FCS Blog
FCS Blog
FCS Blog
September 15, 2025
Charlie Kirk was a self educated man who created an organization that advocates for
conservative politics on high school and college campuses. He was one of the most skilled and
effective communicators of our generation. Above all, he was a Christian man who used a
biblical worldview to try and convince people that God loved them and nobody was beyond
hope. This week, most people now know that he was murdered for his faith in Jesus. Some
may say that he was killed for political reasons, and maybe that is somewhat true, but at the
end
of the day he was martyred for his faith in God.
I often think about the heroes in the bible that were so courageous when faced with certain
death situations. I think of Daniel, David, Paul, almost every one of the apostles who either died
or were threatened with dying in the most brutal of ways and how they handled it with such
courage and boldness. Charlie Kirk’s death reminded me that there are still people today with
that same willingness to endure great hardships and even death for their belief in Jesus Christ.
I hope that when we hear the stories of people around the world in China and North Korea and
many other countries that give their lives for an eternal reward that it inspires us as well to be
strong and courageous for God. We may not ever have a situation that will test our faith to the
point of death. I honestly hope we never do, but I do hope that in every situation that presents
us with a challenge to testify to our belief in Jesus whether big or small, that we show courage
and possibly inspire others to give their lives to the only Martyr that can give us all eternal
peace.
September 08, 2025
Slipping Away: Following the Example of Jesus
In the Gospels, we read story after story of Jesus performing mighty miracles—healing the sick, casting out
demons, calming storms, and even raising the dead. Yet, out of all the amazing things Jesus did, His disciples
never asked Him,
“Lord, teach us to do miracles.” Instead, they asked:“Lord, teach us to pray...”(Luke 11:1, ESV)
This one request reveals something profound. The disciples noticed that Jesus' power didn't come from mere
ability—it came from His connection with the Father. Time and again, Jesus slipped away from the crowds,
from the demands of ministry, and even from His friends, to spend time in prayer.“But Jesus often withdrew to
lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16, NIV)
Let that sink in: Jesus—the Son of God, the miracle-worker, the Savior of the world—needed time alone with
the Father. How much more do we need to slip away?
The Quiet Place
We live in a world full of noise, distractions, and constant movement. We make time for hobbies, shows,
scrolling through our phones, and chasing after good things—family, careers, fitness, and rest. While none of
these are bad, they can slowly edge out time with the One who truly refreshes our soul. “In your presence there
is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11, ESV) We long for peace, joy, and
purpose, and yet we often forget where they are found—in His presence. Not in entertainment, not in
achievement, not even in human connection, but in Him.
Slip Away—Daily
Jesus’ example invites us to slip away daily. Not just when we’re in crisis. Not just at church. But regularly—
intentionally—to be with our Father in prayer. This is where our hearts are renewed, where our burdens are
lifted, and where our identity is restored. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest.” (Matthew 11:28, ESV) The world offers temporary relief. Jesus offers rest for our souls.
Prayer Is the Greater Power
The disciples understood something we must reclaim: prayer isn't a backup plan—it's the source of power. It’s
not a religious chore—it’s a relationship. Prayer isn’t just speaking to God; it’s abiding in Him. “Abide in me, and
I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself... so neither can you unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4, ESV)
Miracles may draw attention, but prayer is where transformation begins. Miracles change situations; prayer
changes hearts.
Make It a Habit
Find your “lonely place,
” your quiet space, each day.
Start with five or ten minutes.
Bring your honest heart to God—your joy, your struggles, your needs and just tell Him how wonderful, glorious
and worthy He is.
Listen. Wait. Rest.
Let us be a people who follow Jesus not just in public obedience but in private devotion. Let us slip away not
just for hobbies or rest, but into the very presence of God. Because it’s there—in that secret place—we find
what we truly need: “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13,
ESV)
In closing, I’m reminded of that incredible old hymn:
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
in the light of His glory and grace.”
When we slip away to be with the Lord—when we fix our eyes on Jesus—everything else fades into its proper
place. Our worries, our distractions, our striving—they grow strangely dim. Because it’s in His presence that we
find what we were made for: glory, grace, joy, and peace.
So let us slip away, not just occasionally, but daily.
Let us turn our eyes upon Jesus.
FCS Blog
August 18, 2025
Fresh Starts Blog
Daniel Pink wrote a book called When that talks about the timing of things. He
discusses that the beginnings of school years and the start of new semesters are
looked at as a chance to start over for most of the students and professors that
were studied. Our new school year is a fresh start for so many students. Maybe it
is a fresh start with friends or academics or a family move.
Most people don’t have a school setting to have those particular fresh starts, but
people often want a redo or start over. Have you ever done something and wish
that you could have another chance? What about someone doing something
that impacted you and wanting them to have a chance to redo that situation.
We know that we can’t go back in time (unless you’re with The Doctor), but we
can have a fresh start.
Many people in the Bible were giving a fresh start. In the Old Testament, Moses
and Joseph were given fresh starts. Noah was part of a fresh start for the whole
planet. In the New Testament, all of the disciples and Paul were given fresh starts
when they put their trust in Jesus.
Jesus gives us chances for a fresh start. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all
things have become new”
(NKJV). Jesus can and will forgive us when we ask for it in His name. We will not
be perfect, and He does not expect us to be. He expects us to be willing to follow
and put our trust in Him.
Whether you just need a fresh start at the beginning of the school year or a new
beginning by following Jesus, Jesus is there with you every step of the way.
God Bless,
David
FCS Blog
August 12, 2025
A Backpack Full of Butterflies
It’s funny how one night can feel so much longer than all the others. The night
before the first day of school stretches on forever: like time itself knows you’re
waiting for something big.
When I was growing up, the night before school, my room was cleaner than ever
before. My clothes laid out, bedtime prayers for a wonderful 1st day. The pencils in
my pencil case were sharp enough to write the next great novel (or at least my
name really neatly). My backpack was propped against the desk, zipped up like it
was guarding some great treasure: notebooks with crisp, untouched pages, and a
lunchbox that had never been used.
But the real action wasn’t in my backpack. It was in my head.
Questions zipped back and forth: What if I can’t find my classroom? What if my
teacher is strict? What if I trip in the hallway? What if I make a new best friend?
My mind was all over the place playing the what if game.
It took all I had to shut out all the noise and try to get a good night’s sleep. I tried
counting sheep, thinking happy thoughts. Finally, I drifted off to sleep, probably
due to pure exhaustion.
First days can be scary. First days can be exhausting. First days can be emotional.
But may we always remember that where 2 or more are gathered, our God is in
the midst of it. We invite Him into this school, into these classrooms, into these
offices. Before the day even gets started, invite Him into your morning routine,
your bedtime routine. He will be there, we need only ask.
Our theme this year is Created With a Purpose. Ephesians 2:10 tells us “We are
God’s creation. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus. Now we can do good
works. Long ago God prepared these works for us to do.
My hope is that all of our students have a wonderful first day and a wonderful
school year. God is going to do big things in them and through them. May their
hearts be open to what He has in store for them.