The National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer is a part of our nation's heritage!

Prayer is the mainspring of the American spirit, a fundamental tenet of our people since before the Republic was founded. A year before the Declaration of Independence, in 1775, the Continental Congress proclaimed the first National Day of Prayer as the initial positive action they asked of every colonist. . . . It took the tragedy of the Civil War to restore a National Day of Prayer. As Abraham Lincoln said, "Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us." . . . From General Washington's struggle at Valley Forge to the present, this Nation has fervently sought and received divine guidance as it pursued the course of history. . . .

Ronald Reagan, "National Day of Prayer, 1983: A Proclamation."
Facsimile Courtesy of the White House found in The Bible and the Constitution.
Compiled by Verna Hall and Rosalie Slater, Chesapeake, VA: FACE, 1983, XXV.

As we pursue this generation's course of history, we can overcome today's national trials as we have before: through fervent prayer.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

White House Summit on Inner-City and Faith-Based Schools

President Bush Calls Inner-City Faith-Based Schools a Critical National Asset.

America's inner-city faith-based schools are facing a crisis...between 2000 and 2006, nearly 1,200 faith-based schools closed in America's inner cities. The impact of school closings extends far beyond the children that are having to leave these classrooms. We have an interest in the health of these centers of excellence; it's in the country's interest to get beyond the debate of public/private, to recognize this is a critical national asset that provides a critical part of our nation's fabric in making sure we're a hopeful place.

Yesterday, President Bush hosted a White House Summit on Inner-City and Faith-Based schools in Washington, D.C, to increase awareness of the alarming school closure rate of inner-city faith-based schools that have provided much needed educational opportunities for disadvantaged children for decades. The event brought together educators, policymakers, philanthropists, business and community leaders, parents and students to develop local strategies to keep the doors of inner-city faith-based schools open to America's disadvantaged students. For many inner-city children across our nation, America's faith-based schools provide an option for a better future.

The summit highlighted the need to preserve the critically important educational alternatives for underserved students attending chronically underperforming schools. U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings moderated a panel discussion on "Educational Options and America's Cities." Other panels highlighted the impact faith-based urban schools have had in the education of youth in America's inner cities, the challenges faced by faith-based urban schools, community solutions to keep faith-based urban schools strong, and innovative public policies that help under-served communities.

In his remarks the President recognized that many children can find a bright future in faith-based schools and noted, "The closings place an added burden on inner-city public schools that are struggling. And these school closings impoverish our country by really denying a future of children a critical source of learning not only about how to read and write, but about social justice." At the federal level, the President called for reauthorizing and expanding the Opportunity Scholarship Program in Washington, DC, and for Congress to enact his Pell Grants for Kids proposal for $300 million to help low-income children now enrolled in troubled public schools to go to schools of their parents' choice.

The President also called upon state and local governments to respond to this crisis. He noted that, "more than 30 state constitutions that include so-called Blaine Amendments, which prohibit public support of religious schools and have their roots in 19th century anti-Catholic bigotry." Furthermore, the President stated, "And so state lawmakers, if they're concerned about quality education for children, and if they're concerned about these schools closing, they ought to remove the Blaine Amendments..."

One particularly interesting program that the President mentioned is the Pennsylvania program that gives tax credits to businesses for contributions for pre-K through 12 scholarships for low-income children. He noted these tax credits are, "an innovative way to use the tax code to meet a national - in this case, state - objective."President Bush spoke of innovations to address the problem, such as the Cristo Rey Network of schools, now in 19 cities; Memphis, Tennessee, where businesses have given money that allowed Catholic schools to reopen as Jubilee schools; and the University of Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education which prepares college graduates to work as teachers in under-served Catholic schools. The President closed by saying, My hope is that we're laying cornerstones for new schools here or revived schools; that we take the spirit of the Holy Father and extend it throughout the country, and work for excellence for every child; to set high standards, and when we find centers of excellence...to think of policy that will enable them to not only exist, not only survive, but to thrive. It's in our nation's interest. It's an important summit for America

For additional information on the White House Summit on Inner-City and Faith-based Schools, visit the website at: White House News Releases http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/04/20080424-2.html%20. To view the U.S. Department of Education's press release on this event, visit: Secretary of Education Participates in White House Summit http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2008/04/04242008.html

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Remembering the First Landing

Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the LORD your God gives you for all time.
Deuteronomy 4: 39-40

It was on the shores of Cape Henry on April 29, 1607 that Pastor Robert Hunt read from Deuteronomy and dedicated Virginia-America to God.

We do hereby dedicate this Land, and ourselves, to reach the People within these shores with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to raise up Godly generations after us, and with these generations take the Kingdom of God to all the earth. May this Covenant of Dedication remain to all generations, as long as this earth remains, and may this Land, along with England, be Evangelist to the World. May all who see this Cross, remember what we have done here, and may those who come here to inhabit join us in this Covenant and in this most noble work that the Holy Scriptures may be fulfilled.

