It’s Monday morning and I just wanted to take a moment and give God praise and thanksgiving. Last week was a pretty rough week, at least relatively speaking. I had three men in the hospital or getting out of the hospital, and I had to deal with the police at school in a very unpleasant situation. There have been several sleepless nights praying about everything that have gone on. All of this in addition to the normal daily responsibilities of driving a school bus, supervising In School Detention and substitute teaching nearly every day for three weeks straight. I thank the Lord for His sustenance in the midst of the struggle. I thank the Lord for a church body who loves me and my family. I thank the Lord for his answered prayers for my sister-in-law (I think of her as a sister), Kathy.
Between working at the school, visiting, and preparation for Sunday’s services, this past week has flown by. I am finding that though a goal of blogging every day is commendable, it is not a reality.
I am reading today in Genesis 21, the story of Isaac’s birth and God’s protection of Hagar and Ishmael. In this story, we once again see Sarah becoming jealous of Hagar and Ishmael. Sarah asks Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away to which he acquiesces. Hagar finds herself in the wilderness with all her water expended. Without hope, Hagar sets Ishmael under a bush and abandons him to die. God speaks to Hagar and tells her to go pick up her son and then reveals to her a water well nearby. We will often give up hope in a situation before we look for and find God’s solution. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 it says, “13No temptation (Gk. Peirasmos = experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication adversity:—temptation) has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” This passage is translated and used primarily to give hope in overcoming the temptation to sin. In truth, the passage encompasses much more than just temptation. This verse is a promise of overcoming evil or trials of any type in one’s life. When in the worst of difficulties we may know that we are not alone either as we go through the struggle or in the nature of the struggle itself. With this knowledge we know that God will sustain us just as He has those who have gone before us.
The struggle this past week involved a student in school telling a lie that I had done something which I hadn’t. I am not unfamiliar to people lying about me. What made this situation more difficult was the student’s uncle called my home late at night and made the accusation. The result was a sleepless night for not only me, but my wife as well. The uncle reported the alleged incident to the police, but when the police interviewed the student, it became evident the student had made the story up. God sustained us through it, and with the promise in Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”, we have come through and God has used the situations to address some potential problems at the school. I pray that the student involved understands the seriousness of making false accusations and the damage it can have on a person’s life, even when the accusation is not a violation of any laws. It would be my preference to have avoided the situation completely, but I find comfort in the knowledge that God has used this to work things out at the school to prevent similar accusations in the future.
Thank you Lord for once again protecting your child.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Catching up again!
I have fallen behind a few days, so I’ll try to catch up. I had a wonderful weekend with our daughter, Rachel, for her 19th birthday. She came home from college for the weekend. It is a blessing to see what God is doing in her life. Today I’ll start by sharing some of what she is doing and then I will follow up with what has been going on in my life.
Rachel is still trying to find a church. It sounds like she is looking for something where she can be involved. This makes her father very proud. She is also giving up her Friday nights each week to go to the city to help with an inner city children’s outreach program through Oklahoma Baptist University. It is so exciting to see her heart being expressed on her own.
As for my last few days, Saturday and Sunday were spent with Rachel trying to spoil her, and Monday and Tuesday were spent substituting at the school.
Saturday I was able to work on my message for Sunday in the morning while Machelle and Rachel went into town to go shopping, scary as that may be! That evening, we went out to dinner at the Deckboat Steak house with Machelle’s mom, Jodie and three of Rachel’s closest friends, Steven, Kadree, and Michaela. They were all a blessing to be around that night, to hear what is going on in their lives now that they are all out of their parents’ homes and in college.
Sunday was a day of blessings. Sunday morning I preached from Genesis 16 on Abram’s poor choice of listening to his wife Sarai. Under normal circumstances I always encourage husbands to consider the counsel of their wives, but in this passage, Abram shouldn’t have even heard the suggestion of Sarai. If you haven’t ever read the passage, I began my message with Genesis 12:1-5, which is the background of the passage. You need to read it first. The Genesis 12 passage tells the story of God’s command for Abram to leave his home and family to “Go to a land I will show you.” This is the only command given. Following the command God makes seven promises to Abram and one later when they enter Canaan which is an implicit promise for children.
In Gen 16 Abram and Sarai are now in their 80’s and still have not had any children. There is no indication that Abram put pressure on Sarai, but if he wasn’t she was likely taking the responsibility on herself. The net result was that she offered her handmaid to Abram to sleep with so Abram could have a child, and according to custom, the child would legally be considered the offspring of Sarai. Of course, what is legal and what happens in real life are often two separate realities. Hagar began to be disrespectful toward Sarai, which caused Sarai angry and resentful.
It would be easy to limit this story to the necessity of the husband being the head of the home, tying it to Genesis 2-3. I am convinced that this passage has much larger implications for our lives than just authority and responsibility in the home, though this truth is included. This passage should also be tied to Genesis 12, God’s call/command and promises for Abram. In Genesis 12, God calls/commands Abram to leave the land of his family and go to the land God would show him. With the command, God makes seven promises: 1) make him a great nation, 2) bless him, 3) make his name great, 4) make Abram a blessing, 5) bless those who bless Abram, 6) curse those who treat Abram with contempt, and 7) bless all the people of the earth through Abram. Later, when Abram arrived with his family in Canaan, God promised to give the land of Canaan to Abram and his “offspring.”
