You Are NOT An Accident

Yesterday I started taking my Religion students (7^th and 11^th grade) through the book The Purpose Driven Life. If you are familiar you know that the chapters are really short, meant to be read as daily devotionals. We usually spend 10-15 minutes reading the chapters together and then discuss things that come to mind with the remainder of class.

Today I had planned to read and discuss Chapter 2, which is titled, “You are not an accident.” I first had the students turn to and read from Psalm 139. A few students expressed cool thoughts that had risen as the passage was read. I then began reading from the Purpose Driven Life book. I read the first page or so and stopped to spend some time on a few thoughts: you are not an accident, you are unique, and God knows you completely. I then turned to a student and asked her to tell me things that she liked about herself. She hesitated. A student quickly responded, “Why dont you let us tell her the things we like about her?” God inspired. I agreed. Then we spent the rest of 6^th period (7^th grade) encouraging each other with words.

After class, I headed up to the high school for the last class of the day, my 11^th grade Religion class. My 7^th grade Religion class is like a pastor’s first Sunday service sermon. He tests things out and then may tweek a few things for the next service. I do the same with 11^th grade. “Well, this went really well for 7^th grade. Lets do that with the 11^th graders.” So after seeing how much fun this activity was with the junior high students I eagerly awaited the same exercise with the juniors. I followed the same routine as the younger class by having the juniors read from Psalm 139. Then we took turns saying unique, positive, necessary things about each student.

We took turns highlighting what we liked about each person, me contributing my own thoughts as I have gotten to know these students well. I found this exercise to be incredibly rewarding for me to be able to speak Truth into each person’s life. I am somewhat guarded when it comes to high school students mainly in part because I sense that I have to be on the defensive with them, always watching for and expecting things to be pulled over my head, like they are all secretly planning an attack to revolt against the teacher. But that has not hindered the potential that I see in my students. So being able to bless them in front of the class, with their peers, was freeing and a blessing to me.

I could tell from the nonverbal queues displayed by each student that when it was their turn to be blessed with words they got a bit squeamish. Its exactly how I get too. I don’t like having the attention on me. And sometimes I have a hard time believing what is being said. And because I have discerned personalities and thoughts for each student, I knew that one particular student would struggle to actually believe what was being said about her.

After each person’s turn, and with a few minutes left in class, I had each student write down what was said about them. I told them the enemy would speak lies over them and probably already had as the activity was taking place. Following that thought, I said, “If multiple people (your friends) said all these great things about you, its because they see that in you. They would not just make stuff up, especially if more than one said roughly the same thing about you. The enemy doesn’t want us to believe these things and will tell you otherwise, but you MUST know that God has designed you with certain qualities, attributes, and talents that are unique to you and He wants to receive Glory through those.”

With class finished, I went to the office to grab a few things and leave and recognized the certain student mentioned above was sitting in the office talking to the principal. I asked her if it was hard to receive those words from her classmates and friends and she confirmed with a nod. I then assured her that she possessed those qualities and characteristics mentioned and that she needed to believe thats exactly what God thinks about her and the way he designed her too. She told me that those words made her cry, which I had seen in class but thought it was for another reason. Her struggle to believe them as truth, followed by crying, leads me to believe that God had penetrated her heart and her tears were the display of that.

And AGAIN (I say again because I feel so undeserving when God does this and it has happened several times in my first year of teaching) God showed up today, through a student’s suggestion, and directed the class to the message that He wanted covered. And I have to mention, this happens all the time here. I will be sitting in the lounge with a rough outline of my plans and God will pop an idea (activity, lesson, etc) in my head and I know thats what I should do. It usually happens last minute, and as a friend said, probably so that I cannot claim it as my own idea. The Spirit is leading!

Rap Battle: Santa vs. the Teens

Below is a Christmas Rap that my 11th grade, junior class created for our Christmas performance on December 15th. Hope you enjoy!

Christmas Rap Battle: Santa vs. Teens

Written by: 11^th Grade Class

(Santa)

The day is here, never thought it’d arrive

To see the toy-making industry take a dive

I was fat, I was jolly, with a reindeer and elves

Once a year pulling the costume off the shelves

I had a long, red coat and pants to match

A beard, black belt, and hat; quite the catch

Going down chimneys and eating cookie treats

Leaving gifts for children at the Christmas tree feets

(Teens)

Its finally here, the great day has arrived

The gift I want is what I got in mind

Give me a pair of skates to glide on the ice

An iPod for Christmas would also be nice

Toys, toys, toys; I can’t wait to get toys

Give me what I want or we’re gonna make some noise

So shush up and hand them over without a fuss

Hurry up, Old Man, we’re in a rush

(Santa)

Oh, look at yall; standing in line needy and tall

Waiting for an iPhone or Mac, even a jersey of Shaq

This may be disappointing and make you sad

But understand me now, this change isn’t bad

In a toy and candy world, where you live

Sorry, what you wish for I cannot give

The presents and toys have you all in a trance

Smile, laugh, shout, and, hey, even dance

Listen close and listen clear

For your attitude of Christmas brings me to tears

Sorry but your desires are too much for me to handle

Let me tell ya ‘bout the One whose light shines like a candle

(Teens)

This man’s gone crazy, that’s all I can say

This ain’t Santa, it can’t be, no way!

