A personal God who loves you, will guide you; the key to change for the better

What does it mean that God is personal and not transcendent? For one thing, it means He wants us to share personally what is on our hearts and talk with Him, never just repetitions. How does it tie in with how to change our country?

It just takes a single sincere prayer of repentance to Him to have that relationship. You just need to put your faith in what He did for you on the cross as having taken the punishment for your sins, and call on Him to save you. Creation questions such as about dinosaurs can be answered - many helps are here. However they are not the focus of this, though it helps to recognize God made this world perfect with no pain, no suffering, etc., but He gave people free choice so we wouldn't be mindless robots, so people chose to sin and turn from Him. You don't have to believe that to trust Jesus Christ to save you from your sins and get to Heaven.

Salvation is the key; the links are merely to help you if others ask. However, it is important to believe God is personal so you can talk with Him and let Him be your guide, helper, comforter, etc.. It's that personal relationship which will let God change things and use us to help through our prayers and our actions and attitude. (Prayer is vital before telling others about Him, too; as for other helps, they're in the last section.)

This post sharing a push for revival in Los Angeles will be featured through part of April 92016) for two good reasons. It encourages prayer for a known goal to glorify God. And, it shows how the devil can counterfeit things if we're not careful, thus sharing a great prayer need, that the devil not be able to counterfeit this revival, that only God be at work.

God Is Personal and Loves You - Why Some Reject Him and How To Help

One trick the devil uses is to make us think God is only transcendent. That means the devil makes people think God is too far above people to care. However, that is a lie. God cares deeply about us even though we go astray so much. God wants us to invite Him into our lives as a guide, comforter, helper, friend, and so much more. He gave each of us gifts, talents, etc. and wants to help us each use those to benefit us and others and glorify His love as much as possible. We don't have to do any work to earn His love - we just have to receive it by faith, just like a little child trusts a loving parent.

Many don't realize how much God cares. Some were taught false doctrine like transcendence growing up, so they believed the wrong thing. Shows 72-75 here give a good description of the errors of the Catholic Church, for instance. And, that doesn't mention some things, such as their teaching that the Church has replaced israel. On the contrary, God still loves the Jewish people and will soon deal with them as His chosen people again; it's like they're "grounded" right now, with individuals still trusting Christ and getting saved but in the Age of Grace Gentiles are being grafted in.  So, if people claim to not trust Christians, make sure they understand that true Christians love everyone and understand that the Jews are still God's chosen people and love and respect them for that.

Some reject God because something specific bad happened in their lives or someone else's. They need to learn God can make good come out of it, like my grandpa and World War Two. He trained for over a year and was all ready to make his first training flight with his crew in World War Two. He got deathly sick with pleurisy. While he was in the hospital,t he flight took off and crashed in New Mexico, with all on board dying. Being very sick let him live another 54 years.  His sister-in-law couldn't have children but becasue of that they adopted two wonderful kids who might not have had such good homes otherwise.

Others chose to reject God's perfect, unconditional love,  though that can be because they never understood how God was protecting and guiding them away from things that could harm them.

Sometimes awful things are done to people. Such victims need told first they did nothing wrong in the situation, nothing to deserve such trauma. Then, they need to see how God can heal them of the pain. He wants to, because He is personal. They might need to keep giving stuff to Him because it is so hard, but he will help them.  Sometimes they wind up medicating themselves with things that won't last, just like the woman at the well (John 4) who kept looking for love in guys rather than trusting God to save her. When Jesus came and showed who Him was, then she trusted Him to save her from her sin.

All need God to heal them, forgiving them from their own sin and making them new on the inside.

Who Is God? Trust the Creator, not the Creature

Okay, so back to personal vs. transcendent, true repentance means that a person is a new creature in Christ(2 Cor.5:17) and that God will keep making them new as more parts of their life are turned over to Him. this is the importance of that personal relationship, a Friend who guides, heals, etc. to be more like the loving, compassionate Christ we see in the Bible who loves all and yet who also takes stands for moral standards. (This post shared what we believe; it's important to stay positive when we can and not just say what we're against.)

