Purpose Driven Classroom

The purpose of this blog is to encourage Christian Educators to recognize their high calling as a teacher. We will be studying the Book of Esther for the next few months. Join us for this ten part study and don't forget to comment on how you think this applies to the classroom. May God help you to see your purpose for Him as a missionary in our schools in America.

The Book of Esther - Part 9 of 11

The Book of Esther
“For such a time as this”
Chapter 8

What does it look like when you have favor with your administrators?  How can we tell if Esther has favor with the king? If we could look at how Esther reacted in this most difficult situation, we will have a model from the Word of God.  In our last study, we admired how Esther approached the king, “If I find favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty….” and he granted her request. She certainly did find favor.  Look at what the king did for her.  He immediately gave Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. The king also gave Mordeai his signet ring, the one he took back from Haman.  Mordecai was appointed controller of Haman’s estate.  The king even allowed Mordecai the authority to write a new decree that would allow the Jews the ability to defend themselves against the ensuing slaughter.  Now that’s favor.

In our classrooms, we grant favor, even when we don’t realize it.  Certain students hold favor in our eyes. Have you ever wondered why you favor some students over others?  At times it is obvious why you do NOT have favor for unruly, disobedient or belligerent students, but have you ever thought about why you do have favor for certain ones?  Is it that smile that greets you each day?  Is it a willingness of heart to do what you ask? Is it perhaps a transferred affection from a brother or sister you taught previously?  I can’t always pick out the exact reason, but having favor for some students over others can put us in a divided mindset.  Granting favor is grace.  Continue.  However, try to look at some of the other students that are not so easy to love. Make a special effort to pray about one of those unruly, disobedient or belligerent ones and mentally work on granting them favor in your mind.  I believe that with God’s help we can change our mindset about a student that we have may dislike. Once our hearts are changed toward that child and we have asked for His help to grant favor to him/her, there is no doubt in my mind that you will experience a change in his/her classroom behavior.

One of the most humbling experiences I ever had in teaching was having an unruly class that I could not mellow. After months of struggle and no sign of success, I fasted, prayed and humbled myself before God, only to find out that it was really me that was unruly.  With His help, I turned myself into five different teachers and taught in character for the rest of the year.  I was not the best teacher for those students that year, but when I “brought in the troops,” I found favor in their eyes and suddenly they all looked different to me too.  We ended the year on a very high note and I praise God for His power of transformation.  He gave me favor and I was able to, in turn, give my whole class favor.  That’s grace in action.




Please read Chapter 9 for next time! Don’t be shy. You can enrich this study with your own voice in the comment section.

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

by: seddonk at 07:20 | link | comments

The Book of Esther - Part 8 of 11

The Book of Esther
“For such a time as this”
Chapter 7

“If I find favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty….” Can you imagine if anyone spoke like that in the school setting? What if we were truly concerned with authority, we would be open to addressing our superiors in a like manner and teaching our students respect.  In Chapter 7, Esther’s very life is at stake, so her motivation is much higher to address the king, but I believe she had confidence to know that he would protect her once he knew her petition.  When Esther explained to the king that she and her people were sold for destruction, slaughter and annihilation, the king was outraged and demanded to know who the perpetrator was.  Haman was exposed and disposed. What relief it must have been for Esther to experience the protection and covering of her king.


Our Protector and King is far more powerful and wonderful than any earthly king.  We can go to Him for protection and provision for all our needs with the absolute confidence that He will avenge our enemies and provide a way of escape for us.  Like Esther, I would like to propose that any time we have an idea, conflict, or even a proposal for our administrators, why not approach them like Esther?  Perhaps, opening the conversation with, “If it pleases you or I find favor with you,” may sound a little old fashion, there is no doubt that it will focus our administrator on our true heart.  If we have gone before our true King first and sought permission to make the request, then it would be wisdom to use the model He has prepared for us to petition our superiors. 


