Intelligent Design

What is all of the commotion about these days in regards to the term, Intelligent Design? It seems to me that a lot of really smart people can't seem to get along enough to have thought provoking and truth seeking conversations anymore. If you just google the term you will find over 9,000,000 website entries alone. One definition of intelligent design follows: The assertion or belief that physical and biological systems observed in the universe result from purposeful design by an intelligent being rather than from chance or undirected natural processes. Makes sense to me. Obviously, a lot of other people have something to say about it as well. Unfortunately, much of the so called scientific community won't even stop long enough to listen to the evidence in support of intelligent design, because they are too busy hurling playground type insults at those scientists that have taken a serious look at the evidence against evolution.

Dictionary.com defines science in this way: a systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation. Why is it then that those that want to take a deep look at the science of intelligent design are ridiculed and even shunned in the scientific arena? Could it be that those proponents of evolution and darwinism have accepted false evidence as truth? Possibly. It also may come down to a worldview in which they place Darwins theory above what logic and science prove.

I did not set out to write this little article to start a debate to consider my side of the argument. Time and space do not allow for that here. However, I do hope that those that are truly seeking truth would at least examine the overwhelming scientific evidence in support of intelligent design.

If you would like resources on intelligent design I will list a few of those here.

Books:
Signs of Intelligence, edited by William A. Dembski and James M. Kushiner.
More Than Meets the Eye, by Richard A. Swenson, M.D.
Mere Creation: Science, Faith, and Intelligent Design, edited by William A. Dembski

Video:
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
Intelligent Design: Unlocking the Mystery of Life

Websites:
www.probe.org

He is the Rock

"He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." Deuteronomy 32:4

What a great reminder of God's nature and character. I am confident and assured in my faith in Christ because of my belief in God as steady, true, perfect, just and unchanging.

We find those words in scripture being spoken by Moses at the age of 120 years. He has already passed the leadership of the Israel nation to Joshua, and had opportunity by God to glance at the promised land of Canaan from nearby Mount Nebo. However, Moses was not allowed to enter Canaan because of his earlier disobedience. And yet here we read his words proclaiming that God is "The Rock" and he is perfect and just. If I am totally honest I have to confess that I have often times wrestled with this part of God's tough love toward Moses. I know God loved Moses. I know Moses loved God. I know God corrects and disciplines those that He loves, just as my wife and I discipline our children out of love for them.

I don't know what your day may bring, but one thing is sure; God is the Rock. He loves you. He cares for you. His ways are perfect. His mercy and grace are immeasurable.

He is the Strong Rock.

Character Welcome

There is a popular TV network slogan that simply states "Characters Welcome". The implication is that the world is full of lots of different types of characters and they want to celebrate the differences through their programming. Not a bad goal. However, I can't help but think every time I hear those two words that it would have been better to say, "Character Welcome".

In today's world of self-promotion and a "claw your way to the top" mentality, it is often character that is missing in so many situations and relationships. It has been said, that character is who you are when no one is looking. I believe that to be a true statement. Who we are in a crowd of onlookers may be very different than who we are when we believe no one is watching us.

In the MCS Student Leadership Institute, we expose our students to numerous methods, styles, and theories about leadership. We focus on Christ-like humility and servanthood. We teach the students about the importance of Godly character. The Apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 13:13 that love is the most important character quality. In today's culture, character often times falls to the wayside as people strive to get ahead and make a name for themselves and their careers. At MCS we want our families and staff to strive for Christian character in all aspects of their lives, and to expect it from each other.

We know that King David was a man after God's heart. That does not mean that David never failed, or made mistakes. In fact, if we examine his life, we find David had many flaws. He was human and sinful. But we also discover in David a strong sense of responsibility, humility, and brokeness when he failed.

I hope for each of us at MCS that it can be said of us, as it was said of David, that "[we lead] with integrity of heart; and with skillful hands..." Psalm 78: 72

Passing the Baton

I've always loved to watch the relay races at a track meet. As a high school student I had the privilege of running the first leg of the 4 x 100 relay race. The event requires that you have 4 fast runners, but it also requires 3 handoffs of the baton. As we saw in the Olympics with the United States relay races, the handoff is a crucial part of the race. It doesn't matter how fast you are: If you're unable to pass the baton to the next runner within the space allowed, or without dropping the baton, you will not be able to finish the race.

Mandarin Christian School is facing one of those important handoff points of our ministry. I'm proud to announce that beginning on Monday, September 22, I will have the privilege to pass the baton of leadership to a beloved and respected member of the Jacksonville academic and Christian community, when we welcome Dr. Milton H. Threadcraft, as the new Headmaster at Mandarin Christian School.

