Wednesday Morning Devotional

The Blessed Man

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. – Psalm 1:1

How does one go from being a struggling Christian to a blessed, thriving Christian? I have had many conversations with struggling Christians. I believe the majority of their struggle comes from simply being unwilling to actually do the things God has called them to do. When I think of my own struggles as a young Christian, I was no different. Nearly all of my dissatisfaction was a direct result of not surrendering all my life to Him. There was always an element of control that I refused to give up.

If you want to be blessed, this verse says the first step you must take is away from the ungodly. One of the reasons I never won anybody to the Lord early on was because I walked in the counsel of the ungodly. My ways were exactly like the world’s ways. The only difference was I called myself a Christian. Why would anyone want what you or I have if we use the same curse words they do, fornicate just like they do, look at pornography just like they do, and whine and complain about work just like they do? The truth is that many are not blessed because they still walk in the counsel of the ungodly.

If you want to be blessed, don’t stand in the way of sinners. If you are a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, there are places that you don’t go. I used to love to go to concerts back in the day. My friend and I burned a trail to what used to be the Greenville Memorial Auditorium. There, as a person who said I was a Christian, I would raise my fist and rock and roll with musicians who cared nothing about the God I claimed to know and love. In fact, I saw many bands that were flat out directly opposed to Him. There I was, standing in the way of sinners, not a bit blessed because I wasn’t a bit different.

If you want to be blessed, don’t sit in the seat of the scornful. If you have walked just like the ungodly, and you are standing in the same places they are, do not take a seat. We call these people “set in their ways” and it isn’t always a good thing. People who sit in the seat of the scornful hold contempt in their heart for those who choose to live Godly. I remember a man sitting me down and having a conversation about the sinful stuff I was allowing into my ears and heart. Today, I am thankful for the conversation. But back then; I held contempt in my heart for him. I was scornful towards him. In my mind, I had formulated my own god of tolerance who would allow me to have Him and my favorite pet sins. I took a seat with the scornful. I dismissed this guy’s words quickly, though I could not get them out of my mind.

I had a difficult decision to make. Am I going to stay in my seat here? Am I going to live my life the way I want to? Or, am I going to remain a foul mouth, immoral “Christian” who does what he wants instead of what God wants? Am I to remain scornful to those who are simply trying to get me to walk on the correct path?

One of the loneliest walks a person will ever make is the walk from the wide road of destruction to the narrow path that leads to life. You will have to pass by a lot of people you once walked and stood with. Leaving the ways of your old, sinful life is mandatory if you want to truly experience the genuine presence of God.

When Moses left Egypt, he experienced the burning bush. When Jacob fled his old, deceitful life, he experienced the presence of God. When Peter obeyed Jesus and threw out the nets, he experienced the pure presence of God for the first time.

It took a while because I still wavered back and forth between what I thought was the good life and what I know now as the God life. However, the day I left far enough to experience His Presence, I knew He was the greatest thing this world offered.

If you want to be blessed, get up and go after Him like you are escaping for your life and refuse to look back!

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto to life, and few there be that find it.” – Matthew 7:14

Later

Adam

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not in your own understanding. — Proverbs 3:5

So my family and I go to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee just before Christmas. I love going to look at all those Christmas lights, watching the Christmas shows, and basically just enjoying the atmosphere in the Smoky Mountains. Of course we had built it up with our kids and they were super excited.

Usually, as soon as we get to the park, my little girl and I turn left and go ride the coasters in Timber Canyon. But this time, my little boy was quick to make sure he got dibs on Daddy’s attention, “Will you ride The Sky Rider with me first, Daddy?” I told him I would and this of course started a sibling war. At any rate, I was going to keep my word and as soon as we got to Dollywood, my little man and I turned right and headed toward “The Country Fair.”

As we were walking, my little man immediately started doubting me.

Him: This is the wrong way, Daddy!”

Me: “No it isn’t, I can go straight there, trust me.”

Him: “Are you sure this is the right way?”

Me: “Yes!”

Him: “I think this is the wrong way.”

Now, I know my way around Dollywood. I have been there enough times now where I can navigate the place quite well. A few minutes later, we were in line for the “Sky Rider.” My little guy was the happiest dude in the park.

Why do I tell you all of this?