 Romans 1:25 is part of a sad, downward spiral that talks about how people worshiped the creature more than the Creator. This is what happens when "professing themselves wise, people become fools." This causes people to mix Eastern thought in with the Word of God - although as this show shows, it's really just another way for people to try to work their way up to God when we can't because our sin nature causes us to always fall short of His perfect love, forgiveness, truth, etc.. Sins aren't just big ones, they are ones like lying, being mean, etc.. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.(Rom.3:23) The wages of sin is death (eternal separation from God), but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.(Rom.6:23) So, God (the Creator) reached down to us (the creature) in His love to save us so we could have that personal relationship with Him.

Why is it important to keep them straight? If a person was a baseball pitcher, and everyone started worshiping the ball they threw, reporters started to interview it - or even the guy's arm - and so on, you'd think they were crazy. But, that's what happens when people worship the creature - the ball, in this case, that gets thrown - more than the creator - the one throwing it.

When people worship the creature - including self - more than the Creator, often they are falling for a doctrinal error called New Age; an error quite a few in Hollywood and elsewhere follow. It's a problem because it makes people think they can make themselves perfect when they can't. And, bits can creep into good churches, too. In short, it is imagining a world where there are no consequences for actions and people just naturally get along; New Age often denies that there is a sin nature.

What it boils down to is that people in New Age worship demonic spirits. This is why yoga should never be done in the way that most people do it, where they allow their minds to be empty and the evil spirits can get into it. Stretching and other exercises are fine if done with God in mind and to glorify Him, but with so many choices like zumba one can easily ignore things like yoga. If one is to focus on something, focus on Jesus.

(The Bible tells us to meditate on God, His Word, His law, and so on; so, it's okay to meditate, just never totally clear your mind and invite bad spirits in.)

While there are evil forces in the world, people don't need to fear them; God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.(2 Timothy 1:7) Yes, god has given us a spirit of power, the power that lets people say, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."(Phil4:13) However, it is not of our own strength, it is only through God working through us we can have that power.

This is why it's so important to have that personal relationship with God and to stay away from crystal balls, ouija boards, and many other things which the devil uses to control us. The devil was a created being with untested creature holiness, but he chose to rebel against God(Isa.14:12-15,Eze.28:11-19,Luke 10:18,Rev. 12) and led 1/3 of the angels with him. That's where demons come from.

Thankfully, we have a personal God who manifests Himself in three ways - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - and 2/3 of the angels on our side. And, God is all-powerful and will one day destroy all the evil in this world anyway. It is that relationship with God that is vital. that and our sin nature that explains why New Age ideas don't stand up to the great power of God.

Let's look at how a personal walk with God improves things in ways New Age - and any works-based religion - can't.

Only Personal Walk With God Makes Revival Possible

If you need a ride somewhere because your car broke down, you call a person who can help. You don't rely on a car appearing out of the blue somehow, right? (And hopefully you're on speaking terms with them - it wouldn't help if you just called a friend you fought with and didn't speak to for 5 years.)

In the same way, we need a personal relationship with God to get the things we need. And unlike that friend, God wouldn't hang up - once you have that personal relationship with Him, you just need to confess and forsakw sin to restore that relationship to its full potential - nothing can separate us from His love.(John 10:28-30,Rom.8:36-39,Jude 24, Eph.1:13-14,etc..) Here is a great link explaining about why and how God answers prayer, though a few posts in this blog also tell it effectively, too.) Some might say those things are inside us, but that is putting the creation ahead of the creator.

Look at the courage some people have  - far above others. They can run through a burning home to save someone. Such a person may think they did it themselves, but they actually used something they were born with that was given by God for that purpose. Perhaps they trained hard as a fireman, but that was just building their talents the way an athlete will works their muscles till they are as good as they can be, or an entertainer learns to improve their skills.

That same God who gives great things like perfect wisdom(James 1:5) gives physical and mental talents, too. We rely on Him just like that person who needs a ride. He doesn't give that's some gifts to everyone for the same reason He doesn't make everyone a superstar baseball player or fireman with tremendous courage. We all fit together as a team. This is why Paul, inspired by God, compared people to parts of the body. The eye, ear, foot, lungs, and so on all perform wonderful purposes that they are best suited for. When verses like 2nd Timothy 2:1 speak of being strong, they mean a continual strengthening from the outside, by God.

