New Beginnings: A Devotional for the First Day of School
August 1, 2023
There is a freshness to the start of a new school year.
Just like the school year begins anew, so do the mercies of the Lord every morning. Every morning that we wake up is a blessing to enjoy, and be grateful for, God’s mercy. Each day we get not necessarily a “do-over” but a “do-better.” Each day, we start fresh. He expects us to use these brand new mercies to keep moving forward. He expects us to be better. Better than yesterday, better than last year. He expects some of us to finally turn the corner, to gain traction, and begin a new path by submitting to Him, repenting of our sins and receiving Jesus Christ as Savior.
Some of us have become complacent in our relationship with Him and He wants us to rekindle the freshness of fellowship with Him. Others need the dawn of a new hope after a midnight season in our lives.
Whatever your need, remember on this first day of school, this day of new beginnings, that this is also the day the Lord has made. It is filled with His mercy and faithfulness to meet your every need!
Praying the Lord’s will be done in our lives and in our schools for His honor and glory!
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Happy First Day/Week of School!
Niomi
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The Master Teacher
September 25, 2022
As educators, we are often inundated with strategies and more tools to put in our teaching toolbox. While there is nothing wrong with learning new things and continuing to grow in our profession, as Christian educators, we must remember…Jesus is the master teacher.
I began to reflect on this several months ago. The Word of God has an answer for every situation in life, and I realized that this applied to teaching as well. You see, it wasn’t so much about studying the Bible to be a better teacher. It was about Matthew 6:33 which instructs us to seek the kingdom of God first and everything else we need will be added. If I focus on learning more about Jesus the master teacher, then I also gain the wisdom needed to prosper in every endeavor.
Christ, the Master Teacher
Here are two traits that struck me about Jesus as a teacher.
1) He used language that was simple and familiar to those He taught. How many times have we heard about connecting prior knowledge and making learning relevant? Well, Jesus, our creator, certainly knows how our brain works. He designed it! This is something that he did through parables (storytelling). He took everyday life and used it to teach the truth of the kingdom. He used the simple and familiar to help his students understand new insights and revelations.
2) He taught by example. Jesus humbled himself and washed his disciples feet so his disciples would in turn follow his example. A teacher is ultimately a model. In our schools, we are called to lead by example by living out our Christian faith and demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit. There is a principle of leadership and service that I try to follow: I never ask anyone to do what I am not willing to do myself – and that includes my students. This is the example of Jesus.
I love how simple and practical the gospel is! The Word of God is all sufficient and we can always turn to the expert, our savior Jesus, for any problem that we are facing. Do you have students who are hard to teach and hard to reach? The Bible has the answer (remember, a soft answer turns away wrath). Do you have the pressures of state tests and accountability? The Lord can give you the supernatural wisdom to prosper you (like Joseph and Daniel).
At the end of the day, when others ask us…where did you get that idea from? Or, how did you do that? We can use that open door to point them to Jesus. We can rejoice and give glory to the Lord.
Be encouraged!