That Tuesday night, Samantha sat on the floor in her room, listening to music, and thinking. Actually, thinking towards God, with occasional, intentional prayers.
God, only You know what Simone's been through. Please help her...like you helped me. Use me to help, too. In Jesus' name. Amen
Almost immediately, Samantha knew she was to write a note to Simone. So, that's what she did.
Hey Simone,
Thanks for telling me your name yesterday. I am so glad you are at Smallville High. If the beginning of your freshman year is anything like mine was last year, I guess you aren't real happy. Thankfully, I met some people who eventually became my friends. They helped me through the year! Somewhere along the way, I actually started liking SHS! I now realize how important one person can be---by helping one other person. So, I want you to know I am here for you---no strings attached. I am good at listening, some school subjects, and art.
In Christ,
Samantha
Samantha decided that she wanted only one reference to Christ. She wanted to emphasize friendship, and allow Simone to make her own decisions about Jesus. Of course, Samantha planned to help guide her and answer any questions. A normal kid would not understand this, but kids who have grown up rough, need to feel in charge of their decisions. They usually have dealt with lying adults, and found the only person they can trust is themselves. Samantha, gave Simone that control.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Sunday, January 21, 2018
JoJo 19.1; Samantha and Simone
It was the second week of school at Smallville High, and even though Samantha and JoJo had the same lunch line, they did not always eat together. JoJo liked to sit with 'the guys' some days, while Samantha liked to 'help others' some days.
This Tuesday was one of those days. Samantha searched the cafeteria for someone who looked like they could use a friend. Ironically, she spotted a girl at the same table she sat at last year. It was in the back and almost hidden from view of the other students. A flood of memories came back in an instance. How things can change quickly with God's help!
As Samantha sat down beside the young lady, she said, "Hey, I'm Samantha."
The girl, who appeared to own the table for this school year, peered out from underneath greasy black strands of hair. She managed a grunt, but no words.
Samantha had been there before. "What's your name, friend?"
"Uhh, you're not my friend!"
"So, she talks! Hurray."
"What are you some kind of jerkette?"
"No, I am sorry. I know this is your table. Even though it was my table last year, I am not claiming it back...just looking for a friend."
"Oh. You came slumming.."
"Huh?"
"Obviously, by those nice clothes, you don't belong here anymore. You're slumming!"
"I see."
"Get lost."
Samantha had one more try in her. "I will leave as soon as you tell me your name."
The girl continued to eat, so Samantha ate as well. After 5 minutes, the girl says, "Simone."
"Nice to meet you, Simone."
"Huh," Simone responded as she got up and walked off.
Samantha said a silent prayer for Simone, then she finished her lunch rather quickly.
Slumming? Lord, I don't mean to be. Help me to be a friend to Simone and anyone else that You want me to befriend. In Jesus' name. Amen. Samantha offered up her prayer prior to leaving the slum area.
This Tuesday was one of those days. Samantha searched the cafeteria for someone who looked like they could use a friend. Ironically, she spotted a girl at the same table she sat at last year. It was in the back and almost hidden from view of the other students. A flood of memories came back in an instance. How things can change quickly with God's help!
As Samantha sat down beside the young lady, she said, "Hey, I'm Samantha."
The girl, who appeared to own the table for this school year, peered out from underneath greasy black strands of hair. She managed a grunt, but no words.
Samantha had been there before. "What's your name, friend?"
"Uhh, you're not my friend!"
"So, she talks! Hurray."
"What are you some kind of jerkette?"
"No, I am sorry. I know this is your table. Even though it was my table last year, I am not claiming it back...just looking for a friend."
"Oh. You came slumming.."
"Huh?"
"Obviously, by those nice clothes, you don't belong here anymore. You're slumming!"
"I see."
"Get lost."
Samantha had one more try in her. "I will leave as soon as you tell me your name."
The girl continued to eat, so Samantha ate as well. After 5 minutes, the girl says, "Simone."
"Nice to meet you, Simone."
"Huh," Simone responded as she got up and walked off.
Samantha said a silent prayer for Simone, then she finished her lunch rather quickly.
