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"1Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. "

That word humility means lowliness of mind or humiliation of mind.

The word humble means depressed, humiliated (in circumstances or disposition), base, cast down, of low degree, lowly.

The word proud means appearing above others

The word resisteth means opposes.

Does that give you some ideas? Look if you feel left out, you're actually in a good place to receive the grace of God, not necessarily because God likes you better, but because you are beginning to see that your efforts to fit in will never get you what you're looking for. You already fit in with God. If you've accepted Jesus as your Savior then the Word says you ALREADY ARE loved and HIGHLY FAVORED. Just quit. Quit trying to fit in. Spend your time discovering the person God sees in you already. Somehow this changes things in your life right now. You stop having to prove anything to the world, become settled and content. You find it's okay to obey those who are over you because it doesn't take away from YOU at all! Nobody can do that when you know who you are.

I can guarantee you one thing. You are accepted right here. People may not be all into you or the things you do and say, but they CAN recognize Christ in you. So let Him live through you by giving up!

The folks who have hardened their hearts to God will likely always reject Him. When you encounter these people, nothing you do or say will change their minds. Don't take it personally. It's not you they are rejecting, but God in you. Pray for them, that their hearts will soften, and they will begin to experience the Life of God YOU have found.

Finally, surround yourself with the people who support God's Life in you. Find friends who encourage you, who recognize you may not have it all together in your own abilities, but Jesus in you makes you RIGHT!

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Everyone faces challenges. It's not really fair to compare yourself with someone else. You may think they have it easy, but there maybe something going on with them you don't know about. On the other hand, you may think this other person really has a terrible life, and you're just glad you're not like that.

The Bible warns against this because God knew that this thinking can cause major problems. 

2 Corinthians 10:12 (New American Standard Bible)

For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.

But everyone has a choice whether or not to rise to those challenges or to be overtaken by them.

If you're a leader, then you view challenges as a way to grow as a person. It doesn't mean we think those situations or obstacles are great, and it doesn't mean we're totally happy to see them. It just means we know who -- and WHOSE -- we are!

Here are some great personal things you can do now so that you are stronger and better able to RISE to challenges you might face -- with God's grace:

(From The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, by Sean Covey)

1. The next time someone flips you the bird, give them the peace sign back.
2.  Listen carefully to your words today. Count how many times you use reactive language, such as "You make me ..." "I have to ..." "Why can't they ..." "I can't ..."
3. Do something today that you have wanted to do but never dared. Leave your comfort zone and go for it. Ask someone to hang out, raise your hand in class, or join a team.
4. Write yourself a Post-It note: "I will not let ___________________ decide how I'm going to feel." Place it in your locker, on your mirror, or in your planner and refer to it often.
5. At the next party or event, don't just sit against the wall and wait for excitement to find you, you find it. Walk up and introduce yourself to someone new.
6. The next time you receive a grade that you think is unfair, don't blow it off or cry about it, make an appointment with the teacher to discuss it and then see what you can learn.
7. If you get in a fight with a parent or a friend, be the first to apologize. 

 And finally, Dennis and I would love to hear how you faced your challenges. Share it with the group at the next Downpour.

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"People may not think I know a buttload of crap about the gospel ... but I do"

Do you feel like Nacho felt when he said that? 

1 Timothy 4:12 (Amplified Bible) Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

You know the gospel - the good news. It's God's Good News that He's not mad at the world anymore. He wants a relationship. Jesus paid the price once and for all. The way was made clear for everyone to come to the Father through Jesus' death and resurrection. 

When we believe that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice in our place, we accept a free gift of salvation. We're saved from separation from God forever. We're saved from condemnation and guilt. 

It's like someone else went to court for our offense, and they were sentenced in our place - forever!

You know the love of God, the goodness of God. You know the gospel. 

Now live your life like you do!

And if you have a friend who doesn't get it? Just tell them you're concerned about their salvation and stuff.

And remember ... sometimes when you're a man you wear stretchy pants in your room ... just for fun.

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