Monday, March 31, 2008

Prayer Partners

Greetings:

As I continue to grow in my walk with Jesus Christ, I become more aware of my need to grow. As I strive to move closer to my Savior, the more defects and blemishes I find. Because of this, I go before the throne on a regular basis and seek God's forgiveness, grace, and strength. I seek Him for the wisdom, strength, and ability to do what He has called me to do.

Because of this, I seek on a regular basis for others to pray for me. I firmly believe that the prayers of God's people are heard by God. And, I believe that He answers all prayers in accordance with His Word and His Will.

Therefore, it is my request that anyone who reads this become a prayer partner for me. I ask that you lift me up on a daily basis to the throne. I want to be an example in my life, speech, and action. I want to have a clear conscience before God. I want to be a man of faith and dependence on God. I seek to hear His "Well done, good and faithful servant."

If God so leads you, I ask that you put me on your daily prayer list. Let this be a decision that you and God make.

God bless you.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Being a Witness

Greetings:

Welcome back. I trust that you had a relaxing and refreshing Easter break. Starting tomorrow, we will finish Romans 12 – considering the Correct Attitude Toward Others.

"Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord-Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here-has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit'" (Acts 9:1).

Billy Graham, the great evangelist, shared a personal story that I want to share with you today -

“In my own life there have been times when I have also had the sense of being filled with the Spirit, knowing that some special strength was added for some task I was being called to perform. We sailed for England in 1954 for a crusade that was to last for three months. While on the ship, I experienced a definite sense of oppression. Satan seemed to have assembled a formidable array of his artillery against me. Not only was I oppressed, I was overtaken by a sense of depression, accomplished by a frightening feeling of inadequacy for the task that lay ahead. Almost night and day, I prayed. I knew in a new way what Paul was telling us when he spoke about 'praying without ceasing.' Then one day in a prayer meeting with my wife and colleagues, a break came. As I wept before the Lord, I was filled with deep assurance that power belonged to God and He was faithful. I had been baptized by the Spirit into the Body of Christ when I was saved, but I believe God gave me a special anointing on the way to England. From that moment on, I was confident that God the Holy Sprit was in control for the tasks that lay ahead. That proved true.” Elmer Towns, Understanding the Deeper Life, Revell, Old Tappan, NJ 1988, pp. 214, 215

As a believer, God has provided the Holy Spirit for you and I so that we can experience the power of the gospel that allows us to live the Christian life.

Today, invite the Holy Spirit to fill your life to overflowing so that you can be a witness of the Christian walk to your students, co-workers, and families that you meet today.

For Kingdom Education,

Doc

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 13

Greetings:

“…if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:8 (HCSB).

A Sunday School teacher asked the boys and girls if they ever showed kindness to dumb animals. One little boy finally spoke up, “Well, I kicked my brother one time for kicking his dog!” Maybe the little boy had a lot to learn about mercy but at least he was moved deeply enough to take action!

God gifts us to show mercy – compassion – to those who are afflicted, who have a need. Earlier we studied the gift of exhortation (3/27). This concept is that we help those who have needs with a cheerful, exuberant attitude. As we consider that God gave us a great gift because of the sacrifice of Christ, He sought to meet our need – may we be challenged to meet the needs of others as God gives us the power and ability to.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 12

Greetings:

“…if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:8 (HCSB).

One pastor has written, “Leader: In order to be a leader a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence, the supreme quality of a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, on a football field, in an army, or in an office. If a mans associates find him guilty of phoniness, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.”

It has been said, “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.” Confucius has been credited with saying, “If you are leading and no one is following – you are just taking a walk.”

Paul says that God bestows a gift upon us of leadership, and when He does, we are to use it diligently. Diligence is defined as industrious, meticulous care and attention. When God provides you with the power and ability to lead – do it with great care and attention.

Today, realize that every one of us is a leader of someone. Seek God to guide you in the use of the gift He has given you.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Friday, March 28, 2008

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 11

Greetings:

“…if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:8 (HCSB).

