Offering to Help

There comes a time in any student's life when the world around them is so enticing that they lose sight of reality and get caught up in what could be. We have several seniors that have basically lost their way and may not be able to finish their credits before the deadline of May 2nd. I've listened to their sad stories of how they got a job and didn't have time to do their school work. Others simply struggle to understand the concepts of certain courses and need to find a way to understand the minimum objectives to get a passing grade. With that being said, I knew I had to step in and offer some of my "free" time to help these guys get back on track. I have several students, who have taken me up on the offer, and are beginning to work on what we call "credit recovery" with me being there to supervise and offer assistance whenever they get stuck. These guys typically don't know me as I haven't been an administrator in the district very long. It's hard for them to understand someone giving up their time to come and help them, when that person doesn't know them. I have tried to put myself out there as someone willing to go to any length to help.

It's part of the Love God, Love Others and Serve the World theme of this whole project and has become a part of our family's world and day-to-day existence.

I challenge those of you, who read this blog, to do the same. Find ways to serve others. Make it a part of your life. You will be changed from the inside out.

More Proverbs One

Writing this for you on National Atheist Day, also known of course as April Fools Day. We have been exploring the book of Proverbs, perfect timing considering the state of the world we live in. Tonight I am reading verses 8 -19 and timely is right word for these verses. Up to this point in Proverbs the Father had addressed the need for wisdom and the benefits of wisdom. In verse 8 he shifts gears. So what does he address first, the importance of the a child listening to the instruction of his mother and father and then following that advice. Interesting, as a teacher, I know first hand how the next generations biggest fault is the fact that they have it all figured out. It is not all their fault. Think about the information overload that has been thrown their way. Think about how many things have been thrown at them at such an early age. They know much, but not the right things. They have seen through the eyes of television a lifetime full of things, but don't comprehend that knowledge does not equal experience. Because of how they have been raised they are extremely skeptical, but to their credit they are looking for the real thing. So as parents, lets give them the real thing. Jesus, as he really is and without excuses. After the Father deals with the importance and rewards (grace and honor) of listening to ones parents, He goes after the number one societal fault. Greed! Verse 12, "let's swallow them alive, like the grave, let's swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. Think of the great things we'll get! We'll fill our houses with all the stuff we take." In verse 18,"but these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed. Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money; it robs them of life." Our current economic situation is not the fault of government, nor can government pull us out of it. The situation was caused by American greed, pure and simple. God has blessed this nation beyond measure. He has given us prosperity like has never been seen on this planet. And what did we do with it, me included, we took it and said give me more and give it to me on credit. Debt, debt, and more debt. I am guilty, in fact I need to line up in the front of the line. Forgive us Father for our greed, materialism, and poor stewardship. So what lessons do we need to process tonight. First, teach our children Godly wisdom. Second, don't chase after money or let greed rob you of your life. Next time on Proverbs One, Wisdom shouts in the Streets.

Proverbs One Continued

Let me start by saying that if you have not read my blog entry Proverbs One start there before reading this entry. We need to understand the times we are living in. The Bible tells us that in the last days peoples hearts will fail them for fear. There will be no worldly answers. If you have been watching the news lately, you are saying to yourself, that sounds familiar. As a Christian I hope you are not sitting around waiting for the government to "bail" you out. You have already been "bailed" out by Christ on the cross. He is your source. He is your provider. I do have a suggestion before I move on, refuse to participate in the current economic crisis. Get up and live your life daily and do the will of the Father and regardless of circumstances live in Godly prosperity.

God wants to give you His understanding. He wants you to know His voice and perceive His spirit. We are reminded in Romans to renew our mind and to do it daily. What is really neat about our God is that He has chosen to do His work through us. God desires for us to do his will. God would love to give us creative ideas and put us in a position to reach our destiny.

The enemy wants to steal our destiny. The enemy came to kill, steal, and destroy. What we need to realize is that he is going to attack us where we allow him too. The areas of our character that have flaws and that have not been given over to Christ for correction will be the areas that we will be attacked. If we align our character with the Word of God through Godly correction, then we will be a difficult target and he will move on to others he can attack more easily. Now that leads me back to where I left off in Proverbs One. If we are going to align our character with the Word of God, what better place to start than Proverbs.

Verse five and six says let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser and let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs . We all have areas of wisdom, things we know, gifts that God has blessed us with. Just think that God could take us to the next level in that area if we let him. And if we understand that true wisdom comes from God, then let us continue this journey by exploring the Proverbs with the intention of uncovering the true wisdom that comes only from God.

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of knowledge and fools despise wisdom and discipline. Could God have been any clearer. So let's stop there and let that soak in. I am going to go out limb here and say that none of us want God to think we are a fool, so wisdom and discipline it is.

At this pace it may take us a while to get through Proverbs, but that is okay, we'll let God take us through.

God Bless,

Coach J