An Apple a Day (2nd edition) E-Book

Kathy Branzell

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Seitenzahl: 390

Beschreibung

Educators change the world one student at a time. Dedicated professionals and parents make daily sacrifices to help their students learn, mature in skills and character, and discover who God has made them to be. These short, refreshing devotions will help educators to: - Begin each day with God's plan. - Combine learning and faith in every classroom whether public, private, charter, or home-based. - Interact with students and their varied cultures while maintaining a Christ-centered perspective. - Approach teaching with endurance and grace. - Be reminded of God's purpose for education and love for educators.Teaching is full of challenges, and equally full of rewards. An Apple a Day will help you feel encouraged and appreciated daily as you change the world one student at a time.   

Leseprobe

BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC

Savage, MN, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

An Apple a Day: 365 Devotions for the Heart of a Teacher (2nd Edition)

Copyright © 2017 Kathy Branzell

978-1-4245-5910-7 (hardcover)

978-1-4245-5478-2 (e-book)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible, © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188, USA. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright © 2000; 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked MSG are from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Scripture quotations marked NIrV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIrV” and “New International Reader’s Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Scriptures marked HCSB are taken from the HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE, copyright© 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved. Scriptures marked RSV are taken from the REVISED STANDARD VERSION (RSV): Scripture taken from the REVISED STANDARD VERSION, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971.

Any emphasis within Scripture quotations is that of the author.

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Assistant Editors: Sandy Albrycht, Amy McDonald, and Nathanael White

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To the thousands of educators who change the world one student at a time. I am so thankful for you and especially for all the teachers who poured into my life and my children. I want to give special thanks to the members of FACE for Educators, CEAI, and Compass, all laboring with love in the fields of education and to all the Moms in Prayer who are praying for schools around the world. Blessings!

Contents

Introduction

August

August 1: All

August 2: Dedicated and Devoted

August 3: God Supplies

August 4: New

August 5: School Supplies

August 6: Welcome

August 7: A Letter to the Church on School Campuses

August 8: Again I Say ...

August 9: Ambassadors

August 10: Great Grace

August 11: Good Gifts

August 12: Grow and Glorify

August 13: Effective

August 14: How Should I Pray Today?

August 15: Complete Rest

August 16: Humble

August 17: Just Sayin’

August 18: Filled by His Presence

August 19: Hesed

August 20: Changing the Culture

August 21: Know, Grow, and Sow

August 22: What Do You Want?

August 23: Chew on the Review

August 24: Grow Toward His Glory

August 25: Experience and Express God’s Unchanging Goodness

August 26: The Staying Power of Love

August 27: Make Glad

August 28: Acknowledge

August 29: Plow Season

August 30: Little Miracles

August 31: Reason

September

September 1: A Good Neighbor

September 2: Abide Not Hide

September 3: An Intellectual Introduction

September 4: Glorifying or Garbage

September 5: Replace Garbage with Grace

September 6: Confessing

September 7: Grace and Mercy

September 8: Commissioned

September 9: Blessed with Boundaries

September 10: United in Prayer

September 11: Remember the Sacrifice

September 12: The Way We Should Go

September 13: Sow His Seed

September 14: Counting Our Days, Days that Count

September 15: Be Glad

September 16: Gladly Do Something New

September 17: Yield

September 18: Visible Value

September 19: Bold Believers and Willing Workers

September 20: Led by Love

September 21: United We Stand

September 22: Just

September 23: The Goal of Our Instruction

September 24: Steady

September 25: Help, Not Hinder

September 26: Every Nation, Tribe, and Tongue

September 27: Sharpened and Shaped

September 28: Knowing Who You Really Are

September 29: Saved

September 30: Lesson Plan for Life

October

October 1: Awaken with Wisdom

October 2: Bullying

October 3: Do Not Fear

October 4: Practicing Fear

October 5: Applying Ourselves

October 6: Fire Prevention Week

October 7: Eagerly Extol Every Day

October 8: Divine Desires

October 9: Helped by Prayer

October 10: Children of the Most High

October 11: Meeting the Needs, Sowing the Seeds

October 12: Discovering the Dream, and the Voyage of a Vision

October 13: Find or Be Found

October 14: Filled to Fulfill

October 15: Protect and Preserve

October 16: Praying for Light in the Dark

October 17: Saved (or Stolen) by the Bell

October 18: The Three Rs

October 19: Filled with Good Things

October 20: Called to Give Hope

October 21: Zealous

October 22: Sealed Lips

October 23: Come with Authority

October 24: Responsive

October 25: Turn Worry to Worship

October 26: Testify

October 27: Fear Factor

October 28: Spiritual Standards

October 29: Interrupted

October 30: Speaking to a Friend

October 31: From Spooky to Spirit-Filled

November

November 1: If

November 2: Vote and Pray beyond Election Day

November 3: Achoo!