A pastor tells of a mission tour to the Far East. While in Hong Kong, he observed a hungry little girl outside a bakery window. She had fallen asleep with her face pressed against the window that separated her from the fresh bread inside. He took slides of that scene. When sharing his slide presentation back home, the pastor always climaxed his sermon with that picture and an appeal for people to share Christ, the Living Bread, with a hungry world.Following one presentation, one worshiper asked him, “What did you do about it?” “About what?” the pastor replied. “About the little girl asleep at the bakery window, what did you do about that?”

Paul here instructs us that we are to give generously. As one of late mentors used to say, “Don’t curse the darkness, light a candle.” We can see needs around us and complain, or we can do something about the issues.

Today – give as God has given unto you.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 10

Greetings:

“…if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:8 (HCSB).

The next four days we will muse over the four gifts mentioned in this verse. The gifts are given freely by God to enable us to do His work. This passage in Romans 12 is not a definitive or complete list of the gifts that God bestows. Let’s look at the first listed – exhortation.

Interestingly, the Greek word used here is the same root word that Jesus uses in John 16 when He describes the Holy Spirit’s ministry. The word means, “to encourage, to strengthen, to instruct, to teach, to come along side of.” This is not the same as the gift of mercy. In this case, God has bestowed the ability upon a person to teach and instruct in the proper way of Christian living. They bring consolation and comfort to those who need to be strengthened in their walk with Christ. This is not a condemning approach – it is an encouraging walk along side of someone. It is a counselor.

Today, has God placed people in your path that need to be lifted up, strengthened, encouraged? Do they need someone to walk with them? Let God work through you to be the counselor of someone who needs encouragement today.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 9

Greetings:

“…if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching;” Romans 12:7.

I pray that each of you feel the gift of teaching. You have been called by God to be a part of MCS – to impart knowledge and life skills to young people. The first use of teaching in this passage means to discharge the duty of instructing someone else. It is the position of a teacher, an instructor, a pedagogue, a – well you get the idea.

The second word (from the same root) means that which is taught, or doctrine. When we think of the word doctrine sometimes we carry a negative connotation. The word means the system of information that one learns. So history has doctrine, math has doctrine, English has doctrine – all of the subject matters we teach are doctrine.

Tomorrow – a different thought. We will contemplate the remaining four gifts next week.

When God called you to teach at MCS, he equipped you to be the best there is. What have you done with what He has given you? Ponder today what God has given you, and what you have done with it.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 8

Greetings:

“…if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching;” Romans 12:7.

Now, Paul speaks of the power and equipping that God gives freely in the realm of ministering to others. The root word used both times is the same as the one used for Deacon. God gives us a gift to serve others. Now, we may not like the idea of being a servant, yet often we are reminded that this is a high calling from God. Jesus Himself spoke of coming to minister (serve) in the New Testament (Matthew 20:28).

Today, seek ways that you can serve others. Look for the opportunities that God places in your pathway, whether it is fellow-workers, students, or their families. The greatest honor you could receive – being called a servant for Christ. So today – let’s see who can serve the most. (Be careful and don’t lose your humility over this.)

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Monday, March 24, 2008

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 7

Greetings:

“According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of faith;” Romans 12:6 (HCSB)

The first of these empowering gifts from God that Paul mentions is Prophecy. Now, for the longest time, I thought that prophecy meant telling the future – you know – like Jeanne Dixon, Edgar Casey, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc. However, I have since learned that this word means the divinely inspired words that show the purpose of God. This could be like Isaiah predicting the crucifixion of Christ, but generally, it means the words divinely inspired that show us how to live. Paul says that some are given the gift of speaking the truth of God so that others know how to walk.

Notice, he says to use according to the standard of faith. What is this standard? It is the inspired Word of God. God will never lead you contrary to His Word – the Bible. We should seek to lead those we encounter to follow Christ. This is not a list of do’s and don’ts – it is finding Him in the Scripture and patterning our hearts, souls, and minds after Him.

As teachers, we are called at MCS to lead our students and their families to find Christ, walk in Christ, and grow in Christ. We can do this by sharing God’s Word continually with them. Today, ask God to gift you with an opportunity to share God’s Word with someone.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Easter Monday

Greetings:

The day after Easter. For some they think that it is all over - for believers we know it is just the beginning.