Slumming? Lord, I don't mean to be. Help me to be a friend to Simone and anyone else that You want me to befriend. In Jesus' name. Amen. Samantha offered up her prayer prior to leaving the slum area.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
JoJo 18.4; Tense Ending Each Day
"Mr. Smith, if you are late one more time...I am going to introduce to the Board of Education!"
"Yes sir...I mean mam, Mrs. Tense."
The Board of Education meant Mrs. Tense's paddle. And, she could wheel it!
"Now, Claaaass, turn to page 267 in your English book."
Here's where JoJo fought sleep every day.
"Tom Arnold."
"Yes, Mrs. Smith?"
"Read page 267 aloud."
Oh Boy, This is the most boring subject with the meanest teacher in the history of Smallville, JoJo thought.
As the class poured over the correct usage of Past Participles, JoJo zoned out. He awoke to one word: QUIZ
That's right! Mrs. Tense was giving a pop quiz---right then and right there.
JoJo almost had to get the restroom pass, but he gathered himself.
"Make sure you put your NAAAAMES on the quiz. Turn them into me, then begin your homework."
All the students in unison said, "YES MAM."
That was the only thing funny to JoJo in that class. Every time he heard this response, he could not help but think of his new-found favorite show, Leave It To Beaver. The class would always respond, "Yes, Mrs. Landers." JoJo thought it was so corny that it was funny!
When JoJo looked at the quiz, that funny thought went away.
Name __________________________________________________________
DIRECTIONS: Underline the correct participle used in the following sentences.
1. I have went/gone to my grandmother's house plenty of times.
2. The students have became/become bored in their Science class.
3. Johnny has chose/chosen a name for his new puppy.
4. Sally has came/come this way only once in her life.
5. Bobby has saw/seen a Braves' game live only once in his life.
ONLY 5 Questions?! Come On. Old Lady Tense!!!! JoJo was shouting to himself.
The students turned in their quizzes quickly....except for JoJo. He was stuck on 3 questions. He was not good at English, but JoJo knew his math. Therefore, JoJo knew if he missed 3 questions, that would mean 60 points off! A 40.
Adults do not understand the pressure us high schoolers go through....JoJo thought.
"Yes sir...I mean mam, Mrs. Tense."
The Board of Education meant Mrs. Tense's paddle. And, she could wheel it!
"Now, Claaaass, turn to page 267 in your English book."
Here's where JoJo fought sleep every day.
"Tom Arnold."
"Yes, Mrs. Smith?"
"Read page 267 aloud."
Oh Boy, This is the most boring subject with the meanest teacher in the history of Smallville, JoJo thought.
As the class poured over the correct usage of Past Participles, JoJo zoned out. He awoke to one word: QUIZ
That's right! Mrs. Tense was giving a pop quiz---right then and right there.
JoJo almost had to get the restroom pass, but he gathered himself.
"Make sure you put your NAAAAMES on the quiz. Turn them into me, then begin your homework."
All the students in unison said, "YES MAM."
That was the only thing funny to JoJo in that class. Every time he heard this response, he could not help but think of his new-found favorite show, Leave It To Beaver. The class would always respond, "Yes, Mrs. Landers." JoJo thought it was so corny that it was funny!
When JoJo looked at the quiz, that funny thought went away.
Name __________________________________________________________
DIRECTIONS: Underline the correct participle used in the following sentences.
1. I have went/gone to my grandmother's house plenty of times.
2. The students have became/become bored in their Science class.
3. Johnny has chose/chosen a name for his new puppy.
4. Sally has came/come this way only once in her life.
5. Bobby has saw/seen a Braves' game live only once in his life.
ONLY 5 Questions?! Come On. Old Lady Tense!!!! JoJo was shouting to himself.
The students turned in their quizzes quickly....except for JoJo. He was stuck on 3 questions. He was not good at English, but JoJo knew his math. Therefore, JoJo knew if he missed 3 questions, that would mean 60 points off! A 40.
Adults do not understand the pressure us high schoolers go through....JoJo thought.