November 4: Growing Gradually Greater Glory

November 5: Driven to Succeed

November 6: Know It and Show It

November 7: Distracted

November 8: Keep Your Commitments

November 9: Restore

November 10: Give Thanks to the Lord

November 11: Mighty in Battle

November 12: Rethinking Thankfulness

November 13: Unfailing Love

November 14: Devoted and Never Divided

November 15: Worry Free

November 16: Expressing Thankfulness

November 17: Tuned In

November 18: Let Grace Set the Pace

November 19: The Least of These

November 20: Boast in Our King

November 21: Carefree

November 22: Tested

November 23: Overflowing

November 24: Speak Truth in Love

November 25: The Testimony of Thanks

November 26: More

November 27: Focus on the Father

November 28: Many Members Yet One Body

November 29: Ponder

November 30: Deck Your Heart

December

December 1: Blessed to Be a Blessing

December 2: Consider the Helpless

December 3: Serve One Another

December 4: Not Lacking Any Gift

December 5: Full of Love

December 6: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

December 7: Christ’s Government

December 8: Life-Giving Answers Late at Night

December 9: Foundations of Learning

December 10: Now Listen

December 11: The Glory in Authority

December 12: Love

December 13: Free Gift

December 14: Put It into Practice

December 15: A Child Is Born, a Son Is Given

December 16: The Joy of Your Presence

December 17: Complete Joy

December 18: With All Your Heart

December 19: Preparing for Christmas

December 20: Childlike

December 21: Known by Name

December 22: Limited Time Only

December 23: Study the Great Works of the Lord

December 24: Joy

December 25: Christmas Story

December 26: Renewed and Restored

December 27: See and Rejoice

December 28: Come to Worship

December 29: Opened Hearts, Opened Treasures

December 30: After Jesus Was Born…

December 31: Praiseworthy

January

January 1: New View

January 2: Laws of Motion

January 3: Steadfast Spirit

January 4: Straight Ahead

January 5: Don’t Concede, Get What You Need

January 6: Prayer Prompts

January 7: Pause to Ponder the Passages

January 8: Keep Your Eyes on the Road

January 9: His Precepts’ Benefits

January 10: Give Careful Thought to Your Ways

January 11: Tricked or Truth

January 12: Prepared to Persuade, Part 1

January 13: Prepared to Persuade, Part 2

January 14: Absolutely Successful

January 15: Courage Can’t Keep Quiet

January 16: Body of Christ

January 17: Share the Load

January 18: Talent Scout

January 19: Wise Teaching

January 20: Skip the Slander

January 21: Delivered, Protected, and Blessed

January 22: Share History

January 23: Encouragement’s Everyday Effect

January 24: Practice

January 25: Demonstrating God’s Love

January 26: Recognized by Love

January 27: Due Admiration

January 28: On My Knees

January 29: Directed

January 30: Storyteller

January 31: Lights in the World

February

February 1: Crowned in Love

February 2: Ask for His Help

February 3: Hope in the Living God

February 4: Abiding Authority

February 5: Everything I Ever Did

February 6: Keep Your Tongue

February 7: Be Mine

February 8: Consistently Courageous

February 9: Open-Book Test

February 10: May the Lord Grant All Your Requests

February 11: Shaken to Speak

February 12: Gathered

February 13: Waiting to Be Well

February 14: Living Love Letters

February 15: Transformed

February 16: Rock or Stumbling Block

February 17: Soul Sustainer

February 18: Live, Learn, Love

February 19: Remembered and Redeemed

February 20: Psalms and Hymns

February 21: Opportunity Knocks

February 22: Precious Jewel

February 23: Comforter

February 24: Powerless Pretending

February 25: Nurturing News

February 26: Moving Mountains

February 27: Dedicated

February 28: Significant

March

March 1: All That You Have

March 2: Refuse Rejection

March 3: Complete, Not Compete

March 4: Example

March 5: Gentleness

March 6: Remember

March 7: Called to Call

March 8: Greater Grace

March 9: Labor for Love

March 10: By What Authority

March 11: If You Love Me…

March 12: Kingdom Value

March 13: Complete, Don’t Complain

March 14: The Lord Is My Shepherd: Life as a Sheep

March 15: Prayer Pulse