Also, consider what would happen if it was only forces of nature. People would be able to think they could do anything and get away with it, because they would all be doing what was right in their sight. That would mean they could do mean things to each other and others could do mean things to them. Our personal, loving God wouldn't want that, so he established moral laws so you can be protected. People just choose to disobey them because of that sin nature, but God will judge them someday if they don't repent. And, even if they do, they must live with the consequences of their sin.

God wants us to stand for Godly, moral behavior. We don't act good so we can get to Heaven, of course. We get to Heaven only through the finished work of Jesus Christ and calling on Him, trusting Him to save us. It is done so we can make the world a better place, glorifying God in the process. (The fac it is only through the finished work of Christ is why children who die below the age of accountability always go to Heaven)

This brings us back to the New Age error. I won't judge whether a particular person is following it because they don't want to think about the consequences for sin, or because they don't understand. I will simply explain one other main problem.

Movements like this are often based on feelings, not fact. If A and B are friends, and A wants to do something really dangerous, then B - as a friend - should try to convince them not to. A might be a real risk taker and not listen to B. However, the fact is that person A is likely to end up in he hospital or worse. Of course, a good friend like B, while they won't do something bad with A, will comfort you when you suffer the consequences of the action.

God is the same way. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned each one to his own way, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)  God has a series of rules that govern the world, such as honesty, faithfulness and commitment to one spouse, kindness, and many other things. These are the moral laws, they are different from the other ones in Leviticus which were merely to set the Jewish people apart from those around them. We turn away from those moral lawsbecause of our sin nature. That separates us from God. However, God loves us more than we can imagine. Therefore, all we have to do is trust Him to save us from our sins. Call on Him by faith to forgive and save you.

 When you do, He seals you with the Holy Spirit of promise.(Eph.1:13-14,John 14-16 with numerous verses, etc.) That is His promise that you have a permanent relationship with Him, one which we don't have till we trust Him to save us from our sin. Sometimes we might feel far away from God after that, just like if there is something between you and a BFF but you still love each other. However, that is another reason why feelings aren't a good measure. Even John the Baptist felt this. In John 1:29 we see the great prophet proclaim Jesus as "the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." Yet in Matthew 11 h's in prison and sends people to make sure Jesus is the promised Messiah. Jesus tells them to go back and show John the Baptist all the miracles Jesus had done - in other words, facts.

Importance (and Ways) of Sharing God With Others

Since this is already somewhat long, I won't take too much time here, but I want to exhort you to share God's love. I'm sure many readers do, but there will likely be young and old reading who don't know how or who need encouragement.

Starting a conversation can be tricky, but you can always share a website if nothing else. The ABCs of the Gospel I mentioned earlier can be found on the front of this youth ministry site, which has another page with God's Simple Plan of Salvation and a tract link.

Speaking of tracts, the American Tract Society and Child Evangelism Fellowship have very good ones for low cost, and Fellowship Tract League lets you order free ones. These are little pieces of paper telling about God's love and salvation with different themes. CEF also has different clubs a faithful Christian adult can lead; see the CEF site for details.AWANA also has great clubs at churches, Google search for an AWANA club and you can find one.(Because - partly due to my nearsightedness - I couldn't find the club locator right on the site, though it is there.) Evangelism Explosion is also very good. GMO has sites with basics of living as a Christian that you will enjoy if you just click to indicate a decision.

To share the Gospel yourself, in addition to the ABCs I mentioned, here are a few quick keys.

1. Be humble. Don't be someone you aren't. People want to see you're genuine. Admit you're a sinner in need of a Saviour, too, just as I am - we're all just sinners saved by grace and relying on that grace and relationship with God to help us grow more like Jesus.

Remember something like the Romans Road or even just John 3:16 can be used - it's God the Holy Spirit that convicts of sin. Our job is to be his mouthpiece - and, of course, we can't be if we aren't believeable ourselves. And, He speaks best through his Word, which is swift and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword.

