Greetings:
This is from a devotion prepared by Dr. David Jeremiah.
Galatians 5:22-23: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
In your mind's eye, put two trees side by side-a Christmas and an apple tree. On the one, ornaments are hung awhile, then and then removed. On the other, the ornaments are not ornaments at all, but real fruit growing naturally from within.
Some people are Christmas trees. They try to wear love like an ornament. They try to be joyful by their own efforts. They grudgingly try to be patient, kind, or gentle. They take a class in self-control. But without the indwelling of the Spirit, it's like hanging artificial ornaments on a dead tree. For the Christian, however, the character-qualities of Jesus Christ are produced within us by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Spirit exhibits the love, joy, and peace of our Lord Jesus from within us as we walk in the Spirit.
Billy Graham is quoted as saying, "I cannot have joy, and peace, and long-suffering, gentleness, goodness and faith and meekness and temperance by myself. I have no power. But this Holy Spirit.is the one that gives me the power to love. He gives me the joy. He gives me the peace. He gives me the patience. He bears fruit in my life."
The Bible often compares believers to trees (Psalm 1:1-3; Jeremiah 17:7-8). Let's bear much fruit for His glory!
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Greetings:
For a change of pace - hope you enjoy this story that Clif Jeter sent to me.
"On the first day, God created the dog and said: 'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'
The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'
So God agreed.
On the second day, God created the monkey and said: 'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.'
The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?'
And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said: 'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.'
The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'
And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created man and said: 'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.'
But man said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'
'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'
So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
Life has now been explained to you.
Hope this brought a smile to your face and a chuckle in your heart.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
(I must put the disclaimer that the management does not endorse this theological concept. :0 )
For a change of pace - hope you enjoy this story that Clif Jeter sent to me.
"On the first day, God created the dog and said: 'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'
The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'
So God agreed.
On the second day, God created the monkey and said: 'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.'
The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?'
And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said: 'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.'
The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'
And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created man and said: 'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.'
But man said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'
'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'
So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
Life has now been explained to you.
Hope this brought a smile to your face and a chuckle in your heart.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
(I must put the disclaimer that the management does not endorse this theological concept. :0 )
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thomas and the Kinesthetic Style of Learning
Greetings:
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
The last Multiple Intelligence or Learning Style we will review at this time is the area of Kinesthetic. You can recognize them because they learn through physical activity. They think through physical sensations. They love running, dancing, touching, and gesturing (ever knew someone who couldn't talk if you tied their hands?). They go on to become athletes, actors, dancers, and artists.
Our Scriptural example comes from the life of Thomas. Consider John 20: 24 - 25 - "Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." He needed the physical sensations of sight and touch to convince him.
Jesus applied this style with Thomas. Notice that He does not rebuke him or chastise him. Jesus gives him the opportunity to learn by touch. God has wired each of us differently. Not wrong - just different. Jesus knew this and applied different forms to teach different folk.
Spot the Kinesthetics today - and run along side of them to reach the goal of knowledge.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
The last Multiple Intelligence or Learning Style we will review at this time is the area of Kinesthetic. You can recognize them because they learn through physical activity. They think through physical sensations. They love running, dancing, touching, and gesturing (ever knew someone who couldn't talk if you tied their hands?). They go on to become athletes, actors, dancers, and artists.
Our Scriptural example comes from the life of Thomas. Consider John 20: 24 - 25 - "Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." He needed the physical sensations of sight and touch to convince him.
Jesus applied this style with Thomas. Notice that He does not rebuke him or chastise him. Jesus gives him the opportunity to learn by touch. God has wired each of us differently. Not wrong - just different. Jesus knew this and applied different forms to teach different folk.
Spot the Kinesthetics today - and run along side of them to reach the goal of knowledge.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Paul and the Interpersonal Style of Learning
Greetings:
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
So -- who were the Mathematical/Logical people you came in contact with? How are you seeking to reach them?
