Why do we do what we do? Jesus has set the example that we be leaders of no reputation. Not bad reputation, just no reputation. The following hymn, familiar to many of us, expands on the theme. If you are unfamiliar with the tune, or even if you know it well, click on the link below.
May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day,
By His love and pow'r controlling All I do and say.
May the Word of Christ dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph only through His pow'r.
May the peace of Christ my Savior rule my life in every thing,
That I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me, as the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing, this is victory.
May I run the race before me, strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus as I onward go.
May His beauty rest upon me as I seek the lost to win, and may they forget the channel, seeing only Him.
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/401#ixzz1Vli8QR9q
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:5-8 (English Standard Version)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Message from Shannon Palmer, Admin. Assistant West Campus
As the school year ends, 2 Timothy 4:7 comes to mind: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” This has been quite an eventful year; teachers and staff alike have faced challenges, overcome obstacles and celebrated victories during the past 10 months. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”
Some of us are beginning new chapters in our lives, such as a new job or retirement. My prayer is that you “keep the faith” and “run with endurance” the race set before you. God bless you this summer and I look forward to all God is going to do the next school year!
Some of us are beginning new chapters in our lives, such as a new job or retirement. My prayer is that you “keep the faith” and “run with endurance” the race set before you. God bless you this summer and I look forward to all God is going to do the next school year!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Message from Donn Start, Principal West Campus
THE ROAD LESS TAKEN
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
...Robert Frost
Don’t you just love this Robert Frost poem? It is my favorite.
Nine years ago Mr. Koan “coaxed” me into trying “the road less taken” by redirecting me from a career as a public school educator into the world of Christian education. Having the privilege of serving two outstanding Christian schools has been such a blessing to my entire family.
Please be encouraged that as Christian educators, you are making a difference for God’s kingdom. Best wishes, and God’s blessings, to you and your families. I’ve greatly enjoyed being a colleague with each of you on the Phoenix Christian School team.
Yours in Christ,
Donn Start
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference
...Robert Frost
Don’t you just love this Robert Frost poem? It is my favorite.
Nine years ago Mr. Koan “coaxed” me into trying “the road less taken” by redirecting me from a career as a public school educator into the world of Christian education. Having the privilege of serving two outstanding Christian schools has been such a blessing to my entire family.
Please be encouraged that as Christian educators, you are making a difference for God’s kingdom. Best wishes, and God’s blessings, to you and your families. I’ve greatly enjoyed being a colleague with each of you on the Phoenix Christian School team.
Yours in Christ,
Donn Start
Message from Judy Nunez, Admin. Assistant Central Elementary
Worthy
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ---Ephesians 4:1-3
Lord, help me to walk worthy of the calling You have given me – looking always to You for guidance, reassurance, and strength. May Your love abound in our family and may we forever have the unity You desire for each of us. May Your Spirit give us the bond of peace that we might show the world Your never ending love. Amen.
----taken from “An Invitation to Prayer for Mothers” by Jack Countryman
What a great challenge for us as a school family. As we take a well needed break for the summer may we come back with a renewed vigor and desire to walk “worthy” of the calling God has given us here at Phoenix Christian Unified Schools!
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ---Ephesians 4:1-3
Lord, help me to walk worthy of the calling You have given me – looking always to You for guidance, reassurance, and strength. May Your love abound in our family and may we forever have the unity You desire for each of us. May Your Spirit give us the bond of peace that we might show the world Your never ending love. Amen.
----taken from “An Invitation to Prayer for Mothers” by Jack Countryman
What a great challenge for us as a school family. As we take a well needed break for the summer may we come back with a renewed vigor and desire to walk “worthy” of the calling God has given us here at Phoenix Christian Unified Schools!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Message from Phil Adams, Principal
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8 English Standard Version
You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8 English Standard Version
Monday, May 16, 2011
Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6
Anticipating my last devotional blog of the year, this passage came to mind. When I think about each of you, my dear colleagues and friends, I am so thankful to God that He has raised you and me up to work together in this kingdom work. I listened to some tremendous and moving Senior testimonies last week, how God had used teachers and coaches and friends at PCUS to change their lives. I listened, and I thought of you, faithful faculty, and I thanked God for you.
I attended the High School Honors Assembly and the Junior High Honors Day last week, my chest swelling with pride at the accomplishments and achievements of these kids. I know that behind each and every success story from the student body of PC lies at least one faithful servant-teacher who diligently applied the craft of instruction, all with love and (I am sure at times) super-human patience.
These kids are not all lovable…but because they are here under your tutelage…they are loved.
These kids are not all scholars…but because they sit in your class…they are stars.
So many years ago God “began a good work in you” which He continues to this day. Now you, faithful servant, are an instrument of good work and divine refinement in the lives of these kids.
I thank God for you…and I thank you for sharing this past year with me and with the community of PCUS. Blessings on you until we meet again.
Anticipating my last devotional blog of the year, this passage came to mind. When I think about each of you, my dear colleagues and friends, I am so thankful to God that He has raised you and me up to work together in this kingdom work. I listened to some tremendous and moving Senior testimonies last week, how God had used teachers and coaches and friends at PCUS to change their lives. I listened, and I thought of you, faithful faculty, and I thanked God for you.
I attended the High School Honors Assembly and the Junior High Honors Day last week, my chest swelling with pride at the accomplishments and achievements of these kids. I know that behind each and every success story from the student body of PC lies at least one faithful servant-teacher who diligently applied the craft of instruction, all with love and (I am sure at times) super-human patience.
These kids are not all lovable…but because they are here under your tutelage…they are loved.
These kids are not all scholars…but because they sit in your class…they are stars.
So many years ago God “began a good work in you” which He continues to this day. Now you, faithful servant, are an instrument of good work and divine refinement in the lives of these kids.
I thank God for you…and I thank you for sharing this past year with me and with the community of PCUS. Blessings on you until we meet again.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Message from Bruce Consier, Athletic Director
God is Never Too Busy to Talk
by Rick Warren
Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance. Galatians 4:7 (MSG) God is always near. He never says, "Some other time."
Here are three encouraging facts to remember about God:
God is never too busy – “The Lord is near to all who call on him.” (Psalm 145:18 NIV) He's never too busy to talk to you. He's always near. He never says, "Some other time."
God loves to meet your needs -- He's not annoyed by your request. "If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11 NIV)
God is sympathetic to your hurts -- "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NLT) When you hurt, God hurts. When you grieve, God grieves. He is there. And He cares. That is the Good News
by Rick Warren
Doesn't that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you're also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance. Galatians 4:7 (MSG) God is always near. He never says, "Some other time."
Here are three encouraging facts to remember about God:
God is never too busy – “The Lord is near to all who call on him.” (Psalm 145:18 NIV) He's never too busy to talk to you. He's always near. He never says, "Some other time."
God loves to meet your needs -- He's not annoyed by your request. "If you know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11 NIV)
God is sympathetic to your hurts -- "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 NLT) When you hurt, God hurts. When you grieve, God grieves. He is there. And He cares. That is the Good News
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Message from Donn Start, Principal West Valley
This devotional was published on the Joyce Meyer website, dated March 23, 2011.
Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
— 1 Peter 5:8
Listening to the Holy Spirit will keep us balanced in every area of our lives. The Spirit will tell us when we’re spending too much money or not spending enough, when we’re talking too much or not talking enough, or even when we’re resting too much or not resting enough. Anytime we are doing too much or too little of something, we are out of balance.
The verse for today states that we are to be well-balanced so Satan cannot take advantage of us. For years, he took advantage of me because I was not balanced in my approach to work. I felt that my whole life should be arranged around work. As long as I was working and accomplishing something, I didn’t feel the guilt that the devil used against me. But that urge to work all the time was not from God; it did not push me toward godly balance in my life. Work is a good thing, but I also needed to rest and have enjoyment.
Each day as you seek to hear from God, ask Him to show you any area in your life that is out of balance and work with Him to make adjustments. We have many things in life to juggle and therefore it is easy to get out of balance, but God is always available to help us in this area. Simply ask Him if you are doing too much or too little of anything and make the changes He recommends.
Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
— 1 Peter 5:8
Listening to the Holy Spirit will keep us balanced in every area of our lives. The Spirit will tell us when we’re spending too much money or not spending enough, when we’re talking too much or not talking enough, or even when we’re resting too much or not resting enough. Anytime we are doing too much or too little of something, we are out of balance.
The verse for today states that we are to be well-balanced so Satan cannot take advantage of us. For years, he took advantage of me because I was not balanced in my approach to work. I felt that my whole life should be arranged around work. As long as I was working and accomplishing something, I didn’t feel the guilt that the devil used against me. But that urge to work all the time was not from God; it did not push me toward godly balance in my life. Work is a good thing, but I also needed to rest and have enjoyment.
Each day as you seek to hear from God, ask Him to show you any area in your life that is out of balance and work with Him to make adjustments. We have many things in life to juggle and therefore it is easy to get out of balance, but God is always available to help us in this area. Simply ask Him if you are doing too much or too little of anything and make the changes He recommends.
Message from Jonathan Medina, First Grade Teacher West Valley
After Jesus’ death, the disciples were very fearful of the immediate future. After all, if Jesus was just killed, they were inevitably next. Sure, Mary had just said He was risen - hallelujah! - but that was just hearsay. They needed more proof before their faith would be strengthened. So, to prove it, Jesus decided to drop by Himself…
John 20:19-21 says, “In the evening that same day, the first day of the week, when the talmidim [disciples] were gathered together behind locked doors out of fear of the Judeans, Yeshua [Jesus] came, stood in the middle and said, "Shalom aleikhem! [Peace be with you]"… "Shalom aleikhem! [Peace be with you]" Yeshua [Jesus] repeated. "Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you." Having said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit]!”
Jesus knew the Shavuot [Day of Pentecost] was approaching and Jesus knew the Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit] was going to fall and create great revival that would sweep the planet. However, Jesus also knew 50 days was a long time for the disciples to wait, especially in apprehension and fear of the immediate future. So, Jesus did two things to help His friends. First, He spoke peace upon them, “Shalom aleikhem” [Peach be with you]. He then prophetically confirmed it upon them by speaking it again, “Shalom aleikhem!” Secondly, He enabled them, no, empowered them, to believe it by breathing the Holy Spirit upon them. They were now able to make it to Shavuot [Pentecost].
How wonderful that Jesus gives us just enough to get through until that day of great outpouring of blessing! I don’t know what you’re going through or what uncertainties there may be in your immediate future, but I know there is a day of great outpouring of blessing coming! I speak “shalom aleikhem” to you today. Shalom aleikhem! Don’t lose faith, peace IS with you. May the Ruach HaKodesh empower you!
"I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have shalom [Peace]. In the world, you have tsuris [trouble]. But be brave! I have overcome the world!" John 16:33
John 20:19-21 says, “In the evening that same day, the first day of the week, when the talmidim [disciples] were gathered together behind locked doors out of fear of the Judeans, Yeshua [Jesus] came, stood in the middle and said, "Shalom aleikhem! [Peace be with you]"… "Shalom aleikhem! [Peace be with you]" Yeshua [Jesus] repeated. "Just as the Father sent me, I myself am also sending you." Having said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit]!”
Jesus knew the Shavuot [Day of Pentecost] was approaching and Jesus knew the Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit] was going to fall and create great revival that would sweep the planet. However, Jesus also knew 50 days was a long time for the disciples to wait, especially in apprehension and fear of the immediate future. So, Jesus did two things to help His friends. First, He spoke peace upon them, “Shalom aleikhem” [Peach be with you]. He then prophetically confirmed it upon them by speaking it again, “Shalom aleikhem!” Secondly, He enabled them, no, empowered them, to believe it by breathing the Holy Spirit upon them. They were now able to make it to Shavuot [Pentecost].
How wonderful that Jesus gives us just enough to get through until that day of great outpouring of blessing! I don’t know what you’re going through or what uncertainties there may be in your immediate future, but I know there is a day of great outpouring of blessing coming! I speak “shalom aleikhem” to you today. Shalom aleikhem! Don’t lose faith, peace IS with you. May the Ruach HaKodesh empower you!
"I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have shalom [Peace]. In the world, you have tsuris [trouble]. But be brave! I have overcome the world!" John 16:33
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Message from Joe Frost, Director Operations/Technology
Matthew-5:14-16 You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
**********
The simple truth about light is that it helps us to see - better - in the dark. If there's ever any doubt about that just go find the darkest room around, go to the corner furthest from the door, have someone throw some marbles and thumbtacks at random into the room and turn off the light. No doubt we'd soon be screaming for the light in order to see and avoid the obstacle littered floor.
Much like the cluttered room, life often throws some obstacles in the way too, but if WE are the light then not only do we see a bit more clearly, we help others to navigate life more efficiently as well.
Without fanfare - light doesn't make much sound - quietly, we go about the day helping others not just see better but see our Father - God of Love - better through our works. Like the boyscout helping the little old lady across the street, like the gentleman opening a lady's door, like the girl picking up a crying, skinned kneed child, like the family serving food at the shelter, like the couple visiting the elderly at a home, like the guy letting kids climb on him at an orphanage...
We are the light of the world. Not in hiding or switched off, but out in the open shining brightly for all to see just how much our Father God loves us...that He sent His only son so that whoever would believe in Him would have eternal life...
Chances are, when we get this right we'll know because we'll see others praising God because of our good works.
**********
The simple truth about light is that it helps us to see - better - in the dark. If there's ever any doubt about that just go find the darkest room around, go to the corner furthest from the door, have someone throw some marbles and thumbtacks at random into the room and turn off the light. No doubt we'd soon be screaming for the light in order to see and avoid the obstacle littered floor.