The beginning of a hope and a life that can glorify God and can be used of Him. Today is the beginning of the rest of eternity. Make the most of it.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

A Blessed Easter

Greetings:

"Up from the grave He Arose! with a mighty triumph o'er His foes."

Praise God that because He Lives, we have forgiveness of our sins and communion with the Great Creator and Sustainer of the Universe.

May those who read this find Blessings in the Risen Son of God.

For Kingdom Edcation,
Doc

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 6

Greetings:

“According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of faith;” Romans 12:6 (HCSB)

We noticed that this idea of grace is the power and equipment to do what God has called us to do. Paul begins a section that we will look at over the next few days, speaking of what we call Spiritual Gifts. Paul is going to speak to us of seven “gifts” that are used for the furtherance of God’s work. This is not a definitive list. Other passages refer to some different gifts in the New Testament.

Two things to consider today, before we look at the seven listed. First, God gives these charismata or spiritual gifts freely to us. They are His way of empowering and providing for us to accomplish His work. They are not to make us something special – they are to make Him special. We cannot fail when we have the power of God on us.

Second, the word used here for different (diaphorus) means “various kinds.” This means that each of the gifts are distinct from each other, yet they are all given by God for His purpose. We cannot look down on one gift – or elevate another to a higher plane. They are created, chosen, and conferred by God. In fact, they are all equally necessary in the Kingdom.

Over the next few days, ponder the gifts that God entrusts to us. Find yours. Pray for wisdom to use it to help MCS fulfill what God has called us to do.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 5

Greetings:

“…we who are many are one body…” (Romans 12:5, HCSB)

Yesterday we celebrated the differences between ourselves. Today, Paul reminds us that these differences when in unity make a well functioning body. As a school, it is vital that we as administrators, teachers, and staff demonstrate unity for all of our young people. If they don’t see it in us, how will they learn to work for God in unity?

Some of the definitions that I found for unity are:
A state of oneness
Singleness of purpose or action
A state of mutual understanding.

As the whole body reacts to a part being “out of joint” (consider a headache, toothache, back or knee pain) so the work of Christ is challenged when we are out of unity with each other. If we have the correct attitude toward God – complete devotion, we will have the correct attitude toward ourselves – humility. Thinking the right way about ourselves and our relationship to others.

Today, look for examples of unity in our school. Don’t spend time looking for the negative – seek out the positive ways that we unite to further the cause of Christ and educate young hearts and minds.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Friday, March 21, 2008

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 4

Greetings:

This is Good Friday. As we reflect upon the Cross today, let us never forget the Empty Tomb! As we go through life's struggles - for the CHristian there is always a Resurrection coming.

“Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function” (Romans 12:4, HCSB)

Paul is saying simply – we are all different. Different hair, skin color, size, age, education, background, etc. God uniquely creates each one of us for a purpose in this life. Psalm 139: 14 tells us that we are “remarkably and wonderfully made” by God. Jer. 29:11 tells us that God has a plan for us. In the first verse of chapter one in Jeremiah, God reminds us that He has designed us for His plan and purpose. Moreover, for each of us, it is different.

I’m glad that He has designed, made, and equipped each of us for our particular part of His plan. When I accept this, first, it allows me to be me. Second, it allows you to be you. I don’t need to compare myself to you – or vice versa. God only wants me to be the best me I can be. And the same for you.

Today, celebrate the difference. Find ways that you are different from others and praise God for it. Find ways that others are different and praise God for it. And then, go tell others how you appreciate their difference.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 3

Greetings:

Correct attitude toward God – complete dedication. Considering next, the correct attitude toward self as presented in Romans 12: 3-8. Yesterday, I pray that you meditated upon verse 3 and the impact of grace. Today read and pray over this verse again.

The power and equipment to minister comes from God (grace) and this should make each of us look honestly at ourselves. Paul challenges us to have humility. Humility is a strange thing – as soon as we are sure we have it – it’s gone. When we tell someone how humble we are – we aren’t. What a challenge.

However, God shows us how this is to be in our lives. In this passage in the Holman Christian Standard Bible, God says, “…think sensibly….” Don’t have an over-inflated, nor a under-inflated view of ourselves. See ourselves as God sees us – a sinner saved by grace.” One who is enabled to do what they do by the power and grace of God. We aren’t to beat ourselves up, nor wear the robes of superiority.

