Pumpkin Face

Greetings:

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

As I am sure all of you know, Today is Halloween. Many of you will dress up in costumes and go pretend to be teachers :-) Okay, Okay, just kidding.

How many of you have ever made a Jack o' Lantern? If you have, you know that the first thing you do when making a Jack o' Lantern is to clean up your pumpkin by washing off the dirt and mud. Then you cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin and clean out the inside. You scoop out all the seeds and yucky stuff.

The next thing you do is to carve a face. You cut out the eyes, nose, and mouth. I don't know about you, but I always like to put a toothy smile on my Jack o' Lantern.

The next step is to put a light inside the Jack o' Lantern. Then you light it so that the light will shine through the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Finally, when all is finished, you place the Jack o' Lantern on the front steps so that all who pass by your house will see its light.

You know, I was thinking. This is a pretty good picture of what happens when we invite Jesus into our heart.

When we become a Christian, Jesus picks us up and cleanses our life from sin. He removes all the yucky thoughts and the seeds of doubt, hate, and selfishness that we have inside. Then he puts a smile on our face and puts his light inside to shine for all the world to see.

Today - put on your best "Pumpkin Face" and let others see Jesus in you.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

(idea gathered from different sources)

Be Prepared

Greetings:

The Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared." Do you know what the teachers motto should be? (No, not hide here comes those little bothers.) It also should be - "Be Prepared."

An unprepared teacher produces unprepared students. Ben Franklin is quoted as saying, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." And, that is so true.

Begin by preparing yourself. Get your heart and mind right. Next, prepare the presentation. Spend quality time preparing what you are going to teach. Don't just assume - well I know more than they do, so I can just wing it. Winging it is for the birds. (And, might acquire you some bird calls in the process.) You expect your students to have completed their homework before coming to class - well so should you.

James reminds us (3:1 NIV), "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." Your call to teach is from God - and He is the one grading your lessons.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

From WTB Teaching With Style (c)1994

I'll die...

Greetings:

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28: 18-20 NIV.

The Great Commission. Have you been called to teach? Then God has gifted you to do this. He will empower you. In His Great Commission is the call to teach. In your task at MCS, you have been called to teach.

Do you know why you are doing what you are doing?

I am here because God has allowed me to be here. We need to develop the attitude that if I don't do this - I'll die. That is the Passion to Teach. It is the sense of your commission from God.

Today, if you don't feel this passion, pray to God, "Father, You have called me to teach. You have equipped me to teach. Confirm in my heart this call and commission. Help me today to have the zeal to do what you have equipped me to do. By the power your Son has given, I ask this in His name, Amen."

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

From WTB Teaching With Style (c)1994

Love 'em anyhow

Greetings:

Read 1 Corinthians 13 today.

You know teaching wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have to fool with those students. Or parents. Or co-workers. Or Administrators.

But, we do not teach math, science, history, English - or even Bible - we teach students. It is what God has called us too, and what He has equipped us to do. Let me make three suggestions toward loving those students.

First, learn about them. Why do they do the things they do? What's happening with them. They do not live in a vacuum. They have issues also. You expect others to be considerate when you are having a hard time. Why shouldn't your students?

Second - pray for them ---- specifically. When you learn what the issues are, take them to God on a personal basis.

Finally, serve them. Help them were you can. The old saying, "Knowing you care precedes caring about what you know" is so true. Live the life of Christ before them.

Today, take the first step in the journey. Some people aren't lovable, yet God calls us to love them anyway.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

From WTB Teaching with Style (c)1994

Passion to Communicate

Greetings:

Paul told Timothy to "stir up the gift of God which is in you...." (2 Timothy 1:6). Timothy was like a piece of coal. He needed the continual fanning to keep the fire burning. Paul was telling Timothy - keep rekindling and refuel yourself so that your abilities burn brightly. You are the fuel, fire and fan all by yourself. No one will do it for you - you must do it for yourself.

Have you developed the skill of fanning your own flame? If you wait for someone else to do it, often it will flicker - and sometimes go out. You need to find some motivational thing you can do before teaching a class. Music? Exercise? Reading something motivational? Whatever it is, use it.

You must go into your class with a real desire to share the lesson with the students. Don't let teaching become a drudgery for you. Only you can control that. When you glow about the lesson - your students will also.

Go out and catch fire.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

From WTB Teach with Style (c)1994

Decisions or Disciple?

Greetings:

I was thinking about which was more important. The decisions I needed to make on a task - or the discipline I needed to complete it?

As I pondered this great conundrum (getting deep enough for ya?) - I realized both were vital to completing a task. The correct decisions I make will help me start right. The correct discipline I use will help me end right. Both are necessary.