Given by Parson and Minister of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Robert Hunt,
April 29, 1607 at Cape Henry,Virginia-America (now Virginia Beach, Virginia) Paraphrase from Old English to modern language provided by Jan Bauder

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Is There a Christian Approach to Teaching Science?

Some Christian parents believe that science is science – that it doesn’t matter whether it comes from a Christian or a naturalism perspective. Let’s see…

In Naturalism - everything comes from matter, time, and chance. God is not involved – no order, just chance occurrences in a coincidental way that brings order out of chaos.

The proposition that order come from chaos takes more faith than the Christian view of science - it declares that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things; science involves knowing God through knowing His world.

When we learn science with the beginning that God brought forth, we see both order and purpose while being amazed at the majesty and intricacy of our wonderful created order.

Find a school like Upper Room that is awed by our Lord’s handiwork!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

It's a Battle for Your Attention!

In our media-driven culture we are being bombarded daily with contradicting messages. On TV, in movies, in print publications and online, men and women of faith are told they're inadequate in the workplace or at home, as spouses or as parents.

And our children are even bigger targets. TV, films and video games offer gratuitous violence, teen programs with provocative clothing and situations, pop-ups on the Web ... they're all fighting against the virtues and values you hold most dear and strive to instill in your kids.

Fortunately there are great, God-honoring alternatives worthy of your attention. For over 20 years, Focus on the Family has been publishing magazines that bring trusted, age-appropriate entertainment, insight and issues right into your home -- where influence begins and thrives. It's more important than ever that we be discerning of our media selections.

You can be confident that Focus on the Family's magazines provide positive and informed fuel for the heart and mind. Generations of readers know the true value of these magazines, so check out the impact these "good choices" have made in their lives.

Family.org

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Is there a Christian approach to teaching history?

In a Christian school history is taught as His story! It is the unfolding of God's wonderful plan of redemption! Some Christian parents believe that history is history – that the worldview or perspective of the author really makes no difference. Let’s see…

Without God in control, history is either controlled by autonomous man or by an impersonal process or fate or kismet or chance. So, we can see no themes, patterns or purposes for human history; just a lot of people waging war on each other in the quest for power or wealth.

However, if we see human history through the lens of Scripture and believe that God Himself is omnipotent and orchestrating events for a greater good, we now have a larger view to see God’s purposes in history.

Find a school like URCS that teaches that human history is a part of God’s redemptive plan for the world. You and your child will be glad you did!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Tips for Students in Public Schools

Before making a classroom presentation or paper, become as well-informed as possible about Creationism and the problems involved with Evolutionism.

In many public schools, there is a strong sensitivity against the expression of Christian religious beliefs in the classroom. Students have more latitude than teachers on this point. However, in the classroom, students are usually wise to strictly limit their comments to scientific facts, rather than dealing with biblical information or religious beliefs.

Don't be surprised about not being treated fairly in a public school when discussing your Christianity and Creation. Be prepared to handle such treatment with a proper Christian attitude. It is an unfortunate reality that many teachers and administrators are strongly biased and misinformed on this subject. This is quite understandable. In most cases, their entire education (grade school through college) was totally one-sided on this issue.

Remember that students are under the authority of the teacher, even teachers who are antagonistic to Christianity. Christian students have a responsibility to respect their teacher' authority and remain courteous and respectful at all times, even if they don't agree on the subject of Evolution. However, students may use the established grievance policy of the institution they are in if they feel they are being discriminated against or suffering undue consequences of their beliefs.

For best student/teacher relations, maintain a good humor about situation and stay objective. Stick to the facts. A Christian's attitude should be one of love and sensitivity toward all, including non-believers. Do not resort to emotional arguments or verbal assaults. Do not belittle the beliefs of a teacher. Phrase comments and questions in a sensitive way that depersonalizes the issues. It is very unlikely that embarrassing a teacher in front of a class will produce desirable results! Information should be presented with an attitude of good will, good humor, and honest respect. Teachers are more likely to respond favorably to a good, hard-working student who is simply looking for honest answers, than to a student who appears hostile, ill-humored, poorly prepared, or who sounds like a "know it all."

Lend the teacher a good book on the subject, especially one which maintains scientific objectivity. Also of interest are various books critical of Evolutionism written by Evolutionists. Use of these avoids making the issue look like a religious battle.

Realize that all teachers and classroom situations are not the same. What may work with one teacher or school may not be effective with another.

Students should remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. There are many exciting stories about how students provided the questions and information that eventually produced major changes in teachers' and other classmate's lives.

