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)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Message from Roger Bemis, Band Teacher
In 1864, George F. Root wrote a Civil War song from the perspective of a prisoner of war hoping to be rescued or released with the title Tramp, Tramp, Tramp.
Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching.
Cheer up comrades they will come,
And beneath the starry flag
We shall breathe the air again,
Of the freeland in our own beloved home
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSjJIXOY2_A&feature=related
In the 1870s, C. Herbert Woolston, changed the lyrics to the song we recognize today as Jesus Loves the Little Children. Interestingly enough, Woolston was Root’s favorite lyricist. It is rumored that Root, the composer of the original Civil War song, was pleased to have a war song turned into something that children could sing.
We are all used to singing the refrain, but there is actually a verse that is rarely if ever sung. In addition, there are alternate versions of the refrain:
Verse:
Jesus calls the children dear,
“Come to me and never fear,
For I love the little children of the world;
I will take you by the hand,
Lead you to the better land,
For I love the little children of the world.”
Refrain:
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Alternate refrain:
Jesus died for all the children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus died for all the children of the world.
Woolston, the lyricist, is said to have been inspired by Matthew 19:14: Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Perhaps we all can take teaching and inspiration from Matthew 18:4-6: Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching.
Cheer up comrades they will come,
And beneath the starry flag
We shall breathe the air again,
Of the freeland in our own beloved home
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSjJIXOY2_A&feature=related
In the 1870s, C. Herbert Woolston, changed the lyrics to the song we recognize today as Jesus Loves the Little Children. Interestingly enough, Woolston was Root’s favorite lyricist. It is rumored that Root, the composer of the original Civil War song, was pleased to have a war song turned into something that children could sing.
We are all used to singing the refrain, but there is actually a verse that is rarely if ever sung. In addition, there are alternate versions of the refrain:
Verse:
Jesus calls the children dear,
“Come to me and never fear,
For I love the little children of the world;
I will take you by the hand,
Lead you to the better land,
For I love the little children of the world.”
Refrain:
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
Alternate refrain:
Jesus died for all the children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus died for all the children of the world.
Woolston, the lyricist, is said to have been inspired by Matthew 19:14: Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Perhaps we all can take teaching and inspiration from Matthew 18:4-6: Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Matthew-6:5-15
And when you pray...go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father...do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words... Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, [Your name is holy], Your kingdom come, Your will be done... Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us.... as we also have forgiven... And lead us not into temptation, but deliver is from evil.
**********
We begin our day with prayer and we end our day with prayer as well; "now I lay me down to sleep". We begin our meals and meetings with prayer. We pray for everyone from infants to the elderly. We pray for everything under heaven...
For those of us that embrace a direct approach to life and understand the punch line, "just the facts" we laugh at the idea that anyone would use "many words" to pray rather than just getting to the point. If we're not the type to beat around the bush then we're certainly not going to waste too much time & effort, nor too many words, when praying; there's just too much to do and too little time...
But aside from the obvious no nonsense approach to prayer there seems to be a theme of honoring God the Father when we pray: Our Father - Your Name is Holy - Your Kingdom come - Your will be done. So, perhaps if we prayed more often with an attitude of honoring God - maybe, just maybe our attitudes - even our lives would reflect honoring God more often as well. After all, there really is a connection between prayer and reality right?
Give us today our daily bread AND forgive us - as we also have forgiven.
WOW, forgive us as we forgive? OUCH. Let's hope HE forgives better than we do! Sure, we forgive, but it's SO conditional. We'll pretend to forgive & forget until next time, then we'll get even!
But notice that Jesus is instructing us first to ask for our daily bread and then it's followed by forgiveness. Get strong on what God provides each day and then we'll be able to forgive! And yes, there really is an expectation for us to forgive. And that expectation should drive us to God for His Bread and to our knees to forgive others with all sincerity.
Now, jumping to the last phrase "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" this should be a no-brainer for most of us. God, please don't lead us into temptation, heck we don't need any help, we can screw things up just fine on our own - and when we do - please deliver us from that evil - that pet sin...again, and again...
Jesus role models for us how to pray with His prayer of the ages, "Our Father". He encourages us to get to the point. He exhorts us to forgive, and He reminds us to pray every day for "our daily bread" from His hands...because only He knows what we need every day to Honor God, Get to the Point, Forgive Others, and Sin Less.
And when you pray...go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father...do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words... Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, [Your name is holy], Your kingdom come, Your will be done... Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us.... as we also have forgiven... And lead us not into temptation, but deliver is from evil.
