, courts would close for lack of criminals, and police would be confined to crowd control since people would flock to the churches… it transcended denominations. A good example of both a revival and an awakening would be the Welsh Revival (1904-1905) which not only revived the church but awakened the unsaved communities of Wales. It worked its way around the globe (In India, China , Korea, Africa) culminating in 1907 at Azusa Street, Los Angeles where the Pentecostal movement was born (much different than its modern version). Not many people know about the Welsh Revival because World War I was soon after, and wars have a way of eclipsing history books. But we notice that, if paired with what was happening in the church (something history books leave out often) revivals explain how abolitionism and the temperance/Prohibition movements came to be, etc. J. Edwin Orr theorized that about every hundred years a new revival breaks out.
3) With the historical context of revivals, notice the rise of denominations soon afterward. With Wesley and the Holiness movement in the Second Great Awakening, you got Methodism. The Reformed represented by Presbyterians grew as a movement through that revival also, while Calvary Chapel grew out of the Jesus Movement of the 1960’s-70’s. When a generation (20 years or so) passes the pastors who used to be the young people at the beginning of these movements typically codify and make liturgies from how they believe God did a work through them. If one was dunked backwards in baptism, that becomes a hallmark of the denomination. If there is contemporary music instead of hymns, emphasis on a particular doctrine, etc. that would come to signify the denomination.
Forgetting of course that in revival, you never notice what you do, only what God does, denominations are the natural state of former revival movements when something fresh dies with a set of rules and regulations. The movement that was once defined by grace and freedom in Christ is now known for its distinctives and principles of ministry. The movement that was once known for what it stood for is now defined by what it’s against. (Remind you of the Church establishment in America today?)
This is not to say sound doctrine is absent from revival— real revivals always have: esteem for Christ, eternal perspective, expositional teaching, essential Christian doctrine, ego-effacing love versus excesses, errors, and extremes. The devil always takes notice and being the great counterfeiter he is, influences many counterfeit revivals and movements: Mary Baker Eddy to create Christian Science, Joseph Smith to establish Mormonism, and Charles Taze Russell the Jehovah’s Witnesses during this timeframe as well. Charles Finney is also of dubious character, being a “Pelagian”–this term refers to a man, Pelagias, who denied original sin or the doctrine that men are born with a sin nature, though let’s not go there now.
What inevitably happens is it gets so bad people start praying again, and God, in His timing, “rends the heavens, and steps down.” We see this in Brazil today, the Middle East, China, and elsewhere. We might again see it in Europe and the North American continent, but secularism has taken root so it’ll be difficult. But not impossible for God.
Anyway, just to give you a bird’s eye perspective on how the denominations came to be—God working in the ages revives and we seek to package it and it becomes dead. God never shares His glory with another, when we seek to explain how miracles happen by packaging it, then what was fresh and new dies and becomes a shell of its former self. This I think is natural—John the Baptist’s ministry gave way to Christ’s, the Pharisees were the progeny of the Maccabean revolt which saved the Hebrew Scripture from the desecration of Antiochus Epiphanies, and the book of Judges shows how God’s people go in cycles of being on fire for God, then relying on man, then becoming debauched, eventually becoming so debauched they are desperate for God again, and BOOM there He is.
Due to brevity’s sake I should stop. But in general, look at the movements of God and you will see what I’m talking about. (And he who proves himself in little will be given much, so be diligent in your band, but don’t let anyone despise you for your youth. In time, I’m sure that 27 year old will see the weapons with which you wage your warfare are not carnal.)
A note about the Rebelution though, since, let’s admit it—this is a movement, a revival in a sense also. If we see Alex and Brett as some gurus on a mountain top we lose sight of Who birthed this in the first place. The Harris brothers will even tell you—they can’t explain what happened. And that’s good. The moment we try to explain what happened we lose it, because the glory shifts from God to us.
See also: “They Found the Secret”, by V. Raymond Edman, which tells the stories of Amy Carmichael, Oswald Chambers, Dwight L. Moody, Andrew Murray, J. Hudson Taylor, John Bunyan, amongst others, and describes that moment (which hopefully all of us will find) that lies between Romans 7:24 and Romans 7:25 when we encounter Christ not merely as Savior and Lord, but as Life (Colossians 3:4; 1 John 5:11-12) and worked through them in their respective movements. ALSO “Church History in Plain Language” by Bruce L. Shelley is indispensable. GET IT.
Rant over.
June 20th, 2008 at 6:30 am
how can filipinos get their part of everything in the rebelution.and how can a kid like me get involved?
