Turn in your Bible to the book of Isaiah and note that in chapter 41 these words found in verse 10.

“Fear thou not, for I am with thee. Be not dismayed for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee. Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

This verse of Scripture has two commands and then five promises.  This is just about the ratio of commands to the promises of God that He gives in His Word. However, we often complain about the commands being too many and the promises of God being too few.  But note these words, “Fear thou not. Be not dismayed.”  The precepts or commands here have to do with dread, they have to do with dismay.  See, it is God that takes away our fears.

Sin causes all kinds of fears, but God removes them. God takes away our fears.  God hath not given us the spirit of fear.  And if God says we do not have to be afraid, we do not have to be afraid, Amen?  Then note dismay.  Often times, we become so dismayed in our circumstances that we want to just sit down and call it quits.  But God says “Do not be dismayed”, keep going!  I mean keep on keeping on!  You’ll never win by quitting and this is the right precept for your troubles. 

Note these words, the promises, “I am with thee, I am thy God, I will strengthen thee, I will help thee, I will uphold thee”.  The five promises here have to do with the presence of God, the person of God, the power of God, the proficiency of God and the preservation of God. 

Note the presence of God.  God says, “I am with thee”.  Aren’t you glad that in being saved by the marvelous grace of God that you have the abiding presence of the living Lord Jesus with you?  Christ has said “I am with you, I will go all the way with you, even unto the end of the world, or the end of the age”.

This promise removes fears and of course it enables us for Christian service, then the person of God;  God says, “I am thy God”.  Oh, my friend, isn’t that a wonderful promise?  God said, “I am thy God”.  Some, in their folly and foolishness, they make money and pleasure and fame and it becomes their God instead of the Lord God of Heaven being their God. 

Now note the power of God.  God says, “I will strengthen thee”.  Oh, my friend, we need His strength to live the Christian life, do we not?  God says that He will help us.  Oh, thank God for the enablement of God Himself!  Oh, my friend!  God enables us!  So many things hinder us but God, He helps us, Amen! Amen! 

You know, the world today, they seem to think that God hinders us for they are living outside of Christ, having never been saved and have just a foolish wicked mind.  Oh they have driven Him out of our schools and out of government, and they say when something happens, when a catastrophe comes or happens, “where is God?”  Well, they’ve disregarded Him and His law and said "no" to God so much of the time, so why should they expect God to appear in such a time? 

Finally, note the preservation of God. God says, “I will uphold thee”.  Oh, I’m so glad!  I’m so glad!  We’re weak individuals, are we not?  Oh, my friend!  This means that God will support us, He will preserve us.  When we come to Christ for salvation, praise the Lord, He will keep us!  If you’re reading this now and you’ve not been saved, please let this be the day of your salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ!  CLICK HERE 

Transcribed by: Emily Horne
SLA Journalism Staff

Be Ye Holy

I Peter 1:16

“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

We are given the command to be holy because God is holy. This is a hard command to follow as a Christian. We cannot possibly reach this goal until we receive a glorified body. To understand the standard of holiness, we must look in other parts of the Bible. In Revelation 4:3, we are given a picture of God’s holiness:

“And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.”

Here we are given a picture of God in His holiness. He is majestic to look upon, and we are so unworthy to look upon. When we see God we should be broken. He is the standard of holiness. He is what we should strive to be like. Isaiah saw a vision of God in His holiness and he was broken and devastated.

Isaiah 6:5

“Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”

Isaiah was a prophet of God. He was considered a holy man by the people. He sees the holiness of God, and he is broken. We see that this man of God is broken before God; how much more would we be broken if we encountered the holiness of God?  When we see him, we will be so broken over our sins and imperfections. We need to strive to be holy so that when we stand before God, we cannot be as ashamed as we would if we had lived a life of sin. Our goal should be to be holy and reach a level of holiness that we can be proud of when we stand before God. We should be awaiting the day when we will receive our glorified body and we will be perfect.

Devotional by: J.D. Williams
SLA Senior

Time Lost

Gazing at the moon,

Knowing day would come all too soon.
 
Stars twinkling in the blanket of night, 

If you could only see this sight.

As I watch the rising of the sun,

The falling of the moon.  

I realize just how small I really am,

I see how fast time goes by.

Turning from the sun a single,

Tear escapes, just one.

For all the time I have already lost.