**********
We begin our day with prayer and we end our day with prayer as well; "now I lay me down to sleep". We begin our meals and meetings with prayer. We pray for everyone from infants to the elderly. We pray for everything under heaven...
For those of us that embrace a direct approach to life and understand the punch line, "just the facts" we laugh at the idea that anyone would use "many words" to pray rather than just getting to the point. If we're not the type to beat around the bush then we're certainly not going to waste too much time & effort, nor too many words, when praying; there's just too much to do and too little time...
But aside from the obvious no nonsense approach to prayer there seems to be a theme of honoring God the Father when we pray: Our Father - Your Name is Holy - Your Kingdom come - Your will be done. So, perhaps if we prayed more often with an attitude of honoring God - maybe, just maybe our attitudes - even our lives would reflect honoring God more often as well. After all, there really is a connection between prayer and reality right?
Give us today our daily bread AND forgive us - as we also have forgiven.
WOW, forgive us as we forgive? OUCH. Let's hope HE forgives better than we do! Sure, we forgive, but it's SO conditional. We'll pretend to forgive & forget until next time, then we'll get even!
But notice that Jesus is instructing us first to ask for our daily bread and then it's followed by forgiveness. Get strong on what God provides each day and then we'll be able to forgive! And yes, there really is an expectation for us to forgive. And that expectation should drive us to God for His Bread and to our knees to forgive others with all sincerity.
Now, jumping to the last phrase "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" this should be a no-brainer for most of us. God, please don't lead us into temptation, heck we don't need any help, we can screw things up just fine on our own - and when we do - please deliver us from that evil - that pet sin...again, and again...
Jesus role models for us how to pray with His prayer of the ages, "Our Father". He encourages us to get to the point. He exhorts us to forgive, and He reminds us to pray every day for "our daily bread" from His hands...because only He knows what we need every day to Honor God, Get to the Point, Forgive Others, and Sin Less.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Message from Donn Start, Principal West Valley Campus
I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me.
— Psalm 57:2
The world’s great worship leaders know to come into the presence of God with their entire being, prepared to give thanks and praise. They don’t just roll out of bed, throw water on their face, and run a comb through their hair before leaving for the morning. They know that the anointing comes from sincerely pursuing a loving God with their whole heart.
Likewise, as you and I approach God in the morning, let’s go to Him with a heart full of worship, expressing our awe of Him and grateful for His faithfulness toward us. The Lord promises that He will never forsake us, but will be with us all day long. What a delightful way to begin each day – in the presence of the maker and ruler of the universe!
Blessings to you on a Christ-filled day.
— Psalm 57:2
The world’s great worship leaders know to come into the presence of God with their entire being, prepared to give thanks and praise. They don’t just roll out of bed, throw water on their face, and run a comb through their hair before leaving for the morning. They know that the anointing comes from sincerely pursuing a loving God with their whole heart.
Likewise, as you and I approach God in the morning, let’s go to Him with a heart full of worship, expressing our awe of Him and grateful for His faithfulness toward us. The Lord promises that He will never forsake us, but will be with us all day long. What a delightful way to begin each day – in the presence of the maker and ruler of the universe!
Blessings to you on a Christ-filled day.
Message from Roxanne Anderson, Bookkeeper
A friend forward me this poem recently. It made me think of what it means for us to be a Christian school. We do want to hold ourselves and our students to a higher standard, to show them what it means to be dead to the desires of this world and alive in Christ. By God's grace, we do this pretty well most of the time. However, that certainly doesn't mean that we, or they, are going to get it right all the time.
When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living. I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace!
When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living. I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Message from Phil Adams, Principal JH/SH & Central Elementary
And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."
Exodus 14:13-14 English Standard Version
Silence. Can it really be that simple?
Exodus 14:13-14 English Standard Version
Silence. Can it really be that simple?
Message from Jan Wolfe, Jr/Sr High Art Teacher
Mark 14:12-16
And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, "Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, Where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us." And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
As I read through scripture I often find myself asking why. Why would a room just happen to be available during one of the busiest Holy days on the Jewish calendar? Did the owner have a last minute cancellation? Did he just not bother to rent the room out that year? It was furnished and ready to go, surely someone had dropped the ball letting this fine room go unclaimed. Of course, this why leads me to others and the whys go on and on! It makes me realize that with Jesus, many of the small miracles we experience are whys with no real answer. The room was available because Jesus had a need. When we have needs, Jesus makes things available for us to meet our needs. We need to remember to thank Jesus for meeting our needs, no matter how small or how large the need was. As we enter this Easter season, look around you and see the many ways Jesus has taken care of our families, our school and our hearts. Remember to praise and thank him, no matter how small the need.
