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Romans 8:26-28
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Sad Will of God
In Acts 20:25-27, Paul explains that he is willing to teach the will of God whether or not people want to hear it.
He makes his friends sad that they’ll never see him again.
But it’s God’s will.
Jesus’ “Will of God” Claim
In John 7:14-21, Jesus enters Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles.
Some in the crowd are accusing Jesus of false teaching.
His response is to tell his accusers to follow “the will of God” to test the truth of his claims.
This does not answer the question, “What exactly IS the will of God?” but it’s a start.
Called to Controversy by Ruth Rosen
I am a bit too young to remember Moishe Rosen’s founding work with Jews for Jesus.
After reading this book, I feel like I might have been there in the middle of it all.
The author is one of Moishe’s two daughters, and she clearly didn’t hold back. There is insider information and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories in every chapter.
I also enjoyed learning more about his leadership style, the good and the bad. It is interesting to learn more about a great leader’s strengths and faults.
Each chapter begins with a quote, and the text is peppered with many other memorable sayings: “Don’t let yourself become a desk jockey. People spend too much time sitting at their desks.”
“We take God seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”
“A shepherd doesn’t let the wolves meet the sheep.”
If you’re at all interested in learning more about one of the most influential Jewish Christian evangelists of all time, then I recommend you pick up this book. I highly recommend it!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
The Will of God
The phrase “will of God” appears in the NIV 14 times.
Mercy
In 1 Kings 21:28-29, God explains that Ahab’s punishment will be delayed because of his sincere, humble repentance.
If Ahab can receive forgiveness, so can we!
Sarcastic Prophet
In 1 Kings 18:20-40, we read about Elijah’s showdown with the prophets of Baal.
Funny how sarcastic Elijah becomes when he senses victory.
Addicted to Data
Politicians are always looking for simple solutions and quick fixes.
I believe the influence of Race to the Top and No Child Left Behind is being driven by the Hawthorne effect.
The idea is that if people know their performance is being measured, they’ll show a brief uptick in performance and productivity: “Whatever is measured will improve.”
The trouble is that once the process of measuring performance is concluded, there is a corresponding slump in performance and productivity.
Even worse, if the measures are unreliable, this can generate frustration and rebellion and even gaming the system.
I’d like to share a quick example.
Education Week reported yesterday that there were errors in the rankings of American High Schools in US News and World Report.
These rankings were based upon federal NCLB data. The same faulty data sets compiled to sanction schools and districts.
However, Thomas High School ranked #687 in the US, 87th in New York.
So despite the ranking’s questionable reliability, it is being celebrated.
Interestingly, Newsweek also ran a ratings system of its own, here.
As listed on the websterschools.org web site, Thomas and Schroeder High Schools are both nationally-ranked.
However, an important reason both schools are rated more highly in Newsweek is because only districts who returned a survey form are listed in the Newsweek rankings.
There was a significantly smaller sampling of high schools included in the Newsweek rankings.
I don’t deny the amazing work that Webster students, faculty, and staff are doing. But chasing after the latest ranking reinforces the importance of educational data, whether or not is it valid and reliable data.
Before celebrating your school’s ranking, dig into the methodology behind the statistics.
Appreciate your local schools, but appreciate them for the real things going on, not the artificial data points produced by media outlets and political institutions looking to sell more magazines and skim away tax dollars.
Surrounded by Miracles
In 1 Kings 17, Elijah predicts a drought, relies upon ravens and a widow for sustenance, and raises a boy from the dead.
Elijah’s Top 10
- Predicts a Drought
- Widow at Zarephath
- Meets Obadiah
- Confronts Ahab
- Defeats Prophets of Baal
- Calls Elisha
- Confronts King of Samaria
- Calls Down Fire From Heaven
- Double Portion of Spirit on Elisha
- Caught Up to Heaven on Chariots of Fire
9-Year Bible 