Implicit in this promise is that Abram would have children. It is impossible to know the dynamics of the home, but would not be unreasonable to consider that Sarai felt pressure to have a child for Abram from both Abram and society in general. Beside the societal pressures, there was the obvious pressure of seeing the promises of God fulfilled. This is where the trouble begins. Reflecting back on the command and promises, the command is very simple, “Go.” To go is the only requirement placed on Abram, and there were no requirements placed on Sarai.
In Scripture we see evidence of two types of promises from God. The first is conditional. These types of promises are expressed in this way, “if you… I will….” The second type are unconditional and are express in this way, “I will….” In the second the “if you…” is omitted from the promise. All the promises God made to Abram in Genesis 12 are of the second type, unconditional.
There was never any need for Abram or Sarai to feel pressure to have a child. God had made the promise. The problem then becomes one of trust. Abram and Sarai failed to trust God to fulfill His promise to provide “offspring” for Abram. Some might say, “well what do you expect? Abram and Sarai were now in their 80’s! How can you expect them to still believe that they would have a child?” The answer is simple. It was God who had made the promise. If you understand the nature of God, there will be not limits to trusting that God will fulfill His promises.
We are no different today. We read in the Bible promises God makes to us, but we live like they will never happen. We think the economy is not good enough for us to be blessed. We believe we are too old to follow in God’s calling on our lives. We say, “I don’t have the talent, I’m too young, I’m too old, I don’t have the resources, etc, etc.” Whatever the excuse, it is not statement of our doubt in ourselves; it is a statement of our doubt in God. What words do you use to express your doubt in God?
We had a wonderful lunch with Machelle’s mother, Rachel, and Steven. It was a relaxing afternoon of football and then preparation for Sunday night.
Sunday night Discipleship and Worship were both a blessing. We are still studying stewardship in discipleship. We are learning that discipleship is not limited to how much you give in money, but it is how you manage your life. Sunday night’s discussion was exceptional. Our conversation centered on the idea that it is not what your occupation is, but rather who you are in your occupation. God has given us this life, and He calls us to live it for Him. One of those present made the observation that in their occupation it is impossible to meet the standards that have been set. In this person’s circumstances, they had reached the conclusion that they needed to work hard, but in the end, it is the impact they are having in the lives of those around them.
Stewardship is a whole life concept. It definitely does include what you give in your tithe (10% of gross income) and offerings, but it is far more comprehensive.
Stewardship involves how you manage “all” your finances, all your talents, all your gifts, all your time, all your positions. The general principle is that God owns everything, including all of you and everything you own.
In the Sunday evening worship service, we looked at the first chapter of Ezekiel. We reviewed the principle of apocalyptic Biblical literature and principles of interpretation. Primarily that symbols were used to share about real events or truths that those who are under persecution would understand, but the persecutors would not understand. Next, we looked at theories on what many of the symbols in the first chapter. We discovered that while some symbols may be understood, wise and godly men have disagreed for many years, so it is far better to attempt to find the overall theme than try to discover a detailed understanding of what is going to happen in the future. As history is revealed we may discover exactly what the symbols meant, but until then it is better to understand that God is in control if we know what is going to happen or not.
Monday and Tuesday, I found myself working in Mrs. Smith’s resource room as a substitute. Many of the students in her class find it difficult to focus, so it is often challenging to keep the students on task. Every time I spend time in one of our resource classes I gain a newfound appreciation for the incredible teachers we have at Hydro-Eakly Schools.
Both Monday and Tuesday were frustrating days on my bus route. One of the drivers who drive one of the Eakly routes was late on both days. This same driver is late at least 2-3 days a week which has a negative effect on the other two routes. Both the other driver and I have tried to talk to her multiple times, so I finally decided to speak to our principle. It is frustrating to feel the need to go to an authority, but there are times it is necessary for the overall good. It is never good to keep students on a bus without making progress. They get discouraged and bored, which leads to nothing but problems.
The same is true of any group. When a group fails to see direction or progress we become discouraged. The leader becomes discouraged; the people become discouraged; everyone becomes discouraged. Soon there is discouragement and a lack of drive and purpose. If a group continues without progress or a goal for too long it becomes lethargic and passive in its stated purposes. Eventually the ministry becomes nothing more than a social gathering.
Proverbs 29:18(KJV)
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Rachel is still trying to find a church. It sounds like she is looking for something where she can be involved. This makes her father very proud. She is also giving up her Friday nights each week to go to the city to help with an inner city children’s outreach program through Oklahoma Baptist University. It is so exciting to see her heart being expressed on her own.
As for my last few days, Saturday and Sunday were spent with Rachel trying to spoil her, and Monday and Tuesday were spent substituting at the school.
