"Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way."
—Ecclesiastes 8:5 ESV
Greetings prayer partner!
As we continue to spend focused time on Education throughout the month of August, we began by defining and discussing how important it is to have a strong spiritual identity thoroughly based on the truth found in Scripture. As family and friends, educators administrators, coaches, students etc. it is vital to know who we are in Christ and then to know how our character defines and drives our actions and reactions; identity that feeds our activity.
Scripture is filled with not just inspiration but instructions on how we live our lives righteously responding to the love, grace, gifts and abundant life Jesus has given to us and the fruitfulness the Holy Spirit will provide through us when we submit and commit to God’s Word, will and ways. Knowing this wisdom, knowledge and understanding prepares us for success even in moments of distress.
Do you remember fire drills when you were in school? Throughout the year, the fire alarm would sound in the middle of class and students were taught to line up quickly and quietly and walk out of the building to a specified safe area somewhere away from the school building. If there was ever a fire, the student’s brain was trained to automatically know what to do and where to go. Parents are still encouraged to plan and practice these drills at home in case of fire, tornados, and other emergencies so that when a real emergency arises the practiced behavior is already embedded in the brain and helps protect from a dangerous panicked response that could cause more tragedy.
This same plan and practice is written out in Scripture. Our Bibles are not just to be read, they are to be lived. As the school year begins, we encourage you to begin reading and discussing a few verses in Scripture, in the correct context, and then talking and planning about how you will put them into practice. Family members could even roleplay various scenarios and circumstances and give each other a chance to practice their right and righteous response instead of being caught off guard without knowing what to say or do. These practices are just as powerful in the workplace and throughout your day and life as we encounter many decisions, conversations, perhaps accusations, temptations, kindness, hurt, emergencies, emotions, and opportunities. A wise and ready heart will guide and keep us in a just way.
Would you please join us in prayer now?
Everlasting Father, thank You for being our Teacher who instructs us in the way we should go. Thank You for always being with us; that we are never alone, and You have given us clear instruction in Your Word to know what we should say and do as Your children. Our character as children of God is reflected in our attitudes, actions and words. Please help us to meditate on the practice of Your Word instead of the problem or the person who hurt me. Please help us to remember and not be quick to anger or foolish decisions but as we study Your Word daily, help us to commit it to memory in our mind and heart so it comes quickly to serve and save us in emergencies and opportunities. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President