Writing your letter to God.
TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT!
Okay, so ideally, we want you to try to do this work for the LORD - it can be more than us just testing your minds for information - it can be about HIM testing your hearts and testing your faith in a very real way.
To that end, we'd love for you to try to be accountable to HIM in this process - more than just to us.
So if you are choosing Option #1 (Trying Something Different), we'd like you to try to write an honest letter to God about what you want to try. Here are some ideas you might write to Him about. You can:
A. Explain to Him why you want to choose this different type of test - and you can even talk with Him about the struggle between doing this for Him and doing this for a grade.
B. Ask Him for specific help to carry out your plan - what things will you need for Him to do/provide in order for your plan to actually work?
C. Share with Him what your actual plan is - submit your plan to Him.
D. Express to Him some fears or hesitations. And/Or explain to Him why you're excited about trying your plan. In any case, just try to write to Him with any other thoughts/feelings about what you're trying.
E. try to be honest about what things do you want Him to do in your heart and life through this - what things do you want Him to change in you. Why do you think this can/might/should be good for you to try.
Hey, all these things above are just some ideas to get you started - but truly, feel free to write to Him in any way you think is honest. Try to write true things to Him about the test you're trying.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI really want to help out my cousin. He has a bit of a disorder that makes him hypersensitive to little things, and he is going through a really tough time right now. He will get really upset over little things that four and five year old would get upset over, and he will have random mood swings. I can’t even think how bad he must be feeling. He is going to a therapist twice a week; he doesn’t have a relationship with his dad. He’s just been like this at birth, but now it’s really bad. This is because; he and his parents are getting a divorce. When he heard the news he ran into his room and locked himself in there for the whole night. He really needs somebody to go to, and I really want to try to introduce him to God. He needs something, that he can have peace of heart and mind. He needs God. He goes to a Christian school, but I don’t think he sees God the way that we do at this school. My plan, is going to try and introduce him to God around Thanksgiving time, they way that I have been introduced here. This school totally changed my perspective on God and I think now I’m a real Christian. I know it isn’t going to be easy because he will most likely have blamed God for his parents divorce, but it isn’t God’s fault. He needs something, and I want to help him out.
this person is desperate for help. that is a really good plan and i will pray for you. good luck
DeleteI will be praying for you and your cousin, and I hope he will see how great being a Christian is.
DeleteI completely understand what you are going through number 2. I hope it works out.
DeleteHope You Speak the truth in love for him- Praying for you
DeleteI know what you mean the same is goin on with m cousins except for the divorce. His dad just died i will be praying
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI hate traditional tests. All you do is sit down, get your pencil, and fill in the blanks on a five-page packet that asks you to recall outdated and irrelevant information. When I take a test, I don’t want to have to worry about getting a grade. In Bible class, it’s one thing to know about You and another to go put what you know in practice. When I heard about this option, I knew from the beginning what you called me to do.
God, I need you to give me the attitude to go out there and get something done. I don’t want to have to think twice about what I’m going to do. Right when I’m about to go do it, I don’t want to think, “Are you sure?” “Why don’t you think about it and do it tomorrow,” because if I think that way I’ll never get anything done. I don’t want Satan holding me back!
My plan is simple. I have a friend that I used to go to school with that’s struggling socially. He is being bullied and nobody wants to be around him. Obviously, since I don’t go to school with him, I can’t sit with him at lunch. So every day I will send him a postcard saying, “When you feel down, know that I love you.” I will keep it completely anonymous, because I fear that if I put my name on it, he will think, “Yeah, he’s the only person that really cares about me. He’s just sorry for me.” But if I leave it anonymous, he will think, “Wow, this person really cares for me!” In addition to doing that, I will also invite him to go to church with me every Sunday and invite him to my house afterwards.
I am afraid that Satan will get into my head and I will think twice about doing it. I also fear that he will not accept my letters and my invitations. I am excited to do this because it will really brighten his social situation and put a smile on his face.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to do option one because my little sister is in a place of need. Not only with the likely tumor in her neck, but also in the case that she is very pushy and can never lose. That is something that could eventually affect our relationships as adults. For example, my father has a sister named julie. He also has a sister named Cathy. I barely know anything about my aunt julie. But my aunt cathy on the other hand, we have a cathy family vacation every single summer. I am worried that my little sister and i are going to be like my father and julie. When I want things to turn out like My dad and aunt cathy. I need a lot of help lord during this plan because i am really scared she is not going to take me seriously. If you could help me I could be in good shape. So here's the dealio, I am going to everyday instead of foghting with her when she wont stop fighting until she wins, I will instead try to reason with her so maybe then, we will become closer as sisters. Also because I know how crapy it is to have an older sister who wouldnt even try to reason with you.
I'm prayin gfor you i hope it works out
Deletepraying for you victoria, really hope this works out. it's a great idea... goodluck!
DeleteVictoria, just know that I will be praying for you and your sister. I hope you guys will have a great relationship with each other.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI want to do this different test to do something new, to take a chance. I am tired of just doing the expected. I want to do something that matters. I have always found it to be a problem in bible class with learning for the grades or just for learning about you. I love learning about you and coming closer to you. But, sometimes I start doing just for the grade to get through the class. Help me to do this for your purpose, not for school. Give me courage to actually carry it out and to say what I have to say with kindness and wisdom. My plan is to share the gospel with a friend of mine who does not go to Westminster. I want to invite her over some weekend before Thanksgiving and tell her about it. I think she is struggling with the heart of the gospel. She has been trying to follow Christ by going to church and doing the right thing. I do not think she understands you do not earn salvation, but it is given to you. My goal is to communicate this to her. I am nervous about this because I do not usually talk about my faith to people who are not Christians. I am afraid she will get the wrong message or not take me seriously. But, I am also excited to share this with her at the same time. I have known her for a very long time now. I have always wanted to share the gospel with her, but have been too hesitant. Her dad is sort of an atheist and struggling with religion. Her mom is a catholic. I think she is confused because of this. Her family seems kind of divided. I am excited to help her with that because I want her to really understand Christianity. I do not want her to view it as a rule book. Help me to make a difference, even in just this one persons life.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI really want to stop gossipping. Gossip is how I deal with my own insecurities. If I feel uncomfortable with my body, my abilities, or my own belongings, I will try to find something other people seem insecure about and I wil share it with others. It gives me a sense of control and a feeling that I'm not the only one who feels uncomfortable. In trying to make myself feel more comfortable, I end up tearing others down. I know what I do is wrong and I need to stop, but in stopping, I will have to deal with my insecurities in a different way. I am going to do my best to not look at people's flaws or lack of flaw, abilities or lack of abilities, and even their belongings or their lack of belongings. I want to find the best in people. After all, they are image bearers of God. I’m bashing God if I’m bashing them. I DONT WANT TO DO THAT! I really need help. Also, I wouldn’t want to be talked bad about behind my back, so why am I doing it to others? I want to change my behavior. My plan is to confess to those whom I’ve hurt and to stop gossipping. I also want to learn how to deal with my insecurities. Help me!
im gonna pray for you. just remember that if you go to God and read your bible he WILL help you
DeleteAlso, I want the strength to go to the people I have hurt and apologize. I know I'm probably going to lose lots of my friends because of this, but it is the right thing to do. After all, it isn't the confession that will cost me, it is the sin in the first place.
DeleteThis is a really good idea. I know that when you do this it will take a lot of courage and the fact that you are willing to give up your friends for what is right is incredible to me!! I hope everything goes well and I really like your plan.
DeleteI did not do this challenge to the extent that I wish I had. I wanted to stop gossiping once and for all and confess to the people I had gossiped about. In the beginning, I did really well. I told a couple people what I had said, and I didn't say things that I normally would. As the month went on, I started gossiping again. I was back and forth with doing the right thing and gossiping. Even though I had trouble trying not to gossip, I started to notice when I did gossip. I could have done a lot better, but noticing my gossip is a step in the right direction.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to tell my grandparents about You, but as You know it can be hard. I am praying that you will give me the strength and courage to tell them about You. I love them so much and I really want them to go to Heaven. I pray that whenever I tell them about You, I pray that you will give me the right words to say to them. I pray that they will want to know who, but if they don't come to know you, I pray that I will try my best to tell them. While I go back to see my family for Thanksgiving, I pray that I will also tell the rest of my family about You. They say that they are Christians and that they are saved, but I don't know if that is true. Please help me have them come to You, they are great people and I don't want them to end up in hell, but I want them to end up in Heaven. I pray that I will also tell many other people about you. I pray again that you will give me the right words to say, for them to come to know You.
