Vertical Thought

Vertical Thought was published from 2003 to 2013 by the United Church of God. It was created to give relevant content to help young people ages 12-22 discover and live God's way of life. 

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It's My Life, and It Isn't Hurting Anyone!

How many times have you heard people make this statement? Is it true, or do our deeds affect others?
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KNOCK, KNOCK: God, Can You Hear Me?

When you've done something wrong, do you ever wonder whether God will even listen to your prayers? Rest assured. He does.
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Overcoming Depression in a Depressing World

Do you or someone you know suffer from depression? Do you have difficulty carrying out tasks through the day from lack of energy or motivation? Do the pressures from your life sometimes overwhelm you to the point of despondency?
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A Campus Dilemma: Mixing Alcohol with Education

A recent near-riot at the Queen's University's 'Homecoming' in Kingston, Ontario, Canada raises the question, should education be routinely mixed with alcohol?
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My Almost Huge Mistake

Are you being tempted to marry someone who doesn't share your beliefs? The problem is real. So is the solution.
Win-Win: Who Says There Has to Be a Loser?
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Win-Win: Who Says There Has to Be a Loser?

The idea that there is always a winner and a loser is flawed thinking. Sometimes a change in approach makes a world of difference.
Know Jesus, Know Peace
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Know Jesus, Know Peace

In a world at war, people are divided about what it takes to ultimately bring peace to the planet. Many feel it will never happen. But it will. Here's how.
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Conviction or Preference?

As you face your battles over spiritual principle, be courageous. Be strong. Stand firm. If need be, be willing to prove that your spiritual beliefs truly are convictions.
Magazine Issue

Vertical Thought: October - December 2005

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A New Look at Leadership

Jesus Christ was and is our greatest Leader. We are to become like Him. Are you wondering how we become great leaders like Jesus?
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The Attitude of Success

Many don't realize that our attitude is a choice. Here's some help to beat a bad attitude when it arises.
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GIGO

In some ways your mind acts like a computer. Don't let this computer problem affect you!
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Golda Meir & Deborah the Judge

The biographies of these two women provide lessons in leadership for all of us.
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Exceptional Leadership Practices

Not all leaders display the charisma and personal power often associated with leadership. Some leadership practices may produce few followers now, but will pay off in the long term. Consider some exceptional examples:
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The Heart of a King

People are easily impressed by the way someone looks, but real leadership comes from what's inside a person—from the heart. Consider the shepherd who became king David.
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Molding Your Personality for Leadership

Have you ever considered what personality type is best for leaders? More importantly, what can you do about yours to become a more effective leader?
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Are You Lurking or Living?

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." — Henry David Thoreau, Walden
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Noah: A True Nonconformist

Many people identify with bucking the crowd and being one's own person, but how can we know when that's what we should do? here's an example of someone who was a nonconformist for the right reason.
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The Abortion Controversy

What are the facts about abortion? Is it really murder? What does the Bible say?
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It Does Matter Who Your Friends Are

The Bible tells us that we get to decide whether we'll walk with the wise or flounder with fools. Which will you choose?