Another form of Multiple Intelligence is called the Interpersonal style. Their strength is in socialization and cooperation. They think by bouncing ideas off other people. They love leading, organizing, partying, and mentorships. They tend to become the politicians, CEO's, and counselors in the world.
Our person in Scripture that fits this mold is the Apostle Paul. He loved to train others. He had a heart for mentoring neophyte theologians. He sought to train young pastors. Consider his words in 2 Timothy 2: 1 - 2 - "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."
John 6: 5, 6 - "When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do." We see a picture here of Jesus applying this MI to the situation.
Spot those who work under this style and develop ways of reaching them.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
So -- who were the Mathematical/Logical people you came in contact with? How are you seeking to reach them?
Another form of Multiple Intelligence is called the Interpersonal style. Their strength is in socialization and cooperation. They think by bouncing ideas off other people. They love leading, organizing, partying, and mentorships. They tend to become the politicians, CEO's, and counselors in the world.
Our person in Scripture that fits this mold is the Apostle Paul. He loved to train others. He had a heart for mentoring neophyte theologians. He sought to train young pastors. Consider his words in 2 Timothy 2: 1 - 2 - "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."
John 6: 5, 6 - "When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do." We see a picture here of Jesus applying this MI to the situation.
Spot those who work under this style and develop ways of reaching them.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Nehemiah and the Mathematical Learning Style
Greetings:
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Did you recognize any Linguistic learners yesterday? Did it make any difference in the way you taught them?
Today we will consider the Mathematical/Logical style of learning. Someone who is strong in this form of intelligence will display it in the area of numbers, reasoning, and problem solving. Where the Linguistic thinks in words, the M/L thinks by reasoning. This type of learner loves experiments, questions, and logical puzzles. Generally you will find someone with this MI going into the field as a scientist, an engineer,or mathematician.
Our example in Scripture is Nehemiah. (Some call him the shortest man in the Bible -- Knee high Miah). We find his engineering and logical ability to arrange things in the account of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He had a plan and logically executed that plan so that the walls were restored in record time.
Jesus applied this style with Nicodemus. He took him step-by-step from where he was to where he needed to be. The discourse is one of strong logical application.
Watch for your students today who display this style of learning, and seek how you can reach them in your lessons.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Did you recognize any Linguistic learners yesterday? Did it make any difference in the way you taught them?
Today we will consider the Mathematical/Logical style of learning. Someone who is strong in this form of intelligence will display it in the area of numbers, reasoning, and problem solving. Where the Linguistic thinks in words, the M/L thinks by reasoning. This type of learner loves experiments, questions, and logical puzzles. Generally you will find someone with this MI going into the field as a scientist, an engineer,or mathematician.
Our example in Scripture is Nehemiah. (Some call him the shortest man in the Bible -- Knee high Miah). We find his engineering and logical ability to arrange things in the account of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He had a plan and logically executed that plan so that the walls were restored in record time.
Jesus applied this style with Nicodemus. He took him step-by-step from where he was to where he needed to be. The discourse is one of strong logical application.
Watch for your students today who display this style of learning, and seek how you can reach them in your lessons.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Jump Rope for Heart
Greetings:Last week the Lower School participated in Jump Rope for Heart - to raise money for the American Heart Association. I told the students that if they raised $3000.00 I would "Go Green."
Well, as you can see from the pictures - they raised ----- $5300.00+. I am so proud of them. They are a great group of students.
Thanks to Lauren Adams who put this all together, and to Amber Vencion for the Green Dye Job. This definitely puts a new spin to the phrase --"Going Green."
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Dr. Luke and Linguistic Style of Learning
Greetings:
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
We spoke of eight Learning styles or multiple intelligences yesterday. We can find them displayed in the Scriptures. We will start with the Linguistic style of learning - and our "Poster-child" will be Dr. Luke.
The Linguistic style has its strength in the area of Language Arts. This type of learner thinks in words. They love reading (sound like someone you know), writing, and telling stories. Typically a person with this style of learning will end up being a writer or a speaker of some sort.