My little boy had trouble trusting his dad. When he got to his intended destination, he was happy, content, and thankful that he trusted his daddy.

How many times have I questioned my Heavenly Father? How many times have I flat out refused Him? I am embarrassed to count. So many times God was trying to lead me to one place or another and I just flat out refused because I didn’t trust Him. Every single time I didn’t listen to Him, I ended up far from where I wanted to be.

As I sit here and ponder 2015, I think about how far He has brought me in the 23 years I have been a Christian. Yes, I used to be a very young Christian questioning God’s direction and motives all along the way. Thank God I never let go of His hand. He has always brought me to a place that I could not get to by myself.

Today, I am a young adult Christian. This year, I want to put my hand in His and trust Him. Whatever He asks me to do, I don’t want to evaluate it, I don’t want to question it, I just want to do it. Wherever He asks me to go, I don’t want to doubt or ask Him if He is sure (as if God second guesses Himself) . . . I just want to go.

Up until this point in my life, He has not one time ever let me down.

He is not going to start now.

This year, read the Word. The Word teaches us how to live. The way God asks us to live is in stark contrast to the way the world tells us to live. When you know that God has told you where to go, then go. When you know that God has told you to start working for Him, then go to work for Him. When you know that God has told you to drop that sinful relationship, drop it. When you know that God has told you to regularly spend time with Him, then carve out some quiet time and do it.

My little boy got to his intended destination by holding on to my hand and trusting that I knew what I was doing and knew where I was going.

Let’s you and I do the same with our Heavenly Father in 2015.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” – Proverbs 3:6

Later

Adam

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. – Revelation 3:20

I sometimes wonder if I would have struggled as much as I did as a young Christian if I had simply read this verse over and over. I mean, for at least a decade I would have sworn to you that the invitation Jesus offered had nothing to do with dining. In my mind, Jesus stood at the door and knocked, but if you didn’t answer, well the flames of Hell were waiting to swallow you up at any moment. Thus, my prayers were ALWAYS repetitive and always for forgiveness.

I enjoy dinnertime at our house. We do have one rule: NO electronics at the table! Tonya and I know that we would be constantly fighting for our kids’ attention if we allowed them. Once we thank God for the food, we simply talk about the day we had. For a while, I prompted them. I would ask, “What was the worst part of your day?” Then, I would follow that with “What was the best part of your day?” Just yesterday, my little girl went ahead and answered both of these questions without being asked. Dinnertime has become a time to really get to know what is going on in the lives of our children.

When I think about my family’s physical eating arrangements, I believe it almost perfectly reflects the invitation Jesus offers in Revelation 3:20. He stands at the door and knocks simply because He wants to come into my life. He wants me, as His kid, to turn off all distractions. He wants to sit at my spiritual dinner table and listen to the best and worst part of my day. He wants to whisper to me as I read His Word.

This is a very intimate request, especially when I think about my relationship with the one I dine with the most. There is no conversation like that of my wife and I when just the two of us go out to eat together.   It is vastly different than those occasions when I eat with other friends or coworkers. There is a level of intimacy with my wife that no other has. I let her in on things that nobody else will ever know.

Jesus knocks at the door of my heart seeking an even greater level.

Over the years, I have learned to bring everything to my Heavenly Father. I love the early morning hours. No noises. No distractions. I can talk to Him about every facet of my life. Sometimes, I don’t even have to talk. I just sit and read His Word and wait for Him to speak. Sometimes I just sit and type WMD’s or work on sermons keeping in mind He is right here speaking to me and through me. Lately, I’ve been reading the words of songs from an old Baptist Hymnal. He really does come and dine with me.

When is the last time you dined with Him? Get to the quietest place you can, focus on Him, talk to Him. The more you get to know Him, the more you will fall in love with Him.

You can dine with Him!

You’re invited.

Later

Adam

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. – Luke 2:12

Isn’t it so cool that the greatest gift this world has ever known came wrapped? Into this dark, sinful world the Son of God came to seek and save that which was lost. He came to save you. He came to save me.

I love to give my children gifts. I have a little girl whose love language is definitely “gift giving.” If my kids know a present is for them, the first thing they will do is tear into it by ripping that paper to shreds. They can’t wait to find out what is inside. Sometimes there are instructions. Sometimes they need Daddy’s help. Regardless, they do whatever is necessary to play with and enjoy what is inside.