Monday, January 15, 2018
JoJo 18.3; Old Man Lowe Part Two
The rest of that Tuesday school day was a blur to JoJo. After all, he was preoccupied with this Eddie Haskel character. JoJo thought it was his job to be the Class Clown and OML was not robbing him of his position!
JoJo scoured the TV Guide for Leave It To Beaver. He found the listing on Channel 11 at 4:30.
Good, I can shoot hoops for 45 minutes! JoJo thought.
After defeating Pete Maravich in an imaginary game of One-on-One, JoJo sprinted to his favorite chair in the Living Room and flipped on channel 11. It was 4:29.
Ahh, perfect timing for my homework!
Da Da danh Da Da danh..as the theme music comes on, JoJo kinda remembered watching this show a couple of years ago.
Thankfully, this episode included Eddie Haskel. About half way through the show, Beaver's mother, June answers the door. In steps Eddie. JoJo is thrilled to see this cool guy.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Cleaver! How are you today?"
"Fine, Eddie. How about you."
"Oh, it's been a wonderful day. The walk over here was beautiful! By the way, your house looks especially good today, Mrs. Cleaver, mam."
June rolls her eyes, "Thank you, Eddie. The boys are upstairs. Go on up."
"Oh, thank you Mrs. Cleaver! And, may I say that is a lovely necklace you are wearing."
"Thank you, Eddie."
As Eddie bounces upstairs, June just shakes her head about Eddie's sucking up.
This dude thinks he is cool, but he is a total jerk! Come on! When the adults think you are corny, that's bad. Real bad! And, Old Man Lowe called ME Eddie?!
JoJo watched 2 episode to find some ammunition for firing back at Old Man Lowe.
There it is! Ha! I got him now!
JoJo was so anxious to get back at OML that he listened in his first 3 periods, and skipped lunch to practice his plan. Samantha had no idea where JoJo was at lunch, but she knew why he wasn't around.
This is going to end bad for my sweet JoJo. Samantha thought.
Finally! It is Fourth Period! This was the first time in JoJo's school career that he looked forward to a class.
JoJo quickly wrote his answer to the QOTD, which was:
WHAT BODY OF WATER WAS THE LIFELINE FOR ANCIENT EGYPT?
JoJo thought, I know it is the third day of class, but this is too easy!
As the roll was checked and other students were pouring into the classroom, JoJo was sitting back---ready to answer.
Sure enough, it was JoJo's lucky day! OML ask for a volunteer.
Immediately, JoJo lifted his hand.
As usual, Old Man Lowe tried to be funny. "Yes, the young man in the front with the green jacket."
JoJo hesitated--smiled--and said, "The Nile, Mr. Rutherford."
Without hesitation, Mr. Lowe said, "You can call me Fred, Eddie."
The kids busted out laughing! JoJo looked around in disbelief. He did his homework. He made sure he had this corny character, Fred Rutherford's name correct. What? How?
OML quickly quieted the class. "JoJo, I apologize for calling you Eddie. I am impressed with your research. Therefore, I will halt calling you Eddie--for the rest of the day. And...You can call me Fred---for the rest of the day. Unless Principal Paddle comes in---then it's Mr. Lowe. Deal?"
JoJo thought for a moment. He realized he had no other moves..."Deal."
JoJo scoured the TV Guide for Leave It To Beaver. He found the listing on Channel 11 at 4:30.
Good, I can shoot hoops for 45 minutes! JoJo thought.
After defeating Pete Maravich in an imaginary game of One-on-One, JoJo sprinted to his favorite chair in the Living Room and flipped on channel 11. It was 4:29.
Ahh, perfect timing for my homework!
Da Da danh Da Da danh..as the theme music comes on, JoJo kinda remembered watching this show a couple of years ago.
Thankfully, this episode included Eddie Haskel. About half way through the show, Beaver's mother, June answers the door. In steps Eddie. JoJo is thrilled to see this cool guy.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Cleaver! How are you today?"
"Fine, Eddie. How about you."
"Oh, it's been a wonderful day. The walk over here was beautiful! By the way, your house looks especially good today, Mrs. Cleaver, mam."
