A Very Merry Christmas -- to You

God has been so wonderfully good this Christmas season. I have been able to go sledding with the kids two different days. We had a blast! The kids have been sledding maybe once or twice ever, if at all. The hill is just down the road from the in-law's, perhaps a five minute drive. The temperature was about perfect -- 32-35 degrees. Definitely not south TX.

At this time as I reflect on the blessings of God, I would be remiss if I did not comment on my family. God has richly blessed me with wonderful family, both my parents and siblings and Bec's parents and siblings. I can do nothing but rejoice in His goodness to us. Everyone gets along well and we enjoy spending time with one another. Truly, God has blessed us. it has never been more evident than at this time when Bec and I wait to see the next step in God's will for our lives. The prayers and support have been such a blessing.

Recently both our church and the kid's school had their Christmas programs. They were so enjoyable and so well done. Neither was elaborate, but both were worshipful. It was quite odd to be present and have no role at all, especially at the school concert. I attended as a parent, something I have never done before. It was good to see my kids in the choirs and my wife and son in their respective handbell choirs.

As I part, I want to say again how thankful I am this Christmas season. At a time that has such a focus on the giving of gifts, I must say that the best gifts are the ones that you do not unpack. They are the ones that are displayed as we represent our Savior to those around us. So many people have done just that lately; some close by, others scattered around the country. Yet each in their own way has been generous to me and to my family. To each of you I say "Thanks." I appreciate it greatly. May God bless and reward you as you have been such a blessing to us. Just as God loved and therefore gave, so you have done the same. Your love has been sensed and is appreciated.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Well, here it is the last weekend before Christmas and I am fairly well stuck indoors. I really enjoy running around and visiting the stores (not much actual purchasing), but it looks like that will not be happening today. The snow has been falling since 4 AM and it is supposed to continue for hours to come. When all is said and done, we may end up with around 12 inches of snow. I guess I will have another cup of coffee soon and enjoy the birds outside as I sit inside.

EBCA had their Christmas concert on Dec. 11. What a blessing! I was truly impressed as the choirs sang, the band played, and the handbell choir performed. It was great to see Justin playing in the JV handbell choir.

Basketball season is underway. Both kids are playing, so the schedule is quite busy. I enjoy watching the games, but it is quite odd to not be coaching. It is VERY strange. Maybe at some point God will allow me to once again coach, or maybe not. It is completely up to Him.

GREAT BIG PRAISE. Pastor Crews and the deacons have asked if we would be interested in living in the church parsonage. It appears that the only cost at this time would be for utilities. Huge blessing. The parsonage sits on the property with the church and school, so it would change the current travel arrangements. Currently the kids and I have the 25 minute drive and Bec the 5 minute drive. It will be flipped after we move. All we can say is that God is good!

In my devotional reading this last week I covered Jehoshaphat. Here are some of the interesting points about the life of Jehoshaphat.

1. He had a heart for God. He wanted to serve His God.
2. He was not completely committed to do whatever it to (remove the high places),
3. He had bad companions -- King Ahab.
4. He paid a price for those associations.
5. His son married Ahab's daughter. Probably wouldn't have happened if he hadn't of worked with Ahab.
6. His son was a wicked king. Apparently, he did not do a good job of teaching at home.

I will try to comment more over the weekend. Have a great day and stay warm.

Christian Education Defined (pt.2)

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudi­ments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:6-8).

Just as during Paul’s lifetime, so today humanistic philosophies often lead to the ruin of Christians. Today, though, the false teachings are not being put forth by Greek philosophers, but rather by educated professionals whose word often goes unquestioned, even by most Christians. Unfortunately, many people, especially the immature, accept the teachings or philosophies of unbelievers based on the "pedigree" of the teacher without evaluating the teaching by the Word of God.

The modern educational system is designed by intelligent people to reach the objectives they have set for it. Through education, they desire to create a society pleasing to everyone who believes as they believe. The Christian educator ought have an entirely different purpose, one that governs everything he does. He needs to train the students to serve God, teach them to live for God, and supple­ment the home and church. The school is not to replace home and church to create a product that is a benefit to society. The educator who seeks to please God cannot follow the philosophy of unsaved men; they almost always view the components of education in very different ways. 