June 20th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Well, I’ve been reading your book, and it’s great. It’s really inspired me to do some service work and volunteer work but not just that. My church recently decided to give $30,000 away to people around my city Memphis,TN in order to show them that the church still cares. We wanted to give back to our city with displays of random acts of kindness. Everyone at our church from the age 12+ got an envelope ranging from $5 to $500, and our pastor told us all to give that money away to total strangers throughout the week in any way we liked. I got a $5 and paid for a woman’s coffee at Starbucks. She was absolutely ecstatic! I thought that it was only $5 and not a big deal, but her response really got me thinking about serving other people and even other countries. God has given me a heart to do missionary work, which is something that I wouldn’t even think of doing a year ago, but now I’d jump at the chance to do something for someone else. Anyway, I guess it would be really cool if you guys could post something about missions.
June 20th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Ok, I’ll admit that I didn’t read every comment, but I did read allot.
I love the idea of Biblical Rebelutionaries. Mary, Samuel, Jeremiah, Esther (she was a young woman, who knows if she was a teen at the time), Radshac, Meshack, and Abendigo, and any others you can think of.
Also, I love the idea of having stories of other modern day Rebelutionaries. Even through the forum you should be able to find tons! It is amazing what we are doing. From making movie, to writing stories, to starting bands, ect.
I would love to hear what Isaac and Sarah have to say about the Rebelution and how you guys have changed their lives. I want to know what it is like to be known as “Alex and Brett’s siblings” or “Joshua Harris’ siblings”. I feel like I know your family through the book, blog, and Josh’s books and I would love knowing more about them. (Those of you who don’t know who Isaac and Sarah are, they are Brett and Alex’s younger brother and sister.)
In Christ,
Olivia
June 20th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Alex and Brett,
Can you please post someone’s experience about how they got back up once they fell… Recently my fiance and I went way too far physically, and now we’re trying to save our relationship as well as stay pure. It is the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through, and it would be so encouraging to hear about someone who’s been there and been redeemed. Gone is all my self-righteousness, my scorn of others who’ve fallen and my pride. For the first time in her life this home-schooled, christian, courtship minded girl has realized her need to be forgiven. Has anybody else been here before?
Also, I would say amen to all those who posted about evangelism… it’s something that no one seems to do anymore.
Thank you,
Brittany
June 20th, 2008 at 8:50 am
I would like to hear your views and race and the church. From seeing your pictures , I believe that you guys or of Asian and European blood lines, does that have in bearing on your ministry. As an African Amercian young women that has friends all many differnet races we discuss race dealing with church, music and courting/dating. Over all I have not seen the church really tackle the issue of underlying racism in the church. Continue to be used of God.
In full faith,
Courtney
June 20th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I really like the ideas of both the Biblical Reblutionaries as well as the modern average teenagers.
June 20th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I would like to second what Hannah S. requested, please do some posts about prayer!
That is an awsome idea! It seems like that is a “hard” thing to do sometimes. Maybe the posts could deal with the different ways to pray, or something, for example: acclamation, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.
Thanks for reading this, if you do get to it; I know there are tons of comments!
June 20th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Ryan (June 20th, 2008 1:03am):
Wow!! Thanks for all that information. I’ll never be able to remember it all after one read, but thanks anyway. My two favorite books this year have been “From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya,” by Ruth A. Tucker and “The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History,” by A. Kenneth Curtis, J. Stephen Lang & Randy Peterson. I don’t always agree with what Tucker has to say, but all in all, they’re both great books!
And yeah, my parents tell me I have a lot of potential, and I know they’re right, I just feel too young. I’m interested in Graphic Design, but most of the places I have found, I have to have graduated from High School AND be 17, I think. Mom always says not to try to hurry life, because it will pass soon enough, but it seems to be taking forever!!!!
I guess I’m done ranting, too.
June 20th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Hey Guys!
I’m glad you asked…
How should Rebelutionaries get along with their parents (and other authorities)? What if there has been some abuse (or believed abuse) of power? How do you restore relationships that never existed, or haven’t been working for years???
Thanks!!
June 20th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Well, guys, Felicity is asking you to address relationships. I would like to have your input on relationships too, but in a different way. How do you resolve conflict between each other and your other siblings? I see you together on interviews, taking turns answering questions. How do you learn to “share” the power of those situations, not trying to take things into your own hands? How have you learned to consider each other as better then yourselves? Or, like 100% of the Christian-sibling-population, how is this a work in progress for you?
God bless you in Minneapolis!
June 20th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I would like to put in my vote for posts about prayer. The power of prayer. Praying, but then taking the time to listen for God’s answer. Healing prayer? Praying is way more than just begging God for help when you get backed into a corner in your life. Relationships with God through prayer. For some reason it is harder for me to stop and listen to God than it is to pray about everything I can think of. Maybe it’s because I feel more like I’m in control when I am the one doing the talking. Something I need to work on.
In a nutshell: What are your thoughts about prayer and it’s power in spiritual battles and the everyday Christian life?