June rolls her eyes, "Thank you, Eddie. The boys are upstairs. Go on up."
"Oh, thank you Mrs. Cleaver! And, may I say that is a lovely necklace you are wearing."
"Thank you, Eddie."
As Eddie bounces upstairs, June just shakes her head about Eddie's sucking up.
This dude thinks he is cool, but he is a total jerk! Come on! When the adults think you are corny, that's bad. Real bad! And, Old Man Lowe called ME Eddie?!
JoJo watched 2 episode to find some ammunition for firing back at Old Man Lowe.
There it is! Ha! I got him now!
JoJo was so anxious to get back at OML that he listened in his first 3 periods, and skipped lunch to practice his plan. Samantha had no idea where JoJo was at lunch, but she knew why he wasn't around.
This is going to end bad for my sweet JoJo. Samantha thought.
Finally! It is Fourth Period! This was the first time in JoJo's school career that he looked forward to a class.
JoJo quickly wrote his answer to the QOTD, which was:
WHAT BODY OF WATER WAS THE LIFELINE FOR ANCIENT EGYPT?
JoJo thought, I know it is the third day of class, but this is too easy!
As the roll was checked and other students were pouring into the classroom, JoJo was sitting back---ready to answer.
Sure enough, it was JoJo's lucky day! OML ask for a volunteer.
Immediately, JoJo lifted his hand.
As usual, Old Man Lowe tried to be funny. "Yes, the young man in the front with the green jacket."
JoJo hesitated--smiled--and said, "The Nile, Mr. Rutherford."
Without hesitation, Mr. Lowe said, "You can call me Fred, Eddie."
The kids busted out laughing! JoJo looked around in disbelief. He did his homework. He made sure he had this corny character, Fred Rutherford's name correct. What? How?
OML quickly quieted the class. "JoJo, I apologize for calling you Eddie. I am impressed with your research. Therefore, I will halt calling you Eddie--for the rest of the day. And...You can call me Fred---for the rest of the day. Unless Principal Paddle comes in---then it's Mr. Lowe. Deal?"
JoJo thought for a moment. He realized he had no other moves..."Deal."
Sunday, January 14, 2018
JoJo 18.2; Old Man Lowe
"Yawn...time for Old Man Lowe's class." JoJo managed to get out.
Samantha chided him, "JoJo Smith, quick acting like a brat!"
That didn't sit well with JoJo. "Wait a second, Missy! A Brat?!"
"You are! Well...all of us in this school are---if we think we have it bad."
"Here we go...."
Samantha was a little perturbed now, "Yes, children in other countries would change places with us to get a free education!"
JoJo laughed, "This here educatochn (he drew it out) outta be free."
Samantha, more inquisitive than perturbed now, asked, "And, why should it be free?"
"Ha! You get what you pay for! This is some sorry ole edumacation (that was the word he used).
"One day, you will look back and wished you had taken high school more seriously!"
"Maybe, but Tommy and I have a goal this year."
"Oh, good! What is the goal?"
"To have as much fun as we can, especially at the expense of teachers."
"Boy, sometimes you surprise me..."
"Don't blame me! These teachers are perfect targets. I am a clown. Right?"
"True...You are that."
"Well, I'm just being me."
"More like being mean!"
"I better fly. I don't want to miss any of Lowe's corniness!"
"Behave! See you in sixth period."
JoJo could not believe how old Mr. Lowe was...42 big ones. The dude was in the Korean War, and boy howdy did he ever like to talk about it. What's more this guy thinks he is cool. Has good jokes! Bah! He is the Master of Corn! The Duke of Lame! The Producer of OLD Comedy!
As class begins, Old Man Lowe has students checking the roll for him. JoJo can't believe they have to do a QOTD (Question Of The Day) as soon as the students walk in the stinking (literally) classroom.
Is he COMMUNIST? JoJo thought.
As usual, the dude doesn't even take volunteers! Old Man Lowe just calls on some random student! How cruel! Doesn't he know they may not be interested? Maybe they are sleepy after that spaghetti and roll (yum)?