I am praying for you. I know how hard it is to have a family member who does not have the hope of a future with God. It is hard. I hope you have success
DeleteThat sounds like a really good plan, i really like what your doing.
DeleteReally great:)
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI want to do this option because my cousin is in need. He has suffered from severe bullying at is school, and is struggling with some very bad mental issues. He is fighting depression, and has recently just been released from a hospital because he had suicidal thoughts. He is not attending any school right now because school is horrible for him. I really want to comfort him God because he is alone right now, and is living in darkness. Please help help me to have courage, and strength God while I try to reach out to him. I am scared he will reject me or think I will treat him as other kids have. My plan is to just try to make friends with him. I know he is my cousin and I should be good friends with him, but I rarely see him so our friendship is thin and not much. I just want to try to show kindness and love for him God because he doesn't have much of that right now. I am scared God because I haven't talked to him, and seen him in so long. I just hope you give me the strength to help him know he is not alone.
I'll be praying for you and your cousin. :)
DeleteThank you that means a lot.
DeleteI will also be praying that this goes well for both you and your cousin.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI really want to lead my uncle to Christ this Thanksgiving. My uncle claims he knows Christ, but the average person could tell that he truly doesn't believe. I love my uncle a lot, and I feel that if i shared the real truth about You to him he would believe. Please help me to find the right words to say to Him, so he can believe and live in heaven with you. My plan is that over thanksgiving i will talk to him, and share the Bible with him.
I'll be praying for you and your uncle.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI am really struggling for doing option one for just the grade. But every time I think about doing option one for a grade, I think about how my family members could feel if I tell them about the gospel. They could completely blow me out and look at me like a geek or they soak in the things they I will tell them and respect me, but way more importantly you God. I am going to send them an e-mail and see how it goes. Again they could blow me off or respect you. I also pray that this will make a strong bond between you and me God. If I just make a little change in my families' lives, that would be great. I just want you to be with me while I write this e-mail to my family members and also another people who are doing this too. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI want to worship in church more and really speak to you and not worry about what other people think of you when worshipping. Like when David was dancing in front of everyone naked, he didn’t care what people thought he cared what God thought. and that’s’ what really matters. I am going to actually worship God and use worship time for worshipping. Worshipping can be in church, but also living your life for him and that’s what Im going to do for my life changing test. It's not always fun to do the same thing over and over again, so I'm trying something new
Good! I wonder if you can pick a few specific things to do to help you in this area.
DeleteFor example:
When you play a sport you take a few moments before and after the games and practices you have to pray and thank God for the opportunities you have.
Another idea is to take a notebook with you to church to take sermon notes. Or maybe you should pray before church that you will have the strength to give that time to the Lord.
There are so many possibilities, but it might be best to have some specific goals for yourself.
I will take a couple of moments before and after each of my games and pray and thank God for my abilities to play sports because He is the one that allowed me to play those sports.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI want to do a different type of test because I want to make a difference in the world and spread the gospel. I am struggling with this because I do want to get a 100 on this test but I have also wanted to do this project for a while now. I think now, even though I want a 100, doing this project, I would be fine with a 0. In doing this, I ask that you keep us safe as we do this and have this touch the hearts of many. Also, I ask that this will effect how I see things and how others see things and that they will take action and do the same. My plan: I am going into inner city St.Louis a preaching to all the homeless people, in hopes that they might, too, become believers and get their life back on track. My fears are #1 that the homeless my mugg us. #2 that they might hurt us. #3 they don't except our teachings #they might, just maybe, bite us. I am excited about this, too, because I really want to change the lives of these people and even if they never get their lives on track and never get a home and die along, they might have jesus in their hearts. I think this will encourage me to do more mission work and help others. I pray that this changes my heart in ways that I turn more towards you for everything and it makes me realize that I am very privilaged and blessed. I also pray that you give everyone peace as they do their project.
Amen.
It is so good to have a heart for the homeless. May I suggest that you also give the people you proclaim the gospel to some clothing/food. When you help meet someone with their physical needs it softens their heart so you may help speak to thier spiritual needs.
DeleteI hope that you are successful in telling others about God.
DeleteI will deffinetly do that!
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI want to confess to my parents one of my sins because I think that it will help me in my walk with you and better understand you as my God. I'm scared to do it, but like I said I think that I will feel a lot better and know you personally not some amazing God that has saved us from our sins, but someone who cares about us as a whole group of people but individually. I think about it a lot too I just want to not really think about it anymore.
I think when you do this you will find a huge weight off your shoulders. Praying for you.
DeleteI want to add something to my plan I will pray before I do it that God will have mercy on me, but that he will also punish me as much as I need to be punished. Also that other people are not harmed because of my sin for example I have to see a family member or good friend get hurt or sick, and that way I would be punished with grief of their pain.
DeleteAfter I confessed I felt better and I think that it will help me to become a better man and follower of Christ. It was also pretty hard saying what I had done which goes to show if you sin and think what will happen if I do this, but really we sin because we are believing a lie that we tell ourselves it's okay to sin. And ultimately the thing that happens to us is if we confess then we should/are abashed by what we have done and stand before God and whoever else we confessed to.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteMy plan for “Something Different” is to bless my brothers with the art of worship. In my family, we are often busy on Sunday mornings, and don’t make it to church. All of my family plays time-consuming sports; I play select lacrosse, Spencer (10) plays AA hockey, and Henry(8) is on a traveling gymnastics team. These sports are truly a blessing from You God, yet we never have the time to give back to You for that. On Sundays, I have lacrosse in the morning, but to make up for lost time, I go to youth group on Wednesdays. My brothers on the other hand, do not attend a youth group or sunday school. This is where my plan starts. I plan to everyday after school start a little worship service in the living room, turning on a few church songs or Joy FM songs. I really feel that this would give them a connection to God that they won’t forget, because it will be our own special thing. I chose this test because I am tired of getting a grade off of what I know, I want to actually earn my grade based off of what I have done.
I do have a few fears about this though, Lord. I feel that maybe my brothers will judge me, or maybe they will not like the idea. I just hope and pray that you will show them that this is supposed to be a blessing to them, something for them to grow in Your name. I'm not sure how well I will be able to do this, only because my brothers are younger than me, and like to act like they are the best.
I just ask that You let them see that this is to help them strengthen Your relationship with them, and that You will help them actually enjoy what I plan to do.
Lord, as I go through this test and try to do good for my brothers, I ask that You work in my heart, and truly let me see Your amazing blessings, honor, and glory. Please let my brothers see how important it is to worship You even when we feel our lives are too busy, and let them know that worship is one of the biggest ways we show our love to You.
Lastly, I just hope that You will help me be strong and help me walk in the light of Christ throughout this project. I don't see this as a test anymore, now that I look deeper into it. This is too see how well we can love as Jesus loves, and work through people as You do. I know that I will not always suceed, but I ask that You help me perservere.
I love it. I think that this could be a huge blessing to your family. I also suggest that if you eat together as a family to offer to pray for the meal. You might even want to give your little brothers notes of encouragement. In other words in everything you do live Christ out in front of them. I look forward to seeing what happens.
Deletethis is a great plan. i know that if i ever did something like this i would plan it and then chicken out at the last minute. its hard to share the message of Christ. bold.
Deletethank you. And Mr. Scott that is a really good idea, I think I will incorporate that into my plan. Also I didn't mean to do the hh thing, my keyboard wasn't working.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteMy plan for “Something Different” is to bless my brothers with the art of worship. In my family, we are often busy on Sunday mornings, and don’t make it to church. All of my family plays time-consuming sports; I play select lacrosse, Spencer (10) plays AA hockey, and Henry(8) is on a traveling gymnastics team. These sports are truly a blessing from You God, yet we never have the time to give back to You for that. On Sundays, I have lacrosse in the morning, but to make up for lost time, I go to youth group on Wednesdays. My brothers on the other hand, do not attend a youth group or sunday school. This is where my plan starts. I plan to everyday after school start a little worship service in the living room, turning on a few church songs or Joy FM songs. I really feel that this would give them a connection to God that they won’t forget, because it will be our own special thing. I chose this test because I am tired of getting a grade off of what I know, I want to actually earn my grade based off of what I have done.
I do have a few fears about this though, Lord. I feel that maybe my brothers will judge me, or maybe they will not like the idea. I just hope and pray that you will show them that this is supposed to be a blessing to them, something for them to grow in Your name. I'm not sure how well I will be able to do this, only because my brothers are younger than me, and like to act like they are the best.
