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Teacher Devotion for the Week of August 22, 2010

GIVE ME COWORKERS THAT LEAD ME INTO A HIGHER PLANE

 

Proverbs 22:24-25 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared.

Proverbs 29:8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

 

It only takes one disgruntled coworker to make the workplace a miserable daily grind, especially if that employee verbalizes his complaints in the teachers' lounge.  Several years ago I was happy with my job assignment until they hired a woman with a critical attitude.  After hearing her complaints against the leaders and the business day after day, I found myself liking my job less and less.  Things that I never noticed before began to irritate me.  Offenses began to grow.  The job had not changed; my attitude had changed.  I eventually found another job.  Later I learned that the complainer stayed with that job for several years. She "talked" me out of my job!

 

I have seen this happen in schools.  Teachers get angry and stir up other teachers and make everyone miserable.  The grumbler may even stir up parents and students.  Or, sometimes it’s a student that becomes angry and stirs up other students.  These things need to be corrected through loving confrontation.  An unrestrained tongue (spark) can set a whole forest on fire.

 

Wise men turn away wrath; they do not socialize with angry men.  You may be unable to stop others from complaining, but you can choose not to become part of the discussion.  Simply excuse yourself from the conversation and leave the area.  You may, in love, point out to the disgruntled worker how they are spreading bad seed and making themselves miserable.  Coworkers can let the grumbler know that they don’t want to hear the complaints.  This confrontation may help the person deal with their attitude and unforgiveness.  Your willingness to say something about their protests could make a difference in their year. 

 

Take personal responsibility for the atmosphere of your school as far as it is in your power.  Offenses are to be handled personally and privately.  It should not involve the whole staff.  Purpose always to clear offenses and never let a lot of time pass without settling your anger.  Don't pick up the offense of a coworker.  Instead, encourage them to go to the persons involved to resolve the conflict.  These are God's instruction to the Body of Christ.  As you follow them, you will be the winner!

 

DEAR GOD, LET ME CHOSE TO TURN FROM ANGER.  HELP ME TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION RATHER THAN PART OF THE PROBLEM.

 

 

Teacher Devotion for the Week of August 15, 2010
TEACH ME TO BE GRACIOUS

 

Col. 4:6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

 

How many times have we purposed in our hearts that we are not going to be hateful or backbiting to someone when a certain topic comes up in the conversation?  And what do we do? Yes, we do exactly what we said we would not do! 

 

God's Word has some specific directions for each of us in this matter.  James 4:6 "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."   What is humility?  Humility is NOT...thinking less of yourself!  Humility IS...not thinking of yourself at all!  When you are full of grace (seasoned with salt), you are spreading goodness, cheer, and concern for your fellowman.  Your words will become a blessing and not a cursing to your brother.  After all, isn’t that what Jesus taught in Luke 6:28 “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

 

Teachers often create even more conflict by the way they answer a student or a parent in an emotional issue.  Purpose in your heart to spread grace to those you serve through gentleness and kindness--even when they are not showing you the grace of Christ.  As school teachers, we are the example to be followed.  Let Christ dwell within you richly (Col. 3:16) and let His light shine through your words (and tone) to reflect his unconditional acceptance even when others are being unlovely. Remember, "A soft answer turns away wrath."      
 

DEAR GOD, GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO EMPTY ME OF MYSELF ENOUGH TO LEARN HUMILITY.  TEACH ME TO BE SLOW TO SPEAK.  GIVE ME SOFT WORDS WHEN I SPEAK.  FILL ME WITH YOUR GRACE AND LET IT OVERFLOW IN MY DAILY WALK.  LET THE LOVE OF CHRIST WITHIN ME COVER A MULTITUDE OF SIN IN OTHERS.

Teacher Devotion for the Week of August 8, 2010

LET ME SEE MY STUDENTS AS JESUS SEES THEM

 

I Peter 5:2  “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve [3] not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”

 

Have you learned to love your calling as a teacher? Have you chosen to praise God for the opportunity to be an overseer of his valuable possession (the children)? When you see students through God's eyes, you will never be the same teacher you were before. Each child is precious to Him; every student is a unique individual; valuable potential is tucked inside; and God rejoices over each child with joy (Zephaniah 3:17).