Here we go...
"Junior, do you have an answer for the QOTD?" OML (Old Man Lowe) cruelly picks on Junior.
"Uhhh. Not yet."
"Sammy Davis?" That kid's name is Sam Davis...OML always busting.
"Yes sir. The ancient Egyptians called their king: Pharaoh."
"Nice, Mr. Junior."
"JoJo."
I know he didn't just call my name...
"Mr. Lowe sir."
"Eddie...I mean JoJo. Mr. Lowe is fine."
"Yes sir. Why did you call me Eddie?"
"Watch reruns of 'Leave It To Beaver.' You remind me of Eddie Haskel."
"He must have been a pretty cool dude. Right, Mr. Lowe?"
"Of sorts. Here's your question: Eddie...uh JoJo. True/False.."
Yes. 50/50 chance. JoJo thought.
"The Ancient Egyptians thought their king or Pharaoh was a god."
"No Sir."
"You seem sure of yourself, Mr. Smith."
That's better, Old Man. Mr. Smith! JoJo thought to himself.
"I go to church. Pharaoh ain't in the Bible." JoJo smiled and looked around, only to find OML smiling.
"Eddie, Pharaoh is in the Bible, but he is not considered god by the Jews."
Just as JoJo started to smile, OML continued, "but Pharaoh was god to the Ancient Egyptians."
JoJo was embarrassed. He started to say his parents did not pay tax money listening to this junk, but he was already tired of being Eddie.
I am going to watch Beaver to see what a cool character Eddie is.
Old Man Lowe actually made them do work in History class, but JoJo pretty much faded out...
Samantha chided him, "JoJo Smith, quick acting like a brat!"
That didn't sit well with JoJo. "Wait a second, Missy! A Brat?!"
"You are! Well...all of us in this school are---if we think we have it bad."
"Here we go...."
Samantha was a little perturbed now, "Yes, children in other countries would change places with us to get a free education!"
JoJo laughed, "This here educatochn (he drew it out) outta be free."
Samantha, more inquisitive than perturbed now, asked, "And, why should it be free?"
"Ha! You get what you pay for! This is some sorry ole edumacation (that was the word he used).
"One day, you will look back and wished you had taken high school more seriously!"
"Maybe, but Tommy and I have a goal this year."
"Oh, good! What is the goal?"
"To have as much fun as we can, especially at the expense of teachers."
"Boy, sometimes you surprise me..."
"Don't blame me! These teachers are perfect targets. I am a clown. Right?"
"True...You are that."
"Well, I'm just being me."
"More like being mean!"
"I better fly. I don't want to miss any of Lowe's corniness!"
"Behave! See you in sixth period."
JoJo could not believe how old Mr. Lowe was...42 big ones. The dude was in the Korean War, and boy howdy did he ever like to talk about it. What's more this guy thinks he is cool. Has good jokes! Bah! He is the Master of Corn! The Duke of Lame! The Producer of OLD Comedy!
As class begins, Old Man Lowe has students checking the roll for him. JoJo can't believe they have to do a QOTD (Question Of The Day) as soon as the students walk in the stinking (literally) classroom.
Is he COMMUNIST? JoJo thought.
As usual, the dude doesn't even take volunteers! Old Man Lowe just calls on some random student! How cruel! Doesn't he know they may not be interested? Maybe they are sleepy after that spaghetti and roll (yum)?
Here we go...
"Junior, do you have an answer for the QOTD?" OML (Old Man Lowe) cruelly picks on Junior.
"Uhhh. Not yet."
"Sammy Davis?" That kid's name is Sam Davis...OML always busting.
"Yes sir. The ancient Egyptians called their king: Pharaoh."
"Nice, Mr. Junior."
"JoJo."
I know he didn't just call my name...
"Mr. Lowe sir."
"Eddie...I mean JoJo. Mr. Lowe is fine."
"Yes sir. Why did you call me Eddie?"
"Watch reruns of 'Leave It To Beaver.' You remind me of Eddie Haskel."
"He must have been a pretty cool dude. Right, Mr. Lowe?"