In the Scriptures we find a prime example in Dr. Luke the writer/historian. Consider his own words in Luke 1: 1 - 4 - "Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught."
Jesus applied this mode of teaching by telling many parables and stories.
You may have students that learn in this form. God has wired us each differently, apply their style to achieve their maximum response.
For Kingdom education,
Doc
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
We spoke of eight Learning styles or multiple intelligences yesterday. We can find them displayed in the Scriptures. We will start with the Linguistic style of learning - and our "Poster-child" will be Dr. Luke.
The Linguistic style has its strength in the area of Language Arts. This type of learner thinks in words. They love reading (sound like someone you know), writing, and telling stories. Typically a person with this style of learning will end up being a writer or a speaker of some sort.
In the Scriptures we find a prime example in Dr. Luke the writer/historian. Consider his own words in Luke 1: 1 - 4 - "Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught."
Jesus applied this mode of teaching by telling many parables and stories.
You may have students that learn in this form. God has wired us each differently, apply their style to achieve their maximum response.
For Kingdom education,
Doc
Monday, March 23, 2009
Learning Styles
Greetings:
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Multiple intelligences or learning styles on a major emphasis on the educational scene. At this time they declare nine different styles. They are - (1)Linguistic/verbal, (2) Mathematical/logical, (3) Spatial, (4) Musical, (5) Intrapersonal, (6) Interpersonal, (7) Kinesthetic, (8) Naturalistic, and (9) Existentialist.
Can these be used by Christian school teachers? Since all truth is God's truth, can we find these concepts in the Bible? Did Jesus use them in His teaching? Over the next couple of days we will look at a couple of these styles. Eventually, we will consider all nine of them. Tomorrow let's start with the Linguistic style of learning.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) - "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Multiple intelligences or learning styles on a major emphasis on the educational scene. At this time they declare nine different styles. They are - (1)Linguistic/verbal, (2) Mathematical/logical, (3) Spatial, (4) Musical, (5) Intrapersonal, (6) Interpersonal, (7) Kinesthetic, (8) Naturalistic, and (9) Existentialist.
Can these be used by Christian school teachers? Since all truth is God's truth, can we find these concepts in the Bible? Did Jesus use them in His teaching? Over the next couple of days we will look at a couple of these styles. Eventually, we will consider all nine of them. Tomorrow let's start with the Linguistic style of learning.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Friday, March 20, 2009
Seasons
Greetings:
Today, let me digress into my thoughts about the change of this season.
Gen. 1:14 (NIV) - "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years....'"
Today on most calendars marks the first day of Spring. It is the vernal equinox and lasts until the summer solstice. In spring, the axis of the Earth is tilted toward the Sun and the length of daylight rapidly increases for the our hemisphere. The hemisphere begins to warm significantly causing new plant growth to "spring forth," giving the season its name.
Impressed with my knowledge? I got it out of books. Really, for me, Spring is that time of year when things turn green, plants bloom, and I can look forward to summer and the beach. Wow. I am really deep when it comes to this. :-)
God has ordained the seasons. Seasons of the year, and seasons of life. We are moving out of the cold winter and into the warmer spring. I always look at this in a spiritual way - moving from the coldness of this present age into a resurrection with my Savior. (Don't take this too far - I don't equate Summer with going to Hell.)
Today, take a moment and contemplate the beauty of this season. Think about our Lord's resurrection, and the glorious future we have with Him.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Today, let me digress into my thoughts about the change of this season.
Gen. 1:14 (NIV) - "And God said, 'Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years....'"
Today on most calendars marks the first day of Spring. It is the vernal equinox and lasts until the summer solstice. In spring, the axis of the Earth is tilted toward the Sun and the length of daylight rapidly increases for the our hemisphere. The hemisphere begins to warm significantly causing new plant growth to "spring forth," giving the season its name.
