Halloween is one day away. It's certainly not my favorite holiday at all, except that it's also the date when Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenburg, Germany (Oct. 31, 1517). Now that's an important date in Christian history!
Anyway, my family has participated in church-sponsored Halloween alternatives for many years. We have usually done this instead of going trick-or-treating with the kids. As a church staff member, I greatly appreciate the value of these activities in providing alternatives to some of the non-Christian aspects of this holiday. I've seen these programs help a church reach out to its community and share Jesus Christ. I fully support them and their potential in Christ.
However this year, my family and I will be spending Halloween in our own neighborhood. It's not because we want to trick-or-treat. It's not because we don't see the value in church-sponsored programs. It's not because we are endorsing the holiday - absolutely not! It's because we desire to reach our community for Jesus Christ.
Here is an article written recently by Dr. George Robinson that helps speak to this:
http://betweenthetimes.com/2010/09/28/why-all-good-christians-should-celebrate-halloween/
I went today and bought a lot of candy and Gospel tracts to hand out tomorrow night to families as they come by the house. We will also be going to visit the houses on our street, primarily to introduce ourselves and hopefully open the door for future ministry and relationship opportunities. Again, our desire is not to endorse Halloween, but to use this as a way to introduce people to Christ.
God continues to give our family a great burden to reach our neighborhood for Him. I must confess that we have been terrible at this. The time has come to obey what we know is God's desire for us.
We are certainly not giving up on church-sponsored events. But we believe now is the time to reach people with the life changing message we already know.
Pastor Randy
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Pray Without Ceasing - Making the Most of the Moment
The Bible tells us an important part of our prayer life. 1 Thess. 5:18 tells us to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." The key part I want to focus on is praying without ceasing.
One of the ways I try to apply this in my life involves stopping to pray when a need arises. We all lead very busy lives these days. It is quite likely that if someone asks me to pray about something during the day, I may forget about it later when I have more time to pray. Now, I should always strive to write these things down so I don't forget. But sometimes the opportunity to write something down is also not easy. Rather, what I try to do is to pause either at that moment or within a few minutes to pray for the need. I try to do the same later on, stopping to pray for the need as God reminds me of it.
I try to do the same type of thing throughout the day as needs come to mind. This is especially true when praying for my family, our school, our church, and other important things. I believe it's important to follow through when I tell someone I'm going to pray for them. I also hope others will do the same for me. One of the things I use Facebook and Twitter for is to pray for others. If I see something come through these tools that calls people to pray for a need, I try to pray for that need at that time.
I'm not trying to elevate myself in this. I assure you I have a lot to learn about prayer. But God has just shown me that this is an effective way for me to pray. I hope it is also an encouragement to others.
Pastor Randy
One of the ways I try to apply this in my life involves stopping to pray when a need arises. We all lead very busy lives these days. It is quite likely that if someone asks me to pray about something during the day, I may forget about it later when I have more time to pray. Now, I should always strive to write these things down so I don't forget. But sometimes the opportunity to write something down is also not easy. Rather, what I try to do is to pause either at that moment or within a few minutes to pray for the need. I try to do the same later on, stopping to pray for the need as God reminds me of it.
I try to do the same type of thing throughout the day as needs come to mind. This is especially true when praying for my family, our school, our church, and other important things. I believe it's important to follow through when I tell someone I'm going to pray for them. I also hope others will do the same for me. One of the things I use Facebook and Twitter for is to pray for others. If I see something come through these tools that calls people to pray for a need, I try to pray for that need at that time.
I'm not trying to elevate myself in this. I assure you I have a lot to learn about prayer. But God has just shown me that this is an effective way for me to pray. I hope it is also an encouragement to others.
Pastor Randy
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Pink Slips
So here's how it happens. I play the part of the mean, wicked math teacher, out to prey on unsuspecting students while wielding my favorite weapon - the pink slip. For you novices out there, the pink slip is often perceived as the weapon of choice for a teacher. We teachers stand in the hallways, throwing them at unsuspecting students, feeding on their cries of "but I didn't do it" while giving one of those famous Vincent Price laughs that .... well, you get the idea.