March 16: Visiting Team

March 17: Define the Relationship

March 18: Set on the Spirit

March 19: Confident

March 20: Stronger Together

March 21: Teach Me

March 22: No Time to Lose

March 23: Show Your Work

March 24: Doing Good

March 25: Ripening Fruit in a Rejoicing Desert

March 26: Hold On to Our Courage

March 27: Rely on God

March 28: Lighten the Load

March 29: Real Relationships

March 30: Wisely Wait, Walk, and Watch the Will of the Lord

March 31: Do as Jesus Did

April

April 1: Showers of Blessings

April 2: Christ’s Endurance

April 3: Go with Me

April 4: Satisfying the Crowd

April 5: Gifted

April 6: Anything, Lord!

April 7: Heart and Hope

April 8: Godly Guide

April 9: Disciplined

April 10: Life More Abundantly

April 11: Living

April 12: Blessed in Stress

April 13: Cultivating Faithfulness

April 14: Blood Donor

April 15: Completely His

April 16: Fear of God

April 17: Meditate on God

April 18: Sent out Not to Settle

April 19: Identify

April 20: Walk in Prayer… Everywhere!

April 21: Reference Your Source

April 22: The Good Work

April 23: Showers of Speech

April 24: Bite to Bucket

April 25: Timeless

April 26: Knit Together

April 27: Footprints on the Waves

April 28: Learn to Discern

April 29: Intentional Instruction, Observable Objectives

April 30: Taking Off

May

May 1: Made Complete

May 2: Finish Strong

May 3: One Nation under God

May 4: National Day of Prayer

May 5: Endure

May 6: A Peter Transformation

May 7: Going Through

May 8: Gardeners

May 9: Intercessors, Not Critics

May 10: Finish the Race with Grace

May 11: Share Your Story

May 12: Father Knows Best

May 13: Learn to Listen

May 14: Urgent

May 15: Firmly Planted

May 16: Strong Attraction

May 17: Shine Bright

May 18: Change, Challenges, and Crisis

May 19: Know Better, Be Better

May 20: The Right Stuff

May 21: Sending Encouragement

May 22: Powerful Prayers

May 23: Never Thirst

May 24: Extra Eyes

May 25: Unforgettable

May 26: Missed Blessing

May 27: Act Now

May 28: Sacrifice

May 29: Beautiful Heritage, Rich Inheritance

May 30: Building Memorials

May 31: Meditate on His Word

June

June 1: A Good Read

June 2: Abounding With…

June 3: Giving

June 4: Him-Possible

June 5: Determined Days

June 6: Humble Harmony

June 7: Go through It

June 8: Created to Give Glory

June 9: Guarded and Guided

June 10: Introductions and Invitations

June 11: I Can Sympathize

June 12: Know, Flow, and Go

June 13: Love Letters

June 14: Hard Heads, Hard Hearts, and Hard Times

June 15: Magnify

June 16: God Is Your Praise

June 17: Stirring

June 18: Satan the Enemy

June 19: Shielded

June 20: Rhema

June 21: Concert of Glory

June 22: Scattered by Self-Sufficiency

June 23: His Helpful Example

June 24: Proof of Faith

June 25: Watching for Jesus, Part 1

June 26: Watching for Jesus, Part 2

June 27: Desperate Days to Desired Haven

June 28: Praying in His Presence

June 29: Practicing His Presence

June 30: Prayerful

July

July 1: At an Acceptable Time

July 2: Where His Glory Dwells

July 3: Diligent

July 4: God Bless America

July 5: Appointment with God

July 6: Don’t Miss the Way

July 7: Building Up

July 8: Friend

July 9: Insulated or Isolated

July 10: Brokenhearted

July 11: Still

July 12: Restored

July 13: Labeled “In Christ”

July 14: Power of Prayer

July 15: Our Identity in His Love

July 16: The Great Compromise

July 17: “B” a Blessing

July 18: Perfect

July 19: Never Go Hungry

July 20: Fear Him

July 21: Certain, Part 1

July 22: Certain, Part 2

July 23: At the Name

July 24: Depart from Danger

July 25: My Hope Is in You

July 26: Fearless

July 27: Peaceful

July 28: Love That Surpasses Knowledge

July 29: Source

July 30: Have Hope

July 31: Run the Race with Endurance and Grace

About the Author

Introduction

Dear Educator,

I have been blessed with so many wonderful teachers and coaches in my lifetime. From my preschool years through post-graduate education, my mind and character have been covered in the fingerprints of amazing educators who touched their students with love as well as learning. The inspiration provided was often as important as the information given to me and the countless others who walked into their classroom.