It is interesting that the vast majority of Christians do not do the same thing with the Lord Jesus Christ. Christians will tell you He is the greatest gift to mankind. I think I knew this after I got saved, at least I was told. Unfortunately, I received this gift, and then proceeded to do absolutely nothing with that gift for years. I had the gift of salvation, but not once did I open it for myself and find out what salvation was really all about.

All the time in spiritual conversations people tell me they need to “do better.” People honestly believe that God is simply after their behavior. They say they need to be more patient, more forgiving, need to control their tempers, and this list goes on and on. Christians feel like they know what they “need” to do. Most of these men and women are very frustrated. They can’t figure out why they can’t seem to do what it is they know they need to do. Worst of all, they feel God is unhappy and disappointed with them.

Meanwhile, the gift that they received from God remains unwrapped. It sits there in the box waiting to be opened.

I have come to realize that there is only one thing that I can truly “do” for God. There is only one gift I can give back to Him. Thank God it is not simply to behave. The only thing I can do is carve out some time each day and simply spend it with Him. Sometimes, I open the gift right up, His presence fills my soul and it is joyous. Sometimes, I have to spend a few weeks or months reading the Instructions and figuring out the next piece I need to put together in my life. Sometimes, I simply have to pray and ask for Daddy’s help because I realize I can’t put it all together without Him. No matter what the next step is and no matter how long the next step takes, it brings me closer and closer to putting my life together and always brings me to a point where I enjoy His Presence even more.

This Christmas season, don’t just see Jesus as another ornament on display. See Him as the one who was wounded for our transgressions and pierced for our iniquities. Remember that God allowed him to be opened up and poured out so that we might be healed and filled.

Tear off the paper.

Open the box.

Fall in love with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It may be for the first time. It may be for the thousandth time. Either way . . .

Merry Christmas

Adam

Exodus 38:8

He made the laver of bronze and its base of bronze, from the bronze mirrors of the serving women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.  – Exodus 38:8

When God was having His people get everything in place to build the Tabernacle, He asked people to give up their possessions.  It says here in this verse that the serving women gave up their mirrors.

I sit here wondering why God would let us in on such a detail.  What is the significance?  These women at the time would not have been far removed from their old positions as slaves.  I imagine that these women would have watched the Egyptian women use their mirrors to make themselves beautiful.  What goes on in a slave woman’s heart when she sees these women?  Does she wish she could be beautiful like that?  Does she wish she had the means to afford all that they have?  Does she begin to hate her own life and wish to live the life of another?

I remember the days when I thought that if I could hit the lottery, if I were just a famous guitar player playing in a famous band, if I just had their talent, if I just had their intelligence, if I just had their lot in life, and this list just goes on and on.  It makes me sad to see today’s kids, teenagers, and even adults covet the same things.  They want to be the next American Idol.  They want to be the next Bill Gates.  They want to look into the mirror and feel what it is like to have “arrived.”

But these women gave up their mirrors.  Maybe it got tiring pretending to be someone else.  Maybe they got tired of wishing all the time.  Then again, maybe they figured out the one thing every person has to figure out in this life . . .

The Presence of God is ten thousand times better than anything this life has to offer!

You see, those mirrors got melted and turned into a laver, a place of washing and cleansing.  Just before the priest went into the Holy of Holies, he must wash in the laver.  The priest must be clean before entering the presence of Almighty God.  These women were more than happy to have a new position in life.  No longer would they serve and wish for the life of the Egyptian women.  They would serve at the door of the tabernacle and wait for the fire of God to fall.

They figured it out.

God is better.

Give Him the mirror and let Him do with your life what He wants.

It is far better than what you could come up with anyway.

Later

Adam

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is already here again. I just want to take the time to write a little bit about the power of giving thanks.

I have been under a spiritual attack. I have had 2 this year. Many of you recognized this last one from my last post. Many of you discovered that you were under one as well. As an educator and a minister, I am seeing God’s kingdom advance. I am watching people turn their hearts turn towards Him. I realize that our old enemy, Satan, does not like this. He manipulates what he can to make me tired mentally and physically. Honestly, I don’t really care that much if I am exhausted and don’t “feel” like praying or studying. I have learned that feelings can’t be trusted. I am just going to keep looking dead ahead at the prize and never ever quit moving forward no matter what.