You can refer tough questions to ministries from the largest like Global Media Outreach to the smaller oens like the Youthquake one above with the ABCs of salvation. But, you do have ones like this to show the Bible is real and reliable. Youthquake's radio show has a number of topics dealing with different religions, etc..Along with GMO, this can be a good starting point for discussing with Muslims. Here are some great resources on that in this blog.

Be forgiving. People need unconditional love, especially if they are struggling with something. It's our job to point them to Jesus to heal them from their pain. That kind of love is what lasts; others are either just physical or temporary(eros) or not quite as deep, though they can come close.(Phileo,storge) God's love, agape, means he loves us even though we can't possibly repay Him for all He's done for us. The four types of love are discussed here.

Offer to pray with the person if they want to trust Christ, but they let them pray in their own words if they can. Make sure they understand the specific words aren't what's important. Them trusting Jesus Christ to save them from their sins, believing He died on the cross to take their punishment and rose from the dead for them, are what's important.

You can probably come up with a shorter one. the point is, the Holy Spirit will work in lives if we let Him. This post shares what such a revival would look like with the Spirit leading people.

Most importantly, though, remember that just like any relationship, communication is key. Keep up your relationship with God through prayer, reading the Bible (check the shows for why the King James is the right one), and growing closer to Him each day.Because God still wants to save people and help this nation. He never takes any pleasure in the punishment of sinners(Eze.33:11); He would that all would come to repentance so he can make them new inside. Those people are just waiting for us to share His love.

On Role Models, and Why Encouragers Are Needed for RevivalEncouragers)

Almost everyone with a younger sibling has been told to be a good example, yet we're also told not to compare ourselves to others. How do we find the right balance? How does it tie in to praying for repentance revival and God's healing touch on America? While as I wrote this wound up centered a bit more on celebrities (maybe 60%), it's for anyone. In fact at the start of the "Being Someone Who Encourages" section I list a few things private individuals especially can do to encourage others besides just prayer.

And, anyone can do something - more is mentioned in this radio show on the harvest being plentiful.

Inspiring Others

A simple definition of "role model" might be, "Someone you pattern yourself after in a certain area of life." Kids copy older siblings and parents, but people also enjoy turning to athletes, entertainers, and political leaders.  It probably seems odd at first, for a public figure to hear they don't just have fans, random people see them as role models. But, public figures inspire others and people admire them, even though Charles Barkley famously said athletes shouldn't be role models. But if not, what should be done if the people who should be role models - parents, teachers, etc. - fail? After all, role models need to live the right way, not just talk about it, and it doesn't help just saying, "don't follow us" without saying who to follow.

I'll say much more than just "Follow Jesus" - that would be way too short a post and it's been said so well in other places, like this.

Instead, I'll touch on things like what I said in another post about how other people matter. It will lead into how we should all use our abilities to encourage and inspire others in a positive way, in order to have repentance revival and God's healing touch on our country. We must get rid of the constant attacking we do nowadays - because people need lots of encouragement. We should also pray others will encourage people, too - but, we shouldn't jsut figure someone else will; we should do what we can, letting God guide us.

In some ways, it's easy to understand why certain people say they shouldn't be role models. Some have enough issues they're in need of role models even as adults. But, just like a kid who gets a lot in trouble but is still great at getting his little brother to pick up his toys (even if by seeing who can do it fastest), even someone with the roughest background can still be an encouragement.

That's what we should all strive to be. God's Word tells us to edify one another, to build each other up. We won't always feel like smiling, but God can help us through those times. However, think of those who have encouraged you in your life. They were very special to you. That is what each of us should be to others, whether a parent or teacher or just a public figure.

Inspirations of Old, and the Recipe for Revival

Well before modern media, parents and teachers already held famous people up as models of virtue. Two of the most famous are George Washington and Abraham Lincoln when it comes to honesty; they taught children to follow the examples of these men and be totally honest - and, some still do. Of course, we should follow the absolute right and wrong of God and not put people on such a level that we expect perfection, no matter who it is. After all, everyone is human and we should not put a person up to God's perfect level. However, they were still great examples because of the tone they set with their honesty