A Poem by: Ina Hayes
SLA Journalism Staff

His Name Is Not Reggie

Everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Never brush aside anyone as insignificant. Who knows what they can teach us? They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street, but something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt, and it would give me someone to talk to and I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people, "whatever that meant. They must've thought I did. But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad,bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, and I'd get him new things once he settled in, but it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to. I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sign and then grudgingly obey.

This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "dog probably hid it on me."Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number,

I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down, with his back to me. Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought, and I punched the shelter phone number but I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. "Okay, Reggie,"I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice.".........

To Whoever Gets My Dog: Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner. I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.

So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you. First, he loves tennis balls, the more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. He hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really, don’t do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly. Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay," "come," "heel." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody’s business. I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog. Feeding schedule: Twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand. He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.

Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people and me most especially.This means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new and that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you....

His name's not Reggie. I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt, but I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again and if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine, but if someone else is reading it, well... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.

His real name is Tank because that is what I drive. Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call to the shelter... in the "event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally and if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.

Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.

And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.

That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.

All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me. Thank you.

Paul Mallory

I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer. I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog."Hey, Tank," I said quietly.The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright."C'mere boy." He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months"Tank," I whispered. His tail swished. I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him."It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "Sowhatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again. "Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room. And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.

Article Submitted by: Mr. Chuck Russ

Marie-Josee’ Houde Kemp was born in Montreal, Canada. She went to school at Concordia University and got her Bachelors degree in commerce.

She is the French teacher for 10th and 11th graders here at SLA, and this is her first year teaching here.

Before she started teaching at Shining Light Academy, she home-schooled her children for six years.

She has been married for sixteen years and has two daughters, which both go to SLA, and she has one cat.

Mrs. Kemp was saved when she was 10 years old at her church in Montreal. She now attends Gate City Baptist Church in Greensboro. Mrs. Kemp’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5 because it contains very good guide lines.

Some of the favorite things she loves about SLA are seeing the students doing their best, and she really likes the staff and administration.

Her favorite hobbies are cooking, sewing, knitting, and spending time with her family.

Christmas is her favorite holiday because she gets to visit with her extended family.

Her favorite food is Italian, particularly lasagna, and her favorite candy is Sucre `a crème, it is a candy in Montreal, Canada and it consists of cream and brown sugar.

The beach is Mrs. Kemp’s favorite vacation spot.
 
The proudest moment of her life is when she found out she was pregnant, and her proudest and most recent work was as a homemaker for the past 13 years.  The most embarrassing moment of her life came when she was a teenager and her dad called her over the loudspeaker at school.

The person who has influenced her life the most is her mother because she put everyone before herself and she was a very good role model.

Welcome to SLA Mrs. Kemp.

Article by: Jessica Jackson
SLA Journalism Staff

Beginning next month, with the November 1st issue of the Knight's Table, we will feature one of our senior class members who will be graduating next year as part of the "Class of 2010".

In their own words, they will share their thoughts on finally becoming a senior and give insight to their years in school, particularly at Shining Light Academy and any plans they have for the future.

This should make for a very interesting article and we are excited to be bringing them to you.  

This feature will continue each month leading up to our final "Special Graduation Issue" which will publish on June 1st, 2010.

November Knight's Table issue will feature senior, Savannah Allen.  The rest will follow based on the length of time here at SLA.
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This helps your school raise additional $.

A new teacher this year at SLA is Mrs. Michele Worley. She teaches high school Language Arts, Speech, and Music History.

She graduated from UNCG and has been teaching for five years.

Mrs. Worley has previously taught at Covenant Christian Day School. She has two daughters in high school, Kristin and Morgan, and her husband Lee. She was saved when she was four years old in her very own home.

Mrs. Worley now attends church at World Vision International Christian Center. Her favorite scripture passage is Psalms 84, because it talks about our journey with God and how we worship Him. Her favorite hobbies are writing music and singing. Her favorite holiday is Christmas because you get to be surrounded by family. She loves Mexican food, likes snickers, and would like to vacation to the Outer Banks.

Mrs. Worley’s proudest moments are having her daughters and her most embarrassing moment was when she was hit in the rear with a volleyball in front of a crowd. Her aunt Bobbie has been the most influential person in her life because she was the principal at a Christian school and was a leader in her church. Now you know a little more about Mrs. Worley.

Article by: Hannah Jackson
SLA Journalism Staff