Moments with the Master: Introduction

These writings come out of the Moments with the Master segments that I give during tae kwon do classes. The phrase was originally coined by my good friend, mentor, and instructor, Scott Craig. Everytime we would teach, we would include a mini-devotional sermon prior to the class beginning. When I first started Pacific Tae Kwon Do in Oregon 13 years I decided to continue the tradition that Scott had begun. So everytime that I teach, I give the students a bit of God's Word in a motivational devotion setting. I am able to relate God's Truth to all the students in such a way that it is meaningful for believers and non-believers as well. In fact, many of the students have either reconfirmed their faith in Christ or have made first time commitments to Him. Throughout the years I have given many of these segments and because of the strong roles of discipleship and mentoring within our school, they have been a favorite of many of my students--serving at times like a cool drink of water on a warm summer's day.

I must confess that since Sarah suggested I put the sermons down in a book form, I have struggled with writing them for a while--not with the idea, but rather with the process. Try as I may, nothing was coming to mind. It actually took a sabbath time (as so frequently happens) away from the grind of the city and time to experience God in the wonder of his creation. As I sit here at a cabin nestled in the woods of southern Oregon, I am drawn to the many lessons I have learned from the martial arts throughout the years. As I have gotten older--and hopefully wiser--I have found that these lessons blend in perfectly with the life lessons that Father God has been teaching me as I have been walking down this path of life with Him.

One of the lessons that seem to leap right off the page at me is the power of prayer. I think that sometimes we are more American than we are Christian. We have a tendency to fret, worry, and fret some more over the things that are going around in this world. We talk to everyone--except the One who actually do something about the situations around us. Now, I don't want to belittle some of the things you may be going through in life--many of you are going through hell (literally, I read the prayer emails we get), but I invite you to sit at the feet of the true Master. He passionately loves us and wants us to partner with Him as we walk through life. He wants to draw other believers around us to encourage us through the worries of life.

If I am be so bold, if you find yourself in this boat, as so many of us are, could you take a time out today? Perhaps it won't be a long one...but some time to enjoys the wonders of the world around us. And may I suggest that after you have had the time to catch your breath, that you then think of 10 things to thank God for. Its remarkable how this little activity gives us a new perspective on life.

Thanks for stopping by.
In His Grace,
Mark