Some people may ask, “How do you know the philosophy of public education is atheistic; and even if it does not promote God, surely it does not repudiate Him?” To answer that, I turn once more to the Apostle Paul, this time in I Corinthians 2:12-16. For purposes of space, I will quote only verse fourteen:   “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.” If the natural man can not grasp the things of God and according to Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it,” what can be the result but atheistic philosophy. 

II Corinthians 6:14, 15 is a great prin­ciple for educators to live by: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

Many people stop there and complain, they do not finish the passage. Verses sixteen and seventeen are just as important, for they give the command to separate and the promise for obedience.

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God bath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Where fore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

As far as I can see, the key verse in the passage, for educators, is not even included in the passage by the men who incorporated the chapter and verse divisions. Chapter seven, verse one clearly provides a Christian response to modern educational philosophy, especially when read in the context of 6:14-17, with current public education in mind. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

I believe that what a person believes about metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology will show forth in other areas of the classroom as well. Discipline, materials, methods, erand activities all are rooted in philosophy.


More to come later.

Thanksgiving

At church last night we were discussing Thanksgiving, as many were. During the service we filled in an acrostic for Thanksgiving. As I looked at the "A," the first thought in my mind was that I am thankful for an All-Knowing God. With the change and upheaval that we have encountered since summer, it is good to know that God knows what the future holds. I find great peace in knowing that He understands where we have been, where we are, and where we will to be. What does the future hold; I really do not know. What I do know is that I can completely trust my God to lead and guide in the way He deems best.

Also, I am indeed thankful for the family God has giving me. I am greatly blessed with a wonderful wife and great kids. My parents, in-laws, siblings, and siblings in-law are such blessing. I must express my gratitude for the entire family that God has blessed my with. He has been so good to me.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. May God bless you as richly as he has blessed me and my family.

A Great Week

Last week was absolutely fantastic. First, I had the wonderful privilege to attend a Student Leadership Conference with fourteen students from EBCA. The conference was held at High Point Camp. We had a great four days. There were about 110 students present. The speakers did a fantastic job of communicating Biblical truths about friendship and our responsibilities to be good, godly friends. One of my disappointments with my current status was that I was not going to be able to attend the SLC. God graciously granted me the opportunity and I am so thankful.

While I was at the conference, I received word that Becky had gotten a job. God had been very good to us, even in a time of such uncertainty. I am so grateful for those that have been used of God to assist the Walker family.

On Saturday, Justin was able to sing in a large choir at the PA capitol. The Keystone Christian Educational Association (KCEA) each year has a choir of student from across the state that gathers in the Harrisburg area for 2 1/2 days, ending with 2 concerts in the rotunda at the capitol. There were 160+ students in the choir. Each concert was right at one hour in length. The quality and sound was absolutely wonderful, especially since the choir was together as a group for such a short time.

And so we move on, all the while rejoicing at what God is doing. The blessings of God are bestowed new each day and they are wonderful to behold.

Another Attempt (at a Job)

Well, today marks another attempt to gain a second part-time job. There is a 10 a.m. interview; we shall see what God chooses to do. I would love to get the job, but I hope that it will allow me to still take the EBCA students to the Leadership Conference. If not, that is up to God. He knows what is best. We simply pray and then obey.

Christian Education Defined (pt.1)

I have decided that I want to take some time to reflect on Christian education, what it is, and why it is important. I may not complete this task in one post, nor complete it in consecutive posts. It is simply something that I feel like doing, so here goes.

As the discussion begins, I feel that a defining of the term "Christian education" is needed. This is not to say that my particular definition is the only possible definition, nor that it is the best stated definition. It is only to say that it is my definition. As a compound term, "Christian education" must be defined as both words and as a term. The full understanding of the term comes from an understanding of the words. For our discussion, I will begin with "education" and work toward the complete definition. The historical definition of education has been "the act of acquiring knowledge." Simply put, that means that we are educating every time we open our mouths to speak and every time we model a behavior. Education is the act of communicating knowledge or behavior to another person. In the formal sense, that act takes place in a school setting. However, it must be noted that most education takes place outside of the classroom. We educate when we mention, when we mentor, and when we model. The best method of education is the combination of all three. Defining education is not truly difficult; what is difficult is limiting the definition so that it is meaningful. Soon we will look at the "Christian" part of Christian education, then we will join the two parts of the term to come to a working definition of Christian Education.

