  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: Becky Simpson  
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Since I did not give any clues last month as to what I would write about this month, it is going to be a surprise to both of us. Let’s let it stay that way as I take a moment to once again thank you for your gracious comments about last month’s newsletter. The emails and official posted comments were thrilling to me as author and from the standpoint of the willingness of others to recognize and accept the similarities between the Bible and the Qur’an.
Have you ever desired to teach someone about your spiritual point of view? If it is an adult, the process can be much like a debate in which there is rarely a clear winner. Good research and a man or woman with an open mind may make it a bit easier but only marginally. I believe that we all teach by example, with our own lives. Mine at times has been a shambles and not exactly a great example. We can understand and deal with adults objectively even when we feel we are less than perfect.
When it comes to children, it is a different story entirely. Your example, your life is still important, for a child needs to believe in you. You can’t let anger and other emotions rule you. For a few years I taught a class and took the responsibility seriously. I would like to share with you some of my experiences and the experiences or comments of others within Writing.Com. I will also provide some Bible verses on the subject and comments from professional teachers. – Becky Simpson
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Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
I loved to teach, at least, I loved my 4th and 5th grade Wednesday night Bible class. It was a large class with, at most, twenty very hyper boys and girls. The typical Bible class is rather boring, especially at the church where I used to go. The teachers had a tendency to read the lesson, answer the questions, and the kids would start asking for permission to get a drink of water. That was the first sign that the teacher had lost their attention, not to mention the constant attempts by various children to create a scene or challenge one’s authority. So the question becomes how to capture the interest of the children.
The subject is near and dear to me, and I feel that kids really want to learn. So eventually I tried something new. Instead of reading out of the lesson book, I memorized the entire lesson. Not only did I memorize it, but I went much further, looking up as many additional facts as possible; such as what the characters names meant, how a particular person in the Bible might have interacted with Christ, and any information I could glean about the region. Yet this isn’t enough to capture the kids’ imagination. So I tried making the lesson more of a real story, less of a test. I had accidentally discovered that idea holds its own level of interest.
I started with Phillip and the eunuch. Perhaps you know the story. Phillip is told by the Spirit to join himself to this eunuch’s chariot. Well, I invite you to think about this for a second. The eunuch is a man who is in charge of the treasury of the Queen a very powerful man. He is riding in his chariot, reading from Biblical writings, on his way to Damascus. Can you see the chariot? How fast is it going? Can you see Phillip running trying to catch the chariot? Ok, we are set now. Here is the start of the class after I have set their young minds in motion.
How does Phillip get on the chariot? Does he wave and shout? Maybe he sticks his thumb out and asks for a ride? Oh, but wait, he got on the chariot and there is no mention of it slowing down. Ok, so do you think he ran really fast and jumped in? Hmmm? Maybe he put his foot on a spoke of the wheel? Can you imagine him doing that and then not being able to let go? WHAP! WHAP! WHAP! He would go as he clung to the wheel (the room was filled with giggles).
Well I don’t know how he got onto the chariot, but I know he did. So here is Phillip who must surely have been hot, sweaty, and dirty (not exactly a good first impression). He asks the eunuch what he was studying. Then, Phillip begins to teach him about Christ. Eventually the eunuch asks Phillip “Here is water; what prevents me from being baptized?” I think Phillip must have been relieved to enter the cool water and if nothing else wash some of the dust off. Well, by the time we had finished the class I had five less noisemakers, and five more listeners.
I loved those kids dearly. So for six months I taught class; this is the longest they will let a teacher have a class. After that they must take three months off. In that six months I learned a lot of very arcane facts and gained some very valuable understanding, and I won the hearts of every one of those kids.
We studied the places where Jesus visited. I studied every night to find some food that would have come from the area he was next visiting. Figs, pomegranates, nuts, berries, wheat, corn, fish, bread, olive oil, and many other delicacies, and always a treat to encourage them. The kids loved it, and so did I.
Then we went on an exodus from Egypt. We had bitter water that we turned sweet, and we had wild bird, and breads. Olives were a hit! The bitter water was made from grapefruit rind and water. YEEECH! It was nasty. The day that I finally knew I had connected was when one of the mothers came to me. I thought that my teaching was at an end when the woman approached me. To my surprise she was all smiles. She asked me to please explain what I was doing in the class. I did, and then she shocked me by telling me her son had gone from hating going to church to refusing to miss. She was very happy, but her happiness could not compare to mine. She told me one Wednesday she had told her son he would have to miss class; he had put on the typical pre-teen face and told her he had to go and that he would catch a ride with a friend.
Eventually many of the parents came to me with questions and had similar stories. The kids loved me, and truthfully, I loved them. It was a sad day when I finally had to leave the class, and both parents and kids cried openly. All of this was just icing on the cake because what had happened was more important. The members of the class had begun to see the Bible as more than just another book they HAD to study. They saw it for what it is, an adventure in life.
I don’t teach any more, but I still hear from the kids, asking me if I could tell them how I had done this or that. For all that I was able to do; I can do but one thing; thank you, God. I also wanted to see what others here on Writing.Com had to say about teaching the word of God, or about teaching in general. We begin with a poem by kingskid3965 entitled "Teach Them Diligently" . I hope you enjoy it as much as I.