Dr. Threadcraft comes to MCS with over 30 years of experience in the field of education, having served as Principal at Ribault Junior High School, Northwestern Junior High School, Mandarin Senior High School, William M. Raines Senior High School, and Paxon Senior High School. Dr. Threadcraft and his family have been active members of Mandarin Christian Church and Christ's Church for over five years. Dr. Threadcraft is regarded highly for his Christian walk, leadership skills, mentoring and team building philosophy, ability to motivate students and staff, and an enthusiastic love for children and families. He is a gifted communicator and proven leader with a deep faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

Please join the MCS school board and staff in welcoming Dr. Threadcraft and his family into the MCS family. For those of us who've had the opportunity to get to know Dr. Threadcraft, it is evident that God has uniquely prepared him in his professional and Christian journey to be ready to take the baton and complete the race that is before us.

Seek God

As a child and as a parent, I have always enjoyed the game of "Hide and Seek". I'm not sure that the game necessarily teaches young people good social skills, but it is a fun game to play. Depending on where you played the game and the confines with which you had to work, it could be a really simple game or incredibly difficult. I remember playing an advanced version of the game as a young teenage counselor at a camp on Mt. Rainier, Washington. We played in the snow over 200 acres of forest, trails, hills, and rocks. It took us more than 2 hours to find everyone. Now that is a serious game.

It's also true that some people are really good at the hiding part and some are better at the seeking part. I have always enjoyed the seeking part much more. There is something about being perfectly still and quiet, sometimes even in tight or small spaces, that just doesn't excite me. However, looking for someone and finding them has always been exciting to me. I even like the hunt of looking for that missing item at home or school, that others have not been able to find. I enjoy the hunt. I enjoy the search.

Many people think that God is like that person hiding somewhere in the wilderness hoping to be found. It is true that He desires for us to seek after Him. The difference in seeking after God is that He is not hiding. He has made it clear through His Word, His people and His creation that He is God. He gives us a choice, but He also shows us the way.



Several scriptures come to mind. In John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." We read in Hosea 10:12, "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you." In Matthew 6:33, we read that we are to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."



As a Christian school, our goal is to point people to Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord, and Son of God. Stop hiding and let us all seek Him daily.

Staying on Track

"That you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:9-13

It is essential in life that we take time to focus our attention on those relationships that are truly important to us. If we want to be successful in relationships then we must put forth the effort to communicate and listen, and when in doubt, choose to simply listen. Relationships take time and energy. Just last night, my son asked if we could go up to the baseball field and hit some baseballs. To be quite honest, I was tired and just ready to go home and relax for awhile. However, I could tell he really wanted to get out and spend some time with dad doing something that we both love to do. Two hours later we were heading back home from the field. I was glad I had said yes, he was grateful that I didn't hit him with any balls, and both of us had spent some important time together. I'm glad I didn't take the night off.

It can be like that with the Lord as well. We can take an hour, a day, a week or even longer if we are not careful in our faith walk with Christ. Being filled with knowledge and wisdom and understanding requires that we spend time with the Lord in prayer, studying and focusing on His Word.

As we get this new school year off and running, let's all commit to staying on track and pleasing God in all of our relationships. May the fruit of our lives be a blessing to those we come in contact with each day.

Let us Serve

Summer has come and gone, and most of us are back into the swing of school. It is fun to see familiar faces and the excitement of a new school year. There is still the tough realization that those days of sleeping past 6:30 a.m. are gone, except for the occasional weekend when we have the luxury of a late start. Teachers, parents and students are all busy with the school day, after school activities, homework, studying, etc. and everyone is generally busy.

With a busy schedule in mind, I want to challenge us all to think of ways to serve one another and our community at large. Mandarin Christian School has a wonderful reputation of caring for others. As we begin the school year, one of my prayers is that we will be like Samuel. What does that mean exactly? Let me share. First of all, it means that we look and listen for opportunities each and every day to serve. Secondly, it means that we will go and serve when the opportunity is before us. Wouldn't it be a great testimony to God and our school, if people all over Jacksonville recognized our love of serving others?



I don't know how many times each of us will hear and respond to the call to serve. However, I do know that if we are willing to serve, God will lead us to people in need.

I Samuel 3:10 "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

May we all have ears attentive to the Lord's calling.

Summertime

Summertime! Many images come to mind when I think of summertime. Growing up in Oregon and living most of the last 21 years in Florida, many of my thoughts of summer include the beach. I love the sand and surf. I love the smell of the beach and the saltwater. As a kid, I enjoyed the bonfires on the beach. Can't do that anymore! What a great time sitting around a campfire, singing, laughing, talking about the day and the plans to come.

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a summer camp on the shores of the Pacific Ocean at a place called Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp. What a beautiful place. As much as I loved the beach and the times with friends, Wi-Ne-Ma will always hold a place dear to my heart as a place where I committed my life to Christ, where I made a decision in high school to attend a Christian college, where I served as a camp counselor to young people, where I fell in love with the work of so many missionaries over the years of attending "Missions Week", and a place where I met a beautiful young lady that would one day be my wife. A pretty significant place for me to grow.

