Passing the Test!

"Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham..." Genesis 22:1

On January 8, 2002 the United States signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act. This act is based on the belief that setting high standards and establishing measurable goals can improve individual outcomes for students. NCLB has a couple of key features one of which is that it requires states to administer annual assessments to all students. The law also requires all government operated schools receiving funding to have highly qualified teachers administer these assessments or tests.

My friend, I would like to submit to you that just as our government supports the creation of tests for its students, the Government of the Kingdom of God also designs tests for its subjects. In a real sense, we all face tests, some can be compared to small quizzes, others seem to be enormous exams. All of life is a series of tests. The reality for many of us is that we really don't like taking tests. This is especially true of the kind it seems that the teacher created so that everybody would fail (lol). For some just the idea of taking a test can cause anxiety to fill their mental skies. However, today I want to encourage you by reminding you that the test you are experiencing has been developed by a Highly Qualified Instructor (God) who wants you to pass!

If anybody understood this truth it had to be the Father of the faith, Abraham. In Genesis 22 he is taking his final exam for in vs. 1 the Bible says that God tested him by telling him to kill his son. Now that's a serious test! Interestingly the word for "test" in the orignial Hebrew means "to prove". Of course, God didn't want Abraham to commit murder but in essence He was developing Abraham's faith by proving the genuiness of it. In the end, Abraham was able to pass the test and today he teaches us how we also can pass any test that comes our way. Let's look at the cliff notes version of his experience.

First, we must remember that we have been Prepared for our tests. Vs. 1 begins by saying, "After these things". Abraham's life illustrates the idea that life is a series of tests. This was not the first test for him because he had experienced multiple tests in the previous chapters of his life. If you are honest, this is not your first test neither. As a teacher I often tell my students before a big test, 'What the teacher teaches, the teacher tests." In other words, the instruction, activities, guided practice, homework , and quizzes that I give are all designed to prepare them by giving them repeated practice. In the same manner, God has been instructing and preparing you for your test so that can excel and not fail. So even though it may feel like it's a pop test- you've been prepared for it!

Second, we must respond to our test with a Posture of trust. Abraham's response to this test is so amazing. He doesn't compalin, cry, cause a commotion or even ask God why? Instead, he was compliant and began to do as he was instructed. Wow! After reading this passage I found out that he was able to be so compliant because of his confidence in God. Though he couldn't trace God's hand, he still trusted God's heart! He knew that God was working things out according to plan. How do we develop that type of faith? The Bible says, "Faith comes by hearing the Word of God". As a younger student I liked it when the teacher gave us open book tests. I understood that all I had to do was know the book and I could do well. The good thing about all God's tests is that they are Open Book! Go ahead and open up His book, the Bible, so that you can ace the test!

Well if you remember that you are prepared for your tests and your respond with a posture of trust, Abraham's story teaches us that you can rely on Provisions for your tests. The text says that just as he was about to sacrifice his son, an angel told him not to do so. Instead, he was shown a ram that was caught in a thicket. He sacrificed the ram and called the name of the place, "The Lord Will Provide", vs 14. Abraham learned a powerful lesson that day that he never would have learned had he not been tested, that God will provide somehow, someway. That's good news for you as you are being tested today, be encouraged knowing that where God guides, He always provides!


PEACE!

Comeback Player of the Year!

He can best described as a man who had it, lost it, and got it back. The person I’m referring to is named Michael; not Michael Jones, Michael Jordan, or Michael Jackson but Michael Vick. As an avid sports fan like many of you I was memorized by his rise to fame as he would razzle and dazzle football fans with his phenomenal physical ability. However in 2007 his meteoric rise was only eclipsed by is colossal fall as in 2007 he pled guilty to an illegal dog-fighting. This felony charge came with two years of prison, the loss of his multimillion dollar NFL salary, and product endorsement deals. Combined with previous financial mismanagement, legal fees, and his having to pay the falcons back close to 20 million dollars, Michael Vick was forced to file for bankruptcy. During this time, many people and pro organizations wrote him off and never expected him to regain his prominence and position.

However, earlier this year Michael Vick was named by the Associated Press as the Comeback Player of the Year for the 2010 football season. After being given a chance by another group of birds, the Eagles, Michael Vick returned to his place as one of the best QB’s in the NFL. Now Vick is using his new opportunity to help others who have made mistakes. On yesterday, he did the commencement speech at a local school which serves students with emotional, disciplinary, and academic problems. In addition, he presented two scholarships to help students pursue their dream. I like that! For his life illustrates that it is possible to comeback from a setback. Maybe that’s just what someone needs to hear today; your failure does not have to be fatal but it indeed can be fruitful.