Today, look at the tasks ahead of you - make the right decisions, and then plan the right strategy and discipline to end well.

Next week we will consider some more teaching concepts from WTB.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Be Prepared

Greetings:

Yes, I was a Boy Scout. And I loved it. Learned a lot from them, too. Their motto is "Be prepared." And, this was instilled in me - over and over again. I find that today, I still try to live by that creed.

John Wooden, the basketball coaching legend, is quoted as saying, "When opportunity comes, it's too late to prepare." So often we miss the best opportunities because we are not prepared for them.

Today, if there is something that you want to work toward - start preparing today. That way when the opportunity arrives, you will be ready. Remember - Noah didn't wait for his ship to come in, he built the Ark.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

All's well that --

Greetings:

We all know the old adage that "All's well that end's well." And we like it.

Maxwell in his book that I am reading changes it to - "All's well that begins well." What is your attitude as you begin a task? If you go into it with a sour attitude - it will probably go sour. (I know this from experience.) If you go into it with a can-do or pleasant attitude - the task goes so much better.

I challenge us to look at what we have to do today - and say as Paul did - "I can through Christ." He will give us strength, ability, stamina, and encouragement. Can you do it? Yes, you can - through Christ.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

High Value People

Greetings:

Another thought that Maxwell brings out in his book, Today Matters, is that we need to value the people we come in contact with. We should seek to encourage others all day long. We can do this by helping them, looking for the best in them, and trying to bring out their positive qualities.

"You cannot have a bad attitude and encourage others at the same time," Maxwell states (pg 49). If you are looking to encourage others, it will sweeten your attitude and brighten your day. Harboring negative thoughts about others will only make your day bitter. Do you want your day to be bitter or better? The choice is all yours. You set the tone by your attitude, and helping others, encouraging others will always bring about a better day.

Today - seek how you can encourage those around you, and then see what kind of good day you have.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

From Today Matters by John Maxwell (c)2004

Appreciate Life

Greetings:

I am reading (surprise, surprise) a book by John Maxwell entitled Today Matters. On pages 49 and 50 he tells a story about a ninety-two year old lady who was very "together." She was moving into a nursing home because she was legally blind and her husband of seventy years had passed away. She waited in the lobby for a long time before her room was ready. As she was being escorted down the hall, the orderly was describing her room.

"I love it," the elderly lady enthused.

"But you haven't even seen the room yet. Just wait," the attendant responded.

"That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged. It's how I arrange my mind."

Today - consider how you have arranged your mind - your happiness depends on it.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

From Today Matters by John Maxwell (c)2004

Go

Greetings:

18 posts dealing with reaching out to the outsiders of the faith. 18 posts challenging us to live a lifestyle that would make people want we we have. 18 posts that challenge us to love others.

That is over 3 weeks of this one topic. Why? Because it is the task that God has for us. No matter what our job, no matter where we are, no matter how we feel - He has given us one mission. Reconcile the world to him. "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" (Mark 16:15). The Great Commission. Given in each of the Gospels and in Acts. So much space because it is the ONE task that all Christians have in common.

Some are teachers, administrators, doctors, lawyers, Indian chiefs (whoops got carried away) - different abilities, different occupations, different ways that we are wired - yet one overarching task. Reconcile the world to the Father. Bring them to Jesus. Show them we have something they need and want. Salt their food (life) so heavily that they are thirsty to get this water. I pray that you will take these to heart, and seek to bring others to Jesus.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Slow - perish - come

Greetings:

Peter wrote,"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

Peter is speaking about the end of the age in this passage. He is addressing those scoffers who denied that Jesus would come again. He is giving an apologetic on why God had not sent His Son back yet. 2000 years later, it still holds true. Yes, God has a set time that this world will end - and we don't know when it will be. But, He is not hesitating from indecision. He is not dragging His feet. His heartfelt desire is that all of His created people would spend eternity with Him. Many choose to reject Him. Yet - he is patience. He is calling. He wants everyone to come in repentance. Will they? No. But He knows who will.

When we are dealing with those outside of the family, we do not know who will accept or who will reject the marvelous offer that God gives. Therefore, it is vital that we treat each as a possible future relative. Over the last few weeks we have been challenged to treat outsiders in such a way that they will want what we have.

Are these just words? Have they been read and discarded? Are you one who have taken these feeble attempts at describing a way of reaching those outside and attempted to apply them? I pray that you have read and taken steps to enlarge the family. I pray that we as Christians will seek to enlarge our family.

If you have time - go back and re-read these challenges. I am praying for you that these may help to change your world.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Peaceful humility

Greetings:

Over the last number of weeks, we have been considering the challenge from the book unChristian by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons. They are seeking to study the negative images that people have of Christians today. One area is that people do not find Christians caring about those outside. Paul wrote to a fellow preacher - Titus - and gave him many instructions as to how a pastor and church should work. In chapter 3, Paul is addressing the importance of good works. Not for the sake of getting saved (3:5), but because we ave been saved. In Chapter 3, verse 2 he makes the statement that we are "to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."

