Congratulations to Five/7 student Coy Parrott, who recently won an award for character at his school, North Raleigh Christian Academy. Coy won the award for the character trait of deference, defined as “respectful or courteous regard for the will of others”, which was given because he had volunteered to help a sick student without being asked.

When his mother sent me the detail of the award, two scriptures came to mind, James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.” and Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  When we do those things that God would want us to do, even if they are only in the sight of God, then we open ourselves up to be blessed.  Our recognition may sometimes come from others, but that serves only to raise our level of influence so that we may proclaim the glory of God, which is most evident in the actions of his people.  Great Job, Coy!

We were saddened to learn that there was a tragedy near Durant Road Middle School this afternoon. Two DRMS students were struck by a car while crossing Durant Road after school and one of the students died, while the other was hospitalized with serious injuries. These students were not part of Five/7, but we have many students that attend Durant Road MS, and we would ask you to pray for the school community and the families and friends of the victims.

More information can be found on WRAL.com

An excerpt of a letter written by John Quincy Adams in 1811, who went on to be the President of the United States, while serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, to one of his sons:

I advise you, in whatever you read, and most of all in reading the Bible, to remember that it is for the purpose of making you wise and more virtuous. I have myself, for many years, made it a practice to read through the Bible once every year.

In your infancy and youth, you have been, and will be for some years, under the authority and control of your friends and instructors; but you must soon come to the age when you must govern yourself. You have already come to that age in many respects; you know the difference between right and wrong, and you know some of your duties, and the obligations you are under, to become acquainted with them all. It is in the Bible, you must learn them, and from the Bible how to practice them. Those duties are to God, to your fellow-creatures, and to yourself.

Just thought I would share. — Matt