All joking aside, it's called a discipline referral form, and students are given one for a variety of reasons. Most of the time, at least for me, students are given a pink slip when they do something that goes against either school policy or my classroom procedures. Or if a student makes a choice to do something that directly or indirectly harms someone else, even if the offending one thinks their actions were harmless. The infractions can be minor or major. I guess this is similar to being sent to the principal's office in my day. I had that happen to me a couple of times when I was in middle school. It's a way to hold students accountable for their actions and build strong Christian character in them. It worked for me.
But God has changed my heart on the pink slip during my almost five years of teaching at a Christian school. I confess that in my first year or two, I gave almost no pink slips. In fact, I almost prided myself in this achievement, even boasting about it to my students at times. But what I saw consistently at the same time was the same students doing the same inappropriate actions over and over again. Now, I haven't gone completely the other way either. I still don't write a lot of pink slips. However, I believe God has convicted me that students need to be accountable for their choices and actions, just like we all are as believers before a holy God.
I think we miss the blessing and encouragement of discipline. Hebrews 12:11 says, "now no chastening (discipline) seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." The pink slip is painful when it's given to the student. They have to suffer the consequences for their choices, usually an after school detention. But afterwards, the discipline they are given produces the Godly fruit of righteousness in them. You see, it's all part of the training that each student goes through. Even students who don't get a pink slip at school will still endure discipline from God, assuming they are a believer. So, in a way that is strange for us to understand, we need to see discipline as helpful to us....even joyful. Ouch, perish the thought! But also remember Hebrews 12:6, which reminds us that "for whom the Lord loves He chastens (disciplines)", and 12:5, "my son, do not despise the chastening (disciplining) of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him".
Now, I am certainly not encouraging my students to seek after the pink slip. Our sinful heritage will provide enough opportunities for discipline from the Lord. But I am encouraging my students to see the pink slip, should you receive one, as one way God uses to correct us and make us more like Christ. And that's exactly what we are to be.
A final thought on this - from this teacher's heart. I have never given a pink slip without a burden on my heart for the student involved. Many times, I wrestle with this decision and pray to the Lord about whether to give it or not. Many times, I think that maybe I can overlook this incident, maybe just talk with the student about it, and pray it doesn't happen again. Sometimes that is the best, God-honoring response, and when God confirms that for me, I follow His leading exactly. But there are more times when God confirms that providing discipline to a student is the best thing to do. I have even cried over a few pink slips I've given, so burdened for the student involved and what I can do better as their teacher. However, my aim in giving pink slips, as in all areas of my life, is to obey God. The Bible is clear that He will hold me accountable as the teacher, even more so.
My prayer is that God will use pink slips to fulfill the passages in Hebrews mentioned earlier in the lives of my students. And that any student who gets a pink slip from me will believe that it comes from a teacher who loves them and wants to see them do great things for Christ.
Pastor Randy
All joking aside, it's called a discipline referral form, and students are given one for a variety of reasons. Most of the time, at least for me, students are given a pink slip when they do something that goes against either school policy or my classroom procedures. Or if a student makes a choice to do something that directly or indirectly harms someone else, even if the offending one thinks their actions were harmless. The infractions can be minor or major. I guess this is similar to being sent to the principal's office in my day. I had that happen to me a couple of times when I was in middle school. It's a way to hold students accountable for their actions and build strong Christian character in them. It worked for me.
But God has changed my heart on the pink slip during my almost five years of teaching at a Christian school. I confess that in my first year or two, I gave almost no pink slips. In fact, I almost prided myself in this achievement, even boasting about it to my students at times. But what I saw consistently at the same time was the same students doing the same inappropriate actions over and over again. Now, I haven't gone completely the other way either. I still don't write a lot of pink slips. However, I believe God has convicted me that students need to be accountable for their choices and actions, just like we all are as believers before a holy God.