Why? To reach those outside of the family. He reminds us that "At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another" (3:3). We were like the pagans around us. We are like the pagans around us - except we have God's grace and Spirit. We can reach more with honey than with sandpaper.

Today - humbly reach out and touch someone in need. Establish a climate of peace. Draw them into a desire to know what it is you have.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Outside Reputation

Greetings:

"Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be.... He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap" 1 Timothy 3: 1-7.

In the long list of qualifications that a person must have to be in a position of leadership in the church is that of having a good reputation outside the church. As Christians, we should be like Daniel in the Old Testament. When they sought to find something to accuse him of - they couldn't. They had to attack his consistent religious observation. He prayed. If we want to be an effective Christian serving God in a god-less world, we need a reputation that is impeccable. If they find fault, let it be that we are consistent in serving God and others.

If you want to ridicule me - I hope that it is because of the way that I faithfully serve God and my fellow man. Today, work on your reputation. Find someone and serve them in the name of our Savior.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Making friends outa enemies

Greetings:

I was reading Colossians 1: 21-22. "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—"

I was reminded that I was not born a Christian. I did get saved at an early age - but that was because someone was interested enough in me to lead me to the Savior. They wanted to see my status changed from enemy of God to friend of God. This is the way that Jesus treated us. This is how we should treat others. Paul gives us the best description of Jesus' attitude in Philippians 2: 5-11.

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

I can't say it any better. So, the challenge today is - work on your attitude. Work to make it like Jesus' attitude.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Poured out

Greetings:

The Apostle John in his letter called 1 John said: "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence" (verses 16-19).

Paul talks about pouring out himself in Philippians 2:17 and 2 Timothy 4:6. Both of these men are continuing the thought that I shared yesterday about giving what we have to help others. God's desire and purpose in our lives is to mold us to look like Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29) - and He came to serve (Mark 10:45).

I was reading an article about Dallas Cowboy Quarterback - Tony Romo. In the opening game in Cleveland, he gets injured. Bill White and his family are driving home really late at night and have a flat tire. Hundreds drive by and ignore them. Finally while struggling with a mini-compressor, a young man in a suit stops and helps them. His chin is bandaged. He smiles and gets them on their way. They realize at that point who it is. "He gets almost knocked cold in that game, and I read it took 13 stitches to close the cut, and then there's a long flight home [the Cowboys charter arrived at around 11 p.m.] and Tony's got to be dog tired, but he still was a good enough person to stop and help us," Bill said.

I am not aware whether he is a Christian or not - but he gives us a good picture of what a Christian should be like.

Today - find someone and help them especially if it costs something to do it.

For Kingdom Education, Doc

Family is what it's all about....

Greetings:

It was worth the wait. My wife tells me that Wesley finally came home from the hospital today. I want to thank everyone who has been praying for him and his Mom. I can imagine that his Dad is grinning from ear to ear - and his big sisters are probably poking and prodding the poor boy half to death.

Family is what it is all about. God created man and woman - and started the first family. That is the basis for everything else. It is the most important thing for all of us.

And, when I get to go down this weekend, make way - Granddad's gonna finally get to hold that boy!

For Kingdom education,
Doc

Freedom to....

Greetings:

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature..." Galatians 5:13
I love that the New Testament teaches that I am finally truly free. I love having freedom. I looked forward to growing up so that I can be free to do as I want. As I studied the Bible over the years, I find that God provided my salvation to restore my fellowship with Him, and to set me free from the bondage of sin. As Paul says in this verse - I am called to be free. Free - but not to fulfill the sinful nature that I still have until I stand before Him in eternity.

So, what is my freedom for? What do I have the freedom to do? Paul finishes the statement this way -- "...rather, serve one another in love." One of the ways that I believe more people would want to know more about Christianity would be if they saw Christians serving one another rather that always seeking to be served. If they saw us serving others outside of the family with love and not for any type of reciprocal action.

Today, your assignment is to seek out someone, and do some act of service for them with no thought of reward or reciprocity. Do it because through God you love them. As we each preform these acts of service - others will want to have what we have.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Give it up

Greetings:

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13.

One of the hard sayings of Jesus Christ. This follows His command to love one another. You really can't show a greater love than dying for someone. So, can we do it? It is like the young man who told his girlfriend - "I'll swim the ocean for you. I'll climb the highest mountain for you. I'll cut off my arm to save you from a fiend. I'll be over tonight - if it doesn't rain."