Prayer is the most important ingredient in any human endeavor. Be sure that classroom efforts are founded upon time spent in prayer. PARENTS: Take advantage of this opportunity to pray with your child concerning their Christian walk, attitudes and faithfulness.

Organizations that offer advice or legal help to students or teachers facing discrimination due to their belief in Creation:
Christian Legal Society - 4208 Evergreen Lane, #222, Annandale, VA 22003, (703) 642-1070
Citizens for Excellence in Education (CEE) - P.O. Box 3200, Costa Mesa, CA 92628, (714) 546-5931
Rutherford Institute - P.O. Box 7482, Charlottesville, VA 22906, (804) 978-3888
Western Center for Law & Religious Freedom - 3855 E. La Palma, Suite 124, Anaheim, CA 92621

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Resolving Classroom Issues

How can you deal with angry parents?
Very carefully.
By Alain Jehlen

Dad and Mom, eyes wild, barge into your room screaming, "How dare you give Susie an F?!"
Susie smirks. The class cheers. The principal walks in.

OK, that's probably not going to happen. But furious parents can do a lot of damage, whether or not there's any basis for their anger. So in case Dad and Mom ever do show up mad, here are some ideas on how to cope, and maybe even turn the encounter into an opportunity for everybody—parents, kid, and you—to do better.

Our advice comes from experienced teachers we contacted, from NEA members who posted their ideas on an nea.org discussion board, and from Jerry Newberry, head of the NEA Health Information Network, who used to train teachers to work with parents.

Success, they agree, depends on moving from confrontation to problem-solving. That may not always be possible. "Sometimes parents are angry about other things in their lives and choose to take it out on teachers," wrote Leadville, Colorado, sixth-grade science teacher Peggy Pothast. "In that case, there is nothing you can do but let them vent."

But these techniques can greatly improve your chances of moving beyond the venting.

If possible, before meeting with the parents:
Document the child's problem behavior and your conversations about it.
"I document every time I talk with a parent or a student and keep enough details to answer questions," says Leavenworth, Kansas, elementary school counselor Janice Troyer.
If you want parents to help you get the homework turned in, you need to tell them how often it hasn't been, because their child is not likely to 'fess up.
"A lot of kids, if they are not doing well, will hide information from their parents," says Newberry. "So the parent is missing information. The parent's tendency is to defend the child and assume the teacher is wrong. Then the teacher gets defensive. The solution is concrete evidence."

Don't talk to a parent—or write—when you're mad.
"Never ever reply immediately to an angry e-mail," says Linda Robb, a high school English teacher in Indianapolis. "Wait. Do not delay more than 24 hours, but give it time. And then call them instead of writing an answer."

Talk to other teachers who work with the child.
Often, a student with academic problems in one class is finding success in other subjects. If so, you want to be able to let the parents know. That may help them feel less defensive when you describe their child's performance in your class.

Decide what you want to come out of the meeting.
"Don't let the only goals at the meeting be the parents' goals," says Newberry. "They may just come in and yell at you because they think you've been unfair. Your goals should be child-centered—a clear plan of action.

At the meeting:
Start on a positive note.
"Robert is doing really well in ______."
Remember? That's why you talked to other teachers beforehand.
"Many parents come to a conference highly defensive," says Newberry. "Year after year, for 12 or 24 conferences, maybe all they've heard has been bad news. You have to be different: 'I'm here to help your child be successful.'"

Don't propose your solution first.
If the teacher lays out a plan, there's a good chance the parent will come back with, "We tried those things and they were an utter failure," says Newberry.
Instead, he advises, ask the parents to explain what's been done in the past and whether it worked. "Often a meeting fails just because the teacher talked first," he says.
Use 'active' or reflective listening.
"I hear you saying ______. Is that correct?" That's how Diane Postman, an early childhood special education teacher in Gloucester County, Virginia, summarizes this very effective technique, which lets the parent know you're sincerely listening. It also makes sure you understand.
"Often, the angry person is part right and part wrong," notes Postman. "If you begin by agreeing or acknowledging what they are saying, they will calm down."

Describe the problem in behavioral, nonjudgmental terms.
"Robert is not turning in his homework."
"Janet is distracting the students she sits next to. She argues with me and won't follow rules."
Don't bring the student in until you and the parents are on the same side.
If the parent is upset, it's better to work that out before the child is in the room, says Newberry. "Children need to see their teacher and parents singing off the same song sheet."

Agree on specific steps that you and the parents will take.
Pick two or three practical steps each of you can take. "Perhaps you and the parents can use a school Web site to communicate about schoolwork," says Newberry. "You will post the assignments, and the parents will check the site to see what's due and sign off on each completed task. You'll follow up with them when something isn't handed in."
If you're going to find something out for the parent, tell them when you'll get back to them.

