Stay Steady

Over the latter part of the summer my bride and I have been attending a church closer to our home, mainly due to rising gas prices. But also perhaps because of a desire to worship closer to where we live (and my bride works) rather than near where I work, 20 mile commute. As providence (truly, the working of the Holy Spirit) would have it today's message at PCBC was exactly what the two of us needed to hear.

To say the least our emotional and spiritual status have been stretched to the limit over the course of the last month. Without going into great detail suffice it to say, we were almost to the point of just covering up and sleeping in. But God knew what we needed and the gentle prodding of the Holy Spirit got us up, urging us to get ready and go despite what our head was telling us. Oh by the way, the prodding was in the form of a forgotten phone reminder to get up at 6 a.m. this morning and walk.

Today's message was a continuation of the series on Parables. Today's text, Luke 18:1-8, "The Persistent Widow" (NIV). Or as I've often referred to it, "God's Gift of Nag."

If you're not familiar with the story, it is told by Jesus to his followers to show them the importance of continuous persistent prayer. The New Living Translation records it this way:

2 “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. 3 A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ 4 The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, 5 but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

6 Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. 7 Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?”

Note the character of the Judge. He had no fear of God and didn't really care about people either. His motivation for the position was the money.

The widow had intestinal fortitude. Despite repeatedly having the Judge turn a deaf ear, she kept returning time and time again. Her persistence wore him out and he gave her the justice she was requesting.

"2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1, NIV)

While at the time of the trials its not very pleasant, but the end result is worth the journey. The development of perseverance! For as a follower of Christ persevering in the faith until Christ's return or our ascension is what we must be about.

Today's message reminded us of the Hope that we have in Christ Jesus. His gift freely given. It reminded me not to become so wrapped up in the now that I loose perspective of the big picture. And finally it reminded me that especially in times of failure and despair our interdependence upon Christ is paramount for perseverance to be properly developed.

Jesus' invitation to persistently pursue Christ's glory and justice is a must for me in the days ahead. I learned today that my life must be so intertwined and interdependent on Christ that, "I ooze Him."

THSCA Final Passage

The THSCA (Texas High School Coaches Association Clinic) signifies a passage, if you will, marking the end of summer and the coming of football season. The clinic is about strengthening coaching skills, friendships, networks, and personal enrichment. It is a time of celebrating the accomplishment of student athletes and coaches. It is also that final time of relaxation before the beginning of the non-stop pace of coaching.

This years clinic is in San Antonio at the convention center, Alamodome, and St. Mary's Univ. And San Antonio is one my favorite places to visit.

The Riverwalk, the history of Texas' independence and the cultural climate make it an ideal place to finish out the summer. I'm excited because rather than staying in a hotel this trip we found a bed and breakfast. While just as pricey as a hotel, the benefits of parking, breakfast, internet, and being on the Riverwalk made it a great place to stay.

The clinic provided a couple of good days of picking up coaching tips and being with coaching friends. I'm ready to see my grandson now before heading back to DFW and work.

On Par

Seven months, that seems to be about par for the amount of time between blogs for me. During the course of the last seven months much has happened. The January blog makes mention of my new grandson, who is now 6 months old and other 2007 happenings. Since the purpose of "Just Living" is journaling about life, I'll take a little time to share where our life currently is.

I applied, enrolled and was accepted to Lamar University's online educational leadership program. My major is administrative leadership and upon successful completion I will be qualified to receive a Texas principal certification. That will involve passing a state test sometime in the spring-early summer of 2009.

During the spring we had some fun with track. We weren't an extremely gifted team, but worked hard every week and had some major successes. Seven-on-seven was great fun as we were able to see our young QBs improve the skills that they worked on during the athletic period off season each week. If some of our lineman will just get a little bigger we should have a rewarding season next year.

One of the highlights of the instructional year was the TAKS results. Fifteen of my 38 algebra 1 students made commended, which helped with the sting of having only an 85% pass rate. One hundred percent of my 7th grade math class passed the TAKS with a 70 or better, so I was pumped for them. I also got to do four weeks of tutoring for at risk 8th graders during the spring and that was rewarding as all but 3 of them passed.

The summer has been hectic. I was invited to teach SSI for the 8th graders making their third attempt at passing the TAKS. I don't know how my 10 did, but I know that each one of them made some great strides in math.

Also, this summer I've been able to spend time online and in person with our grandson. He has grown exponentially. He's almost crawling and has a laugh that will melt your heart. I'm hoping to see him one more time next week.

"I Share"

In service today Ross shared the following video with us. It is simple, but has the power of the Word embedded in it. I share it with the hope of giving you some insight into my heart.

Happy listening.

Review 2007

This morning's message got me to thinking...Ross asked us to consider the question "Who Are You?" and to answer it by first determining who you are not. The premise was based on the question asked of John the Baptist recorded in John 1:19-34 and his response.
My first thoughts surprised me as I wrote. "I am not an undefiled follower. I am not faithful to God's service. I am a sinner saved by grace not living out His plan everyday. I am a minister struggling with his call, desiring to serve but unsure from this vantage if the service I am giving is really what Christ desires."
This ministry began about this time 4 years ago as my wife and I began to pray about her beginning work on a doctorate. I would love to say that it has been a fruitful 4 years. But truthfully I really don't know where I am in this teaching/coaching ministry. There have been many victories, lots of things to rejoice about, but honestly I'm not where God wants me in my personal walk.
Reasons to Rejoice:
The birth of our First grandchild tops the list. Born to Stephen and Robin shortly after 2008 began is reason for much thanks.Stephen getting his first full time Student Pastorate this year was a source of much celebration. Despite the fact that it separated us by 7 hours.
Being a part of an FCA event at Birdville ISD stadium that saw several HEB ISD athletes come to Christ.
Serving as recreation director for FBC-Sunnyvale was a true joy this past summer.Winning a second state championship in three years gave reason to rejoice right before Christmas.My bride receiving her second masters degree and being accepted into the doctoral program @ UNT.
Acceptance into the principal certification program at Lamar University is another. Disappointments of the past few months:
Inconsistency in my daily quiet time with Christ.Inconsistency in serving through my church youth program and giving.
Anger issues that have hindered my testimony at road and work.Other issues that I do not believe that honors Christ.Not accomplishing the goals that were set in teaching/coaching this fall for my students.
It is my prayer that in the days to come the disappointments will be replaced by a more consistent walk with Christ.