 

Think of yourself as the jeweler assigned to shape precious diamonds, diamonds still in the rough, but destined to become the property of royalty. Each negative trait observed in the classroom is a positive trait not yet under the control of the Holy Spirit. A talker may be a future spokesperson, pastor, or teacher for the Kingdom of God. The student who always wants to know why, may become an inventor, a teacher, or a prophet who proclaims truth to the nations. The meticulous, slower working child may become a financial manager, a designer or creator of new ideas or gadgets. The wiggly student may be the untiring evangelist that carries the Word of God across the nations, missionary, business owner, or chair of the church property maintenance committee. The overly sensitive student may be a future caregiver or counselor in your community. The class clown may be an entertainer, a youth pastor, or an encourager in the body of Christ. As you work with them this year, you may catch a dull sparkle of something great to come. Teachers must not stifle these natural traits, but rather train them (shape them) in the way that they should go (Proverbs 22:6). All of these traits can be positive strengths used for good and not bad. Help your students to discover these truths.

 

By instruction and demonstration, you can lead your little flock closer to becoming the diamonds they were designed to be. Unconditional love, consistent training, and regular encouragement can polish rough edges quickly and you will begin to see glimpses of light sparkling through the “diamond in the making.”

 

DEAR GOD, OPEN MY EYES AND LET ME SEE YOUR GIFTS IN MY STUDENTS. GIVE ME WISDOM AND DIRECTION FOR TRAINING EACH INDIVIDUAL IN THE "PATH THAT THEY SHOULD GO.” TEACH ME TO TRAIN MY STUDENTS UNSELFISHLY AND CONSISTENTLY FOR YOUR GLORY.

 

 Teacher Devotion for the Week of August 1, 2010
 SET ME FREE FROM ANGER

 

SET ME FREE FROM ANGER

 

MT 18:21-22 “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" [22] Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

 

Anger is a sign of unresolved issues.  Finding the root of anger can be difficult.  It can be masked, stuffed, or misplaced from earlier conflicts.  Many people believe they forgave past hurts, when, in reality, they ignored and stuffed these hurts with the determined words of "I WILL forgive!"  If you discover that you are unhappy or angry about life in general, you probably need to search your heart for unforgiveness.  You may think, "But I'm not angry with anyone; I've forgiven them."

 

Honestly consider these questions to see if you may have bitterness and anger stuffed inside.

     Do old wounds and offenses come back to your mind when you least expect it? 
     Do you feel you have no choice but to stuff those thoughts back down and ignore 
            them since you have already forgiven them? 
     Do you feel uneasy when a certain person’s name is mentioned? 
     Do you look the other way or leave the room when someone comes toward you? 
     Do you have to make a purposeful effort to be nice to certain people? 
     Do you carry secret guilt for being unable to release these wounds in your hearts?

 

You are not God.  Only God can instantly forgive and forget.  Humans must continue to work through their pain until wounds heal and pain subsides.  How do you know when a cut on your finger is healed?  The pain goes away.  Forgiveness is the same way.  We must continue to forgive those who have wronged us until the pain goes away.  To ignore your pain can create major problems for you in parent, student, and teacher relationships.  Become willing to admit that the pain is still there.  Take these burdens to the Lord, seventy times seven each day, and let Him teach you the meaning of true forgiveness.  The ultimate statement of forgiveness comes with Jesus' words "Father forgive them for they did not know what they were doing."  Continue to work toward forgiveness until you can honestly pray that prayer.

 

I would encourage you to try the following "exercise" in forgiveness.  Clasp your hands tight, visualizing that you are holding the offense/offender in your hands.  Look up toward heaven and say, "Father, because you have forgiven me, I forgive ________.  I release them in the name of Jesus. I let them go free." As you pray this prayer, open your hands as a symbol of your release.  Repeat this exercise daily until the release becomes a reality in your heart. Remember, as long as your hands remain clasped tightly, you are more of a prisoner to the offense than they are .  Letting the offense go will set you free.

Dear God, Thank you for your ability to forgive me instantly, but I am unable to do the same for those that have offended me.  Help me to forgive __________.  I know that only you can show me the way out of my anger into peace and forgiveness.  Today, and as long as it takes, I leave this pain at your feet once again.   

Teacher Devotion for the Week of July 26, 2010

                        CONTEMPT FOR LEADERSHIP BRINGS DESTRUCTION

DT 17: 9  Go . . . to the judge who is in office at that time. Inquire of them and they will give you the verdict. [10] You must act according to the decisions they give you . . . Be careful to do everything they direct you to do. [11] Act according to the law they teach you and the decisions they give you. Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right or to the left. [12] The man who shows contempt for the judge or for the priest who stands ministering there to the LORD your God must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel. [13] All the people will hear and be afraid, and will not be contemptuous again.