When dealing with others today (students, co-workers, etc.), think about how we are before God, and this will help us to see and interact in the correct manner. God will help us see others as He sees them – as well as how He sees us. Today, deal with others in a humble approach.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 2

Greetings:

"For by the grace given to me..." Romans 12:3a

Grace. A word that I love. The idea of getting something I don't deserve. I'm one who strives to achieve. I want the award. I want to win. I want to be first. But, to get something that I don't deserve - wow.

Paul is speaking here of the effect of grace, the practical deed of grace - the power and equipment for ministry. He was given - it was free. It was a gift of God that gave Paul the ability and the will to do what God had called him to do. God does the same for us. He has called us to be teachers. And, what I like about God is that He never calls us to do something and then just ignore us. No, when He calls us He equips us. And He does it for free. The effect of God's Grace to me as a teacher is the power and equipment to teach.

Today, if you feel that you are struggling to be what God has called you to be - remember, it is not you, but Him who equips and outfits - who powers and provides so that you can accomplish what He sets up.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Co-workers

"For we are God's co-workers." 1 Corinthians 3:9

As I was praying this morning, I thought and praised God for the wonderful group of people that God has placed around me. I am so blessed to have people who are truly capable in their fields, and who are willing to step out and do what needs to be done to further the Kingdom work of Christ.

Each of you know what you have done, and if I tried to stop and identify individuals, I would likely miss someone. I have spoken to many, emailed others, and seek to find ways to let you know that you are loved and appreciated.

Much can be accomplished as we work together. As we put aside the differences and come together for the task at hand, we can see God do great things.

Keep on keeping on. As you have sought ways to do things better, keep reaching.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Correct Attitude on Self - Part 1

Greetings:

We are going to muse over what God had Paul write about our correct attitude toward self.

If we have our attitude toward God right, we will be able to get our attitude about ourselves correct also. As Dr. Fentress has reminded us - We have to get the vertical right before the horizontal will be right.

Take the time to read verses 3 - 8 each day this week. In these 6 verses, God challenges us how we are to look at ourselves. What is the mirror that you use to see yourself? Is it the one that the world provides? Did you make it yourself? Did you friends give it to you? Your parents? Spouse? Children? God?

When I think about this, I picture me trying to make a mirror out of tin foil. I can see myself - but not correctly. My friends give me a piece of Mylar balloon - well I seem distorted. The world hands me a piece of black onyx - yeah, I'm there, but is that how I look. My children take me to the "Fun House." Now I look different (I do like the one that makes me look 7 foot tall and 4 inches wide). Only God has a true silvered mirror that reflects back to me what I really appear to be. My attitude can only be correct if it is mirroring Christ. This week, we will ponder verse 3, 4, and 5. Pray that we have a clean view of the reflection that God wants.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Monday, March 17, 2008

Correct Attitude on God - Part 7

Greetings:

Last day for thoughts on Romans 12: 1 and 2 - Correct Attitude toward God. Read these verses again. Next week, we will take a short diversion, and then come back to consider Romans 12: 3-8 (Correct Attitudes towards Self).

I am constantly seeking that “Extreme Makeover” in my worldview. Each step I take displays other areas that I need to allow God to work on. It is so easy to adapt to this ages thinking and belief. It is so easy to think that I have arrived. I find that even Paul had this problem (read Philippians 3:12 and following). The problem is that I want to be the “handyman” that does the work. God is the expert. He is the Mater Designer and Builder. He is the One who majors in repairing the broken. But, it has to be Him. When I pick up the pieces, they stay a mess.

The correct attitude toward God is – Complete Dedication. Be the living sacrifice that He shapes and uses. As the O.T. prophet speaks – we are clay in the potter’s hands. He never makes mistakes, He can fix even the most broken pot. Do you trust Him to do it? Can you place yourself completely in His Hands?

Pray for me today that God will do an Extreme Makeover on me. I will pray He does the same for you.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Sunday, March 16, 2008

80th Birthday

Yesterday my family celebrated my Mom's 80th birthday. My sister and daughter Grace took her out to get her nails done, and my wife and other daughters slipped into her house and totally decorated and set up a delicious spread of food.