Saturday I was able to work on my message for Sunday in the morning while Machelle and Rachel went into town to go shopping, scary as that may be! That evening, we went out to dinner at the Deckboat Steak house with Machelle’s mom, Jodie and three of Rachel’s closest friends, Steven, Kadree, and Michaela. They were all a blessing to be around that night, to hear what is going on in their lives now that they are all out of their parents’ homes and in college.
Sunday was a day of blessings. Sunday morning I preached from Genesis 16 on Abram’s poor choice of listening to his wife Sarai. Under normal circumstances I always encourage husbands to consider the counsel of their wives, but in this passage, Abram shouldn’t have even heard the suggestion of Sarai. If you haven’t ever read the passage, I began my message with Genesis 12:1-5, which is the background of the passage. You need to read it first. The Genesis 12 passage tells the story of God’s command for Abram to leave his home and family to “Go to a land I will show you.” This is the only command given. Following the command God makes seven promises to Abram and one later when they enter Canaan which is an implicit promise for children.
In Gen 16 Abram and Sarai are now in their 80’s and still have not had any children. There is no indication that Abram put pressure on Sarai, but if he wasn’t she was likely taking the responsibility on herself. The net result was that she offered her handmaid to Abram to sleep with so Abram could have a child, and according to custom, the child would legally be considered the offspring of Sarai. Of course, what is legal and what happens in real life are often two separate realities. Hagar began to be disrespectful toward Sarai, which caused Sarai angry and resentful.
It would be easy to limit this story to the necessity of the husband being the head of the home, tying it to Genesis 2-3. I am convinced that this passage has much larger implications for our lives than just authority and responsibility in the home, though this truth is included. This passage should also be tied to Genesis 12, God’s call/command and promises for Abram. In Genesis 12, God calls/commands Abram to leave the land of his family and go to the land God would show him. With the command, God makes seven promises: 1) make him a great nation, 2) bless him, 3) make his name great, 4) make Abram a blessing, 5) bless those who bless Abram, 6) curse those who treat Abram with contempt, and 7) bless all the people of the earth through Abram. Later, when Abram arrived with his family in Canaan, God promised to give the land of Canaan to Abram and his “offspring.”
Implicit in this promise is that Abram would have children. It is impossible to know the dynamics of the home, but would not be unreasonable to consider that Sarai felt pressure to have a child for Abram from both Abram and society in general. Beside the societal pressures, there was the obvious pressure of seeing the promises of God fulfilled. This is where the trouble begins. Reflecting back on the command and promises, the command is very simple, “Go.” To go is the only requirement placed on Abram, and there were no requirements placed on Sarai.
In Scripture we see evidence of two types of promises from God. The first is conditional. These types of promises are expressed in this way, “if you… I will….” The second type are unconditional and are express in this way, “I will….” In the second the “if you…” is omitted from the promise. All the promises God made to Abram in Genesis 12 are of the second type, unconditional.
There was never any need for Abram or Sarai to feel pressure to have a child. God had made the promise. The problem then becomes one of trust. Abram and Sarai failed to trust God to fulfill His promise to provide “offspring” for Abram. Some might say, “well what do you expect? Abram and Sarai were now in their 80’s! How can you expect them to still believe that they would have a child?” The answer is simple. It was God who had made the promise. If you understand the nature of God, there will be not limits to trusting that God will fulfill His promises.
We are no different today. We read in the Bible promises God makes to us, but we live like they will never happen. We think the economy is not good enough for us to be blessed. We believe we are too old to follow in God’s calling on our lives. We say, “I don’t have the talent, I’m too young, I’m too old, I don’t have the resources, etc, etc.” Whatever the excuse, it is not statement of our doubt in ourselves; it is a statement of our doubt in God. What words do you use to express your doubt in God?
We had a wonderful lunch with Machelle’s mother, Rachel, and Steven. It was a relaxing afternoon of football and then preparation for Sunday night.
Sunday night Discipleship and Worship were both a blessing. We are still studying stewardship in discipleship. We are learning that discipleship is not limited to how much you give in money, but it is how you manage your life. Sunday night’s discussion was exceptional. Our conversation centered on the idea that it is not what your occupation is, but rather who you are in your occupation. God has given us this life, and He calls us to live it for Him. One of those present made the observation that in their occupation it is impossible to meet the standards that have been set. In this person’s circumstances, they had reached the conclusion that they needed to work hard, but in the end, it is the impact they are having in the lives of those around them.
Stewardship is a whole life concept. It definitely does include what you give in your tithe (10% of gross income) and offerings, but it is far more comprehensive.
Stewardship involves how you manage “all” your finances, all your talents, all your gifts, all your time, all your positions. The general principle is that God owns everything, including all of you and everything you own.