I think we miss the blessing and encouragement of discipline. Hebrews 12:11 says, "now no chastening (discipline) seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." The pink slip is painful when it's given to the student. They have to suffer the consequences for their choices, usually an after school detention. But afterwards, the discipline they are given produces the Godly fruit of righteousness in them. You see, it's all part of the training that each student goes through. Even students who don't get a pink slip at school will still endure discipline from God, assuming they are a believer. So, in a way that is strange for us to understand, we need to see discipline as helpful to us....even joyful. Ouch, perish the thought! But also remember Hebrews 12:6, which reminds us that "for whom the Lord loves He chastens (disciplines)", and 12:5, "my son, do not despise the chastening (disciplining) of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him".
Now, I am certainly not encouraging my students to seek after the pink slip. Our sinful heritage will provide enough opportunities for discipline from the Lord. But I am encouraging my students to see the pink slip, should you receive one, as one way God uses to correct us and make us more like Christ. And that's exactly what we are to be.
A final thought on this - from this teacher's heart. I have never given a pink slip without a burden on my heart for the student involved. Many times, I wrestle with this decision and pray to the Lord about whether to give it or not. Many times, I think that maybe I can overlook this incident, maybe just talk with the student about it, and pray it doesn't happen again. Sometimes that is the best, God-honoring response, and when God confirms that for me, I follow His leading exactly. But there are more times when God confirms that providing discipline to a student is the best thing to do. I have even cried over a few pink slips I've given, so burdened for the student involved and what I can do better as their teacher. However, my aim in giving pink slips, as in all areas of my life, is to obey God. The Bible is clear that He will hold me accountable as the teacher, even more so.
My prayer is that God will use pink slips to fulfill the passages in Hebrews mentioned earlier in the lives of my students. And that any student who gets a pink slip from me will believe that it comes from a teacher who loves them and wants to see them do great things for Christ.
Pastor Randy
Saturday, September 11, 2010
God's Word is Alive
It's amazing how God will bring the truth of His Word to light in our lives, especially at just the time we need it. But then again, He is God afterall! I should never be surprised at this. His Word is alive, and it speaks to me all the time. But especially over the last month or so.
I've had a few struggles in ministry over the course of the last 15 or so years. Being a minister can be challenging at times, but the call of God is always filled with confidence that He is the One doing all the work. I just need to be His servant. I've been reading lately in the New Testament, specifically 1 Corinthians and 1 & 2 Timothy. Paul is definitely a guy I can relate to in many ways. He was faithful in his ministry as he completely trusted in the Lord for everything. He wanted his life to mirror that of Christ, so that people might imitate him as he imitated Christ.
Today, I finished up reading 2 Timothy. Chapters 2-4 really spoke encouragement to me. God encourages us through Paul to trust in the Lord in times of difficulty, stay faithful to the ministry He has called us to, be poured out like a drink offering, finish the race with courage, and remember that the Lord is faithful in all things. Man, that's good stuff!
But today, possibly the one passage that encouraged me the most says this (2 Tim. 4:16-18):
"At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear...and the Lord will deliver me...and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!"
I pray I will remember this always as I seek to serve God in His ministry.
Pastor Randy
I've had a few struggles in ministry over the course of the last 15 or so years. Being a minister can be challenging at times, but the call of God is always filled with confidence that He is the One doing all the work. I just need to be His servant. I've been reading lately in the New Testament, specifically 1 Corinthians and 1 & 2 Timothy. Paul is definitely a guy I can relate to in many ways. He was faithful in his ministry as he completely trusted in the Lord for everything. He wanted his life to mirror that of Christ, so that people might imitate him as he imitated Christ.
Today, I finished up reading 2 Timothy. Chapters 2-4 really spoke encouragement to me. God encourages us through Paul to trust in the Lord in times of difficulty, stay faithful to the ministry He has called us to, be poured out like a drink offering, finish the race with courage, and remember that the Lord is faithful in all things. Man, that's good stuff!
But today, possibly the one passage that encouraged me the most says this (2 Tim. 4:16-18):
"At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear...and the Lord will deliver me...and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!"
I pray I will remember this always as I seek to serve God in His ministry.
Pastor Randy
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Funny One Liners
Someone gave me something recently with a bunch of funny one liners. Here are a few I liked.
- I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.
- Few women admit their age; few men act it.
- Campers: nature's way of feeding mosquitoes.
