Respect.

As i was driving with my instructor we were talking about a simple way to remember how to park downhill. He asked me what i wanted to be when i grow up and i said i that i wanted to become a teacher.

Before i go more in depth the reason why i added the ''how to park downhill'' part here's a simple way. Pretend you are a doctor. When they show your position on the board they write 'Dr. ____" right? So when you want to park Downhill you turn the wheel Right. (just a little side tip for all you drivers out there).

Alright, back to the devo. So he was telling me that today he was talking to a school bus driver and she told him a story. The story went like this, there was a class who was going on a field trip and one of the students at the back was fooling around and walking back and forth and he didn't sit down. So, one of the teachers asked him to sit down because he could get hurt. The teacher had to repeat himself several times and on the last time the student replied with, "F*** OFF! YOU DONT NEED TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO!" The reason why my instructor told me this is because i told him that I want to become a teacher. He told me that there are some ppl who don't respect anyone at all.

Respect is a very important character trait that plays in everyone's life. If you don't respect someone, they may not respect you back. You may expect people to treat you like how you want to be treated but if you can't treat others that way then, there may be a problem.

I think that there was a lot of obstacles that Jesus had to face when he was teaching others. He had to show respect to others and listen to them in order for him to speak. We have to be Christ-like and show others respect. If Jesus pulled through all the insults, curses, and sometimes violence, then you can show a little respect to someone.

Clearing The Air: Prayer

Prayer is one of our only ways to communicate to our father. Its a time of confession, praise, thanksgiving, and acknowledgement, but i think many people misunderstand what prayer really means.

Im guessing that when people first hear the word "prayer", they imagine people in white cloaks, getting onto their knees, heads bowed, hands together, eyes closed, and just completely in the zone. Prayer does not need to be like that.

Prayer also doesnt need to be out in the open, fully obvious and evident. (Matthew 6:5-8)

⁵ “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

⁷ “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. ⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Prayer can be something as simple as a quick word to our Father. You dont necessarily have to get on your knees, it can be just a sign of devotion and respect. You can think a prayer as well.

Prayers also dont have to be formal. You're not talking to the president. And although you're talking to the king of kings, the creator and the saving one, he's your father as well as your friend. Prayers can be like "heavenly father, we thank you for your grace and love..." or it can be "hey God, how's it going, i've been feeling really tired lately...". Whats important is that you are praying wholeheartedly.

Another misunderstanding. God is not a vending machine. You dont pray and expect him to give you things. God does have a say in all this, if he decides to give what you want/need. For instance, praying that you'll do well on a test versus praying for wisdom to make the right decisions for university.

Prayer is simple, informal, formal, intimate, wholehearted conversation. Just remember one thing, that you are talking to the Father, the almighty and powerful wise king.