June 21st, 2008 at 8:20 am
Yeah, Phoebe! (June 20th, 2008 8:24pm) My sister (two years my junior) and I really seem to have trouble getting along. It’s gotten a lot better over the years, but it’s still pretty thin ice. Also, we have a family who lost their father/husband in ‘06 and their oldest son (a year and a half my senior) REALLY don’t get along. How do you guys do it??? I’ve been praying about, and it has gotten better, but some days we can talk and hang out and get along, but then other days, we don’t talk at all.
June 21st, 2008 at 11:34 am
The matters today.
June 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am
I would love something about Biblical rebelutionaries–especially Daniel.
June 21st, 2008 at 3:24 pm
hey guys my name is olivia mccabe and i just went to the conference in minnesota and i thought it was GREAT!!!!!! one thing that really spoke to me was what your dad talked about ………….. being a lamb on the inside and a wolf on the outside. you guys could post stuff about that because i thought it was very interesting and so did many other people. but i want to thank you on helping me to see what i need to do and try to help change the expectations of our teens. you guys are a blessing from God!
June 21st, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Post about what God’s doing through the “rebelution” conferences that you’re holding. It’s always good to see & hear how He’s working.
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:37 am
I went to the conference in Minneapolis and I LOVED it!!! It really spoke to me. Anyway, I think you should write about doing hard things within your own family. ‘Cause some of the hardest things can be within your own family. God’s blessings on your ministry!!!
Thanks for all you guys do!!!
June 22nd, 2008 at 6:44 am
I think you guys should post about perseverance! Some times to accomplish hard things You have to give it as many tries as you need! Even though it might be easy to just give up Do hard things and follow through!
June 22nd, 2008 at 10:29 am
Do you have any posts on witnessing to your friends? I went to Summersalt this past week and this guys name was in my mind the whole week and I don’t really know how to reach out to him. Any ideas?
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:19 am
Hey,
I just had 2 ideas and i am sorry if I am reapeting someone else but I think that it would be awsome if you guys posted about priorities and how they effect our decisions in life. God says that you should put him first and love him so much that it makes it look like you hate every thing else. Also I think it would be interesting if you posted about Loving Somthing or Hating something. What I mean by this is that in the bible it says, (not in these exact words), that god is never “Luke-warm” about something. He either loves it or hates it. I think it would be good to learn how to think that way because then you could clearly see what is bad for you and gets you into trouble and what is good for you and keeps you focused on god. Personally it’s hard for me to think like that. I think it would also be fun to get your guys’ view on that.
Thanks for reading and god bless,
Micah
June 22nd, 2008 at 11:26 am
I have a response to beths question. I had the same problem at school with one of my friends. I think that it is easier to wittness to someone if you get to know them better and become good friends with them then it is easier to talk to them.
Good Luck Holly,
Micah
June 22nd, 2008 at 12:06 pm
you guys should talk about what its like to be on tour. all the people you guys get to meet and the wonderful things that happen. i just want to thank you guys for what you guys did in my life in minneapolis. you guys were the merical my life needed to turn around. im glad to see God working through you guys to reach others. it is amazing. thank you so much
Gad Bless,
Bobby
June 22nd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I think you should talk about your tour. Tell us how you keep your faith on tour and how you witness to God’s amazing and great love. The message that you guys are spreading has changed my life. I want to thank you for pulling me out of a minimal kind of rut.
Thanks for all your work.
God Bless us ALL!
Helen B.; Colorado
June 22nd, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I think we should talk about the Saturday Sabbath, and the mark of the beast.
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Y’all have done an awesome job on the website! I love to read all the great content you bring. I want to hear more help tips on doing hard things. Say a kid is trying to start a Non-Profit Organization how does he are she go about that?
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:16 am
I would like to see some suggested “bible studies” that teens could do as a group. I am a mom of 3 teens, 18, 15 and 13, and there is not currently a good bible study that they do with the kids that gets them into the word of God weekly. They have good topics that encourage the kids with specific areas and in fact the youth leader was interested in the Do Hard Things book and sharing that with the kids. I feel that maybe God is leading me to at least try and start a study with any of the kids that are interested in studying the bible and learning the content and how to apply it. I would be interested in bible study guides that would be relevant to teens and yet ones that are not shallow and have ridiculous questions, like “how does that make you feel when…..” or “do you ever experience sadness when someone lets you down….” - I really want my kids (and others) to be challenged to know the bible in its context and be able to understand and apply it to their lives!
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:04 am
I agree with Catherine Hayes and Allison. We should post about music and the stuff teens are doing this summer. Some people might actually be doing more than hanging out at the pool or waterpark. Alex and Brett, you should run the modesty survey again. Some of us didn’t get to throw our two cents in when you ran it the first time.
Let sombrero-clad unicyclists greatly abound!