Much like the cluttered room, life often throws some obstacles in the way too, but if WE are the light then not only do we see a bit more clearly, we help others to navigate life more efficiently as well.
Without fanfare - light doesn't make much sound - quietly, we go about the day helping others not just see better but see our Father - God of Love - better through our works. Like the boyscout helping the little old lady across the street, like the gentleman opening a lady's door, like the girl picking up a crying, skinned kneed child, like the family serving food at the shelter, like the couple visiting the elderly at a home, like the guy letting kids climb on him at an orphanage...
We are the light of the world. Not in hiding or switched off, but out in the open shining brightly for all to see just how much our Father God loves us...that He sent His only son so that whoever would believe in Him would have eternal life...
Chances are, when we get this right we'll know because we'll see others praising God because of our good works.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent
Be Still and Know that I Am GOD.
If your month of May is anything like mine, the last thing on your agenda is “Be still.” You may say “Seriously? Do you know all I have to do? Grades and concerts and graduation ceremonies and don’t get me started on what is waiting for me at home. And furthermore…”
Can you relate? But time and again God calls us to “be still”, to pull away from the hustle and bustle of this world and our schedule, our agenda and our responsibilities. Pull away, be still, and focus on Him.
All of those distractions are actually good things, things we should be attending to. But God reminds us that while we are to be about our Fathers work, we are also at times to “be still…and know that He is God.”
Take a moment now, or sometime today, and listen to this song from Steven Curtis Chapman.
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.
If your month of May is anything like mine, the last thing on your agenda is “Be still.” You may say “Seriously? Do you know all I have to do? Grades and concerts and graduation ceremonies and don’t get me started on what is waiting for me at home. And furthermore…”
Can you relate? But time and again God calls us to “be still”, to pull away from the hustle and bustle of this world and our schedule, our agenda and our responsibilities. Pull away, be still, and focus on Him.
All of those distractions are actually good things, things we should be attending to. But God reminds us that while we are to be about our Fathers work, we are also at times to “be still…and know that He is God.”
Take a moment now, or sometime today, and listen to this song from Steven Curtis Chapman.
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.
Message from Margarita Llanes, Spanish Teacher
Join me in prayer as we begin a new week,
“Let me now go forth, O Lord my God, to the work of another day, still surrounded by Thy wonderful loving kindnesses, still pledged to Thy loyal service, still standing in Thy strength and not my own.
Let me today be a Christian not only in my words but also in my deeds. Let me follow bravely in the footsteps of my Master, wherever they may lead. Let me be hard and stern with myself. Let there be no self-pity or self-indulgence in my life today. Let my thinking be keen, my speech frank and open, and my action courageous and decisive.
I would pray, O Lord, not only for myself but for all the household to which I belong, for all my friends and all my fellow workers, beseeching Thee to include them all in Thy fatherly regard.
I pray also-
For all who will today be faced by any great decision.
For all who will today be engaged in settling affairs in the lives of men and nations.
For all who are molding public opinion in our time.
For all who write what other people read.
For all who are holding aloft the lamp of truth in a world of ignorance and sin.
For all whose hands are worn with too much toil, and for the unemployed whose hands today fall idle.
For those who have not where to lay their head.
O Christ my Lord, who for my sake and my brethren’s didst forgo all earthly comfort and fullness, forbid it that I should ever again live unto myself. Amen”
“A Diary of a Private Prayer” by John Baillie
“Let me now go forth, O Lord my God, to the work of another day, still surrounded by Thy wonderful loving kindnesses, still pledged to Thy loyal service, still standing in Thy strength and not my own.
Let me today be a Christian not only in my words but also in my deeds. Let me follow bravely in the footsteps of my Master, wherever they may lead. Let me be hard and stern with myself. Let there be no self-pity or self-indulgence in my life today. Let my thinking be keen, my speech frank and open, and my action courageous and decisive.
I would pray, O Lord, not only for myself but for all the household to which I belong, for all my friends and all my fellow workers, beseeching Thee to include them all in Thy fatherly regard.
I pray also-
For all who will today be faced by any great decision.
For all who will today be engaged in settling affairs in the lives of men and nations.
For all who are molding public opinion in our time.
For all who write what other people read.
For all who are holding aloft the lamp of truth in a world of ignorance and sin.
For all whose hands are worn with too much toil, and for the unemployed whose hands today fall idle.
For those who have not where to lay their head.
O Christ my Lord, who for my sake and my brethren’s didst forgo all earthly comfort and fullness, forbid it that I should ever again live unto myself. Amen”
“A Diary of a Private Prayer” by John Baillie
Friday, May 6, 2011
Message from Joe Frost, Director of Technology & Operations
Matthew-4:18-25 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed him.... He saw two other brothers, James...and John, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.
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Jesus is walking along the seashore and He sees a couple of guys down the beach, not far off shore, out in a boat working hard to keep the business going. Jesus watches them cast out the net, one grabs an oar to paddle the boat slowly while the other lets out the net carefully to sink down into their favorite fishing hole. They might even have one haul of fish already in the boat by this time, but suddenly they hear Jesus yell out to them - follow me - and they immediately row to shore, and leave everything behind and follow Him.
That's tough. You know what you're called to do and you're doing it. You're working; in fact, you're working pretty hard because you know that without hard work the paycheck will be pretty slim. Especially with a trade like fishing where the more you bring in the more you have to sell. So, there's some incentive to keep on working it hard until it's time to go to market.
But along comes Jesus and everything changes. They leave their family, their business, their hope for a secure future, and everything else to simply respond to the call of Jesus and follow him. And it certainly isn't to follow Him to a better fishing location - at least not for fish.
They keep walking and Jesus sees another pair of brothers, James and John.
They too are fishermen hard at work. The only difference seems to be that these two are working to repair the nets with their dad and the other two were casting in their nets by themselves. But, differences aside even James and John immediately leave their dad, their nets, and therefore their security and embark on a risky adventure that changes the world - for all time.
And for many, though years have passed, this scenario is still remarkably similar in lives today. Where were we when He called us? What were we doing the day when we finally gave it all up and followed Jesus? Some respond and go to be missionaries in a foreign land. Others may be compelled to pursue a pastorate.
Many more of us hear Jesus and remain right where we are and that may be exactly what He wants. Not all of us are called to leave, at least not physically. We are, however, all called to leave behind whatever hinders our relationship with Jesus once He calls us.
Let's follow Him daily, reading His Word, living the life He calls us to because by doing so we get to step out into the unknown and embark on an adventure that continues to change the world - with Jesus - right now - right where we are.
**********
Jesus is walking along the seashore and He sees a couple of guys down the beach, not far off shore, out in a boat working hard to keep the business going. Jesus watches them cast out the net, one grabs an oar to paddle the boat slowly while the other lets out the net carefully to sink down into their favorite fishing hole. They might even have one haul of fish already in the boat by this time, but suddenly they hear Jesus yell out to them - follow me - and they immediately row to shore, and leave everything behind and follow Him.
That's tough. You know what you're called to do and you're doing it. You're working; in fact, you're working pretty hard because you know that without hard work the paycheck will be pretty slim. Especially with a trade like fishing where the more you bring in the more you have to sell. So, there's some incentive to keep on working it hard until it's time to go to market.
But along comes Jesus and everything changes. They leave their family, their business, their hope for a secure future, and everything else to simply respond to the call of Jesus and follow him. And it certainly isn't to follow Him to a better fishing location - at least not for fish.
They keep walking and Jesus sees another pair of brothers, James and John.
They too are fishermen hard at work. The only difference seems to be that these two are working to repair the nets with their dad and the other two were casting in their nets by themselves. But, differences aside even James and John immediately leave their dad, their nets, and therefore their security and embark on a risky adventure that changes the world - for all time.
And for many, though years have passed, this scenario is still remarkably similar in lives today. Where were we when He called us? What were we doing the day when we finally gave it all up and followed Jesus? Some respond and go to be missionaries in a foreign land. Others may be compelled to pursue a pastorate.
Many more of us hear Jesus and remain right where we are and that may be exactly what He wants. Not all of us are called to leave, at least not physically. We are, however, all called to leave behind whatever hinders our relationship with Jesus once He calls us.
Let's follow Him daily, reading His Word, living the life He calls us to because by doing so we get to step out into the unknown and embark on an adventure that continues to change the world - with Jesus - right now - right where we are.
Message from Sharon Leary, Second Grade Teacher West Campus
I’m not sure where the story originated, but I like it. God always makes a way out of no way!
Tale of Two Pebbles
Many years ago in a small Indian village, a farmer had the misfortune of owing a large sum of money to a village moneylender. The moneylender, who was old and ugly, fancied the farmer's beautiful daughter. So he proposed a bargain. He said he would forgo the farmer's debt if he could marry his daughter.
Both the farmer and his daughter were horrified by the proposal. So the cunning money-lender suggested that they let providence decide the matter. He told them that he would put a black pebble and a white pebble into an empty money bag. Then the girl would have to pick one pebble from the bag.
1) If she picked the black pebble, she would become his wife and her father's debt would be forgiven.
2) If she picked the white pebble she need not marry him and her father's debt would still be forgiven.
3) If she refused to pick a pebble, her father would be thrown into jail.
They were standing on a pebble strewn path in the farmer's field. As they talked, the moneylender bent over to pick up two pebbles. As he picked them up, the sharp-eyed girl noticed that he had picked up two black pebbles and put them into the bag. He then asked the girl to pick a pebble from the bag.
Now, imagine that you were standing in the field. What would you have done if you were the girl? If you had to advise her, what would you have told her?
Careful analysis would produce three possibilities:
1. The girl should refuse to take a pebble.
2. The girl should show that there were two black pebbles in the bag and expose the money-lender as a cheat.
3. The girl should pick a black pebble and sacrifice herself in order to save her father from his debt and imprisonment.
Take a moment to ponder over the story. The above story is used with the hope that it will make us appreciate the difference between lateral and logical thinking. The girl's dilemma cannot be solved with traditional logical thinking. Think of the consequences if she chooses the above logical answers.
What would you recommend to the girl do?
Well, here is what she did . . .
The girl put her hand into the moneybag and drew out a pebble. Without looking at it, she fumbled and let it fall onto the pebble-strewn path where it immediately became lost among all the other pebbles.
'Oh, how clumsy of me,' she said. 'But never mind, if you look into the bag for the one that is left, you will be able to tell which pebble I picked.'
Since the remaining pebble is black, it must be assumed that she had picked the white one. And since the money-lender dared not admit his dishonesty, the girl changed what seemed an impossible situation into an extremely advantageous one.
MORAL OF THE STORY
Most complex problems do have a solution. Sometimes we don't attempt to think them through thoroughly or we try to figure them out on our own.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverb 3:5-6
“In God I have put my trust. I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Ps 56:11
May God grant us the wisdom to think outside the box.
Tale of Two Pebbles
Many years ago in a small Indian village, a farmer had the misfortune of owing a large sum of money to a village moneylender. The moneylender, who was old and ugly, fancied the farmer's beautiful daughter. So he proposed a bargain. He said he would forgo the farmer's debt if he could marry his daughter.
Both the farmer and his daughter were horrified by the proposal. So the cunning money-lender suggested that they let providence decide the matter. He told them that he would put a black pebble and a white pebble into an empty money bag. Then the girl would have to pick one pebble from the bag.
1) If she picked the black pebble, she would become his wife and her father's debt would be forgiven.
2) If she picked the white pebble she need not marry him and her father's debt would still be forgiven.
3) If she refused to pick a pebble, her father would be thrown into jail.
They were standing on a pebble strewn path in the farmer's field. As they talked, the moneylender bent over to pick up two pebbles. As he picked them up, the sharp-eyed girl noticed that he had picked up two black pebbles and put them into the bag. He then asked the girl to pick a pebble from the bag.
Now, imagine that you were standing in the field. What would you have done if you were the girl? If you had to advise her, what would you have told her?
Careful analysis would produce three possibilities:
1. The girl should refuse to take a pebble.
2. The girl should show that there were two black pebbles in the bag and expose the money-lender as a cheat.
3. The girl should pick a black pebble and sacrifice herself in order to save her father from his debt and imprisonment.
Take a moment to ponder over the story. The above story is used with the hope that it will make us appreciate the difference between lateral and logical thinking. The girl's dilemma cannot be solved with traditional logical thinking. Think of the consequences if she chooses the above logical answers.
What would you recommend to the girl do?
Well, here is what she did . . .
The girl put her hand into the moneybag and drew out a pebble. Without looking at it, she fumbled and let it fall onto the pebble-strewn path where it immediately became lost among all the other pebbles.
'Oh, how clumsy of me,' she said. 'But never mind, if you look into the bag for the one that is left, you will be able to tell which pebble I picked.'
Since the remaining pebble is black, it must be assumed that she had picked the white one. And since the money-lender dared not admit his dishonesty, the girl changed what seemed an impossible situation into an extremely advantageous one.