After the meeting:
Follow up.
Agree to meet again, or at least to talk, in a few weeks. Don't wait half a semester to find out how your plan needs to be adjusted.
If you're unable to get information that you promised by the date you set, call them anyway with a progress report.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Christian Idea of Self-Government

Let divines and philosophers, statesmen and patriots, unite their endeavors to renovate the age, by impressing the minds of men with the importance of educating their little boys and girls, of inculcating in the minds of youth the fear and love of the Deity and universal philanthropy, and in subordination to these great principles, the love of their country; of instructing them in the art of self-government, without which they never can act a wise part in the government of societies, great or small; in short, of leading them in the study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system . . .

Samuel Adams to John Adams, October 7, 1790Quoted in Verna Hall's Christian History of the Constitution of the United States of America, Vol I: Christian Self-Government, p. XIV.

While the language used may be a bit foreign to us today certainly the principle rings true!

Great Bible Software

There are loads of new software packages coming out each week to entice us and our children to spend more time at our computers. While I am an avid computer user (two-six) hours a day seven days a week, I know that anything taken to its excess can become a problem.

While our kids spend more time at their computers they spend less time in sports and other social activities with live real present people. This can lead to obesity, a lack of social desire and skills and a general coldness to "the real world". As we did 30 years ago with TV we must be very diligent to monitor the amount of time and the quality of time being spent on our computers.

Unlike TV computers can be interactive and usually involves others. Just like we should know our children's outside friends we should know their "inside" computer friends as well or even better. In the world of "virtual reality" a 14 year old boy could be a 30 year old pedophile. Your daughter could be being seduced into a lifestyle of drugs, sex, gambling or other potentially dangerous activity.

I believe there needs to be a comprehensive home computer safety checkup done in every home that has children under the age of 18. This should include a set place for the computer (not in the bedroom or away from the rest of the family), a set amount of time to use the computer (I can't tell you how many students are losing sleep and performing horribly in school due to computer late nights), parameters of acceptable computer use (research, non-offensive gaming, music etc...).

As a family we should talk about what's going on in cyber-space together perhaps at dinner. Allow your children to share what is important to then as well as what might be confusing to them in a loving , caring environment. You may also want to share different ways of looking at things to give them a wider perspective.

A really great computer package I found is Logos Bible software. It has everything a child or adult could need to do in depth study of the Bible and bible Times in History. I've had mine for 2 years and barely go a day without using it. It even has 5 ways to read your bible through in a year or helps for bible memorization. If you'd like one of Logo's packages for the computer drop me an e-mail for a 25% discount! Their site is http://www.logos.com/christianhome .

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Is Upper Room Christian School a Safe Place for Your Child?

Safety is always a paramount concern for parents. At first, we think of physical safety and
security. That’s because we have become accustomed to the TV images of metal detectors at school entrances and airports. We’ve heard about the tragedies at shopping malls over the Christmas season. Security can mean that buildings have controlled access and diligence and authority is practiced by personnel. At Upper Room we take information and security training seriously and attend NYS and Homeland Security courses annually. The school has over 29 closed circuit digital cameras monitoring the perimeter, halls and rooms. They are overseen by our security people from 7am-10pm and continue to record throughout the night. We are hotwired to both our local police and fire department which is a quarter of a mile away. We participate in SCAN Suffolk County Alert Network and can communicate instantly with emergency services via e-mail and phone.

It can also mean that physical and verbal bullying will not be tolerated on school grounds or
public venues. Because Upper Room Christian School is smaller and much more personal, it is generally safer because every student is well known by teachers and staff. But, we know there are exceptions – everyone must still be vigilant. Students should be watched and questioned to be sure that health social relationships are being formed. This should happen at home as well as at school. Erratic changes in behavior should be observed and addressed.

However, there is another security to consider; emotional and spiritual. Each morning we pray that the angel of the Lord would encamp around our school to protect and keep us safe. Your child is prayed for over and over throughout the day and beyond because we know that our Holy God is the ultimate protector. Find another school where every aspect of your child’s security is addressed.

You've found Upper Room Christian School where your faith and the classroom have the perfect intersection.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Upper Room Christian School vs. Public Schools: What's the Difference?

Cost

Public schools cannot charge tuition. They are funded through federal, state and local taxes. When you pay your taxes, you are paying for your child's education and the education of other children in your community.
Upper Room Christian School does not receive tax revenues, but instead is funded through tuition, fundraising, donations and public grants. According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the median tuition for their member private day schools in 2005-2006 in the United States was close to $14,000 for grades 1 to 3, $15,000 for grades 6 to 8 and $16,600 for grades 9 to 12. The Digest of Education Statistics 2005 from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that for the 1999-2000 school year, the average private school tuition was about $4,700.
Parochial schools generally charge less. According to the National Catholic Educational Association, the average freshman tuition (for 2002-2003) was $5,870. Upper Room Christian School's tuition is a bit less than the average area Catholic Schools.