The D-ster
June 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 am
FIrst I would like to say that I’ve have really been inspired by your book and the impact that you have on teens these days. It made me relize that GOD has purpose for everyone and when taken advantage of, you can see great things happening. But I want to know what you guys think about this: can a girl and a guy still be able to work together as a couple effectivley if called into different ministries? I’ve heard many people say no, and I’ve heard many people say yes. What’s your opinion?
Tell me what you think
GOd BLess
Caitlin
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:10 am
Not that ya’ll have unlimited time to address all of this, and realizing you’re “not endless fonts of wisdom” like you said, I’d be blessed to hear your opinions/advice/experiences with parents and relationships with them. Have you read the book “So Much More” about father-daughter relationships? How should adult children in the home relate to their parents and vise versa? How about adult children who have messed up? How can they best lay low and just obey and regain trust when they’re desiring to be treated like an adult under authority? How about kids who really don’t share their parents opinions on non-essential issues? Just be respectful and obedient until you move out someday?
etc.
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:21 am
Here’s another one:
What to do? I’ve given up the deliberate sins I’d been clinging to for a few years, and I’m really looking forward to changing, growing, proving to my parents and all the people who believe in me and the kids who look up to me that I can be better/different. However, I feel at a spiritual stand still. The moments of clarity or understanding or vision or joy seem so far apart, and I get so discouraged in between because I can’t see much change, and people around me even less. How can I “jump-start” change, or keep spiritually inspired and encouraged day after day through the upward struggle?
etc.
June 23rd, 2008 at 6:01 pm
I didn’t read through all 195 comments, so this may have already been asked:
It’s pretty obvious what big hard things ya’ll have accomplished. But how do you two deal with the small things in your own life. And, I know your life’s focus won’t be the Rebelution for the rest of your lives. So, what is God showing you with future hard things. If this is too personal…just ignore my rambling.
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Todd Bentley and the Lakeland Revival. Thousands of people are getting healed. Watch it on god.tv from 8 to 11 eastern time. Or watch clips on youtube.
June 23rd, 2008 at 7:11 pm
You should get guest posters. Start a team. Just take some of the posts from your associated blogs.
June 24th, 2008 at 6:49 am
I’ve been waiting a while for you guys to ask.
I have two main ideas:
1) I think there definitely should be more of an emphasis on family in the Rebelution, since the family is the main unit which brings about cultural change. I think if the teens just go out and try to change things by themselves without working with their families or at least being supported by them, the movement will die. So, it’d be cool if you guys wrote some posts on projects we can with our families, how to get along better with our families and the importance of families.
2) The concepts of the Rebelution seem to be filled out pretty completely, but I think a lot of us are lacking specific things that we should be trying hard to do. I know you don’t want to dictate what we all should do, but I think it would be very beneficial if you wrote some posts on different types of hard things we should do. Some could be ‘essentials’ (e.g. studying the Bible, praying, witnessing) and others could be just ideas (e.g. start a nursing home music ministry, take over teaching a younger sibling one of their school subjects). But I really think more guided direction for us all would be very helpful.
Keep up the great work, guys. I look forward to seeing you all again!
June 24th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
You guys talk a lot about doing hard things, loosening the binds that are around us and just taking a stand for Jesus. I work at McDonald’s in an environment that is anything less than Christian, and I want so badly to see my coworkers come to know Him as their personal Savior. I know for a fact that I have been running from Christ’s direction; but now that I’m trying to do hard things, I am left wondering what the best way to begin witnessing to them is. Some of my closer spiritual leaders tell me to do it slowly and in subtilty, but I wonder at the true benefits of doing it in such a way. I fear taking too much time. I am actually afraid that some of them don’t even know where I stand with God and about my salvation. Unfortunately, this would mean that I have tried too hard to fit in with their environment to become accepted by them. This truth I know to be fact anyway, whether they know where I am with Him or not.
The other problem is that there are so many things in my life that I feel obligated to ‘fix’ before trying to show other people how they should be living their lives. I don’t want them to judge me for something I am trying to show them not to do.
Yes, this is a hard thing for me. But I want to do hard things for God. Help me.
June 25th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I read a few of the comments and saw people wanting to hear about evangelism. Often it is not emphasized in churches and among Christians as much as it should be. I mean, that, and basically doing God’s will, are our main jobs as Christians, yet so many believers aren’t witnessing to anyone. True, many times it is just because of laziness, fear, etc., but sometimes the cause is ignorance. A portion of Christians today are simply confused.
THIS NEXT PART IS TO SARAH (about your comment on June 24, 2008 at 4:14 pm).
The first thing to do in any situation is to turn to GOD for direction. Pray and read the Bible before all else.