If at this point you are still reading this blog, you may be wondering why would I mention all of those memories of summertime and camp. It is partly motivated by the week my family and I just spent in Oregon with family. We were able to attend the 50th wedding anniversary of my wife's parents, Dr. Paul and Jan Jones. We talked a lot about family heritage, raising families in the church, serving Jesus Christ, and following God's call on our lives. We were also able to attend the high school graduation of my nephew, Stuart. Pretty cool stuff.

I guess that is part of what I love most about summertime. It gives many of us with families an opportunity to slow down a bit, if we choose. We can rest a little, read more, take time to call an old friend, make plans to see loved ones, and reconnect with friends. I also like summertime, because as an educator, it gives me a chance to reflect and in many ways begin fresh with the new school year. I like new beginnings and I love re-connections.

I hope that if you're able this summer that you've had or will have a chance to connect with family and friends, but most importantly with Jesus Christ. Just yesterday at church, I challenged the sixth grade boys in the small group I taught to use the summer as a time to establish the habit of daily time in God's Word, the Bible. I'd like to challenge each of you in the same way. Let this summer be a time when you connect with God in church, spend some of your radio or iPod time listening to Christian music, read your Bible, attend a Christian camp as a family, or spend a day enjoying God's magnificent creation.

Whatever this summer holds for you, I hope and pray that you are able to include God in your plans. Have a safe and wonderful summer in the Lord.

Radical Faith

In my office, I have a couple copies of the New Testament of the Bible that look like magazines. I picked them up a few months back because I liked how they looked and thought they were cool. I also thought that I could use them in conversations with students that I see in my office from time to time. I find myself using them more and more because of the relevant devotions and contemporary language that is used throughout. One of them is called Refuel 2008 and is published by Thomas Nelson. Last Friday as we were preparing for graduation, I had a moment of peace and quiet and picked up the Refuel 2008 Biblezine to read during the few precious seconds of calm in a busy and hectic day. As I was flipping through the pages, a section called "Radical Faith" caught my attention. It referred to the passage in Acts where Peter and John were speaking to the council about the life and power of Jesus Christ. It is in this passage that we read Peter's words in Acts 4:20, "We cannot keep quiet. We must speak about what we have seen and heard." (New Century Version) The article then went on to discuss what this means for us today.

When is the last time you couldn't keep quiet about the Good New of Jesus Christ? That's a good question that hits most believers hard. We often get more excited about our favorite team winning a close game than we do about what God has done in our lives. But there needs to be some passion in our witness, too. Peter and John were facing death here, square in the face. They stood in front of a group of the most important religious figures of the day, all of whom wanted them silenced, if not killed. Yet Peter was unapologetic about what he had seen. He couldn't keep quiet about Jesus. Refuel 2008 pg. 141, NCV, 2005 by Thomas Nelson.

This may seem a bit odd as an end-of-the-school year blog. Nonetheless, I hope you will hear my challenge for all of us as we head off into summer vacation. Let us all continue to share the Good News of Jesus Christ as we all go our different directions over the next couple of months. At MCS, we have much for which to thankful. We've had a great year! Many new things have happened and there are many more exciting things on the horizon.

Please join the leadership in prayer for God's provision and support as we enter into a campaign to raise money for our new education building and renovations to our current facilities. Plans continue to move forward in the area of parking lot construction, water retention and drainage, and master planning for the new building. Be looking for updated information on our website over the summer. We are looking for several volunteers that would like to help us as we establish 10 different committees to lead and serve in the following areas of our campaign. 1. Campaign Steering Committee, 2. Spiritual Emphasis Committee, 3. Public Relations Committee, 4. Major Gifts Committee, 5. Corporate/Foundation Gifts Committee, 6. General Gifts Committee, 7. Church Relations Committee, 8. Special Gifts Committee, 9. Estate Design Committee, 10. Alumni Committee.

As you can see, we have a lot of work to do in the days ahead. If you would like to help in one of the areas please contact me at the school, 268-8667.

Have a blessed and safe summer.

See you all in the fall.

In Christ,
Pat

Biblical Worldview

In today's culture, we are bombarded by beliefs and philosophies that are counter to a biblical perspective of life. At Mandarin Christian School, we believe that teaching our students about God the Creator, our Heavenly Father and His perspective on the world is one of our highest callings. Last month I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Daniel L. Akin, Ph.D., President of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, as he discussed the topic: "How to Think Like a Christian In a Counter-Christian Culture", at the Orlando Student Leadership University Conference. For those of us there, it was sad to listen to what is obviously becoming more and more the norm in our culture. Many Christians have fallen prey to the philosophies of this world and have neglected the teachings of the Bible.

"Timothy, guard what you have been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge." I Timothy 6:20

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of Truth." II Timothy 2:15

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." I Peter 1:13

"Always be prepared to give an answer [apoligia] to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." I Peter 3:15

And He [Jesus] said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37

A worldview is a comprehensive view of life through which we think, understand, and judge, and which determines our approach to life and meaning.