I just ask that You let them see that this is to help them strengthen Your relationship with them, and that You will help them actually enjoy what I plan to do.
Lord, as I go through this test and try to do good for my brothers, I ask that You work in my heart, and truly let me see Your amazing blessings, honor, and glory. Please let my brothers see how important it is to worship You even when we feel our lives are too busy, and let them know that worship is one of the biggest ways we show our love to You.
Lastly, I just hope that You will help me be strong and help me walk in the light of Christ throughout this project. I don't see this as a test anymore, now that I look deeper into it. This is too see how well we can love as Jesus loves, and work through people as You do. I know that I will not always suceed, but I ask that You help me perservere.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteOver the summer I used to find you in my life every day, and I used to pray to you every couple of hours. When school started I got so busy jugging school, friends, and sports that I really only remember you in Bible class, when I wake up, and when I pray at night. Please help me to find you in my day, and realize you in my life again. Rekindle the strong relationship I had with you, and help me to not shut you out my life do to the crazy factor it currently has.
Amen.
The more I think about and put God in my life the easier it is to be aware of my sin and to act like Christ to others. I believe that having a better relationship with God will affect everyone around me.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteMy plan is to try to be more obedient to my parents. Lately I have been not fulling obeying them and being very talking back to them. Whenever they give me a command to do, I usually say wait a minute or say Ill do it in a few. As my different test, I would like to try to obey them the first time and to not talk back too much. As a christian I would want to make them happy and obey what God wants me to do. I hope that you, God, will give me the strength and the ability to persever and do this with Your strength.
I think this is wonderful. I wonder... maybe you should apologize for not being more faithful and share with them how you want to change. I would be curious if the atmosphere in your house would change and be much more peaceful and pleasant. I will be praying for you.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteMy plan for doing something different is more of a two part plan. When I am around certain friends of mine, I feel compelled to lie or look good or curse and other sins. Sometimes I can't fight the temptation. These friends say they are Christians because they go to church, but I do not always believe they are based on actions and the way they talk. What I want to do is confess my sins and repent. I want to turn away and not do them anymore. The other part of my plan is to get my friends to do the same. To try and get them to be true Christians. Others of my friends are lukewarm Christians. The Bible says that God would rather have a non-Christian than a lukewarm one. I would also consider myself a lukewarm Christian. My goal in this project is to get myself to not be a lukewarm Christian anymore as well as get my friends who are lukewarm Christians to no longer be lukewarm and even get my friends who may not be Christian at all to become Christians. I plan do this by acting like a Christian, getting them to go to church and pay attention, and also by not sinning around them or with them. Help to do these things for your glory and to be successful. Amen.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI need help, almost everyday I come home and just crash down crying. I feel alone, my mom sees it and last night she asked me if I wanted to change schools. I love Westminster, but I'm tired of crying and not being wanted. When i go to lunch I find out that the nicest girls in the entire grade talk behind my back. Yes, they confessed it to me and I put up a front like it didn't hurt and told them it was fine and that I forgive them, but honestly I was trying my best to hold back tears. I've been on my knees multiple times crying and begging you to help me, help me make friends, be accepted, change direction, worship you, but each time it feels like I'm just going farther and farther away from you. I feel like you don't want me to be near you. I feel like every step or option I choose in westminster is wrong. That no matter how hard I try I'm not good enough. I'm not athletic like some girls and guys in our grade, I'm not musically talented, I'm not pretty enough to be a freaking model, I'm smart but I don't show it. I just want someone to give me a hug and tell me that they love me and that no mater what gossip they hear, no matter what I do wrong, no matter how many times I might get mad at them, they won't care and they'll still be my friend through everything. It seems like everyone has someone like that. So please God, please help me find out if Westminster is where I really belong, and if it's not please help me be accepted wherever I end up.
Im really sorry this is happening to you, its the worst feeling in the world to feel like you are not special and that no one likes you. But you are loved by your parents and by God. Dont give up, you will find friends. Im praying for you and im sorry this is what you are going through.
DeleteI am praying for you. If you want someone to talk to I am always open. I have felt the same way. I didn't know where to sit at lunch because I don't feel wanted sometimes. My best friend is moving and I don't know what to do. If you want to talk come see me. If not I understand. I don't know who you are, but I'm praying for you.
DeleteI am so sorry! I know how awful you must feel. Consider this a hug ((((((())))))) I know how hard it can be to hear that some of the nicest people in the world have said mean things about you. I have heard so many things about myself that really cut me deep. I used to have an ask.fm until someone was mercilessly cyber-bullying me. I felt so awful, I really considered taking my own life. I'm so glad I didn't and I still am crushed by what people have said, but I am okay. All you need to do is be a friend to have a friend. I don't know who you are, but I wish I could help you more.
DeleteI am praying for you! I know what it feels like to be different, and for a while i didn't know who my real friends were too. When I came here things really changed for me, and you should know that whatever happens, God really does love you. For your project, maybe you could try to reach out to those people who have been hurting you. I don't know, just an idea, but really, trust in the Lord, for he will bring you out of your sorrow. He can help you, so don't worry.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear this! I am praying for you. If you need a friend please come to me, I would be happy to talk to you. I know how it feels to be gossiped about, and I also know how it feels to be the gossiper. I hope you know that God is with you and he loves you.
DeleteWhile I feel tremendous sorrow for what you are going through I would like you to consider the options for the test to go out and "do" something different. Now that might be connected to the pain you feel... But sometimes it is good to think of others first. It can help you move beyond the issues that you are having. Maybe by living out the gospel in another person's life (serving, loving, helping another) you can find healing.
DeleteWhile what you have written is powerful, I think it may be helpful to now write something where you actually do something. How can you grow? How can you serve? How can you bless others?
I look forward to reading your plan.
No matter how hard it gets, remember that God loves ypu and has a plan for you
DeleteI am sorry that you are so lonely. I say pray. I know you hear that a lot but still just pray. Even if you think the LORD is not listening, still pray. Look at Job in the old testament. He thought the LORD was not listening to him, but then look at him later on. He got all of his things back and more all because he prayed.
DeleteI am so sorry. I am praying for you. and if you need someone to talk to, I would be happy to talk. We may not be best friends and I don't know who you are but I can relate to you. on the first couple weeks of school I felt like I had no friends everyone kept reaching out to me and then the next day they would go off with thier friends. But one girl reached out to me and stayed with me. So anyone else that reads my comment if you know who 34 is... it takes one person to make a huge difference in a person's life. I don't know who you are but I you want to sit by me and my friends at lunch you can. I am praying for you.
DeleteThank you for the sweet comments, I'm not sure anybody knows who number 34 is and I plan on keeping it that way. I don't want people to be friends with me out of pity. Also my plan is to try and get closer with God, and was given a devotion book by my P.C. and I wanna see if it will help. Also, number 11, I've been in the same position as you, close to take my own life and I was hurting myself for a long time. Sometimes I still do, but that's another goal of mine to stop. Thanks for the sweet comments and I hope that with what your struggling with will soon be demolished.
DeleteIgnore the comment above ^
DeleteTo 34:
DeleteI have definitely been there and I know it sucks. I had the same thing happen to me in the past, and the last thing I'd want is for someone else to go through it. I am praying for you.
My God, please bless and keep 34 because she needs you more than ever. Help her to know that you are near. Jesus keep her close and give her strength. God if you decide to move her, or keep her at Westminster, so be it. Let your will be done Lord, but please give 34 for your comfort, peace, and the godly friends you intended for her to have. In Jesus name, Amen
Just so you know, even when the world is against you and you are ready to kill yourself. Jesus loves you. Yes, I know it’s been said so many times that sometimes it seems like just a phrase, but it’s true. Jesus values your life over his and loves you beyond belief. I have been to the point were my hidden addictions and piercing pain have driven me to the point of considering suicide. But thank God, He showed me his love through the people around me. I believe He is showing love to you through someone in your life, a “Jesus in disguise” somewhere. Even if you can’t find him or her, remember this: “When nobody else seems to care, Love does.” I encourage you to get closer to God, and when you feel in the dumps listen to Love Does by Brandon Heath. Listen to the words very carefully. I hope you have a life changing experience with God In this project. You’re still in my prayers. Godspeed, 97
Dear God,
ReplyDeletemy plan is mainly focused on my cousins. He has a mild form of autism and my uncle,his dad just died this February randomly. They go to church but i’m not sure how much he listens or cares. He doesn’t have that many friends outside of sports and he spends most of his time in his room. I want to be a light to him by either texting him bible verses once a week or even just being a friend to him. I just want him to not miss his dad too much and to know he will see him again someday.
