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.