In the Sunday evening worship service, we looked at the first chapter of Ezekiel. We reviewed the principle of apocalyptic Biblical literature and principles of interpretation. Primarily that symbols were used to share about real events or truths that those who are under persecution would understand, but the persecutors would not understand. Next, we looked at theories on what many of the symbols in the first chapter. We discovered that while some symbols may be understood, wise and godly men have disagreed for many years, so it is far better to attempt to find the overall theme than try to discover a detailed understanding of what is going to happen in the future. As history is revealed we may discover exactly what the symbols meant, but until then it is better to understand that God is in control if we know what is going to happen or not.
Monday and Tuesday, I found myself working in Mrs. Smith’s resource room as a substitute. Many of the students in her class find it difficult to focus, so it is often challenging to keep the students on task. Every time I spend time in one of our resource classes I gain a newfound appreciation for the incredible teachers we have at Hydro-Eakly Schools.
Both Monday and Tuesday were frustrating days on my bus route. One of the drivers who drive one of the Eakly routes was late on both days. This same driver is late at least 2-3 days a week which has a negative effect on the other two routes. Both the other driver and I have tried to talk to her multiple times, so I finally decided to speak to our principle. It is frustrating to feel the need to go to an authority, but there are times it is necessary for the overall good. It is never good to keep students on a bus without making progress. They get discouraged and bored, which leads to nothing but problems.
The same is true of any group. When a group fails to see direction or progress we become discouraged. The leader becomes discouraged; the people become discouraged; everyone becomes discouraged. Soon there is discouragement and a lack of drive and purpose. If a group continues without progress or a goal for too long it becomes lethargic and passive in its stated purposes. Eventually the ministry becomes nothing more than a social gathering.
Proverbs 29:18(KJV)
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Finding a Way
I am disappointed with myself. I woke up late this morning and didn’t have time for my devotions. It definitely was not a positive start to the day. I was able to pray as I went, but it is not the same as praying God’s Word. Thankfully, I had some time in my first hour at the school to spend time in the Bible. I am thankful that God always provide a way or a time to be with Him if I am looking.
Today’s scripture is from Genesis 13-14. It would be easy to focus on the issues surrounding the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, but today God impressed on me the heart of Abram. When faced with conflict between his business and that of his nephew Lot, rather than using his obvious position of authority to get the best land, Abram humbly offered Lot the choice of where to live. How often do we make those types of choices in our life? How often are we willing to listen to God and take the apparent less profitable path? As we see in this passage, it is Abram who continues to prosper, Lot finds trouble and Abram must rescue him. Abram chose to be humble and trust the Lord for his provision and the result was success and blessings!
I was once again working with specific students today and spent most of my day in Mrs. Sharry, Mrs. Kimble, and Mrs. Kirby’s classrooms. Once again I was blessed to be in their classrooms. All three of these teachers are exceptional educators. It saddens me, however, when our students don’t appreciation these ladies. I am convinced that much of the discipline difficulties we have in the school can be discovered in the lack of parental support. In both Mrs. Kirby and Mrs. Kimble’s classrooms I was amazed to see students arguing with the teacher. We need to pray for or teachers, that they will be blessed as they serve in such a thankless profession.
I found that the same is true for our students on my bus today as well. I had to stop the bus and rearrange the entire bus to deal with students who don’t know how to behave on a bus.
After getting home, I (had a bowl of ice cream of course) and then mowed the yard. This pretty much wore me out. I am now ready to go to bed. Have a blessed eveing!
Today’s scripture is from Genesis 13-14. It would be easy to focus on the issues surrounding the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, but today God impressed on me the heart of Abram. When faced with conflict between his business and that of his nephew Lot, rather than using his obvious position of authority to get the best land, Abram humbly offered Lot the choice of where to live. How often do we make those types of choices in our life? How often are we willing to listen to God and take the apparent less profitable path? As we see in this passage, it is Abram who continues to prosper, Lot finds trouble and Abram must rescue him. Abram chose to be humble and trust the Lord for his provision and the result was success and blessings!
I was once again working with specific students today and spent most of my day in Mrs. Sharry, Mrs. Kimble, and Mrs. Kirby’s classrooms. Once again I was blessed to be in their classrooms. All three of these teachers are exceptional educators. It saddens me, however, when our students don’t appreciation these ladies. I am convinced that much of the discipline difficulties we have in the school can be discovered in the lack of parental support. In both Mrs. Kirby and Mrs. Kimble’s classrooms I was amazed to see students arguing with the teacher. We need to pray for or teachers, that they will be blessed as they serve in such a thankless profession.
I found that the same is true for our students on my bus today as well. I had to stop the bus and rearrange the entire bus to deal with students who don’t know how to behave on a bus.
After getting home, I (had a bowl of ice cream of course) and then mowed the yard. This pretty much wore me out. I am now ready to go to bed. Have a blessed eveing!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Good Night Post for September 15, 2010
I'm very tired and going to bed. It has been a long evening discussing if we should allow someone to burn a Koran. It is sad that there is more uproar over a man burning the Koran than a Satanic Church meeting in Oklahoma City facilities, or people burning Bibles or a cross.
Oh Heavenly Father, call our nation back to you!
Oh Heavenly Father, call our nation back to you!
September 15, 2010
Today started out well. I had time to spend with the Lord this morning and I was able to leave on my bus route at a good time.