When Lincoln walked miles to return a few cents he'd overcharged a customer, for instance, it didn't matter if he wasn't perfect. It was still part of his general character - he was still an inspiration as Honest Abe. One reason honesty has declined so much is because we have thrown out the notion of inspiring youth with their examples. Of course, Washington and Lincoln were human. The point was that they tried hard to always tell the truth. That reminder was imprinted on children's hearts to help them do the same. A simpified example of how this would work in real life was in a 1967 Peanuts sequence. Sally had lied in Kindergarten and only felt guilty when Charlie Brown - in response to being asked why honesty was important - shouted "George Washington." She burst into tears pledging she would never lie again. He probably didn't shout so much as the reminder was so loud in her heart. After all, she is a very well behaved girl normally and was likely just once. We don't see her lie again. In fact, in a 1978 sequence she is tempted but instead she confesses to breaking another kid's ruler and buys a new one for him. She'd learned it felt good to do the right thing.

Even if a person has a wonderful family, it is normal to look up to famous people. It can be a Washington or Lincoln, or a current star. Using the funnies again to mirror real life (and likely a real happening; the author used his family but also ideas fans sent in), a 1970s Family Circus comic  showed Billy at the bathroom sink asking his mom, "How do you know Reggie Jackson brushes his teeth every night?" A child's mom had tried to get him to brush by telling him that the baseball superstar did the same. This no doubt happened in many households with different players, entertainers, etc. that kids liked. (Plus, given his wooden teeth and hygiene in his day, it wasn't possible to tell them George Washington always brushed his teeth.)

Wanting to be like someone you look up to can be good when done in the right way like that. And, it should be fun for others, too. It's a joy to encourage people.Whether kids should need reminded that someone else always tries to be 100% honest, or brushes their teeth, or whatever, doesn't matter.

Sure, it's better to look up to someone close to you. But, whether you're a relative, neighbor, or just a public figure who was kind enough to sign that kid's poster that's up in their room, to know that they're doing the right thing because of you is a wonderful feeling. It lets you realize you helped someone - or, rather, you answered God's call and He used you on His team.

There are, of course, many complaints that some celebrities do things so against what should be done in a civilized society. Johnny Manziel's multiple problems, the recent situation revealed about Peyton Manning when he was in college - with an even worse cover-up, it seems - or any number of scandals involving Hollywood stars are the kinds of things that draw such negative reactions to them as role models.

However, such complaints ignore three important things. First, they ignore the fact that some kids grow up in situations where there is no good role model for many aspects of life - we need to encourage these young people to turn somewhere, not just tell them where not to turn. (And, thankfully, many athletes do give back tot heir communities in many ways, such as LeBron James.)  Second, such complaints ignore the fact a role model can be held in high regard for one thing and not for another - Lincoln would be praised for his honesty, a truly great thing, but certainly not for his radio broadcasting skill, since he died way before radio was invented. Finally, they ignore the fact that this nation as a whole has these problems. The stains of sin and addiction can be seen in every walk of life; public figures are just more, well, public.

That last is why we need repentance revival in the first place. We need to pray God heals this country. That repentance should start with us and with our willingness to not only seek God's face and turn from evil, but also to be an encouragement to others. We need to edify others and help them.

Being Someone Who Encourages

We should each - famous and regular people - do our part in encouraging others. As stated, we don't have to be celebrities. People can volunteer as a coach or mentor, be a Big Brother or Big Sister, work with an online group like icouldbe.org or orphan.org, or something else that can help people to follow the right path. That is where the part comes in about other people mattering and how we can play a part even when we don't realize it. It's especially important that when a parent isn't available, another relative, a coach, teacher, or someone else who is personally close to that person should be the one they look to the most. But, it is only natural for them to seek others to emulate, too.

It also means just being a Godly individual in business and in your home life. Focusing on the positive,keeping your mind on the good things of Philippians 4:8, staying away from addictive things but instead getting your joy out of the best thigns in life, which are free, and so on. Then, quietly passing that on to others. That's where anyone can make a major difference, by remembering that others matter.

Of course, it's hard to always walk that talk because we're human. but, that's why we need God's help, as I'll discuss at the end. Who knows what problems we can stop because we intervene before the person even starts to sink into problems. After all, often people turn to addictions because they are looking for an escape to hide pain they feel over something else. But, they need to see you care and that you are living consistently with what you say.