An example may be a field trip for your students that would be of great value, but most field trips have been disallowed. (unless, of course, all field trips are not permitted).  Seek God for the words to write up your proposal.  Do your homework and research the details. Present it in written format (perhaps a brochure to be unique) in order that you may leave your idea with your administrator for further thought.  Arrange for an appointment for his/her undivided attention and pray before the meeting for wisdom and the words that would communicate the vision.  When you begin the meeting, use Esther’s words, “If I have favor with you and it pleases you - would you allow me the opportunity to propose a field trip for my students?”  After a brief discussion, leave your written proposal and ask that your administrator take a deeper look at it when he/she has time to read it through.  Thank them for their time and leave it in God’s Hands.   Please understand that you are not trying to get your way through God’s approval, but that you are seeking to do only those things in your classroom that are pleasing to Him , your administrator, your students and their parents.  The beauty of asking God’s provision for even field trips is that we cannot always see through our own selfish desires and the Holy Spirit, the great Convictor, can guide and correct us.  It is my prayer that all Christian educators become prayerfully dependent up Him for all their needs and are gracious in word and deed to all on our individual campuses.


Please read Chapter 8 for next time! Don’t be shy. You can enrich this study with your own voice in the comment section.

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

by: seddonk at 13:35 | link | comments

The Book of Esther - Part 7 of 11

The Book of Esther
“For such a time as this”
Chapter 6

One night the king could not sleep. He asked his attendants to read from the chronicles of record to lull him to sleep. Instead, he heard about Mordecai uncovering a plot to assassinate the king.  He inquired about what had been done to honor Mordecai, only to find out that nothing had been done. He immediately sought out that which would be the best way to give thanks to Mordecai and found Haman outside his chambers.  When asked what  one would like if they were being honored by the king, Haman conceitedly thought the king was about to honor Haman, himself and laid out an elaborate plan of display through the city streets for all to see.  Haman had the shock of his life when the king commanded him to bestow all that he dreamed upon his enemy Mordecai!

I love the way God works. He is the one who will make things right.   We are always so ready to work things out our way. Have you really considered casting your cares upon the Lord? He has promised throughout the Word that He will avenge our enemies, fight our battles, and satisfy our needs.  In the school arena, we constantly come into conflict with students, parents, administrators and fellow colleagues.  What are we to do as Christian educators?   Our reaction is going to be different if we truly believe that God is our Protector and can solve all problems.  The hard part is trusting God’s handling of the situation in the big picture when we don’t see the result we want immediately.

What would happen if every Christian educator prayed before a parent conference and sought God’s help with the wording of the meeting?  What would happen if every Christian educator sought God’s intervention before each faculty meeting?  What would happen if every Christian educator prayed for their students before they entered the classroom every single day of the year? What would happen if we found ourselves in a conflict with an administrator, parent, colleague or even a student and we humbled ourselves and prayed instead of worrying about our rights or how we look in the situation?

Like Haman, we need to be careful what we ask for.  It is my prayer that Christian educators everywhere step up to the prayer plate and take the high road, particularly in those difficult situations at schools.  Be an ambassador for Christ in all that you say and do.  The students will remember us for what who we were and not what we taught.


Please read Chapter 7 for next time! Don’t be shy. You can enrich this study with your own voice in the comment section.