That is an awesome plan Chad! I also have a cousin with autism and I could probably do this with him too.
DeleteThat is so nice! I pray that they will come to know jesus even more and that you guys will have fun!
DeleteI know you're really close to you're cousins and so I think it's really sweet what you're doing. I'm definitely praying for them and you.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI want to choose this test because I think that it can help me in how I would usually think as a Christian. I want to try and stand up for people, even if they aren’t one of my friends. This can be hard for me because the people who are doing something bad to that person might start making fun of me and say things like “ are you really standing up for this guy?” I ask for help so that I cannot be afraid of what other people would think, and do the right thing. I will carry out this plan as much as I can, and will try to stand up for people when they are in need. Even thought the things I am afraid about I am still excited because it feels good when you do the right thing, it also makes the other person feel good. I want to change this way because I don’t always stand up for people and it is the right thing to do.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI decided that I want to do something nice for some one. I'm going to talk to her more and show her that people care about her. I am going to try my best to get to know her, and do little things like say Hi every day, have conversations with her, ask her how her day was. I feel that this person could really use a friend that in't just talking to her so they aren't mean, I want to really be her friend.
I hope that this works and we should all try to be better friends to one another
DeleteDear Lord,
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother is a lukewarm christian. She says to my family every time we try to lead her into christ that of course she's a christian and all that stuff, but she never goes to church and she doesn't even have a bible in her house or on her phone. She is visiting over thanksgiving and its my plan and desire to go into depth what it means to be a christian. I hope she comes to the fact that she is a lukewarm christian and becomes a stable christian.
I am happy that you are going to reach out to your grandmother. I think it may be helpful to communicate what you communicated here. It is hard but I think that what you are doing shows just how much you love your grandmother. It is also what you, as a Christian, should do.
DeleteI'm glad to hear you're trying to reach out to your grandmother. I know how it feels to have relatives that aren't christians. I know it's hard. I am praying for you, and I hope God gives you the strength to share the gospel with your grandmother.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI've realized lately someone who I know who is struggling. I love that person dearly and hate to see them upset everyday, so I decided to try to make there day. I know when I have a bad day and someone says something nice or does something I think about it and my day turns out to not be so sad. It makes you feel happy. My Plan is to say something nice to them and when they don't feel loved i'll tell them that God loves them and so do I. I also will give them a note, say something nice so they can treasure it for when a bad day comes.
so sorry im praying for you
DeleteI will keep you in my prayers! I know that one nice somment, note, scripture, ect. can turn someone's day around.
DeleteThat is so thoughtful! You are a good friend! I will be praying for you both. That you will succeed in your plan and that your friend will be happy! Good luck!
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteMy life at home has been really tough lately and I’m not sure why this is. My family doesn’t seem to get along at home at all. I end up going to my friends houses or hiding out in my room. I’m not sure what has happened in my family all I know is that it isn’t right. Even before now I could always tell there was something weird about my family. We hardly talk at dinner, as I said before I end up at my friends houses and am only home to sleep, I hide out in my room to avoid being yelled at or criticized. I hope you can help us try and become a family again. I have almost no connection with my sisters and I depend more on my friends mom than my own. I feel like my home life is falling apart and I can only depend on people who aren’t even in my family and sports to save me from my life. I will go down to the basement and practice for hours and hours without someone even bothering to stick their head down the door to say hi. I have noticed that my parents are completely different people with my friends or their friends around but, as soon as they leave they are back to their normal selves again. I am hardly home and am only home to sleep it seems like. I talk to my friends parents more than I talk to mine. I hope you can help give me the courage to ask what is wrong and try to help. I don’t have much of a relationship with my parents or siblings and I hope that we can be a normal family again. I hope we can be like the families I sit in on or am temporarily apart of every day. I find myself depending on other families more than my own. So please God help my family become a family again. Not separated and divided but, can you help me show my appreciation and thanks to those people who help me every day and love me even when they don’t have to.
Im sorry im praying for you.
DeleteI am sorry to read the things you have written here. First, I am praying for you as I write this. Be encouraged, you are loved by me, but more importantly by God. Second, I think it is good to ask what is wrong. Be strong, I know it is not easy. But I think by you reaching out and asking it may help things. Remember if you need anything I am here to help you. Thank you for your honesty.
DeleteI will keep you in my prayers. Look to God for strength and he will guide you through hardships. You are a strong person and are an amazing creation of God.
DeleteI am so sorry. This seems extremely difficult. What if you asked your mom why you feel this way. Maybe you can tell her how you feel. I am not saying that would be easy, but I pray that God gives you the perfect opportunity.
DeleteI have never experienced anything like this. I know from what you have said, that you must be going through a difficult time. If there is anything I can do, let me know and I will try my best to get around to it. Keep on going and as Mr. Scott said, you are loved. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
DeleteI am so sorry that is really sad. I will be praying for you! I hope you will have the strength and the courage to bring your family back together! Good luck!
DeleteI can not imagine what it must be like. I will continue praying for you. Be bold. Trust God, I hope you carry out your plan and they explain to you what is going on. I pray that you can mend your relationship.
DeleteFather in the name of Jesus please help 58. Feeling alone is bad enough, but feeling alone in a divided home is terrible! I pray for 58’s relationships with his/her family. Help them to become one strong unit that serves you. Give 58 the courage to speak to his/her parents about the matter, and help 58 make an effort to spend time with his/her family, and with You Jesus. I cast out the division in that home now in the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit resides in your home 58. God is putting His hand on you and your house. God let 58 feel your presence because he/she needs you right now. God please take this situation and show us your glory. God be glorified in that home, in 58, and in his/her family’s lives. Build your kingdom there Lord. Give them Your peace. Give them Your peace, Jesus. In Your Great name, Amen
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI have been a very lukewarm person for the past 13 years of my life. I want to be a Christian, but feel like my actions don’t symbolize a true christian. I was baptized in April this year, but I still feel like my faith is swinging back and forth like see-saw. I have heard many people say that all you need to be a christian is to have faith in Jesus. But I still feel like I’m not “worthy” of spreading your word. I done things that would have me stoned if I were in the Jewish culture. I feel like in order to be a christian, you have to at least act like a Saint, which I am not. I feel ashamed to spread the gospel because I think that if people hear it from me, they will think christianity is a bad religion. I act like any non-christian person when I am in public. I am lukewarm because I believe that you is real, but I still find myself unable to accept the fact of grace. God, please help me understand grace through this test and please help me accept grace. It is a concept that I have struggled with for my entire life. And through grace, please help me overcome the biggest flaws in my character. God, please guide me, let me learn more about you, and more about faith.
I also have struggled with some of the things you are struggling with here. First, please know that we are all sinners. Yes, you too. But that is really what makes the gospel so amazing...
Delete"but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)
As for witnessing to others. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Don't feel ashamed. It is not necessarily about "you" or "me". It is about the work and love of Christ. If it was up to us then no one would come to Christ. All you can do is love others and share what Christ has done.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI want to glorify you God, so I have specifically chosen something that will push my physical and spiritual boundaries. Before, I would have chosen something small, but I know that you called me to do something with a greater purpose. Although I think that this will not be very difficult, I know that my pride is just taking over. I will need you to help me, because I need to change my heart. I get into fights a lot with my sister, and I can recreate that feeling easily, because I experience it frequently. You have to help me because I cannot do this on my own. Also now that I am in middle school, I get a lot more homework that I used to. Sometimes my parents will ask me to do the dishes when I have things that I need to finish. I get angry, and I want to hate them, but in my heart, I know that if I hadn’t been watching that video earlier, I wouldn’t still have that homework in the first place. I have decided to live out the gospel in my family. There are three things that I know I can do to help out in my house. First, I am going to try, for real this time, to not get into fights with my sisters, and if I do, try and resolve them in a loving manner. Secondly, I am going to try and honor my parents by doing what they ask me without an attitude, this implies doing the dishes and cleaning my room without any hesitation, when they ask. Lastly, I am going to be better about getting to bed, and then helping in the morning. I will make lunches, and not be the reason everyone has to rush. I will attempt this for one week, and hopefully it will be successful and I will continue it for the rest of my life. I know that I cannot possibly be perfect, but I do get along better with family because they will be here for the rest of my life. My trouble is that I am going to not take this seriously, and get into one of my anger fits and tell myself, like I do all the time, “They were wrong”. I know that I’ve “tried” before, but I seriously mean it this time. Whenever I don’t do something I truly feel awful, because my mom gets upset with me and I don’t want that to be the end result. I need you to change my heart, because I know I’ve been bad, and I feel terrible. Help.