MORAL OF THE STORY
Most complex problems do have a solution. Sometimes we don't attempt to think them through thoroughly or we try to figure them out on our own.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverb 3:5-6
“In God I have put my trust. I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Ps 56:11
May God grant us the wisdom to think outside the box.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Message from Darren Johnson, Development Director
"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone." Colossians 4:5-6
The Gospel of Jesus Christ implies mission. Jesus commands us to never be content with just knowing the Gospel ourselves and not sharing it with other people. God places people in our paths – people we connect with, who need and will want what we have to share. Don't be afraid to share a word of encouragement from the Bible or ask if you can pray for someone here at school. Take the opportunities as they present themselves to bring the conversation back to Jesus and His Gospel.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ implies mission. Jesus commands us to never be content with just knowing the Gospel ourselves and not sharing it with other people. God places people in our paths – people we connect with, who need and will want what we have to share. Don't be afraid to share a word of encouragement from the Bible or ask if you can pray for someone here at school. Take the opportunities as they present themselves to bring the conversation back to Jesus and His Gospel.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Message from Donn Start, West Valley Principal
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. Psalm 20:5 nlt
There are so many major hurdles in life that we may sometimes forget to celebrate the small victories along the way. Taking the time to recognize, appreciate and thank God for the many small blessings and answers to prayer that He gives is essential. By expressing gratitude daily, we create a deep reservoir of faith that will be there to replenish your soul when it comes time to face the bigger obstacles.
Recognize and celebrate every small victory today!
There are so many major hurdles in life that we may sometimes forget to celebrate the small victories along the way. Taking the time to recognize, appreciate and thank God for the many small blessings and answers to prayer that He gives is essential. By expressing gratitude daily, we create a deep reservoir of faith that will be there to replenish your soul when it comes time to face the bigger obstacles.
Recognize and celebrate every small victory today!
Message from Karen LaCrosse, West Valley Preschool
A New Day
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22
WE tend to take each new day for granted. The sun rose yesterday morning, and it will rise again tomorrow; that's the way the world is. Why give thanks for something so predictable?
We may be fooled by appearances into thinking that each day is much like every other. But today is a new day. Each day is a gift from God. No day has been like it before, and no day will be like it again. For me, this is above all a sign of hope.
My store of faith, hope, and love is limited and easily exhausted. I sometimes go to bed feeling weary, drained of energy and emotion, wanting only the oblivion of sleep. In gracious mercy, God uses the hours of darkness and sleep to restore me. In the morning I wake with fresh resources, ready for new opportunities, new experiences, and new encounters with other people. Who knows what God will do with this new day?
Margaret Price (Wiltshire, England)
Thank you, God, for each new day. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."* Amen.
Each day is a gift from God.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22
WE tend to take each new day for granted. The sun rose yesterday morning, and it will rise again tomorrow; that's the way the world is. Why give thanks for something so predictable?
We may be fooled by appearances into thinking that each day is much like every other. But today is a new day. Each day is a gift from God. No day has been like it before, and no day will be like it again. For me, this is above all a sign of hope.
My store of faith, hope, and love is limited and easily exhausted. I sometimes go to bed feeling weary, drained of energy and emotion, wanting only the oblivion of sleep. In gracious mercy, God uses the hours of darkness and sleep to restore me. In the morning I wake with fresh resources, ready for new opportunities, new experiences, and new encounters with other people. Who knows what God will do with this new day?
Margaret Price (Wiltshire, England)
Thank you, God, for each new day. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, "Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."* Amen.
Each day is a gift from God.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Message from Phil Adams, Principal JH/SH & Central Elementary
He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand
and marked off the heavens with a span,
enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure
and weighed the mountains in scales
and the hills in a balance?
Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD,
or what man shows him his counsel?
Whom did he consult,
and who made him understand?
Who taught him the path of justice,
and taught him knowledge,
and showed him the way of understanding?
Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,
and are accounted as the dust on the scales;
behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.
Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,
nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.
All the nations are as nothing before him,
they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.
Isaiah 40:11-17 English Standard Version
Trying to encompass who God is and what He does is not possible in any language. Words are not enough. In this passage we see the great and sovereign God who rules the universe who, at the same time is a personal and affectionate God who loves us as individuals. The “nations are like a drop from a bucket”, but He still has time to gently wrap each of us in his arms.
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand
and marked off the heavens with a span,
enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure
and weighed the mountains in scales
and the hills in a balance?
Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD,
or what man shows him his counsel?
Whom did he consult,
and who made him understand?
Who taught him the path of justice,
and taught him knowledge,
and showed him the way of understanding?
Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,
and are accounted as the dust on the scales;
behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.
Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,
nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.
All the nations are as nothing before him,
they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.
Isaiah 40:11-17 English Standard Version
Trying to encompass who God is and what He does is not possible in any language. Words are not enough. In this passage we see the great and sovereign God who rules the universe who, at the same time is a personal and affectionate God who loves us as individuals. The “nations are like a drop from a bucket”, but He still has time to gently wrap each of us in his arms.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent
“La, la, la, la Live out loud.” This was the Steven Curtis Chapman song ringing in our ears Saturday night as we left the concert in Peoria. “There’s a life we’ve been given, meant to be lived out, so la-la-la-la live out loud.”
These words and this song would be so trite – if not for the fact they were penned and sung by Steven, who lost his young adopted daughter three short years ago in a tragic family accident in Tennessee. This multiple Dove Award winner and best selling Christian musician has inspired me, and my family, for more than 20 years: Great Adventure, Dive, Speechless, to name a few. We went to the concert anticipating great music, little realizing how great a testimony of God’s grace awaited us.
His music, indeed his very faith, has been tested by the fire of unfathomable pain…and his faith and the lyrics he’s penned for 20+ years have stood firm. We heard from Steven’s own lips that were it up to him or his wife Mary Beth, they would turn back the hands of time to the day before the accident of May 2008 and once again hold their daughter Maria Sue in their arms. That said, they learned, and we can learn and know, that God’s greatness and His all-sufficient grace is proved in the fire of adversity and to-the-bone pain and sorrow. His grace endures no matter the circumstance; “His mercy endures forever.´(Psalm 136)
I pray that you and I never know the kind of loss the Chapman family has absorbed, but I know we are in the hands of the very same God who gave hope and confidence and healing to Steven, to Mary Beth and to the Chapman family, such that night after night with unshakable conviction Steven testifies in song about heaven and a loving heavenly Father and all the things God intends for us to experience here on this earth. He knows they are true because God is faithful in our time of greatest need…we know that is true too.
10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You! Psalm 84:10-12
These words and this song would be so trite – if not for the fact they were penned and sung by Steven, who lost his young adopted daughter three short years ago in a tragic family accident in Tennessee. This multiple Dove Award winner and best selling Christian musician has inspired me, and my family, for more than 20 years: Great Adventure, Dive, Speechless, to name a few. We went to the concert anticipating great music, little realizing how great a testimony of God’s grace awaited us.
His music, indeed his very faith, has been tested by the fire of unfathomable pain…and his faith and the lyrics he’s penned for 20+ years have stood firm. We heard from Steven’s own lips that were it up to him or his wife Mary Beth, they would turn back the hands of time to the day before the accident of May 2008 and once again hold their daughter Maria Sue in their arms. That said, they learned, and we can learn and know, that God’s greatness and His all-sufficient grace is proved in the fire of adversity and to-the-bone pain and sorrow. His grace endures no matter the circumstance; “His mercy endures forever.´(Psalm 136)
I pray that you and I never know the kind of loss the Chapman family has absorbed, but I know we are in the hands of the very same God who gave hope and confidence and healing to Steven, to Mary Beth and to the Chapman family, such that night after night with unshakable conviction Steven testifies in song about heaven and a loving heavenly Father and all the things God intends for us to experience here on this earth. He knows they are true because God is faithful in our time of greatest need…we know that is true too.
10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
12 O LORD of hosts,
Blessed is the man who trusts in You! Psalm 84:10-12
Message from Carol Kirchman, West Campus Kindergarten Teacher
This past week we have been discussing in our classroom the plan God had for Joseph. It is probably not the plan that you and I or even Joseph would have chosen, but yet Joseph was faithful in everything. His is a story of hope, grace, love, and forgiveness. God used Joseph in a mighty way. Even though he was hated by his brothers, thrown into a pit, taken away from his own family to a foreign land to be sold into slavery, cast into a prison for something he did not do, he learned to trust in God. God molded him into a Godly, honorable man.
In the end with his brothers all in attendance, “Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?”Genesis 50:19 His brothers had played a cruel and unfair game on him. But Joseph was led by grace, he spoke with grace, he forgave by grace, he loved by grace, and he provided by grace. Because of this grace that he had received from God, when his brothers bowed down before him in fear, he could say to them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:20-21
Are you in the place of God today? Trust in God to help you not only when things are going great but when difficult times come our way. God has a wonderful plan for each one of us that unfolds daily. We only need to be faithful and trust Him no matter whether it is in the pit or in the palace.
Rejoice this week knowing that God has his loving hand on every situation that comes your way.
In the end with his brothers all in attendance, “Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?”Genesis 50:19 His brothers had played a cruel and unfair game on him. But Joseph was led by grace, he spoke with grace, he forgave by grace, he loved by grace, and he provided by grace. Because of this grace that he had received from God, when his brothers bowed down before him in fear, he could say to them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:20-21
Are you in the place of God today? Trust in God to help you not only when things are going great but when difficult times come our way. God has a wonderful plan for each one of us that unfolds daily. We only need to be faithful and trust Him no matter whether it is in the pit or in the palace.
Rejoice this week knowing that God has his loving hand on every situation that comes your way.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Message from Gretchen Janes, Central Campus Preschool Teacher
The Patience of the Saints by Mary Wilder Tileston
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
--PSALMS 37:7
Is it the Lord that shuts me in?
Then I can bear to wait!
No place so dark, no place so poor,
So strong and fast no prisoning door,
Though walled by grievous fate,
But out of it goes fair and broad
An unseen pathway, straight to God,
By which I mount to Thee.
--SUSAN COOLIDGE
We cannot be useless while we are doing and suffering God's will, whatever it may be found to be. And we can always do that. If we are bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit, we are not useless. And we can always do that. If we are increasing in the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, we are not useless. And we can always do that. While we pray we cannot be useless. And we can always do that. God will always find us a work to do, a niche to fill, a place to serve, nay, even a soul to save, when it is His will, and not ours, that we desire to do; and if it should please Him that we should sit still for the rest of our lives, doing nothing else but waiting on Him, and waiting for Him, why should we complain? Here is the patience of the saints.
--ANTHONY W. THOROLD
I have another tidbit from my early Valentine Dove candy wrappers:
If nobody is perfect, then you must be nobody!
Indulge in the moments that matter most!
Live every day up to your expectations, not others.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
--PSALMS 37:7
Is it the Lord that shuts me in?
Then I can bear to wait!
No place so dark, no place so poor,
So strong and fast no prisoning door,
Though walled by grievous fate,
But out of it goes fair and broad
An unseen pathway, straight to God,
By which I mount to Thee.
--SUSAN COOLIDGE
We cannot be useless while we are doing and suffering God's will, whatever it may be found to be. And we can always do that. If we are bringing forth the fruits of the Spirit, we are not useless. And we can always do that. If we are increasing in the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, we are not useless. And we can always do that. While we pray we cannot be useless. And we can always do that. God will always find us a work to do, a niche to fill, a place to serve, nay, even a soul to save, when it is His will, and not ours, that we desire to do; and if it should please Him that we should sit still for the rest of our lives, doing nothing else but waiting on Him, and waiting for Him, why should we complain? Here is the patience of the saints.
--ANTHONY W. THOROLD
I have another tidbit from my early Valentine Dove candy wrappers:
If nobody is perfect, then you must be nobody!
Indulge in the moments that matter most!
Live every day up to your expectations, not others.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Message from Donn Start, West Valley Principal
One thing used to puzzle me very much about the children of Israel. They saw the miracles Moses performed. They witnessed the ten plagues that destroyed crops, animals, and firstborn sons and yet never touched any of them in the land of Goshen. They stood at the Red Sea and watched the waters part, and later looked back to see the Egyptians drown. They experienced miracle after miracle for 40 years.
I used to ask: Why didn't they believe? They personally watched signs and miracles take place, but they remained unbelievers. One day as I discussed this passage with a small group of believers, the answer became obvious. We don't understand God through natural eyes or human reasoning. We understand God only when we're aided by the Holy Spirit. Those Israelites in the wilderness saw miracles, but they never experienced God. They saw the miracles at work, but they never grasped God Himself.
Paul’s message found in I Corinthians 2:7-10 tells us that God has prepared us - those who believe and obey - spiritual realities through the Holy Spirit. As long as we look only at events and facts but see nothing behind them, we don't have the right eyes to see the Lord at work.
That's where Satan works best. He tries to keep us blind so that we don't recognize the Spirit of God at work. For example, in a worship service, someone prays for a woman who is in great pain and she's healed. Those with eyes to see immediately praise the Lord. Those who are still held by the devil's cunning lies say, "Oh, it was all psychosomatic. There was nothing really wrong with her."
I learned long ago that it does little good to argue with the spiritually blind and try to convince them to see God at work. Until the Holy Spirit enlightens them, they can never grasp the power of God at work in human lives. Only those who have been enlightened by the power of the Holy Spirit can truly grasp spiritual realities. To those who love Him and believe, God reveals spiritual truths. He assures those who have understanding that the Holy Spirit is at work.
My prayer is that God will continue to enlighten me in every way. That He will enable me to see Him in every area of my life and so that I can continually rejoice in His presence. I wish that for each of you too.
I used to ask: Why didn't they believe? They personally watched signs and miracles take place, but they remained unbelievers. One day as I discussed this passage with a small group of believers, the answer became obvious. We don't understand God through natural eyes or human reasoning. We understand God only when we're aided by the Holy Spirit. Those Israelites in the wilderness saw miracles, but they never experienced God. They saw the miracles at work, but they never grasped God Himself.
Paul’s message found in I Corinthians 2:7-10 tells us that God has prepared us - those who believe and obey - spiritual realities through the Holy Spirit. As long as we look only at events and facts but see nothing behind them, we don't have the right eyes to see the Lord at work.