Under attack, you hear voices that you know aren’t from you or from God. They discourage you. They tell you that you aren’t making a difference. They tell you that you might as well give up. They tell you that you should have never stepped on that narrow path in the first place. I was hearing these voices and diligently ignoring them, pleading the blood, rebuking them in Jesus name . . . all the weapons I know about.

Last week, our guidance counselor had the students at my school write notes to service men and women. She also gave them the option to write to teachers if they wished. This morning, I read over 25 notes written to me telling me what a difference I was making or had made in their lives. Satan had only been pointing out the ones in my mind who I felt like I was “losing” or had “lost.” It seems that I see one of my former students in the arrest reports at least once a month. That discouraging voice doesn’t waste a moment. But, here I had in my hand written evidence that what I do matters. Their thankfulness broke through and annihilated those demonic voices in my mind. I type this with a very thankful heart for the thankful students at my school.

I want to take this time to thank all of you who actually read my WMD’s. It blows my mind how far this reaches and how many actually read these things. All I really do is post my walk with Jesus. You guys know exactly what I’m studying, exactly what I’m struggling with, or exactly what God is laying on my heart. Somebody out there always lets me know that what I have written was not only for me, but for him or her as well. We are all on this journey together.

For that . . . I am thankful.

Keep your eyes on the prize.

He is worth it!

Happy Thanksgiving

Adam

Rest

Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

For the most part, I am a happy, energetic guy. These past few weeks, I have not been happy and energetic. Any time I am not enjoying life, I do an assessment of what is going on and figure out what I am doing differently.

How about you? Are you living victoriously?   I’m not asking you if everything is going good in your life. Life throws all kind of circumstances at us all. Sunday night, my wife fell and sprained both of her ankles. Of course she isn’t happy about it, but I have not seen that affect her attitude one bit. I have tried not to let it affect mine either.   When these moments hit, I learn very quickly just how much it is she does for my family and me! (Thanks baby . . . I love you!)

Now, John 10:10 sums up everything we need to know about Jesus as well as everything we need to know about our adversary, the devil. The devil has one purpose: “The thief comes but to steal, to kill, and destroy.” The primary thing he wants to steal is joy from a person who calls him or herself a Christian. If he can accomplish this, he has killed that person’s testimony, and destroyed any witness they may have. A person who has Christ in their life should live a life in sharp contrast to a person who does not.

This brings us to Jesus, He says “but I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” I have not had “abundant life” these past few weeks. Where did I go wrong? What happened? For me, I allowed the devil to change one little word to what I would consider my life verse. Let me explain.

I have been working on one thing lately with my relationship with God. I am striving to have Him constantly on my mind every moment of every day. This is incredibly difficult doing a job like teaching because so many other people are involved. However, that does not keep me from trying. I actually got pretty close on one particular day. But, for the most part, it is epic failure. On the majority of days, I don’t even come close. When the time to start teaching class begins and students begin to act like my math lesson is some sort of awful tasting medicine the doctor is forcing them to take, my thoughts completely leave God and I go into “work mode” or “teacher mode” for hours. As soon as I am alone again, I remember Him, I connect with Him, and I try to keep Him as long as I can.

Now, I have since 2007 made Colossians 3:23 my life verse. Whatever it is that I do, I work at it with all my heart as working for the Lord, not for men. Somehow, in the last few weeks, I changed the word with “heart” to “might” or “strength.” The difference is night and day. After teaching 6 straight non-stop hours on a Monday last week with all my might, I was ready to die. I was exhausted. During those 6 hours, I never once thought of God. I was doing my own thing.   I was working in a way He never asked me to work.

After realizing this, I prayed and asked Him to help me stay focused on Him. I have had some really long workdays since then. But now, every time I pause, I take just a few seconds to acknowledge Him, to ask for help, to guide my thoughts, my feet and my hands. It has been amazing. I have life again . . . abundant life. I go home with energy. I am looking forward to having more and more of Him and that very real sense that I am walking with Him.

There is no one like Him!

I was weary.

I was heavy laden.

I came to Him.

He gave me rest.