- Always remember that you are unique; just like everyone else.
- Consciousness: that annoying time between naps.
- Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
- I took an IQ test and the results were negative.
- Be nice to your kids. They'll choose your nursing home.
- I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not too sure.
- If at first you don't succeed, don't try skydiving.
- If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?
Enjoy.
Pastor Randy
- I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.
- Few women admit their age; few men act it.
- Campers: nature's way of feeding mosquitoes.
- Always remember that you are unique; just like everyone else.
- Consciousness: that annoying time between naps.
- Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
- I took an IQ test and the results were negative.
- Be nice to your kids. They'll choose your nursing home.
- I used to think I was indecisive, but now I'm not too sure.
- If at first you don't succeed, don't try skydiving.
- If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?
Enjoy.
Pastor Randy
Friday, August 20, 2010
A Teacher's Legacy
The first full week of school is now in the books. It was truly a great week overall. I can't remember a smoother first week in my time so far at the school. This promises to be a great year for our 7th grade team.
One of the things I do on the first Friday of every school year is to lead an activity to get to know my students better. I ask them some questions about themselves, and they write their responses on an index card that I keep. One of the questions is for them to tell me who their favorite teacher is and why. This week, I heard one particular NRCA teacher's name come up in probably 75-80% of responses overall. I'll not put her name here, but I've already told her about it - so she knows.
The students commented consistently about the positive influence this teacher has had in their lives. Some of the responses included:
- she teaches in a way I can understand
- she makes the subject fun
- she talks a lot about God
- she puts everything in a spiritual context
- she is someone I can talk to
- she encourages me
- she treats me like her daughter/son
- she can relate to me because she has a daughter my age
- she preaches in class
- she is funny
Now, the parts I like have to do with the obvious spiritual content and example she gives each day in class. She also is very firm with class discipline, but apparently the students only see that coming from a heart of love for them. While the majority of the students affirming this teacher were girls, there were also a good number of boys doing the same. That says this teacher can adapt and relate to all her students across the board.
Wow, that's exciting! I am thankful to be able to serve with someone like this. And I'm also challenged to be a better teacher because of this. I have so much to learn. I pray that God will develop in me a teachable spirit. One that can always learn how to do better in the ministry He has placed me in.
Pastor Randy
One of the things I do on the first Friday of every school year is to lead an activity to get to know my students better. I ask them some questions about themselves, and they write their responses on an index card that I keep. One of the questions is for them to tell me who their favorite teacher is and why. This week, I heard one particular NRCA teacher's name come up in probably 75-80% of responses overall. I'll not put her name here, but I've already told her about it - so she knows.
The students commented consistently about the positive influence this teacher has had in their lives. Some of the responses included:
- she teaches in a way I can understand
- she makes the subject fun
- she talks a lot about God
- she puts everything in a spiritual context
- she is someone I can talk to
- she encourages me
- she treats me like her daughter/son
- she can relate to me because she has a daughter my age
- she preaches in class
- she is funny
Now, the parts I like have to do with the obvious spiritual content and example she gives each day in class. She also is very firm with class discipline, but apparently the students only see that coming from a heart of love for them. While the majority of the students affirming this teacher were girls, there were also a good number of boys doing the same. That says this teacher can adapt and relate to all her students across the board.
Wow, that's exciting! I am thankful to be able to serve with someone like this. And I'm also challenged to be a better teacher because of this. I have so much to learn. I pray that God will develop in me a teachable spirit. One that can always learn how to do better in the ministry He has placed me in.
Pastor Randy
Monday, July 26, 2010
There's No "I" in Team
I read a story on ESPN.com this morning about Dez Bryant, the new rookie wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. Seems this guy has a lot of potential and will likely be a valuable asset to the team. But it seems to me he's got the wrong perspective on things.
Anyone who knows much of anything about the NFL knows that rookies normally endure some hazing during their first training camp. It's a rite of passage as these new players become part of the team. In this case, Roy WIlliams, one of the starting receivers, wanted Bryant to carry his pads after practice. Given some of the things rookies are typically asked to do, this wasn't too bad. Bryant responded:
"I'm not doing it," Bryant said. "I feel like I was drafted to play football, not carry another player's pads. If I was a free agent, it would still be the same thing. I just feel like I'm here to play football. I'm here to try to help win a championship, not carry someone's pads."
