Month: August 2018

Back to School

It is back to school time! Many districts and universities have already begun classes and Monday, the rest of us join them. The rooms and lessons are prepared. The students have the new backpacks, new clothes, and supplies ready to go. There is a sense of expectation and hope as we begin.

In your preparing, remember that we also are entering our mission field. Each day we will have a great opportunity to represent Jesus to people who desperately need Him. Your students/classmates, teachers/coworkers all need the Lord. How we interact with them will be an opportunity to share His love. Our life should put Him on display in every circumstance.

Jesus said it this way,

“”You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

​​Matthew​ ​5:13-16​ ​ESV​​

Salt and light both make a big impact. You notice them! You miss them in their absence. But it isn’t just about getting attention. Notice that last verse. As they see our good works, they give glory to the Father. We must live in a way that points people to God. Otherwise, we are no good like salt that has lost its flavor.

As we begin a new year, let’s be salt and light. You know, this works everywhere we go, not just at school. All disciples of Jesus need to shine His love and glorify the Father every day.

Pray

Paul constantly prayed for people.  His letters are filled with references to his prayer life on behalf of others.  One of those blessed to be in Paul’s prayers was Timothy.  Timothy had diverse interactions with Paul.  He was his friend, fellow traveler, son in the faith, and a pastor in the Christian church. Although the two men were often separated from each other, their prayers provided a source of mutual encouragement.

Paul said, “I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day.” 2 Timothy 1:3 HCSB

We too should pray consistently for others, especially for those who do God’s work.  Pray for each other.  Pray for your pastor, teacher, worship leader, missionary.  Pray for those you lead.  Prayer should be a part of every moment of every day.  It should come as easily as breathing does.

Let’s pray for each other!

 

 

Water that Plant

have two plants in my home which are the same species. One is thriving and adding new leaves all the

time. The other looks pitiful. What is the difference? The good looking plant is by the kitchen sink. We

regularly water it since it is by the source. The other is a couple of rooms away from water and only gets

water when we think of it, or happen to notice it looking badly. Yesterday, I went in the laundry room

and noticed it was wilted and sad. The funny thing is that shortly after giving it water, it perked up. But

the weeks of neglect have left it stunted in comparison to the healthy plant by the water.

As I congratulated myself on emergency hydration for my plant, Psalm 1 came to mind. In the first Palm,

the life of one who spends time in the word is contrasted with one who doesn’t. The blessed person

meditates in the word of God day and night. They are described this way in Psalm 1:3 (ESV)

3 He is like a tree

planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.

Just like regular water to my plants, God’s word is a vital need for our spirit. Regular and complete

access to water keeps one plant healthy and has caused it to thrive. They cycle of

drought and meager rescue water is barely keeping the other plant alive. Our spirits

need frequent and abundant nourishment from God’s word.

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