Finish well . . . honor God.

As Paul was coming to the end of his life, in chains for preaching the Truth, he had only one thought in mind  . . .  

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)

Whether we are finishing a project, completing a task at home, ending the school year (like many fellow teachers), or ending a high school or college journey (like many students today), we must remember that we are to finish well. 

As believers and followers of Christ, we are called to do all we do with excellence. We are not to limp to the finish line, but rather, run through it! Paul desired to honor God until the very end of his life, even though he was in chains for doing what God called him to do. Often, we feel chained, bound, and held captive by the current morals and principles of this world. We cannot allow this to hold us back and cause us to withdraw. We must push through and continue to do the right thing. 

So meet those deadlines. Finish that project. Complete the work. Walk across that stage. Finish well . . . Honor God! There is always a new task ahead . . .

God will applaud you!

Why do we do things anyway? What or who is our motivation? As believers, many times we do things without notice. We can get a bit jealous at times and even feel forgotten, invisible and left out. I know I do at times. But it is ok. Eventually, God will applaud you!

Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.  Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. (Matthew 6:1-2)

All the attention , rewards, and applause in this world can never compare to God's rewards . . . His applause. Just imagine stepping into eternity and hearing, "Well done, my good and faithful servant. Great is your reward!"

Commanded to "go"!

 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

We are all commanded to reach others for Christ . . .whether personally or by supporting those that do. Not many realize the difficulties is raising support for mission work as well as family needs. Many of us have to work two-three jobs besides ministry in order to continue serving. 

However, YOU can change that by prayerfully supporting local missionaries (like us!) financially and thus joining God at work in sharing Christ, meeting physical needs, and adding to His Kingdom! We all cannot "go", but we all can and should support His work! 

https://www.facebook.com/donate/805571283695673/

Thanks in advance!

Does God Care About My Grades?

Many of my students are S T R E S S E D about grades . . . seniors ready to graduate . . . high school students struggling with virtual classrooms . . . others simply checking out or anticipating summer.  Some are even breezing through virtual learning and never want to go into a classroom again, after all we have been through! So . . . .

Does God Care About My Grades?

You may be tired of reading from my heart, so here is some advice from another CHRISTian blogger:

Do not worry, God will love you if you pass or if you fail. This doesn’t mean we need to sit back and not bother about exams. The lord wants us to care about what we are working for and try our hardest. Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not men.” God will see your passion and hard work and will award you for that. God has a plan but he wants you to try your hardest to achieve that plan and he wants you to achieve your goals.

God does have a plan! If you have received your results and you are disappointed or worried just remember that it will be okay, he will provide for you and loves you so he will protect you and everything will be fine. It says in Proverbs 16:9 “We can make plans but the lord determines our steps”. You may dream and have it set in your heart that you want to go to a certain Uni but God’s plan will prevail. His plan is designed specifically to suit you, make you happy and help you along your journey to Christ. You just need to trust in him.   (https://evemaryblog.wordpress.com/2017/08/09/does-god-care-about-our-grades/#:~:text=It's%20true!,of%20exams%2C%20relax%20and%20pray.&text=In%20conclusion%2C%20God%20wants%20you,but%20his%20plan%20will%20prevail.)

Check out this video:

https://youtu.be/P0uWLzC4ojQ

So be encouraged . . . students, parents and teachers! Ultimately, we do our best and we leave it up to God. He knows . . . He cares . . . He is still in control!!!

Keep it movin'

“Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.  . . . .“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.  You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. (Matthew 10: 11-14,16-20)

Many times, we serve unnoticed. Other times we serve despite neglect and ignorance. We have been doubted, misrepresented, even ridiculed at times. Often, simply invisible.  This often the life of missionaries and others who serve mostly in the background . . . in the trenches . . . in the very day despite the challenges. Yet we will never stop! Even after twenty-three years of serving in our very own Jerusalem and even to the outermost parts of the world (Acts 1:8), it hurts at times! Yet, we must keep in movin'.(Matthew 10:14) We cannot and will not quit!

Let's face it, it is not as bad as the apostles had it. It is not as bad as some in other countries have it today. (https://www.persecution.com/) Yet it still hurts. However, we must be reminded that as we serve Christ and share His words and His love, we are doing it for Him, not for the applause (or support) of men. Times are going to get worse. Stay encouraged . . . 

Keep it movin'. Only what we do for Christ will last!

 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. (2 Corinthians 5:9-11)