We are quick to say that we would die for someone - when we aren't faced with that necessity. However, would you give up your house for someone? Would you skip a meal to feed someone else? Would you walk so that someone else might have your car? Would you give up a free period to help someone else? If we think we can follow Christ's admonition to die for someone, why can't we do the smaller sacrifices?

Today, seek out a way to give to someone something they need - and let it cost you something.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Condemn?

Greetings:

John 3:17 tells us, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

As Christians, do we come across in the world as seeking to bring them to Jesus - or condemn them by Jesus? Yes, I fully understand that you can't get a person saved until you get them to see they are lost. But, are our methods reaching out to them in concern and love - or are they perceiving a "I'm better than you" attitude? God had such a concern for those who are separated from Him (you and me, too) that He sent Jesus into this world to reconcile us back to Himself. It is His Grace that has given me the position that I am in. It is His Grace that has forgiven me. It is His Grace that has made me a part of His Family. And, it is His Grace that makes Him want this for everyone.

Today - as people cross our paths - let us remember that the Father loves us, the Son died for us, and the Spirit lives in us so we might show forth His Grace to a lost and dying world. Think about it.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Good things come to those who wait -

Greetings:

We received the call about 7 pm on Friday evening. Things were starting. At 10 we were in our cars heading to Lynchburg - Wesley was on his way. We arrived at 2 am at Virginia Baptist Hospital, and Deborah was checked in and progressing.

Then - Wesley decided to wait. So, we waited.

And we waited.

It was past the point of no return, so the Doctors gave Kevin and Deborah the choice of waiting or a C-section. They choose to wait. So, we waited. Around 2 in the afternoon, the Doctors said they needed to perform the C-section. However, there was one already ahead of Deborah. So we waited.

Around 4-ish they came to check and ready her for the C-section, and Wesley was moving again. So once again - you got it - we waited.

Finally - tonight around 8:30 -8:45 - Wesley Robert Poole entered this world. He came in at 10 pounds 7 ozs, and was 22 3/4 inches long. Mother and baby are both doing fine!

Good things do come to those who wait.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Boiling Eggs

Greetings:

I received the following devotion from Dr. David Jeremiah and felt it spoke so much truth that I wanted to share it on my site.

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands...Come before His presence with singing.Psalm 100:1-2

Years ago a pastor stayed the night in a young couple's home. When he awoke the next morning, he heard a beautiful voice singing, "Nearer, My God to Thee," and inquired about it at breakfast. He said he was pleased to hear the old hymn but remembered it being slower than how he had heard it that morning.

"Oh," replied the hostess, "that's because I wasn't paying too much attention to the words. It's a song my mom used to sing, and I've found it's a good one to boil eggs by; repeat the song five times rapidly for soft-boiled eggs and eight times for hard-boiled."

Some people believe that to truly worship God in song means to have no reservation, while others believe it is a private interaction. In reality, it doesn't matter how you sing during worship. What matters is that your heart and mind are focused on the words, and you are allowing the act of worship to draw you closer to the Lord.

If you feel there is something lacking in your worship time, try paying close attention to the words and intentionally singing them to your Lord and Savior. Invest your whole heart into worshipping with song, and you will gain a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.

When I worship, I would rather my heart be without words than my words be without heart.Lamar Boschman

For Kingdom Education,
Doc

Buzzard, Bat and Bumblebee

Greetings:

The following was sent to me, and I want to share it with you today.

THE BUZZARD:If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.

THE BAT:The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air . Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

THE BUMBLEBEE:A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

PEOPLE:In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up!

Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, But faith looks up!

Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us.

For Kingdom Education,

Doc

Sent to finish

Greetings:

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Philippians 4:7 (HCSB).

On October 20, 1968, a dramatic moment took place at the Mexico City Olympics. A few thousand spectators remained in the almost-dark Olympic Stadium awaiting one last runner.

Finally the wail of police sirens ripped the air. As all eyes turned to the gate, a lone runner wearing the colors of Tanzania staggered into the stadium. John Stephen Akhwari was the last contestant to finish the 26-mile contest. He had injured his leg in a fall and entered the track bloodied and crudely bandaged. While he hobbled the final, lonely lap, spectators rose and applauded him as if he had won.

After the race, someone asked him why he had refused to quit. "My country did not send me 7,000 miles to start the race," he replied simply. "They sent me 7,000 miles to finish it."

To help us achieve a strong finish in our race of faith, Jesus Christ promised that "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5, HCSB). Just as John Stephen Akhwari knew that his country was standing behind him, we have all of Heaven counting on us to finish the race. Notice, he had some set-backs while he ran, yet these he did not let stop him from his goal. We have started - and there will be set-backs, still let us finish what has been begun.

For Kingdom Education,
Doc