It was such a sweet gift to write these devotionals to you. As a teacher for over a decade, and with seventeen more years in education ministry, I have had the privilege to pray with thousands of educators and to hear their stories and prayer requests through the years. I pray that An Apple a Day helps you feel encouraged and appreciated, as well as conveys some new ideas and wisdom on how to live out your faith on the mission field of education. I am praying for you!

Serving Him with gladness,

Kathy Branzell

August

AUGUST 1

All

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

—PHILIPPIANS 4:13

Most of us have quoted this verse at some point in our life. Some of us may even recite this verse when going to work or going home every day. Sometimes we feel like our “all things” are too much. Other times we feel like our “all things” is too big.

As educators, it feels as if we get two starts to a new year. We get a new year on January first like everyone else, but we also get a new year on the first day of school. We get a chance to start fresh, make new plans, and set new goals. What “all things” would you like to do this year that will take His strength?

There’s a huge difference between activity and accomplishment. Our days get filled, and if we don’t control our schedule, it will control us. Our days fly by. Before long, May will be here and we’ll find ourselves saying, “Where did this year go?” Pray and complete this sentence: “I can __________ through Him who strengthens me.”

Jesus, I know that I can do all that you call me to do, through your strength. Amen.

AUGUST 2

Dedicated and Devoted

Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.

—PSALM 86:2 NLT

Thank you for being here today. God is delighted to see you take time to read His Word and pray. He is eager to hear your prayers and to speak His purpose, guidance, and comfort to you as His presence permeates this place. He would not miss this meeting for anything!

Whether this is your first year or fiftieth year teaching, I want to challenge you to dedicate yourself and this year to the Lord. This is perhaps the most important commitment you will make all year. Pray in and around your school, through your classroom and your rosters, saying a prayer of dedication committing the entire year to Jesus.

I want to encourage you to take what you learn in your prayer and devotional time, and apply it in life and your classroom. Know and exercise your legal rights but stay within the law; you have more religious room than you might think.

Lord, I dedicate this year to your plans and glory.

I am your servant. Amen.

AUGUST 3

God Supplies

And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

—PHILIPPIANS 4:19

I love new school supplies! I hope I never lose the excitement of opening a brand-new box of crayons or feeling the cut of a new pair of scissors. I pray that all your students have the resources to start the year with new supplies, but if you have needs, contact local churches; they often collect and distribute school supplies for students who cannot afford them.

Educators also need new “supplies” as we greet another year of students’ personalities and learning styles. You may need some new teaching tools and definitely fresh prayers in addition to using all our experiences and education from years past.

Please know that I am praying that God will supply you with all that you need. I hear from teachers all over the world who go through the entire year and never feel fully equipped to do their jobs. God knows what you need long before classroom rosters are typed up; He will supply all your needs, fully and faithfully. Just ask Him.

Lord, may I always see—and share—how you supply all my needs. Amen.

AUGUST 4

New

The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

—LAMENTATIONS 3:22–23

This may be your first year as an educator, or you may be at a new school; if so, all things are new! Or perhaps this is a time of great change in your school or district—new administration, curriculums, expectations, and so on.

The word next invokes ideas of forward movement. Next comes with anticipation of another breath, step, day, or accomplishment in the journey or the race toward a goal (or at least the finish line). So what’s new with you? What are you experiencing for the first time or with fresh eyes and a fresh attitude? What is your next step toward your goal?

The new school year is a clean slate, a chance to be the teacher you always wanted to be, to accomplish that personal goal you have always dreamed about, or to tackle that “thing” that stands between you and whatever you’re striving for (peace, success, financial security, dream come true, and so on). With God by your side, go for it!

Lord, I am excited to journey through what is new and next with you. Amen.

AUGUST 5

School Supplies

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and multiply your seed for storing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

—2 CORINTHIANS 9:10 ESV

For fun today, here are some verses for you to ponder as you process all the new supplies being brought into your classroom:

•Ruler. Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (NIV).

