Why I Need God To Be Who He Is

By Jason, M.Ed., M.A.R., Headmaster

Many Christians struggle to see the practical application of our proper theology. We learn things about God-- that He is omnipotent and omniscient and holy-- and we wonder what any of this has to do with our lives. Well, the truth is that we deeply need God to be who He is. Who God is has everything to do with how we live our lives and how our deepest needs are met.

So, why do I need God to be who He is? How does it make a difference to me?

Click to read more ...

Sheltering And Shepherding Your Children

By Jason, M.Ed., M.A.R., Headmaster & Parent

Which of the following is wrong for parents to do?

1. Feeding their children.
2. Clothing their children.
3. Sheltering their children.

If you listen to some people in our culture, including a majority of Christians, #3 is a capital offense. “How can you shelter your children?” they ask with shocked expressions on their faces. Why don’t they ever accuse people of daring to try to feed and clothe their children?

Click to read more ...

Perspectives

By Renee

The message light is blinking. I can see it glaring red back at me and I know that once I push that button I’m going to have to do something with what I find. It’s been a crazy, hectic and exhausting week for me. This is the message I got:

“I don’t even know if this is the right number, but here it goes. I’m looking for emergency shelter for my two children and me. I hope you get this. You can call me at --- but if he answers just say you have a wrong number. He doesn’t know I’m trying to leave but I need emergency shelter now. You can best reach me between 4:30pm and 4:30am. Well, I hope this works. I don’t know what else to do.”

Click to read more ...

No Excuse!

By Pat

Someday, I will stand before God and give an account of my life on Earth. I wonder if God will want to hear the lame excuses I use to try to justify some of my behavior? "But Lord, I only yelled at him because he yelled first!" "But Lord, I HAD to lie to keep from getting in trouble". "But God, I just couldn't be nice to her. She was no nasty to me!" "But Lord, I tried to forgive, but I just couldn't. The offense was too bad and the hurt too deep". And the list could go on and on. BUT, BUT, BUT.

However, something tells me God will not be intersted in hearing the "buts." God's words are very clear, and they leave no room for doubt as to how I am commanded to conduct myself. I HAVE to forgive. No ifs, ands or buts. I HAVE to treat others with kindness and respect. No buts, no conditions. I am to love my neighbor as myself, tame my sharp tongue, give without expecting something in return, turn the other cheek, love unconditionally the way God loves me. No excuses, no buts.

God is not going to be interested in the reasons why I acted as I did. God only cares about my REACTIONS TO others, not the actions OF others. So it's time to stop allowing the circumstances around us to dictate our behavior. It's time to show those around us everywhere what Jesus looks like when faced with adversity and trials, because the only person God wants to discuss with each of us on judgment day is US.

Counting Our Blessings

By Jason, M.Ed., M.A.R., Headmaster

Yesterday evening was a sobering and inspiring reminder to me of how incredibly blessed I am. We had a wonderful fellowship dinner at church, followed by a presentation from a couple wanting to do work with Bible translations for the deaf. Their presentation was a reminder of the kinds of difficulties faced by hearing-impaired and deaf people all around the world. After the presentation, I walked outside to a spectacularly beautiful sunset, which almost moved me to tears and which held my gaze for a couple of minutes as I thanked God for such unspeakable beauty.

Click to read more ...