The Barna Research Group found that only 4% of American adults have a biblical worldview, and only 9% of those categorized as born-again Christians have a biblical worldview.

Our desire at MCS is that every student would have a clear, articulate, biblical world-view perspective of life. We believe that is what God desires and expects of His followers.

Justice, Mercy, and Humility

A few weeks ago I mentioned some of my favorite verses in Scripture. I started with Micah 6:8, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." As I was leading a group of high school students today in our Student Leadership Institute (SLi), I challenged them with a perspective of leadership based on this verse in Micah. SLi is based on the biblical model of leadership exemplified in Jesus' life of servant leadership. I believe that Jesus modeled Micah 6:8 in His life and leadership every day. He sought to be just and fair. He lived a life of mercy and grace. He showed the ultimate act of humility by offering His life for our sins.

I hope and pray that the leaders we train at MCS will always seek to model their leadership after Jesus. The world will continue to tell us that leadership is about power. I believe that the true power in leadership comes as we serve others.

In closing this week, I want to personally invite each of you to join us for our first graduation on Friday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony is being held at Christ's Church - Mandarin, located at 6045 Greenland Road, Jacksonville. It would be awesome to pack the auditorium with all of our MCS families. Please plan on coming and supporting our first group of seniors as they graduate.

Leadership

I had the awesome privilege of attending the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Student Leadership Conference in conjunction with Student Leadership University (SLU) 101 last week in Orlando with 14 of our MCS upper school students and two chaperones. The only word that begins to describe the week is "unbelievable." We were challenged to become leaders that are:
1. Convinced of God's calling to leadership
2. Conscious of our attitude, future and others
3. Competent of our Christian world-view, components of leadership, and our responsibilities
4. Contagious in our Christianity
5. Confident in our role as an emerging leader

To say that those five topics even scratched the surface would not do justice to all of the other sessions in which we were involved. I can honestly say that this was some of the best leadership training I have been involved in over the past 20+ years in Christian education. Our students were trained in the top-notch Franklin-Covey model of prioritizing goals, tasks, and appointments. They participated in the D.I.S.C. personality profile. We heard from leaders in business, leadership, and education. We spent several hours with Dr. Daniel L. Akin, Ph. D. learning "How to Think Like a Christian In a Counter-Christian Culture" as we looked at Ten Foundational Beliefs of a Christian Worldview. For more information please see Dr. Akin's website at http://www.danielakin.com/.

We also spent time behind the scenes at Sea World in some incredible training venues. Of course the day at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure was a lot of fun as well. Dr. Strack told the students in the very first session that they were going to work hard and play hard. He was correct. If you would like more information about Student Leadership University, you can check them out at their website as well, http://www.studentleadership.net/.

I am so proud of our students for their commitment to expanding their horizons and for taking the challenge to go and learn how to lead as Jesus did, through service to others.

Verse 8

I was challenged at church last week to make note of some of my favorite scriptures. As I was writing them down, I realized that many of them came from the 8th verse of a particular chapter. I thought I would share them with you this week, as they encouraged me through God's Word.

My life verse, Micah 6:8, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

A great reminder of our culture war, Colossians 2:8, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

A tribute to Christ's love for us, Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

God's gift to us, Ephesians 2:8, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."

Light in the darkness, Ephesians 5:8, " For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."

Rejoice in the Lord, Philippians 4:8, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice."

Jesus is the same, Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Love covers, I Peter 4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Encouraged?

I love people who encourage me. In fact, I don't know if I have ever heard someone complain about someone being too encouraging. We all need to be encouraged. Students seek encouragement from parents, teachers, and friends. Adults look for encouragement from spouses, friends, and employers. Encouragement motivates us to do things that seem too difficult. It helps us get through a tough situation. The dictionary.com website defines it this way.

Encourage

–verb (used with object), -aged, -ag·ing.
1. to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.
2. to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.

How is your encouragement profile? Do you encourage those around you, or do you point out their faults and failures? I was reminded this past weekend that I have the less than desirable attribute at times of pointing out an area needing improvement in one of my kids after a ball game, instead of pointing out and encouraging them in the things they did well.

One of the main reasons I began this blog was to be an encouragement to others. I hope that to some extent that is why you are reading these words today. Wouldn't it be a tremendous testimony to our school if we were known by others as a school that encourages one another? I have the privilege of seeing our staff encourage students, families, and one another through some difficult situations. I have seen our families reach out to each other in times of need. Isn't that one of the main reasons we partner together in the education of children? We are here to encourage.