•Glue and pencils. Deuteronomy 11:18: “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads” (NIV).

•Scissors. Psalm 129:4: “But the LORD is righteous; he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked” (NIV).

•Crayons. Isaiah 1:18: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (NIV). Psalm 23:2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (NIV).

Lord, please bless and multiply my supplies to expand learning and righteousness. Amen.

AUGUST 6

Welcome

Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.

—MARK 9:37 NIV

I pray you had a wonderful and restful summer. As you are welcoming a new year and students, welcome Jesus into your school and classroom. Take a prayer walk around and through your school, praying for this year, the students, the staff and administration, the school board and district workers, buses, curriculum, parents, finances, and anything else you can think of. Welcome God into your school, and invite Him to join you every day in the classrooms and hallways.

Then, welcome new teachers, staff, or administrators to your school. It can be difficult being the new anything on campus. Transition can be painful or pleasant depending on the relationships and circumstances. Give your new team members a chance, and keep your mind and door open to them. Pray for them and your school, because change is difficult for all of you.

Last but certainly not least, welcome your students’ parents. Children’s success rates increase when their parents are involved at school.

Lord, I welcome you to my school in every way.

Amen.

AUGUST 7

A Letter to the Church on School Campuses

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

—NUMBERS 6:24–26 ESV

During his ministry, the apostle Paul wrote letters to several different communities, and his love for Jesus and his relationship with each church permeated his words. Using a portion of 1 Corinthians 1, personalize a letter as if you were writing it to your school campus, and add your comments and blessings since you know the needs of your campus:

[Your name], called to be a servant of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the church of God on school campuses around the world, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge.

Lord, continue to grow your church on school campuses. Amen.

AUGUST 8

Again I Say ...

“Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.”

—MATTHEW 18:19 ESV

In this verse, Jesus, the Teacher whose example we seek to follow every day, reminds us again of the power of prayer. He essentially begins with, “Again, I tell you …” Oh, the number of times a teacher has said that!

Even Jesus has students who need lessons repeated. Maybe you’re one of them. Sometimes we learn just by reading and remembering, but many times we learn by doing—through repetitive reminders or even the occasional “hard way.”

Perhaps you tend to be “gifted” when it comes to the Lord’s lessons. Do you often need some one-on-one tutoring, or do you fall somewhere in the “proficient” range? (Just a little “testing” lingo to get you thinking ahead for the prayers you will need during those weeks of state testing.) Either way, make a point to find at least one other person at your school to pray with on a regular basis.

Lord, please help me to find a friend to pray with at school. Amen.

AUGUST 9

Ambassadors

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.

—2 CORINTHIANS 5:19–20 NLT

An ambassador is a representative, an official messenger with a special mission. As a Christian, you have the greatest mission of all: to share the love and message of Jesus everywhere you go. You are His ambassador at home, at school, when shopping, when working out, and when hanging out with friends. As a citizen of heaven, you are His ambassador on earth; your words and actions represent Him and what it means to be a part of His family and kingdom.

Exhibit His love, share His peace, and show people how wonderful it is to be forgiven and reconciled instead of exiled. Speak His words and live His ways with joy and strength. Be mindful of your position as His ambassador, and know that He is delighted to have you sharing His wonderful message on this special mission.

Lord, thank you for making me an ambassador of your kingdom. May I represent you well. Amen.

AUGUST 10

Great Grace

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. By grace you are saved!

—EPHESIANS 2:4–5 HCSB

It is by God’s grace through Christ’s atoning sacrifice that we are saved. It is not our accomplishments and successes, or lack of these, that decide our eternal fate—thank God! Grace, by definition, is undeserved. We cannot earn salvation or grace; it is granted to us.

What a wonderful gift it would be if you let your students enter your school and classroom washed “new” in grace this year, with a clean slate! Imagine pulling them out from under the thundercloud of past mistakes, bad choices, and a less-than-stellar reputation, and allowing them to walk warmly welcomed into your classroom with a bright future. Don’t let their past cloud your view of the potential that shines in all of God’s children.

Lord, thank you for your grace that lifted me out of the pit of sin and into your plan and presence. Prompt me to encourage my students with great grace. Amen.