 

 The school year got off to a relatively smooth start, but there were “rumbles” in a particular group.  The root of the problem was not evident, but teachers could sense the growing antagonism within this grade level.  As the principal, I brought individual students into my office to discover the root of the division.  The only thing I saw in common during these interviews were complaints about the rules.  It didn’t make sense.  Many of these students were in the school the year before and some had been here for several years without complaint.  The rules had not changed for ten years.  Why were they angry now? 

 

Anger continued to mount; I was constantly busy putting out “fires”, yet I still had not discovered the root cause.  One morning I did homeroom for a teacher that was running late.  I started the class by taking role, saying the pledges, taking prayer requests and praying—a regular routine for all homerooms.  I felt stiffness among the students and detected several muffled snickers.  I sensed a mockery toward the pledges and the prayer time.  I secretly felt pity for the homeroom teacher who had to deal with this attitude on a daily basis.  Later, I encouraged the teacher to address the attitude and work toward an acceptance of policy and procedure among the students. 

 

The attitudes continued.  In April, as I was working with students on a project, some students came and asked if they could talk with me.  Of course, I was always willing to discuss problems with students, but I wasn’t prepared for their comments.  They began to tell me how angry they were at their homeroom teacher.  They told me how the class did not follow homeroom procedures unless I came through the hallway.  They shared several other “secrets” they had kept with that teacher. 

 

The teacher had been overly “chummy” with the students and allowed them certain privileges that were against school policies.  They thought the teacher was really a “cool” teacher, and they loved getting around the rules—until the teacher decided to enforce the rules because the students were out of control.  When the teacher made them mad, they had ammunition to use against him/her, and they used it.  They enjoyed giving the reports that would get their teacher in trouble.

 

The teacher chose to join the wrong team.  Our teaching staff had always worked together by supporting one another and maintaining consistency from one class to another.  Teamwork offered security and clarity to the students as they moved from class to class.  However, this teacher chose to join the students rather than the staff.  It created discourse for the entire school.  The attitudes of the homeroom students influenced other students in the school.  The students allowed their teacher to be their friend--BUT friends don’t discipline friends.  Eventually the classroom was chaotic which required enforcement of the rules.  When the teacher decided to enforce the rules, the students understood that the teacher was still "one of them"—a teacher.  They instantly turned on the teacher and became his/her worst nightmare.
 

The above Scripture states the importance of following the edicts given by higher authorities.  In fact, those who do not follow the guidelines laid out for them were Scripturally considered a grave threat to their nation--so much so that they were instructed to destroy these rebels.  When a students rebels, they must be corrected.  But when a teacher walks in rebellion, there is no remedy short of removal.  Rebellion brings destruction to the entire organization.  It creates a breakdown in the school's culture. 

 

If you find yourself not wanting to follow your administration—if you cannot come into agreement with your leaders, you should either appeal to leadership for a creative change or resign your position and seek another position.  Think about it!  The school's administration pays you to follow their leadership—not to make up your own rules.  They give you money to do what they feel is important to accomplish their goals and priorities.  Your job is to follow.  If you cannot follow, don’t take the paycheck.  Above all, don’t rebel against your authorities.  Re-read the Scripture above to see why this is such an important issue to consider.  God considers it a vital issue.

 

DEAR GOD, WIPE AWAY EVERY SPOT OF REBELLION FROM MY HEART.  HELP ME TO UNDERSTAND YOUR TRUTH CONCERNING OBEDIENCE AND YIELDING TO DIRECTIVES.  FORGIVE ME FOR NOT FOLLOWING MY LEADERS WHOLEHEARTEDLY.  I CONFESS PRIDE AND ARROGANCE IN MY “KNOW IT ALL” ATTITUDE.  I WANT TO START NEW TODAY WITH A COMMITMENT TO FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY.

Teacher Devotion for the Week of July 19, 2010 

 

MAY MY LOVE FOR YOU BE SEEN BY OTHERS

John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

 

Most young children obey their parents because they fear the consequences of not obeying. They test limits to discover the consequences of each infraction. After their curiosity is satisfied and they understand their borders, most will feel secure and resign themselves to remaining within those limits until a new issue arises. Their resignation directly links to the consistent consequence they find when they disobey. If the consequence is sometimes given and other times not given, the student will continue to test that issue. They have a need to know there is a boundary.