Impressed with my knowledge? I got it out of books. Really, for me, Spring is that time of year when things turn green, plants bloom, and I can look forward to summer and the beach. Wow. I am really deep when it comes to this. :-)
God has ordained the seasons. Seasons of the year, and seasons of life. We are moving out of the cold winter and into the warmer spring. I always look at this in a spiritual way - moving from the coldness of this present age into a resurrection with my Savior. (Don't take this too far - I don't equate Summer with going to Hell.)
Today, take a moment and contemplate the beauty of this season. Think about our Lord's resurrection, and the glorious future we have with Him.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Teaching Like Jesus - Principle #3
Greetings:
Matt. 7: 28-29 (NIV) - "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."
The final of the three principles gleaned is ----------
If they are teachable - they will learn!
And, you know what - people are teachable. We will need to discover what works with an individual, and then apply it. Classroom instruction is not a cookie-cutter approach to learning. There is no one way to teach. There is no magic bullet that will get students from point A to point B. It involves us being involved with each student so that we know what works with them, and what doesn't.
So, the three principles stated this week are:
(1) Truth is understood only through God's enabling.
(2) Our ultimate goal is to draw people into a personal relationship with God.
(3) If they are teachable - they will learn.
Go forth and teach, my friend, go forth and teach.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Matt. 7: 28-29 (NIV) - "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."
The final of the three principles gleaned is ----------
If they are teachable - they will learn!
And, you know what - people are teachable. We will need to discover what works with an individual, and then apply it. Classroom instruction is not a cookie-cutter approach to learning. There is no one way to teach. There is no magic bullet that will get students from point A to point B. It involves us being involved with each student so that we know what works with them, and what doesn't.
So, the three principles stated this week are:
(1) Truth is understood only through God's enabling.
(2) Our ultimate goal is to draw people into a personal relationship with God.
(3) If they are teachable - they will learn.
Go forth and teach, my friend, go forth and teach.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Teaching Like Jesus - Principle #2
Greetings:
Matt. 7: 28-29 (NIV) - "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."
Principle # 2 in teaching like Jesus is ----
Our ultimate Goal is to draw people into a personal relationship with God.
Let me quote from a statement I have that Thom Shultz has made. "[Jesus’] goal was to bring people into relationship or union with God. That made Jesus controversial than and now because the people of his time were looking for a kind of Messiah to relieve them of the political nasties that were going on there. But it’s not really what he was about. Even the physical healings that he did were a means to the ultimate goal of directing people back to a relationship with God.”
As we teach the minds of our young people, our goal should be to also reach their hearts. To take them beyond the intellectual issues of our class to the foundational need - their relationship with God. Teach English - live Christ - make connections. Teach Math - live Christ - Make connections.
Today - let your relationship with the Father open the door for others to join you.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Matt. 7: 28-29 (NIV) - "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."
Principle # 2 in teaching like Jesus is ----
Our ultimate Goal is to draw people into a personal relationship with God.
Let me quote from a statement I have that Thom Shultz has made. "[Jesus’] goal was to bring people into relationship or union with God. That made Jesus controversial than and now because the people of his time were looking for a kind of Messiah to relieve them of the political nasties that were going on there. But it’s not really what he was about. Even the physical healings that he did were a means to the ultimate goal of directing people back to a relationship with God.”
As we teach the minds of our young people, our goal should be to also reach their hearts. To take them beyond the intellectual issues of our class to the foundational need - their relationship with God. Teach English - live Christ - make connections. Teach Math - live Christ - Make connections.
Today - let your relationship with the Father open the door for others to join you.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Teaching Like Jesus - Principle #1
Greetings:
Matthew 7:28-29 (NIV) - "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."
Wouldn't you love for those who you instruct about God come away amazed and informed? I want us to consider three principles that can be gleaned from Jesus in His teaching methodology.
Principle #1: Truth is understood only through God's enabling. John 17:6a states - "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me...."