Also God,
ReplyDeleteMy plan is to hand out invitations to my church to people in my neighborhood. A lot of them are Muslim or Hindu. This may bring some people to Christ.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteFor my test I felt called to work on worshiping without being ashamed. Many times in church and chapel I sit there, look around, doodle, try to count heads, etc. I focus on every little detail except worship. Many times I don’t sing because I’m embarrassed, I don’t want to show people that I care. There have been a few times that I have walked out of church and not even knowing what we had been talking about in the past hour. For the next few Sundays I want to pay special attention on what the pastor is saying and what the lyrics in the songs say. I want to sing the lyrics and give them a meaning in my life. I want to walk out of the building and know more about You. I want to be excited to go to church, I don’t want to think of it as an hour of boredom. When I get to church I am either going to leave my phone in the car or give it to my parents so that I’m not consistently checking the time or seeing if I have any texts. I want to worship God without any insecurities like David. I want to ignore any of the Michals or people judging me in my life.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteFor this test I am going to do something that will help me strengthen my relationship with you. I need to pay more attention in church and write down notes and be able to go back to them. I have always been wanting to do it but I feel to lazy or I just don't want to do it. I pray that you will give me the strength to not pass this opportunity up and to not shy away from it. I am excited to do this because I hope this will start a new pattern in the way I learn about your word in church. I need to stop having your word preached, going in one ear and out the other. Amen.
Good job. I hope that everyone will come to a saving relationship with Jesus.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteMy plan is for my brother. He has always had a hard time learning about you and what you do. This year I would say he is going through a lot. He just turned 16, which means he can drive. He has not once wanted to try. I don’t think he wants to grow up. He was the first child that means he was completely spoiled, had/has everyone do everything for him, and mostly gets everything he wants! What first born child doesn’t!? Me on the other hand am very independent. I don’t ever get in trouble or grounded cause I don’t do anything to be in trouble. I’ve always looked at him and wondered why are you such a spoiled brat. It may sound wrong ,but I simply can’t help myself to think about it. Also this year he has been through lots of health problems. He is HIGHLY allergic to peanut butter and has very bad asma. He has had at least 3 attacks to accidently being around peanut butter or accidentally eaten it. He has been sick for almost three months on and off and now has a concussion. Lastly I’m pretty sure he gets made fun a lot a lot because of what he has and who he is. I don’t want to be creepy or anything ,but he is very attractive and has great hair. And is very athletic. Which gives all the more reason for people to make fun of him. I don’t think he has ever come to you for anything. And I would like to change that. He hasn’t been to church in maybe forever! Our family was baptized in 2011 together as a family. In my eyes I feel as if that was the only time he had any connection with you. Maybe deep down he has a relationship and just doesn’t tell anyone because he’s embarrassed. But my goal for this test is to help him with all these struggles he is going through and to help him find YOU.
I will be praying for you!
DeleteI will be prying for both you and your brother.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI know that I have not been in true worship at church. I have been worshiping in Sunday service, but have not been doing this with all my heart. During the message, I may zone out or ignore the service and watch the time a count down until I can leave. I have a plan to change my look on church. Right now think that church is boring and I feel that sometimes I am wasting my time. I am going to change this. I am going to bring my bible and a notebook to church every Sunday. I am then going to look up verses that are said in service and write notes in my bible. I am also going to get some sticky notes and tab places in my bible that may help me in a time of need. I am also going to get a notebook and take notes during service about topics my pastor may talk about. I will also make some note cards to place in my bible on pages where I feel that God was speaking to me. I think that this plan is going to change my look on church. I think that I will start to enjoy the message and understand where the message applies to me. I hope that you will move through me God and I will become closer to you. Amen.
I also sometimes do this, but God will make a change if you want Him too and I have seen a difference in m life.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time dealing with jealousy. I know it is a sin, and I know it is wrong. I am extremely blessed with family, friends, and my life is over all amazing. I deserve none of this and yet you give it to me in abundance. I take it all for granted. Going to Westminster is a major blessing in itself. Being able to write this letter to you because I have a relationship with you is the biggest blessing of them all. Even though I know all of this, I have so much trouble with being jealous of others. Sometimes it is stupid things like smart phones, money, and freedom. Sometimes it is rooted deeper than that. I have found myself crying because I was so jealous of my friend's relationship with her brother. I am mostly jealous of the family my brother lives with. This specific jealously easily turns into hate. I feel like my brother has picked the girl in that family (who is exactly the same age as me) as his preferred sister. I deal with jealousy of talents. When I went to the Variety show I was jealous of their talents and I felt like I had nothing. Instead, I should have been glad that they are using their talents to praise you. I should have been happy for them as brothers and sisters in Christ. One time I was jealous of how perfect this one girl's life was. I was telling her all of the hard things I am going through and she said, "That seems like it would be hard. I don't really have anything bad going on. In fact, my life is great!" I felt so much jealousy that I avoided her for days. I didn't want to see her because I needed time to ask you to help me. I am confessing and repenting this sin to you. My plan is to go out and get help from those who I know love me. I already confessed this to my mom and she showed me how wrong and sinful jealousy is. I am going to tell two of my friends what I am dealing with and ask them to forgive me when I sin against them. After all of this I am going to sit down and write. I am going to write every blessing I have. I will write every reason I have to praise you. I know that there are too many for me to write them all, but I will do this for many nights. I will type and print it. I am going to keep it somewhere safe and special. Every time I am feeling jealous I will sit down and read my blessings. At the end of the list I will put bible verses and prayers that I will pray. I believe this will strengthen my relationship with you and I pray that you will help me through my sin of jealousy.
I will be praying for you! I too have fought with jealousy. Sometimes it is a hard thing to overcome. Pray to God for wisdom and guidance and he will answer.
Deletethat is such a great idea. sometimes I struggle with the same kind of things. just remember your blessings.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI have been unfaithful and sinful. I have sinned more times than I can even imagine. I want to confess all of my sins in the time that I have been given. I want to be able to come clean and start over with an entirely new slate. I am going to repent and become a better follower of you. This is going to be by far the hardest challenge I’ve ever had, but I am going to try my hardest, and I want your help. No, I don’t want your help I need your help. I can’t do this alone or I will fail. The hardest part of this is that my biggest fear is to be rejected by society, and I just want you to take that fear away from me when I go and do these things.
it is good for you that you have attempted such a challenge. here is a bible verse to help you out. 1 john 9 says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." i will pray for you
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteDistractions tend to come between you and I. In chapel, I can honestly admit that I do not pay attention. I only pay attention to that "fun" parts. In chapel I goof off during the songs to make chapel entertaining without taking the real concept of the songs into consideration. I look around constantly looking for friends that I know in other grades. I fidget with my hands and hair ties while I sit in chapel. I constantly wonder how much longer? All of these things need to stop and I know that and this assignment is actually allowing me to do it for real. I am going to listen in chapel and take in what the speaker is saying. I want to try to take the messages and apply them to my life. I will refrain from talking to my friends and goofing off. I will take chapel almost as a class. I am learning from it and I must pay attention to understand the material that is being given to me. I want to understand you more! I want to appreciate your giving. I will make an enormous change when I walk into chapel, I will pay attention and I will take things away from this chapel. I will long for the next chapel.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteLately, I have drifted away from you. I have grown to view church as an hour of boredom and the Bible as a book of meaningless words. I always tried to read the Bible but I never fully loved doing it. It always seemed like work to me. When I first heard about the bible protect I saw as a chance to return to you and draw close to you. I’m not doing it for the grade but I’m doing it because I want to have a strong relationship with you. I have a lot of questions about faith and the Bible and the only way to learn is to listen. I have so many questions. How can I trust the Bible? Why does God let bad things happen? How do I know God cares about me? How can I tell that God is speaking to me? My plan revolves around learning more about the faith and growing closer to you. I’m going to begin reading my Bible every night and taking notes about what I read. I’m going to actually listen in church and really think about what my pastor is saying instead of zoning out. I want to get a devotional book that is tailored to helping christians answer the questions that I have been asking. I pray that you keep my mind clear of distractions so I can learn. I hope that you speak to me through my Bible and devotions. I also pray that you put people in my life who can encourage me to grow in my faith. I’m hesitant to try this plan because I don’t have a lot of time anymore because of school and sports. I’m afraid I’ll just blow it off like I always do because “ I don't have enough time.” I’m also afraid that after studying the Bible I will be more confused and frustrated than before. I’m really excited to execute my plan because I really want to learn more about the Gospel. I also want to be able to use my new found understanding of God to help others wrestle with similar questions. I really want you to come into my life and change it. I want you to come into my heart and fill it with a longing for faith instead of a disliking for the Bible and church.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI admit that I put my grades above you. I hold them in the highest part of my life. I would like to say that I try to do well on tests to praise you, but in truth, I do it to make myself look good. I know that this will only lead to destruction, but I cannot stop. The other night I forgot to bring home my planner. I panicked. I forgot all my assignments, and I was unable to study for my quizzes. This showed me how much I idolize grades. I pray that I will put you above everything, even my grades. My plan is to confess my sin to you and my parents. My hope is that I will be humbled by this experience and not obsess about grades as. At the same time, I know my calling is to be a student. I pray that you could you show me the way to worship you above everything, and also to do well in school.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteWhen Mr. Scott was explaining option one, I knew you were calling me to do it. God I pray that you would just give me the strength to carry out my plan because I know I have to be the one to do this.
