Message from Connie Williams, Elementary Teacher

As the school year winds down, I'm reminded of the many choices and decisions our students and fellow staff members have ahead of them over the summer months. It is comforting to know we can entrust them to the gentle yet strong arms of our loving Savior.

This prayer is from the book, Power Prayers for Teachers by Denise Shumway.

Under His Wings

Psalm 91:4 NKJV

He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

Father, what a comfort to know we're securely sheltered under You.  Like a mother hen, You supply us with everything we need.  Likewise, You can provide for those we work with-students and staff alike.  We rest in Your truth, which surrounds us and offers safety in the storms of life.  Like armor, Your Word protects us in battle.

Have a restful summer!

Message from Donna Thornton, Elementary Art Teacher

On The Seashore

Sunday in our Bible class we were talking about Jesus' appearance on the seashore to the disciples who had gone fishing.  I thought it was interesting that Peter needed to be doing something while he was waiting on the Lord so he went fishing. Jesus seemed to be okay with that since he was preparing a little barbeque fish lunch for them on the shore. 

   Sometimes I get a little over anxious while waiting.  I often wonder how many years of life I could add if I was given back all the wait time.  Given this story in the Bible it seems that it may be a common human problem, not just a modern day problem.  So, is it better to be doing something while waiting?  I think so.  I'm often amazed at the calming effect this has and also the many everyday tasks that can be checked off my list by doing so. 

   Another thing the lesson brought out, that I hadn't thought of before, was the personal characteristics that Jesus demonstrated as he encountered these seven disciples - kindness, generosity, empowering teamwork, and servanthood. He didn't give them a lecture. Instead he gave them a job," Feed my sheep". 

   My birthday last week gave me a few moments of reflection concerning time.  Life is short.  I hope that in the time I have left I will take these lessons to heart. I want to use my waiting time, work together with others, and also take seriously the task of feeding the sheep.

Message from Carol Stines, Director of International Program

My method of Bible reading is that I alternate between two translations or versions.  I read the Bible through using the Message translation then I read the Bible through using the Chronological Bible then I go back to the Message.  So, I’ve read the same passages a number of times, but recently, while reading in Exodus a simple verse struck me.

It’s Exodus 16:36: The Israelites ate manna forty years.  40 YEARS! 

Immediately the song came to mind – Our God is an Awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from Heaven above
With wisdom power and love
Our God is an awesome God

Just to think about the Lord providing for the Israelites every single day for 40 years is just one reason to sing that Our God is An Awesome God!  As the song says …

I hope that you have not
Too quickly forgotten that
Our God is an awesome God

Message from Dan Stauffer, Jr./Sr. High Teacher

Many of you have probably read Francis Chan's little book, Crazy Love.  From my perspective, he has a poignant way of reminding his readers about who God is and who we are as His children.  Here are a few lines from his book that encouraged me in my busyness:

"When I am consumed by my problems-stressed out about my life, my family, and my job-I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice. In other words, that I have a "right" to disobey God because of the magnitude of my responsibilities. Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control. Basically, these two behaviors communicate that it's okay to sin and not trust God because the stuff in my life is somehow exceptional. Both worry and stress reek of arrogance. They declare our tendency to forget that we've been forgiven, that our lives here are brief, that we are headed to a place where we won't be lonely, afraid, or hurt ever again, and that in the context of God's strength, our problems are small, indeed. Why are we so quick to forget God? Who do we think we are?"

Message from Jamie Ross, Elementary Teacher

Kudos to Preschool

“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
        Proverbs 22:6

My grand daughter and I have these philosophical discussions on our way home each day, from preschool.

Grand child: “Grawma, why did Jesus hafta die, then rise up again?”
Jamie: “Someone had to take the punishment for our sins.”
Grand child: “Do you sin, Grawma?”
Jamie: “Yes, I do. I ask Jesus to forgive me every day, for my sins.”
Grand child: “In that case: Grawma, will you give me some of yours? Cause I already gave Jesus all of mine.”

