No time to pray?

 We live in a busy world and much of do things by habit  . . . day after day. Routine has become well . . . routine! What about you? Have you no time to pray? If you are praying, has it become a habit? Has prayer become the last thing we do when we have time to squeeze God in our lives?

What if we try putting time with God first? Maybe our days will become less mundane and we will find ourselves more organized and less busy. Maybe, just maybe, that time in prayer will slow us down, organize our thoughts, and become less habitual.

For starters, we need to set reminders to pray and list what and who we are praying for daily. Then, as we pray, we can actually see God at work. As we pray, we will see our list being attended to by God and we will feel the onion one communication actually occurring. After all, prayer is NOT simply talking to God, as most of us have been told. It is having a conversation with Him, talking AND listening!

Remember to pray and why. Watch God as He becomes personally involved in your life!

Want more of God?

Want more of God? Choose!

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

How much of God we embrace is up to you and me. He offers Himself . . . all of Himself all of the time. In fact, He gave His life for each of us on the cross! Then He overcame death and now offers His Spirit to live within every believer as our confidant, friend and guide. What more can we ask?

He said He would sending His disciples out as lambs among wolves (Luke 10:3). He warned them not to be too comfortable and to travel light. They would need no more than His Spirit. The disciples moved and acted by faith that God would supply and He did! It is why we are where we are today.

As we navigate among the wolves, are we willing to trust that God will provide more than we will ever even imagine?

   

The Holy Spirit

So Who is the Holy Spirit?

Well, to start, He is God! He is wise, yet beyond any wisdom we as humans could ever imagine. He is also our Guide, One who knows the past, present and future and is able to take us by the hand and lead us . . . but only if we allow to do so. His desire is to lead us into all the truth that there is! He loves us beyond human comprehension. In fact, He loved us before anyone else even knew us.

All God the Holy Spirit asks from us is to give Him a chance. He will do the rest. He will do all we allow Him to do and more. However, the unspiritual cannot receive Him (1 Corinthians 2:14-16).

So what have we decided? Will we allow the Holy Spirit access?

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)

Ever wonder what eternity will be like for the CHRISTian?

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. (Isaiah 65:17)


Ever wonder what eternity will be like for the CHRISTian? I know I do! The words above provide a glimpse from the prophet Isaiah. Not only will we not experience the kinds of horrible things we do in the present world . . . we won't even remember them . . . even if we try!



Wow . . . . . that is good news indeed! Not only will be living a real life in a real world, but there will be no mention of the evils we have experienced in this life! Not a thought.

I am looking forward to it . . . what about you?

children are given to us by the Lord

 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there. (1 Samuel 1: 27-28)

Our children are given to us by the Lord. We are to be stewards , or guardians of our children for Him and for His glory.

Whether we are parents, coaches, teachers ,or likewise, the children God lends to us are still His and we must be accountable to Him!

I pray for my children and grandchildren daily . . . for God's will in their lives and for them to carry out His will in their lives so He can indeed bless them. I want what God wants for them. I have not been perfect, but I know a God who is perfect! I do my best for God and my family so my actions may one day allow God to bless them.

It is the same for the young people He has lent to us in sports, ministry, and now in the schools in which we teach. I indeed treat them as if God has given them to me for a specific time to learn specific things. I am accountable to God and to the kids and their families to do my best. So I pray for each of them daily. I love them and care for each of them. 

Pray for the children!!!!

Community

 No one their quiet time more than me. . . especially relaxing on the porch with music. I can do it for hours. I love time with my wife and family. While I seem to enjoy large gatherings, I prefer small settings. . . the smaller the better.

However, we need community! It keeps us accountable. It allows us to grow. The ideal community holds each other accountable and can correct, encourage, and applaud. . . all in love!

We cannot ignore sin and we cannot just point it out. We cannot just focus on the good but also work on the not so good. . . again, in a loving manner whereby we all grow. . . in community.

Can we do that?

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

He gave the right to become children of God . . . CHRISTian privilege!

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:10-13)

Today, many are crying out for their rights. "I have a right to do ( . . . this or that) and you cannot stop me. It's a free country!"

Well, to an extent that is true. We can do a lot of things in this world today and be perfectly free to do them. Many of the the things we would never have thought would be allowed years ago.

As believers, how do we handle this?

While we must respect a person's right to choose, we must also realize we have rights and privileges too! We have the CHRISTian privilege of sharing Christ with anyone and everyone! Why do we even bother? Because God's Word says that He has given people the right to become a child of God if He has so chosen them and they choose to accept! We have been commissioned to share this as well.