That's where Satan works best. He tries to keep us blind so that we don't recognize the Spirit of God at work. For example, in a worship service, someone prays for a woman who is in great pain and she's healed. Those with eyes to see immediately praise the Lord. Those who are still held by the devil's cunning lies say, "Oh, it was all psychosomatic. There was nothing really wrong with her."
I learned long ago that it does little good to argue with the spiritually blind and try to convince them to see God at work. Until the Holy Spirit enlightens them, they can never grasp the power of God at work in human lives. Only those who have been enlightened by the power of the Holy Spirit can truly grasp spiritual realities. To those who love Him and believe, God reveals spiritual truths. He assures those who have understanding that the Holy Spirit is at work.
My prayer is that God will continue to enlighten me in every way. That He will enable me to see Him in every area of my life and so that I can continually rejoice in His presence. I wish that for each of you too.
Message from Dave Huss, High School Teacher
When Sylvia and I were married in 1967, we planned to immediately do our part in fulfilling Gen. 1:28 - to 'multiply and replenish the earth'. I had for years wanted 5 sons. I envisioned five tall strapping basketball players surrounding me, their father-coach. All my wife had to do was cooperate and provide the sons. Months passed, however, and no children, not even a pregnancy. After 2 yrs. the doctors informed us that we would never bear natural children.
Following the death of that vision, God showed his grace to us in another way. In 1970, through an adoption agency in our state, we took delivery on a little 4 week old boy- an unwanted child- whom Sylvia and I wanted very much. We named him Daniel ( God is my Judge). In the subsequent years the Lord has continually shown us that the Judge of all the earth did right in allowing us to shape this life for His glory.
Our desire was for son #2 to arrive within a year of Danny. Shortly after Danny's birth, however, our state passed legislation legalizing abortion. Suddenly, hundreds of adoptive parents, including us, had to wait for years to adopt a child, as thousands of unborn children were denied life. When our infant son finally arrived, we named him Michael, (Who is like God?) for who but God can prevail upon the spirit of a woman to give an unwanted child life? or time the birth of a precious son?
Two years later, the Lord brought us a living jewel. Having repented of my plan for all male children, we adopted a 5month old Korean girl, whom we named Rebekah. Though her natural mother abandoned her, God had chosen her before the foundation of the world. She, at an early age received the adoption that comes by and says 'Abba', (Daddy) to our God.
About 2 yrs. after Becky arrived, some very unusual and certainly God-directed circumstances brought to us three-month old twin girls- Guatemalan Indians. We named them Ruth and Rachel. They come from a background of poverty, but are now richly enjoyed by Sylvia and me as they enjoy life and spiritual treasure of faith in our Lord Jesus.
Our 6th child, Joel ( Jehovah is God), a Mexican American, came home to us in 1980 as 2 month old. Joel was a rejected child, with a parental background perhaps as undesirable as anyone can imagine. Joel, however, was chosen to fill a place of tremendous worth in our family.
Our 7th child, Gabriel (Man of God) came as 19 month old from a poor Haitian orphanage. His life came very close to ending as an small infant in Haiti, but God preserved him for His purposes.
A year later, 1985, an adoption agency called and said,' We know you have 7, but we have a little mixed race baby here who needs a home. Can you fit one more in?' In spite of very difficult financial and logistical straits, God gave us great peace to bring Nathaniel (Gift of God) on board.
We have been continually thankful for the 8 fold blessing on our family which has now been multiplied and replenished with 15 (this summer 16) grand children. I remember looking down the supper table before any of the kids left home reflecting on two things:
First, Sylvia and I are deeply grateful to 7 women, each from a distant place, who chose life for their offspring, when they could have chosen otherwise. Above that, we still give thanks to the Spirit of God, who directed the path of each child to our home.
And then I often think of the words of Isaiah 25:6 picturing the lavish banquet God promises to host for all peoples on Mount Zion. At family gatherings (over 30 people now) the Lord allows me, in very small measure, to experience the deep joy the Father will have on that day, looking down the banquet table at his children he has chosen from all over the world.
He is the One who sustains the fatherless, who sets the lonely in families. He provides the Spirit of adoption and gives parents joy as they see their children walk in Truth.
Following the death of that vision, God showed his grace to us in another way. In 1970, through an adoption agency in our state, we took delivery on a little 4 week old boy- an unwanted child- whom Sylvia and I wanted very much. We named him Daniel ( God is my Judge). In the subsequent years the Lord has continually shown us that the Judge of all the earth did right in allowing us to shape this life for His glory.
Our desire was for son #2 to arrive within a year of Danny. Shortly after Danny's birth, however, our state passed legislation legalizing abortion. Suddenly, hundreds of adoptive parents, including us, had to wait for years to adopt a child, as thousands of unborn children were denied life. When our infant son finally arrived, we named him Michael, (Who is like God?) for who but God can prevail upon the spirit of a woman to give an unwanted child life? or time the birth of a precious son?
Two years later, the Lord brought us a living jewel. Having repented of my plan for all male children, we adopted a 5month old Korean girl, whom we named Rebekah. Though her natural mother abandoned her, God had chosen her before the foundation of the world. She, at an early age received the adoption that comes by and says 'Abba', (Daddy) to our God.
About 2 yrs. after Becky arrived, some very unusual and certainly God-directed circumstances brought to us three-month old twin girls- Guatemalan Indians. We named them Ruth and Rachel. They come from a background of poverty, but are now richly enjoyed by Sylvia and me as they enjoy life and spiritual treasure of faith in our Lord Jesus.
Our 6th child, Joel ( Jehovah is God), a Mexican American, came home to us in 1980 as 2 month old. Joel was a rejected child, with a parental background perhaps as undesirable as anyone can imagine. Joel, however, was chosen to fill a place of tremendous worth in our family.
Our 7th child, Gabriel (Man of God) came as 19 month old from a poor Haitian orphanage. His life came very close to ending as an small infant in Haiti, but God preserved him for His purposes.
A year later, 1985, an adoption agency called and said,' We know you have 7, but we have a little mixed race baby here who needs a home. Can you fit one more in?' In spite of very difficult financial and logistical straits, God gave us great peace to bring Nathaniel (Gift of God) on board.
We have been continually thankful for the 8 fold blessing on our family which has now been multiplied and replenished with 15 (this summer 16) grand children. I remember looking down the supper table before any of the kids left home reflecting on two things:
First, Sylvia and I are deeply grateful to 7 women, each from a distant place, who chose life for their offspring, when they could have chosen otherwise. Above that, we still give thanks to the Spirit of God, who directed the path of each child to our home.
And then I often think of the words of Isaiah 25:6 picturing the lavish banquet God promises to host for all peoples on Mount Zion. At family gatherings (over 30 people now) the Lord allows me, in very small measure, to experience the deep joy the Father will have on that day, looking down the banquet table at his children he has chosen from all over the world.
He is the One who sustains the fatherless, who sets the lonely in families. He provides the Spirit of adoption and gives parents joy as they see their children walk in Truth.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Message from Renee Trapp, Business Manager
EASTER QUOTES
Crucifixion
“Jesus took my place on the cross to give me a place in heaven.” [unknown]
“…death was not Jesus’ penalty; it was His destiny.
It was not His lot in life; it was His mission.
It was not His unavoidable fate;
It was His purpose statement for coming to earth that first Christmas:
‘Born to die.’” [Bill Crowder, The Path of Passion]
“No one [Jesus] ever deserved suffering less, yet received so much…no one has ever had a greater right to retaliate, but used it less…no one has ever borne so much injustice with so little vengeance.” [John Piper]
Resurrection
“Christ is risen! With this victorious cry, the gospel has passed through the lands. The message of the cross is at the same time a message of resurrection. [Acts 1:22, 2:32] In this lies its invincibility.” [Eric Sauer]
“Easter says you can put truth in the grave, but it won’t stay there.” [Clarence W. Hall]
“The cross is the victory, the resurrection is the triumph…The resurrection is the public display of the victory, the triumph of the crucified one.” [Eric Sauer]
“The tomb of Christ is famous because of what it DOES NOT CONTAIN.” [Sam Morris]
“Christianity begins where religion ends…with the resurrection.” [Herbert Booth Smith]
Crucifixion
“Jesus took my place on the cross to give me a place in heaven.” [unknown]
“…death was not Jesus’ penalty; it was His destiny.
It was not His lot in life; it was His mission.
It was not His unavoidable fate;
It was His purpose statement for coming to earth that first Christmas:
‘Born to die.’” [Bill Crowder, The Path of Passion]
“No one [Jesus] ever deserved suffering less, yet received so much…no one has ever had a greater right to retaliate, but used it less…no one has ever borne so much injustice with so little vengeance.” [John Piper]
Resurrection
“Christ is risen! With this victorious cry, the gospel has passed through the lands. The message of the cross is at the same time a message of resurrection. [Acts 1:22, 2:32] In this lies its invincibility.” [Eric Sauer]
“Easter says you can put truth in the grave, but it won’t stay there.” [Clarence W. Hall]
“The cross is the victory, the resurrection is the triumph…The resurrection is the public display of the victory, the triumph of the crucified one.” [Eric Sauer]
“The tomb of Christ is famous because of what it DOES NOT CONTAIN.” [Sam Morris]
“Christianity begins where religion ends…with the resurrection.” [Herbert Booth Smith]
Message from Gena Horn, Technology Assistant
Watch Your Countenance by Joyce Meyer
And the Lord said to Moses, Say to Aaron and his sons, This is the way you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them, The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
—Numbers 6:22-26
Jesus' countenance was changed on the mountain as He was transfigured. Our countenance is simply the way we look. It refers to our face. In the church today, we need to be concerned about our countenance. One of the bless¬ings that was pronounced upon God's people was that God's face would shine upon them and that He would lift up His countenance upon them.
When the world looks at us, they need to see something about us that is different from them. They can't read our minds or see into our hearts, so our countenance is the only way we can show them that we have something they do not have but really want and need. I believe we look better when we worship God. Worship puts a smile on our face. It is very hard to keep a scowl on our face while we are being thankful, praising, and worshiping God.
If we regularly do these things, our countenance will carry His presence, not the expression of inner frustration and turmoil. Christians are supposed to be joyful people who walk in love. We must ask ourselves, "Would people know that I am a Christian by looking at my countenance most of the time?"
And the Lord said to Moses, Say to Aaron and his sons, This is the way you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them, The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
—Numbers 6:22-26
Jesus' countenance was changed on the mountain as He was transfigured. Our countenance is simply the way we look. It refers to our face. In the church today, we need to be concerned about our countenance. One of the bless¬ings that was pronounced upon God's people was that God's face would shine upon them and that He would lift up His countenance upon them.
When the world looks at us, they need to see something about us that is different from them. They can't read our minds or see into our hearts, so our countenance is the only way we can show them that we have something they do not have but really want and need. I believe we look better when we worship God. Worship puts a smile on our face. It is very hard to keep a scowl on our face while we are being thankful, praising, and worshiping God.
If we regularly do these things, our countenance will carry His presence, not the expression of inner frustration and turmoil. Christians are supposed to be joyful people who walk in love. We must ask ourselves, "Would people know that I am a Christian by looking at my countenance most of the time?"
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Message from Phil Adams, JH/SH & Central Elementary Principal
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:3-5 English Standard Version
Trust, delight, commit. That is our part. The doing, that’s God’s part. Many have missed the point of verse 4. Delighting comes first. That changes me from the inside, all the while God implanting His desires into me, forcing out my own. God’s will then becomes mine. He wants to fulfill His purposes in me, and He will. How liberating to know that allowing God to have full sway in me will – must produce God’s perfect will. So many of our students struggle with finding God’s will for their lives. Didn’t we when we were young? Perhaps some of us still do. Here is the formula.
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:3-5 English Standard Version
Trust, delight, commit. That is our part. The doing, that’s God’s part. Many have missed the point of verse 4. Delighting comes first. That changes me from the inside, all the while God implanting His desires into me, forcing out my own. God’s will then becomes mine. He wants to fulfill His purposes in me, and He will. How liberating to know that allowing God to have full sway in me will – must produce God’s perfect will. So many of our students struggle with finding God’s will for their lives. Didn’t we when we were young? Perhaps some of us still do. Here is the formula.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent
I normally eschew songs with lots of repetition, but Chris Tomlin’s songs tend to be the exception. The song below, “Our God Is Greater” really strikes a cord with me. I think it touches me because it forces me to take my eyes off me. Way too often my focus is on me – it may be securing my own comfort one day; the next it might be focusing on how I will figure out the solution and do it in my own strength.
This song, through its repetition, drives home the point that “OUR GOD” is our answer; “OUR GOD” is to be our focus. I count no less than 70 times that phrase “OUR GOD” is used. As I listen, God’s all-sufficient nature comes pounding through the song. And I like it: I like having a God who is greater…stronger… higher than every other. It’s all capped off by Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us.”
My brothers and sisters of PC, no matter what you face; no matter the height of the ‘mountain’ nor the dark and gloom of the ‘night’…OUR GOD IS GREATER.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32
Our God Is Greater
By Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc
Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You
CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
BRIDGE
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?
This song, through its repetition, drives home the point that “OUR GOD” is our answer; “OUR GOD” is to be our focus. I count no less than 70 times that phrase “OUR GOD” is used. As I listen, God’s all-sufficient nature comes pounding through the song. And I like it: I like having a God who is greater…stronger… higher than every other. It’s all capped off by Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us.”
My brothers and sisters of PC, no matter what you face; no matter the height of the ‘mountain’ nor the dark and gloom of the ‘night’…OUR GOD IS GREATER.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:31-32
Our God Is Greater
By Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc
Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You
CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
BRIDGE
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?