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus." Romans 15:5

Kingdom Education

Since the beginning of our school in 1995, we have sought to teach from a distinctively Biblical worldview perspective. It would be difficult to fully explain and define the many ways in which we work diligently to teach and lead in this manner. However, those who have been connected with MCS over the years would be able to identify many of the ways in which we train staff, students and families to look at the surrounding world through the lens of God's Word and Biblical principles. For instance, every year our staff is engaged in their own training through conferences, workshops, weekly school wide staff development meetings, church involvement, chapel programs and Christian school accreditation to name a few. Students are given classroom and field trip opportunities to examine and learn more about the world, themselves and God. We also have several parenting opportunities throughout the year to help train and lead our families.
What makes us different or distinct? God's plan! We have also used the book by Dr. Glen Schultz, "Kingdom Education" as a model for our program. With permission, I have included the definition of Kingdom education and listed the 10 Biblical principles from the book along with their respective scripture references. It is my hope that every family at MCS would understand and seek to educate with these ideas in mind.

Kingdom Education is defined as: the life-long, Bible-based, Christ-centered process of leading a child into a new identity with Christ, developing a child according to his/her specific abilities given to him by Christ, so that a child would be empowered to live a life characterized by love, trust and obedience to Christ.

Biblical Principles of Kingdom Education
1. The education of children and youth is the primary responsibility of parents. Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:18-21; Psalms 78;1-7; Psalms 127:3; Proverbs 22:6; Malachi 2:13-16; Ephesians 6:4

2. The education of children and youth is a 24 hour-a-day, 7 days-per-week process that continues from birth till maturity.
Deuteronomy 6:7; 11:19; Proverbs 22:6

3. The education of children and youth must have as its primary goals the salvation of and discipleship of the next generation.
Psalms 78:6-7; Matthew 28:19-20

4. The education of children and youth must be based on God’s Word as absolute truth. Matthew 24:35; Psalms 119

5. The education of children and youth must hold Christ as preeminent in all of life. Colossians 2:3, 6-10

6. The education of children and youth must not hinder the spiritual and moral development of the next generation.
Matthew 18:6; 19:13-14; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17

7. The education of children and youth, if and when delegated to others by parents, must be done so with utmost care to ensure that all teachers follow these principles.
Exodus 18:21; I Samuel 1:27-28; 3:1-10

8. The education of children and youth results in the formation of a belief system or worldview that will be patterned after the belief systems or worldviews of the person’s teachers.
Luke 6:40

9. The education of children and youth must lead to true wisdom by connecting all knowledge to a biblical worldview frame of reference.
Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1; Proverbs 4:5,7; 3:19; 9:10, Psalms 104:24; 136:5; Jeremiah 10:12; Romans 11:33; Luke 11:52; Colossians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 8:1; 13:8; Romans 1:28

10. The education of children and youth must have a view of the future that includes the eternal perspective.
Colossians 3:1-2; Matthew 6:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Acts 20:24; Hebrews 11:13; Colossians 3:23-24

I believe that with God's Word as our guide, Christian faculty that are trained to teach from a distinctively Christian perspective, the 10 principles of Kingdom education as our education model, and the continuous seeking of God's Will, that Mandarin Christian School will continue to flourish in the years ahead as we prepare students for college and life ahead.

Above all, it is our desire that each and every student will have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and their Savior.

Easter Celebration

Each year at this time, Christians remember the incredible sacrifice and love displayed on the cross, and celebrate the hope and joy that comes from serving a risen Savior. I love the Easter celebration, and how it is so full of hope, promise, compassion and love. As I am writing this week's blog, I can hear the violins of our strings program playing the tune, "Holy, Holy, Holy" in our elementary chapel program across the foyer (I actually stopped writing to go and listen to our students worship through music this morning). What a blessing!

That is what this week really represents. We as Christians acknowledge that we serve a righteous, holy, loving God. We recognize the familiar and powerful words of John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." God has promised us that we can have a relationship with him, if we believe.

Our hope at Mandarin Christian School is that each student will one day proclaim that Jesus is Lord, and will follow Him as His disciple. That is my hope for each of you reading these words as well this week. If you are in the Jacksonville area and do not have a church home, I would like to invite you to get connected this Easter and join us this weekend (March 22 and 23). Christ's Church is located at 6045 Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL and we have services on Saturday, March 22 at 5pm and Sunday, March 23 at 9am and 10:30am. For more information go to http://www.ccontheweb.com/.

Thank You

Two little words, so often ignored. It is so nice to hear those words when someone recognizes a job well done, or a kind deed, or a kind word. I wish that I was always quick with a "thank you" and never missed the opportunity to say "good job" when the opportunity arises. With those thoughts in mind, I would like to say a big "THANK YOU" to the many people involved in the 13th Annual MCS Auction last week, to raise money for our new playground equipment and materials.

What a tremendous blessing. What a huge success. What a great evening of fun, fellowship, food, and even fund-raising. Thank you to the auction committee that began preparations as soon as last year's Auction ended. Thank you to the many volunteers that worked diligently to solicit items for the Auction, to set up and decorate, to organize class baskets, to fix and serve the food, and to stick around until late at night to clean up and set up for church the next day. Thank you to the MCS staff and Christ's Church staff for all of their coordination of efforts to make this year the best ever. Thanks to the students that came out and helped serve.