My passage for today is Genesis 12. This is the call of Abram. Have you ever felt like you were supposed to do something or go somewhere, but you didn’t know what or where? This is what Abram faced. God asked him to go to the land that He “would” show him. Every day when we get up all we really know is that we are to go to work, school, or wherever our responsibilities lie. We don’t know exactly what our day will hold, either where we will go or what we will do. Do you trust God every day for the details of what He has planned for you? Are you willing to adjust your plans if God gives you new direction in your life?
I remember a night when I was traveling late. Too late to stop in a bad neighborhood to help someone, but I felt lead to get off the interstate in the worst part of Bakersfield. When I did I found a family broken down. I was able to help them, share the Gospel with them and send them on their way. I was also safely returned to the road and then home. I pray I will always be flexible enough to go and do what God has for me.
I am once again amazed with the teachers at Hydro-Eakly. Today I would like to make a special comment about our Para-Professionals who work with our special education students. Without exception, the Para’s I saw today were exceptional, and I know they are every day.
I was once again able to express to them personally what a blessing it was to watch them work with our children. And such special children they all are. It has been exciting to see the students in Mr. Crisp’s history class create PowerPoint’s to teach the other students about their battles.
I have been trying to stir some things up on Facebook. First, there was a post by a old friend that said, "I can't understand why Pastor Terry Jones wants to burn a copy of the Koran when there are so many Twilight books lying around". I am copying my comment to the post here, " I don't endorse the Twilight books, but while I could be wrong, I've heard of nowhere in the Twilight books where they tell the readers to kill everyone who does not accept and adhere to them. They are also classified as "Fiction" while the... Koran purports to be religious truth and does teach that all who refuse to accept its teachings are to be killed. Let's see, fictionalized evil vs. evil taught and carried out... Yes, let's do keep our eyes on the ball. How many people have fictionalized vampires killed compared to radical Muslims? Sorry, I'm just saying, sometimes we become more worried about fictional books than real problems in the world like an actual religion that denies the divine nature and work of Christ and kills those who disagree with them." Let me know what you think. I am not trying to put my friend down, but I do believe that sometimes we get a little distracted by things that litterally have no meaning from those things that have both eternal and immediate implications on our lives.
I also responded to another post about how the national anthem is being changed by the OU fans to say, "the land of the Sooners" rather than "the land of the brave." I agreed with the post, but simply questions why we would want to change brave to "Sooners" when the original Sooners were cheaters who crossed the line early and illegally to get land in the Oklahoma Land Rush. First, why would we want to be associated with cheaters to begin with (I am an OU fan by the way), and second how could we possibly replace brave with people with no ethics? I also agreed with another commenter that our pledge does not say, "One nation, under God" which would mean that "we are a nation united and I am under God" rather than "we are a nation united under God." Do you see the difference? It is subtle, but it is important if we are to return our nation to it's historical roots.
So often we see poeple posting things we don't agree with, or things we do, and in neither place do we take time to take a stand. I am convinced we are afraid of offending someone. And yes, we should not go our of our way to be offensive, we do have a responsibility to uphold truth. This is critically true when we are dealing with doctrinal and spiritual truth. Are you willing to stand up for what is right and true?
I was home and relaxing some when I received an interesting text. I was asked if I had a slim jim. I used to have one, but it was lost in my old van when I sold it. Anyway, I was still sure I could get into the vehicle. You know, I used to be pretty good at that sort of thing many moons ago. so I get my makeshift locksmith kit (you don't really need to know), and headed to the keyless victoms home. Praise the Lord, I couldn't get in! Not that I didn't want to help them, but it is good to know I can't do something that could get me in trouble if I backslide a little. Ok, (sorry Shell) a lot.
I am now doing my final prep for Wednesday night prayer meeting. Praying God blesses us with His wisdom and growth.
My passage for today is Genesis 12. This is the call of Abram. Have you ever felt like you were supposed to do something or go somewhere, but you didn’t know what or where? This is what Abram faced. God asked him to go to the land that He “would” show him. Every day when we get up all we really know is that we are to go to work, school, or wherever our responsibilities lie. We don’t know exactly what our day will hold, either where we will go or what we will do. Do you trust God every day for the details of what He has planned for you? Are you willing to adjust your plans if God gives you new direction in your life?
I remember a night when I was traveling late. Too late to stop in a bad neighborhood to help someone, but I felt lead to get off the interstate in the worst part of Bakersfield. When I did I found a family broken down. I was able to help them, share the Gospel with them and send them on their way. I was also safely returned to the road and then home. I pray I will always be flexible enough to go and do what God has for me.
I am once again amazed with the teachers at Hydro-Eakly. Today I would like to make a special comment about our Para-Professionals who work with our special education students. Without exception, the Para’s I saw today were exceptional, and I know they are every day.
I was once again able to express to them personally what a blessing it was to watch them work with our children. And such special children they all are. It has been exciting to see the students in Mr. Crisp’s history class create PowerPoint’s to teach the other students about their battles.
