Sons and Daughters

Do we not live in a world of brutality and hate?

Are we not the sons and daughters of divorce and murder?

This generation - we're expected to face the world with open arms.

We're expected to believe something we can't see, a God that is thrown around and pushed in our faces. And you expect us to believe it all? When we came into this world, exposed to broken hearts, exposed to alcohol, drug and sexual abuse, exposed to foolish celebrities having affairs with people they half-heartedly cared for - and you expect us to believe it all.

We need proof, because we're the generation of broken promises.

The bible. A book we're given, and we're told it holds all the secrets of the world and life and love and this God people talk about.

If a director doesn't answer questions about the movie his made - wouldn't you doubt the fact that he truly did make it?

We pray, and we got told if we keep praying God's listening - even if it doesn't seem like it.

People tell us to not focus on feelings when it comes to God - your spirit will connect to Him.

But what happens when feelings are our proof? The director answering questions about his movie is all the proof we need. What happens when we pray and we don't feel a thing?

And we're simply told to just believe it, because it exists.

So here's the thing; I live in this exposed, medicated generation, and I believe in God.

Because I have seen. When you're standing in a church, and you watched people being filled with the Holy Spirit - it's hard not to fall for this power that exists. You watch these people fall over, shake, cry - and you wonder why you doubt any supernatural existence? If this is all possible through God - then how is it that He is impossible?

A friend of mine went through a really difficult time. He was depressed. Everything about his character seemed to change. He left God behind. He was like this for a long time, his closest friends watched him change, feeling helpless. How could they possibly prove that God was there waiting for him to come back to into His arms?

In an attempt for some kind of hope, he came on a youth camp. There was one night in particular - the music started playing, arms raised everywhere praising God, people cried.

He sat on the floor, tears swelled up in his eyes. With his head down, he sobbed. A group of his closest friends came around him, praying words of redemption and salvation over him. We cried too. My hand held his shaking hand as I cried. I felt his pain and his heart-break. My heart broke with his. The music was turned up, Gods' presence was inevitable.

He looked up, glassy-eyed, and smiled.

I've never seen anyone change so dramatically, so quickly.

It was like God was in his eyes.

If you had seen this moment, this moment of salvation, this moment of pain and happiness in one, you couldn't possibly doubt the existence of this mighty God.

Even though we need proof, you just need to open your heart.

Your life will change forever, and you'll receive more proof than you could ever need.

WHY DO I INSIST ON BELIEVING THIS!?

I don't want to be told that this is all a waste.

Atmosphere

What is the most incredible atmosphere you've been in?

Not just a sight you've seen, a place you've been; but the whole atmosphere, every piece of matter surrounding you.

A place where everything seems to float. A place where you seem to touch heaven, where God sits and smiles at you.

Think of the person that your eyes light up too every time you see them.

Think of how important they are to you; think of how much you love them.

Now imagine this...

Imagine Gods' eyes lighting up, every morning you wake up.

His eyes light up knowing that you're going to live another day for Him, knowing that you'll preach His word, change people's lives - just as He changed yours.

Now think back to where that incredible atmosphere was, and wonder what it would be like to be in that atmosphere, with God's eyes lighting up when He sees you. His warm smile comforting every move you make? Calming every nerve and taking away every doubt you've ever had.

Imagine Him standing right by your side.

You wouldn't need that other amazing atmosphere, would you?

Gods' eyes light up every morning you open your eyes, knowing that you will go out and fulfill His will, become closer to Him, learn more about Him and praise Him.

You wouldn't need all the colours, the emotions, the people and the sounds that all linked in to create this atmosphere.

And to know that He never leaves your side,

Love, what are you frowning for?

The most incredible atmosphere is right there.

I have this idea that if I stare at this page, words will flow, ideas will blossom.

But my words have never been so detached; my ideas have never seemed so flawed.

Weren't you scared?

Drown your sorrows in that bottle of wine

Cascading in a line

From your hand to your mouth

One at a time

I know it's painful

But you're staring me down

You couldn't change that frown

If someone paid you too

Cos' you know I'm over you

And time, is standing on our heads and

Wondering why

Our minds are full and hearts misled

Truth lies

In the fact the dreams are almost dead

Scared, your throwing your mood around

Like it's food

I dont care if your everyones second best

Just give it a rest

Stop trying to impress

And time, is standing on our heads and

Wondering why

Our minds are full and hearts misled

Truth lies

In the fact that the dreams are almost dead

Thrown off by your apathy

It's true your through, I know it's me

Your a stranger to the love

That was always there

I'm alone in my defeat

And you're never near

Love, werent you scared?

To justify.

What if mankind created God?

What if we all just needed an excuse, a justification. So we create this one idea that would rescue us from all our guilt - something that would save us from ourselves.

We all sin, we're liars. It's the human condition. We're constantly thinking of ways in which to improve our appearance, our character and eventually our status in society.

Is it that Gods grace is thrown from your path? All you see is a ticket into heaven.

Where's your relationship?

"I did something terrible, but it's okay, God forgave me - it basically didn't even happen."

So what now? You've been forgiven, you've been shown God's grace - but let me guess, you're going to go and do the same terrible thing tomorrow, its habit.

Maybe mankind didn't create God, but maybe the idea of Him and His will is excluded from your thoughts, when you use Him as your justification. Maybe things aren't going your way - is Jesus going to be your bandage to cover your wound? One that stops the bleeding, but eventually is taken off. It's only temporary.

Is God your justification? Is he your bandage?

God isn't temporary.

He can't simply be used and thrown away. It's a relationship, a lifetime, an eternity.

He doesn't only hold your hand when you're bleeding.

He carries you, even when all your wounds are gone.

The Stand

My story is about losing the will to get up in the morning. It’s about losing that will, and getting it back again. It’s about fighting. It’s about fighting with all your weapons and armour, when you have none left. You seem to be writing the end to your story but let me tell you, it’s not over yet. Trust me with everything I say, I’ve lived it. You say you don’t take anything for granted? Well let me tell you right now, everyone takes what they have for granted, even I do. For a start, if you’ve never experienced what its like to have what you don’t have, then how can you truly appreciate it?

The saying rings true – you don’t know what you got til’ it’s gone. I learnt that the hard way. Don’t feel sorry for me though, I assure you I learnt from it, more than you can imagine. 

Now it’s your turn.

My words may not mean anything to you. You may disagree with me. All I ask is that you give me a chance. Open your heart and take in the words made for inspiring, and disregard those made for breaking.

Words will knock you down, but they’ll also pick you up again.  You have the power to change; you just don’t believe that when you hear it. Welcome to life, it will pull you down to your lowest level, but getting back up again will be the greatest thing you ever do. Your words are so powerful, just like mine are right now. I have the opportunity to influence your thinking for just a short moment, and to me that’s power enough.

You have the same power.

I’m suffering and I'm broken. I feel utterly alone. It’s almost weird that I’m so open about this; most people would prefer to keep it personal. I find this way I don’t have to pretend so much, and it allows others to understand me, rather than judge. I find that when people know, they don't have to assume so much, or jump to conclusions.

Let me tell you something, this prejudice society isn’t going to get any better, we all worship ourselves and we worship our appearance. 

We’re all following the wrong idea. We all have to stop trying to change the inevitable; let it go, it’s what this world has become. I myself am always trying to change things. Trying to change views and values. Faith is my number one priority, however it seems to be the worlds’ last. I argue with this place we live in everyday because it will challenge your beliefs and challenge the way you think.

Go on, prove them all wrong.