Walking toward the Goal

The next installment in the study of Philippians in upon us. Here are some ideas from Philippians 3.

• The rule of teaching is Teach, Review, Learn. Paul is in the review stage.
• We need to be aware of the influences in our lives. There are those who would harm us, whether intentionally or not.
• My background does not guarantee my continued service. Each day I need to be committed to following the Savior.
• The things that I consider important so often are anything but important. I need to emphasize the things that God thinks are important. Everything else is inconsequential.
• My greatest goal in life should be to know Him better. To truly know Him means that I will partake even in the sufferings, acknowledging that His will and way are perfect. I trust that He will always do good.
• I need to strive for the goal that God has for me - His calling.
• God desires a unity within the church; a unity that comes from having a common goal and a common way to reach that goal.

Paul wrote about our walk with God and the many forces that will try to turn us from accomplishing that goal. We need to maintain a right focus and devotion as we walk each day with the Savior.

Walking by Faith, not by Sight

I was reading a book review today and came across this statement:
          A Dream So Big is not a theology of missions or a deep, doctrinal examination of the
     need the methods of mission. Neither is it meant to be. Instead, it's a ground-level look at
     one family's work in a needy place. It is real and honest: "As a missionary, I am ashamed to
     admit I don't like living by faith; I'd much rather have the money in hand than to know I'm
     going to have to trust God for it. But when I see him move, and know it could only be him,
     that is perhaps the sweetest experience on earth." It is wonderfully-written and thoroughly                  enjoyable; I highly recommend it.

So many times when I served at Faith, we would comment that sometimes it would be nice to be at Sight Baptist Church; then we might see what God was doing and how He was going to work. But, indeed, we live by faith and not by sight. I need to trust in His leading, even when it may not make sense to me. I must always remember that while I cannot see the end of the path on which He is leading me, He knows the beginning from the end. I need to trust Him in all things at all times.

I have been taking 1-2 weeks per chapter as I pore over Paul's epistle to the Philippians. Here are some of the concepts from Phil 2 that stuck with me as I read that chapter over and again a couple of weeks ago.

• God desires that HIs church be single-minded. We should all be focused on Christ.
• We must NEVER allow selfish ambitions to enter into our lives. 
• God defines, in skeletal form, what Christlikeness is.
• Salvation should result in practical, daily living.
• There is no place in the Christian life for dissatisfaction.
• Paul cared deeply for those with whom he ministered.

Of course, there are more principles included in the chapter, but these lodged in my mind as I read and caused me to reflect on them. God's word provides me with the counsel that I need to live a life that is pleasing to Him; it my job to live such a life.

Walking Uphill

Ever had a day that seemed uphill, no matter what direction you were going? Even after cresting the hill, it is still uphill. What an exciting time, indeed. Yet, in the midst of the unending uphill climb God continues to show Himself to be the One that provides and protects. Even in the days that feel like you are treading water with weights on, God is still good.

Justin recently graduated from high school. He is now making plans to attend college and study engineering. It was a busy time, but it was very enjoyable. My parents, sister, and her girls came for a week and a half. It was wonderful to have them here. Then, on Saturday, a friend from Texas stopped by. It was a terrific surprise.

Now that Justin is through with high school, we focus our attention on college and all of the preparations that need to be done. There is much to get ready as we work through the summer and get ready for fall.

As I was reading in Philippians 1 this morning, I was again grabbed by some of the statements that Paul made and how poignant they are.Verse 6 is a "mouthful," indeed. Paul had absolute assurance that God would work out His will in Paul's life. I may not understand what God is doing and I may not always like how He is doing it, but I can be confident that He is doing exactly what He knows to be right and that as long as I am doing what He wants me to do, it will be accomplished.

Just looking over chapter 1 of the book, there are so many amazing principles to be seen.

• Paul's prayer for the people. I am always intrigued by the things that he prays.
• His acceptance of God's will, even when it appears difficult.
• His willingness to "accept" others that may be in ministry with wrong motives.
• His desire to live before God with no shame.
• The ever-present decision to made between better and best.
• An understanding that God is in control and that others see my reactions/responses to the pressures of life.

Not an exhaustive list, even from only chapter 1, but enough to reflect on as I go through the day. I must determine to be biblical in every instance, regardless of what else is happening around me. It is not always easy, but it is always necessary. And so I return to trudging uphill, trying to get through the tasks before me. Yippee!

Walking All Over

Well, yesterday was labor day (I know, it was Memorial Day, but it was labor day). I worked in the house, around the house, on the house, beside the house, and under the house (basement). What a day. I was able to get a number of projects done.

Things are very busy this time of year in the Christian school. Kindergarten graduation was last week; Baccalaureate was Sunday; Graduation is Friday; Field Day is Monday; and Awards Ceremony is Tuesday. The calendar is slightly full. In the midst of that, it is exam time for the HS grades.

