Maybe some of you grew up hearing the phrase "the Good Book" when someone was referring to the Bible. It never meant to me then, what it does now; like many things in life. Today I just want to send out a couple of my favorite verses from the Good Book. Read, reflect, and here's a good one, ruminate.(Rumination is something a cow does to its food; chewing it over and over. No more details necessary.) Let these words be your refuge today.
"My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; He is all I ever need." Psalm 73:26
"The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23-24
This second verse creates a visual in my mind. I see the Lord holding my hand as I plod or skip or am dragged through the day and no matter my gate, the Lord can keep me steady. That's a good thing as I am really no good to Him on my face!
Pick a part or phrase of either of these verses and use them as your mantra today. Let the Lord into the details of your life. He delights in them. Even if you don't.!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Sheep or Shepherd?
Let me preface my thoughts with this: When I say "teachers" I use the word to include anyone who interacts with children and is even remotely responsible for their education. No one in a school should be exempt. Having said that, let's think about our role in that educational process. In familiar Bible stories I grew up with, shepherds pop up many times and I thought how fun that might be; to walk along poking lambs and ewes, sitting quietly and watching them graze. On the other hand, the sheep, as it was pointed out to me later, are not the brightest of animals. They need a lot of guidance and prodding and are really quite defenseless.
Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. Like the shepherd in ancient times, lying down in the doorway of the fold to keep his flock safe, Jesus is also that door. It is through Him we must walk if we are to be kept safe and as humans, we too, are defenseless against evil, if we are without a shepherd. So what does that say to us as "teachers?" We sometimes are the sheep because our role finds us following someone else's guidance, rules, or prodding. Yet we have the awesome task of being the shepherd to our students. Our families expect that we will keep our students safe, guide them, provide for them and seek them out when they wander. (Wandering can happen in many ways.)
As this week unfolds and many of us are returning to school to prepare our hearts, minds, and rooms for the beginning of another year, think of Jesus, your Shepherd, every time you walk through the doorway of your room, or your office, or even the front door. Whisper Jesus' name as you enter, asking Him to shepherd you and help you be the shepherd you need to be to your "sheep". Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.
Ask for His strength and guidance. It's there for you in abundance.
Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. Like the shepherd in ancient times, lying down in the doorway of the fold to keep his flock safe, Jesus is also that door. It is through Him we must walk if we are to be kept safe and as humans, we too, are defenseless against evil, if we are without a shepherd. So what does that say to us as "teachers?" We sometimes are the sheep because our role finds us following someone else's guidance, rules, or prodding. Yet we have the awesome task of being the shepherd to our students. Our families expect that we will keep our students safe, guide them, provide for them and seek them out when they wander. (Wandering can happen in many ways.)
As this week unfolds and many of us are returning to school to prepare our hearts, minds, and rooms for the beginning of another year, think of Jesus, your Shepherd, every time you walk through the doorway of your room, or your office, or even the front door. Whisper Jesus' name as you enter, asking Him to shepherd you and help you be the shepherd you need to be to your "sheep". Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.
Ask for His strength and guidance. It's there for you in abundance.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
September Already?
No, it's only August. But we all know what August means. It's a mere prefix to September. And September brings with it different things to different people. To educators and anyone affiliated with a school, it means gearing up for another class or the responsibilities of running an office, and kids, and parents...and the list goes on. Our "free time" or that so-called 3 month vacation we all get as teachers, is about to come to a halt. (Don't you wish it really was 3 months long?)
The good news is the Lord didn't take a vacation nor does He need to gear up for your new semester. He's ready to lift you, guide you, and when needed (and needed He will be) He will sustain you. His power is perfect, his love unconditional, and his mercies are endless. Use his strength as you gear up and turn your thoughts towards September. Allow his truths to guide your thoughts and keep your focus on Him. Your burden will be too heavy no matter how excited and motivated you are. Give it to the Lord. He knows your tomorrow and He's ready for you. Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.
I hope these words and words to follow will help you keep your direction clear and your burdens light. 1Chronicles 16:11 says, "Look to the Lord and his strength. Seek his face always." Tuck these words away and visit them September 4th. It can't hurt!
The good news is the Lord didn't take a vacation nor does He need to gear up for your new semester. He's ready to lift you, guide you, and when needed (and needed He will be) He will sustain you. His power is perfect, his love unconditional, and his mercies are endless. Use his strength as you gear up and turn your thoughts towards September. Allow his truths to guide your thoughts and keep your focus on Him. Your burden will be too heavy no matter how excited and motivated you are. Give it to the Lord. He knows your tomorrow and He's ready for you. Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.
I hope these words and words to follow will help you keep your direction clear and your burdens light. 1Chronicles 16:11 says, "Look to the Lord and his strength. Seek his face always." Tuck these words away and visit them September 4th. It can't hurt!
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