Not long ago, my darling grand daughter committed a biggie. As I turned to the sign out page, my heart sank. A note was attached: Please see Mrs. Furedy. She told me of how she spoke with Hailey and gave her consequences. The most important thing she did was to pray with her. When I told Hailey how sad I was for what she had done, she said that she had already said her sorries and she didn’t see the need for me to show the note to her mommy & daddy. Well of course, I did any way. Hailey wondered if this would ever be over with.

I appreciate the preschool teachers and director: Mrs. Furedy ever so much! They are helping parents & grand parents to raise kids for the kingdom.

Kudos to you: preschool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Message from Michele Reyman, Cafeteria Manager

Lighthouses shine their light into the darkness guiding weary and lost travelers to safety. They weather the storms, and as the wind and waves batter against them they stay solidly fixed on the rock. As we stay fixed on the rock we can weather the storms and shine our light to lead others to the safety of Jesus arms. " For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of the darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." ( Corinthians 4:6 ) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven." ( Matthew 5:16 "

Message from Karla Mungillo, Elementary Teacher

I heard this song a few weeks ago on the radio and it has now become my "theme" song.  The words are simple yet profound.  They sum up the attutude of every heart of a Christian.  I know at times we all fail but that doesn’t mean we give up.  Take the time to read the lyrics and see if these words don’t say what you think every time you come to work.

Sometimes I think
What will people say of me
When I'm only just a memory
When I'm home where my soul belongs

Was I love
When no one else would show up
Was I Jesus to the least of those
Was my worship more than just a song

(Chorus)
I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You
If love is who I am
Then this is where I stand
Recklessly abandoned
Never holding back
I want to live like that
I want to live like that

Am I proof
That You are who you say You are
That grace can really change a heart
Do I live like Your love is true

People pass
And even if they don't know my name
Is there evidence that I've been changed
When they see me, do they see You

Chorus

I want to live like that
I want to live like that

I want to show the world the love You gave for me
(I want to live like that)
I'm longing for the world to know the glory of the King

Chorus

I want to live like that
I want to live like that

Message from Jennifer Pellish, High School Teacher

Worship and the Expression of Guilt (from Today in the Word)

Leviticus 5:1 “If you are called to testify about something you have seen or that you know about, it is sinful to refuse to testify, and you will be punished for your sin.

Although federal prosecutors had taped conversations that clearly implicated Rod Blagojevich, former governor of Illinois, in federal crimes, he continued to publicly deny his guilt: "I don’t believe there’s any cloud that hangs over me. I think there’s nothing but sunshine hanging over me."

Sin has a track record of self-deception. We can be made to feel guilty when we’ve done nothing wrong or believe ourselves innocent when we’re guilty. Feelings are no fail-safe guide for exposing sin; the Bible is our only reliable authority when it comes to probing our inner motivations and arbitrating our actions.

Leviticus offers a thorough look at what is and isn’t sin. In our passage today, we see that sin isn’t only a descriptor for the evil things we’ve done intentionally. Sin can also include unintentional acts. Guilt or innocence is not weighed on the scales of motivation. To mean to do right while inadvertently doing wrong is still sin. Sin is the transgression, or betrayal, of God’s holy standards, whether we’re conscious of those standards or not.

We betray God’s law not only by doing bad things (sins of commission) but also by neglecting to do good things (sins of omission). In Leviticus 5, we see someone who refused to publicly testify about a situation which he witnessed. He was guilty because of what he failed to do.

Because sin wields such power of self-deception, it is our inclination to justify ourselves before God. We make excuses for why our sin isn’t really that bad. But all of our well-reasoned arguments don’t exonerate us. The good news is that God is always providing a means for atonement. It’s His gracious desire to forgive and reconcile people to Himself.

Apply the Word

We need the light of Scripture to shine in our hearts even as we ask, "Search me, God, and know my heart; . . . See if there is any offensive way in me" (Psalm 139:23–24). Make this your prayer every evening when you lie down or every morning when you wake up. Accept any conviction from the Holy Spirit, and then accept His forgiveness when you confess.

