Warrior News

Dear Warrior Nation,

There is a short phrase that, depending on the tone used in saying it, can have a completely different meaning.  At some point in our lives, we have all said it, probably more than once.  What phrase, you ask?  Simply, “I’m sorry.”  We can say it as a way of excusing ourselves when we accidentally bump into someone.  If you have a teenager in the house, it can be said with a high concentration of sarcasm.  (Right now, many of you are playing it in your head as it actually sounds.)  The third way is the one we are focusing on this week.  It is the one thing said when we have completely messed up, admit that we made a mistake, and wish to atone for it.  The first two are driven by our mood; the third is driven by the heart.  It is a heart-felt desire to make it right.  When we come to God with a mistake, it is focused on not just admitting our mistake, but wanting to make it right.  This is the basis of repentance.  Biblically, repentance is a change of both heart and mind that focuses on turning from wrong and resetting our way of thinking, feeling, and being.  Why do we need to repent?  Why can’t we just say “sorry”?  In a Godly sense, repentance is action.  Acts 3:19 says “Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”  It is confession of our sin, turning away from it, and moving toward God.  It is not just saying sorry, but demonstrating sorry.  So, how do we do it?  Begin with a quiet time with God, and ask him to impress on your heart the areas you have sinned.  It should not take us long to get to that part.  We then turn away from those words or actions, and walk in the other direction.  If we are angry, move towards joy.  If we are hurt, focus on healing.  If we are alone, get in the presence of other believers.  2 Peter 3:9 says “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”  Carrying sin, especially if it is focused on others, only hurts us.  Repent, leave it at the cross, and tune in next week when we talk about the next step to revival – returning to God.

Please remember that next week is the last week of the semester and the schedule is completely different from normal.  Monday will be a normal, full day of school.  Tuesday through Friday will be half-days.  Elementary will dismiss at 11:40, upper school students will dismiss at 12:00.  After-care services will be normal on Monday, go until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and be closed Thursday and Friday.  Please plan accordingly.

I also ask you to keep the following in your prayers for the days ahead:

• Health and protection from sickness for students and staff
• Strength to finish strong over the last week of the semester
• Wisdom for school leadership as they make plans for the coming year
• Provision for those families in need, and strength and peace for those going through struggles
• God’s continued favor over RCS and the future RCS family members He will bring in the coming months

All 4 Him!

Bill Sharp, M.Ed.
Head of School