 

As children mature, a change often takes place in their motivation for obeying. A respect and genuine love for parents unexpectedly replaces the fear of childhood. They begin to obey their parents out of respect and a desire to honor their mom and dad rather than out of the fear of punishment. This is what the Scripture means—“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” A mature person, who has set aside the rebellion of their teenage years, will joyfully follow the directives of the one who has earned their love and respect. They know that blessing will be the result. Willful obedience based upon love instead of fear is due to developed trust!

 

Do you trust God enough to believe that He always has your best interest in His plan? He has promised that he would never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). He has promised a long and abundant life to those who obey (Deuteronomy 6:2). God knows every detail of our lives and watches over us more than the sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31).

 

If you trust God, it will be evident in your life. When you confidently walk through each day willing to accept the things that you cannot change, your love for God shines into your world. You love those you trust. If you say you love the Lord, but you continually break the "rules,” rebel against leadership, and purposely disregard the biblical commands given, you do not understand love. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will (a choice) obey (do) what I command.”

 

A person in love does not have to proclaim it to observers. It will be obvious. You honor those you love. Allow love to penetrate ever part of your life.

 

DEAR GOD, TEACH ME TO TRUST YOU THAT I MAY GROW IN A GREATER LOVE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU. LORD, I WANT TO TRUST YOU MORE! 

 

Teacher Devotion for the Week of July 4, 2010
 

I WANT TO LOVE YOU MORE!

Matthew 22:37 “Jesus replied:  ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”

 

Love is an exciting experience for all of us. We like to believe that we can simply turn it off or turn it on at will. A person does not "fall" in love or out of love simply with a decision. Most of the time it just seems to happen.

Learning to love the Lord with all of our heart often relates to the amount of time we spend getting to know Him. Isn’t it true that the more we understand someone the easier it is to care for them? 

 
Today, meditate on God's goodness and majesty; purpose  to know Him more. Rather than seeking to love God more let your cry be, "God let me know you more!” Study some of His traits--mercy, goodness, long-suffering, gentleness, peace, love, forgiveness, provision, protection, concern, rest, joy, creativity, strength, justice, and boldness. Next, meditate on the things He does in your life. Begin a journal by listing prayer requests and answers to prayer. Write insights and new truths you gain through your Bible study in your personal journal.

 

Let the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-40) come alive within your spirit allowing God's love to fill you to overflowing. Loving God more will prepare you for the second greatest commandment of loving your neighbor as yourself.

 

Is there anger, resentment, bitterness, or unforgiveness in your heart toward someone today? Perhaps you do not understand God's love for you. Or, have you failed to develop a prayer time with Him that brings His love and power into your heart. Only God's love allows you to accept others unconditionally and gives you the ability to forgive. As we understand the unfailing and unconditional love and grace God extends to us, we will better overlook our neighbor's shortcomings and failures. The key to forgiving others and loving them unconditionally is to see our own desperate need for God.

 

DEAR GOD, I TRULY WANT TO KNOW YOU MORE. TEACH ME TO STUDY YOUR TRAITS UNTIL MY MENTAL PICTURE OF WHO YOU ARE REFLECTS YOUR GREATNESS AND GOODNESS. LET THIS REFLECTION FLOW OUT OF MY LIFE AS A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS.  LET YOUR LOVE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK IN MY LIFE.  HELP ME TO FORGIVE OTHERS AS I FULLY GRASP YOUR UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS FOR ME. 

 

 Teacher Devotion for the week of June 27, 2010

DO NOT LET ME BE PUT TO SHAME

 

Psalms 25:2-3 …Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. [3] No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.

 

My third grade teacher was special.  Miss Reed was kind, caring and gentle.  When she discovered that I had temperature, she personally drove me home during her lunch break.  She also brought make-up work to my home when my bronchitis kept me home for two weeks.  She was just that kind of teacher; she made me want to be just like her. 

 

Catching up after missing ten days of school was quite a challenge. On my first day back, our class walked to the auditorium to practice for the program with the other elementary students. During my absence, the whole school worked on special Christmas songs for the Christmas program.  The students sang energetically through the practice, but I stood quietly wishing I had some words to read so I could sing.  Mrs. Taylor walked up and down the aisle looking for students who were goofing off.  She discovered I wasn’t singing and grabbed me by the arm.  After yanking me to the front of the auditorium, she stopped the singing and announced to the entire school.  “This girl thinks she’s too good to sing so she’ll spend the rest of the period with her nose in the corner.”

 

I stood in the corner motionless; my heart was breaking.  My cheeks were hot and I fought back tears. Practice ended and my teacher returned.  She spotted me in the corner and came to check on me.  As I tried to tell her what happened, I began to sob.  I was so embarrassed, so rejected, and so glad to see my teacher.  Miss Reed took me out of the room and held me for a second and assured me everything was okay.  She said she would talk with Mrs. Taylor.