God calls us to instruct those around us with a Christian worldview. He calls us to teach them from His point of view. He calls us to teach. He, though, is ultimately responsible for who sees and who doesn't. When He enables one to see His Truth, they can't miss it.
We are called to be faithful to present His truth - He is faithful to reveal it to people. So, today, do your part and let Him work.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Matthew 7:28-29 (NIV) - "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."
Wouldn't you love for those who you instruct about God come away amazed and informed? I want us to consider three principles that can be gleaned from Jesus in His teaching methodology.
Principle #1: Truth is understood only through God's enabling. John 17:6a states - "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me...."
God calls us to instruct those around us with a Christian worldview. He calls us to teach them from His point of view. He calls us to teach. He, though, is ultimately responsible for who sees and who doesn't. When He enables one to see His Truth, they can't miss it.
We are called to be faithful to present His truth - He is faithful to reveal it to people. So, today, do your part and let Him work.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Thursday, March 12, 2009
God Has a Plan for - You
Greetings:
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Over the last seven days we have mused over the truth of God and His plan. We considered His plan for man, marriage, sin, family, church, rulers, the future, and today - you.
No one is outside of God's plan. Everyone is a component of that plan. How we chose to respond to that plan may appear to be arbitrary, however, God who knows all things from the beginning knows what we will do.
In this verse God let's us know that if we will commit and follow His plan for our lives, we will prosper, have hope, and a future. If we don't - well we will have the opposite. The problem is - we try to dictate what prosperity is, what the hope should be, and how our future will look. Friend - we don't honestly get that choice. God knows what our particular prosperity will be, He knows what hope we have, and He knows our future.
Today - trust Him. Trust His plan. As one writer has said - "When we can't see His Hand, trust His Heart."
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Over the last seven days we have mused over the truth of God and His plan. We considered His plan for man, marriage, sin, family, church, rulers, the future, and today - you.
No one is outside of God's plan. Everyone is a component of that plan. How we chose to respond to that plan may appear to be arbitrary, however, God who knows all things from the beginning knows what we will do.
In this verse God let's us know that if we will commit and follow His plan for our lives, we will prosper, have hope, and a future. If we don't - well we will have the opposite. The problem is - we try to dictate what prosperity is, what the hope should be, and how our future will look. Friend - we don't honestly get that choice. God knows what our particular prosperity will be, He knows what hope we have, and He knows our future.
Today - trust Him. Trust His plan. As one writer has said - "When we can't see His Hand, trust His Heart."
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
God Has a Plan for - The Future
Greetings:
Rev. 1: 19 (NIV) - "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later."
Verse 1 states - "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place." John was on the isle of Patmos - exiled for his beliefs and teachings. An elderly man subjected to banishment. Yes, he could hold to the hope of God's knowing the present circumstances - God now shows him that He knows the future.
Write what you have seen. Tell about the Savior - the God-man. Write what is now. Tell about the turmoil and trouble of this present day and time. Write what will take place later. John - let Me show you the future. What tribulation and distress will come - but hold on - John -- We win!! The future for those who embrace and accept Jesus will possibly be troublesome, but the ending is glorious. God has a plan for the future - it is written out in His Word - and not even the demons of Hell can change it.
I, for one, am very glad I serve a God who knows the future, holds the future, and will see the future unfold for His Glory and Honor. Today, work towards placing your trust in the One who holds the future.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Rev. 1: 19 (NIV) - "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later."
Verse 1 states - "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place." John was on the isle of Patmos - exiled for his beliefs and teachings. An elderly man subjected to banishment. Yes, he could hold to the hope of God's knowing the present circumstances - God now shows him that He knows the future.
Write what you have seen. Tell about the Savior - the God-man. Write what is now. Tell about the turmoil and trouble of this present day and time. Write what will take place later. John - let Me show you the future. What tribulation and distress will come - but hold on - John -- We win!! The future for those who embrace and accept Jesus will possibly be troublesome, but the ending is glorious. God has a plan for the future - it is written out in His Word - and not even the demons of Hell can change it.