Admissions

Public schools admit all children. By law, public schools must educate all children, including students with special needs. To enroll in a public school you simply register your child by filling out the necessary paperwork.
Private schools are selective. They are not obligated to accept every child, and in many private schools admission is very competitive. Upper Room Christian School has the largest "special needs" population (approx. 10% of it's population) of any private school on Long Island and strives to meet the needs of Christian families in this area. Our criteria is based on spiritual, academic, and behavioral standards.

Governance
Public or Private? The Debate Rages
Private school students typically score higher than public school students on standardized tests. Researchers found that private schools came out ahead in 11 of 12 comparisons of students. Upper Room Christian School is no exception to these findings! Public schools must follow all federal, state and local laws in educating children. Such laws usually include specifics about funding, program development and curriculum.
Private schools are not subject to as many state and federal regulations as public schools. Since private schools are funded independently, they are not subject to the limitations of state education budgets and have more freedom in designing curriculum and instruction.

Curriculum

Public schools offer a general program, designed for all children, which usually includes math, English, reading, writing, science, history and physical education. In addition to these key subjects, many public schools offer programs in music and art. In a public school, the substance of what children learn is mandated by the state and learning is measured through state standardized tests. Upper Room Christian School uses the best secular and Christian curriculum's taught by professing Christians with a Christian World View and meets all of the NYS standards for education while participating in all state administered testing.
Private schools have the flexibility to create a specialized program for students. For example, private schools may use art or science in all classes, or take children on extended outdoor trips that blend lessons across the curriculum. Private schools can create their own curriculum and assessment systems, although many also choose to use standardized tests.

Teachers

Public schools: All teachers in a public school are usually state certified or, at a minimum, working toward certification. Certification ensures that a teacher has gone through the training required by the state, which includes student teaching and coursework.
Private schools: Teachers in private schools may not be required to have certification, and instead often have subject area expertise and an undergraduate or graduate degree in the subject they teach. Upper Room's teachers are well qualified in their subject areas and meet the added criteria of having Christian Morals and Character.

Students

Public schools: The children at most public schools usually reflect the community. Students may be split up based on ability or interests, but in many public schools, there is a diversity of student backgrounds. NOTE: In many states, if you are not satisfied with your assigned school, you may be able to send your child to another public school in the area.
Private schools: The student population at a private school is determined through a selection process; all students must apply and be accepted in order to attend. Although students may be from different neighborhoods, they will probably have similar goals and interests. This tends to create a fairly homogeneous student body. At URCS student's families are interviewed and screened to make sure their child's placement is the best for that specific child.

Special Needs

Public schools: Due to special education laws, public schools must educate all children, and provide the necessary programs to meet their special needs. This means that most public schools have special education programs and teachers who are trained to work with students who have particular needs.
Private schools: Private schools do not have to accept children with special needs, and many choose not to (although there are a small number of private schools specifically designed for special needs children). As a result, most private schools do not have special education programs or teachers trained to work with students with severe special needs. Upper Room Christian School has a staff of highly trained "Special Ed" certified teachers and services all sorts of IEP,s through our "Special Ed" department. Private schools will try to help all the students they admit, but extra resources may also come at an additional cost.

Class Size

Public schools: Many states recognize the value of small classes and have provided funding to keep class sizes small in grades K-3. As students become older, class size tends to get bigger in public schools, especially in large school districts and urban schools.
Private schools: Private schools are generally committed to providing small classes and individual attention to students. Many parents choose private schools for this reason.

The Bottom Line

There are a few fundamental differences between public and private schools, but here's the bottom line: There are great private schools and there are great public schools. The trick is finding the school that best fits your child's needs. You may also want to consider public charter schools or homeschooling. It's a good idea to research the schools that interest you and, to get a true picture of the school, visit in person. We're here at Upper Room Christian School to help you find the God ordained educational model for your child. At Upper Room we are committed to raising our student body in spirit, soul and body for Christ and to serve the needs of our community!

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Kim Clement

I received this e-mail from Prophet Kim Clement. His site is http://www.kimclement.com/ .

He will be on Long Island, NY 4 / 20 / 2008, Time 7:30pm. Upper Room Christian World Center, 722 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, N.Y. 11746 *Kim will also be ministering at the 11:00AM service.

I was flying to Detroit with my youngest child, Jakob, and during this 4-hour flight, I learned so much. As he was talking about various subjects that included God, I couldn't help but think about the Father and Jesus, His Son. I was holding my son's hand as he slept safely, and I began pondering on his future and how many times I had spoken to him, as I've done with all my children, about the future, his future. Suddenly I heard these words "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"

The words jolted me as I recalled a message that I had given many years ago entitled "Sabachthani...Forsaken.” While Jesus was on the cross in His darkest hour, He cried; "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" God was His father, and therefore, "My father why have you forsaken me?" I thought about what it would be like to forsake my son in his darkest hour for the sole purpose of providing a future for someone else. Then God spoke to me and said, "When I give you a promise, you have been given the power to provide a future for someone else."