So let's exercise our rights as believers to share the Good News of Christ in this free society. Do not allow the enemy to shut us down! Somebody needs to know today!

that they (we) may be one . . . . team

“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. (John 17:9-13)

Let's play name the best player . . . .

Brady, Lebron, Ohtani ? ? ?

Now, championship teams ? ? ?

Differences . . .? Well maybe one exception!

Many players are great and have great numbers, yet not al the best players are always on winning teams!

Most know I am a Baltimore fanatic . . . for my team and my city! I grew up with championship teams in the 70's and 80's (Orioles, Colts, and Bullets . . . yes the Colts and Bullets!) and even into the present with the Ravens and finally the Orioles. The key to all these winning teams is the word team!




Every player on a team has his or her unique talents. Some may be great defensively. Another may be the offensive star. Yet another may be the specialist . . . used for one specific task such as a pinch hit or a three pointer. Don't forget the field goal kicker!




The same is so for every team in and out of sports. As I share with my fellow school team this morning, the Lord is telling us to be a team . . . His team! We have a unique opportunity this year year to really win . . . win the souls of our students and their families! Yes, even the families.

We all have our specific talents and gifts, yet we all are just as important as the other. If one fails, we must pick the other up, much like the next batter in a baseball game or the sub for an injured football player.



We have our managers and coaches (Chancellor, School Board, and Principals), yet they also need the players (teachers, admin staff, maintenance) to play to the best of our abilities. We do not compete against one another, but for the team!




Great teams know how to win. Each player does his or her thing for the team. If accolades come, they are deflected to the team. They play one day (game) at a time and play with a next man up mentality. The locker room is a family.




This is what God wants from us here at RBS . . . from K-level through 12th grade . . . from the front office to the gym to the parking lot . . . know your role and do it each and every day . . . for the team . . . His team!




Our goal? That we may be one . . . and that we may have His joy fulfilled in us here at RBS! We want what God wants and that is for Him to be glorified and souls brought closer to Christ. Grades are important. Lesson plans are vital. Games are played to win. Yet souls are eternal!

The game is on and we have already won . . . let's play ball . . . uhh school!

Change happens

Change happens....sometimes yearly. . . sometimes o er months . . . many times weekly . . . even daily or throughout the day! 

Question is what do we do with change? Do we allow it to change us or do we remain steady and go through the process in tact?

Change causes stress, but it does not have to be a bad thing. We can become stronger emotionally and spiritually. We can improve relationships. We can mature through change!

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven . . (Eccesiates 3:1)

What is His purpose for the changes in your life?

Words said or left unsaid leave scars

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

Wow . . . this is right on time for me! Look at God.  While I love my wife dearly and would do anything for her, there are times when I do not say the right thing, or say the wrong thing! Forgiveness is easy to ask for, but the words said or left unsaid leave scars!

Good communication takes years of practice, especially in marriage and family. When we think we have it down, again we blow it. It can bring us to severe frustration at ourselves and inward and outward sadness. So why does this happen?

We try. We get advice. We even read the bible. Yet we fail again and again. It is the same old answer . . . our fleshly desires take rule over our desires to pleasing God and our spouse. The lust of our flesh and the pride of life raise their ugly heads. It is SIN again! 

We are hurt. We want to lash out. Our pride has been crushed. So we let our flesh do the talking: #@!%+@#!

We need the help of the Holy Spirit in the middle of these conversations. "I" must be the one to say something sweet as honey. Words do leave scars, but they can also bring healing!

We are His beloved!

My beloved has gone to his garden,
To the beds of spices,
To feed his flock in the gardens,
And to gather lilies. I am my beloved’s
and my beloved is mine.
He feeds his flock among the lilies. (Song of Solomon 6:2-3)

While these verses and the entire Song of Solomon may be the most romantic writing in the Bible, wonderful for husbands and wives to read and share together, it is ultimately the love story between God and His unique creation; mankind!

We are His beloved . . . made in His image for His glory! He created us in His image and placed inside of us His Spirit so we could intimately commune with Him. God and man are the original soul mates if you would!

One can never really know love unless they know the love of God. God is love. (1 John 4:8) He is perfect example of care, sacrifice, protection, provision and relationship. Once we become intimate with God, it becomes easier to become intimate with our spouse!

Think on this for a while: You and I are God's beloved . . .  and He is ours as well!

Forgive before being asked...