I have been trying to stir some things up on Facebook. First, there was a post by a old friend that said, "I can't understand why Pastor Terry Jones wants to burn a copy of the Koran when there are so many Twilight books lying around". I am copying my comment to the post here, " I don't endorse the Twilight books, but while I could be wrong, I've heard of nowhere in the Twilight books where they tell the readers to kill everyone who does not accept and adhere to them. They are also classified as "Fiction" while the... Koran purports to be religious truth and does teach that all who refuse to accept its teachings are to be killed. Let's see, fictionalized evil vs. evil taught and carried out... Yes, let's do keep our eyes on the ball. How many people have fictionalized vampires killed compared to radical Muslims? Sorry, I'm just saying, sometimes we become more worried about fictional books than real problems in the world like an actual religion that denies the divine nature and work of Christ and kills those who disagree with them." Let me know what you think. I am not trying to put my friend down, but I do believe that sometimes we get a little distracted by things that litterally have no meaning from those things that have both eternal and immediate implications on our lives.
I also responded to another post about how the national anthem is being changed by the OU fans to say, "the land of the Sooners" rather than "the land of the brave." I agreed with the post, but simply questions why we would want to change brave to "Sooners" when the original Sooners were cheaters who crossed the line early and illegally to get land in the Oklahoma Land Rush. First, why would we want to be associated with cheaters to begin with (I am an OU fan by the way), and second how could we possibly replace brave with people with no ethics? I also agreed with another commenter that our pledge does not say, "One nation, under God" which would mean that "we are a nation united and I am under God" rather than "we are a nation united under God." Do you see the difference? It is subtle, but it is important if we are to return our nation to it's historical roots.
So often we see poeple posting things we don't agree with, or things we do, and in neither place do we take time to take a stand. I am convinced we are afraid of offending someone. And yes, we should not go our of our way to be offensive, we do have a responsibility to uphold truth. This is critically true when we are dealing with doctrinal and spiritual truth. Are you willing to stand up for what is right and true?
I was home and relaxing some when I received an interesting text. I was asked if I had a slim jim. I used to have one, but it was lost in my old van when I sold it. Anyway, I was still sure I could get into the vehicle. You know, I used to be pretty good at that sort of thing many moons ago. so I get my makeshift locksmith kit (you don't really need to know), and headed to the keyless victoms home. Praise the Lord, I couldn't get in! Not that I didn't want to help them, but it is good to know I can't do something that could get me in trouble if I backslide a little. Ok, (sorry Shell) a lot.
I am now doing my final prep for Wednesday night prayer meeting. Praying God blesses us with His wisdom and growth.
September 14, 2010
Yesterday was a wonderful day, but unbelievably long. I didn't want to get up this morning. I barely had time to be in God's word this morning before getting out the door. I prayed that today would be a little slower. God answered my prayer. It was a "little" slower!
My passage today was from Genesis 11, the Tower of Babel. I wonder at all the attemps man has made to build from his own efforts a path to heaven, beginning with the Tower of Babel. We continue to do so today. From Mormonism, Hinduism, Budism, Johovah's Witnesses, and yes, even so called Christians who are trying to "be good enough" to get to God.
Ephesians 2:8,9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Let us rest completely in God's power and works to save us rather than attempt failed good works out of a sinful nature.
Tuesday was a different day for me. Rather than spending the day in a specific classroom or as the In School Detention Instructor, I was assigned specific students to monitor all day. I was a real blessing to see the different teachers in the classroom. I have always known that Mrs. Sharry and Mrs. Kimble are wonderful teachers, but they both were outstanding on this day. It was a blessing to see them in action, and I was blessed to be able to tell them. I hope you are an encouragement to others when you see them doing a good job!
After school, I simply went home and relaxed. It has been a very busy two weeks and it was nice to be able to just relax for the night with my bride. Thank you Lord for a blessed day.
My passage today was from Genesis 11, the Tower of Babel. I wonder at all the attemps man has made to build from his own efforts a path to heaven, beginning with the Tower of Babel. We continue to do so today. From Mormonism, Hinduism, Budism, Johovah's Witnesses, and yes, even so called Christians who are trying to "be good enough" to get to God.
Ephesians 2:8,9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Let us rest completely in God's power and works to save us rather than attempt failed good works out of a sinful nature.
Tuesday was a different day for me. Rather than spending the day in a specific classroom or as the In School Detention Instructor, I was assigned specific students to monitor all day. I was a real blessing to see the different teachers in the classroom. I have always known that Mrs. Sharry and Mrs. Kimble are wonderful teachers, but they both were outstanding on this day. It was a blessing to see them in action, and I was blessed to be able to tell them. I hope you are an encouragement to others when you see them doing a good job!
After school, I simply went home and relaxed. It has been a very busy two weeks and it was nice to be able to just relax for the night with my bride. Thank you Lord for a blessed day.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Late Night and Late Morning
I was up late night last night writing a college recommendation letter, but God still provided time to be with Him. Gen 7:1 says, ""Then the Lord says to Noah, "Come into the ark...because I have seen your righteousness..." The question God asked me this morning is if my righteousness is evidence of my faith. I will expand on this later today.