Message from Kristin Ornoski, Development Office

Go All The Way Through

~Joyce Meyers~

God wants us to be diligent and go all the way through with Him, not just go until the way becomes difficult, and then stop there.  One of our greatest challenges is to face our mountains rather than trying to go around them.

Sometimes we go around and around the same mountain, and we end up like the Israelites in the wilderness who wandered around for forty years (Deuteronomy 2:1-3).  We must learn to face our mountains and determine to go all the way through with God.  That is the only path to victory.

I encourage you to go all the way through with God no matter how difficult it may seem.  Let God have His way in your life.  Pray for God’s will and not your own will.  God’s way is for you to set your face like a flint, dig in both heels, and go all the way through.

Determine to enjoy the journey.  Enjoying life is an attitude of the heart, a decision to enjoy everything because everything -even little, seemingly insignificant things- has a part in God’s plan for our lives.

As we believe that it is God’s will for us to experience continual joy, we will discover a power that lifts us above life’s circumstances.

Thank you Joyce for that reminder!

Have a Blessed and Fantastic Cinco de Mayo weekend.  

Message from Judy Nunez, Admin. Assistant Elementary Campus

Cutting A Trail… Proverbs 4:1-7

            Taken from Our Daily Bread

The Native Americans of Michigan were the state’s first highway route engineers.  With few exceptions, Michigan’s major highways follow the trails they cut through the wilderness hundreds of years before the white man came.  A trail was 12-18 inches wide, and for safety the people followed single file.  Then pack horses followed these trails, widening them.  Later came wagons, and the trails became dirt roads and then highways.

            In a similar way, Solomon followed the trail of his father and in turn paved the way for his sons and grandsons.  He did this by encouraging his sons to heed his instructions just as he had followed the sound teaching of his father (Prov. 4:4-5).  So this father, giving his sons good practical and spiritual counsel, was passing on what he had learned from the boy’s grandfather, David, who was called a “man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22).  The younger generation of believers often learns best about God from the family.

            Our physical and spiritual children watch the path we’re taking.  As God’s men and women, let’s make certain we cut a righteous, wise, and clear trail.  Then if ongoing generations choose to follow, the trail can become a highway---an ongoing legacy to God’s glory. ---Dave Egner

Lord, as I walk my path of life,

Help my feet step straight and true;

That those who follow after me,

Will be tracking straight with You. ---Egner

 

Thank you to all the teachers at Phoenix Christian who are blazing a trail for those students who would follow.

Message from Margarita Llanes, Spanish Teacher

It seems like in the last couple of weeks I had found myself praying extra hard for the problem of how to handle a teen’s occasional sarcasm- or, as what I call, “back talk.” It was during one morning reading Becky Freeman, that the Lord gave me the following sweet poem from her friend Faye Yates. I hope the words will remind you today that we are created to be loved and to love. Not to love only the smart, fast and beautiful. Simply put we need to love others at home or at school just because they belong to God’s family. Enjoy!!

 
Just Because You’re You

 They say some babies born will only be
 A heavy burden to a family
 Because they’ll never act the proper way,
 So find a place for them to stay…
 But a mother looks through tear filled eyes
 And begins to sing this lullaby…
  “I don’t love you, for what you can, or cannot do
     I love you, just because you’re you
  Though many others may question your worth
  I’ll treasure you, more than all the earth.”
And when we see our soul so scared with sin
We are surprised to find God takes us in
For all we have to give Him is our shame
And though we fail the Lord, we hear Him say,
  “Though I look at you through tear filled eyes,
       I still sing to you this lullaby,
  “I don’t love you, for what you can or cannot do
      I love you, just because you’re you,  Though sometimes, you may question your own worth,
    I’ll love you, more than all the earth.”

Message from Lois Leader, High School Teacher

"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof."

Psalms 24:1

In honor of Earth Day on this past Sunday (April 22), I dedicate my blog entry to God’s creation.

One of the most profound duties God gives us is stewardship over His creation. Scripture tells us how much He loves this work of His hands. After every act of creation He blessed it and declared that it was good. Reading the first chapter of Genesis it is obvious that God takes delight in every aspect of the world He created. Yet He trusted us to be caretakers of His great work of art.