AUGUST 11

Good Gifts

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

—MATTHEW 7:11

Know your heavenly Father. Know He loves you and only acts through His love for you. Know that He knows what is best and that you will be blessed by whatever He is blessing you to receive. You must come to Him with a humble, “Please,” not an entitled, “Give me.”

When you pray for blessings, opportunities, increase, and such, do you find yourself thinking or even telling God exactly what that blessing should look like? When Jesus said to His disciples, “Come follow Me,” they immediately followed Him. They didn’t ask for a three-year plan for the journey. So why do we find it so hard to obey and follow Him on this side of the cross? Trust His plans, and trust His hands to grip you and equip you.

Where do your greatest gifts and blessings come from? They come from God, of course.

Lord, I know that you only give good gifts.

Amen.

AUGUST 12

Grow and Glorify

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

—2 PETER 3:18 NIV

Sometimes growth is fun and exciting, and your heart swells with gratefulness and love. Sometimes growth is difficult and painful, but He is faithful, and your heart enlarges yet again, with maturing faith, gratefulness, and love. Growth occurs when we learn something new, understand something deeper, and apply wisdom where there was once confusion. Growth occurs when we walk on the waves of life, through the storm of sickness, on the sea of sorrow, or in shadow of disappointment or death. Growth occurs when we overcome addiction, loss, or earthly abandonment, and thankfully, it also comes in the joy-filled days, the new beginnings, the second chances, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

How would you like to grow this year? Write down a personal “snapshot” of yourself—a picture of words that describes where you are—and addresses some of the questions and opportunities for growth.

Lord, I want to grow and glorify you every day.

Amen.

AUGUST 13

Effective

I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.

—PHILEMON 4–6

Do you have an individual or group of people who pray for you? Every day for over eighteen years I have prayed for teachers and other school staff daily. Knowing there is always someone on their knees interceding for you through everything you face is a powerful experience.

Do you have someone on your campus to pray with you? Prayer groups meet in their own schools all across America to share things they cannot share elsewhere—things about family, dreams, struggles, fears, and victories—knowing that what is shared will only be spoken of before God.

It is this prayerful community that I believe leads us—Christian educators—to become so effective in our schools that those around us wonder at what God does through us. Ask someone to pray for you and with you today.

Lord, may I be more effective than

I have ever known. Amen.

AUGUST 14

How Should I Pray Today?

If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.

—ROMANS 8:26 MSG

Sometimes we don’t know what to say when we pray. Sometimes we pray with sobs and other times with Scripture; no matter what, the important thing is to always pray.

Pray God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Pray God’s authority over all people and circumstances—that He would be recognized as Sovereign God, Creator, and Redeemer. Pray that all people would seek to obey and glorify Him, and that our nation would bless Him. Pray that He would strengthen us, His followers, to speak truth in love; to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Pray that His love would shine light in dark places, and that all things done in the darkness of corruption, destruction, and pride would be exposed. Pray that all would repent and follow Jesus, and that comfort would come now and in eternal life.

Lord, let your Spirit speak my heart when

I don’t know what to say. Amen.

AUGUST 15

Complete Rest

The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.’”

—EXODUS 31:12–13

God created us. Knowing full well what we would need, He was adamant that we rest, so He commanded (not suggested) that His people rest one full day per week. We need to rest if we are going to reach our full potential and serve Him as living love letters to the least and the lost.

I must confess that all too often I get distressed, wondering where time went and why I didn’t accomplish everything I had on my to-do list. I realized it was because I either had too many things on my to-do list or I was not obeying God’s call to rest and trust that He would bless my obedience throughout the other six days. I needed to heed God’s command to rest more and let Him lighten my load.

I challenge you to observe the Sabbath and see how God blesses your rest.

Lord, thank you for teaching us to experience complete rest. Amen.

AUGUST 16

Humble

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares about you.

—1 PETER 5:6–7

My daughter, Emily, had been so excited that we were having country fried steak, but now she sat with her head in her hands, elbows on the table, and her eyebrows drawn in a scowl. Why the change in attitude? Because at age five, she was determined to cut up her own steak by herself. As excitement quickly changed to anger and frustration, I suggested she ask her father to help her since he would be happy to do so. She groaned and continued to pout. Her desire to do it herself kept her from enjoying her favorite dinner.

How many times do we miss an opportunity, or miss blessings, because we refuse to ask our heavenly Father for His help? You’ve probably had students who needed help but refused to ask. Likewise, at the beginning of the school year or a new task, we start out enthusiastic and then soon find ourselves with our head in our hands and a scowl on our face. Meanwhile, God sits as close to us as Emily’s dad was to her, waiting to help if we would just ask.