 .....bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

(Colossians 3:13)

Has anyone ever been hurt? That's a rhetorical question! Of course we all have been hurt. . . by strangers, friends, family and yes even our spouse.

Yet we must forgive. . . as Christ forgives! We must have an attitude of forgiveness even before we are asked!

Paul reminds us that where sin abounds, grace is greater. (Romans 5:20) I know for myself, I have been forgiven of so much by God, it becomes second nature to forgive! I have to forgive because of what God does for me! It may be hard to forget though. . . still working on that!

Everybody has a Kingdom purpose!

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. .  . Do  you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

(I Corinthians 3:5-8,16)

Everybody has a Kingdom purpose. We all have a job description to fulfill.

 How many of us know our roles?

Every disciple of Christ is to walk as He walked. He imitated the Father and now we are to imitate Him. . . doing the Father's will.  

So how do we do that?

We must seek an intimate, growing, and coachable relationship with the Lord. It requires private study time, real fellowship, and a response to teaching and correction. 

While no one is greater than the other, some are held to a higher accountability. Our God-appointed leaders are accountable to God and us. We are accountable to God and them. We too have those under our God-ordained authority as teachers, coaches, supervisors, parents and the like, yet we are still their servants.

Jesus has ALL authority yet He humbly served in His role as teacher, priest and eventual sacrifice. 

As disciples of Christ, we are called to be living sacrifices. . . our reasonable service.

To do that we must know our role and carry it out. The Kingdom here on earth can only function properly if we carry out our Kingdom purpose!

Trust....in everything!

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.(Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6)

People trust in everything nowadays.

We trust in people, government (well, not so much), retirement accounts, stock markets, doctors, science. . . anything else?

Really, for me there is only One who gets my total trust . . . GOD! 

The verses above are some of the first I learned when accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Over the years, I have realized through experience the I can trust Him in everything!

A job? He supplies. Relationships? He will bring Peace. Home? He provides. Lawyer? He is the Law. Health? He is Healer!

Do you trust in everything or trust God in everything?

dwell together in unity!

 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!

(Psalms 133:1)

If we as believers could just make this our life's focus; to dwell together in unity under God! Our families are fractured. Our churches are segregated and divided. Thus our neighborhoods, states, country and the world is falling apart!

One of Jesus' last request of the Father was this: 

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:20‭-‬21)

You see, if we can just by God's standards, and not the ones we scheme up, than we would be more impactful in this world. People may believe what we say if they see us living it out! 

Father, I pray that unity can begin in my family and spread to my community, my church, my job, and my world. Use me to Your glory. . . so that we all may one!

be like-minded toward one another

 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Romans 15:1‭-‬3‭, ‬5‭-‬6)

While it is great to be a Christ follower and be sure of our eternity, we must not leave the world behind while we are here!

We have a job to do. . .   a commission if you would. If the world can witness a unified Body of believers, than the might just believe what we believe and Whom we trust!

Right now, many times we can't separate the CHRISTian from the world. We fit in too well. The unsaved do not see us as a viable option!

Let's start standing out. Let's  be distinctively CHRISTian. Then, and only then, will we be impactful for the Kingdom!

How many priorities can we really have?

 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

(Matthew 6:31‭-‬34)

How many priorities can we really have? I may be a little slow, but priority to me means first. . . number 1. This is just what Matthew is writing here. Make God and His Kingdom principles THE priority.

We cannot have conflicting priorities. That is confusion! This is our challenge as believers today. We must put our foot in the ground, draw a line in the sand, and decide whom/Whom we follow!

Make God THE priority! If things do not line up with God's Word than we cannot agree nor condone. . . period.

Whose side are you on? Well, as for me and my house, we WILL serve the Lord!

Who is my first love?

 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’

(Revelation 2:4‭-‬7)

Let's face it, we live in dangerous times . . . and not just physical dangers, but the spiritual warfare going on is at a high level!

Our political leaders are losing their minds on both sides of the parties. Many claim to know God but daily debate and endorse the most ungodly of policies. Even in our churches, we are promoting/excusing umbilical practices. We turn a blind eye to sin and water down Gospel doctrine to line up with political correctness. Like the Nicolaitans, many are worshipping church leaders rather than God!

It is easy to forget our first love! Are we hearing the Spirit's call to repentance and Godly living?

Who is my first love? Have I drifted away and become lost in the world of politics, social acceptance, sports, recreation, career planning, etc?

It is time we examine our hearts' desires. We have time to repent. . . but how much time?

Kingdom Priorities...What are your struggles?

Your kingdom come. Your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.

