Today, as I thought about my last week of Summer session at Nazarene Bible College, and the work that was being worked out during this class, I realized that God has transformed my life—even while taking a class that was taught hermeneutics. The major project for this class was the preparation, and delivery of a sermon. I prayerfully began reading Luke 19:1-10. As I read, I could really identify with the character names Zacchaeus. There were many things in my life that was imposed on me as a result of who my parents were. I could relate to the “Oh Great It’s One of Those” religious attitude, and being blocked—or not taken seriously—when God called me to the Ministry. My desire was to see Jesus, but I grew up with a fear that God would treat me the same way that people in the Church treated me. In the end, the message that came from this message was to set everything aside, get out on a limb to see Jesus as He is.

Next, came the reality that Jesus saw Zacchaeus, Knew Zacchaeus and called Zacchaeus out of his circumstances. At a young age, I realized that Jesus saw me for who I am, including the hurt and pain caused by those who judged me according to the reputation of my family, and I also realized that Jesus knows my name. Not only my name, but everything about me. He knows my faults, he knows my hurts, he knows everything about me right down to the very fiber of my being. But there was another point here, Jesus called Zacchaeus to come out of the tree to share in a meal.

This is important because in Jewish culture, hospitality, more specifically, sharing a meal with a person is to declare that one to be joined with them in the Kingdom of God. So when Jesus chose someone who was considered to be a social and a religious pariah to be in Heaven.

It is no wonder that those who were religious threw a fit. This is supposed to be the Son of God, why did He not choose me, one who follows all the rules? Jesus is looking for potential. He is looking for someone who is ready and willing to set aside those things that would hinder us to go out on a limb. 

When we have a desire to see Jesus, and Jesus looks our direction, sees us, calls us by name, and invites us to be in the Kingdom of God with Him, and we respond with a joyful yes, and turning away from those things that hinder us from a relationship with God, we can know with certainty that we are the children of God.

Jesus looks at us, knows each of us down to the very fiber of our being, and desire to be in relationship with you. Friend, come to know Jesus for yourself, remember that Jesus looks at our potential, and responds to our needs.

Well, Dear Friends,

Before I forget, I have a question for you. Have you ever been without food? Have you been without a roof over your head? When was the last time you were without hope? For some, this answer will be never, for others, the answer may be "Been There, Done that." Now that you are thinking about these things, I want you to think about children and Vacation Bible School. In America, we have at one time or another had the opportunity to go to church, or attend a Vacation Bible School. This is America. 

I have recently come to realize that I have almost reached the point in my education where I can see the summit. This means that I'm not quite at the half way point. There is one question on my mind, will I ever reach the summit? God has not brought me this far to leave me now. This is the solace I must hang on to as I strive for that turning point. The reality is that once I reach that summit point, the the final 21 classes will fly by. The concern at this point is if my GPA will remain high enough to graduate. Again, I am reminded that God did not bring me this far to leave me. 

Today ends the stress of wondering if I will pass of fail Biblical Interpretation. Up to Week 5 of 6, I was below 599 points. The problem is that 599 is a failing score. It is by the Grace of an Awesome God that I received my grade today. The final grade was 830. This translates to 83% or a solid B. I am so stoked!

Someone asked me what I would have posted as a title if I did not pass. The answer is simple, God is Good...All The Time!  For some, this may be a foreign concept. But, 2 Corinthians 12.1-10 addresses this point very well. The context of this passage is available by clicking the link above. I want to bring out verses9 and 10 which say,  "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ�s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ�s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong".

This passage really speaks to me in a great way. Even when one fails, give Praise to God. because that one has an edge for the next time he or she takes the class. God gives strength in desperation. I received a B by the Grace of God who is perfect in my weakness.

Hi dear ones,

I have recently realized that I have not posted here is quite some time. So I wanted to get in touch with you and say hey guess what. Do I have you in suspense?  Well, here is the great thing I want to share with you... God called me and you to the ministry. WE DO NOT Need to fear anything, because God has called us. Not ourselves. If we know we have been called by God, then God has every confidence in us that we can do the Job God has called us to do.

I think that is a pretty good reference as a Minister--To know that God has called you and has every confidence that we have the skills to get things done.

Many Blessings

RJL

Today, I realized that I have been in class for six weeks. What this means is that today (Wednesday) is the middle of the end of the first part of the term. I have only three days left! Normally, I get so frustrated by this time. What is so amazing is that my grades have not fallen behind, or for that matter, they have not fallen below a 90.

What does this mean? This means that effective time management is only part of the equation. The key is the reality that I am doing what I am doing for God and His church. This means that I need to do my best for His glory.

Here is the beginning of week three in the wonderful world of Physics. I am personally uncertain as to why one is required to take this class. However, I have also come to understand that there has to be a reason for the use of Physics in ministry. 

It is another day in Physics. I hope that God p;reserves me in this class because I am utterly tired already and it is only the end of the first month. Lord Jesus I just want to be with you and appreciate you. Lord I know that this is your will that I am in this class. I pray that your will be done and that your name will be praised in all that I do in your Holy Name. Amen

This was a question that had to be answered in one of my first assignments. I have come to realize that in studying Physics, one finds the means by which God created the World. This means that without Physics, one will only be giving half of the story. The world would like to paint Christians in the light that we are some back woodsy illiterate hillbillies who jump to conclusions that do not make sense. The reality is that God desires us not to be ignorant. God desires that we work for the glory of God in many ways.