After struggling to understand this, it suddenly came to me; God shared His son (the promise) with mankind and in so doing He provided a future for humanity. Abraham shared his promise with Lot and provided a future for him. Elijah shared his promise (abundance) with the widowed woman at Zarapheth and provided a future for her and her son. You have the power to keep that "promise" as a blessing for yourself or share it with others. What does this mean?

In 1978, I received my promise from God about taking Hollywood and building a house for many to come and be protected and nurtured. In 1996, I was called to minister in Detroit and did so for many years. During this time, I felt the Lord impressing on my heart to allow some young people to share this promise with me; in other words they would be partakers of the promise. Two young ladies, Hannah (19 years old at the time) and Miranda (12 years old at the time) were drawn into the promise as I invited them onto my platform and into our lives. Today they are in Hollywood with us and play a major role in expressing this promise and touching many lives. In 1992, Charlie Jordan (my minister who plays the bass guitar for me) was drawn onto my platform and became a partaker of my promise. In essence, by me sharing my promise or portion with them, I provided a future for them within the context of this mission. This also means that they receive a portion of the blessing and reward because they have labored with me.

God is about to make the church so exciting that young people will be brought into the Kingdom by the millions in a very short period. Young people at this time are in a state of total disenchantment and disillusionment and that gives the enemy the power to gain control of their hopes and fears. Young people are not growing spiritually because they are demanded to “serve” the promise instead of allowing them to share the promise. There comes a point where serving leads to sharing.

The disciples of Jesus served him and benefited greatly by this, however, there came a point where He allowed them to share the promise. 5,000 people needed food and upon praying for the bread and fish, he placed the bread into their hands and told them to break it and give it to the people. Suddenly, they were sharing the miracles. Young people have to get to the place where they conquer the "image" to embrace the "substance". Being in a culture and society where they are “sheep amongst wolves” they must learn to temper the innocence of the dove with the wisdom of the serpent, and begin to govern their lives according to the way people are rather than the way they would like to appear. They must gain knowledge about God and people by reading more, especially the Bible – which is a handbook for everyone, not just a chosen few.

The Bible is a manual for those who live in this big world but particularly young people who wish to prosper in that world. To them it gives “at once” the teaching that they could only obtain through long experience otherwise. Young people have their own language and I have found that once they come to God, the Church endeavors to provide them with a language that is ineffective. Unfortunately, the religious system prefers to look good rather than to actually be good. Image is more important, apparently, and therefore meaningless rhetorical variation presents an image that impresses, but only those easily deceived. DON’T BE BAD BY BEING TOO GOOD.

To alternate the bitter with the sweet shows good taste. People want to know that being a Christian does not demand that you put on a brave front and act like an over-comer constantly. God speaks through the tongues of men who have been given the language of God. The language of God is given to those who have abandoned religious rhetoric. I began to think about it and after looking at the most reliable source of spiritual sanity, the Living Scriptures; I discovered something that will bless everyone who has received something from God in the form of a promise.

Elijah was given a promise that he applied to his personal life during a severe drought and famine. Read 1 Kings 17: 1-7. Elijah had received a word from God that there would be no dew on the ground or rain for years or until Elijah opened his mouth and commanded it. It is not unusual for God to give someone a commanding word, which the elements will obey. Moses was given that power when God said that Miriam would have leprosy and would only be released from that curse when Moses prayed for her. Elijah was kept for all those years by supernatural provision. Read verse 4; "And it will be that you shall drink from the brook and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” Verse 6, “The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook." It seems to me that Elijah was enjoying the promise that existed inside of him - the promise of "abundance of rain." Remember God had given a word to Elijah saying that the rain would only come at his word - that is Elijah's word. So the promise was inside Elijah, in his heart and in his being. It benefited him personally because while everyone was suffering from the drought, Elijah was enjoying water, meals and an extended sabbatical. However, the time came for the promise that he was enjoying personally, to be shared with the nation of Israel so that a future could be provided for others as well. If the famine had continued for much longer, there would've been an extermination of an entire national and spiritual group of people. The brook dried up and the ravens refused to land at Elijah's place of rest and now it was time to share the promise with someone else. He was sent to a little town and in this town he would find a woman and her son who were about to die from starvation. Elijah takes what is a promise from God that he has personally been enjoying, and gives it to her. He says to her, "Your bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall your jar of oil, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth. Verse 16 says, “The bin of flour was not used up nor did the jar of oil run dry according to the Word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.”