My plan is to share the gospel with my grandad on thanksgiving. I really want him to believe in the savior. He may just tell me I’m wrong and blow me off, but I intend to try. I really hope I can change what he thinks. When I pass someday I hope to see him in heaven with me, but the only way that can happen is if I talk to him. Nobody else in my family would do that, but I understand. I am really scared and might chicken out but it’s good to have a plan. Please give me the strength to do this because I know I should.
You can do this! praying for you, because I have been wanting to do something like this for a while too. I hope this works out, and that the Lord will save your grandfather just as he has saved you.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI chose this type of test because I think I can really make a difference in this dark world. It is very hard to this for Him and not for a grade. A, I am very competitive and really want to get a good grade in this class. And B, My parents always expect me to get a good grade and excel, and I always try to. LORD, I really need you to help me, give me the wisdom and the words to say when I try to convert my family to christianity. My plan is to call my uncle up and say if we could talk about something serious. Then I will say that being a christian is the best decision I have ever made. Then hopefully he will ask questions, but if not I will say all of the blessings and grace the you make your mercy new every morning. Also how you had his only beloved son die on a cross for the punishment we so rightfully deserved. But, out of your grace and mercy we are saved, and only by that we are saved. Some of my fears and hesitations are that I will chicken out and have no idea what to do. Another one is, that I will have no idea what to say, or how to say it. So LORD please help me with the words to speak and what to do about it. The thing I would love that you could change in me is that I can speak to people about Christ without chickening out the last minute. LORD, all I want to do is to grow the Christian church even more so that the people who would be suffering will not be anymore because they are in your hands. LORD I will just ask that if you could be right there with me and put your words in my mouth so that the please you.
Great idea! I think that if you really pray about this, it will be easily achieved. I think that you will be able to achieve this really easily, and I will keep you in my prayers.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteOne thing that tears my life apart is jealousy. I know that being jealous is a sin. I also know that there really is no need to be jealous of other people. We should only be jealous of you Lord, if anyone. Sometimes the jealousy turns into anger, and from there it turns into hate. i don’t want to live a life of hate, so I am really trying to turn from jealousy.
Some things I shouldn’t be jealous of. I get jealous over popularity; if people want to talk to me as much as other people. I get jealous over people who seem happy in this fallen world, and who seem to get things easier than others. Some of the main people i get jealous of are the people who are closest in my heart. I get jealous of my sister. She has her own car, she gets her own big room, is amazing at soccer, great with little kids, everyone loves her. So i just feel like the little person here that no one notices. I also get jealous of people at school. When people will crowd around a person, I get jealous, almost mad. But most importantly, I feel abandoned. Why do I feel this way?
God, I am SO thankful for everything I have. A family that loves me, friends who care for me, a house, clothes, food and water, I get to go to Westminster to learn more about you. I have you Lord. That’s all I need…. but why is it that i feel the need for more?
I just ask you to help me figure out what I need to do in order to become more humble towards my peers. I want to confess to the people I have been jealous of, and repent from jealousy all together. All I’m asking is that you answer my prayers, and give me a bold and loving heart to perform the tasks I need to complete. After I have repented, please give the people I have confessed to the loving heart of forgiveness, that we can bring to you clean hearts with joy and no jealousy.
Please fill my abandonment and overcome me with the knowledge of your love. God, i don’t need anyone else… I have you.
OK so I did it. I took my test, I accomplished my plan. What I did was I went and told the people that I was jealous of how I was feeling. And how did it go? Amazing. After I told these people what I had done, and why I was sorry, they immediately forgave me. They all supported me and showed love for me even through a time of struggle like that. Almost all of them had admitted that they too were jealous of someone. It really felt great knowing that other students had the same sin, and many of them do. After I did this, tears just came streaming down my face because I was so happy. I felt accomplished. I felt renewed, and I just felt like that was a really good first step in a better relationship with God, and with my best friends.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI am choosing option one because I am honestly going to do something I would have never done before getting assigned this “test”. What I’m going to do has nothing to do with a grade, but only to make God smile and also to make myself feel like I might make a difference in someone’s life. I ask you for help God to give me the strength and the right words to proclaim the Gospel (good news). In order for this plan to work, I also ask you to give me the determination to carry it out. More importantly, I ask that you give me the right words to say about you. My plan is to share the gospel to my grandpa. This sounds like something very easy to do, but I’ve only met this man once. He and my mom never got along and my mom didn’t want him to be apart of our lives, partly because he doesn’t care to be in ours. I know for a fact that this man does not know the Lord, and since he is at an old age, I want to make sure he gets one last opportunity to understand you Lord before he faces you. So I am going to write a letter, explaining what I have learned about you, God this year in Bible. I am going to include what it will take for us to be able to meet each other once he passes. I am nervous whether or not to put my name on the letter because I’m afraid that he might take it the wrong way, or if I don’t put my name he might not read it (Knowing that it’s coming from a stranger). I really hope that after this letter, you will open up my heart to not be timid about proclaiming the gospel, which is always something I’ve struggled with. I pray you give me the strength and determination to carry out this plan because I think it will not only help my grandpa, but it will help me become closer to you.
Love, #10
I put the letter in the mailbox today and I didn't sign my name at the bottom. I wrote about how the only way to get to Heaven is through Jesus and knowing that we are sinners. I also shared with him the verse Matthew 25:31-46, the one we talked about in class. After, I wrote how good deeds will not get you to Heaven. It took me a while to write it because it was hard to pick out what I should include. All in all, it was a great experience and I really stepped out of my box and did something I normally would never do. God gave me a tremendous amount courage to share his word. I am really glad I reached out to him because I have a broken family and It's nice to know that I tried my best to make at least one of my family members a believer. I will try to incorporate sharing the gospel in my every day life and this was a great starting point.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI choose this test because I dont think it is a good way to learn by sitting down and writing in blanks. I also choose it so I could do something. This a hard thing to think about. What am I going to do? What if a fail or chicken out? I know you will lead me and help me through it all. My plan is that I am going to help my friends in need. I see a lot of people that need help I just want to help them. I will put myself out there and help them. They can talk to me about personal stuff or if they just need me to carry a bag. I will be there for them and I hope I can do this because I am always busy and I might be running late but I will stop and help them. God just help be there when people need me. This might sound so lame but it will help me with my relationships with people and help me become a better person.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteYou are a holy God, and please help me to honor you with this chance to do something bigger than ourselves. I have a neighbor who I do not think is a Christian but is very kind but somewhat lonely. He and his wife live alone and rarely get visited by kids and grandkids. I would like to minister to him and share the gospel with him. Please allow me to work for you and to put my best effort into this. I pray he will accept you, and that he will develop a relationship with you. I pray that he may even convert others to follow you. Please bless him, and let others be blessed through this opportunity. Help me to pick verses with real meaning. My plan is to anonymously leave him with verses of scripture at his door every day for two weeks and then call him and ask him what it meant to him. I would answer his questions and teach him about Christ. In this way I feel I am fulfilling Jesus's request to "Go and make disciples of men." Please help him to accept you, and love you even as I do now. I pray that you will help me to not feel fear of rejection and to complete this plan to bring glory to you and you only.