I think Bryant is missing the bigger point. Pride has a way of convincing us that we're too valuable and important to do certain things. I believe he will suffer longer term consequences for this choice. He is part of a team. He will never win a game alone, unless he snaps the ball to himself, drops back to pass, launches a deep pass, and in a Forrest Gump-like manner, runs underneath his own pass, catches it in dramatic style, and runs for a touchdown. If that happens, you've got an ESPN top 10 moment. I don't see that happening.
In the Christian life, we need to remember this as well. Jesus Christ came to earth, not as the triumphant King, but as a servant. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. He gave His life for us. He also gave us the example to follow in so many ways, including washing the disciples' feet. Plus, He calls us to follow His example in serving others. This service demonstrates Christlike love, which will show others we are His disciples.
I'm living out this truth this week during Vacation Bible School at our church. First, I'm seeing many people serving the children and their families as we share Christ. As a staff member, I greatly appreciate their dedication and sacrifice to see Christ magnified and known. Second, God is reminding me personally of what being a servant is all about. It would be easy for me to sit back and relax and say, let others do the work and I'll just supervise. That doesn't work in the kingdom of God. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of serving others by moving furniture, playing with kids, encouraging those already serving, being willing to be in the background while others lead, and more. I praise Him for how He's developing our VBS team for His glory.
I don't want this to sound prideful in any way, because God is humbling me in so many ways. It's just a testimony of how He's raising up others to serve and lead, while teaching me that it's not all about me. Praise the Lord for that! I'll never be ready to do it all myself. Trust me - I've tried.....and failed. But I love seeing God work in His people for His purpose. And that can only lead to God-sized results. To God be the glory!
Pastor Randy
Anyone who knows much of anything about the NFL knows that rookies normally endure some hazing during their first training camp. It's a rite of passage as these new players become part of the team. In this case, Roy WIlliams, one of the starting receivers, wanted Bryant to carry his pads after practice. Given some of the things rookies are typically asked to do, this wasn't too bad. Bryant responded:
"I'm not doing it," Bryant said. "I feel like I was drafted to play football, not carry another player's pads. If I was a free agent, it would still be the same thing. I just feel like I'm here to play football. I'm here to try to help win a championship, not carry someone's pads."
I think Bryant is missing the bigger point. Pride has a way of convincing us that we're too valuable and important to do certain things. I believe he will suffer longer term consequences for this choice. He is part of a team. He will never win a game alone, unless he snaps the ball to himself, drops back to pass, launches a deep pass, and in a Forrest Gump-like manner, runs underneath his own pass, catches it in dramatic style, and runs for a touchdown. If that happens, you've got an ESPN top 10 moment. I don't see that happening.
In the Christian life, we need to remember this as well. Jesus Christ came to earth, not as the triumphant King, but as a servant. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. He gave His life for us. He also gave us the example to follow in so many ways, including washing the disciples' feet. Plus, He calls us to follow His example in serving others. This service demonstrates Christlike love, which will show others we are His disciples.
I'm living out this truth this week during Vacation Bible School at our church. First, I'm seeing many people serving the children and their families as we share Christ. As a staff member, I greatly appreciate their dedication and sacrifice to see Christ magnified and known. Second, God is reminding me personally of what being a servant is all about. It would be easy for me to sit back and relax and say, let others do the work and I'll just supervise. That doesn't work in the kingdom of God. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of serving others by moving furniture, playing with kids, encouraging those already serving, being willing to be in the background while others lead, and more. I praise Him for how He's developing our VBS team for His glory.
I don't want this to sound prideful in any way, because God is humbling me in so many ways. It's just a testimony of how He's raising up others to serve and lead, while teaching me that it's not all about me. Praise the Lord for that! I'll never be ready to do it all myself. Trust me - I've tried.....and failed. But I love seeing God work in His people for His purpose. And that can only lead to God-sized results. To God be the glory!
Pastor Randy
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