Message from Mary Hendricks, Fourth Grade Teacher Central Campus
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)
“Love overcomes every obstacle, prevails over every enemy, though often in humble, surprising ways, when circumstances seem to me and those around me insurmountable. – Lord of love, help me to see difficulties as you see them, through your conquering, overcoming love, and act compassion and confidence.” – Sarah Hornsby, Love is…
Each of us began our walk with the Lord believing that life would bring certain challenges and that Christ would give us the strength and faith to carry us through. It didn’t take any of us very long to realize that this walk could sometimes bring struggles and some hardships we never anticipated. We could open our hearts and share those difficult times from the past. Then we could share unexpected obstacles many of our community are battling as we read this today. Sarah Hornsby prays these words, “when circumstances seem to me and those around me insurmountable” as she asks for God’s conquering and overcoming love in our lives. Those who walk beside our Risen Lord through these times know that He does give us the power, strength, and the endurance to meet every challenge that comes our way.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
“Love overcomes every obstacle, prevails over every enemy, though often in humble, surprising ways, when circumstances seem to me and those around me insurmountable. – Lord of love, help me to see difficulties as you see them, through your conquering, overcoming love, and act compassion and confidence.” – Sarah Hornsby, Love is…
Each of us began our walk with the Lord believing that life would bring certain challenges and that Christ would give us the strength and faith to carry us through. It didn’t take any of us very long to realize that this walk could sometimes bring struggles and some hardships we never anticipated. We could open our hearts and share those difficult times from the past. Then we could share unexpected obstacles many of our community are battling as we read this today. Sarah Hornsby prays these words, “when circumstances seem to me and those around me insurmountable” as she asks for God’s conquering and overcoming love in our lives. Those who walk beside our Risen Lord through these times know that He does give us the power, strength, and the endurance to meet every challenge that comes our way.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Message from Colleen Helman, High School Teacher
Three guys were tried for crimes against humanity.
Two guys committed crimes.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys were given government trials.
Two guys had fair trials.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys were whipped and beaten
Two guys had it coming.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys were given crosses to carry.
Two guys earned their crosses
One guy didn’t.
Three guys were mocked and spit at along the way.
Two guys cursed and spit back.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys were nailed to crosses.
Two guys resisted
One guy didn’t.
Three guys agonized over their abandonment.
Two guys had reason to be abandoned.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys talked while hanging on their crosses.
Two guys argued.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys knew death was coming.
Two guys resisted
One guy didn’t.
Three guys died on three crosses.
Three days later.
Two guys remained in their graves.
One guy didn’t.
But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
He is alive! He is alive, indeed!
May your Easter be blessed.
From You’re Grounded for LIFE! by Joey O’Connor
Two guys committed crimes.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys were given government trials.
Two guys had fair trials.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys were whipped and beaten
Two guys had it coming.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys were given crosses to carry.
Two guys earned their crosses
One guy didn’t.
Three guys were mocked and spit at along the way.
Two guys cursed and spit back.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys were nailed to crosses.
Two guys resisted
One guy didn’t.
Three guys agonized over their abandonment.
Two guys had reason to be abandoned.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys talked while hanging on their crosses.
Two guys argued.
One guy didn’t.
Three guys knew death was coming.
Two guys resisted
One guy didn’t.
Three guys died on three crosses.
Three days later.
Two guys remained in their graves.
One guy didn’t.
But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
He is alive! He is alive, indeed!
May your Easter be blessed.
From You’re Grounded for LIFE! by Joey O’Connor
Monday, April 18, 2011
Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’ Mathew 6:5-13
No other passage in scripture reveals in such straightforward fashion how to pray:
• Pray regularly. Jesus said “When you pray…,” not “If you pray…”.
• Pray privately. God is not impressed by public displays of piety.
• Pray sincerely. God is not interested in formulas. He wants to hear what is on our hearts.
• Pray specifically. Take the prayer we call the Lord’s Prayer as a model.
And the best news of all is that the advice Jesus offered his disciples two thousand years ago applies to all of us still today.
From Bill Hybel’s book Too Busy NOT To Pray
I have to tell you, PC colleagues. This book has radically impacted me and I look forward to all of us digesting this book next year in our devotions together and as individuals. It is such a blessing to have your prayers; please know you are in mine as well. Jim
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’ Mathew 6:5-13
No other passage in scripture reveals in such straightforward fashion how to pray:
• Pray regularly. Jesus said “When you pray…,” not “If you pray…”.
• Pray privately. God is not impressed by public displays of piety.
• Pray sincerely. God is not interested in formulas. He wants to hear what is on our hearts.
• Pray specifically. Take the prayer we call the Lord’s Prayer as a model.
And the best news of all is that the advice Jesus offered his disciples two thousand years ago applies to all of us still today.
From Bill Hybel’s book Too Busy NOT To Pray
I have to tell you, PC colleagues. This book has radically impacted me and I look forward to all of us digesting this book next year in our devotions together and as individuals. It is such a blessing to have your prayers; please know you are in mine as well. Jim
Message from Alicia Galindo, Human Resources Manager
Where do you see yourself in the story of Jesus feeding thousands with just a few fish and loaves of bread? Are you part of the hungry crowd? Are you one of the disciples, helpless to know what to do, then amazed at seeing Jesus’ solution? Are you the little boy, having brought enough for yourself, willingly offering what you have? Or do you relate to Jesus, asking God to bless and multiply limited resources to care for needy people? Offer yourself to serve others. Ask God to use you to make a difference.
Romans 6:13 “Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God”.
(Taken from Online-Devotions: Day 94 “Lead Like Jesus”)
Romans 6:13 “Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God”.
(Taken from Online-Devotions: Day 94 “Lead Like Jesus”)
Friday, April 15, 2011
Message from Bruce Consier, Athletic Director
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
-- Romans 13:7
Wouldn't it be nice for God to let us off the hook at tax time?
But he is calling us to his character, to be good, honest, and holy. In a world that is fallen and needs redemption, we must learn to live in it as God's children, but not possessed by it. So we honor our responsibilities and commitments to others because in doing so, we honor our Father.
-- Romans 13:7
Wouldn't it be nice for God to let us off the hook at tax time?
But he is calling us to his character, to be good, honest, and holy. In a world that is fallen and needs redemption, we must learn to live in it as God's children, but not possessed by it. So we honor our responsibilities and commitments to others because in doing so, we honor our Father.
Message from Laura Furedy, Preschool Director
“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
(Psalm 90:12, NIV)
Sometimes our days can be so full and busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It’s easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something doesn’t go our way or someone says something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to lose focus if we let it. We have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong, we’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer.
I encourage you today; don’t let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted; hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “Teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “Teach us to value every moment we’ve been given.” As you daily keep a proper perspective, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom. You’ll draw closer to God and experience the full blessing that He has for you each and every day!
Joel Osteen
(Psalm 90:12, NIV)
Sometimes our days can be so full and busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It’s easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something doesn’t go our way or someone says something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to lose focus if we let it. We have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong, we’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer.
I encourage you today; don’t let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted; hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “Teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “Teach us to value every moment we’ve been given.” As you daily keep a proper perspective, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom. You’ll draw closer to God and experience the full blessing that He has for you each and every day!
Joel Osteen
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Message from Renee Trapp, Business Manager
I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
As I wrap up the last 2 months of my ten years at Phoenix Christian, I feel like I am finishing a race. A race that began when Tanner was just in the 3rd grade (and now here he is soon graduating.) A race that started in 2001, when PC was just a JH and SH. A race that added the complexity of a merge with two elementary schools and a preschool. A race that added the dimension of a west side elementary school. A race that felt the stress of a severe economic downturn. A race that seemed to continually change its rules and directions.
However, throughout the past ten years, God has been faithful. He has been right by my side encouraging me and strengthening me as I have been running (and some of you may say literally.) I thank Him for the promise: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Soon I will be passing the proverbial baton to my successor, Karen Boyce. I pray that God will prepare her even now for the work ahead and for the challenging race ahead.
May God bless you as you run your race at PC. I pray you will be strengthened and keep the faith.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
As I wrap up the last 2 months of my ten years at Phoenix Christian, I feel like I am finishing a race. A race that began when Tanner was just in the 3rd grade (and now here he is soon graduating.) A race that started in 2001, when PC was just a JH and SH. A race that added the complexity of a merge with two elementary schools and a preschool. A race that added the dimension of a west side elementary school. A race that felt the stress of a severe economic downturn. A race that seemed to continually change its rules and directions.
However, throughout the past ten years, God has been faithful. He has been right by my side encouraging me and strengthening me as I have been running (and some of you may say literally.) I thank Him for the promise: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Soon I will be passing the proverbial baton to my successor, Karen Boyce. I pray that God will prepare her even now for the work ahead and for the challenging race ahead.
May God bless you as you run your race at PC. I pray you will be strengthened and keep the faith.
Message from Irma Flores, Central Campus 2nd Grade Teacher
2 Corinthians 12:9
"And he said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
I thank the Lord Jesus for allowing problems, illness and other calamaties that might enter our ordinary life. He reminds me that they are divinely permitted so I might see His grace and that the power of Christ may be seen. Thank the Lord for smooth days, no problems, everybody gets along. Then here comes a bump in the road, sometimes a big bump and I fret. The Lord gave me this verse so that I may rest on His ever present grace. I am thankful that when I feel weak or feel failure or I just didn't reach the mark, that His strength will hold me up and give me courage. There is peace and trust. Someone once said that the bumps are what you climb on.
"And he said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
I thank the Lord Jesus for allowing problems, illness and other calamaties that might enter our ordinary life. He reminds me that they are divinely permitted so I might see His grace and that the power of Christ may be seen. Thank the Lord for smooth days, no problems, everybody gets along. Then here comes a bump in the road, sometimes a big bump and I fret. The Lord gave me this verse so that I may rest on His ever present grace. I am thankful that when I feel weak or feel failure or I just didn't reach the mark, that His strength will hold me up and give me courage. There is peace and trust. Someone once said that the bumps are what you climb on.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Message from Donn Start, Principal West Valley Campus
“If a person does not pray about everything, he/she will be worried about most things.”
--Author unknown
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and grief's to bear!
What a privilege to carry,
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear.
All because we do not carry,
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Perhaps no other hymn has ministered so much comfort and consolation as this simple but meaningful message of hope and cheer. Written by Joseph Scriven in 1857, What a Friend We Have in Jesus was never intended to be published. In fact, Scriven wrote the poem and included it with a letter of comfort to his ailing mother who lived thousands of miles away. The poem was intended to always remind her of a never-failing heavenly Friend.
May you take comfort in knowing that 150+ years later, Scrivens’ poem still speaks the truth and its promises are available to every one of us. Praise the Lord that all of us can have Jesus as our very special friend.
--Author unknown
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and grief's to bear!
What a privilege to carry,
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear.
All because we do not carry,
Everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Perhaps no other hymn has ministered so much comfort and consolation as this simple but meaningful message of hope and cheer. Written by Joseph Scriven in 1857, What a Friend We Have in Jesus was never intended to be published. In fact, Scriven wrote the poem and included it with a letter of comfort to his ailing mother who lived thousands of miles away. The poem was intended to always remind her of a never-failing heavenly Friend.
May you take comfort in knowing that 150+ years later, Scrivens’ poem still speaks the truth and its promises are available to every one of us. Praise the Lord that all of us can have Jesus as our very special friend.
Message from Angie Dickerson, Assistant to Principal, Phil Adams
AMAZING! I had noted several times throughout the year that the 2 passages for the same day on the PC Devotional Blog were either complimentary messages or messages that confirmed each others thoughts. I mentioned this AMAZING fact to Gena Horn who is the dear saint who publishes the Devotional Blog here at PC. She let me in on something else AMAZING she has had the privilege of watching happen throughout the year while preparing the devotions to be published.
Not only do the 2 messages that come from 2 different individuals who can be from up to 3 separate campuses, but some of the messages are submitted weeks in advance! AMAZING how God works, isn’t it?
An example of God’s handiwork was last Tuesday, 4/6, with Dr. Adams from the central campus and Nancy Cook from the west valley campus submitted passages that not only confirmed each other, but actually used the same bible verse! Now that makes a person pause and say – “Hey, this must be important! God is sending it to us twice in the same day!”
God is still moving and using his Word to guide us, comfort us, encourage us and save us!
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Not only do the 2 messages that come from 2 different individuals who can be from up to 3 separate campuses, but some of the messages are submitted weeks in advance! AMAZING how God works, isn’t it?
An example of God’s handiwork was last Tuesday, 4/6, with Dr. Adams from the central campus and Nancy Cook from the west valley campus submitted passages that not only confirmed each other, but actually used the same bible verse! Now that makes a person pause and say – “Hey, this must be important! God is sending it to us twice in the same day!”
God is still moving and using his Word to guide us, comfort us, encourage us and save us!
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Message from Phil Adams, Principal JH/SH & Central Elementary
Phoenix Christian Unified Schools can trace its roots to the fall of 1912, after the Weed family had traveled west from Kansas, settling in what is now Peoria, AZ. At that time the Weeds established a school, called Old Paths Bible School. The school was located near 73rd Avenue and Thunderbird Road. It continued on for many years at that location and under the name of Old Paths. The school continued on, showing slow growth, and in 1947, it was decided that the name should be changed to Old Paths Christian High School. The plan at that time was to build on that location. It soon became apparent that the Peoria campus was not strategically located and that a new location should be explored. A temporary home was selected on the grounds of Capitol Christian Church at 110 N. 16th Ave. On May 2nd, 1949, Old Paths Bible School became Phoenix Christian High School (Building For Life, Harold Buckner).
