NextGenKent

Below is a post I made to my fifth online class I am currently teaching. I felt it necessary because the thoughts have been building up within me. I know what it is like to have become a learner again. I try to keep this mentality in life: with my wife, my kids, my coworkers, my students, my fellow Jesus followers, and with those in the world. Remaining a life-long learner is so important, even critical. I would love your response. Pick a point of contention and give me some feedback or even pushback. Either way, I want to learn from you. >>>>>>> This could be you. One of the things I remember in going back to school for my 2nd masters and then my doctorate is the feeling of angst in that first class. It took a couple sessions for me to remember that I was not a teacher but a student. I needed to come down from my being a teacher for many years and sit again with a humble mind and heart to learn from those who have given their lives to study and k...

What is one thing in your life that took you A LOT of preparation? In Joshua 3, we see a leader in need of being esteemed, a way needing known, and a river needing crossed over. However, the  main purpose in Joshua chapter 3 is really about trusting God (as usual), but not in a usual way! There is a sequence to preparing. We have to go through first grade before 2nd grade, and learn to add before we can multiply. God gives Joshua and his people a 3 days’ rest time and Israel's leaders give specific instructions (activities with their reasons) about crossing over this last obstacle fore the entering the Promised Land to the people, including a focal point (ark). Why? They haven’t been this way so they need to know The Way.  They receive God's promise from their leader unesteemed leader and are then commanded “consecrate yourselves!” Joshua gives the Word of God to the people and the people obey and all comes together because the people were able to crossover --an...

If you had one wish to grow as a Christian, what would it be? At this point in my Christian walk it would be to always be filled with the Spirit to overflowing.  Ephesians 4:17-24 Paul says, "I  want to share this with you who are in the kingdom of our Master: never return to living the Gentile way of life—like those outside the kingdom." This passage talks about “a way of life” which Paul calls “a walk.” This passage states the differences between Christians and non-Christians in the way they “walk.”  Some people think that there are no differences between Christians and non-Christians other than beliefs. Some think the only difference is Christians are forgiven (also false). This passage refutes both of those beliefs.  How would you describe the “nations/Gentile” way of living in your own words? Do you know anyone living a “Gentile way of life?" Paul describes the Gentile-way as walking around in the futility of their mind (useless thou...

Generosity honors God, b ecause  Giving flows out of hearts that reflect the heart of Jesus. H as anyone ever given to you generously? Proverbs 11:28. Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. We trust in so many things throughout the day. We trust the refrigerator and our roof kept working over the night and that our car will still be in the garage and will start the next morning. Think about in comparison and contrast: Trusting in something is quite different than trusting in someone. People move around, not just physically but attitudinally as well. Trusting in God is trusting in a person--a worthy person to trust if not the ONLY person to trust. The Psalmist had this down when he he writes (20:7),  " Some trust in   chariots and some in   horses,      but we trust in the name of the  Lord  our God." We can trust in what can run out, however we can trust in Who ...

AS GRACE EXTENDS  SO THE GLORY GOES 2Cor 4:14  knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence . 15  For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving , to the glory (revealing? Fame? Beauty?) of God. I am somewhat new to the hair style scene. At least to the scene that requires extensions. I asked my wife about a lady's hair and how beautiful it was and she remarked back, "Oh you mean her extensions?" After an explanation I was lead to believe that the extensions were not a part of the lady's real hair, but it did make it look more beautiful. Extensions not only are for making things longer and more attractive but also for assisting in our getting across or over something that is in our way--a hindrance or hurdle. Take extension ladders for example. When you slide the extension part of the ladder up for use it allows for us to ...

THE GLORY SHINE –or- SON-TANNED ON the 10 th of September, we remember Moses’ descent from Mt. Sinai.  What once came with glory, a glory that was displayed on Moses’ face--a radiance that disabled people from looking Moses in the eye--not only came to an end but was drained of its glory because something better was to come along: the permanent ministry of the Holy Spirit in working righteousness. Let’s not forget why Moses’ face shone = because he had spoken to the LORD. The people could not look intently into Moses’ face so he put a veil over his face so people would not be afraid to come near him; but when he spoke with God he would take the veil away. In  Exodus 34:28-35, we read that Moses wasn't even aware that his face had become "radiant" ["horned" = to push with horns, so there was a radiant quality that pushed]. And so it is with us. We can hope in this "pushy glory" because it is eternal yet present with us—we are experiencing som...

15 Invaluable Laws of Growth I am committed to life-long learning and I hope you are too. Learning and growth does not end when you receive your university degree or obtain a particular position. Learning is crucial and critical to realize our leadership potential. You need to be intentionally engaged to grow in your leadership through continued learning.   Potential is a powerful word; it looks forward with optimism and is filled with hope. Potential has its promises and hints at greatness. To reach your potential you must grow. This book seeks to help you along that path--the pathway towards understanding how personal growth works and towards helping you become a more effective individual, parent, leader, and child of God! Which of these 'Laws that Govern Your Growth' fit you right now? Growth Doesn’t Just Happen You Must Know Yourself To Grow Yourself You Must See Value In Yourself To Add Value To Yourself Learning To Pause Allows Growth To Catch Up With You...