Light On, Light Off... Life On, Life Off

Often times when composing these blogs, I have my own two cents to throw in the mix, it's what I do, I love to write. But then there are times when I know something is perfect, just the way it is. Last week, Justin had a rough week, he battled negativity from peers, his best friend and spiritual rock, Jimmy (from last months blog "Justin the Baptist"), was getting ready to graduate from Teen Challenge (which meant he was going home) and Justin was also feeling that gifts he wanted to offer were under utilized and ignored... But instead of dwelling on the negative, he sought God, he got down in the trenches and grabbed a hold of Truth. When we are tried by fire, we are found what we are made of; to me, the following exemplums Justin wrote while in the trenches show that the God in him is gold. That seems to be a recurring theme in these young men of God- after e-mailing these to Jimmy (who just graduated from Teen Challenge this past Friday) I asked if he would like to write something alongside Justin this month; what he echoed back and expounded upon I found to be the same shade- gold... 

Sit back and soak in the Son that these men of God have poring out of them like rivers of living waters...

The Waves of God 

By: Justin Justice Bee

The Lord often has given me revelations on who He is and how to adhere to His will by looking upon the sea. In this particular vision, I see myself as a surfer and God is the ocean and the waves are like challenges of life- they will surely come- sometimes small- other times, massive. When they come though, I will ride them with consistence and with no fear because I know that no matter what wave I am on, the base of the power comes from something deeper than the small force that the waves hold. No single wave lasts forever- I will surely ride it out- occasionally I will fall, but I will emerge- resurface- and paddle out to catch the next. It may be smaller, easier, with less meaning, or bigger, longer... I will not forget and will grow through experience and overcome, being victorious. I pray that all the waves I ride, whether big, small, good, or hard, I will see God has the greater power and even control- on the wake of His sea.

Life On, Life Off

By: Justin Justice Bee

When we wake up, usually the first thing to come to mind are the events going on that day- whether it be paperwork, blue print layout, or activities planned for the family. Whatever it is, there are probably a thousand different combinations that would achieve the goal. But no matter what we do or how we do it, the only thing that can truly fulfill our desire for success is our attention and devotion to the Lord. We must be focused on Him first. We must submit to Him. I mean, think about it, if you want what you do and how you live to be guided by God, then you have to put Him first. You can't wake up and go after something, then halfway through say, "Lord, you lead the way!" That doesn't make much sense. So many people in this country wake up and ask themselves questions, give themselves ideas and all they can think about is their job, their coworkers, their friends, their wives etc... and in doing so, they are putting all of these minor things as more important than what is most important. Letting the exact things they need guidance in lead the way for their decisions. In turn, they expect help from the very things they need help with! Hello, that won't work! Think of the Lord as a light switch to life- no

matter where you go, what you do or who you are, you always have access to that switch. Some people may love what they do at work, love themselves, love their money... but without God, their life will lack in value- sometimes more than others. The switch to Life contains the Light of God! Without it on, there is no light. Abundance will not come from things you possess or the friends you have when they dwell in the dark and are rarely seen when you flip that switch. So when you wake up, regardless of what is going on with your life, make the first switch you flip, the switch that connects that direct line from God to you. Sometimes you may find you have unwillingly, unknowingly, or even unconsciously turned that switch off but remember this: anywhere, anytime, you have authorized authority to receive more from what you have or do. Not shown in itemized proof, but revealed with love, joy and peace! Lead by the

Almighty Presence of Life, not misguided by things useless in the realm of eternity. You will be blessed by morals, teachings and life defining experiences that can change and renew any part of your family's life for the good of the Kingdom and the will of our Father. So there you have it, Life On or Life Off! Your choice.

Keep Your Armor

By: James (Jimmy) Victor Alexander III

As I walk as a soldier and new creation of Jesus Christ in this fallen world, I have come to the realization of this one thing: Where there is absence of light, darkness prevails. True Life is light, and light is God. Recently I've overheard many people say that "Christianity is a private matter, and doesn't need to spoke about in certain environments". My question is, has Jesus changed? It is by His command to be courageous. It is by His Spirit the depths of my soul overflows His Word. And it is by light, that darkness will flee!!! Have you ever woke up at night to do something and turned on a light so you could see? Of course! If not you could not see in the dark, and may have hurt yourself trying to walk without a light. We need to let our lamps shine boldly and direct our paths. We are in a battle that has already been won, but we need to stand firm from the enemy. Do not let the world of lies take away our belt of truth. Let no bullet

of sin penetrate through our breastplate of righteousness. Keep your shoes of the gospel on, do not let the hands of fear untie them! Block the arrows of doubt, lift up the shield of faith. Do not let the punches of life knock off the helmet of salvation. And lastly, never drop the sword of the Spirit for heedless hedonism. We are a warrior for the Kingdom, a voice for the voiceless, and a light in a dark evil world-- which is Christ in us. There is already victory in the Blood! Light on, or light off. Your choice!

Leah's graduation present to Jimmy
the statue of Michael the Archangel
defeating the devil- outside of the
Cincinnati Teen
Challenge 

Jimmy and Justin, these Carpenter's sons, are special hand crafted pieces by the Master Carpenter Himself, watching them take shape is one of the greatest things I have had the honor to witness. I hope you have been strengthened and encouraged as much as I have been sitting back this month, letting the fellas take the show!

As always, remember that Jesus is that beautiful Light that expels all darkness! 

Until next time! ~Matt, Leah, Michelle, Justin and Jimmy

Jimmy's Graduation from Teen Challenge

Franky's Graduation from Teen Challenge

Wayne's Graduation from Teen Challenge

Bethany's Graduation from Teen Challenge's Women's home

 

Sunday Cooking at Teen Challenge

Jimmy and his beautiful sister Amanda at his graduation

The above photo was taken of Justin with the painting "Calvary" by Stephen Sawyer, www.art4god.com it has literally save Justin's life- and countless others' I'm sure.

Steve posted this on his Facebook page along with the following:

A YOUNG MAN NEEDING SPONSORS

"Justin is a 24 year old guy, who has been secretly battling a severe heroin addiction for the past 5 years.

After accepting Christ in Nov. ’13 he saw the painting "Calvary" posted on a friend’s blog. He was overwhelmed with emotion, he couldn't stop staring at it and felt the Lord speak to him saying, “It’s time”.
He sat his friends down, opening up to them about his past. They got him "Calvary" for Christmas and it has become one of his most prized possessions. As a result of that chance glance, he has entered the Teen Challenge program- in his own words- he wants to come out, “looking like Jesus, acting like Jesus and talking like Jesus.”
This painting has literally saved Justin’s life; you can see with the huge smile on his face he is doing amazing! Justin is in desperate need of sponsors to help finance his stay in what they call the “Jesus Factory”.
If you are interested, you can send a donation in the name of Justin Bee to: Teen Challenge Cincinnati, P.O. Box 249, Milford, OH 45150 or for more information e-mail Masfaith3@aol.com "
Thank all of you for reading this and considering helping someone.
They contacted me, thanked me for my work, and hoped for some assistance in a very difficult and brave recovery. The photo and comments in quotations are from them.

Stephen