St. Cloud, FL
The king was feeling bad that he got rid of Queen Vashti, but his counselors came up with an idea to bring in the most beautiful virgins from across the kingdom in order that they may be trained and prepared to become the new queen. Esther, daughter/cousin of Mordecai, was one of the young virgins brought to the palace, given beauty treatments and brought before the king. I am particularly taken by the simplicity of Esther’s ways. She is not needy, but obedient and gracious. Although it may sound like it was a great setting to be in the palace and have perfume treatments and lavish experiences, Esther was nonetheless taken from her homeland and placed in a position she had not volunteered for. That is why I believe that her graciousness and obedience was so attractive to others and ultimately to the king. She was brought up by Mordecai to be obedient and to fear God. Even though Esther was a beautiful girl (lovely in form and features) she found favor because of God in her. The king chose Esther to become queen, threw a great banquet and gave her audience when she told of a plot to assassinate him.
None of us as teachers have ever experienced being place in the palace of a king against our wills, but often we are placed in positions that we have not asked for. This may include being transferred to another school, given a subject to teach that is not necessarily our passion, having to cover for someone else who is not as faithful or even finding ourselves privy to information that we probably should not know. How do we react as Christian educators? We pray. And when we pray, we are comforted by the understanding that we are not alone. Teaching is one of the most isolated professions in the world. Even though we are with our students all day long, we can go hours without adult conversation. Many teachers find themselves isolated in their classrooms by location or sometimes by unfriendly forces on their campus. Whatever the situation, remember, we are not alone. As Christians, we have the very power of God with us all the time. Jesus told us the he would never leave us, nor would He forsake us. This is real. When you are feeling like you are the only one with a certain issue or the only one in your building, pray and ask for someone to come along side you in fellowship. Ask God to help you to form community and to collaborate with others. Start a prayer group before or after school. A simple announcement/invitation posted in the teacher’s lounge will stir the hearts of other Christians on your campus. Even if they are unable to come and pray with you, the bonding of our Christian hearts is power on a campus like no other. I find it so amazing, that on every campus there is the same reaction. Teachers that you didn’t even know were Christians are now suddenly hugging each other and sharing the love of Christ with a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding.
I would like to encourage you to take a leap of faith, post an invitation to prayer in your room after school one day next week. Pray for wisdom and grace as you begin to see the power of God move on your campus. Be sure and share what is happening at your school. Be like Esther - gracious, obedient and be an attractive Christian with a fragrance that will give honor and glory to the One we serve. May you find favor because of God in you.
Isa. 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Hebs. 13:5 - Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
Please read Chapter 3 for next week! Don’t be shy. You can enrich this study with your own voice in the comment section.
As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,
None of us as teachers have ever experienced being place in the palace of a king against our wills, but often we are placed in positions that we have not asked for. This may include being transferred to another school, given a subject to teach that is not necessarily our passion, having to cover for someone else who is not as faithful or even finding ourselves privy to information that we probably should not know. How do we react as Christian educators? We pray. And when we pray, we are comforted by the understanding that we are not alone. Teaching is one of the most isolated professions in the world. Even though we are with our students all day long, we can go hours without adult conversation. Many teachers find themselves isolated in their classrooms by location or sometimes by unfriendly forces on their campus. Whatever the situation, remember, we are not alone. As Christians, we have the very power of God with us all the time. Jesus told us the he would never leave us, nor would He forsake us. This is real. When you are feeling like you are the only one with a certain issue or the only one in your building, pray and ask for someone to come along side you in fellowship. Ask God to help you to form community and to collaborate with others. Start a prayer group before or after school. A simple announcement/invitation posted in the teacher’s lounge will stir the hearts of other Christians on your campus. Even if they are unable to come and pray with you, the bonding of our Christian hearts is power on a campus like no other. I find it so amazing, that on every campus there is the same reaction. Teachers that you didn’t even know were Christians are now suddenly hugging each other and sharing the love of Christ with a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding.
I would like to encourage you to take a leap of faith, post an invitation to prayer in your room after school one day next week. Pray for wisdom and grace as you begin to see the power of God move on your campus. Be sure and share what is happening at your school. Be like Esther - gracious, obedient and be an attractive Christian with a fragrance that will give honor and glory to the One we serve. May you find favor because of God in you.
Isa. 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Hebs. 13:5 - Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.
Please read Chapter 3 for next week! Don’t be shy. You can enrich this study with your own voice in the comment section.
As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,
K
PS. Don’t forget to spread the word about the 1:16PM Prayer Movement and Around the Word in 180 Days:
• Visit, "like", and add comments the 1:16PM Facebook page and the Around the World in 180 days Facebook page.
• Follow us on Twitter for the prayer prompts @one16pray
May God bless you with success His way this 2014-2015 school year.
Note: To more fully understand the 16-9 Movement, please read the first blog entry by clicking here.
Christian Educators Association International is the only professional association in the United States specifically for Christian educators in public schools. CEAI protects our members first in prayer, next with excellent professional liability insurance and other benefits while helping them live out their high calling as a Christian in the public school.
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