It begins with the Word of God,
hidden in your heart.
You teach it to your children,
from the very start.
You teach them while you're sitting,
or walking in the way,
and when you're lying down
at the ending of your day.
Then when it is morning,
it's time to start anew,
to let them see the Word of God
in everything you do.
Thank you for the words of wisdom and love. In the Bible Timothy was taught by his grandmother in a similar manner, imprinting the word of God on the heart of Timothy, who became in Paul’s words, my son in Christ. Teaching goes far beyond merely teaching the Bible; it extends into every endeavor of the human experience. Doesn’t it seem teaching is by far the most important thing any individual can do? Try this one out written by one of my favorite poets, Harry  in his storoem about a father and son entitled "A Matter Of Honesty" .
A man and son are headed inside a 7-11 store.
As they are walking pass a pay telephone, the son,
a seven-year-old, checks for returned dimes. Much more
than dimes meet his eyes! “Dad, look what someone’s done.”
The coin receptacle has been broken into, but still all
its money remains. “It appears some thief got interrupted
in the act. Son, go inside and bring back a bag – a small
one.” Together they fill the bag, their actions disrupted
only by the son’s asking, “May I keep all this money?
The phone company would never know.” The man
replies, “ But, YOU would know. Just because we
did not break into the box doesn’t mean that you can
have the money. It would still be stealing.” Together
they give the bag of coins to the store clerk for return
to the phone man. The father and son shake one another’s
hand. “Son, having pride in being honest is a lesson to learn.”
Thirty years have now passed…The son tells his father about
his own young daughter finding a wallet filled with money
and their turning it in together to mall security. “No doubt
she hated to part with all that money. It was just like me
when you made me give back that bag of coins to the clerk.”
“You remember that, eh?” “Although it was the honest thing to do,
Dad, you know that fellow kept the money and thought us jerks.”
“Maybe. I wasn’t concerned about teaching him honesty, just you.”
Thank you, Harry, for the lesson. Teaching is something we all do whether we realize it or not. Some of my favorite teachers were my toughest but the one who made the biggest impression on my life is the one who taught me about Jesus. That person will someday know what they have done for me and I am sure the many others they taught.
If you would like to know more please send an email to me, and I will provide detailed examples and information. Just remember one thing; it is okay to laugh and to enjoy yourself as you let the kids enjoy learning.
As always I am at your service Becky Simpson |
FAVORITES:
The following members of Writing.Com are some of my favorite writers on Writing.Com. They exhibit and understanding and skill that, simply put, amaze me. I hope those I have forgotten will forgive me, but as time goes on and my memory prods, me this list will change.
Vivian 
Puditat
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Lexi 
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Andrea
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SUGGESTED READINGS:
My suggested readings for this month:
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Questions and comments from last month my thanks to those who wrote in, if you wish to comment this month feel free, I shall answer them individually.
Submitted By: fatemeh
Submitted Comment:
Dear Becky,
Islam does not ask women to cover their faces . If the basis of Islam is Koran, I have seen it no where, nevertheless Koran asks women to keep covered and to wear modest dress . If you have seen some Muslim women especially Arab women covering their faces , it is more of a tradition and because of certain prejudices. Koran asks women to cover their hair and dress in a way not to raise too much attention to themselves.
Another point is that Muslims are not expecting the Son of God to be born , Perhaps I have understood in a wrong manner. Muslims and as far as I know the Shia branch of Islam are expecting a Saviour.
Hi, Thank you, for correcting my misunderstanding. However I think it was pointed out that the purpose was to avoid being noticed. As for waiting for a Messiah, as you have noted, certain sects are expecting a savior which is the Messiah. The Koran and indeed the Bible encourages women to dress modestly, and unless I am sadly mistaken, the Bible also says, a women should cover her head. The point I was trying to make is that those of the Koran try to adhere to the intent of both the Koran and Bible. – Hugs Becky
Submitted By: Victor
Submitted Comment:
Hi Becksy,
Please permitt me to call 'u' 'dat.'
Religion...hmm. What concerns me about it-is do I determine what God's will is or does He.
Regarding most of the things called religion, how many of those who adhere to those beliefs can really tell what they do is the will of God?
Now...in a world where demons exist, people even hear voices, people can synthesize religions for all the mercenary and political reasons.
How does one know he or she is not adhering to utter fabrication!! The only religion I belief man should adhere to is one God has verified Himself-even by extra perceptory means. For shouldn't religion be living out God's will in the first place.
'leke
Hi, I must agree wholeheartedly that certain people use religion to incite others to actions which God would never find acceptable. The thing is God’s will is written and contained within the Bible. With careful study and an honest heart you do not need an interpreter to explain it to you. The point is that YOU study not only to learn God’s word and rightly divide the truth but also to show yourself approved of by Him. Do I suggest you read more than just the Bible? YES! Other documents will prove the Bible! Try reading Josephus who is a historian who wrote about life in Biblical times. – Hugs Becky
Submitted ByMichelle M
Submitted Comment:
Hello Becky, I forgot to include this piece of mine that I feel will be inspirational to your readers in your newsletter. Thank you for your consideration.