(Matthew 6:10)

Let's face it: We live in kingdom divided. Our society is divided over political parties, personal choices, race and more. Yes, even our churches are divided by similar challenges; politics, race, and choice. 

To have His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven, we as a Body must live by Kingdom priorities.

I know it may be easier for me to say this than others, but we as Kingdom citizens must lay aside race, culture, family and politics and pursue Kingdom practices and traditions. If the world is to see Christ in us, then He must be reflected in us. If we continually align with groups that separate, then we will be separated!

How can we operate within His Kingdom here on earth? Look at the first century Church: they were called out by Christ to be unique. 

They took such a stand for Christ that they died for His Kingdom practices. They distanced themselves from racist practices accepting tax collectors, Samaritans, prostitutes, and the like into the Body. They renounced past alliances that were unlike their new beliefs (Saul/Paul). They shared with all cultures and all shades (Peter, Phillip, Paul). 

This is a difficult society for CHRISTians, but no worse than the first century! It is easy to get caught up in debates, protests and political agendas. Believe me, I know! Our family is blended in many ways and we face many issues both in and out of our family. 

We must stay focused on Kingdom principles to honor God. It will not win an election nor friends! It will even alienate family members. One may lose a job. . . who knows, maybe even a life!

Is choosing Kingdom priorities a priority with Christian's any more? 

What are your struggles? 

Need a jump start?

 Ok...it is HOT here in the DMV. It is draining physically. For some of us, maybe you too, we are drained emotionally, mentally, or even spiritually as well. Many of us may need a jump start. . . a revival of sorts.

Dry? Lifeless? Read this:

Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” ’ ” So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” ’ ” So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.(Ezekiel 37:5‭-‬10)

God can still revive our dry and listless bones.

However, we have to seek Him. We cannot simply sit and vegetate!

To have God the Holy Spirit activated on our lives, we must seek Him and give Him access. We must listen to His instruction and then obey as the prophet did. 

Are you ready for a jump start?

I do not teach by my powers. . .

 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

(I Corinthians 4:15‭-‬20)

As a teacher/coach/mentor, I have to constantly remind myself that is not me that people, especially our youth, need to hear and see, but it must be Christ.

I am in a unique but highly responsible position of not only teaching bible Truths, but then having to live them out in and out of school. 

I want the kids to see a living, breathing, and practical Jesus in me, as the disciples of Jesus witnessed in the first century.

So in the classroom, in the lunch room, on the sidelines at games, even if they see me at the local Wal-Mart, I want them to see me. . . but Him in me!

After all, these students are my disciples! I love them and care for them as human beings. . . living souls. . . not simply bodies in a desk. I want to see them come to know a real Jesus and grow in that relationship. I want to protect them from lies and challenge them to live out their faith boldly. 

So I must do the same . . . by the power of His Spirit in me! I do not teach by my powers. . .I can't! 

SALTY and LIT

 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

(Matthew 5:13‭-‬16)

I like to cook. . . but I normally do not add salt. Yet my wife always reminds that SALT brings all flavors together! Remember too, that salt can heal, purify and also burn.

So as a SALTY CHRISTian, we are called to bring out the best in people, but also to aid in the spiritual healing, which may at times be a little bit irritating to others. Nevertheless, it will prayerfully bring about a unifying relationship between people and God. In other words, we will be more flavorful without the poison of sin!

It is the same with LIGHT. While most of us have some fear of darkness, when an area becomes LIT up, things become more clear and visible. . . safe. As fellow believers, when we speak and live the Truth, light bulbs go off! People see things in a different light and begin to understand the Gospel lived out. His Truths make life a little less scary and more understandable. . .more inviting.

So get LIT CHRISTian! Live SALTY! It will make for a more tasteful world that is a bit less dark and scary!

Be SALTY. . . and as the kids say. . . be LIT!

lead by serving

 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

(Mark 10:42-45)

And I said: “I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments, O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name; and let Your servant prosper this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” For I was the king’s cupbearer.

(Nehemiah 1:5‭, ‬11)

Leadership is not something we seek for glory. As a believer, it is a position of service. As we walk with Jesus, we learn how become humble. . . because, if you are like me, you have been humbled!

Like Christ, we are to lead by serving, not seek to be served because we are in positions of leadership.

We are to model it for those around us. As a teacher/coach of young people, I find myself being conscience of this daily. 

I must show respect for my students if I want respect.I must always be on time if I expect them to be. I must be patient. I must be giving, understanding and sacrificial. . . and humble. I was once where they are!

Help to stay humble Lord!