The creation teaches us about the attributes of God:

Psalms 104:24. How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number - living things both large and small.

It shows His infinite compassion:

Matt 6:26. Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. And are you not worth much more than they?

God has established a relationship with us and with our environment:

Genesis 9:8-9. Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: "I now establish my covenant with you and your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you - the birds, the livestock, and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you - every living Creature on the earth."

God pays attention to the way we fulfill our role as stewards:

Jer. 2:7. I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and you made my inheritance detestable.

Luke 16:2,10,13. And He called him and said to him, "What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward. He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous in much. You cannot serve both God and mammon.

Although Earth Day was not established as a Christian observance, I think it is a good opportunity to remind ourselves of the trust that God put in us when He gave us dominion over His creation. How we fulfill that trust is an indicator of the respect we hold for the Creator.

Message from Monique Lara, Preschool Teacher

Proverbs 1:33

But all who listen to me will live in peace,
Untroubled by fear of harm.”

I read this poem to my sister on Sunday, she was finding her self lost and stuck in her own misery. I pray for her everyday, for the Lord to give her strength even if she does not choose to seek him. When I brought this to her attention the expression on her face seemed somewhat confused yet she felt as if relief has took the stress away. I told her to hear Him, sit and pray as hard as you can and open your door to Him. The Lord is always here to take away the pain and sorrow you are in, you just got to believe and let him in. His wonders can do much more then you can imagine. She understood why I put much faith in Him; He has helped me in everything I have been through. I am far from perfect but I do believe the Good Lord is with us through anything and I feel if I can pay it forward through prayer or words of The Lord, I’ve done my part because I am and we all are Gods children. He is part of my family and family is very important to me.

Message from Janice Koivisto, Junior High Teacher

At 8th Grade Camp last week, I was blessed to lead Chapel services each evening for our 41 junior high students…. One evening I challenged them to learn more of who God is by learning some of His Old Testament names… He reveals His character and his attributes through His interactions and His relationships with us…. A few of the names of God that rang clearly in the hearts and lives of the kids were…..
Yahweh- I Am
El Shaddai- The Covenant God, The Promise Keeper
Jehovah Jireh- The God Who Provides
Jehovah Tsidqenu- The Righteous One Jehovah Shalom- The God of Peace
Jehovah Repheka- The God Who Heals
Jehovah Nissi- God is My Banner
Jehovah Shamah- The God Who is Already There
Jehovah Tsebaoath- The God of the Armies of Heaven
Jehovah Elohim- The Three In One
Jehovah Elyon- The Lord Over All

Call upon Him by His names!

He WANTS us to know Him and call on Him! Blessings! Janice Koivisto

Message from Gretchen Janes, Development Office

As the days fly by, I am realizing that I must be intentional in just about everything I do. This devotional helps me to sort through stuff and establish priorities. Heaven knows there's a lot of stuff going right now! I pray that your motives are pure and your priorities are aligned with God's and that this helps you to sort through your stuff!

What's Your Motive?
by Charles R. Swindoll
Read Philippians 1:17; James 4:3
During my days in seminary, I formed a habit that helped me immensely throughout life. I had my artistic sister, Luci, print a simple, three-word question on a small rectangular card I placed on the wall above the desk where I spent so much of my time.

Just black letters on a white card, with a bold question mark at the end:

WHAT'S YOUR MOTIVE?

I no longer have the card, but the question is now indelibly etched on my mind. I ask it almost every day of my life. It has proven to be an essential checkpoint I now apply on a regular basis:

Why are you planning this?
What's the reason behind your doing that?
Why did you say yes (or no)?
What is the motive for writing that letter?
Why are you excited over this opportunity?
What causes you to bring up that subject?
Why did you mention his or her name?
What's your motive, Swindoll?

Searching, probing, penetrating questions.
Because the path of servanthood is so perilous, we need to cultivate a sensitive walk with God marked by obedience.