 

That’s been years ago, but I can still feel the shame of that moment.  Even though I have long forgiven Mrs. Taylor, my memories or her have never been positive. 

 

Unfortunately, I meet teachers from time to time who believe embarrassing students is a good form of control for their classrooms.  Children are precious in God’s sight.  Be careful not to offend them.  Shame is never an excuse for discipline.  Discipline is for correction and instruction.  Mrs. Taylor was not concerned about helping me become a better person.  She did not involve herself in building my character.  Instead, she used me to further intimidate other students who might dare defy her by not singing.  Her discipline was not done with love but rather with self-serving anger.   I will always be grateful for Miss Reed who saved me from the teacher who seemed like the “wicked witch” in children’s stories. 

 

DEAR GOD, GIVE ME SENSITIVITY, GRACE, GENTLENESS AND LOVE WHEN I DISCIPLINE.  PROTECT ME FROM MAKING HARSH DECISIONS THAT MAY LEAVE LASTING WOUNDS.  I WANT TO REFLECT THE LOVE OF GOD EACH TIME I DISCIPLINE MY STUDENTS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teacher Devotion for the Week of July 26, 2010

 

 

 

Teacher Devotion for the week of June 13, 2010

LET WORDS OF LIFE COME OUT OF MY MOUTH TODAY

  

 Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

 WORDS--Words can be irritating, exasperating, discouraging, devastating and meddling; or they can be encouraging, life changing, discerning, supporting and loving.  Truly, "death and life are in the power of the tongue." 

 “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”  This old saying is not true.  If I hit you with a stick, it may hurt you for a few minutes or even a few days, but in a short time the wound will heal and you will be free from every trace of the injury.  However, if I call you names, belittle you, or shame you. my words can inflict wounds that can live in your memory and heart for the remainder of your life. 

Scriptures tell us that we will give an answer for every careless word we speak (Matt. 12:36).  We are reminded that it is better for us to be thrown into the deep sea than to cause a child to sin (Mark 9:42).  We cannot afford to lose our temper or harbor resentment or bitterness toward one of our students.

Keep short accounts with your students.  Clear offenses quickly.  Pray for those who irritate you.  Congenial students are easy to love but a teacher must purposefully determine to love the challenging students.  Allow the love of God to teach you how to love those students you find unlovely.  God has promised that His grace is sufficient for you; he can take your lack of love and transform it into genuine love just by asking Him to do it.  Do not live beneath God’s promises.  Let God’s love permeate your heart for each student.  Pray for unconditional love.  God can and will miraculously answer your prayers.  I know; I have personally experienced it.  It works! 

Why do we need genuine love for each student?  Because I Corinthians 13:4-7 states Love is patient, kind. …It is not rude, ...not self-seeking, …not easily angered, …It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  These character traits will prepare teachers to lead their students into knowledge, self-acceptance, and determination to become all they can be.  Without love, the teacher is nothing …gain(s) nothing …a resounding gong …a clanging cymbal (I Corinthians 13:1-3).

 DEAR GOD, LET BLESSING AND NOT CURSING COME FROM MY LIPS TODAY.  REMIND ME TO ASK FOR YOUR SUPERNATURAL LOVE.  PRICK MY HEART WITH CONVICTION IF I MISTREAT MY STUDENTS.  I WANT MY HEART TO BE A REFLECTION OF YOURS TOWARD EACH CHILD.  ONLY YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH SUCH A COLOSSAL MIRACLE IN ME.  I SUBMIT MYSELF TO YOUR MIRACLE WORKING POWER.

His hands. God will turn your ashes to beauty in His time.

Are you weary and heavy laden today?  Come to Jesus.  Cast your disappointments, failures, hurts, losses, and anger at His feet, for He cares for you.  Leave your burdens and pick up His cross and follow Christ.  His burden is light, but only when you allow Him to carry your future.  Pray.  Relax.  Trust.  Follow.  Let God lead (Matt. 11:29-30).

DEAR GOD, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ABILITY TO SEE THE WHOLE PICTURE--THE BEGINNING FROM THE END.  TEACH ME TO TRUST YOU MORE.  TODAY I CAST MY CARES UPON YOU.  FORGIVE ME FOR SELF-WILL AND TEACH ME TO SAY "IF GOD WILLS". AMEN.

             © 2002-2009 Elderine Wyrick

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