Lord, may I always ask for your help when I need it. Amen.

AUGUST 17

Just Sayin’

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

—MATTHEW 5:43–44

Jesus made several “You have heard it said … but I say to you …” statements. He trumps tradition, culture, and current trends. He is sovereign, and listening to what He says will keep us safe and successful in all the plans He has for us. Satan, on the other hand, has a plan for us too; he wants to do everything he can to trip and tie us up so we’re distracted and detained.

Jesus says things like, “All things are possible with Me,” “Trust Me,” “Persevere,” and “Press on.” He encourages, while satan discourages. Jesus gives us the strength that satan wants to drain from us. He sets dreams in our heart, while evil sets doubt in our mind. Jesus promises to protect us, while the enemy will try to fill us with fear. Bad counsel will try to justify sin and may lead us to “bend the rules” just a bit. But Jesus says, “If you love Me, you will obey Me.”

Lord, may I always obey what I hear you say.

Amen.

AUGUST 18

Filled by His Presence

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

—PSALM 16:11 ESV

Practicing His presence means saturating our life with His Word. It is a practice of studying His Word every day, a practice that, like a physical workout, grows longer and stronger as we seek to grow in His presence. It is a healthy fear of the Lord—not a runaway-scared fear, but an awe-filled respect of His authority that is our guard and guide when we are practicing His presence, and our discipline when we are escaping.

Practicing God’s presence means spending time focused on Him. It means that we are dedicated to time in prayer and studying His Word. We cannot go to church for an hour or two each week, hoping to put something in our tank that we can run on all week. We always come hoping for a good filling or at least good feelings, but the feelings fade and the filling turns to fumes because we need Him to fill us every minute of every day.

Lord, fill me with your presence.

Amen.

AUGUST 19

Hesed

Then he said, “May you be blessed of the LORD, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first.”

—RUTH 3:10

The book of Ruth is amazing. It’s a story of tragedy and triumph that begins with three women widowed. The newly widowed daughter-in-law Ruth vows to remain and live out her days with her mother-in-law, Naomi.

If you study the text, you will find the Hebrew word hesed, translated as kindness repeated throughout the story. Hesed is defined as loyal love, goodness, covenant faithfulness, mercy, grace, benevolence, and kindness. Notice also that the definition says and, not or. Hesed is all of these traits rolled up into one—one big word, one big emotion, and one big action all in one. It is part of your character and commitment.

God responds to our prayers and needs because of His hesed. He also looks to His people to practice hesed in their relationships, and He rewards them for it. But hesed also carries its own reward: it is contagious. When you receive it, it makes you want to give it.

Who do you know who needs hesed today?

Lord, may I have the courage to give and receive hesed. Amen.

AUGUST 20

Changing the Culture

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

—MATTHEW 6:10 ESV

The verse above is the believer’s deepest desire—for God to be awed, obeyed, and glorified in our lives, homes, schools, city, state, county, and culture, as He is in heaven. Oh, that we could see and understand God the way His angels do in heaven! We would never doubt, disobey, or deny Him access to a part of our lives ever again.

For now, the world looks to Jesus’ followers in their attempt to understand Jesus. We must abide in unity under God’s authority, and then speak and live by His authority, taking every opportunity to be a godly influence to every person and place as God guides and provides.

Take a good look at the culture of your school campus. What would it look like for His kingdom to come and His will to be done there as it is in heaven? Pray about it.

Lord, I will walk and work in humility, unity, and your authority and influence on my campus, in my community, and beyond. Amen.

AUGUST 21

Know, Grow, and Sow

The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, he will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish.

—PSALM 92:12–13

If you’ve attended a Bible study, you probably noticed that everyone didn’t come into the class with the same level of knowledge, understanding, and training. We’re all at different places in our journey with Jesus. It’s important for new believers to hear about experiences of seasoned believers and to learn from their knowledge and witness their faith. On the other hand, it’s also important for seasoned believers to be rejuvenated by the curiosity and energy of new believers.

God does not expect us to learn and live at the same pace, just as your students learn at different paces and levels. It’s important to know that He loves us all the same. We all have equal access to Him, and His gifts are poured out through His Spirit as He determines His purposes in each life. He has also blessed us with Christian brothers and sisters to educate and encourage us on our journey.