I, for one, am very glad I serve a God who knows the future, holds the future, and will see the future unfold for His Glory and Honor. Today, work towards placing your trust in the One who holds the future.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
God Has a Plan for - Rulers
Greetings:
Romans 13: 1 (NIV) - "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (Please read verse 2-7 also).
God has a plan and He is working His plan. And this includes government. Some believe that as Christians we should steer clear of politics. (This is what has gotten us into the mess we are in). Others look for government to save the world. (We have one Savior - Jesus Christ). However, God does place rulers in positions of authority to reward and punish nations for their adherence or rejection of His Word. Now, I am not equating any individual or activity in this statement, just reminding what Scripture tells us. And, God strongly warns us to submit and respond to those in authority because He is the One who placed them there. They are there to accomplish His plan.
We must pray for those in leadership positions because they are there because of God's plan. He is using them to forward His agenda for the ages. Today, seek to pray and not criticize those God has placed in authority over you. Let Him work. He will.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Romans 13: 1 (NIV) - "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (Please read verse 2-7 also).
God has a plan and He is working His plan. And this includes government. Some believe that as Christians we should steer clear of politics. (This is what has gotten us into the mess we are in). Others look for government to save the world. (We have one Savior - Jesus Christ). However, God does place rulers in positions of authority to reward and punish nations for their adherence or rejection of His Word. Now, I am not equating any individual or activity in this statement, just reminding what Scripture tells us. And, God strongly warns us to submit and respond to those in authority because He is the One who placed them there. They are there to accomplish His plan.
We must pray for those in leadership positions because they are there because of God's plan. He is using them to forward His agenda for the ages. Today, seek to pray and not criticize those God has placed in authority over you. Let Him work. He will.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Monday, March 9, 2009
God Has a Plan for - Church
Greetings:
Matthew 28: 18-20 (NIV) - "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.'"
God has a plan - and He is working His plan. From man to marriage, sin and salvation, family to church - He has a plan. He has revealed His plan in His Word. The verses above speak of His plan for the church. Because He (Jesus) has all authority, He gives the instructions and marching orders for the church.
Basically - Go and disciple. We too often as a 21st century church want to sit, soak, and sour when our commander-in-chief has told us to Go, grow, and glow! We are not to wait for the heathen to darken our doorways, we are to seek them out. The - we are to strive to develop them into disciples - followers of Jesus Christ. One of my mentors used to say that a church should be filled with those who are outside the faith - so we can bring them to the faith.
Today, ponder and seek to reach someone who is outside and bring them in.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Matthew 28: 18-20 (NIV) - "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.'"
God has a plan - and He is working His plan. From man to marriage, sin and salvation, family to church - He has a plan. He has revealed His plan in His Word. The verses above speak of His plan for the church. Because He (Jesus) has all authority, He gives the instructions and marching orders for the church.
Basically - Go and disciple. We too often as a 21st century church want to sit, soak, and sour when our commander-in-chief has told us to Go, grow, and glow! We are not to wait for the heathen to darken our doorways, we are to seek them out. The - we are to strive to develop them into disciples - followers of Jesus Christ. One of my mentors used to say that a church should be filled with those who are outside the faith - so we can bring them to the faith.
Today, ponder and seek to reach someone who is outside and bring them in.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Friday, March 6, 2009
God Has a Plan for - Family
Greetings:
Deut. 6: 6-9 (NIV) - "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
We mentioned earlier this week God's plan for marriage. Part of that plan is the procreation of the race. Marriage is God's plan for children to be brought into this world. It is God's plan for Family.
Fathers and Mothers have the awesome task of raising children to become godly people in this world. He gives a method in the verses above. It is parents primary responsibility in the education, correction, and nurturing of these children. We as teachers can come alongside parents, but it is never the school, government, community, village, or anyone else that God has primarily tasked with raising children. It is parents.
