Alex on #Whispers

Do you want to hear from God? If so, are you ready to listen?


Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27). Christians are often compared to sheep in the Bible. It may seem like God is telling a cute little "sheep/shepherd" story; something for kindergartners, right?
Actually, God is using a metaphor. See, sheep were very important to the Hebrew people, the people for whom the Bible was first written. Most Hebrews were nomadic (moved often instead of living in one place) and relied on animals and agriculture for food and making a living. Sheep were very popular animals because of their wool.
Sheep also demonstate many character qualities that, ironically, relate to us! For example: Sheep are completely dependent on a shepherd. They are also fairly unintelligent, "Sheep will put their heads through a fence and keep wanting to go through the opening which is too small. It never occurs to them to draw back." (See here). Have you ever acted like that before? :) Sheep also have a tendency to get lost. Isaiah 53:6, "We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost. We've all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong, on [Jesus]..."
So, when Jesus talks about His "sheep", He's talking about you and me. We depend on Him for everything, even our next breath, we aren't too smart on our own and we tend to run away or ignore Him. But He loves us. And He invites us to listen to Him. He knows us. And He invites us to follow Him.
Despite our daily shortcomings, we can still listen to what God is telling us. God speaks through three outlets: 1) His People, 2) His Word, 3) His Spirit.


So, listen up! And be a sheep: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)


Alex W / Message Writer

Justin on #Smallgroups

One thing I think most Christians miss out on is growing close to people, and not just one person but many friends and other Christians. One way to do this is to meet in groups and talk about issues and struggles that you're going through. One way that the #VarsityOne students do this is by meeting in D-teams, or "Discipleship" teams, once a week to discuss certain issues. Another way they talk about issues and grow closer to God is through a new group called #VarsityUnderground. This has made a HUGE impact in the lives of the people at Varsity -- including my own. God has changed me in so many ways through my friends, and I can't thank my friends enough for being there for me. You guys are awesome! Anyway, one thing I believe all high schoolers and even adults should get involved in are small groups. It can just be a small get together with some friends, it doesn't matter who, but in the long run it will help you in so many ways and God will work through your life and struggles to help you grow closer to Him.

Justin Okamoto
Mainstream #V1 music writer

Alex on #Difficulties

Hey guys! It's so good to be back on the blog!
This week at Varsity, we talked about difficulties. The interesting thing is, difficulties come in all shapes and sizes. At Varsity, we talked about Peter and his imprisonment, but J.C. stressed that we may be facing similar obstacles that just seem smaller. God cares about all of our problems, difficulties and obstacles. Maybe you're concerned about balancing school, a part-time job, friends, D-team and Varsity. Maybe you're moving to a new place and worried about making friends. Maybe you (or other people) have issues with the way you look, the way you dress, the way you act. Maybe you're struggling with unfair or absent parents. The "maybes" can go on forever!

The answer to our difficulties lies with Christ. Just like Peter, who was put in jail even though he wasn't doing anything illegal (he was just preaching the good news of Christ!), we can endure difficulty with Jesus. Why? Because He promised never to "leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5, NIV). He also "causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (Romans 8:28, NLT). God knows what is best for us and He has it in mind. He will never leave us. He will never turn around and pretend He doesn't know us. He will never play cruel jokes on us just to be mean. God is working for good behind the scenes of our lives. How amazing is that?

When faced with an obstacle, difficulty or problem... pray. But don't just say: "God, I hate my life." Say: "God, this is what happened today. This is how I feel about it. I know You are concerned for my well-being and I know You love me. I trust You and Your plan in my life with this situation." Yeah, it's hard! But it's how you can realize that God is in control.

Remember this verse when you are facing difficulties: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3, NIV) James is saying that these problems, these trials, only make us stronger. There is hope beyond your present predicament. Ask God to show you.

Alex W / Message Writer

Justin on #SpiritualWarfare

One thing I think a lot of people don't realize is that the devil is everywhere. He's in your home and your school. He's even in your mind, constantly tearing away and trying to pull you away from God and the amazing things He has to offer. You have to learn how to fight it, the spiritual warfare that goes on between God and the Devil, really goes on inside of you, in the decisions that you make, the thoughts that you act on and more. You have to learn to fight off all of these things and realize that God forgives and loves NO MATTER WHAT! God loves you! He will always love you and welcome you into His comforting arms with love and forgiveness. If you read this blog, don't ever forget that God is alive, and He's alive in you!

Justin Okamoto
Jesus Freak #V1 writer for music

Alex on #Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)