Walking with Kings (though not like them, I trust)

I have been reading in the Books of the Kings recently; my, what tragedies. To have the prophets that God sent their way and yet to turn and follow their own selfish ambitions. Truly we are a selfish and self-centered people. Just as the kings were basically one disaster after another, so we will find our lives a disaster if we try to live apart from God. Walking in the Spirit is not going to be a "bed of roses" and often He will lead us along a path that may not make sense to us. The great blessing is that it not need to make sense to us; we only need to follow obediently. We often state that His will is "for our good and His glory," but then we want to decide for ourselves what is "for our good." If God is truly in control and if He is truly our God, then He has every right to determine what is best. Our simple task is to follow. A dear friend always quotes the short chorus, "My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow." How right he is, yet how difficult it is to follow.

I have heard it said often that "life is like a roller coaster." I like coasters, but some of them do not like me, so that may not be a good thing. Seriously, life does have its share of ups and downs, yet my God is faithful and He provides and meets my needs even when I cannot see around the next corner or over the next hill. A lesson that is often difficult to learn is that God's timing is not according to my calendar. I can schedule life events and activities on each of my many calendars, but God uses His own calendar. It is easy to run ahead or to lag behind; the challenge is to keep pace with Him. I desire to be so in tune to the Spirit that when He shows the next step I am ready to take it. God does not use the pillar or cloud or fire, but the Spirit is even more effective if I am in the Word. Therefore, if I want to follow the Spirit closely, I need to meditate on His Word and His works. As I study Him, I grow to adore Him more and truly, He is worthy of our adoration. The more I fellowship with Him, the more I trust that my life will imitate Him. At that point I am ready to follow Him wherever He leads. I do not need to understand, I only need to follow. So, follow I shall.

One Step at a Time

What a blessing I received this last weekend. We were at the annual EBCA Fall Festival & Benefit Auction and the school administrator came up and asked if I would be willing to attend a Leadership Conference with some of the high school students. Would I be willing?!!! I was just looking over my calendar the other day and reflecting on the conference that I attended for years. Even as I wait for the next revealed step of God's will, He continually shows that He is in control.

In Bible class we have been studying the providences of God. He is in control of each and every aspect of our lives. Both in the good times and in the bad, my God is in control. There is nothing that I encounter that He is unaware of. All that I face is for my good and for His glory. Though I may struggle as I wait on Him, yet I must acknowledge that He is in control. As I have been reading in the book of Daniel, it has been interesting to see again that Daniel faced circumstances both pleasant and unpleasant. In both he sought to please his God and represent Him well. As I go day by day, my desire is to do the same. May my actions and attitudes be acceptable in His sight.

From Nothing to Much

Let me catch you up.


Last week I had the great opportunity to attend the Keystone Christian Educators Association's annual Educator's Convention (KCEA). It was a great blessing. It has been close to 10 years, if not more, since I had the privilege to attend such a conference. I had a most enjoyable time.


Also last week, I was given the opportunity to serve at Emmanuel Baptist Christian Academy in a part-time role, helping to relieve some of the workload of the principal. I will be at EBCA from 8-12:25. I am looking forward to serving in the school.


As much as I love serving in school, I still need more income. I have been praying for the right part-time job to complement EBCA, but nothing has materialized -- until today. Now I have potentially three other PT jobs, so I am now praying for wisdom as to what I should do. I would appreciate your prayers as I seek the work I need to provide for the family.


The final blessing to comment on is the continued support of the family, both my folks in MI and Bec's folks here in PA. They have all been a great source of encouragement.


I have been reading in 2 Samuel recently. It is always amazing how God displays the true character of the people. Nothing is done to hide the flaws; man gets honest treatment. I pray that I will a worthy representative of my God in all that I do and say. 2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 

Walking by Faith

Walking by Faith

II Cor. 5:7  For we walk by faith, not by sight:

For many years I served at a ministry named Faith Baptist, and often through the regular course of ministry, the pastor would comment on "Faith Baptist" vs. "Sight Baptist." Especially now, as God has seen fit to move me to a new location w/o providing me a clear direction of what the future holds, I must learn to "walk by faith." It has been exciting to see Him work out each step of the move, from the sale of the house to the school for the kids. Once again God has shown Himself to be faithful. Regardless of what I do, I can never comprehend the love of my God as seen in His care for His children.