Today, seek to encourage a parent (or soon to be parent) with their task of child-rearing. Be an asset to them - come alongside and lift them up in their responsibility.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Deut. 6: 6-9 (NIV) - "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
We mentioned earlier this week God's plan for marriage. Part of that plan is the procreation of the race. Marriage is God's plan for children to be brought into this world. It is God's plan for Family.
Fathers and Mothers have the awesome task of raising children to become godly people in this world. He gives a method in the verses above. It is parents primary responsibility in the education, correction, and nurturing of these children. We as teachers can come alongside parents, but it is never the school, government, community, village, or anyone else that God has primarily tasked with raising children. It is parents.
Today, seek to encourage a parent (or soon to be parent) with their task of child-rearing. Be an asset to them - come alongside and lift them up in their responsibility.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Thursday, March 5, 2009
God Has a Plan for - Sin
Greetings:
Gen. 3:15 (NIV) - "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
The Protoevangelium. $25 word that means the first proclamation of the gospel. In this 3rd chapter, Adam and Eve have sinned and separated themselves and mankind from God. But God declares in the midst of the penalty the plan that He has for their return. For our return. That plan is for Jesus to be the sacrifice that will bring us into right relationship with the Father. That plan that would not culminate for centuries at the Cross was there and in place.
God has a plan for the removal and forgiveness of your sins. He worked it through, and now it is there for you. Most reading this have already accepted the free gift of salvation offered by God in His wonderful plan of redemption. If you have - are you sharing it with others? It is part of His plan that we make others aware of this offer.
Today, ask Him to give you the opportunity to share this with at least one other person.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Gen. 3:15 (NIV) - "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
The Protoevangelium. $25 word that means the first proclamation of the gospel. In this 3rd chapter, Adam and Eve have sinned and separated themselves and mankind from God. But God declares in the midst of the penalty the plan that He has for their return. For our return. That plan is for Jesus to be the sacrifice that will bring us into right relationship with the Father. That plan that would not culminate for centuries at the Cross was there and in place.
God has a plan for the removal and forgiveness of your sins. He worked it through, and now it is there for you. Most reading this have already accepted the free gift of salvation offered by God in His wonderful plan of redemption. If you have - are you sharing it with others? It is part of His plan that we make others aware of this offer.
Today, ask Him to give you the opportunity to share this with at least one other person.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
God Has a Plan for - Marriage
Greetings:
Gen. 2:24 (NIV) - "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."
My wife and I have just started a Sunday Morning Bible Study based on the movie Fireproof. It deals with strengthening your marriage. In preparing for this class, I have been reading authors dealing with the topic of marriage.
This is the foundational verse for God's Plan for marriage. As has been said, marriage is one man and one women for one lifetime. I like the short version of this verse one author spoke of -- leave, cleave and weave. We are to form a permanent bond based upon leaving our individual families, cleaving (or gluing) ourselves to each other, and then weaving our lives and personalities into one entity.
Today, Barna states that divorce is higher in the church than in the secular world. It ought not be so. Find ways to strengthen your marriage today - and help others to strengthen theirs also.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Gen. 2:24 (NIV) - "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."
My wife and I have just started a Sunday Morning Bible Study based on the movie Fireproof. It deals with strengthening your marriage. In preparing for this class, I have been reading authors dealing with the topic of marriage.
This is the foundational verse for God's Plan for marriage. As has been said, marriage is one man and one women for one lifetime. I like the short version of this verse one author spoke of -- leave, cleave and weave. We are to form a permanent bond based upon leaving our individual families, cleaving (or gluing) ourselves to each other, and then weaving our lives and personalities into one entity.
Today, Barna states that divorce is higher in the church than in the secular world. It ought not be so. Find ways to strengthen your marriage today - and help others to strengthen theirs also.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
God Has a Plan for - Man
Greetings:
As teachers, we should start every lesson having a plan and seeking to follow it. Why plan? If we don't know where we are going - anywhere will be OK. We have a model in our Heavenly Father. He has a plan and is actively working that plan. We will contemplate God's plan and use it for an encouragement for us to plan our work - and to work our plan.