It's Wednesday and I am finally getting a moment to catch up with my blogging. It has been a busy week. So back to Monday we go!
In my devotions, I saw in Noah that when he was living righteously before the Lord before the flood, his whole family was impacted; they were all allowed to enter the ark with him. However, when we look ahead to Genesis 9, we see that after the flood he planted a vineyard and then made wine. With the wine, he became intoxicated. His intoxications led him to expose himself in violation of God's will and that disobedience impacted his family as well. Our lives have the same effect on those around us. When we are obedient to God and His Word we have a positive influence on the world around us. When we are disobedient, we have a negative influence. What influence are you having today? Listen to the following event in my day to see this truth illustrated, and decide what you would do.
I am a bus drive for our local school district. On any given day we seem to have students and parents unable to get to the bus stop on time each day for one or two of our routes. For the individual student it may not seem to be a big deal, but it does impact the routes of the other buses that have to coordinate with one another. Tuesday, as I was approaching my final stop, a parent with a child who does not ride on my bus drove up and stop on the side of my bus (this is a violation of bus stop rules to park next to the bus). When the parent got out, rather than allowing the student on the bus I told the parent to take the student to the next stop for their student's bus. I am quite certain the parent was upset. I probably would be too looking at it from the frustration of having to drive farther. They were over five minutes late for their bus and just expected to hold up another bus.
Remember, I am a pastor. This child also attends our church at times. My compassionate heart wanted to allow the student on the bus. However, I knew that if I allowed her on the bus this would just be a last resort for when they were late getting to their appropriate bus stop. People are always looking for a way to make excuses, blame others, or shift responsibility for themselves to others. This reminds me of two Scriptures.
Galatians 6:1-5(HCSB)
Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won’t be tempted also. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself. But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load.
In this passage we are told to hold one another accountable, to help one another with burdens, and to take responsibility for our own load. This is simply saying that we are not to tolerate when people are simply irresponsible, but we are to be compassionate with those who are facing problems outside their control and beyond their abilities to handle.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-11(HCSB)
In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” For we hear that there are some among you who walk irresponsibly, not working at all, but interfering with the work [of others].
The principle here is that we should be responsible for ourselves. When we fail to take responsibility for ourselves we have a negative impact on others.
Both of these passages informed me as I dealt with the parent Monday. It was hard, but if they don't learn to take responsibility for getting themselves to the stop on time, they will continue to negatively affect the rest of the buses and students on those buses.
On Monday, after I arrived at school, I was able to go to Oklahoma City to visit two men in our church who are in the hospital with heart attacks. One was very positive, and was planning for the future. While I was there, His daughter arrived, and she too was encouraging in her attitude. They both were a blessing to be with.
While on the second visit I was able to speak with a gentleman who had gone through a great deal of loss in the last year. There were circumstances that just didn't seem just. I was simply able to encourage him is his positive outlook in the face of injustice in the world. I was also blessed to speak with a woman who has gone through tremendous struggles in her family life. She is handling it well, and I hope I was an encouragement. The family is struggling with what the future holds. I am convinced they are wise to plan for whatever happens in the future. I encouraged them to plan for whatever may happen, but to hope and pray for the best.
Every first Monday of the month our church goes to the Heritage Village Nursing home. Since last week was Labor Day we rescheduled for this week. What a blessing it was to share in both song and scripture. I was able to share the Lesson the Lord had laid on my heart from the story of Noah. I pray that we all will remember the responsibility we have to be the Godly influence on the world God has called us to be.
After the Nursing Home services we went to the new Eagles Nest Diner in Eakly. If you haven't been yet, you need to go. The food is great and the people are even better. While I was there, I did receive some difficult news. I received a call from my mother that my sister-in-law, Kathy, had been thrown from a horse and broke her back. They did surgery Tuesday, putting in several screws and rods in her back. I am sure they would appreciate any prayers you would lift on her behalf.
I spoke to my mother and she filled me in with what was going on. I then prayed with her for Kathy and for her and my father to have safe travel to the hospital in Los Angeles. I did get good news about my aunt who was given a clean bill of health for cancer (they removed some from her ankle). Additionally, my father does not have a hernia (earlier diagnosis) and does not require surgery. God is truly a blessing!
Next, I called my brother and spent some time with him in prayer. I was somewhat brief as I knew he was trying to get out of town to be with Kathy. It is often a difficult balance between being there for someone in a crisis, and staying out of the way. I always pray that God gives me the wisdom to know what is appropriate in each situation.
It was a long day and a late night, but God has been faithful and a true blessing. It is always good to serve the Lord!
It's Wednesday and I am finally getting a moment to catch up with my blogging. It has been a busy week. So back to Monday we go!