One of the great blessings of the Christian walk is the realization that comes when we see the result of our faith. We don't walk by sight, but the sight that comes when we see the result of God's leading is 20-20. We have all heard that hindsight is 20-20. Seeing the result of God's work is also crystal clear. Looking ahead, the view is often obstructed; looking back it is absolutely clear. So we walk by faith, trusting our God who loves us to prepare the way before and meet each need that we have.

Blessings as We Walk Life's Road

        I was asked to attend the school retreat on Thursday. It was a one day event, different from what I am used to operating back in Texas, but it was a great event. The preaching was good and the students had a great time.
        Later Thursday evening, I received an email from the realtor that the house may close on Tuesday. That would be a HUGE blessing. Our God is so wonderful. To sell the house in a weakened economy as quickly as we did, God surely blessed. As for most people, I would like to have had more profit, but to be done with the sale is wonderful.
        Today, we went to sign papers and have everything notarized. The papers have been delivered to Fed-Ex, so everything is progressing. God is so wonderfully good.
        Last night, my father-in-law took Justin and I to see the sprint cars at Williams Grove Speedway. We had a wonderful time.
        There are a couple of job possibilities on the horizon. I am trusting that God will give direction and leading as we seek His will. I would love to find the opportunity to be involved in ministry, whether in church or school. Maybe this week I will get something. Your prayers would be appreciated.


Sayonara

What a Day May Hold

This was an eventful day. It started with Becky taking the kids to school, as she had the opportunity to sub in Third Grade. I then spent most of the morning swapping out the in-law's computer for a new one. After moving files and settings, then came the big switch. Everything works fine: wonderful.

Then it was off to see the kid' games. Actually, I watch Justin's soccer games while Bec watches Brie's volleyball games. I wish they were not at the same time, but they are. It is fun to watch the kids learn and play.

In between those events, I applied for two jobs. I have more in store to apply to over the next couple of days. I face the continual struggle between waiting on God and waiting on self. I want to rely on God to provide the right job, but not wait until I find what I think is right. I want to serve Him in whatever position He desires. And so we wait to see what tomorrow will hold.

My Lord Knows the Way through the Wilderness

I have a dear friend and advisor who always quotes the title to this chorus. Currently he and his wife are going through some difficult times due to physical ailments, yet when asked how things are going, his typical response is "My Lord know the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow."

That is easy to say, but it is a lesson that is often learned through challenge. Even today as I was reading in I Samuel, David was anointed to be king, but yet he faced great difficulties. Saul tried to kill him; his brothers belittled him; he was anointed king without becoming much of anything except a target. Regardless of the trials I face, I can rest assured that my God will guide and protect me. He has been faithful in the past and I know that He will continue to be faithful in the future.

As I wait on Him to reveal the next step of ministry and service, I need to find gainful employment to provide for the family. I am thinking of working for free coffee, but I may need more than that, so perhaps I will need a different job. There are "many" jobs in the classifieds, both in the newspaper and online, but many are for jobs outside my areas of expertise. I have begun looking seriously and hope to have something in the works by the end of the coming week. I shall trust my God to meet that need as I follow Him. Bec and I would appreciate your prayers.

Away Games

The kids had away games yesterday (soccer & JV volleyball). One of the most interesting aspects of the games was the opponent -- Valley Forge Baptist Academy. Playing Valley Forge just sounds cool. The kids had a great time and the relationships being built as they begin a new school are important. On the way back to Hummelstown, it absolutely poured. It was strange, as I am not use to water falling out of the sky. I felt sort of like Noah. All in all, it was a great day.

Walking where He leads

Well, this first post comes amid one of the strangest-felling days in years. I dropped the kids off at school and sat in the car for a while to watch the action. It sure feels strange. For the first time in 17 years, the school year begins without me standing at the door welcoming the students and parent as they arrive. It feels odd, but yet I am excited to see what God has in store for the coming days. Bec and I would appreciate your prayers as we seek God's leading. we plan to be here in the Harrisburg area for at least this school year to allow the kids to attend school, but we do not yet have longterm plans. I cannot wait to get back into a school setting, doing what I love. It is completely up to God as to when that happens.

I will try to update this regularly, but it depends on what I end up doing. Enjoy.