Being Second

Being second is a very hard concept. Letting somebody else take the first spot, the better things.  It's not something that's easy to do! 

The theme of the Momentum youth conference this year was I am Second. All of the main speakers based their sessions around John 3:30. 

John 3:30 He must become greater; I must become less. 

The greatest witness that we can be is to live like Christ. 

Sometimes we need to just be humble and let someone else have the spotlight, or go ahead of us. 

Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. 

http://theberry.com/2013/06/19/a-couple-of-quotes-18-photos-3/

But being humble doesn't mean that you belittle you talents or the gifts God has given you to serve him, instead it's just changing your focus. Instead of focusing on yourself and what you can do, it's helping others to use their talents and take leadership. 

Be like Jesus. 

~Moriah

Joy

John 15:10-13 

'I have told you this so my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.' Vs. 11

Jesus tells us that he is our joy. That means happy forever, right? Cause joy and happiness are definitely the same..... I think. 

But they're not the same. 

Happiness is an emotion. It's based on things that you have, circumstances how you like them or people going along with the way you want them. Some things that make me happy are seeing people smile, coffe or tea on a cold day, laughing or enjoying time with people I love. But happiness doesn't last, it isn't forever. 

Joy is something deeper. It's a knowledge that we have of greater things that are to come.  The promise of heaven and everything working out for good. 

Things might not always go our way in life. We might not feel happy, or even that things will get better. But our joy is always there. It is a choice to trust in God and know that he will work things out for us just like he tells us in Romans 8:28. Because after this life, there are things greater than we can imagine waiting for us. Joy is us recognizing God's promise of that and knowing that sometimes all we can do is wait. 

Always. For ever and ever and ever and ever until infinity:)

It's a choice, and sometimes it's very hard because it isn't a feeling that you can have that physical happiness in the moment. 

~Moriah

Hebrews 10:24-25 ~ Being an Encouragement

Our instincts generally tell us to take care of ourselves first.  What can we do that will help us ormake a way for us to get ahead?  Thinking like this makes us focused on ourselves and the things we perceive to be our needs. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 says: 

God doesn't want us to focus on ourselves, but rather to think about how we can be building up the other people who belong to our family in the body of Christ.

Not how can I make things better for myself, but how can I help others to grow and keep them on a pace to finish the race strongly?

Encouraging others could mean praying for them, writing them a letter, sending them a text or email, just letting them know how much you love and appreciate them and reminding them of God's promises. Encouraging others blesses you in return, just getting to see their joy!!!!

~Moriah

Isaiah 41:13

Operation Barnabas

Operation Barnabas.  One of the best summers of my life!!  6 weeks of traveling around with 30 other Christian teens and 6 Godly leaders, learning how to grow in our faith and reach out to others. 

I learned so much this summer!  One of the main things that I learned was really the importance of being open and vulnerable with other people.  God did not design life to be lived alone.  He wants us to have people in our lives that we are open with so that they can keep us accountable and encourage us in our struggles. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Hebrews 10:24-25 are great examples of this!  

Sharing some of your struggles with people you trust also allows you opportunities to conect with people, and maybe realize that you aren't the only person that has that struggle. When you release some of those things that you are holding onto inside, you have more room to let people in and to let God work through you. 

It is so hard to open up and share sometimes, but it is so good when we do!!  You don't feel as alone and you can connect in different ways with people. 

 Revelation 12:10-11 tells us that God uses everyone's testimonies. He has a plan for everything that you go through!  Sharing with people allows you to use your testimony to encourage others, as well as strengthen your own walk with God. 

And you'll probably make some awesome friends along the way!:) 

~Moriah

Isaiah 41:13