"Of sorts. Here's your question: Eddie...uh JoJo. True/False.."
Yes. 50/50 chance. JoJo thought.
"The Ancient Egyptians thought their king or Pharaoh was a god."
"No Sir."
"You seem sure of yourself, Mr. Smith."
That's better, Old Man. Mr. Smith! JoJo thought to himself.
"I go to church. Pharaoh ain't in the Bible." JoJo smiled and looked around, only to find OML smiling.
"Eddie, Pharaoh is in the Bible, but he is not considered god by the Jews."
Just as JoJo started to smile, OML continued, "but Pharaoh was god to the Ancient Egyptians."
JoJo was embarrassed. He started to say his parents did not pay tax money listening to this junk, but he was already tired of being Eddie.
I am going to watch Beaver to see what a cool character Eddie is.
Old Man Lowe actually made them do work in History class, but JoJo pretty much faded out...
Friday, January 12, 2018
September 6,1976
It was Sept. 6, 1976, and for JoJo, it was his second day of school. JoJo was a big sophomore now! No more days of Wake-Up Calls by Seniors. JoJo could still remember the cold medal slapping upside his head! Thankfully, it was only a memory. Tommy and JoJo had previously decided to give the new freshman "the business," but after one day of watching the freshman's treatment from the new crop of seniors, they decided to not be a part of the torture.
Meanwhile, Samantha was growing in her Christian faith--more than JoJo. He seemed to be at a spiritual plateau. It bothered her that it didn't bother him. However, Samantha remembered her days of not being a Christian. She knew the Lord worked in His time in His way. But, she also knew we have to allow Him to work in our lives. Samantha was beyond 'allowing,' she was seeking! It was cool to watch her interact with the outcasts of the school. After all, she was still an outcast on the inside. Samantha had a tremendous heart for serving the unwanted kids at her school. There were so many who were outright ostracized. Truth be told, a vast majority of kids suffered with the feeling something was wrong with themselves. Samantha was on a mission.
JoJo had an awesome schedule!
1st Period---Gym
2nd Period---Algebra II
3rd Period---Physics
11:30---LUNCH
4th Period---World History
5th Period---Money Management
6th Period---American Fiction and Poetry
At first glance, it didn't look very awesome.
However, several factors were positive.
First, his teachers:
1st Period---Coach Jones
2nd Period---Mrs. Digits
3rd Period---Mrs. Carpenter
4th Period---Old Man Lowe
5th Period---Mrs. Fresca
6th Period---UH OH...Mrs. Tense (His day ended with the General of English.)
Next, he shared several classes and lunch with Samantha and/or Tommy.
1st Period---Tommy
2nd Period---Tommy
3rd Period---Samantha
LUNCH---Samantha
4th Period---Tommy
5th Period---On His Own
6th Period---Samantha
The second day of school had highlights and lowlights.
The best part was eating LUNCH with Smantha.
The lowlights were: Physics, World History, and American Fiction and Poetry.
Meanwhile, Samantha was growing in her Christian faith--more than JoJo. He seemed to be at a spiritual plateau. It bothered her that it didn't bother him. However, Samantha remembered her days of not being a Christian. She knew the Lord worked in His time in His way. But, she also knew we have to allow Him to work in our lives. Samantha was beyond 'allowing,' she was seeking! It was cool to watch her interact with the outcasts of the school. After all, she was still an outcast on the inside. Samantha had a tremendous heart for serving the unwanted kids at her school. There were so many who were outright ostracized. Truth be told, a vast majority of kids suffered with the feeling something was wrong with themselves. Samantha was on a mission.
JoJo had an awesome schedule!
1st Period---Gym
2nd Period---Algebra II
3rd Period---Physics
11:30---LUNCH
4th Period---World History
5th Period---Money Management
6th Period---American Fiction and Poetry
At first glance, it didn't look very awesome.
However, several factors were positive.
First, his teachers:
1st Period---Coach Jones
2nd Period---Mrs. Digits
3rd Period---Mrs. Carpenter
4th Period---Old Man Lowe
5th Period---Mrs. Fresca
6th Period---UH OH...Mrs. Tense (His day ended with the General of English.)