Concerning the second paragraph, you DON’T have to ‘fix’ the things in your life. No human is perfect. GOD knows we can’t do it, but He wants us to try. Ask GOD to forgive you and help you to live more of a life that would please Him. You will fail many, many times. We all do, but that doesn’t stop GOD from forgiving us for every single time. All we have to do is ask. So, after confessing your mistakes to GOD, I think it may be a good idea to apologize to your coworkers. Explain that you’re a Christian, and apologize for not being the best example of a Christian. That alone may impact them, but even if they laugh at you, don’t be discouraged. Jesus knew we would be made fun of for our faith at one time or another. After that, show them Jesus through your actions all the time. As long as you are trying to live what you want to tell them, you won’t be a hypocrite. When GOD opens up an opportunity to talk to them, take it. Always trust Him to provide you with words. The first step is always the hardest, so just go for it. I hope that helped, and I’ll be praying for you. Let me know if you have any questions.
June 25th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Thanks for the advice Micah! Did your friend ever become a Christian? This friend of mine is the kind of guy that thinks he is a christian because he goes to church on sunday. Then he comes to school the next day and brags about how he has been drunk and can blow smoke from his nose! It’s hard to get too close to him cuz its so much easier to pull someone down then to pull someone up. Please pray for me that God can use me to reach out to him.
June 26th, 2008 at 8:09 am
I’ve been a lurking reader of The Rebelution for a while now, and I’d firstly like to thank you (as well as the community) for bringing to life the simple but charged phrase, “Do Hard Things.”
Something that has been on my mind - and I would assume on the minds of other youth as well - is how to choose -which- hard things to do, how to find God’s voice directing you, specifically you, to endeavor particular hard things. How, for example, do you choose which direction to take regarding life vocation? The typical, irrefutable, and therefore safe advice usually given is to both read the Bible and pray. I understand that - it’s impossible to hear God speaking to you if your heart is closed to Him. I’m finding it difficult, though, to take steps towards preparing myself for a future when I don’t know what it is that I’ll be doing, as those directions are rather general. Or, in other words, I’d like to Do Hard Things but don’t know which ones to do. I remember the post on “hustle while you wait,” and while I think I have seen God working in my life as I’m learning responsibility, I don’t feel as if I am moving forward when it comes to entering a profession (even though I’m in college). I think that outside of learning daily responsibilities, I am waiting for something in life to happen and hoping that direction will come in some form.
My other question is somewhat related: how do you choose when to obey your parents and when to follow your passions regarding these decisions? For instance, my parents wish for me to become a doctor. I see how there is a lot of noble work to be done in that field, and it undeniably helps others because medicine can ease suffering. However, I have a passion for design and typography, and because these (rather than medicine) are my interests, I think that I should pursue them. I think that God gives us passions and interests for a reason, and that in some ways, we worship Him when we develop them because we are thanking Him for making us the way we are. So on one hand, I really want to honor my parents because they have loved me and done an excellent job providing me with educational opportunities that will prepare me for medicine. But on the other, it seems like a sort of lie to become something I am not, and unfair to unhappily take the place of someone else who wants with all her heart to practice medicine. Is this wrong?
In any case, thank you for Doing Hard Things. It has been a great encouragement and spurred me on to to embrace the joy of Hard Things. Grace and peace.
June 26th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
This isn’t exactly a suggestion for a post, but I seriously think that you guys should put out some Rebelution wristbands…Hayden
June 27th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
I love what Rachel said about doing hard things as a youth group. Our youth group at our church is going through some major transformation, and I’d love to hear some of your ideas about how we as youth groups can do hard things together.
June 28th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Hey guys, Maybe someone already suggested this, but I didn’t have time to look at all the comments… Perhaps you could do some more posts about men and women throughout history who, as young people, glorified God by doing hard things. I know you have many stories in your book about some of these, but perhaps the posts could just be a further source of encourage and inspiration in the style of mini bios?
And as a PS, I’d like to say THANKS so much for your book, guys! I’ve been reading it over the last couple of weeks, taking time to think and chew over the contents as I go. Such a blessing! Such an encouraging, challenging, much needed message. I’m praying for many opportunities to share it with the young (and older!) people I know, from Church, uni, wherever. Three cheers for the Harris boys - I’m so glad you guys did it
June 29th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I second everyday evangelism and finding a Holy Ambition! I also love Bible Rebelutionationaries and dead people interviews!
What of writing posts about when we as Christians struggle with things we find in the Bible? Like the story of Achan and his family, and reconciling predestined redemption with free will? Sometimes, when I struggle with such thoughts turning about in my head, it is a HARD THING to “calm and quiet my soul” (psalms 131). We can always use encouragement from fellow believers.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Hey, I think that’s a great question. I agree that it would be really cool if you did stuff on women’s role in chivalry, modesty for guys, and your views of music based on the Bible. I think that would be really encouraging and topics that I’ve wondered about.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Brothers, I have to concur with Amethyst regarding “hearing” more about your own personal struggles, temptations, failings and triumphs, and how God is working within your lives and the lessons you are learning. Not only would it be a good example for other teens to follow, it sets the pace for others to emulate. Young adults need peer role models (as well as their parents) and heroes in the faith.