Other Keys

Whether the person is a public or private figure, what are the keys to being one and making a difference to someone?

1. Be humble. Realize that you are not perfect, and admit it, but keep improving, trying to be the best example of Jesus Christ you can be in kindness, compassion, love for others, and so on. Never do it to glorify yourself. Do it to glorify God because He is the one who should be your role model. And, one important characteristic was that He didn't boast of Himself. So, let others be the ones to brag on you.
     And, recall that whatever your talents - teaching, encouraging, performing, whatever - they were given by God for you to bless others. As 1 Cor. 10:31 says, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." You can bless and do secular work if it's what God calls you to do, but remember that purposeful sin won't honor God. Sure, every passion play has to have someone play Judas, but as the Philippians 4:8 post says, focus on things which are true, just, pure, lovely, etc..

2. Be thankful for fans, others. For a celebrity, just having fans is a great honor. Don't be the type who insists that people have to know who they are, but be humble and pleasantly surprised and thankful for any fans. A person can choose to let anyone entertain them, so if they chose you, it should be a great honor, not an entitlement. (If you've fallen into the trap, God understands, simply confess and forsake it, asking Him for forgiveness and to give you a heart for others.)
     But, to public and private people, being a role model is an even greater honor. It's not something you have to do - it's something you *get* to do. Joe DiMaggio, as a young ballplayer, said he always wanted to play his best because some young boy might be seeing him play for the first time. The need for such an attitude is true whether you are a performer or just a Sunday School teacher who has a regular job like plumber or factory worker or whatever.

3. Be faithful in little things, trust God to give you greater.  Before David was able to slay the giant, he had to be faithful in bringing lunch to his brothers at the battlefield. For him to be trusted to do that he had to do chores around the house, like tending sheep; which is where God also gave him training by giving him a lion and a bear to fight off guarding the sheep. (I don't think it was at the same time, but if it was, wow, that must have been something to see!)
     It might take time, if you mentor someone, to earn their trust. Some kids have seen so many people come and go, and they need to know you'll be in it for the long haul, that you'll keep praying for them and not abandon them when they mess up, for instance.

4. Don't become self-important.  DiMaggio forgot several important lessons later in life, including humility and letting others do the bragging. In 1969, he was voted the greatest living baseball player on the 100th anniversary of the first professional team. From then till his death. he insisted that everywhere he went, he was to be introduced as the "greatest living ballplayer."
     That should never be our attitude! There will always be someone better at something and someone worse at something than we are. DiMaggio let himself get way too puffed up with pride. However, it is appropriate to realize that to someone out there, our performance in and out of the public eye is important. Even if it's as simple as always brushing your teeth or keeping your cool when your car won't start just in case one of your Sunday School kids happens to ride by on his bike and see you out there.
      How to avoid getting puffed up with pride? The key is to keep your eyes on Jesus. When you do, you will realize that as much as people look up to you, you are not perfect and will always have room to improve. And, He will help you keep your mind on the important things of life. That kindness toward people, being friendly and considerate and polite, giving back to the community. Be like John the Baptist, who said of Jesus, "He must increase but I must decrease." After all, Jesus died to take the punishment for each of our sins, no matter who we are. Thankfully, He rose from the dead and is always there to help us when we ask Him for it, if you've trusted Him/called on Him to save you.

     It's the same lesson any good teacher, coach, parents, etc. needs to remember. They shouldn't go around saying they are the best and perfect because of their position. The ones who are most respected are humble and put others first. They do that because they are modeling that attitude in those they are responsible for.
     The athlete or entertainer may not be responsible in the same way for that person who sees them perform. (Though with some kids' home lives, they may look more than normal to such a person.) They do, however, have the opportunity to be a positive influence in the world. It is an opportunity given by God because He wants to do something special in each of our lives.

5. Be involved personally, don't just talk about it. Be willing to go out of your way to talk to someone who is down or try to find them help. Some people have started addictions at a very young age, for instance, but it would have possibly only taken one person to notice them and listen to their problems and encourage them along a better path to help them and keep it from starting. (Just pray and God will direct you in how to help or bring people your way.)

