If you’re a sports fan, it’s an exciting week to live in Southern California!  All three professional teams are in the playoffs!  This weekend in L.A. has been dubbed, “Sports-aggedon” because of the masses who will head to the Staples Center to root for the Lakers, Clippers, and Kings.  Sports talk shows are filled with those who would predict the outcome.  I could become rich if I knew for certain who would win!!!

As a Believer in Jesus, I am blessed to know the certain outcome of a much larger, much more important contest. .. the battle for the future of this world and all who have ever populated it.  Since the beginning of time, the Enemy (Satan) has waged war, hoping (in vain) for ultimate victory.  Since the beginning of time the outcome has already been settled.  Jesus wins!

Though the battle rages on, and will intensify as we approach His return, Jesus tells us to be courageous.  The victory is certain.  John tells us in 1 John that the basis for you and me to experience that victory in the midst of turmoil and trouble is our trust in Jesus, our abiding in His Word, and our dependency on the Holy Spirit. (1 Jn 2:14; 4:4; 5:4)

Lord, as I begin this day, I affirm my trust in You and claim the power of Your Spirit.  Let me be bold in the face of whatever the Enemy throws at me; give me peace amid turmoil and joy when I am stressed.  Thank You for the victory!  Amen.

When we responded to Christ’s call and became one of His, we also chose to become an enemy of the THE ENEMY. There is no alternative, no other option.  One cannot be friends with Jesus and friends with the Devil.  Jesus Himself said it, “No man can serve two masters.  Either He will love the one and hate the other or he will be devoted to one and despise the other…”

My granddaughter loves camouflage.  It’s cool.  She has “camo” pants, shirts, hats.  She’s even talking of having a prom dress made of camouflage fabric!

For what purpose camouflage? Soldiers wear it to blend in with their surroundings, making it harder for their enemies to spot them.  Without it they would stand out and be easy targets.

Too many of us are trying to be “camouflage Christians”.  We try to blend in, to avoid making waves, to steer clear of controversial issues.  We don’t want the enemy to spot us; we fear becoming targets.  In so doing, we disappoint and disobey our Commander-in-Chief.

Instead of wearing camouflage, let’s choose to put on “the armor of Christ” (Eph 6) and stand shoulder to shoulder, ready to engage the Enemy in the power of Jesus Name!

Lord help me to stand with You, for You boldly today.  I have put on my armor and am ready to do battle wherever and whenever You say.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

4101 E. Nohl Ranch Road · Anaheim Hills CA   92807 · (714) 637-8370.

Due to the location of the school I am asking that the parents please drive your own child to the school. Please allow enough time for travel. If you are unable to attend please let me know and I can help to arrange transportation for your child.  The school registration begins at 9:30am and the opening assembly begins at 10:00am. All of the participants should be here by 9:30.

Please be aware that the District has stated that only one parent may be in the classroom with the participant. There is also no video taping or photography allowed during the meet. You are welcome to take video or photos at the awards assembly. Cell phones need to be off. Thank you for abiding by the district set rules.

Students should be dressed in their Sunday best.

The meet should last until about 12:30pm.  Many of us will be going to lunch afterwards or you are able to leave from there. Students do not need to return back to school.

Cost is $5.00 per person.

SFSCS students are free with a paying adult.

So we will see you, Friday, May 18th in the school gym! Doors open at 6:30PM.

As his dad looked on, a little boy was busily drawing a picture of an old man with long hair and a long, grey beard.  When he finished, his dad complimented him on the drawing and asked who it was.  ”It’s God”, his son replied.  ”But, no one knows what God looks like”, his father objected.  ”They do now”, the little boy stated matter-of-factly.

God, our Heavenly Father, the Creator of all, is essentially spirit and, as such, is invisible.  Scripture is clear in stating that He is unseen.  Yet, John tells us that in us others can see the invisible.  As we consistently demonstrate His love and care toward each other, He lives in and through us, and we provide a glimpse of God to those we encounter.

I wonder who people see when they observe me.  Am I getting in the way?  Am I obscuring their view of the Father?

Lord, thank You for abiding in me.  Please help me today, by my actions and reactions, to provide others a clear glimpse of You.  Amen.