We wait for this holiday every year

So for your actions you’ll tremble with fear

Oh, Santa, right now you’re not being fair

You better reconsider to show us you care

If not toys, presents, and candy

What is it about Christmas that makes it so dandy?

(Santa)

From Nazareth they traveled to Judea on the way

To Bethlehem where Mary and Joseph would stay

There they awaited for the Son of God’s birth

He is known the Chosen One of matchless worth

Jesus was born, with clothes in a manger he lay

Amongst the cows in a barn with countless hay

Then joined by the shepherds who told everyone

About Jesus Christ, God’s Holy Son

(Teens)

So you say that He changed Christmas forever

Well Santa, you have proven to be smart and clever

This man named Jesus was born on this holiday

Therefore, we recognize Christmas a whole new way.

(Santa & Teens)

If you choose to follow the King of kings

Blessings upon you is what He brings

So that you may give to those in need

Sharing love and His name as a thankful deed

So why wait; as the time draws near

Offer up your life to Him this year

Ask, seek, and knock; He will open up the doors

Freedom, truth, and Life will most certainly be yours.

How to Kill a Tiger: the Arrow vs. the Gun

When choosing your selected weapon in a hunt for a tiger you must consider a few things.

The Gun. It seems like the obvious choice, right?! With the gun you can shoot from a greater distance and maybe do more damage initially. So, you raise your weapon, pull the trigger, and watch with anticipation, hoping the tiger goes down. The problem comes if you miss your target even slightly. The tiger traces the sound to your direction, racing toward you at great speed. What are your chances now with the striped beast?

The Arrow. Although you would probably want to be a bit closer to the tiger to insure a targeted hit, which might make you a bit more nervous, the Arrow is actually a more strategic option. When pierced with an arrow, the tiger will visibly see it lodged in his side and equate the cause of the pain with the arrow. In this situation you are safe simply because the tiger will struggle to wrestle with the arrow, never looking for a shooter, which buys you time to shoot another arrow into the tiger and finish him off.

In the Spiritual realm, Satan employs the same method. At many times during the day, one can be under attack from Satan as he pierces our hearts with deceit-dipped arrows. These well place lies hit where it hurts and cause us to focus on the arrow itself, not him, which is what he wants, honestly. When we dont see Satan standing behind the arrow, when we dont equate the voices in our head as lies from the Evil One, and when we accept those lies as truth we tend to struggle more in deceit, while Satan continually fires rounds of arrows into our heart. His lies are subtle and tricky.

This has been a crucial aspect in the way that I view my identity in Christ. I receive lies (arrows) on a daily basis. I must be aware and recognize Satan in his work. The Spirit has really helped me distinguish truth from lies. And then, I must turn to God right then and receive His voice, His acceptance, His Truth. And hearing the voice of God is a refreshing drink on a scorching day.

"Who do YOU say that I am?"

Door shuts! Praise God!

I had been waiting 45 minutes this day for a bus that wasn’t packed to the door so that I could get back to Beit Jala from Jerusalem. Usually, a five to ten minute wait is all that is necessary to find the right bus. After watching 4 buses pass by the bus stop without slowing at all, I was finally ready to get on. It is a Friday, the Muslim holy day. Therefore, at this time, most of the buses I watched pass by, without even a hint of slowing down, were crammed with devout Muslims trying to find their way back home.

I find my place in the aisle; the only space left on this particular bus. Most of the passengers around me are Muslim. However, I notice an American passenger sitting in the window seat of the aisle that I am now standing. As I stand exhausted from a day of sightseeing the Holy City, I casually notice that the mysterious American passenger, who is sitting next to a Muslim woman, is deep in conversation. Strangely enough, she doesn’t want to be! I can tell she is either tired or not feeling well, and she confirms that to the lady sitting next to her, as this particular covered, Muslim woman continues asking her questions, trying to draw her further into conversation.

The American picks up her cell phone and places it to her ear, so as to signal an incoming call and perhaps bye her more time to think of her next move. As she responds to mystery Man A, I wonder if there is even anyone on the other end. She then hangs up the phone and returns it to its position, still clinched in her hand, maybe hoping that another convenient call might take place. “How can you believe that Jesus is actually God,” this woman asks the poor American tourist who just wants to be left alone. Okay, my attention is even more devoted to this pair now; however, rather than give my cards away, I opt for the look-out-the-window eavesdropping technique, keeping my good ear turned their way, making sure I pick up all the key ingredients of this one-sided conversation.

I look ahead briefly, so as to keep my cover, while frequently giving a look in their direction. From above the conversation, my eyes steal long glances, hoping that my ears follow suit and fill in what words are being said to go along with the awkward body language and nonverbal cues that are taking place. Another look forward. This time, I notice the man standing in front of me is now turned around and he looks to interject his own comments into this random conversation. He utters something in Arabic. Muslim woman responds back before devoting more words and thoughts to American passenger, who is now looking out the window, not making eye contact. What response she does contribute to this conversation is very soft, as she tries to keep her thoughts in her row only, not wanting her beliefs to seep out into other rows, where listening ears are now apparent.