Gen. 1:28 (NIV) - "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"
I am musing over the truths of God's Word in the factor that He has a plan laid out. Now I am not going to get into the freewill/determinism debate - just some thoughts about His plan.
In Genesis 1 we have the account of the Creation of all things. From nothing (ex nihilio) to what we have today - God thought, spoke and it is. In the verse quoted above, God told Adam and Eve His plan for man. Some call this the technological and cultural mandate that we have as human beings. We are to learn about our world that He has given us, and in turn control it for good and use it wisely. We have often failed in this mandate. But, that doesn't negate His plan.
Starting today, make sure that you have a plan, a viable plan, and seek to use it in your classrooms and with your life.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
As teachers, we should start every lesson having a plan and seeking to follow it. Why plan? If we don't know where we are going - anywhere will be OK. We have a model in our Heavenly Father. He has a plan and is actively working that plan. We will contemplate God's plan and use it for an encouragement for us to plan our work - and to work our plan.
Gen. 1:28 (NIV) - "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"
I am musing over the truths of God's Word in the factor that He has a plan laid out. Now I am not going to get into the freewill/determinism debate - just some thoughts about His plan.
In Genesis 1 we have the account of the Creation of all things. From nothing (ex nihilio) to what we have today - God thought, spoke and it is. In the verse quoted above, God told Adam and Eve His plan for man. Some call this the technological and cultural mandate that we have as human beings. We are to learn about our world that He has given us, and in turn control it for good and use it wisely. We have often failed in this mandate. But, that doesn't negate His plan.
Starting today, make sure that you have a plan, a viable plan, and seek to use it in your classrooms and with your life.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Monday, March 2, 2009
Johnny the Bag Boy
Greetings:
I read the following in a devotion, and was very challenged by it. I hope that it challenges you also. There is a link to a video about this story (http://www.stservicemovie.com)'
I read the following in a devotion, and was very challenged by it. I hope that it challenges you also. There is a link to a video about this story (http://www.stservicemovie.com)'
"The greatest among you will be your servant" (Matt 23:11).
Ken Blanchard, the author of the One Minute Manager, once shared a story about what can happen when individuals in a company model servant leadership, no matter where they are on the totem pole.
A business consultant was training more than 3000 employees of a mid-western grocery chain to approach their jobs with a goal of creating a memory for their customers. She stated that "this is what will distinguish your store from all others."
Johnny was a 19-year old bag boy that had down-syndrome. His first response to the consultant's suggestion was "I'm just a 'bag boy.'" Nevertheless, he went home and shared what the consultant said with his mother. They began to ponder the consultant's words about how he could create a memory for his customers. Johnny had a habit of collecting inspirational thoughts that he would often read. He decided he would begin printing these sayings and place one in each of the bags of his customers. When customers came through the line he would place the sayings in their bag and say, "I've included some of my favorite sayings in your bag in hopes it will encourage you today. Thanks for shopping with us."
After just a few weeks, an amazing thing began to happen. One day the store manager noticed that all the customers were lined up at only one cashier station when there were other stations open. He began to panic, thinking the other stations were broken. After further investigation he found this was not the case. Actually, customers wanted to come through Johnny's line in order to get his saying of the day.
One woman came up to the manager and said, "I used to come to the store only once a week, but now I come everyday!" Johnny's example spread to other departments in the store. The florist began giving a flower to each florist customer. The meat department put Snoopy stickers on each meat order with a special greeting. This one act by a bag boy changed the entire climate of the store.*
How can you create a memory for someone in your workplace today? Jesus was all about creating memories.
*Ken Blanchard, presentation made at 2004 His Presence in the Workplace conference, San Antonio, TX, 2005
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
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