As we waited for her to come back, I thought of my Da and Mom and all they have meant to me. I really believe that because of their Christian beliefs, I am what I am today, and my family has developed based upon their example and teaching.

My Mom was really surprised when she came home, and we had a grand time. She wants to know what we are going to do for her 90th and 100th birthdays. Since this was a surpride - we won't tell her about them either.

It is a blessing from God for me to have a Mom like I have, and to be able to celebrate these special occasions with her.

For Kingdom Education
Doc

Correct Attitudes on God - Part 6

Greetings:

Today and tomorrow will end our meditation together on Romans 12: 1 and 2. We are still thinking about verse 2. I spend time regularly on this chapter, because it so convicts and challenges me to have correct attitudes. Of the 1189 chapters in the Bible, I find that I need to return here and meditate upon what God is doing in me, through me, and to me.
Don’t be like this age, allow God to totally change our worldview, so that we can test, examine, prove, scrutinize, to see whether a thing is genuine or not. What? God’s Will. When we let God do the extreme makeover of our worldview, then we can “discern” the will of God. Notice the modifiers in this section. Good – means beneficial, useful, agreeable. Pleasing – means it is acceptable to God. Perfect – means complete, lacking nothing, finished, full of integrity.
When we are made over into the image of Christ, we will have the ability to examine the age in which we live and be able to live a life that is beneficial, acceptable, and complete lacking nothing. We will be like Christ. (Now, a disclaimer – I am not saying we will become God, just like Him).

Think about this today. How is your worldview?

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Correct Attitudes on God - Part 5

Greetings:

We are to be different. We are commanded to not be like our age, to let God change us (to be like Christ), and this is accomplished by “renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2, HCSB).

I like to watch the show, Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. It has changed over the years. They started out by just “remodeling” the selected family’s house. Now – they tear it completely down and build a new, better house. It never resembles the old one in any way. The word used here for renew is the same idea. A total transformation, a total change for the better. We know that we are to allow God to do this, we are the recipients of His handiwork. But, what is He working on?

“Your mind.” This is your understanding, your reasoning, your judging, your determining aspect. One author has said that it is “a particular mode of thinking and judging, i.e. thoughts, feelings, purposes, desires.” It is your worldview to use today’s terminology. We become living sacrifices pleasing to God by not being like the age we live in, but allowing God to remake our worldview to be His worldview. When we begin to think like God, we begin to act like a true Christian.

Consider what is there in your thinking that God needs to do an “Extreme Makeover” on.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Friday, March 14, 2008

Correct Attitudes on God - Part 4

Greetings:

Romans 12:2. I hope you have been reading and thinking about this verse. It has one don’t, one do, and a how-to in it.

Yesterday we talked about the don’t. I pray you thought about what you look like. Today, God has told us how to be what we should. He says, “…be transformed…”

Transformed. In the original language it means, “to change into another form, to transform, to transfigure.” It is a statement of truth in a command form. We are commanded to transform. However, in the English we lose an important aspect of this command. In the Greek, it is in the passive form, this means that we are the recipient of the action.

So, this verse commands us to not be molded (moldy?) like the age we live in, receive the change that God so freely offers. He is willing to make us like His Son, if we will let Him. Someone has said, “Let go, and Let God.”

So, how does He do this? Tomorrow we will consider the last part of verse 2 – the how-to.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Correct Attitudes on God - Part 3

Greetings:

We are looking into Romans chapter 12. Today read verse 2 and spend some time thinking about it.

“Do not be conformed…” (Rom.12:2, HCSB) The word being used here in the Greek means to conform one's self (i.e. one's mind and character) to another's pattern, (fashion one's self according to another’s pattern). The phrase is a command and a statement of fact. Simply we are commanded not to shape ourselves after – this day in which we live. It is set in the present – so that it is always the same command (whether iron age, stone age, Elizabethan, Victorian, post-modern) for the believer to follow.

We are not seeking to “go back” to a previous time period. We are not “throwing out the baby with the bathwater.” It is not seeking of manner of speech, dress, technology, or other such issues. Culture and society must not be the decider of who we are. Jesus Christ is to be our model. We are to be Christians – “little Christs” in our total selves.