Another idea I had was for you all to express what ministries (specialized or other) you two were thinking towards. While I would never suggest going into politics, you two HAVE had previous experience in the political arena. As far as ministry goes, you two have excellent leadership and speaking abilities and skills which God has given you.
I guess I am interested in what you think the future holds for you, Brett and Alex. And/or, give us your blog audience some direction in how to better pray for you as you enter your first outside-the-house education setting.
Godspeed,
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:28 pm
I think you should post about Team Hyot and use the amazing love Mr.Hoyt has for his son Rick as an example of the strong bond we can have with the Lord when we don’t quench the Holy Spirit and desire His way.
http://www.teamhoyt.com/
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513
Olivia
July 3rd, 2008 at 10:38 am
Friends, I was talking to my mother one afternoon, and she said “I feel like I am wasting time. Like there is something I should be doing, but I can’t think of anything.” That gave me this most interesting thought. Can we really wast time? So I said “I don’t believe in wasting time.” Momma looked at me as if I was crazy. “Well you have to wast time in order to redeem time.” She replied.
“Yes but if everything works together to the glory of the Lord for them that Love Him. Than none of your time can be wasted.” I thought I had just won a little spat, but then it got me thinking. You only have so much time for the Lord, so why not waste as much of it as you possibly can for Him. Why not waste time for God.
I don’t know if this would be something you would want to post about but I thought it was cool.
So lets go and waste time for the Lord.
your friend in Christ
MacKenzie
July 4th, 2008 at 11:45 am
I’m sorry if this comes across as rude (I am not trying to be rude at all), MacKenzie, but I definitely would NOT say “waste time for the Lord.” You have a great point, but it’s not wasting time in the least bit when we use it for Him. I know you probably didn’t intend it to sound like that, but you should probably word it differently. Sorry again if this sounds judgemental or mean.
July 8th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
You’re right, Brittany. The ‘world’ would see it as wasted…but God sure doesn’t. However, MacKenzie, I also think that that’s a great idea!! So, “I guess it all depends on your point of view” as 33 Miles puts it.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Hey Guys,
I am really glad that The Rebelution exists. Thank you for how youv’e changed my life! You guys have inspired and changed me. I would like if you could post something about brother and sister relationships because that is something my brother and i struggle with.
Thank you,
Emmuna
July 11th, 2008 at 6:06 am
I just saw your website for the first time today after reading about it in the devotion I am reading (Completely Irresistible by Shannon Ethridge). I am really encouraged by reading about Hoops of Hope. Maybe you always do this, but I would love to read more stories about young people making an impact. It’s encouraging. We don’t have to be rich or well connected to make a big impact.
July 12th, 2008 at 6:20 am
I don’t know if it’s too late for suggestions…
but i would love to hear more about glorifying and following God when you don’t hear his voice or feel his presence - basically waiting on Him. This isn’t something that’s talked about a lot, and often it’s assumed that ‘mature believers’ shouldn’t go through periods of silence, like it’s a result of sin or lack of faith. I know you’ve already addressed how to find “hard things”…but what about growing closer to God even when we can’t seem to find Him?
July 12th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I am trying to find past blogs updating us on what the process was like in writing the book. If you don’t have any blogs on it, I’d like to know more about that. You spoke a little about it in your NPR interview and I am very intrigued. I found your blog titled, “We’re Writing A Book” very interesting also.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
i think that you guys should post a daily or maybe just weekly comment on a strong secular idea in the news such as politics or Hollywood or something and put your christian views and bible versus that correspond with that. I also think you should find some good connections to organizations and have their links and how to get involved for people ready to do hard things. Another idea, you guys could do a weekly bible study, have a certain passage to read and have comments on what God taught in that passage. You should also post what those organizations have been doing lately, with motivational stories on doing hard things. I appreciate everything you guys do, keep sharing God’s love
July 13th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Hey guys!
One question that I have always thought about was concerning the netowrking websites myspace and facebook. What are your thoughts concerning the use of these websites? Do they relate to “doing hard things” or are they a mere “time waster” or “conforming to the world”? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Emily
July 14th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Hey, I’m sure you need another post and more comments. And this was probably already suggested (no way did I read all those!!!, but I read several). I was just thinking I’d want particular ideas (I’m not very creative) of small hard things someone as normal as me could do. And I’d also like to read more about relationships - making friends, losing them, going with the flow, clicks, etc. but then also dating relationships and whatnot. My last idea is about self-esteem. What to do when you start to lose it (or get too full of yourself) or how to keep a healthy self-esteem level.
Hey Emily, I read what you wrote and I think that it depends on your motives. It’s definately okay to just e-mail people or be on facebook for fun, but what if you looked at the bigger picture and thought about what you can do on facebook for God? My sister used to have a Xanga site (similar to facebook/myspace) and she commented on friends’ posts and put pictures up, but she also wrote about things she was struggling with or a verse in the Bible that really struck her for some reason. Or a few of my friends were sending Bible verses to me and some of their friends on e-mail and it was really encouraging. Anyways, that’s my opinion. I hope it helps.