Next, he shared several classes and lunch with Samantha and/or Tommy.
1st Period---Tommy
2nd Period---Tommy
3rd Period---Samantha
LUNCH---Samantha
4th Period---Tommy
5th Period---On His Own
6th Period---Samantha
The second day of school had highlights and lowlights.
The best part was eating LUNCH with Smantha.
The lowlights were: Physics, World History, and American Fiction and Poetry.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
A Message
What are YOU going to do about it?!
(heavy reference to WILD GOOSE CHASE by Mark Batterson)
I. Mark writes that the Book of Acts is self-explanatory. It’s Not the book of IDEAS or THEORIES or WORDS.
God will not say: “Well THOUGHT, good and faithful servant.”
God will not say, “Well SAID, good and faithful servant.”
God will not say, “Well THEORIZED, good and faithful servant.”
Scripture: Matthew 25:23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”
II. Signs follow faith.
In Joshua, God tells the priests to take a few steps into the river, THEN it parted! We can’t always wait for a sign…they often follow our act of faith.
Scripture: Joshua 3:14-16; 14 So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priest who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. 15 It was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, 16 the water above that point began backing up a great distance away at a town called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho.
III. Think about Joseph. (Genesis 37-50)
He was sold into slavery at age 17.
Because of God, he found favor with Potiphar.
He was falsely accused and thrown into prison.
Because of God, he found favor with the Head Jailer.
He had a dream that helped Pharaoh’s Cupbearer, and two years later the Cupbearer remembered Joseph.
Because of God’s favor, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream and was made Second-in-Command to Pharaoh.
He saved the world and won his family back.
IV. How about Agnes and her 3 pennies.
With God’s help, she built an orphanage. She would minister to countless people in her native land of India. Agnes was also known as Mother Teresa. When asked, “What can I do for God?” She said, “Find your own Calcutta.” (This referred to her own place of ministry in Calcutta, India.)
**So, WHAT IS YOUR CALCUTTA AND WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?***
‘
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
A NERD NEW YEAR 2018
Lambda, Lambda, Lambda plus Two
Title Explanation: In the movie: “Revenge of the Nerds” the guys were members of the Lambda, Lambda, Lambda Fraternity. So, I used this as a reference for my 2018 Goals.
Preface: I am not big on making New Year’s Resolutions and breaking them, so….The following are 5 Areas of Life I believe God wants me to focus on improving during 2018. And, I will need His help.
LOVE
Matthew 22:37-39; Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
1. I will seek to love God by seeking Him! I want to know Him more! I want to trust Him more!
2. I will seek to love people by allowing God to love through me. I am very selfish. However, I want to use my time, resources, and talents to help others.
LEARN
Matthew 22:37; Jesus inclusion of the part of the commandment ‘Love your God with all your mind,’ was made much clearer to me by God through Mark Patterson's writings during this past year.
1. I will read more. I will continue to read the Bible. I will read books from my favorite Christian authors. However, I will intentionally read more about the inner workings of God’s creation. Just spit balling——The Rain Forrest.
2. I will memorize Bible verses.
3. I will learn from others by asking questions AND listening.
4. I will learn to better communicate (via speech and writing).
LISTEN
James 1:19 “Understand this my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
1. I want to be a person who cares about what someone else is saying. I am going to ask questions more. I may not agree with someone’s opinion, but I want to ask “why”?
2. I will listen to God more. I get in a ‘Check It Off My List’ mode sometimes. Often, this leads to me trying to be in control. I want to allow God to guide me daily. I have such a long way to go, but I must be patient with myself.
LET GO
Isiah 43:19; “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
1. I want to allow God to help me have a healthier pattern of thinking. I want to think more positively. I will live more ‘In the Moment’.
2. I will purge my house of junk.
3. I will forgive.
4. I will let go of doubts and believe God’s Word at Face value.
LAUGH
Philippians 4:4; “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”
1. I will commit to not take myself so seriously.
2. I will seek humor often.
3. I will laugh.
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