And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, his disciples said to him, "Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, Where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us." And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
As I read through scripture I often find myself asking why. Why would a room just happen to be available during one of the busiest Holy days on the Jewish calendar? Did the owner have a last minute cancellation? Did he just not bother to rent the room out that year? It was furnished and ready to go, surely someone had dropped the ball letting this fine room go unclaimed. Of course, this why leads me to others and the whys go on and on! It makes me realize that with Jesus, many of the small miracles we experience are whys with no real answer. The room was available because Jesus had a need. When we have needs, Jesus makes things available for us to meet our needs. We need to remember to thank Jesus for meeting our needs, no matter how small or how large the need was. As we enter this Easter season, look around you and see the many ways Jesus has taken care of our families, our school and our hearts. Remember to praise and thank him, no matter how small the need.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent
11 Lord, you are great and powerful.
You have glory, victory, and honor.
Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you.
The kingdom belongs to you, Lord;
you are the ruler over everything.
12 Riches and honor come from you.
You rule everything.
You have the power and strength
to make anyone great and strong.
(I Chronicles 29:11-12)
When the earth shakes (literally – dateline Sendai Japan), when waters (literal or figurative) inundate and threaten to wash away anything not on high ground, when the earth burns with rebellion against man’s rule or against God’s truth (dateline the entire Middle East), we need to speak out God’s character, such as is declared in Chronicles 29.
If you are alone at your computer now, or even if you’re not, go ahead and read these verses aloud. Say it: Lord, you are great and powerful…You have the power and strength to make anyone great and strong!
Now say it aloud again…Lord you are great…You rule everything. Now one more time, louder…just kidding. I think you get you it. God is awesome, He is bigger than winds and waves and mountains that fall into the sea…and He is powerful enough to make you something very special. Don’t ever wonder if God is at work in you…
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. (Phil. 1:6).
You have glory, victory, and honor.
Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you.
The kingdom belongs to you, Lord;
you are the ruler over everything.
12 Riches and honor come from you.
You rule everything.
You have the power and strength
to make anyone great and strong.
(I Chronicles 29:11-12)
When the earth shakes (literally – dateline Sendai Japan), when waters (literal or figurative) inundate and threaten to wash away anything not on high ground, when the earth burns with rebellion against man’s rule or against God’s truth (dateline the entire Middle East), we need to speak out God’s character, such as is declared in Chronicles 29.
If you are alone at your computer now, or even if you’re not, go ahead and read these verses aloud. Say it: Lord, you are great and powerful…You have the power and strength to make anyone great and strong!
Now say it aloud again…Lord you are great…You rule everything. Now one more time, louder…just kidding. I think you get you it. God is awesome, He is bigger than winds and waves and mountains that fall into the sea…and He is powerful enough to make you something very special. Don’t ever wonder if God is at work in you…
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion. (Phil. 1:6).
Message from Jim Wolfe, High School Teacher
A small child sat intently listening to his parents discussing God and the Bible. After a time the child asked them a simple question.
If God made everything, who made God?
His parents looked at him and then at each other until finally the father gave him this answer.
Son, a lot of very smart people have asked this question. After all, if everything has a beginning or is made out of something or had a creator, then people think God must have had one too! So, let’s think about it. If someone made God, then you must have a bigger God who made that God . . . and a bigger, bigger God who made that bigger God who made God. . . then a bigger, bigger, bigger God who made the bigger, bigger God who made the bigger God who made God. You see, son, we could go on and on and on. The only thing that makes sense is we have to have the biggest God of all. God—the God of the Bible—is the Creator of everything. Nothing and no one is bigger than Him. He was not created but has always existed. He is the Alpha (beginning) and Omega (end). The Bible says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” In the beginning God was already there and He created all things to teach us more about Him and to show us His power, His goodness, and His wisdom.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).
“You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
If God made everything, who made God?
His parents looked at him and then at each other until finally the father gave him this answer.
Son, a lot of very smart people have asked this question. After all, if everything has a beginning or is made out of something or had a creator, then people think God must have had one too! So, let’s think about it. If someone made God, then you must have a bigger God who made that God . . . and a bigger, bigger God who made that bigger God who made God. . . then a bigger, bigger, bigger God who made the bigger, bigger God who made the bigger God who made God. You see, son, we could go on and on and on. The only thing that makes sense is we have to have the biggest God of all. God—the God of the Bible—is the Creator of everything. Nothing and no one is bigger than Him. He was not created but has always existed. He is the Alpha (beginning) and Omega (end). The Bible says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” In the beginning God was already there and He created all things to teach us more about Him and to show us His power, His goodness, and His wisdom.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).