     People need to see you care, especially when they don't have a good situation . For some, it's the only way they'll see the love Jesus has for them. It'll also keep you from the temptation of letting things get out of hand if you're a celebrity. There are a number of athletes who ESPN's Outside The Lines reported have had major problems with their charities.

     Even for private individuals, though, as noted before, people need to see you'll stick with your mentoring or whatever. And, don't worry if it's hard. 2 Tim.2:1, for instance, says to be strong in the Lord. That verse "be strong" is a continual action in the original Greek; it's an action from outside. We need to keep trustign the Lord to continually strengthen us. So, if you are famous and end up visiting sick kids in a hospital, for instance, you can help encourage them by being the strength they need. (And, I know quite a few readers of this already do this, and to you I say thank you and salute you.)

6. Don't Be Drawn Into Sin. I've mentioned elsewhere about the big spiritual battle we face, especially how some things are demonic or have those in them. There are also others who have felt so much pressure they sink into addictions rather than letting God handle things and just stepping back from the problems because it gets that bad. It's important if you need to say "no" so you can be better off in the long run. You may also be the person who needs to be there for someone so they don't start, as I stated.
     (With Facebook, DM on Twitter, and many other things it's probably a lot easier than years ago especially for celebrities to find that help. Eitehr way, Young Hollywood, you can start things - make a pact so none of you ever gets into addictive things, demonic things, or other bad stuff, and to be dedicated to wholesomeness, with no vulgarity, dedicated to the Lord instead. He will give you strength to do it.)
     There is a great need for people to stand up for what's right in the world, and that means staying away from the things in the seedier part of the world. Romans 12:2 speaks of not being conformed to this world - we shouldn't be like the world's system which ignores God and at times outright invites the devil in.
     Even Hollywood has its good parts; one nephew is down there in fact and trying to start a living in it. He knows to be strong enough to avoid all the drinking and ungodly activity that might get some people something but will ultimately take them down the wrong path.

7. Stand for and live for what's right. Young people in and out of Hollywood need help and encouragement to stay away from those things and trust in the Lord to guide them in the right way, so a whole generation can see and stand for what's right and proper, staying away from vulgarity but instead doing wholesome things.
     This is true outside, too - in youth sports, in any area of life. Your young people can lead, such as in this free blogged book on spiritual leadership, but they need help Some have wonderful families to help, others need mentors to help.
     All, however, need encouragement.

Role Models Sparking Repentance Revival

     The above, as noted, is just as true in a regular public school or anywhere, too. People need someone to lift their spirits quite often in this sin-stained world. god made this world perfect with no pain, no suffering, no heartache, etc., but sin came into the world because god gave us free choice. People chosoe sin, but thankfully, God Himself made a way to be forgiven and get to His perfect heaven. That way is through trusting Jesus Christ as Saviour from one's sins, calling on Him by faith to forgive and save you. It's all inclusive - anyone can do it, it is not dependent on our works because God doesn't want us boasting of how we got there.

     It would be wonderful if every public high school had a student-led prayer and devotion club in their schools where students could come learn how much god lvoes them and how to have a relationship with Him and/or build that relationship. (If a youth would like to start one, they or an adult who wants to help them can go here - or click for the radio show here where several programs talk about it - and get help starting one. (It's the inner city ministry I've mentioned before that I've mostly copied a couple of these posts back and forth with on its blog.)

     Revival must start somewhere, though. it starts with adults and young people being encouragers.

     This, then, is how to find that perfect balance between the idea of role models and not comparing yourself to others. By turning to Godly people who inspire you to do more. And, by being one yourself.

     Because, whoever you are, you are capable of inspiring others, of being that role model they sorely need through mentoring, friendship, whatever else. And, as a public figure, through your good conduct inside and otuside the public arena, you will have the awesome experience of having people someday say, "I'm where I am because of him/her.

     Just something as little as knowing kids brush their teeth because of you is special. But, as you are able to be counted on more and more, God will give you the opportunity to really be a major influence. Maybe on jsut one person's life, but maybe - as a public figure - on a generation. Maybe on a nation.

     It starts with each individual not only repenting and praying for God to revive us, but also to be role models and encouragers for others, realizing we each have a responsibility to lead.