Once again, I watch the man standing directly in front of me and I am thinking, “Should I jump in this conversation and bail this defenseless woman out?” I quickly decide minding my own business is the route I am going to take today. “Can you believe that this woman here thinks that Jesus is God,” the voice in front of me projects my way. Okay, maybe I will be contributing my own thoughts. “Actually,” I offer sheepishly, “I believe the same thing she does.” The man’s face changes. “You believe that Jesus is God,” he prods. He then proceeds to inform me about his beliefs, how Jesus is a mere prophet, and how there is no way that he was God. His monologue lasts a good 7-8 minutes as I listen honestly, nodding my head and giving him nonverbals to show I am listening.

Before I left, I read Muslims, Christians, and Jesus. It was very informative and spoke about the importance of seeking common ground with Muslims, not trying to stir up arguments, and just listening to what they believe. I do exactly as the book explains. After exhausting himself, he looks at me with interest and questions, “Who is Jesus’ father?”

“Father God is,” I state.

“How can this be? He was born of a woman. How can Jesus be a son and God? He is only a prophet. He has to be,” the man offers expecting a response.

“Jesus is God the Son. Father God is also God,” my response comes.

“Impossible, it cannot be,” again he says.

“I don’t know how to explain it to you in a way that is easy to understand because God is not someone that I can fully comprehend. There are certain things that I just have to say, ‘God is God and I am not’,” I respond again, hoping this time he accepts my thoughts. I am becoming aware now as I look around my proximity that more itching ears and curious eyes are beginning to look directly at me, wondering what I will say. At this point, I am trying to keep my voice low. I have nowhere to go, I am not trying to start a spiritual fight or even critique the Muslim beliefs. I am only trying to counter what this man is stating so matter-of-factly with truth.

We continue talking for another 15 minutes as he shares his personal beliefs with me, trying to persuade me in the errors in mine. I gladly share truth with him and the conversation takes twists and turns around the Gospel. I keep my cool, listening more than talking, and giving him all the proper cues to know that I am not offended and I respect what he is saying. Not long after, we arrive at his bus stop. The bus comes to a complete stop, he turns around, and proceeds to walk down the aisle. I tap him on the shoulder, extend my arm, and shake his hand, so as to say, “It was a pleasure talking with you.” I had hoped that he would ride the bus longer and get off at my stop so that we could continue our conversation, but it was not to be.

I thank God for this day that I was able to speak Truth into this man’s life. I pray that a seed was planted. I also pray that those listening ears on the bus received the Word in their language. God’s Word does not return void.

Raji, Daniel, and George

Three weeks ago we took a trip over the weekend (our first of two in 2 straight weeks) with our soccer and basketball teams north of Tel Aviv (about a 2 hour drive). Our teams spent the day at an American School playing against a few other schools in the area. Although we didn’t fare so well against stronger competition, the students really enjoyed getting away and seeing a new landscape.

After the tournament we traveled to a mall just off the Mediterranean Sea and spent a couple of hours of free time just enjoying the area. I was responsible for three 6th grade students: Raji, George, and Daniel (Raji is always smiling, Daniel is the “cool, athletic one”, and George is a bit more reserved but goofy). They anxiously informed me that they wanted to go straight to the beach, thereby bypassing the mall, as soon as we stepped off the bus. I had prayed that God would give us an enjoyable time. That prayer was answered immediately and tangibly.

As the sun was retiring for the evening, the four of us walked down a beautiful, white beach just down a ways from the marina that kept several sailboats. We stopped at the marina to look at all the fancy boats that were at bay before we headed to the beach. Just off the beach a few feet was a wall of large boulders that ran parallel. After immediately seeing the water, the guys had a smile on their face as wide as the sea itself. This was the first or second time these boys had ever been to the beach! Think back to your childhood and imagine the excitement you felt when you first saw the beach. They kept looking at me as if seeking permission, their faces following suit as if to cry out, “Am I allowed to get in the water and have fun?” And when my response matched the desires of their youthful, adventurous hearts there was no hesitation on their parts.

I was reminded that these young guys had been oppressed and told “no” their whole lives. “No, you cannot leave your small and shrinking territory. No, you cannot take simple trips across the border to the beach, the zoo, the amusement park, or even the mall.” The innocence of youth does not even weigh in on a decision to allow Palestinians to travel freely back and forth, with the exception of a school game here or there, and in that case permits must be approved weeks in advance.

So, when my three 6th grade students for the day asked if they could have fun, enjoy the water, and get wet, how could I offer up any response shy of, “Swim, Run, Shout, Laugh, get wet, and live in this moment as if nothing else matters!!!”

It was the best day of the week by far, simply because God reminded me what it was to be a kid again, to approach life without worry or fear, but to simply out of Joy, Courage, and Passion, experience Life! Raji, Daniel, and George allowed me to live vicariously through them that day!

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”