Thanks so much, Alex and Brett, for the Rebelution!! It’s so encouraging!!
Laura
July 14th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Hey! I just discovered in this site through the Decision magazine and my awesome auntie and this is so great! I love this! I’m so encouraged and excited about reading everything on here! haha And it’s just so awesome to know that I’m not alone in wanting to be set apart from this culture and not let the worldly, godless influences of this self-centered culture engage me any longer but let Christ in me engage my generation with the Truth He is- to the glory and praise of God!
I’m standing out today
in the freezing rain
I want to get wet
Splash Your cup of reality
all over, all over me
Wake me up, Father
so I can see,
so I can feel
so I can breathe
so my heart will beat,
really beat,
I’m dyin’ in this heat,
this stagnant air
of compromise and unbelief
this lukewarm atmosphere
thriving in earthly cares and fears
I’m so sick and tired of this
O God, forgive me I’m so agitated,
so frustrated, so moved in anger
there’s so much sin
this culture pulls and prods-
this culture is dead, dead within
Where is the Father’s love?
Have we no compassion?
so many are sick and lying
on stretchers waiting for answers
the old, the young are crying
my heart is starting to canter
gallop away, gallop away
take me far away from this place
I can’t stand this anymore,
all these people- not knowing why
or why they’re living for
this meaningless wealth deludes
this emptiness even in food
I don’t know how or what to do
but all I know, Father, is I’m looking to You
You are wisdom, You are hope
and You are all I want to know
Fill my heart- the devil, you flee!
Father, splash Your cup of reality
Living water make me feel
in this world of illusions, Your Word is real
Open up my eyes to all the unseen
break my haert and pick me apart
make me new, to live in light of eternity
this culture ensnares, this culture enslaves,
Father, please bless me with- a holy rage
holy discontentment that souls are walkin’
in imprisonment- living in cages, living by phases
this culture is wagin’ a war in my soul
so many walking into hell, at a leisurely stroll
Well, I’m not going to waste this life on me
Lord, prune me from the ambition, the pride, and the greed
Please give the courage, please, to march into darkness
with Your fire blazing- take the lead
planting Your Word- in hearts- Your seed
Your presence consuming me,
this fire in my bones
this fire in my bones
all creation is moaning, the rocks groan
Where are God’s people? sons and daughters areise
today’s the day of salvation, it’s harvest time
the field is ready, and God’s callin’ out loud
O Father forgive us, we’ve looked back at the plough,
our hearts are divided, are we even saved?
the fruit of our lives isn’t there
our way is wide- our hearts depraved
we’re enslaved! we’re enslaved to the cares and ways of men
oh I hate the praises, the hypocrisy- here we go again
there’s a way that seems right to men, but is not
it leads to death, destruction, and a great many, a great lot
will go in this way, multitudes astray
they forget, they forgot- Christ and the cross
Oh Father, this pride of life, this lust of eyes, this lust of flesh
O God, I cannot tolerate it.
I hate this sin that entanges my steps
all would be hopeless but for Your righteousness
Oh, I hunger and thirst, my soul, despair not
Jesus is truth- He is all I got
He is all I want, He is all I need,
world, I’m not your friend, don’t look to me.
Christ is my Friend, He is my Master,
He is my Love, we’ll live happily ever after
I must die that He live in me
I wish God-hating, corrupt, vile hearts
so wicked indeed, would rest at the Father,
repent and believe!
mourn over their sin, oh church- weep, weep!
how beautiful are the feet that go out and preach
and reach out to the starved, and the stolen, and the satanists
and reach out to the marred, and the scarred, and the antagonists
all the hungry and the homeless
and the ignorant and the fools
the prostitues and the millionaires, the abused, the abused
Sinners turn to Jesus!
winners you have lost
Oh Father, I’m a wreck
I’m a ruin- I am not
these material things are choking out joy
these diamond rings, these trinkets and toys
I want You God, You alone
I want to be with You, I want to go home
I don’t belong here, Holy Spirit I praise You
I thank You that You roam with me
in this wilderness, whem I’m misunderstood
and so incredibly confused
people work to eat and to eat to live
they live to die, and then, is that it?