Adapted from Charles R. Swindoll, Improving Your Serve: The Art of Unselfish Living (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1981), 157--58. Copyright © 1981 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

Message from Dave Huss, High School Teacher

In this election year, the leadership of our state and nation are on the forefront of our hearts and minds. Years ago, when I served in the US Army during the Vietnam era, we were trained in 7 Principles of Military Leadership which, we were told, applied particularly to combat situations when serving in a war zone. These principles were:
1. Set the example
2. Know your mission
3. Take responsibility
4. Delegate authority
5. Keep superiors informed
6. Train subordinates
7. Ensure the task is accomplished
In the intervening years after discharge from the Army, in business, in church, and particularly in family life, I have come to realize that these principles are applicable to far more than military combat situations.
1. Paul, while encouraging the leaders of the Church in Corinth said 'Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Jesus Christ' (1Cor. 11:1) Paul knew that, by the Holy Spirit, he was empowered to, and must, Set the Example to fellow believers.
2. The prophet Micah, by the Spirit, gave the all encompassing statement by which we Know our Mission ' He has shown thee, oh man. what is good. And what does the Lord require of thee? But to do justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.' (Micah 6:8)
3.Taking Responsibility is demonstrated by scores of biblical characters. James, to pick just one, said 'Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says..' (James 1:22-25)
4. Perhaps the clearest teaching on Delegating Authority in scripture is provided by Jethro as he watched his son-in-law, Moses, act as sole judge for most of a million Jews as they wandered in the wilderness enroute to the Promised land. He said ' What is this that you are doing?.... what you are doing is not good....you will only wear yourself out...you cannot handle it alone...... select capable men from all the people.... That will make your load lighter.... you will be able to stand the strain....and the people will go home satisfied...' (Exodus 18:13-23)
5. God is the 'Superior' of every believer, and of course, we don't have to 'inform' Him of anything. He does direct us, however, to continually keep in contact about 'everything'. 'In everything, by prayer and supplication, make your requests known unto God.' Phil 4:6
6. Training Subordinates is part of leadership. Training,(as opposed to teaching) children is a large part of our mission as parents. ' Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.' (Prov. 22:6)
7. Ensure the Task is accomplished. Finish the race. Be faithful to the end, no matter what the Lord has given you to do. Paul said, probably just before he was executed '....the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.' 2Tim. 4:6-8

I never learned who formulated these 7 principles of leadership, but I expect, who ever it was, knew the Word of God and certainly understood the importance of appliying the Word to our own lives.

Message from Gena Horn, Technology & Facilities

Our Daily Bread

In August 2009, Blair and Ronna Martin lost their energetic 9-year-old son Matti when he was dragged to his death by a family cow. I had a chance to meet this Kenai, Alaska, family and share in their grief. And I know how tough this tragedy has been for them.

I also know that they are seeking God’s care and comfort for their pain. An observation made by Matti’s mom is valuable for anyone walking through one of life’s valleys. During one of her down times, Ronna was reading 2 Corinthians 1:9, which says that “we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.” She felt as if Jesus were telling her, “Ronna, I know the journey has been too much for you, and you are bone-weary. Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion. Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life.”

When the journey gets too tough to navigate, 2 Corinthians 1:9 is a reminder to us that we don’t travel alone. We have the help of the One who showed us His power in the resurrection, and who will demonstrate His power again when He raises believing loved ones of all generations to eternal life. “My strength and my hope have to be in Christ alone,” Ronna said. That’s a truth we all need as we travel the journey God has for us.

When life’s journey gets so difficult
That it feels too much to bear,
Just remember, we don’t walk alone—
Our almighty God is there. —Sper

The storms of life remind us to take shelter
in the loving arms of our Savior.

Message from Mary Hendricks, Elementary Teacher

I chose the following story to inspire and encourage the faculty and staff of PCUS, in whatever season of your career you may be serving the Lord. May He shower His blessings on us as we share His love with our students and our school families.

Forever Young
by Vicki Caruana, from Kisses of Sunshine
When our youngest child was beginning kindergarten, I didn't know much about the teachers at his school. The word was that Mrs. Sexton was the best kindergarten teacher. She was full of enthusiasm, yet maintained discipline. She loved teaching and she loved kids. I decided Mrs. Sexton was the best choice for Charles. I turned in a brief but expectant letter to the principal in hopes that he would place my son with the best.