Thus says the LORD:
“Stand in the ways and see,
And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,
And walk in it;
Then you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Jeremiah 6:16 New King James Version
As you pray for our school, ask God to put a desire in our hearts to walk in the “old paths”.
Thus says the LORD:
“Stand in the ways and see,
And ask for the old paths, where the good way is,
And walk in it;
Then you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Jeremiah 6:16 New King James Version
As you pray for our school, ask God to put a desire in our hearts to walk in the “old paths”.
Message from Bob Denson, JH Teacher
26 Guards
Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then just put it on a list and said, "I'll pray for them later?" Or, has anyone ever called you and said, "I need you to pray for me, I have this need?" Read this story - may it change the way that you think about prayer and also the way you pray. You will be blessed by this.
-- Author unknown
A missionary on furlough told this story while visiting his home church in Michigan. "While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.
On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital. Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord.
I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.
Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, "Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. At this I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, "No sir, I was not the only person to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone."
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story: "On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you. Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?" The men who had met together to pray that day stood up.
The missionary wasn't concerned with who they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw. There were 26.
------
This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in mysterious ways. If you ever hear such prodding, go along with it
Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then just put it on a list and said, "I'll pray for them later?" Or, has anyone ever called you and said, "I need you to pray for me, I have this need?" Read this story - may it change the way that you think about prayer and also the way you pray. You will be blessed by this.
-- Author unknown
A missionary on furlough told this story while visiting his home church in Michigan. "While serving at a small field hospital in Africa, every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.
On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital. Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord.
I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident.
Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, "Some friends and I followed you into the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight. We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp, we saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards. At this I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, "No sir, I was not the only person to see the guards. My five friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone."
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened. The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story: "On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you. Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?" The men who had met together to pray that day stood up.
The missionary wasn't concerned with who they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw. There were 26.
------
This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in mysterious ways. If you ever hear such prodding, go along with it
Monday, April 11, 2011
Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent
“Lord, behold, HE WHOM YOU LOVE is sick”.
“This sickness is not unto death, but FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.”
(John 11:2-3, emphasis added)
Amazing how prepping for a 4-year-olds class can drive home a deep and comforting truth.
Our story this week for the Children’s Church at DSCC was the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. “Ho-hum…yada, yada…same old, same ol…wait; not so fast.”
This is not some fairy tale or flannel graph story to be glossed over before we dash to snack time and then the playground. God left hidden in plain sight a truth about His ways: sometimes those He love fall sick, sometimes they die…AND IT IS ALL GOOD!
You may be yelling “Wait, that’s not fair” or “But I don’t want to die; I don’t even want to be uncomfortable or unloved.”
OK, so I was the one saying those things; maybe you just thought them. I don’t want my life disrupted, uncomfortable, an endless string of challenges. I want to live until I’m 85; maybe 90, 95 would be nice, and enjoy a nice retirement income.
But I’m focusing on my circumstances, just like Mary and Martha were in the story. Hard to miss the fact that their brother was dead, but they (and all too often we) let the noise of our circumstances drown out God’s still small voice…“My child, I love you.”
The passage tells us Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus (v.5) but then tells us he delayed two days before leaving for Bethany. He knew this episode, painful as it appeared at the time, had a divine beginning (v.4) and a divine ending (vs. 40, 42).
As I sat on the floor Sunday night surrounded by squirmy 4s and 5s, I had to thank God for reminding me that NOTHING I face escapes His loving attention (Mathew 10:29-31) and EVERYTHING that happens “…work together for good to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28)
Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus; Jesus loves me. He loves you too. Never doubt that and never forget it.
“This sickness is not unto death, but FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.”
(John 11:2-3, emphasis added)
Amazing how prepping for a 4-year-olds class can drive home a deep and comforting truth.
Our story this week for the Children’s Church at DSCC was the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. “Ho-hum…yada, yada…same old, same ol…wait; not so fast.”
This is not some fairy tale or flannel graph story to be glossed over before we dash to snack time and then the playground. God left hidden in plain sight a truth about His ways: sometimes those He love fall sick, sometimes they die…AND IT IS ALL GOOD!
You may be yelling “Wait, that’s not fair” or “But I don’t want to die; I don’t even want to be uncomfortable or unloved.”
OK, so I was the one saying those things; maybe you just thought them. I don’t want my life disrupted, uncomfortable, an endless string of challenges. I want to live until I’m 85; maybe 90, 95 would be nice, and enjoy a nice retirement income.
But I’m focusing on my circumstances, just like Mary and Martha were in the story. Hard to miss the fact that their brother was dead, but they (and all too often we) let the noise of our circumstances drown out God’s still small voice…“My child, I love you.”
The passage tells us Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus (v.5) but then tells us he delayed two days before leaving for Bethany. He knew this episode, painful as it appeared at the time, had a divine beginning (v.4) and a divine ending (vs. 40, 42).
As I sat on the floor Sunday night surrounded by squirmy 4s and 5s, I had to thank God for reminding me that NOTHING I face escapes His loving attention (Mathew 10:29-31) and EVERYTHING that happens “…work together for good to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28)
Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus; Jesus loves me. He loves you too. Never doubt that and never forget it.
Message from Keith deLaet, High School Teacher
We have been looking through the book of Jeremiah during Bible class this past week and a few things have really stood out to me. We know that Jeremiah was the prophet in Judah who was calling the people to repent and turn from sin just prior to the fall of Judah to Babylon. Therefore Jeremiah was the last warning signal that the people would receive. That means there was not a whole lot of time left when Jeremiah was told by God to:
2 "Stand in the gate of the LORD’s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all you men of Judah who enter these gates to worship the LORD. 3Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. (Jeremiah 7:2-3).
Jeremiah is told to stand in the doorway and proclaim the word of God just after God tells him to:
1Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem,
look and take note!
Search her squares to see
if you can find a man,
one who does justice
and seeks truth,
that I may pardon her. (Jeremiah 5:1)
The fact that the Babylonians became God’s tool to discipline Judah tells me, at least, that Jeremiah wasn’t able to find anyone who loved justice and truth. A sad commentary on Jerusalem, the one city on earth that should have been the most committed to God.
As I put this into terms for us today, I actually see two things that get me excited. First of all, prophets were called by God to be counter-cultural. That’s part of what made them prophets. God gave them each a huge Stop Sign to hold up in front of the people, pointing out the conclusions of sinful living. As Christian educators, we get to work in a similar way. Each of us uses the context of our contact with students and families to point out the damage of sin and the benefits of a God pleasing life.
Second, we are called to be the people who do justice and seek truth, and as such we should be easy to find. As we live that out personally, I pray that we instill a love for justice and truth in the lives of our students and therefore make sure that the light of God’s justice will be carried forward by the next generation. That, I believe, is part of the rich legacy of Phoenix Christian.
2 "Stand in the gate of the LORD’s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all you men of Judah who enter these gates to worship the LORD. 3Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. (Jeremiah 7:2-3).
Jeremiah is told to stand in the doorway and proclaim the word of God just after God tells him to:
1Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem,
look and take note!
Search her squares to see
if you can find a man,
one who does justice
and seeks truth,
that I may pardon her. (Jeremiah 5:1)
The fact that the Babylonians became God’s tool to discipline Judah tells me, at least, that Jeremiah wasn’t able to find anyone who loved justice and truth. A sad commentary on Jerusalem, the one city on earth that should have been the most committed to God.
As I put this into terms for us today, I actually see two things that get me excited. First of all, prophets were called by God to be counter-cultural. That’s part of what made them prophets. God gave them each a huge Stop Sign to hold up in front of the people, pointing out the conclusions of sinful living. As Christian educators, we get to work in a similar way. Each of us uses the context of our contact with students and families to point out the damage of sin and the benefits of a God pleasing life.
Second, we are called to be the people who do justice and seek truth, and as such we should be easy to find. As we live that out personally, I pray that we instill a love for justice and truth in the lives of our students and therefore make sure that the light of God’s justice will be carried forward by the next generation. That, I believe, is part of the rich legacy of Phoenix Christian.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Message from Joe Frost, Director of Technology & Operations
Matthew-3:1-17 In those days John the Baptist came preaching... [he] wore a garment of camel's hair... and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him...confessing their sins... Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. And when Jesus was baptized. [John] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on [Jesus] and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
**********
It's time. He senses it and wanders out of the desert to the river. He strips off the poverty driven cave man attire of Camel hair, washes up, redresses, grabs some honey with only a few bee stings for the trouble, a few locusts to dip and he's ready.
He's not really sure what he's getting himself into, but he remains steadfast with what he thinks God has told him to do, baptize with water, and so he makes himself comfortable by the Jordan River and settles in to see how God will do this, out here, in the wilderness, alone.
He waits and prays and naps and before long his prayers are answered, they're coming. In fact, they're coming from all over & not just from the neighborhood. They come from all over that region. It's time.
Now, nearly screaming so everyone can hear him over the rushing water and noise of the masses he fulfills Isaiah's prophecy by telling all to repent for the kingdom of heaven is near. In fact, he seems especially passionate on the repentance part when he addresses the local religious guys... telling them (emphatically) to produce fruit in keeping with repentance!
Suddenly, almost as if on cue, there's a lull in the noise and it happens, through the crowd comes the one of whom John speaks. Jesus has arrived to be baptized by him. Retreating a few steps, John is overwhelmed and tries to dissuade Jesus saying that it's he that needs to be baptized by Jesus. Yet, Jesus gently replies, it's okay John, baptize me and this will fulfill all righteousness. And just like any proud father, enjoying the Son's moment of accomplishment, etched forever in time, God's voice is heard over the crowd, "yup, that's my boy."
Well, okay so the voice didn't say - and what you're doing is pretty awesome too John, but at least, this really unique guy, you know, someone like you and me, an average guy with a terrible wardrobe that likes junk food and probably needs a shower, is used by God to baptize His only begotten Son, Jesus.
It wasn't about what John wore, ate, or what he smelled like, he just shared the Word as he knew it with others and did what he believed God wanted him to do.
**********
It's time. He senses it and wanders out of the desert to the river. He strips off the poverty driven cave man attire of Camel hair, washes up, redresses, grabs some honey with only a few bee stings for the trouble, a few locusts to dip and he's ready.
He's not really sure what he's getting himself into, but he remains steadfast with what he thinks God has told him to do, baptize with water, and so he makes himself comfortable by the Jordan River and settles in to see how God will do this, out here, in the wilderness, alone.
He waits and prays and naps and before long his prayers are answered, they're coming. In fact, they're coming from all over & not just from the neighborhood. They come from all over that region. It's time.
Now, nearly screaming so everyone can hear him over the rushing water and noise of the masses he fulfills Isaiah's prophecy by telling all to repent for the kingdom of heaven is near. In fact, he seems especially passionate on the repentance part when he addresses the local religious guys... telling them (emphatically) to produce fruit in keeping with repentance!
Suddenly, almost as if on cue, there's a lull in the noise and it happens, through the crowd comes the one of whom John speaks. Jesus has arrived to be baptized by him. Retreating a few steps, John is overwhelmed and tries to dissuade Jesus saying that it's he that needs to be baptized by Jesus. Yet, Jesus gently replies, it's okay John, baptize me and this will fulfill all righteousness. And just like any proud father, enjoying the Son's moment of accomplishment, etched forever in time, God's voice is heard over the crowd, "yup, that's my boy."
Well, okay so the voice didn't say - and what you're doing is pretty awesome too John, but at least, this really unique guy, you know, someone like you and me, an average guy with a terrible wardrobe that likes junk food and probably needs a shower, is used by God to baptize His only begotten Son, Jesus.
It wasn't about what John wore, ate, or what he smelled like, he just shared the Word as he knew it with others and did what he believed God wanted him to do.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Message from Margaret Crotts, Central Campus 1st Grade
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37
“What should have happened did.” That statement was made by Paul “Bear” Bryant, former head football coach at the University of Alabama, when he was asked about a loss against a team they were expected to beat. Applying that to more than a sporting event made me chew on that idea. If we believe that God controls our course in life and has our best intentions at heart as he does so, then “What should have happened did.” Add to that the truth that we were never alone, never abandoned. Our omnipresent God says My beloved child, I was there. I held you although you could not see my arms. I caught each tear that fell. You were never alone.
I know what you are thinking. There are some situations that you would be justified in asking, “How can you possibly say what should have happened did?” The answer would simply be that being set free from the past means accepting what is true, not mulling over or dwelling on what we wish were true. We must make peace with what was or is if we are going to be able to let go and move forward. So I encourage you to let go of that past – your “what should have been” – and embrace your “what is” and “what can be”. Truth is powerful, at times it is heartbreaking, but ultimately it will deliver you.
When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall
When the choices are hard
When we’re battered and scarred
When we’ve spent our resources
When we’ve given our all
In Jesus’ name, we press on
In Jesus’ name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on.
Romans 8:37
“What should have happened did.” That statement was made by Paul “Bear” Bryant, former head football coach at the University of Alabama, when he was asked about a loss against a team they were expected to beat. Applying that to more than a sporting event made me chew on that idea. If we believe that God controls our course in life and has our best intentions at heart as he does so, then “What should have happened did.” Add to that the truth that we were never alone, never abandoned. Our omnipresent God says My beloved child, I was there. I held you although you could not see my arms. I caught each tear that fell. You were never alone.
I know what you are thinking. There are some situations that you would be justified in asking, “How can you possibly say what should have happened did?” The answer would simply be that being set free from the past means accepting what is true, not mulling over or dwelling on what we wish were true. We must make peace with what was or is if we are going to be able to let go and move forward. So I encourage you to let go of that past – your “what should have been” – and embrace your “what is” and “what can be”. Truth is powerful, at times it is heartbreaking, but ultimately it will deliver you.