oh how I wish that after death
there’s nothing more
just a heaven, just reincarnation
something other than
the divine horror
hell
I know is so real, so close, Judgment Day
Oh Father I don’t know what to sing, what to say
Your Law will silence lips-
no one will be able to justify themselves
my heart is torn, I ring the alarm bell,
I grip Your hand, ever so tightly
Show me Your love, Father, that i may walk uprightly
and love Your commands,
and meet Your demands,
empowered by Your Spirit, in Your I can stand
in You the sky is blue
my hope isn’t in this world
You are forever, in You I can face the hurls,
the insults, the temptation,
oh all is but loss- everything is fading
Your voice is resonating
burn away the dross
Your Words shake me,
I tremble in fear,
Your love is so great,
we have no idea,
we’re so blind to our own sinful state
I hate how the world is so desentizied,
to sin, to evil, to the dark, bleak, lies
They know no shame, no guilt anymore,
their consciences are seared,
wrath follows them in the long corridor,
gnashing of teeth, and wailing- it’s just as I feared
oh all these crowds with no shepherd,
no one to steer them into truth, into peace, into love-
the only solution must come from above
Keep me heavenly minded-, God
Keep me in You
my heart’s constantly wandering
singing rhythm and blues
discipline me, make me like Your Son,
that I would live in harmony, with You, as one
Show me compassion- I knowest it not
only from Your example, with Your blood Iw as bought,
oh Father, forgive me- I forgot.
I’ve judged, I’ve been so thankless and proud,
Forgive me Lord for denying Your voice, and not
denying myself
forgive me for being silent as if I agree,
with everything and anything- all the sing around me,
forgive me for being bitter and cold
oh Lord for harbouring sin and for not doing as I was told,
for walking in rebellion and flaunting disobedience
for not being bold and for not submitting to Your call,
the sin of ommission
Thank You for Your grace,
O God, for Your mercy!
You’re so refreshing in this world of cursing
I leave my old life, the old way behind
You are my vision, my source, my guide
I love Your and so I’m steppin’ over the line.
Self die away, Jesus, abide in me EVERYDAY!!!!
I cannot live without you,
Living Water, I’m Your daughter
Please may my life be
a living sacrifice, whollily for Your glory
all for You, Father, all for Christ- all for Him
He is so worthy, forsake all
and embrace the grim,
the naked, the scik and what the world regards as disgusting
the rejected and the lonely
the weak and the hard-hearted
the starving and the dumb-
oh how are we so numb, to HIS touch???
when we will we ever, ever WAKE UP???
Wake up you sinners,
stop in striving in good works,
you’re not good at all,
you won’t believe how worse
how filthy, how needy- you are
Jesus is knocking, and telling you to depart
depart from evil in the fear of the Lord
stop fighting Your Saviour, surrender your swords
surrender in the love, the love of His arms
He holds out His hands,
while you cause your own harm
sticking out your tongue in His face
O He is so holy, He is not tame
Seek Him while He is near,
call on Him while He may be found,
what is your life?
peer into wisdom, look around
decay and pollution, you are mist
God’s creation- in His hands
why do you make your own short-sighed plans?
you fail to see that God is and always will be
FLEE FROM THE LUSTS OF YOU!!!
AND CAST YOURSELF- YOUR ENTIRE BEING
INTO HIS LOVE!!!!!
Jesus is the only way!!
the only name given under heaven by which
men are saved.
Wake me up, God, I am dry
enlighten my senses to walk by your side,
O grief is heavy- sorrow, tomorrow instead?
Mourning in the morning wasn’t my intentions
God Your plans, not mine, I hide in Your wings
all I am is Yours, You are mine.
Thank You. for eternal life.
Blogs about the importance of living life in light of eternity and sharing one’s faith, preaching the gospel- and particularly about hell would be awesome. Jesus talked more about hell than He did about heaven and everyday it’s said roughly around 150,000 people die. A guy from my school just died last week and every second it’s said two people die. I think it’s so important to be actively sharing the gospel with every person possible- because God loves every person and if they die in their sins they rightfully and justly go to hell- and God showed through Jesus that this is not His will…He’s not willing that any should perish but that all should have eternal life.. Thanks again for this site- so cool!!! When God reminds me I’ll be in prayer for this and I really wanna read that book now- “Do Hard Things for God”.
July 15th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I think that you should post people’s personal stories about witnessing.
July 16th, 2008 at 4:14 am
I don’t know how many of your readers are what I term “ferocious” readers but, I LOVE TO READ (currently, to “catch up on the times”, I am reading the 6 books mentioned at the beginning of “Do Hard Things” and learning A LOT!)…I digress…I would like to see a blog or section which tells us what book(s) you both are reading (besides the Bible). I value your opinion and recommendations (and, yes, I’ve already read “Do Hard Things” three times! and have yellow highlighted a LOT of it!).
July 16th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I have a few ideas-I’m not promising they’ll be very good
I think that you should post ideas on how to get big hard thing started. They’re thing that I would like out help with, I just don’t know where to start.
Also, seeing moe about small hard things would help
July 16th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Hi Alex and Brett,
I would appreciate if you posted more about music and the way it can affect our life.
Thank You.
December 25th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
here is just an idea
how about posting something like the next step, how to turn those low expectations into high ones, and and how to reach those expectations.