When the brook dries up in your life, it’s time to share your promise with someone else. Providing a future for someone else. Think about it. God has shown me through prophetic revelation, that the recession that has been predicted shall not be. If you truly believe this with me, then remember that during this season it is important to sow and especially into the prophetic voices that carry this future promise. Sharing your finances and supporting God’s servants is likely to bring blessings that you were not anticipating into your life. Stand with us as we carry the ‘abundance” to the Nation through His spoken Word. We are launching our TV show, “Call Me Crazy, but I’m Hearing God,” this month and encourage you to support us in our venture to reach out into the Marketplace and present our King the Christ to dying human beings.

With Blessings and Love,

Kim Clement

7 Christian Educational Principals to Consider

1. There are basically two kingdoms: a kingdom of light and a kingdom of darkness. It seems strange to have those who walk in darkness educate children of light. It doesn't fit.

2. If Jesus Christ is Lord, then He is Lord of all. We cannot divide things into secular and sacred.

3. All truth is God's truth, and God's Word sheds light on our path. Only in His light can we see light. Education is not focused on possibilities but on certainties found in God's Word.

4. Deuteronomy 6 tells parents that, in all they do, they should provide a godly education 24/7.

5. Three key institutions that shape a child are the home, the church and the school. Children are served best when all three institutions point them in the same direction.

6. Only an education that has the liberty to address the whole child -- social, intellectual, emotional, physical AND spiritual -- reaches the possibility of excellence.

7. The best preparation for effective service is to be well grounded in one's mind before direct engagement of the culture.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Raising our Children for Christ

Is it possible that parents might unwittingly expose their children to an environment that would increase the likelihood that their children would never love and obey God? Can parents put their children in situations that would actually harden their child’s heart against God?

As Christian parents we must realize that two hours on a Sunday morning church service or a Friday night youth group meeting may not conquer the effects of thirty five hours per week of teaching that is void of Christ as the explicit center of every subject, curriculum, lesson, and concluding application for life thinking.

God will use Christian teachers in every school to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, this is not an attack on non Christian schools. What I am doing here is pointing out 10 facts about the philosophy of the non Christian school.

Now let’s begin our analysis of the issue by first getting a Biblical perspective from God about children.

Children are a gift from God.
"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward". Psalm 127:3

Parents have a great responsibility to train their children to love and obey God.
"You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up". Deuteronomy 6:7

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord". Ephesians 6:4

The minds and the hearts of children are tender. Jesus used them as an example:
"Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven". Matthew 18:4

Children must not be discouraged from coming to Jesus, be confused by others, or led to stumble in their faith.
Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

"It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble". Luke 17:2

The words of God are clear in their emphasis and meaning. Parents are to teach children that God is the center of our life. They are to faithfully expose the child’s mind and heart to the things that God uses to draw a person to Jesus Christ and an eternal relationship with God.

However, parents can inadvertently do something that may actually harden a child’s heart against God: expose their child to the teachings of a non Christian school for seven hours a day, five days a week. The list below cites ten ways that the non Christian school does exactly what God commands Christians not to do.

The Bible teaches that there is no neutral ground or actions- everything is either for or against Christ (Matthew 12:30), and there are things that soften the heart of a child and things that harden the heart of a child. For example, teaching that God does not exist from the very earliest years of a child’s life will have a hardening effect on the heart of a person and create a thought process that will make it more difficult to believe that there is a God later in life. Conversely, being taught that there is a God from a child’s earliest years will prepare the heart and mind of the child to believe that God exists later in life. This is why God commands parents to immerse their children in His word. Additionally, God tells us that what goes in through the eyes and ears will affect a person (Luke 11:34). He tells us (including the children) what we should be thinking about in Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”However, I want to be quick to state that although God usually works through faithful teaching about Him (Romans 10:17), He is not limited to or dependent on the teachings of men.Here then, are Ten Ways to Harden a Child’s Heart Toward God, by educating the child in a non Christian school:

1. A non-Christian school teaches children that they can find or create truth apart from the Bible because the school does not teach that absolute truth exists (the Bible). This is a devastating way for a child to begin to think and prepares his mind to reject the absolute truths presented in the Bible. We are commanded to align ourselves with the truth of God, not create our own (Romans 12:2).

2. A non-Christian school teaches a system that tells children that their work is very good even when it is very bad. This is the “self esteem” movement that trades the truth of how well the student is really learning for the goal of not making any student feel badly. This has two terrible ends. First, it sets up a child to be shocked when college or the job world introduces him to the reality of standards with consequences. Second and more important, the human mind needs to be introduced to standards which cannot be watered down so that when he hears the immutable demands of God (The Sermon on the Mount), he will realize that he cannot meet the standard and cry out for a Savior. (Romans 3:20-24, Galatians 3:24-25).