One of the many things I love about MCS is the way we work together with volunteers, staff, and families. It would be impossible for us to have such an event if it were not for the many hours that our volunteers lovingly sacrifice for the greater cause of Christian education.

Thank you all! Keep on serving others!

Clean Hands and Pure Heart

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness the God of his salvation." Psalm 24: 1-5

Last week, I challenged each of you to join us in praying for Mandarin Christian School, our families, our faculty, our finances, our facilities, and our overall program. I would like to invite you to join with us each Wednesday morning in Room 104 in the back of the auditorium from 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. for a special time of prayer and praise. This opportunity to pray is open to all students, parents, staff, and friends of MCS who desire to join with us.

My hope is that each of us will come before the Lord with clean hands and pure hearts, and lift up the needs, hopes, dreams, and vision of Mandarin Christian School before our Lord, the Creator and Sustainer of all. I believe that God wants His people to pray and He wants to bless His children as they humbly come before Him. Please prayerfully consider joining us each Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m., beginning this week on March 5th.

We read in Psalm 25:4-5 of David's prayer to God when he writes, "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

I pray that you will come and share with us on Wednesday mornings.

In Christ!

People of Prayer

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' Luke 18:13

The man that prayed this simple but powerful prayer, was someone that was viewed by the religious leaders with distrust and disdain. He was despised for his way of life and treatment of people. However, we read of his recognition of his situation. He was a sinner. He realized that he needed God's grace and mercy and so he asked for it.

I have challenged our leaders at Mandarin Christian School to join together for 90 days of prayer for MCS to conclude on Friday, May 23. I would like to ask you to join us in praying for God's provision, protection, and direction for us as we continue to mature and grow as a Christian school. A person of prayer is one that simply, humbly, and sincerely bows before God and pours out the contents of his/her heart. Some things to consider as you pray: location you choose for prayer, the amount of distraction around you and your state of mind as you come before God. Ask God to help you focus on Him as you pray. Then just share the concerns of your heart.

We are engaged in a battle for the hearts of souls of our children and ourselves. Let us not stop praying for God to lead and guide us as we encounter a culture that is becoming increasingly hostile to the ways of God. Let us remain humble, caring, loving, compassionate, and Christ-like as we have the opportunities to interact with the people around us. God have mercy on us!

Creation

It's interesting to me that we have a debate in our state about whether or not evolution should be taught in our public schools. People on both sides speak out with such passion and excitement about their viewpoint or perspective. As I have been listening and reading over the past few days, one thing is obvious to me, people on both sides are adamant about their beliefs.

Let me share what we believe at Mandarin Christian School:

• God was "in the beginning," and He is eternal (Genesis 1:1; 21:33)
• God is the Creator of the universe and heavens - everything (Genesis 1)
• God created both male and female (Genesis 1:27; 5:2)
• All humans beings are descendants of Adam and Eve (Genesis 1:28a; 3:20)
• Man is not an animal; he was set above the animals (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:19)
• We are made in the "image of God" (Genesis 1:27; 5:1)
• There is good and there is evil (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:5)
  

For all of us, whether Christian or not, it boils down to which view of the world we choose to follow. It is either Biblical or it is not. We either have a Biblical worldview or a non-Biblical worldview. Does evolution line up with God's Word? The answer is no.

Dr. Jason Lisle, said it well when he said, "Since science requires the Biblical principle of uniformity (as well as a number of other Biblical creation principles), it is rather amazing that one could be a scientist and also an evolutionist. And yet, there are scientists that profess to believe in evolution. How is that possible?

The answer is that evolutionists are able to do science only because they are inconsistent. They accept biblical principles such as uniformity, while simultaneously denying the Bible from which those principles are derived. Such inconsistency is common secular thinking; secular scientists claim that the universe is not designed, but they do science as if the universe is designed and
upheld by God in a uniform way. Evolutionists can do science only if they rely on biblical creation assumptions (such as uniformity) that are contrary to their professed belief in
evolution."

We all need to be informed on the issues and not just blindly accept what people tell us. As Christians, we must always compare what we hear with God's Word. The world will tell us something based on their belief system. We must be prepared to defend our own beliefs in logical, rational, and Biblically-informed ways.

For more information on the creation vs. evolution debate, check out these resources.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
"Mere Creation: Science, Faith & Intelligent Design" by William A. Dembski
"Bio-Engagement: Making a Christian Difference through Bioethics Today" by Nigel M.de S. Cameron, Scott E. Daniels and Barbara J. White.
"The Genesis Solution" by Ken Ham and Paul Taylor
"In Six Days: Why 50 Scientists Choose to Believe in Creation" edited by John F. Ashton, PhD

Are You Leading a Big Life?

