Do right!

For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. (1 Peter 2:15-17 NASB)

Doing what is right, it's not popular now days. It is tough even to decide what is right and wrong, isn't it? 

Really it's pretty easy if you rely on the guidance  of the Holy Spirit. When you establish an active relationship with the Spirit of God, listen to the call, and act accordingly, you will do right. If you ever get confused? Follow this: Honor all people, love your Christian brothers and sisters, fear God, and honor the king! How many of us can say we follow this. Do you bash your president, talk about your enemies, or disrespect certain groups of people? Follow these verses and all will be blessed.

The fire!

He said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!" (Daniel 3:25 NASB)

Long before Jesus came to Earth in human flesh, he was at work. Jesus was with Shafrack, Meshack, and Abednego in their time of greatest need. They would surely die without his hand. Jesus is with us when we need him the most. 

I can certainly witness to this. I'm not anyone special. I have never been persecuted like these three men. As a matter of fact, I'm embarrassed how blessed I am. How "easy" and unchallenged my life has been! I have had my share of life challenges, but nothing like these three famous men. But, God is still with me. God does not wait for the worst. He doesn't wait for the unbearable fiery furnace. He is with us before we really know we need him. I am thankful that Jesus was sent to die for me, even before I knew who he was. 

We are all in the same boat. God has a plan for us and Jesus is there for the whole thing to unfold. Praise God!

Bold and Agressive!

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB)

It's not always easy to follow Christ. But, what a rewarding life. Today, I had an amazing experience. I got a call from a lady in Wisconsin. Her mom and dad ran into a Cma husband and wife who prayed with them in the middle of a McDonalds. That is so exciting. We're called to witness everywhere. Yet, many times we are busy JUST building relationships. Relationships are so important, but they need to lead to prayer and salvation. The cause of Christ is urgent. We are in the last days and all need to know him. We need to be bold, open, and always looking for opportunities to share his love.

I'm on vacation but since I got that call, I'm going to be even more diligent in sharing over the next 4 weeks. 

Lord, give me boldness and opportunity to share your love with those who need it!

Summer Begins! (ok, not until Friday at 3:05!)

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 NASB)

The school, year ends tomorrow and summer begins. Although summer time is a time to relax, unwind and reset for the next school year, I most look forward to my EXTRA time with God. I'm not under the pressure of planning lessons or grading, or extracurricular activities. I can concentrate on God and glorifying him. I really should do this more in the heat of the moment.  This summer and even my leisure time and vacation is dedicated to praising God for his amazing blessings. I will talk more with him and listen even more than that. All that I do is for you. Very word I speak, every breath I take will be for you and in your service! 

I will not be defeated!

But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. (Daniel 1:8 NASB)

When I make up my mind to do something it usually takes a team of wild horses to keep me from doing it. 

I'm putting a trailer hitch on my new motorcycle. The company that made the hitch needs to go back to school for English. The directions are written in some foreign language. It looks like English but none of it makes since. Yet, I am not easily defeated. After 5hours, I'm not done, but I have figured it out. I have a few thing to purchase but I should be done early tomorrow night. I will NOT be defeated. 

I wish I was better at fighting sin in my life. I need to be more like Daniel. I need to be bold and strong. He stood strong even unto sure death because he would not defile himself against God. 

Take a stand. Draw a line in the sand. I will not be defeated. By studying his word, praying, and worship, I am becoming better every day. Praise God!

What a wonderful school year it's been! What a wonderful life I have!

I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. (Psalms 77:11 NASB)

I love looking back on my year and my life. We are on our last 3days of school. Time has flown. It just seems like yesterday that I entered the classroom again. I have thoroughly loved my classes and students this year. I really had forgotten how much fun it is hangin out with teenagers. I don't care what others think, if you can't have fun doing what your doing, do something else. I have colleagues in my profession that still believe you shouldn't smile until after Christmas! Come on people, lighten up. If I can teach one thing to kids, beyond a faith in Jesus Christ, it is to enjoy life. My students have been the best. They worked hard when they needed to and accomplished a lot. They inspired me every day to do my best and to make sure they learned something. Sometimes they even learned a little math.

My maturity as a man of faith has taught me to enjoy life more and more. it has taught me, There is nothing on this Earth as great as what it appears and nothing as bad as it seems. I know this from my own experiences. When I thought my world would end during one of my many life crisis, it didn't. When I thought absolutely nothing could go wrong, it usually did. Regardless, life rolls on and we need to accept the good and the bad as blessings from God.

I have also noticed my faith also has changed with "maturity". My highs aren't as high and my lows aren't as low as they used to be. My faith is growing, my knowledge of God is growing and the end of life's journey is certain. I know where I'm going and what awaits me there. I am joyful for that knowledge, but don't dwell on it. I am looking forward to it, but realize God keeps me here for his purposes. I will work for him as long as I am able.

Thank you Lord for a great school year and a great life. I don't deserve all the wonderful students I've had and didn't do anything to earn the blessings. That's why I praise you. I know it is because of your love for me, unconditional, grace filled love. Thank You!

Anything?

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27 NASB)

I have a tendency to put God in a box. I can't count the number of times in my life that God has broken down massive barriers specifically for me. I keep trying to limit God and he knows no limits. Nothing is impossible. As a matter of fact, he specializes in making the impossible great. God created the rules of the universe, he alone can adjust the natural laws for his own purpose. 

Lord please forgive me for my lack of faith. 

Bold Steps for God!

Then Joshua said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." (Joshua 3:5 NASB)

I just read a great definition for consecrate: "setting a part for divine purposes." So, if we consecrate ourselves we should be setting ourselves apart for Gods purposes. God honors those who devote themselves for his purpose. When we consecrate ourselves, we better step back and be amazed by the wonders God does amongst us. 

I'm not saying I'm perfectly consecrated, but I can tell you with MANY examples how God has done wonders in my midst because I am devoted to him. We just need to take that first step of faith and let God work. My CMA chapter is an example. Our officer team has been working hard to build Gods  kingdom by recruiting workers for the harvest. We are seeing marvelous early results.  It's all him! And I really didn't think it would happen so quickly. It just makes me even more fired up to work or The Lord. 

Last year and my step out in faith to go back to the classroom. I took a chance and God has blessed me abundantly. How we made the switch with no financial hardship is amazing to me. One of the reasons for going back to the classroom was so I could devote more time to God, my family, and my CMA ministry. He honors that commitment in getting through this past year. 

Please trust me, my life is an example of how a little faith, how a "little consecration" is taken by God and multiplied 100 fold. It's not by my power but by his alone! Please take a chance and devote yourself completely to him. Take that step and enjoy! What bold step is God asking you to take?

Excitement, fear & worry

Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. (Joshua 1:6 NASB)

Joshua took the place of Moses. I am sure he was excited and nervous about his new assignment. At school we are starting a new program next year. I am just as excited as I am nervous. It's really a step into the unknown. Although I have confidence in our team of teachers and our great students, I am nervous about the unknown. I am excited about my upcoming vacation motorcycle trip, while nervous at the same time. Stephanie and I have had some amazing adventures. Blown tires, broken motorcycles , and long flights back from a shortened trip. But, we have survived them all. I can fight it, or  trust God!

It boils down to this: Do I trust God or not? Hasn't he always watched over me? Hasn't he always blessed me beyond wild belief? Absolutely! So what do I have to fear. The unknown drives us crazy, it's a test to see if we will really let go and let God. God is in control. God guides my life, I can't wait to see what happens! I will let him be God.