3. A non-Christian school teaches that all gods are equal. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, are taught as personal expressions of faith, all legitimate for whomever chooses to believe in them, and cannot be criticized or questioned. This lays the groundwork for a child to accept the false teaching that everybody’s god is OK. John 14:6. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Furthermore, it opens the door for the child to possibly consider believing one of those false religions in the future.

4. A non-Christian school teaches children while excluding the Bible. Education fundamentally is about learning to think and thinking forms a person’s actions. From God’s Word we find that all truth and therefore, all true education, is rooted in the truth of God. By excluding the teachings of Christ in the non Christian school, the child implicitly learns that it is not important to have God as central to how we are to think and live.

5. A non-Christian school teaches that God is relegated to Sunday only. Because the Christian God (the only true God!) is banned from the non-Christian school, the child is taught that it is acceptable and normal to relegate God to Sundays or some specific time of the day or week. The result is the “casual Christian”- thinking that sets up a dual life mentality toward Christianity. That is, there are only certain times that a person should behave like a Christian because there are only certain times or places that God is to be honored. (2 Chronicles 29:11)

6. A non-Christian school teaches that evolution is true. This teaching rejects the truth of a Creator and often creates an environment that ridicules a child who may question evolution as fact. No child wants to sound like a fool among his peers or his teacher. Undermining the Creator and confusing the child has the effect of casting doubt and disbelief in the first 11 chapters of the Bible. Because the remainder of the Bible stands on the foundational truths of the book of Genesis, casting doubt on the first 11 chapters undermines the validity of the entire Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).

7. A non-Christian school teaches without Christ and leads children to conclude that man can effectively learn and grow independent of God. “If God is not needed for everything, He may not be needed for anything.” A Christian school teaches that we can, in fact, do all things, but it is through Christ. Therefore, both the responsibility to achieve a level of independence in society and the blessing of total dependence on God is missed in the non-Christian school.

8. A non-Christian school teaches that there is no Divine Authority. Without God as the Supreme Authority over all of life and the source of truth, the framework for a pattern of thinking is in place that concludes man is the supreme authority in life. How difficult will it be to believe and submit to God? Even if the gospel is believed, the child may believe that God exists to serve man’s need, not the other way around.

9. By banning Biblical teaching in the non-Christian school, children are implicitly taught that God does not need to be worshipped daily through their thoughts, words, deeds, prayers and song. It also teaches that there is no need to thank God for His daily mercies. This teaches that there is apparently no demand from God that all things be done to honor and glorify Him.

10. A non-Christian school teaches that a person can reach a level of goodness based on their good deeds. Being a nice person to others and nature, having certain character traits, and achieving certain goals or accomplishments will make a person happy, wise, and good. Although those things are desired in all people, they do not lay the groundwork to accept the truth that all of our good works are as filthy rags to God and in light of God’s holy laws, no one is good, no, not one. This anti Biblical teaching builds a subtle framework for legalism and works righteousness- a deadly thought process that draws hearts away from the message of the Cross. That is, a person finds true goodness and joy before God when he becomes totally reliant on Someone other than himself- Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:12, Galatians 5, Romans 3:23)

What a child is exposed to, Christian or non-Christian, will have an effect on the mind and heart. The effect will either soften or harden his heart toward God. As parents seek to prepare their children for college, they must realize that the foundation of a child’s worldview is built during the first 13 years of their school life. Students with strong Christian identities are ready to continue their education at the college or university of their choice. However, those that have been immersed in educational settings that ignore or deny God are ripe for the atheistic agendas of liberal professors. From the Scripture above and the “Ten Ways” listed, we hope to have helped you see the potential, hardening effects of the non-Christian school on our children and if possible, place your child in an environment where he can hear the truths of God every day.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

What the Bible Says About Education

The parent is the God-appointed leader and teacher of a child. This should come as no surprise to anyone, including a non-Christian. The overwhelming task of raising a child is in the hands of the parents.

Ps. 127:3: "Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him."
Eph. 6:4: "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

But teach them what? Clearly, God has a great deal to say about this. What or who is the most important thing or person for the child to know? The answer is, God is the most important person for a child to know. The goal of Christian parents is for their child to know God in a personal way and to know all about God. Nothing could be more important!

With those two simple facts in place as the foundation of our discussion, we can now look at what God has to say more specifically. God says that the education of children and youth is a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week process that must take place from birth through maturity.

Note the Deuteronomy passage below and the context. God is instructing His people how to live as they prepare to go into the Promised Land. Critical to the life and health of His people is the teaching of the Word of God by parents on a daily basis in every situation.

Deut. 11:18-21: "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth."
Proverbs 22:6: "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

As you can see above, the education of children and youth must be based on God’s Word as absolute truth.

Matthew 24:35: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
Psalm 119:89: "Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens."

Grace and Peace,

Ed