What a great week at Mandarin Christian School. This week, we celebrate our annual missions week at MCS, in which we focus on God's work around the world. We will have the opportunity to learn about several different missions opportunities through our special chapel services this week. This morning, we were all challenged by John Heerema, President of Big Life Ministries, Inc. Big Life Ministries was born out of a challenge to live a big life for Jesus. Ephesians 4:1 encourages us to "live a life worthy of the calling we have received." The primary purpose of Big Life Ministries is to empower, equip and encourage local believers to reach their own people for Jesus Christ. Mr. Heerema shared how God is using people of all ages to share Christ in areas of the world that have never heard the message of the Gospel. It was an excellent reminder for each of us to go and make disciples of the people that we know and have contact with in our schools, our neighborhoods, our communities, and areas of influence.

Are we living lives of great big Kingdom impact, or are we going through the motions day after day with little or no impact for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ? I hope that each student and staff member and MCS family will look for ways to impact the world around them for Christ. None of us are perfect. None of us are without fault or sin. However, God still chooses to use those who will follow and obey His ways, to fulfill His purposes. It is a blessing that God allows us to be used by Him as He desires. The challenge for us is to be so closely in tune with His ways and His Word that we don't miss those incredible opportunities that He puts before us to share the eternal message of love and hope found in Jesus alone.

The Truth Project

For several years now, I have been burdened with the not-so-subtle way in which we, as Christians, have allowed the world's perspective to creep into our daily lives. We allow things to enter our homes via the television, radio, and internet - things that a few decades ago would have been considered by most people to be inappropriate and offensive. Now we may actually find ourselves entertained by television shows that promote teenage promiscuity, drug use, alcohol use, and rebellion. The things that previously bothered us, no longer bother us. We have become calloused (without feeling) to the ways of the world. It happens over time. Sometimes we don't even realize what we are participating in and condoning by our actions. So what? It doesn't really harm me. I can handle it. I'm mature enough to recognize and deal with the things of this world, and "not be taken captive by the hollow and deceptive philosophies of the day" (Colossians 2:8).

Let me suggest that each one of us has a lot to learn when it comes to thinking about the world around us from a Biblical perspective. One of the main goals that we have for our students at Mandarin Christian School is that they would learn to look at the world through the lens of Scripture and then be able to apply those principles into their daily lives. Thus, allowing them to live the abundant, joyful life that God has intended for them.

It all begins with us recognizing "Truth" and recognizing that which is false.

Who is God? Why am I here?
Are there absolutes? What is Truth?

“Do you really believe what you believe is really real?"

Are you aware of the Cosmic Battle that is being waged daily in our culture?
Are we being taken captive by the lies of the world?

In a recent survey, The Barna Group found that only 9% of professing Christians hold a
Biblical worldview. Does this concern you? Are you asking yourself what can be done to reverse this trend?

In answer to these questions, Christ's Church is proud to offer Focus on the Family's
"The Truth Project" ...an in-depth Christian Worldview Experience.
Beginning February 26th, this study will be presented at the Mandarin Campus on
Tuesday evenings from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., for thirteen weeks.

I want to invite you to join me and others on this journey each Tuesday evening at Christ's Church. I know that you will be challenged, blessed, encouraged, and stretched in your worldview development by being a part of this study.

To sign up, you can go to http://www.ccontheweb.com/ and click on "The Truth Project" banner on the right side of the home page. For more information go to http://www.truthproject.org/.

Hope to see you there.

True Religion

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27

I must admit that having just returned from a trip to India, and having the opportunity to spend time with the children and people that are deemed "untouchables" was truly a religious experience. To see the blind, the lame, and the deaf praise our Heavenly Father in such a joyful, happy, and real way was humbling, powerful, and wonderful. As we spent time with those that I would describe as being in tremendous need, I realized how much my spirit was in need of the same kind of joy and peace.

It was difficult to see the need. I am grateful that I have new friends in such a place. I pray that together, we will be able to help meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of these wonderful people.

I also am so grateful for what I have. I take for granted too often my family, friends, church, and Christian school and the staff that teach my children the ways of the Lord. My prayer for each of us is that we would find peace and contentment in whatever circumstance we are in, and realize how truly blessed we are to live in this great country, the United States of America.

In the weeks to come I will be sharing more specifically about the work in Mid-India. It is an amazing work of God.

In Christ!

Helping Those in Need

Last week I mentioned briefly that I will be heading to India this week with seven other adults from Christ's Church, in Jacksonville, Florida. We are partnering with the Mid-India Christian Mission, in Damoh. I've been to India several times, but this will be my first trip to Damoh and the surrounding areas of Mid-India. I am particularly excited to see the children, the school, the rehabilitation center, and meet the wonderful staff that work so faithfully to serve the Lord and others. For more information on MICM you can click http://www.midindia.com/.