Love,
#22
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI really want to invite my aunt to church. She is not a Christian, as far as I know, and she is in the middle of divorcing her very nice husband. I don’t see her often even though she only lives 20 minutes away. We only see her on holidays because she spends all of her time either at work or at the gym. She is moving out of my grandparents house and will be closer to our house, so hopefully we will see her more. I think she goes to church every once in a while, but I would like to invite her to come to our church on Sunday. I am not convinced that she will say yes, because she is always busy at the gym, or at work. Because of this, I will just ask her if she would like to come to church with us, and then if she says yes, we could figure out a date.
I am praying for you 10. I have to say that what you are doing is a very risky thing. I also have to say that what you are doing is amazing too. What I would do is call him or e-mail him that you are going to talk him about something. Also bring your mom with you too. She could help you talk to him, and also build a relationship with him. That is all the advice I have to give you.
ReplyDelete^^^^^
Deletethat is a great idea
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI hate taking tests, so when I first heard about this assignment, I was really excited. I have always wanted to do something like this, but never had the motivation. I have some neighbors next door that I want to show kindness to. The girl, Libby, is my age and we hang-out almost everyday after school. Last year, her family started going to church, but only on holidays. I think that the reason she dislikes church is because of her experience. She has told me that she goes to a church that the majority is elderly, and the music is old hymns. Knowing her family, I can see why they don’t go to church very often. However, I want to show them that church doesn’t have to be like that. I go to a church with younger people, and the music is up-beat. I think that if Libby and her family would see Christianity like this, then they would be more likely to go to church. My plan is to invite Libby to youth group. This is a fun way to learn about God, and I think she will enjoy it. I also want to bake her cookies and do little things to show her family kindness. At the end of the week, I want Libby and her family to think “Who am I.” Hopefully this will change their perspective of the Christian faith.
I want make my friend say who am I. Like you did to David. He moved to Texas about 6 years ago. So we haven't talked in a long time. My plan is to send him an email to see how he is doing. This would be to check up on him. Then I would send him a package with a present inside. I think that this will truly make him say "who am I". I will need your help for the right things to say to him. But I pray to you that he will say who am I.
ReplyDeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteIn my youth group, I've been facing a lot of challenges being able to open up to you. The other girls in my group are people that I'm not very comfortable around, so I've found myself worrying a lot more about what they think about me instead of you. For the other girls in my group, it's considered "cool" to not really care or try to have a relationship with you, and I've found myself getting wrapped up in that kind of thinking. This weekend, my youth group is going on a mandatory retreat. Although it will be challenging, I'd like to give my time to you instead of the other girls. Through putting you first, I'm hopeful that you will help me create a better relationship with the girls in my group as well. As of right now, youth group is something I dread going to. Hopefully, if I keep my heart and mind open to you and stop worrying about other people, i'll be able to strengthen my relationship with you.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI am choosing option 1. Usually I just want to take the easy or safe way around but I really think that I should step out of my comfort zone, which you know that I hate to do. For the next couple of weeks I am going to really try to worship you and live the gospel through my actions. In church I am going to really think about you and worship you without thinking about what other people think. I would also like to show the gospel through my actions so that people would see a difference in me from a typical teenager in this generation. Please let me be a light to others so that they may wonder why I am different. And let me set an example that reflects christ. Amen
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger I always remembered waking up and going to sunday school or sometimes 8:00 service. But when I never really payed attention. Sometimes if i went to church I would color during the long periods of time when the Pastor was talking. I really never wanted to go to church because it was boring. Then when I got older I had to go to sunday schol so I could understand the bible. Now I have to go to church so i can do sermen reports and that means I have to listen. So please help me actually want to listen and actually want to go to church just because it is so long.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI choose this way as a test, because I break in pressure, and pressure comes from test. At first I thought this was gonna be an easy A, but now I see this is my chance to change what I want to change about myself. So all games aside, I really want to worship better. What I’m trying to say is, I go to church, but I don’t get it. I try to get involved, but it doesn’t work out... for some reason I can’t get into the music or the lesson. Sometime it’s because I think I’ll stand out, and everybody would look at me weirdly. I want to understand the lesson, and sing loud proud. So if you, God, can just give me the strength to be the best worshiper I can be I would be extremely thankful.
I forgot my plan and that is to Go to church the next three weeks and try my hardest to listen
ReplyDeleteI will live out the gospel by helping my grandfather, Terry, to stop smoking. He has smoked all his life. Over time he has gained type 2 Diabetes and has started smoke more every day! I believe he wants to stop smoking, since he has tried to stop, but he needs the extra family push for him to finish his goal. God wants us to care for bodies that he so carefully crafted for his purpose.
ReplyDeleteWhat am i going to do? When thanksgiving arises, I am going to do my best to make sure he doesn't smoke in that period of time. I will also use my parents and sister’s help. When they leave or we part ways, I'll also check on him and have my grandmother also help us!
To 54:
DeleteI admire what you are doing so much, but please be careful. It's really hard for someone who has been smoking for a while to stop. It's mainly because their bodies crave it, but if you want to get him to stop smoking you should try putting him on Nicotine Gum. It helps people who smoke switch from the habit of smoking to the habit of chewing gum. I wish you the best! Godspeed 54!
to 67: Good choice. God will truly be pleased .
ReplyDeleteto 35: That is a great attitude! This project will bring you and all of us closer to God.
ReplyDeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteI’m hoping through what I do I will bring glory to you and more people will come to know you. I want the whole world to know you and see how cool and awesome you are. To see that you’re not just some boring person up in the sky. That you truly care about each and every one of us. I think the way I will start to do this is by writing a letter about you and how your son died for us and forgave us of our sins. Also in the letter I will mention how you can become a believer and move from spiritually dead to spiritually alive. After I write the letter I plan on making a lot of copies and putting the copies in envelopes and writing to whoever finds this. Then I will go to common places that people go everyday and I will leave the message. I pray that the perfect person finds it and that it will impact their lives forever.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteWhen Mr. Scott first told me about this project I knew that option #1 was the one for me. I instantly started to think out my plan from beginning to end. I really would like to try this option because I want to make things better in my life. I’m sick of crying my eyes out especially at night because of guilt so now to stop I want to do this test. I hope this helps with me guilt, pain and crying.
I really need your help to walk me through this path. We both know that I lie uncontrollably especially to my mom. Lying is my biggest problem right now. I lie so much that even when I’m not trying the lie I still do. I’m trying to work on getting better at not lying and just confess what I did was wrong. There are things that I need your help with to get out of the dark and come to the light. I have confessed to my mom that I will stop lying, but when I told her she did not believe me. So now I want to confess to you that I want to work on not lie and I need your guidance as I’m going through this. Please God, I know there are going to be some stumbles on the road while going through this. This might take me awhile to do, but please just work with me and have patience. I do not know why, but I am really scared to do this.
God please, just be with me as I go through this. It is killing me on the inside and I really want to get everything out. I do not know why, but I am really scared to do this.Get this fear out of me it is slowing me down. This fear is getting in the way of me trying to accomplish this goal. I guess the fear is just that I do not want to mess up and then start back to old habits of lying again. Also, I might just be scared because of what some of the outcomes might be.
To 54:
DeleteI have totally been through that same guilt trip and it sucks so much! My problems are idolizing acceptance and pleasure. My habits are simply disgusting and God and I are working on it. By the way, it’s totally awesome that you are doing something about it! Asking God to help you through it is totally the way to go. I had and still have a problem with lying sometimes. Lying is a first impulse in some situations, so I find the best thing to do is stop, breathe, and think about what you are going to say. It is definitely easier said than done, but if you ask God He will definitely help you do it. Confession and repentance are really hard and I don’t blame you a bit for being scared. The first time God told me to confess to watching pornography and touching myself (idolizing pleasure), I was freaking out! Just typing it right now is making me shake. God is telling me to share this and it’s scaring me around in circles! God is definitely going to help you with lying and anything else you need, because He’s helping me and giving me what I need to do what He said. We’ll get through this present darkness. I’m praying for you 54, please pray for me. Godspeed!
sorry I meant to 17
DeleteThank you and I will definitely pray for you. It is good that you have confessed to God, but have you confessed to your parent(s). If you haven't then make sure you do and instead of just going for it just take baby steps into. I am saying take baby steps because I know you probably don't want to tell, but eventually your going to have to do it.