Today, take an inventory. Are you more like the age we live in – or like our Savior, Jesus Christ? Be honest.

For Kingdom Education,

Doc

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Correct Attitudes on God - Part 2

Greetings:

Consider again today Romans 12: 1,2. God is calling us to be something. That something is a living sacrifice.

Paul tells us that when we are living sacrifices, we are a holy and well-pleasing or acceptable to God. We as Christians are often stating that we are seeking God’s Will in our lives – and here He spells it out. You want to be in His Will – be a living sacrifice. Paul says this is our logical, divine service for God. As the HCSB states – it is our “spiritual worship.”

Today, as you ponder this verse, think about being – being a sacrifice, being in His Will, being pleasing to Him, being….

Find someone today to pray with you – so that you both can seek out His Will in your individual lives.

For Kingdom Education,

Doc

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Prayer Concern

Please pray about what is happening in California in reference to education. We are still waiting for the verdict on proceeding with the lawsuit against California that prohibits students trained in schools using Christian textbooks from being admitted to the California State University system (UCLA,etc.).

Now, they have attacked homeschooling. On Feb. 28, Judge H. Walter Croskey of the Second District Court of Appeals in Los Angeles said that homeschooling is only legal if the teaching parent is a certified teacher. This would disenfranchise virtually all of the estimated 175,000 homeschooled children in the state. It has been said that in education, what California does, the rest of the country follows. Keep this before the throne.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Correct Attitudes on God - Part 1

Greetings:

Read Romans 12: 1,2. We are going to be meditating upon having correct attitudes. What is the correct attitude toward God? These two verses reveal this to us.

“Therefore…” (12:1, HCSB). Whenever you see a therefore (a mentor once told me), you should seek what the therefore is there for. It is a hinge upon which a door turns – it connects a previous section to the next. Here, Paul is connecting his hymn of praise (11:33 – 36) with the challenge to have the correct attitudes. This previous section summarizes the letter to this place and makes it clear about God’s mercy. Because God is so merciful, we should make sure that we become “living sacrifice(s)” to Him.

A living sacrifice is one that gives everything that they have (mind, body, spirit) to God for His use. It means that we listen and obey everything that He calls us to do. The problem is the “living” part, because as one writer said, “We tend to crawl off the altar.” A sacrifice can not change directions mid-course. If we are willing to be used by God, we must be open to Him and allow Him to control every aspect of our lives. Now, this is hard.

Today, meditate upon what it is that God is calling you to be. Notice, I said be – not do. A sacrifice doesn’t do anything. A sacrifice is something. What is it that God is calling you to be? Share with someone today what that is.

For Kingdom Education,

Doc

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Correct Attitudes - Romans 12

Greetings:

I have always been partial to the passage that Paul ‘rote to the Romans in chapter 12. This chapter can teach us about having correct attitudes toward God (vs. 1,2), self (vs. 3-8), and others (vs. 9-21).

John Maxwell is always quoted as saying that our attitude determines our altitude. It is what determines our outlook on life. It is what colors our thoughts and responses. It is what drives us and holds us back. Over the next few days, let us read and meditate upon Romans chapter 12, and let God permeate our minds, hearts, and lives with His truth. Start today by reading this chapter. When you finish – read it again. Then, think about what is the part that sticks out to you the most. And, when you do, think about how can you employ what God is saying in your life.

God’s Word is enough for anyone, but it is not effective for anyone until they apply it in their lives. Today – seek how you can apply this passage.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Saturday, March 8, 2008

The Start of the Journey

Greetings:

I am embarking upon a new journey - that of blogging. I am not sure the direction this will take, the length of time that I follow this path, and the final destination - yet, it is something that I am checking into.

I know, just what the world needs, another blogger. Yet, it is a leading that I am following for the moment.

I write daily devotions for the staff at Montrose Christian School, and may from time to time post them here. This may eventually become my posting base. It is all up to God - I am seeking to follow Him as He leads.

Two things I want to challenge you to do every day with me - Read your Bible and Pray. Make this connection with the Father as we journey together to seek Him and follow Him.

God Bless -
Doc

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