Over the last three years, Christ's Church has been working with Vivek Lall to establish a refuge community called Ashram for the outcast and disabled in Damoh. The property will feature housing units, a church, school, recreation fields, crop fields, a lake that provides irrigation and resources to the community as well as fish that will both feed children and provide employment and income for the ongoing costs of Ashram.

Another large project is the School and Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled (SRCD). This school cares for and educates disabled children in a Christian environment. Mid-India is currently looking for sponsors for the children & teachers. In addition, Mid-India Christian Mission includes a Christian school, a general hospital, and eye clinic, a Bible college, a school for the blind, and a publication center. For pictures and more information on Ashram click on the following link http://ccmissions.com/ashrammidindia.

Please be in prayer for the people of India and those who are traveling on this trip. My prayer is that we will all see God move and work through the efforts of those involved in this great ministry, as we partner in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I look forward to sharing more with you when I return.

Do I Please God?

I have spent the better part of today dealing with paperwork, bills, an orthodontist appointment, getting ready for a couple of meetings, and all of the other things that go along with serving as an administrator in a Christian school. I leave in one week on a project in India that Christ's Church began about 5 years ago. (I will share about that trip when I return.) I have literally run from one appointment to the next, while text messaging, e-mailing and calling people on my phone as I wait in traffic or somewhere else. I'm sure that most of you can relate to the feelings that often accompany the hustle and bustle of the day. In my case today, it was mostly a frantic feeling of being rushed and behind.

However, in the middle of all of that, there was a small window of about 15 minutes where I was waiting for the next thing, and I found myself sitting in an office waiting to meet with someone, with nothing to do. I left my phone in the car, which means my calendar, e-mail, voicemail, internet, iTunes, stock quotes, camera, and whatever else it can do that I haven't figured out yet were all with it. That is why I had that 15 minutes. I was literally unplugged for a time. The only distraction was the music playing in the office as I waited. I had upcoming meetings on my mind, but I found myself just thinking about my day so far.

I wish that I could say that I sense God speaking clearly to me on a regular basis. But this morning, one question was quietly on my mind: Have I pleased God today? If so, how? If not, why? As I recalled the morning, I wasn't sure. A quote from Jesus came to my mind from the book of John, Chapter 5 verse 30. Jesus was commenting to some of his critics when he said, "by myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgement is just, for I seek not to please myself but Him who sent me." So how did Jesus please the Father? By doing His will.

So what is the will of God? How do we please Him? I went to my car and grabbed a notepad and began to write down those things that I know please God. This is obviously not an exhaustive list, but it does represent those things that I hope I will always seek to do, that our staff at MCS will always strive for, and that our families will join us as we partner together to please our Father in Heaven.

Here are some of the things that I believe scripture indicates are pleasing to God. They are not necessarily in any particular rank or order of importance, but as they came to my mind...though I think we will all identify some as higher than others:
1. Caring for those in need
2. Sharing the hope of Christ with everyone you can
3. Loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength
4. Obeying God's commands in scripture
5. Giving glory to God
6. Seeking first the Kingdom of God
7. Teaching our children God's ways
8. Turning from sin
9. Humbling ourselves
10. Serving others
11. Loving our enemies
12. Becoming a true disciple and follower of Jesus Christ

I finished writing these twelve things down in my notebook, and was praying as I was called in for my meeting. I want to spend more time thinking about this concept of pleasing God daily.

I hope that each day we will seek to please God. I know that there are many other things that please God. What are some of the ideas that come to your mind? I would love to hear from you about what you believe pleases our Heavenly Father.

I look forward to learning more in this area in the coming weeks.

Have a great day!

The Word

A few weeks ago I mentioned the importance of the spiritual disciplines of prayer, reading scripture, service, etc. This week I would like to focus on the area of reading and studying scripture. I find it interesting in my own life how I can fluctuate from day to day, week to week, and month to month, as to the amount of time I spend in God's Word. I don't find myself debating the importance of spending time in God's Word and/or the necessity for me to commit it to memory. I just find myself reading a devotional or an inspiring e-mail, or listening to a Christian podcast, and feeling as though my quiet time was maybe good enough. However, I do realize there is no substitute for my own time in The Word. I know that God's Word is, "God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3:16) I recognize that God's Word can and does speak directly into my life to guide and direct my days. So what keeps me and so many of us from doing what we want and need? I propose that it is the busyness of the day that makes it so difficult at times to spend the good quality and quantity time in God's Word. Sometimes the busy day is full of really good and honorable things, and yet at the end of the day I find myself tired, worn out, and with little left in the tank for God or others.

So, what do we do about it? Simply stated, we make time for God and His Word each and every day. Don't let busyness rob you of the joy of time with God. Begin to memorize scripture for the purpose of [hiding] God's Word in [your] heart that [you] might not sin against God." ( Psalms 119:11)

As the new year begins, my prayer is that each of us at MCS will grow day by day in our faith as we commit to spend more time in God's Word and allow Him to speak to us through His Word. Let us become better disciples together as we meditate day and night on God's Word.