When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall
When the choices are hard
When we’re battered and scarred
When we’ve spent our resources
When we’ve given our all
In Jesus’ name, we press on
In Jesus’ name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Message from Donn Start, Principal West Valley Campus
Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? Matthew 5:13
If no one else can sense godliness in our lives then why, exactly, are we here? Today brings a great opportunity for each of us to demonstrate our faith in God for others to see. Let’s be encouraged by His promise to keep watch over us in difficult times, and seek His strength, provision and guidance in all that we do. If we do that, it will show. That will not only make a real difference for us ... but also to others around us.
I pray that God will give us an opening today to be the "seasoning" for someone else to "taste godliness" in their lives.
If no one else can sense godliness in our lives then why, exactly, are we here? Today brings a great opportunity for each of us to demonstrate our faith in God for others to see. Let’s be encouraged by His promise to keep watch over us in difficult times, and seek His strength, provision and guidance in all that we do. If we do that, it will show. That will not only make a real difference for us ... but also to others around us.
I pray that God will give us an opening today to be the "seasoning" for someone else to "taste godliness" in their lives.
Message from Marc Cram, High School Teacher
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Can I tell you it is hard to wait! For me, I've been waiting 15 years for a girlfriend and God has provided! Recently God has provided a godly woman that I have the privilege of entering into a relationship with, for me this is very exciting. The whole process of waiting on God is definitely a difficult process. I've gone through highs and lows and wondered if God was ever going to provided that special someone for me, and after years of waiting He has! It is an exciting time for me and I can't wait to see what He will do with this relationship.
So the whole point of this wonderful story is to wait on the Lord. It is hard to wait, and you can get disheartened while waiting, I know I did. But the Lord will provide, He says He will. Trust in that and hold firm to your faith in Him. He will give you what you need.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Can I tell you it is hard to wait! For me, I've been waiting 15 years for a girlfriend and God has provided! Recently God has provided a godly woman that I have the privilege of entering into a relationship with, for me this is very exciting. The whole process of waiting on God is definitely a difficult process. I've gone through highs and lows and wondered if God was ever going to provided that special someone for me, and after years of waiting He has! It is an exciting time for me and I can't wait to see what He will do with this relationship.
So the whole point of this wonderful story is to wait on the Lord. It is hard to wait, and you can get disheartened while waiting, I know I did. But the Lord will provide, He says He will. Trust in that and hold firm to your faith in Him. He will give you what you need.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Message from Phil Adams, Principal JH/SH & Central Elementary
Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
Matthew 25:34-40 English Standard Version
Back in the day, the “Social Gospel” was used as a pejorative. And yet, Jesus cares about the physical well being of His brothers. We should too. Of course, the answer to man’s deepest need is not clothing, water, food, or companionship. We know from elsewhere in scripture that the “living water” has more value in the long run than the physical kind. And yet, how often do we pass on opportunities to be a blessing as unto the Lord because a person’s heart seems not ready to accept Christ? I am proud of the response many of our junior high and high school students have shown to the Streetlight Ministry and the Invisible Children. I believe our churches, families, and society will be in good hands.
Matthew 25:34-40 English Standard Version
Back in the day, the “Social Gospel” was used as a pejorative. And yet, Jesus cares about the physical well being of His brothers. We should too. Of course, the answer to man’s deepest need is not clothing, water, food, or companionship. We know from elsewhere in scripture that the “living water” has more value in the long run than the physical kind. And yet, how often do we pass on opportunities to be a blessing as unto the Lord because a person’s heart seems not ready to accept Christ? I am proud of the response many of our junior high and high school students have shown to the Streetlight Ministry and the Invisible Children. I believe our churches, families, and society will be in good hands.
Message from Nancy Cook, Bookkeeper
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:33-35
We're all familiar with the popular saying, "WWJD" short for "What Would Jesus Do?" It has become a familiar mantra to guide us in Christian living. Perhaps more convicting, however, would be to contemplate WWWD. What would WE do if we were in the presence of Jesus? Would we say the same things? Would we act the same way? Would we engage in the same behavior?
We, not unlike the apostles, feel ashamed when we recall some of our thoughts and actions. Perhaps our aspirations, at times, are self-centered and less than glorifying to God. It is all too easy to get wrapped up in our own busyness and our own struggles, forgetting to put others before ourselves.
In 1 Peter 4:10, Jesus teaches us that it is better to serve than to be served.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10
He also tells us in Matthew 25:35-40 that whatever we do for our Christian brothers and sisters who are in need, we are actually doing for Him. Now that is something awesome to ponder!
Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:37,40
Serving Jesus involves serving those in need and blessing others as we are blessed. Right here in our Phoenix Christian family, there are numerous opportunities to serve one another and minister to the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of our community. Prayer, words of encouragement, and practical help (meals, hospitality, clothing, financial giving) are some ways we can bless others, serve Jesus, and be blessed. WWWD in the presence of Jesus?
We're all familiar with the popular saying, "WWJD" short for "What Would Jesus Do?" It has become a familiar mantra to guide us in Christian living. Perhaps more convicting, however, would be to contemplate WWWD. What would WE do if we were in the presence of Jesus? Would we say the same things? Would we act the same way? Would we engage in the same behavior?
We, not unlike the apostles, feel ashamed when we recall some of our thoughts and actions. Perhaps our aspirations, at times, are self-centered and less than glorifying to God. It is all too easy to get wrapped up in our own busyness and our own struggles, forgetting to put others before ourselves.
In 1 Peter 4:10, Jesus teaches us that it is better to serve than to be served.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10
He also tells us in Matthew 25:35-40 that whatever we do for our Christian brothers and sisters who are in need, we are actually doing for Him. Now that is something awesome to ponder!
Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:37,40
Serving Jesus involves serving those in need and blessing others as we are blessed. Right here in our Phoenix Christian family, there are numerous opportunities to serve one another and minister to the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of our community. Prayer, words of encouragement, and practical help (meals, hospitality, clothing, financial giving) are some ways we can bless others, serve Jesus, and be blessed. WWWD in the presence of Jesus?
Monday, April 4, 2011
Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent
Brian VanderHaak is a dear friend and colleague in Christian education. He is the Headmaster of the Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ) located in Tokyo. He and his staff have been in the center of earthquake activities the past few weeks. He shared with me this devotional prepared for his staff last week, and I am pleased to share with you Brian’s insight and words of truth. Jim
My dear brothers and sisters,
We are all yearning for "this" to be over. But this situation is not only not over, but the not knowing when it will be over grinds on our nerves and sensibilities. And I am not really sure what I mean by over anyway. How will we define that? A rebuilt Japan? Our emotions in order? No more disasters in our lives?
Last night the seniors experienced a major earthquake where they are staying in Thailand. So much for being thankful that they wouldn't need to be here tensing, as we do, every time we feel the slightest vibration. Why do I continue to be surprised that the world is an unsettled place? And in so many more ways than tectonic plates shifting. As I reflect on the moments of shock and surprise in my life I see an endless string of assassinations, natural disasters, riots, natural disasters, war, terrorist acts, natural disasters...
What about my 53 years experience has led me to believe that the stasis of my life is one of tranquility or some kind of "normality"? I have to think it is because there is so much beauty, love, peace and blessed assurance surrounding us, even in this fallen world, that I keep lulling myself into feeling secure with my physical, material life. Then WHAM! Only the spiritual part of my life is on solid ground.
Early on in this current crisis a dear friend, Nate Gibson's mother, posted this verse from Haggai 2 in her blog with a moving commentary about living on unsettled soil wherever we are:
6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.
Once more, in a little while. But the text doesn't stop there:
7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come,
Wait for it:
and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”
We can anticipate no "over" here on earth. This life, for all its delights, remains a veil of tears. But notice that God does intend to fill this house with Glory! He will reclaim those things we superficially consider wealth. And this glory, in this new, unrecognizable place, will be much greater than anything we can imagine. And we will be granted peace - the Lord Almighty declares it. Finally. Completely. Blessed assurance.
Yours in Him,
Brian
My dear brothers and sisters,
We are all yearning for "this" to be over. But this situation is not only not over, but the not knowing when it will be over grinds on our nerves and sensibilities. And I am not really sure what I mean by over anyway. How will we define that? A rebuilt Japan? Our emotions in order? No more disasters in our lives?
Last night the seniors experienced a major earthquake where they are staying in Thailand. So much for being thankful that they wouldn't need to be here tensing, as we do, every time we feel the slightest vibration. Why do I continue to be surprised that the world is an unsettled place? And in so many more ways than tectonic plates shifting. As I reflect on the moments of shock and surprise in my life I see an endless string of assassinations, natural disasters, riots, natural disasters, war, terrorist acts, natural disasters...
What about my 53 years experience has led me to believe that the stasis of my life is one of tranquility or some kind of "normality"? I have to think it is because there is so much beauty, love, peace and blessed assurance surrounding us, even in this fallen world, that I keep lulling myself into feeling secure with my physical, material life. Then WHAM! Only the spiritual part of my life is on solid ground.
Early on in this current crisis a dear friend, Nate Gibson's mother, posted this verse from Haggai 2 in her blog with a moving commentary about living on unsettled soil wherever we are:
6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.
Once more, in a little while. But the text doesn't stop there:
7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come,
Wait for it:
and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”
We can anticipate no "over" here on earth. This life, for all its delights, remains a veil of tears. But notice that God does intend to fill this house with Glory! He will reclaim those things we superficially consider wealth. And this glory, in this new, unrecognizable place, will be much greater than anything we can imagine. And we will be granted peace - the Lord Almighty declares it. Finally. Completely. Blessed assurance.
Yours in Him,
Brian
Friday, April 1, 2011
Message from Bruce Consier, Athletic Director
Guilt is concerned with the past.
Worry is concern about the future.
Contentment enjoys the present.
In Hebrews it says that , "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday , today and forever."
Since I am in Christ I can be content - why feel guilt for the things I have not done well or why worry about things I cannot control.
I am content because I am doing the work of Jesus Christ.
Worry is concern about the future.
Contentment enjoys the present.
In Hebrews it says that , "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday , today and forever."
Since I am in Christ I can be content - why feel guilt for the things I have not done well or why worry about things I cannot control.
I am content because I am doing the work of Jesus Christ.
Message from Jim Callahan, High School Teacher
And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:28-29 English Standard Version.
How encouraging it is in this day of relativism, skepticism and pragmatism to know that our Lord and Savior is one who has taught us with authority. Jesus has spoken to us today in the Scriptures with the self-attesting authority of the living and true God. We need not accept the words of Jesus because they agree with our government, the latest findings of the most respect scientific journals, and/or the consensus of scholars in our community. We must accept his teachings because in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. We must accept his teachings because he is the one who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. We must accept his teachings because he is the creator, owner and sustainer of all things. Jesus Christ is the one who has the unqualified right to tells us what to believe and do. He is our sovereign Lord and as such we must not just hear his words but also be very careful to put them all into practice.
How encouraging it is in this day of relativism, skepticism and pragmatism to know that our Lord and Savior is one who has taught us with authority. Jesus has spoken to us today in the Scriptures with the self-attesting authority of the living and true God. We need not accept the words of Jesus because they agree with our government, the latest findings of the most respect scientific journals, and/or the consensus of scholars in our community. We must accept his teachings because in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. We must accept his teachings because he is the one who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. We must accept his teachings because he is the creator, owner and sustainer of all things. Jesus Christ is the one who has the unqualified right to tells us what to believe and do. He is our sovereign Lord and as such we must not just hear his words but also be very careful to put them all into practice.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Message from Renee Trapp, Business Manager
AFRAID YOUR FAITH IS TOO WEAK?
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Are you afraid that your faith is too weak? Afraid that God could not possibly accept a faith such as yours—so weak, so wavering, so full of doubts and misgivings?
Then dismiss your fears. God’s salvation is not dependent upon the quality of the faith that receives it. A million dollar check is worth a million dollars whether it is held in the uncertain hand of a kindergartner, in the wavering hand of an invalid, or in the strong, firm grasp of a business manager.
We are not saved because our faith is strong, nor are we lost because our faith is weak. Else we would never know if our faith is strong enough, if we believed deeply enough, or if we trusted firmly enough. No, we are saved because God in His mercy chose us to be His own; we are saved because God in His mercy gave His only begotten Son into death to redeem us.
Upon that fact, and upon that fact alone, we rely. Not upon the strength or weakness of our faith. We ask not: How strong is my faith, but how great is God’s love? Not, how strong is my faith, but how great is Christ’s redemption? God’s love and Christ’s redemption are great enough and strong enough to save even those of weakest faith.
Let us, then, get rid of all doubts and misgivings. Let us thank God that in His mercy He has assured us that even a weak faith saves!
(Excerpts taken from Daily Walk with God: Meditation for Every Day by Herman W. Gockel)
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Are you afraid that your faith is too weak? Afraid that God could not possibly accept a faith such as yours—so weak, so wavering, so full of doubts and misgivings?
Then dismiss your fears. God’s salvation is not dependent upon the quality of the faith that receives it. A million dollar check is worth a million dollars whether it is held in the uncertain hand of a kindergartner, in the wavering hand of an invalid, or in the strong, firm grasp of a business manager.
We are not saved because our faith is strong, nor are we lost because our faith is weak. Else we would never know if our faith is strong enough, if we believed deeply enough, or if we trusted firmly enough. No, we are saved because God in His mercy chose us to be His own; we are saved because God in His mercy gave His only begotten Son into death to redeem us.
