Here’s an understatement. There has never been a start of the school year like this! With all the trials and troubles of 2020, we begin the school year with more unknowns than anyone could list. Yet, this is going to be an incredibly significant time to be a Christian in education. What an opportunity for us to serve our students and colleagues. I love the story of Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah in 2 Chronicles 20, as he faced overwhelming odds he cried out, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
Ravi Zacharias once spoke of this passage and recognized three questions that preceded the king’s cry for help, "Are You not?" "Did You not?" and “Will You not?” In prayer, King Jehoshaphat asked, “Are You not God in heaven?” “Did You not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land…..?" and “Will You not execute judgment…?" (on the multitude of enemies against Israel). Christian! Our God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore! Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD and proclaimed a fast.
In the spirit of Jehoshaphat, let’s seek the LORD for this school year more than ever. I would like to proclaim a fast on August 1, 2020 and pray the three questions that he asked on behalf of Israel. "Are You not?" "Did You not?" and “Will You not?” For the state of education, “Are You not the God of all knowledge and power?” “Did You not bless this nation with our school system?” “Will You not hear from heaven and heal our land when Your people in the public schools pray and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways?”
In Jehoshaphat’s time, the people prayed, fasted, rejoiced and gave praise because the steadfast love of the LORD endures forever. That’s who we are in the public schools, dear Christian educator. More than any other year, we must stand on 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. This year we must be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you and to do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15).
When school begins and the students and staff gather, you will be different because of the Lord. People will notice you as you shine your light and love your neighbor. In times of trouble, Christians look to the Lord for power, love and self-control.
For a few practical ways to be a gift to your school (Prayer, Care, Dare) go to tinyurl.com/Prayer-Care-Dare
2020 will never be forgotten. People will continue to worry, but leaning on the Word of God for hope, love, mercy and peace will give the Christian educator the opportunity to bless their school communities across this great nation of ours.
As always, I am prayerfully yours,
K
Note: To more fully understand the 16-9 Movement, please read the first blog entry by clicking here.
PS. Don’t forget to spread the word about the 1:16PM Prayer Movement and Around the Word in 180 Days:
• Go to www.one16pray.com and www.aw180days.com for more information.
• Visit, "like", and add comments the 1:16PM Facebook page and the Around the World in 180 days Facebook page.
• Sign up for text message prayer prompts from Remind
May God bless you as you rest and prepare for the 2020-2021 school year.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment