THE GIFTS THAT LAST
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22–23, NIV December is a month filled with gift-giving. Students buzz about what they hope to receive, stores overflow with options, and many of us feel the pressure to choose “the perfect gift.” Some gifts will be […]
TASTING
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8, NIV As we approach Thanksgiving, this verse feels especially fitting. The Hebrew word for “taste” is ta’am (taw-am’), meaning “to perceive,” and the word for “see” is ra’ah (raw-aw’), meaning “to behold” or “enjoy.” This verse […]
REJOICE IN YOUR THANKFULNESS
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV In good times and in bad—this is a vow many of us have spoken in marriage, and it’s also a reflection of God’s eternal vow to us. He has promised never to leave or forsake us, […]
CELEBRATE
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14, NIV One school day, I walked into a fourth-grade classroom to check on someone and found the class eating Oreos. They all seemed happy and chatty. I asked the teacher what the occasion was, […]
WHEN GOD SLOWS YOU DOWN
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways. Psalm 37:7, NIV On my way to a recent book signing, I was filled with excitement about connecting with fellow Christian educators—people who understand both the joy and the weight of being called to serve children. […]
PROTECTOR
Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 97:10, NIV Educators are protectors. We would never allow evil to harm our students—whether it comes through bullying, neglect, or outside threats. To the best of our ability, […]
SEEING OTHERS THROUGH GOD’S EYES
For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11, KJV As I sat in Sunday school that morning, Brother Johnny—who often jokes about being nervous teaching with an English teacher in the room—shared the truth that God is no respecter of persons. He reminded us that God does not favor one person above […]
GOD MAKES HIS APPEAL THROUGH US
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV I’ll never forget the first student I led to Christ in my public school classroom. Ashlee had actually graduated the previous year and was attending a local university. Our conversation during her surprise visit after school one […]
GROUNDED IN TRUTH
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6, NIV In a world where right and wrong seem to be constantly redefined, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What was once unthinkable is now celebrated, and simply standing by biblical truth can lead […]
THE SOLO
God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10, NIV “Pardon me, Mrs. Wilson? Is that you?” I saw a beautiful young woman come running after me as I was leaving the local pizza […]