“You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
Friday, March 11, 2011
Message from Bruce Consier, Athletic Director
Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.
-- Psalm 86:6-7
Sometimes there are no immediate answers. We have prayed and cried and tried and gone sleepless and mourned and shouted. Still there are no answers. The days roll by in an agonizing parade of pain. Still there are no answers we can identify. What do we do? We go to the Psalms. We let them raise up our heart's cry. We are honest with the God of the entire universe and yet we can still anticipate mercy from him. We are convinced that in our troubles, he will not only hear us, but he will also care about what is happening in our lives.
-- Psalm 86:6-7
Sometimes there are no immediate answers. We have prayed and cried and tried and gone sleepless and mourned and shouted. Still there are no answers. The days roll by in an agonizing parade of pain. Still there are no answers we can identify. What do we do? We go to the Psalms. We let them raise up our heart's cry. We are honest with the God of the entire universe and yet we can still anticipate mercy from him. We are convinced that in our troubles, he will not only hear us, but he will also care about what is happening in our lives.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Message from Amber Walker, Counselor
Are We There Yet?
Our Daily Bread
If there is any such thing as a universal question, it may be this: Are we there yet? Generations of children have asked it. They have then grown into adults who have to answer the same question when their children ask.
Whenever I read the books of Moses, I wonder how many times he heard that question from the Israelites. Before rescuing them from slavery and leading them out of Egypt, Moses told them that the Lord would lead them to “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8). He did, but first they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. This was no ordinary wandering, however. They were not lost; they were wandering for a purpose. After 400 years of slavery, the children of Israel needed to have their hearts, souls, and minds reoriented toward God. This was accomplished in the wilderness (Deut. 8:2,15-18), but not before an entire generation died because of their disobedience (Num. 32:13).
In life, it sometimes seems as if we are wandering in circles. We feel lost. We want to ask God, "Are we there yet? How much longer?" At such times, it helps to remember that the journey, not just the destination, is important to God. He uses it to humble us, test us, and show us what is in our hearts.
All God's testings have a purpose-
Someday you will see the light;
All He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk by faith and not by sight. -Zoller
It's the journey, not just the destination, that's important.
Our Daily Bread
If there is any such thing as a universal question, it may be this: Are we there yet? Generations of children have asked it. They have then grown into adults who have to answer the same question when their children ask.
Whenever I read the books of Moses, I wonder how many times he heard that question from the Israelites. Before rescuing them from slavery and leading them out of Egypt, Moses told them that the Lord would lead them to “a land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8). He did, but first they spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness. This was no ordinary wandering, however. They were not lost; they were wandering for a purpose. After 400 years of slavery, the children of Israel needed to have their hearts, souls, and minds reoriented toward God. This was accomplished in the wilderness (Deut. 8:2,15-18), but not before an entire generation died because of their disobedience (Num. 32:13).
In life, it sometimes seems as if we are wandering in circles. We feel lost. We want to ask God, "Are we there yet? How much longer?" At such times, it helps to remember that the journey, not just the destination, is important to God. He uses it to humble us, test us, and show us what is in our hearts.
All God's testings have a purpose-
Someday you will see the light;
All He asks is that you trust Him,
Walk by faith and not by sight. -Zoller
It's the journey, not just the destination, that's important.
Message from Renee Trapp, Business Manager
FAITH BUILDING BIBLE VERSES
Here are a variety of problems, difficulties, and challenges that we face in life, along with answers from God’s Word:
Anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Defeat: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair…” 2 Corinthians 14:33 (NJKV)
Disappointment: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Fear: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Impatience: “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Inadequacy: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Tiredness: “…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Worry: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
Whatever problem, difficulty, or challenge you may be facing today, I pray that you find strength in God’s Word.
May God bless your day—and your Spring Break!
Here are a variety of problems, difficulties, and challenges that we face in life, along with answers from God’s Word:
Anxiety: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Defeat: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair…” 2 Corinthians 14:33 (NJKV)
Disappointment: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Fear: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Impatience: “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Inadequacy: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
Tiredness: “…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Worry: “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
Whatever problem, difficulty, or challenge you may be facing today, I pray that you find strength in God’s Word.
May God bless your day—and your Spring Break!
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