How does it work? Well it’s as simple as A-B-C. First you have to be willing to admit that you made a mistake. That sounds so easy, but this first step has been known to trip up many individuals. Saying we have been wrong is sometimes a difficult thing for us to do. However, you can’t fix what you won’t face, and you can’t conquer what you won’t confess. So go ahead and face yourself so you won’t continue to disgrace yourself. Secondly you must believe that your failure is not the end of you. Sometimes we make the mistake of defining ourselves by our failure. This mentality will render us captives of a cycle that will cause us to continue to experience the same failure. However you must believe that there are brighter days ahead. Finally you must make another choice. I believe that much of where we are in life has to do with the choices that we make. Our choices all have consequences connected to them. Just as it took a choice to get you into the situation, it will take a choice to get you out of it. Today you have been given another chance to make another choice! In closing, I would like to give you the words that Vick gave to those students on yesterday, “''Use me as an example at how to become an instrument of change ... you can do it as well.''

PEACE!

Developing a "Mentoring Mentality"

Imagine a world that didn’t include the musical mastery of Mozart, the passion and perseverance of Helen Keller, or the charm and charisma of Denzel. Such may be the case if these prominent figures had never been impacted and influenced by a mentor. Various individuals consistently conclude that they are who they are and where they are because of the support they have received from a mentor. This is extremely important in the day in which we live as many youths are experiencing social, academic, and behavioral difficulties. According to the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, today many youths have limited access to adults due to high rates of divorce, single parent households, and fewer institutions and activities that are geared to support youth. With this in mind, mentors can step in and meet a signinficant need.

What exactly is a mentor? Well according to Webster, a mentor is "a trusted counselor or guide". The word originates from a character in the Odyssey who was named Mentor. King Odysseus entrusted Mentor to watch over his son Telemachus and to prepare him to reign, rule and sit on the throne. This, in essence, is the goal of a mentor today, preparing individuals to maximize their potential. As the anonymous poet said, "With help from a friend, you can reach the stars."

Therefore it is imperative that we make a commitment to mentoring our youths. Research has shown that mentoring programs can assist in the reduction of peer violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and gang membership. In addition, mentoring as been shown to increase academic achievement and school participation. Not only are youths impacted but by sacrifically giving, mentors also benefit from these relationships. When mentors commit to mentoring they are in essence enhancing their schools, churches, and communities. As Zig Ziglar suggested, You cannot help someone get to the mountain without getting to the top yourself."

Practically speaking, how can this be done? Well, first one could serve as a volunteer in an already existing program. Schools, recreational programs, churches and other programs are always looking for help in this manner. Of course the traditional one to one approach is always an option. Maybe there is someone you know that needs a little push or perhaps even reminds you of a younger you that needs some guidance and direction. Either way, it doesn't take a huge amount of time, just a willingness to give back. As I close, that's what I want to remind you to do today. Take a moment to remember the investment that someone made in you yesterday, so that you can do the same for someone today. I promise, it will make a huge difference for everyone tommorrow!

PEACE!

What will you leave behind?

If I can help somebody as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,
If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong,
Then my living will not be in vain.

These luminous lines, often used by my mother, were also quoted by the venerable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his speech entitled “The Drum Major Instinct". In this segacious speech, Dr. King identifies the drum major mentality, one which desires to be first, important or great. He contrasts this familiar attitude with a far less common but greater mindset, one which seeks to serve others. In so doing, he reminds us that "everybody can be great, because everyone can serve." As I reflect upon that statement, I can't help but think of my mother Mrs. Ora L. Jones. For my mother was great, not in size, stature, or status symbols, but great in service. She devoted her life to reaching out to the least, last, lost, and left out. In every role that she fulfilled, rather as a wife, mother, employee, ministry leader, or friend, she demonstrated a willingness to serve others. As I mourn her passing, I am thankful that I was priviledged to have such a mother to model and mimic. I am also grateful that she has left a legacy for me and also others who would follow in her faithful footsteps.

First, her life reveals that we gain significance in this life by serving others. My mother never attended college or authored any books yet her name is highly respected in various communities. Anyone that knew her would agree that she was an influential individual because of the impact that she made in so many lives. We gain meaning in life not by what we get but by what we give.

Lastly, her life illlustrates that the service you render to others is never in vain. It's never in vain becuase it can continue to make a difference for years to come. At my mom' s funeral, in which many people gathered to celebrate her life, she received three honors in her name that will continue to live on. First, the city of Montevallo named June 4th as Ora L. Jones day, a fitting honor especially since that was also her marriage anniversary. In addition two scholarships will be dedicated in her name in order to help some student fulfill their dreams. However, I believe her highest honor was given to her in heaven as she was rewarded for all the service that she rendered to others. In conclusion, as I salute my mother for being a great woman, I also encourage you to enlist in a life of service to others knowing that what matters most is not the duration of your life but the donation of it!

PEACE!