Lord, help me to gather with believers to know, grow, and sow together. Amen.

AUGUST 22

What Do You Want?

Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

—MATTHEW 20:32 NIV

Jesus asked two blind men, “What do you want me to do for you?” We would think the answer should be obvious, and it was: they asked for their sight.

Does Jesus know what you want with regard to your students? Of course, but He also wants you to ask Him for it. To help you appeal to Him for them you could begin with this prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for these students. Let my contact with them reverberate across their lives. May they know that they’re wonderfully made and priceless, and I pray they will fully value the wonderful, priceless people they meet. May they know they are loved and should love others. Help them reach for their dreams but not miss rewards on the way. Let me show them that helping others feels so much better than putting them down. Show them value in the differences of people so they won’t believe that everyone should be like them. Make them yearn to learn and seek you always, living life with an open heart and wise choices.

Lord, may I always remember that you always want to hear from me, no matter the day or time. Amen.

AUGUST 23

Chew on the Review

Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat.

—MARK 8:13–14 NIV

Sailing on the water, He had previously commanded, “Be still!” and had continued on. Then Jesus listened again to His disciples worry about where their next meal would come from. It’s no wonder He asked, “Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?” (Mark 8:17–18 NIV). So Jesus took them through a quick review: How could they worry about food when they saw Jesus supply bread for over nine thousand people in two recent situations?

Sadly, in the same way, we worry about things that He has taken care of for us time and time again. We forget. All the disciples needed was there on the boat, and He is all we need as well. We frequently review material with students so they don’t forget it. The cure for our worry is to review His faithfulness and celebrate instead of worrying about where our next bite of bread or blessing will come from.

Lord, may I regularly review all that

Jesus has done for me. Amen.

AUGUST 24

Grow Toward His Glory

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

—ROMANS 3:23 NLT

How do you react when you make a mistake? Do you learn a quick lesson, ask for forgiveness, and move on, or do you harp on it, call yourself names, and let it weigh you down for days, weeks, or years? For some reason, we tend to beat ourselves up when we make mistakes.

Sometimes people make an “honest” mistake—one that is completely unintentional. Other mistakes are made out of pride, greed, or retaliation. Both result in a lesson and the need for forgiveness.

You’ve probably heard Romans 3:23 recited many times. It provides the “I’m just human” excuse to our sin, but we cannot stop there. God does not forgive based on an excuse; He forgives based on Romans 3:24. We “are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” God wants a heartfelt apology and repentance, but forgiveness is granted by grace. The price has already been paid, and we cannot add to it.

Jesus, forgive me for __________. I receive your grace and grow toward your glory. Amen.

AUGUST 25

Experience and Express God’s Unchanging Goodness

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. … O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

—PSALM 34:1, 8

This psalm is a pledge of faithfulness to a faithful God. The commitment rolls off the psalmist’s heart and tongue: “I will bless the Lord.”

Precious friends, I want to submit to you that this is the recipe for a happy life. The psalmist commits to do this continually. He reminds us that our unchanging God is truly good. Just take that in for a moment. Here is a promise that all who take refuge in God will receive His goodness, but what does it mean to take refuge in God?

Taking refuge in God is an everyday decision to stay under His wings of authority and shelter with confidence that our hope is in Him, not some wish or positive thinking ruled by happenstance and coincidences. Think about what this would look like in your life.

Lord, I take refuge in you and reflect on your faithfulness. May I always reveal the fruit of your faithfulness to others so that they too may taste and see that you are good. Amen.

AUGUST 26

The Staying Power of Love

The chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself.”

—MARK 15:31

Jesus could have saved Himself, but instead He chose to save us. He not only defeated death for Himself but for all who believe! His love defied understanding and reached across centuries of sin-saturated people in desperate need of a Savior, but it was carried out in the midst of hatred and insults. This is the staying power of love.

As an educator, you have probably been mocked, insulted, and disrespected as you sacrificed to teach. Your students don’t rush into class every day bearing gifts and speaking praise and thanks. Parents are not leaving piles of cash on your desk to repay you for pouring into their child’s future. You are an educator because of love; you love God, and He called you to this mission field. Love remained on the cross, and love remains in the classroom. Thank you for having that kind of sacrificial love, because this is the love that changes the world.

Jesus, saturate me in the staying power of your love for your glory. Amen.

AUGUST 27

Make Glad

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

—PROVERBS 12:25 ESV

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