The Battle for Purity

Even though I’m a girl, I read the March cover story on how to defeat lust. By the way, I’m glad Breakaway has armed readers with a new devo guide — TRIBE: A Warrior’s Battles.

I want to encourage my Christian brothers to stand strong. Know this: God is always with you. In every trial you face, He is there. I challenge you to remain pure in every area of your life. While I can’t completely empathize with your struggle for sexual purity, I can tell you that there are Christian ladies out there who have promised to remain pure, too.

Lastly, don’t ever allow past mistakes to bring you down. Instead, learn from them. And don't ever settle for a mediocre walk with Christ. God can do exceedingly more in your life than you can ever imagine. Are you going to let Him? (Check out 1 Corinthians 10:13 for more encouragement.)

— Jesse, Lima, N.Y.

Speaking Up for Relient K

I think you got it all wrong when you said Relient K does not speak up about their Christianity [“Relient SpeaK Up?” January 2006]. Maybe they don’t come out at the start of their tour and say, “We are Christians,” but they speak it in their lyrics. Songs like “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been” and “I So Hate Consequences” are packed with spiritual meaning. Check out their lyrics before you say they don’t speak up.

—Tucker Sandbek, Raleigh, N.C.

Top 5 . . .
ways to get the girl of your dreams.

1. Treat her with respect! She deserves it.

2. Follow the stricter rules of the relationship — usually her dad’s rules.

3. Little things mean a lot: Get her a flower. Take her for a picnic. The possibilities are endless!

4. Chivalry isn’t dead. Open doors for her and her friends.

5. Pray! This is vital to be able to find the real girl of your dreams.

—Joshua Frost, Regina, Saskatchewan

God’s Transforming Love

Recently, I attended a youth conference in Gatlinburg, Tenn. God did an amazing work in my life, which I’m still trying to fully grasp. The biggest thing that Jesus revealed to me is that He loves me. That’s right: He truly loves me! I know this sounds like basic “Jesus 101” stuff, but that's what He revealed. The Lord reminded me that He loves me when I sin and when I live right. He reminded me that I don't have to prove myself to Him. Jesus wants me to trust Him and love Him back. Once this began to sink in, it allowed Jesus to make that wonderfully dramatic change in my life. I just wanted to share this cool transformation with all of my Breakaway friends.

— Ben Ford, Clayton, N.C.

Casting Crowns Encounter

Hey, Breakaway guys. All rock fans out there must see Casting Crowns in concert. The band’s shows are way cooler than their albums, and they have this speaker — Tony Nolan — who shares the gospel. I was saved at a recent concert here in New Jersey. I’m so thankful for this awesome experience, and I hope that others will find Christ, as I did. Thanks Crowns and Tony for serving the Lord.

— Mario Coppa, Sewell, N.J.

Cleaning Up the Web

Are you sick of all the bad language that bombards you on the Web? I am! The other day I heard a saying that goes something like this: “All evil needs to prosper is for good people to do nothing.” As I was thinking about this, I decided it was time to fight back. I came up with a script for my Web browser that goes through every Web site I visit and changes swear words. It rewrites them with more appropriate alternatives. While this script is not perfect, it works pretty well. But be warned: Breakaway readers should always stay on guard while surfing the Internet.

— John Schmitt, Burlington, Wis.