With graduation just around the corner, it is an odd time. I have been handling graduations for years, but this time my son is one of those graduating. It has an unusual feel to it, for sure. And then the baby is due in two months, if she waits that long. There is every chance that Josie will make an early appearance.

God has been so wonderfully good to us lately. His provision has been remarkable. We will need to do some serious shuffling to adjust to the loss of an income, but He will continue to provide. He has been faithful and He will continue to be faithful.

Recently, I spoke in chapel on submission. God expects us to submit -- to Him and to everyone. If each person is willing to surrender his will to the wishes of others, life would be much easier and we would live pleasing to God. Too often, we seek to impose our will and not surrender our will. If we are to be Christlike, we must be willing to submit. Easy to say, difficult to do. It is my desire to live a life of submission as I seek to exemplify Christ day after day.

Walking ... with nowhere to go

One of the blessings that we have had over the last couple of years was to meet up with the seniors from TX when they came this way on Senior Trip. This year, it is Justin's class, so we were looking forward to the chance for him to see his former classmates. However, it just so happens that when we were to meet (dinner on Apr 29), he will be at the Wilds in NC on his Senior Trip. Because it is his class - and I am such a nice guy - we went to DC for the afternoon on Sat. so that he could spend some time with his friends. Bec, Brie, and I will still hook up with the group in Lancaster Monday night, but it was special for Justin to spend a few hours with his friends. God greatly blessed on Sat -- the weather was great and the traffic was not too heavy. God has been so good to my family, providing vehicles that are trustworthy, a house that is close to the major roads, family to come and look after the pooch. We were able to visit with friends and have nothing really to do except sit/stand and chat. We spent some time in Georgetown and then in Dupont Circle, but we did not have any pressing plans -- nowhere to go.

Recently upon reading Eph. 2 again, I was smitten by the message of verses 4-7. God's love for us gives us life in Him and allows us to sit with Him in heaven. It is through His great grace that we can experience His love and kindness to us. I count myself to be so very blessed to partake in His riches. He has blessed in so many wonderful ways.

Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 

Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 

Eph 2:7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 

How wonderful is our God. He provides, He protects, and He is preparing a place for us in heaven.

Walking in the Elements

One must love "inclement" weather, though different people/places define "inclement" in different ways. We lost four school days due to "bad" weather, but the weather was really all that bad. In fact, it was not bad at all. Regardless, no school. So, we have school on Monday, April 1.

Organized athletics are done for the year at EBCA. Each of the teams represented themselves well in their respective season. The kids worked hard and did their best. It was somewhat bittersweet in that it was Justin's final season of HS sports. Now things transition to the arts, particularly music and drama. KCEA competitions are coming soon for each of the kids.

Justin is still working through the whole "what college to go to" question. I think he is close to making up his mind, but I am not sure that he wants to make the commitment. Sooner or later he will need to settle on one school unless he is planning to attend two schools in two different locations at one time. That would be a really cool concept, but tuition might be cost prohibitive.

God has continued to show Himself faithful as He meets our needs. It seems as if everyday I try to figure out how we are going to survive, but God always allows the supply to meet the need, either by stretching the income or lessening the needs. He is always faithful and always good.

Today is Easter, a specific day to recognize and meditate on the resurrection of the Savior. What a blessed thought and wonderful event, the resurrection of Christ that gives us the victory over sin. God truly loves us and showers His blessings upon us.

Not Walking, but Flying

Well, life can sure be interesting. The last number of weeks have been an absolute whirlwind. We did not walk through January, we ran through it. Nonstop. No passing "Go," no collecting $200. If it weren't for the knowledge that God is sovereign over all and that He can do as He chooses, I would have stumbled as I walked (rather, ran).

Basketball season is almost over. I have tried to make as many of the away games as possible, as this is Justin's final year. I have made many of them. The teams (boys and girls) are both working hard as they move toward the KCEA tournament to finish the year.

Amazing news around the Walker household. We are expecting another child, due near the end of July. The news can best be summed up in one word -- "SURPRISE." Yet, we know that God is good and has promised to provide for His own. 

Justin's senior year is drawing to a close and my, are we busy. College applications, scholarship searches, etc. It cannot be possible that he is almost 18 and almost through HS, but it is indeed the case. I still cannot figure out how he has gotten older and his parents have not. Must be a miracle.

Teaching has been keeping me busy. I have about too many classes to fill my day. I enjoy teaching and I enjoy the classes I teach, but I am ready to back away a bit if God will provide the staff required for me to do so.

I have been reading recently in Galatians and am once again captured by Paul's emotion as he "marvels" that the Galatian believers have changed their beliefs. It is astounding to me that someone could turn their back on the truth, but then the question is, "What did they really believe to begin with?" It is my desire to see my kids and my students hold firmly to the truths of God's word with no turning back.

Well, I shall try to return with more frequency. Adios!