ID: 988227 (Rated: E)
Title: The Dream
Description: This was published in 2004. It also won a Description and a Dream contest in this forum!
By: Addicted~busy bee (37)
God Bless You!
Take care,
Michelle
Hi Michelle, Thank you for offering your work for our readers. I hope they will find it inspiring. – Hugs Becky
Submitted ByMichelle M
Submitted Comment:
Wow! What a great newsletter. You really put a lot of thought and time into this one! I will enjoy reading all the different comparisons of religions. Take care and God Bless.
Hi Michelle, Gee two comments in one newsletter! Thank you for the kind comment. – Hugs Becky
Submitted By Brother Don
Submitted Comment:
Another excellent issue!
Many years ago, I learned a painful lesson. The person who is so dogmatic that he must force his beliefs upon you and will not, indeed cannot, listen to any beliefs other than his own, is not confident in his faith. He shows a lack of confidence by being completely closed to other viewpoints. The person who has a close personal relationship with God is usually be very accepting to other people and is interested in learning more about their systems of faith and belief. Contrary to the opinion of many dogmatic fundamentalists, there is much of value to be found in other systems of faith. The willingness to accept that other people may know the same God that you love, but know Him by a different name, reveals that you have a warm and living personal relationship, not just a learned catechism of beliefs and opinions. Keep it up, Becky. Every issue you publish has something valuable for me in it, including this one.
Don Brown
Hi Don, Thank you, for some very nice comments. You are far too kind. The main thrust of this lesson and any lesson remains the same for me, to get people to read their Bibles. Don’t take my word for anything, read it in the Bible. One of the greatest teachers in the Bible said something like this: To the weak I became weak, to the poor I became poor, to each that he taught he became what they needed him to be. We have no hope of teaching another if we don’t first demonstrate a sincere desire to listen first. Through that we may find the ability to teach in a way that will be exactly what our hearers need. Yes, I accept others and encourage them to be as open minded as I myself am, then, study, study, study to determine the truth. Since you brought the subject up, maybe next time I could explain what our relationship with God is supposed to be like according to the Bible. – Hugs Becky
Submitted By: preacher49
Submitted Comment:
This is my first reading of your newsletter, and to say that I enjoyed it would be quite an understatement. I share with you (I hope) the desire to see all people treated fairly in regard to their beliefs, free from the danger of being painted by a common brush in a manner that they as individuals may not deserve. Judgment is the province of the Lord, and though I fail quite often, I do try to avoid encroaching upon His private space. (I'm not too sure how clear that last statement was.) At any rate, I'll certainly be back to see your next issue. Until then, please stay happy, strong, and joyful in our Lord Christ Jesus.
Hi, I am sure your intent is wholesome and correct. Individuals are not mine to judge nor any other human beings. The only judgment acceptable to God is the rightful judgment of an empowered government, when it does not go against the word of God. As an example, if you jay walk and get caught, then you should expect to be punished. In matters of faith, it is not in our prevue to make judgments about the acceptability of others to God. It is, as you said, His private space. I, too, often fail to control my mind, and in a recent discussion about this I admitted that it was so. Then I added that that being so I have found that the only way to help myself was to pray for God’s forgiveness for my shortcomings and endeavor to do better next time. –Hugs Becky
Submitted By: rghayes
Submitted Comment:
Awesome newsletter, I will be keeping a hard copy of this to use in my religion section of compared world religions, I am very excited to use this, thank you so very much!
Hi Rob. Sir, I think you are prejudiced in my behalf. I thank you for the kind comments, and I hope that indeed there is something useful in there for you. – Hugs, Becky
Submitted By: Silence
Submitted Comment:
I really admire this post. It is especially beneficial and inspiring in times like these when fear befalls false perceptions. Much energy is spent personifying the differences when little is spent embracing the similarities.
Blesses be with you.
Jake... aka Silence.
Jake, Most people, no matter what language they speak, what religion they follow, what country they live in only want one thing. To live unhindered by fear, hunger, poverty, and religious persecution - the very reason people came to America to begin with, and yet some of us never learn the lesson that to force our beliefs through threat of death or torture does not fulfill God’s desire. That desire is for us to act as servants towards each other. When we finally learn to do that, we will truly have become servants of God.
Submitted By:{user:Vzabel)
Submitted Comment:
Becky, you did very well comparing the two religions, especially considering that you couldn't format on the site to let them be side-by-side. Good and fair newsletter.
Thanks, Mom, but next time maybe I will be able to figure out how to do it right. You are my greatest help and most patient teacher. I cannot thank you enough for your guidance. – Hugs, Your Daughter
To the rest of you kind readers who made comments about last month’s newsletter; thank you. If it were not for your kind words, I would be inclined to find another way to spend the time I spend here.
If you have a question, comment or just an observation concerning this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter, please feel free to send it to me. I would also like our newsletter readers to send me their favorite work. Please include the writer’s name. I prefer works from Writing.Com.
Next weeks editor:Puditat
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Spiritual: October 18, 2006 Issue [#1324]
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