He did.

But she turned out to be older - much older - than I expected. By the time she taught my son, Molly Sexton had taught for thirty-two years. When I found this nugget of insider information, I contemplated whether it was worth upsetting the apple cart (so to speak) and request a different teacher. How could someone still have enthusiasm after all those years? Charles was already reluctant to go to school. I didn't want him discouraged by a seasoned teacher - one seasoned with vim and vinegar instead of sweetness and spice. Finally, though, I chose not to make waves and left the assignment as it was. And boy, was I glad I did.

I knew Mrs. Sexton was a pro from the first day I stepped into her classroom. Her room was one of the most inviting classrooms I had ever been in. Not too busy with over-decoration. Not sterile like many high school classrooms. It was just right. She welcomed each and every child as if their class was her very first class. For my son, it was love at first sight. I knew it would be a good year when he slipped his hand out of mine and followed Mrs. Sexton to the activity center without looking back. I stood there, mesmerized by her confidence and her grace. I wanted to linger, but knew it was better for Charles if I didn't.

I once asked Molly Sexton what kept her going. "Loving these little ones as my own makes all the difference," she said. "And remembering how much their parents love them helps when they're driving me crazy!"
Nine hundred students and their parents later, Molly reminisced about her own growth as a teacher. "I still don't know it all," she explained. "I still have a lot to learn and I pray that I learn what I need when I need it."
All of those years of teaching helped her to quickly see the light inside each child put in her care. It was as if she cherished the time she had with them. But even with all that experience, she treated each child as an individual and drew out of them the best they had to offer. They wanted to please her. They wanted to linger. Leaving a teacher you love, even to advance to the next grade, seems both unnecessary and even painful to some children. Charles wanted Mrs. Sexton to be his teacher forever and for always. That is the greatest compliment a teacher can receive.

In the minds of our students, we are still the same as when they sat in our classes. We are, therefore, forever young. Look at yourself through their eyes, aged as they may be now, and recapture for yourself the enthusiasm and dedication you had long ago. Decide to grow into a seasoned teacher - seasoned with all the ingredients of a teacher they will never forget. And when you are faced with the prospect of working with a veteran teacher, honor him or her with the respect they have earned.

“A wise teacher's words spur students to action and emphasize important truths. The collected sayings of the wise are like guidance from a shepherd.” ECCLESIASTES 12:11 NLT

Jay Hendricks, High School Teacher

176 years ago today, on April 11, 1836, George Mueller opened his first orphanage in Bristol England. Mueller grew up as a thief and troublemaker and even did time in jail. In 1825 he began a relationship with Christ, which led to his plan to help homeless children make better lives for themselves. George Mueller took in more than 10,000 orphans and made it a practice to never ask for money. The most amazing legacy, however, was that he recorded over 50,000 answers to prayer in his lifetime. Mueller prayed for and trusted God for his needs and the physical and spiritual needs of the children in his care, and God provided again and again.

Matthew 6:26-34

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Over 50,000 answers to prayer, why should we expect less? God answered prayer in 1836 for George Mueller in Bristol England; God answers prayer today in Phoenix Arizona.

Message from Colleen Helman, High School Teacher

Will I Let God’s Truth Make a Difference in Me Today?

As I sit down to write, I am aware that I am full of inconsistencies in my daily life and walk with the Lord. I know that He is changing me, but it doesn’t seem to go as quickly as I would like.

What encourages me is that the Words of our Lord are always the Words of Truth. And so, this is a reflection of the reminders that God has sent my way recently, along with conviction of my lack of action, and the hope of His renewal and transformation of who I am in Him.

Here is God’s Truth:

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Colossians 3:15-17 MSG

A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!

It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.

This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue—it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!

My friends, this can't go on. A spring doesn't gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it? Apple trees don't bear strawberries, do they? Raspberry bushes don't bear apples, do they? You're not going to dip into a polluted mud hole and get a cup of clear, cool water, are you?

Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom—it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.

Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

James 3:3-5 MSG

And my favorite:

And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 MSG

Have a blessed day!