In my devotions, I saw in Noah that when he was living righteously before the Lord before the flood, his whole family was impacted; they were all allowed to enter the ark with him. However, when we look ahead to Genesis 9, we see that after the flood he planted a vineyard and then made wine. With the wine, he became intoxicated. His intoxications led him to expose himself in violation of God's will and that disobedience impacted his family as well. Our lives have the same effect on those around us. When we are obedient to God and His Word we have a positive influence on the world around us. When we are disobedient, we have a negative influence. What influence are you having today? Listen to the following event in my day to see this truth illustrated, and decide what you would do.
I am a bus drive for our local school district. On any given day we seem to have students and parents unable to get to the bus stop on time each day for one or two of our routes. For the individual student it may not seem to be a big deal, but it does impact the routes of the other buses that have to coordinate with one another. Tuesday, as I was approaching my final stop, a parent with a child who does not ride on my bus drove up and stop on the side of my bus (this is a violation of bus stop rules to park next to the bus). When the parent got out, rather than allowing the student on the bus I told the parent to take the student to the next stop for their student's bus. I am quite certain the parent was upset. I probably would be too looking at it from the frustration of having to drive farther. They were over five minutes late for their bus and just expected to hold up another bus.
Remember, I am a pastor. This child also attends our church at times. My compassionate heart wanted to allow the student on the bus. However, I knew that if I allowed her on the bus this would just be a last resort for when they were late getting to their appropriate bus stop. People are always looking for a way to make excuses, blame others, or shift responsibility for themselves to others. This reminds me of two Scriptures.
Galatians 6:1-5(HCSB)
Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won’t be tempted also. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself. But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load.
In this passage we are told to hold one another accountable, to help one another with burdens, and to take responsibility for our own load. This is simply saying that we are not to tolerate when people are simply irresponsible, but we are to be compassionate with those who are facing problems outside their control and beyond their abilities to handle.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-11(HCSB)
In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” For we hear that there are some among you who walk irresponsibly, not working at all, but interfering with the work [of others].
The principle here is that we should be responsible for ourselves. When we fail to take responsibility for ourselves we have a negative impact on others.
Both of these passages informed me as I dealt with the parent Monday. It was hard, but if they don't learn to take responsibility for getting themselves to the stop on time, they will continue to negatively affect the rest of the buses and students on those buses.
On Monday, after I arrived at school, I was able to go to Oklahoma City to visit two men in our church who are in the hospital with heart attacks. One was very positive, and was planning for the future. While I was there, His daughter arrived, and she too was encouraging in her attitude. They both were a blessing to be with.
While on the second visit I was able to speak with a gentleman who had gone through a great deal of loss in the last year. There were circumstances that just didn't seem just. I was simply able to encourage him is his positive outlook in the face of injustice in the world. I was also blessed to speak with a woman who has gone through tremendous struggles in her family life. She is handling it well, and I hope I was an encouragement. The family is struggling with what the future holds. I am convinced they are wise to plan for whatever happens in the future. I encouraged them to plan for whatever may happen, but to hope and pray for the best.
Every first Monday of the month our church goes to the Heritage Village Nursing home. Since last week was Labor Day we rescheduled for this week. What a blessing it was to share in both song and scripture. I was able to share the Lesson the Lord had laid on my heart from the story of Noah. I pray that we all will remember the responsibility we have to be the Godly influence on the world God has called us to be.
After the Nursing Home services we went to the new Eagles Nest Diner in Eakly. If you haven't been yet, you need to go. The food is great and the people are even better. While I was there, I did receive some difficult news. I received a call from my mother that my sister-in-law, Kathy, had been thrown from a horse and broke her back. They did surgery Tuesday, putting in several screws and rods in her back. I am sure they would appreciate any prayers you would lift on her behalf.
I spoke to my mother and she filled me in with what was going on. I then prayed with her for Kathy and for her and my father to have safe travel to the hospital in Los Angeles. I did get good news about my aunt who was given a clean bill of health for cancer (they removed some from her ankle). Additionally, my father does not have a hernia (earlier diagnosis) and does not require surgery. God is truly a blessing!
Next, I called my brother and spent some time with him in prayer. I was somewhat brief as I knew he was trying to get out of town to be with Kathy. It is often a difficult balance between being there for someone in a crisis, and staying out of the way. I always pray that God gives me the wisdom to know what is appropriate in each situation.
It was a long day and a late night, but God has been faithful and a true blessing. It is always good to serve the Lord!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
A New Direction
I am taking a new direction with this blog. In Philippians 4:9 Paul said, "Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you." I am not the apostle Paul, but if I am challenging others to live exponentially, my life should reflect exponential living. Followers of this blog should be able to see in my life and experiences the life I am challenging them to live. I will be posting messages I preach, lessons I teach, conversations I have and advise given (names will be kept confidential), experiences I have. In general, I will be sharing my day and how God has (or hasn't) been a part of it and my reflections on the day. This will be an ongoing project, so be patient. If there is a day I don't blog or finish a blog, I pray it will be because it was so full I will have to finish the next day. I hope you will join me, pray for me, and grow with me. If you follow me I will pray for you and look forward to you comments and questions!
Be Blessed!
Be Blessed!
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