Delete~I am praying for you, 97
To 17:
DeleteDon't worry, they were the first ones to find out when the addiction started to take root. Of course the first time I saw porn it was a total accident, the problem was I didn't immediately turn it off. While I was still looking at it for the first time my mom came in, talked to me, then look at what I had done, and prayed for me. My mom really loves me. Anyway I have told my parents and they helped me by locking all of the porno sites and certain words on the computer. I am well taken care of. Thank you for your concern. Godspeed, 97
You may have possibly read my previous post, but I misunderstood what we were suppose to do but now i understand. My plan is to help students in our grade. I know that it's not just me that is suffering and I feel like this blog really opened my eyes that some people are sad and looking for someone and possibly just even looking for that one little bit of hope. I hope that through this I stop feeling sorry for myself and realize that I'm not the only one suffering. Now I won't just be helping those who I know are suffering but also some others cause you never know who's hurting in silence. Now I might just start out by doing simple things like encouraging notes, but I want to end up being there for them so much that if they need a shoulder to cry on or someone to talk to that they'll come to me.
ReplyDeleteTo: 34
DeleteExcellent plan! I like doing that kind of stuff just for fun. I never thought of it a project before. Tip: A good way to leave notes for people is to wait until lunch or after school to slide into their lockers. Also, you are so right about people hurting in silence. I am one of the ones who has been hurting in silence. It's really hard for me to say what I feel, so often times I don't say anything and just ignore the pain inside. Your project could help many suffering people, and on behalf of them I want to say thank you. Godspeed, 97
Hello God!,
ReplyDelete“Oh heavenly father I come to you askin’ and prayin’ to help me to spread your good news to help the broken and confused. I pray that you will make a way for families in this world today that they will not be ashamed to proclaim to golden name.” Don’t know exactly why, but that song was in my head. So, Hey! Today I shall speaketh to you about the “Do Something Different” project once again. (Exciting!) Okay, here is the plan so far . . .
1. Spend time with You in the morning. (I want to spend time with You in a fun way to start out the day like singing or maybe some random dancing. ☺)
2. Tell my special sister Sydney “I love you” everyday. (I want to show her love as well as speak love to her. You know I’m not good at this so could you please help me?)
3. Be kind to two of my “outer circle friends” (I haven’t been doing such a good job with this lately. I’ve been kind of blowing them off. Also, one of my inner circle friends is or was feeling left out and I want her to feel included as well. You know I hate excluding my friends, because of my experience.)
4. Spend time with You at the end of the day. (I was planning on doing a devotional or just praying until I fall asleep. If You decide You want me to do something different I’m ok with anything.)
Two Areas: Explored: Living the Gospel & Worship
How?: Showing kindness that is not normally given is living out the gospel. Spending time with God is just another obvious way to worship. Spending time with Him at the beginning and end of my day is helping me better represent Him throughout the day which is worshipful.
I’m hoping You like this plan and if not please tell me how to change it. I’ve really been wanting to do something new for you so this was just a push to get it done.
Love You,
97
You are so sweet thank you so much for your comment I wish you luck with your plan also. I really hope that I will find out who you are because I'm positive we would make good friends.
DeleteEven though I don't know you I feel like you might be that friend I'm looking for. I'm sorry if that sounds weird haha but I really really hope I figure out who you are :)
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteIts truly hurting me to see what’s happening to my grandparents. I have really been struggling with my grandparents. My grandma was recently just put in the hospital because shes been falling and internally bleeding. My grandpa isn’t a nice person and refused to take her to the hospital. She couldn’t drive herself because she's been having multiple strokes and is unable to drive. Whenever I’m with my grandparents my grandpa is always telling my grandma how stupid she is and worthless. But the thing is my grandma had a stroke over a year ago and has dementia and at one point she couldn’t even say my name. My grandpa still verbally abuses and her even though she doesn’t mean to do wrong. She can’t help it. I have no idea why. Its very sad, because my grandmother has been through so many things I can’t even explain. If you ask any of my friends about my grandmother they’d say shes the sweetest person in the world and will always bring a smile to her face. My grandparents live at the lake of the ozarks so Its hard for us to find the time to drive down there so we had to threaten him to bring my grandmother here and put her in the hospital. She's now recovering and in the hospital. This thanksgiving I want to share the gospel with my grandpa. I'm very scared because I highly doubt he will even read the note I'm going to give him. I know he's not a Christian and I want to change that and hopefully see the Holy Spirit change him.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI want to be there for my brother. I think that he is having a hard time at school and that he is really hurting. I know that he knows that you are there, but I do not think that he believes that when no one else is there for him you still are. Over thanksgiving break I want to read him bible stories. I think that he would enjoy doing this with me and I could also form a better relationship with him by doing it after thanksgiving as well. He already loves reading the bible and your word, but i think that if I read it with him it will give him peace. I hope that he knows that both of us love him.
Love, #87
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI was able to talk to a person who needed a friend. It took some time to not get annoyed. I hopefully made this person feel loved and cared for by saying Hi to them and by having conversations with them. I had a good feeling inside when I was able to help a person in need. I am going to continue doing what I'm doing, and I'm going to do it for other people in need too.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteThis isn’t easy at all, And I need your help. God im not sure if my grandparents actually believe in you. I think that they just go to church because they feel that they have to. That isnt right. Whenever i’m around them it just doesn’t feel right God. My plan is on thanksgiving, When my entire family is together, To preach your word. I want them to know that church is more than a place to go and sit down and listen, But to hear your word. I just don’t understand why some people just go because they think that they have to.
I am truly afraid of what their response might be. Would if it is something negative or hurtful? Would if they take it the wrong way and put it all out in me? As I said this isnt easy. Through me can you please guide me and direct me with powerful and meaningful words that actually change or inpower their hearts. This really means a lot to me because they some how always like to pick on me. Never nice to me and never respect me. I hope when the time comes, I can truly change their hearts from your word. God through you, will you please help me change their hearts so they can be the role models in me and siblings life.
I honestly dont know why they do this to me and my family. I thought they were christians until i realized that they basically told us it was all about them and that they were much better than us and my whole family. I dont think that im the only one that thinks that they don’t have jesus in their hearts. God i just cant see you the holy spirit through them. I pray that Through me and my family you give us strength and help them realize that they need some help. And they need you.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteIn my life, I want to succeed. I know that God will lead me to success. However, I sometimes see the view of success in a dangerous way. My dream has always been to go to a prestigious academic school like Harvard, Yale, or Stanford. Consequently, I have the idea that I will become successful if I graduate from those schools even though that is not true. I sometimes obsess over my grades because I am afraid one bad grade will keep me out of my dream school. To be honest, I sometimes act like it is the end of the world if I score lower than an 85%. I admit that I put my grades above you. For example, in bible class, I have the tendency to do projects just for the grade. Instead of thoroughly reading a bible passage, I skim through it just to get the main idea for a worksheet. Not reading the passage with a whole heart, is being disrespectful to God. Also, I have the tendency to daydream in bible class, and not be engaged in learning God's word. I chose option 1, so I can learn to not obsess over my grades, learn the true meaning of success, and learn more about God.
My plan is not too crazy, but I think it will work. First, I am not going to be devastated if I receive a low grade. As a result, I will use the bad grade to focus on the subject ,and fully grasp the information. To continue, I will start to donate things to show how blessed I am. For example, donating things to ITSOG, will show that being successful is not always receiving a big paycheck. The donations to the foundation will show me that being successful in God’s eyes is loving your neighbor. Last but not least, I am going to be fully engaged in bible class. I will read every passage I am assigned ,and try to figure out God’s message for it. The messages I learn from the bible will be engraved in my brain and heart forever. Doing the project, will help improve my views on grade importance, success, and on the bible. God I pray that you open my eyes to what real success is. Also, I pray that you give me the love and patience to help me with my journey.
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteI can honestly admit to you that I struggled with my task. I made improvements, but I also have things to work on. The separate chapels really helped me because my friends were in the opposite chapel of me. The chapels where I was separated from my friends I was more intrigued to what the speakers were saying. During the chapel songs I wasn't constantly leaning over to talk to my friends I was actually taking in the lyrics of the songs. Though the last chapel, right before thanksgiving, I was with my friends again. Instead of paying total attention to the songs like I did in the other chapel, I was distracted and I wasn't paying total attention. I realize that in future chapels one of my goals to accomplish will have to be not being distracted by friends. I tried to separate my self but it didn't really work, which means I just have to try harder. I am the only one that controls what I do and I need to find a way to confess to that and take action on what to do. Lord I hope that as I struggle to complete my goals you will help me and stand beside me, so that I will overcome this evil temptation and understand the true glory of you.