Upon that fact, and upon that fact alone, we rely. Not upon the strength or weakness of our faith. We ask not: How strong is my faith, but how great is God’s love? Not, how strong is my faith, but how great is Christ’s redemption? God’s love and Christ’s redemption are great enough and strong enough to save even those of weakest faith.
Let us, then, get rid of all doubts and misgivings. Let us thank God that in His mercy He has assured us that even a weak faith saves!
(Excerpts taken from Daily Walk with God: Meditation for Every Day by Herman W. Gockel)
Message from Yvonne Calderon, WV 5th Grade Teacher
We have all heard that phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. However, we have all had a lemon drop in to our lives with a resounding THUD!
You lost your job THUD!
You lost your house THUD!
You were diagnosed with cancer THUD!
You lost a parent THUD!
Your child is ill THUD!
We have all heard the thud in our own lives so many times and we think Now what!!! What does God ask us to do? We can see many examples in the bible of how to handle tough situations.
Esther is a woman I admire. I love that she was willing to be proactive. She was will to go against the customs of the day and risk her life. It took great courage to face a situation like hers!
"...so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16.
When the lemon drops is no time to run and hide!
My favorite comes from Esther 4:14.
14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
So, when the lemon drops and makes a resounding THUD in my life, I am going to lean on God and courageously make lemonade!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Message from Donn Start, Principal West Valley Campus
I loved this story and hope that it provides encouragement in your day.
I read recently the story of 4 year old Colton Burpo. Several months after a burst appendix nearly cost Colton his life, he “routinely” opened up with his parents about his brush with death and his vivid recollection about his trip to heaven.
Colton shared that while laying unconscious for 17 days in the hospital that angels sang to him, he sat on Jesus’ lap, and he met his curly hair great-grandfather, who he accurately described in detail, even though he had never seen a picture of the man. He also described meeting and hugging a sister in heaven – even though he had no way of knowing that his mother had miscarried two years before he was born. Colton also accurately shared that during surgery he saw his mother talking on the phone in another room and saw his father praying in a small room. While his physical body was laying on the operating table his “out of body presence” was safely seated on Jesus’ lap.
When the reporter asked Colton what heaven looked like, he replied, “Well, there’s a lot of color. There are a lot of people, beautiful music, and a lot of angels.” When interviewed by Kathie Lee Gifford he added that “there are no old people in heaven, nobody wears glasses, and you’re in like your 20s or 30s.”
I don’t know about you, but it brings me joy and I sense God’s presence, every time I see a child laugh. So of course Jesus would calm a frightened child with his love. What an awesome and loving God we serve.
I read recently the story of 4 year old Colton Burpo. Several months after a burst appendix nearly cost Colton his life, he “routinely” opened up with his parents about his brush with death and his vivid recollection about his trip to heaven.
Colton shared that while laying unconscious for 17 days in the hospital that angels sang to him, he sat on Jesus’ lap, and he met his curly hair great-grandfather, who he accurately described in detail, even though he had never seen a picture of the man. He also described meeting and hugging a sister in heaven – even though he had no way of knowing that his mother had miscarried two years before he was born. Colton also accurately shared that during surgery he saw his mother talking on the phone in another room and saw his father praying in a small room. While his physical body was laying on the operating table his “out of body presence” was safely seated on Jesus’ lap.
When the reporter asked Colton what heaven looked like, he replied, “Well, there’s a lot of color. There are a lot of people, beautiful music, and a lot of angels.” When interviewed by Kathie Lee Gifford he added that “there are no old people in heaven, nobody wears glasses, and you’re in like your 20s or 30s.”
I don’t know about you, but it brings me joy and I sense God’s presence, every time I see a child laugh. So of course Jesus would calm a frightened child with his love. What an awesome and loving God we serve.
Message from Jeff Blake, High School Teacher
March 7, 1965, on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama some six hundred civil rights activists marched in a non-violent protest for voting rights, but were met by the televised brutality of state police with billy clubs, tear gas, and bull whips. Martin Luther King Jr.’s remarks following 1965’s “Bloody Sunday” drive the student of spiritual formation toward the intersect of scripture and transformation. King asserted:
. . . there are some things so dear, some things so precious, some things so eternally true, that they're worth dying for . . . A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true. So we're going to stand up amid horses. We're going to stand up . . . amid the billy-clubs. . . amid police dogs, if they have them. We're going to stand up amid tear gas! (Great American Speeches,)
King’s words are laden with submission laid upon biblical wisdom. His words embody an embrace of scripture. His words are part of the ongoing story of scripture. Henri Nouwen (who turned from prestige of Princeton and Harvard to serve the mentally handicapped), believed the essence of spiritual formation is the ability to respond to God, know God in thought and deed directly. For King and Nouwen, the scriptures assert a life characterized by so much more than a beating heart and air filled lungs. They speak of lives found in the Spirit, the center core of mind, will, and a soul living in submission to righteousness, justice, and truth. The intersection of spirituality, submission, and scripture is life. As Eugene Peterson teaches, King and Nouwen correctly found themselves in the ongoing story of scripture.
Three thousand years before King and Nouwen, the authors of Proverbs proclaimed such truths. One author of Proverbs writes, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.”(Proverbs 14:12, NRSV) Scripture, such as Proverbs are a means to steer the spiritually formative from self deceptive “right” ways that lead to death. Scripture exists, in part, to guide the spiritually formative from ways of death toward God’s (life filled) wisdom and direction.
In sum, the Proverbs are yet another way God is telling me, “I want to be with you and guide you in the most intimate corners of life: to give life (yet again) abundantly.
. . . there are some things so dear, some things so precious, some things so eternally true, that they're worth dying for . . . A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true. So we're going to stand up amid horses. We're going to stand up . . . amid the billy-clubs. . . amid police dogs, if they have them. We're going to stand up amid tear gas! (Great American Speeches,)
King’s words are laden with submission laid upon biblical wisdom. His words embody an embrace of scripture. His words are part of the ongoing story of scripture. Henri Nouwen (who turned from prestige of Princeton and Harvard to serve the mentally handicapped), believed the essence of spiritual formation is the ability to respond to God, know God in thought and deed directly. For King and Nouwen, the scriptures assert a life characterized by so much more than a beating heart and air filled lungs. They speak of lives found in the Spirit, the center core of mind, will, and a soul living in submission to righteousness, justice, and truth. The intersection of spirituality, submission, and scripture is life. As Eugene Peterson teaches, King and Nouwen correctly found themselves in the ongoing story of scripture.
Three thousand years before King and Nouwen, the authors of Proverbs proclaimed such truths. One author of Proverbs writes, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.”(Proverbs 14:12, NRSV) Scripture, such as Proverbs are a means to steer the spiritually formative from self deceptive “right” ways that lead to death. Scripture exists, in part, to guide the spiritually formative from ways of death toward God’s (life filled) wisdom and direction.
In sum, the Proverbs are yet another way God is telling me, “I want to be with you and guide you in the most intimate corners of life: to give life (yet again) abundantly.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Message from Phil Adams, Principal JH/SH & Central Elementary
Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!
Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Psalm 25:4-10 English Standard Version
From time to time my mind wanders back to when I was the age of some of the kids on our campus. More often than not I am embarrassed with myself for many of the things I said or did. How thankful I am that God does not remember the sins of my youth. He doesn’t even remember the sins of last night. God is so good to us.
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!
Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Psalm 25:4-10 English Standard Version
From time to time my mind wanders back to when I was the age of some of the kids on our campus. More often than not I am embarrassed with myself for many of the things I said or did. How thankful I am that God does not remember the sins of my youth. He doesn’t even remember the sins of last night. God is so good to us.
Message from Howard Billings, Operations
Pressing on toward the goal,
Phil. 3:13
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
God bless you each day as you follow Him in all that you do.
Phil. 3:13
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
God bless you each day as you follow Him in all that you do.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent
On Christ The Solid Rock I Stand
Psalm 33:22
May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Jeremiah 14:22
Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, LORD our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.
2 Corinthians 1:10
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,
1 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
1 Timothy 4:10
That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
MY HOPE IS BUILT (click on link below to listen)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6tFzOYFZ30&feature=related
1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
o On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
3. His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
In Him, my righteousness, alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Psalm 33:22
May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Jeremiah 14:22
Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, LORD our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.
2 Corinthians 1:10
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,
1 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
1 Timothy 4:10
That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
MY HOPE IS BUILT (click on link below to listen)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6tFzOYFZ30&feature=related
1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
o On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
3. His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
In Him, my righteousness, alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Message from Joe Frost, Director of Technology & Operations
Matthew-2:1-23 ...after Jesus was born... in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem...to worship [Jesus]. And being warned in a dream...they departed...by another way. Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men...killed all male children...in all that region who were two years old or under...
**********
He was the most popular man in the land. In fact, he was the King - Herod. And something very special was about to happen in the land over which he ruled - Jerusalem.
It started with a baby being born. Soon, Magi, traditionally known as wise men, but many more than three, came from the East. They sought the one who had been born King of the Jews. Herod, however, rather than rejoicing with the pronouncement that a King was born became troubled and whenever the King is troubled, all of Jerusalem was troubled right along with him.
Herod calls together his chief priests and teachers to determine where the Christ is to be born. And they tell him the truth from the writings of the prophet Jeremiah revealing Bethlehem as the location. Again, Herod misses the chance of rejoicing at the birth of the newborn King and sends the Magi secretly off. Not only does he miss the chance to spend time with some really special people like the Magi, but he misses the once in a lifetime opportunity to worship Jesus as an infant.
Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. Herod passes the decree to kill all boys in Bethlehem under two. Then rather than using Herod, God intervenes against him by warning the Magi to leave by a different route and warns Joseph to take his new family away from the danger.
We can only imagine what could have happened differently if Herod had been receptive to what God wanted rather than being so threatened by it that he tried desperately to keep it from happening. We can imagine the incredible party of Jesus being born, rather than in a manger, at the palace with all the Magi, shepherds, and others around. We can imagine rather than the devastation of killing all those babies; all the birthday celebrations. And rather than the flight from a jealous King the blessings and safe passage that might have been the earmarks of the beginning of Jesus' ministry.
Did Herod miss being used by God because he was King - no - not because he was King, but because of his pride. It seems that when he found out he might be replaced he stopped at nothing within his power to prevent it. Even when confronted by the smartest minds and prophecy all pointing toward a new King, he fought it.
God doesn't make mistakes. Seek Him in the daily routines of life; good or bad. We must not let our pride or stubbornness keep us from discerning His will for our lives.
Let's be ready, looking...
**********
He was the most popular man in the land. In fact, he was the King - Herod. And something very special was about to happen in the land over which he ruled - Jerusalem.
It started with a baby being born. Soon, Magi, traditionally known as wise men, but many more than three, came from the East. They sought the one who had been born King of the Jews. Herod, however, rather than rejoicing with the pronouncement that a King was born became troubled and whenever the King is troubled, all of Jerusalem was troubled right along with him.
Herod calls together his chief priests and teachers to determine where the Christ is to be born. And they tell him the truth from the writings of the prophet Jeremiah revealing Bethlehem as the location. Again, Herod misses the chance of rejoicing at the birth of the newborn King and sends the Magi secretly off. Not only does he miss the chance to spend time with some really special people like the Magi, but he misses the once in a lifetime opportunity to worship Jesus as an infant.
Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. Herod passes the decree to kill all boys in Bethlehem under two. Then rather than using Herod, God intervenes against him by warning the Magi to leave by a different route and warns Joseph to take his new family away from the danger.
We can only imagine what could have happened differently if Herod had been receptive to what God wanted rather than being so threatened by it that he tried desperately to keep it from happening. We can imagine the incredible party of Jesus being born, rather than in a manger, at the palace with all the Magi, shepherds, and others around. We can imagine rather than the devastation of killing all those babies; all the birthday celebrations. And rather than the flight from a jealous King the blessings and safe passage that might have been the earmarks of the beginning of Jesus' ministry.
Did Herod miss being used by God because he was King - no - not because he was King, but because of his pride. It seems that when he found out he might be replaced he stopped at nothing within his power to prevent it. Even when confronted by the smartest minds and prophecy all pointing toward a new King, he fought it.
God doesn't make mistakes. Seek Him in the daily routines of life; good or bad. We must not let our pride or stubbornness keep us from discerning His will for our lives.
Let's be ready, looking...
Message from Sonya Berges, JH/SH Teacher
I’ve been reading through the New Testament with my church. We started in January and as you can guess by February I was behind. I struggled with several thoughts. Is it ok to simply read through the Bible as if it were any other book? Is it ok to keep reading what I can each day, journaling and reflecting on only a portion of the chapter? Or should I just give up?
I brought it up to God and here’s what I think He said …
Make sure your priorities are in line. If this is a season where significant time for deep study isn’t possible, accept this. Don’t give up but don’t beat yourself up either.
Make sure you ask for wisdom no matter how far you get in reading each day. God can say amazing things in one or two verses.
Keep reflecting and journaling on whatever you read, and whatever God shares in that process.
Keep talking to me. No matter how busy you are, God wants to hear your voice. Just like any other relationship, it can’t grow without communication.
“My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight.”
Proverbs 5:1 (NIV)
I brought it up to God and here’s what I think He said …
Make sure your priorities are in line. If this is a season where significant time for deep study isn’t possible, accept this. Don’t give up but don’t beat yourself up either.
Make sure you ask for wisdom no matter how far you get in reading each day. God can say amazing things in one or two verses.
Keep reflecting and journaling on whatever you read, and whatever God shares in that process.
Keep talking to me. No matter how busy you are, God wants to hear your voice. Just like any other relationship, it can’t grow without communication.
“My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight.”
Proverbs 5:1 (NIV)
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