He will do the same for you.

Later

Adam

What do you want God to accomplish through you this year?

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:13

I guess a better question to ask at this point in the year is “What have you seen God accomplish through you this year?” It is already the middle of November and another year has flown by. Take the time to reflect on what you have seen God accomplish through you so far this year. Also take the time to think about what you want God to accomplish through you in 2015.

As for me, this year has been absolutely life changing. I have seen God do amazing, amazing things. He made me a pastor. I still can’t believe that and am still getting used to it even after a year. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that God placed me at Lifeline Community Church. I have seen many broken lives that were off the narrow path get back on. I have had some of the best conversations with people. I am watching people who have said the prayer of salvation actually leave the starting line and start running the race.

I used to think that my goal as a Christian was to get as many people as I could to “receive” Christ. I thought that if I could get a bunch of people to “say the prayer” my life would be meaningful and impactful for the kingdom. I am learning that isn’t the case.   The goal that God has commissioned me with is getting people who say they are Christians to do one of two things. A person really should get on the narrow path and start walking with The Lord, or stop calling himself or herself a Christian. There is nothing more devastating to the kingdom than a person who says they are a Christian and lives exactly like non-Christians. I should know, I was one of those Christians for years. I talked like the world, was immoral like the world, didn’t read the Bible (like the world), never really thought of God unless I needed something (like the world), and never really had any intention of fully committing my life to Christ . . . like the world

Thank God a very busy preacher took the time to sit down with me and show me what it meant to truly have a relationship with Christ. Through my sessions with Him, I learned how to deny myself, take up my cross, and actually follow Jesus. Was it difficult? Yes. Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Absolutely! It is the greatest and most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. It continues to be the gift that keeps on giving.

For the remainder of this year and all of the next, I pray that God will use me in the same way he used that busy preacher years ago . . . that I might take part in fulfilling Matthew 28:19 . . .

Go and make disciples.

What do you want Him to accomplish through you?

Later

Adam

What is your favorite verse of scripture and why?

Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? – Matthew 26:53

There are lots and lots of great scriptures. This question has an ever-changing answer because my favorite scripture is usually the one that most directly applies to me at the time. However, as I listen to myself preach and talk in general about the Gospel, I have called this verse my “favorite” more than any others.

In the context of this verse, Peter had just cut a soldier’s ears off. The Pharisee’s had conspired with Judas and created a plan to bring Jesus into custody. Peter was going to have none of it. He pulled out his sword and started swinging away. After the blade sliced off the soldier’s ear, Jesus picked up the ear, healed the guy, and then rebuked Peter. Jesus then says the words I have used as the main Bible verse for this WMD.

For those who do not know Him, it is easy to think of Jesus as a powerless wimp. In fact, it is why many people dismiss Him so quickly. For many, Jesus is still a baby lying in a manger. Nobody fears a baby. However, the baby grew up. The man the baby became willingly gave His life on a cross so that you and I might be saved. Jesus said of His life “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:18)

Peter had forgotten this authority that Jesus has. I still sometimes forget. Jesus, in Matthew 26:53 was saying this in the AHV (Adam Hopkins Version): “You think I am powerless? You think I need you to defend me? You know if I wanted to, I could absolutely lay the smack down on all who these who seek to harm me? Peter, I could call on the angels and they would at once melt the skin off of all who oppose me! I could watch them suffer to no end. I am not powerless! I choose this! I choose to lay down my life! I choose the cross!”

Why is this my favorite? Because it constantly reminds me of exactly how I am to be. I am to be like Christ. There are many times I feel like I could lash back in an argument and “win.” Many times I get angry and feel like I could use my 75 inches and 210 pounds to physically annihilate somebody. I could very much use my words to put people “in their place.” Man, oh man, I have some serious power to do some serious damage to those around me . . . especially those I love and care about the most. However, if I did choose to do so, would I be anything at all like my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

I would be nothing like Him.

He laid down His life that a multitude would be set free. Jesus would not have won a single person’s heart had He chosen to win the world in the same manner as every other ruler . . . with brute force. Instead, He chose to willingly put Himself on a cross. Someone like me just sits here gazing upon Him in my mind in absolute awe and wonder. Why would He choose to lay down His life in such a manner?

He did it to win your heart. He has already won mine. Following Him and His ways is difficult. You think the cross wasn’t difficult? Carrying a cross is always difficult. However, it is when others see you carrying it that they are moved. It is in this laying down of your life that others see Christ in you. This is what wins hearts. This is what makes following Jesus attractive.

Why did you not put that person in their place with your words? You were the one that was right!

Why did you not hit that person who was verbally assaulting you? They deserved it!

Why did you restrain yourself? You could have easily “paid them back” or at the very least gotten “even.”

Why didn’t you finish the fight? They started it!

Why didn’t you hit back? They hit you first!

The answer is simple: Jesus laid down His life for me. The most powerful man who ever lived, God contained in human flesh, sacrificed Himself that He might win my heart. The least I can do is live my life in a like manner.

I choose to lay down my life, that others might choose Christ.

Do you?

Later

Adam

What does it mean to be a Christian _________________?

If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. – Luke 9:23

The question at the “Fields of Faith” event that I attended specifically asked what it meant to be a Christian Athlete. Here, I am modifying it a bit so you can put your current occupation, status, or position inside the blank. I am going to put “teacher” in the blank since that is primarily what I do for a living.

First of all, the word “Christian” is useless. I don’t know how I’d reword the question, but it really needs to include “as a Christ follower” or “as a disciple of Jesus Christ” or something like that because the difference is night and day. In my quick Google search, a 2012 Gallup Poll said that 77% of the United States Population identified themselves as Christians. If three out of four Americans were true followers of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, this entire planet would be extraordinarily different. The Bible is clear that “not all who say Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of the Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Plenty of people say they are Christians, very few act like it.

As a teacher, I am to teach kids mathematics. As a government employee, I am to never mention the name of The Lord Jesus Christ or read from the Holy Bible in school. I can only imagine the real “glory days” when I could have prayed out loud for our focus and attention, for the acquisition of knowledge, for the retaining of knowledge, for God to protect our hearts and minds, for God to protect our schools, and all of this while proclaiming out loud the greatness of our God. I can only imagine being able to read Colossians 3:23 to my class before the lesson and say “I know this seems useless and mundane, but God has placed us here for a reason. Let’s work at this together like we are learning it for our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s do it all for His glory, His honor, and His praise.”

Sigh . . . I can only imagine.

But, this does not mean I have been defeated. As a teacher who follows Christ, I can still make a difference. I can still rise early in the morning and spend time with God. I can still ask for His power and Presence to be on my life. I can ask Him for power to have a great attitude. I can ask Him for wisdom to do my job like nobody else can. I can ask Him to so fill me up with His Spirit that it cannot go unnoticed. I can ask Him to help me be the teacher He created me to be. I can still pray for my students on a regular basis. Basically, I can still do what it is that I do for the glory and honor of God.

I didn’t choose to teach this way until 2007. I am just now beginning to see the fruit of what teaching this way produces. Students grow up. Many of them don’t like where the path they have chosen ends up. Many of them contact me. They want the joy that I have. They want the marriage that I have. Basically, they want the things that are a direct result of being in love with and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I am more than happy to point them in His direction.

It is very easy to include Christianity as another part of our “quick fix,” “my way right away” society. We have mastered the 45-minute church service. We have mastered the 5-minute devotional book for “busy” people. However, the truth is that God is not someone we are simply to give a few minutes to Monday through Saturday, then give Him 45 minutes on Sunday and think we have honored Him.

We are to live our entire lives for Him. We are to do our part 168 hours a week. We do not have to be those weird people who go around quoting scriptures all the time to people who don’t want to hear it. Daniel never preached to the Babylonians, but never had a problem standing up for His God when it came to his own personal convictions. He never had a problem telling people what God meant to him or telling the rulers honest, open answers to their questions when asked. He felt no need badger others with his opinions of what he felt they needed God to do for them in their lives. The truth was everyone around him had chosen his or her own god or gods. Daniel simply honored God with his life in far less-than-ideal circumstances.

This is exactly what I believe it means for me to be a Christian teacher in the public school system. Are the circumstances surrounding my job ideal? No. Can I live for Him, honor Him, and show my students what it looks like to follow Him for 180 days?

Absolutely.

What does it mean for you to do what you do “as unto the Lord”?

Later

Adam