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

by: seddonk at 07:41 | link | comments

The Book of Esther - Part 6 of 11

The Book of Esther
"For such as time as this"
Chapter 5

Esther was a huge risk taker.  Did you know that most people cannot imagine how we walk into classrooms everyday?  Many would consider it just too much of a risk. However, as a Christian Educator, you walk into the classroom empowered by the Truth, the Life and the Way.  Like Esther, once you really understand that you have been purposed “for such a time as this.” the risk does not go away, it becomes purpose. In Chapter 5, Esther risks her life to go before the king and he grants her favor.  He was delighted to see her and was willing to grant her anything she wanted - up to half his kingdom.  Now that’s favor!  What really impresses me is how Esther begins her request to the king (even though she knew he would give her just about anything).  Esther said, “If it pleases the king…..”  She asked if the king would consider granting her request at a dinner that she had prepared. The king quickly called Haman and they went to the dinner with Esther.  The king again asked her how he could grant her request and she asked if they could attend a dinner that she would prepare the next day. How clever.  She had his compete attention and his desire to give her anything and yet she delayed gratification and bought some time.  What did she do during this time? It is never said, but since we know that she and the Jews prayed and fasted before she went into the king, I am imagining that she prayed for wisdom and the right way to approach the king about Haman.  He walked away all puffed up and continued his devious plans to get rid of Mordecai and the Jews.  Esther was able to win the king’s favor and probably peaked his curiosity.  This is quite an example in our classrooms.

Very often we are called to present ideas, purpose change or to mediate peace on our campuses.  As Christian Educators, it is very important that we have a biblical worldview when we enter the presence of the king.  In our environments, it is most likely the principal to whom we will address our requests and concerns.  Have you ever thought about beginning the conversation with, “If it pleases you, I would like to…….” or “If it pleases you, would you consider…….” Esther’s approach to the king is an amazing model for important requests to authorities over us.  It would also be an excellent idea to delay the request a bit also.  Like Esther, it would lay the groundwork, give you some time to pray about the matter as you petition God for wisdom and favor in the “kings” eyes.  My husband always reminds me to “keep them wanting more.”  What better way is there to request an future audience in order to have the full attention of the one from whom you are making the request.  This diffuses any emotions and gives dignity to the conversation.  Depending on the importance of the request, consider a dinner.  There are very few times that I ever invited an administrator out to dinner, but one time in particular, I had a request of my principal and over a quiet dinner, we shared many family, school and success stories and then I made my request.  Later, she told me that she was so relieved that it wasn’t something more serious that she was so happy to grant my petition. Special time with special people can only be a benefit.  Guard those opportunities to represent our Lord, particularly with those who are in authority over you and try beginning your requests in the manner of Esther, “If it pleases you…..”

Please read Chapter 6 for next time! Don’t be shy. You can enrich this study with your own voice in the comment section.

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

by: seddonk at 09:04 | link | comments (1)

Merry Christmas

My dear Christian Educators,

Our Esther study has been on hold for the busy month of December as you prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  To help you in your journey, I have created "A Sacred Christmas in Song and Word."  For the 12 days until Christmas, one scripture and one song is featured a day. Please join us in reading the Word of God each day in preparation to the true meaning of Christmas - "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Isa. 9:6.

May God bless you and keep you and your family over this Christmas vacation.  Have a Happy New Year.  Esther will return in 2008!

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

K

by: seddonk at 06:15 | link | comments

The Book of Esther - Part 5 of 11

The Book of Esther
“For such a time as this”
Chapter 4


When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Wow! These are some of the most powerful words in the Bible.  Who can’t see the riveting power of this message as it tears at Esther’s soul?  Everything that happens to us, happens with purpose.  We may never be in such a position as Esther, but as educators, we impact students everyday.  That’s huge.

Have you even found yourself in a situation in school when you had to “stick to your guns” for something you strongly held up as priority one. Having integrity as a Christian Educators is priority one.  We must always say what we mean and mean what we say.  We cannot just talk our talk, we must always walk our walk.  Consistency and honesty in the classroom will go much further than the newest tend in education to get the students’ attention.  You have their undivided attention when it comes to character issues.  They are always checking us out.  We may as well be entering the king’s court each day. In fact, it would be wise to view entrance to each classroom and each lesson as a privilege and honor.  We would be more likely to guard our words and teach with integrity. As Christian educators, it is important to recognize our calling.  When you realize that you work for the Lord and not just men, it is easier to see that you truly have “come to this position, for such a time as this.”  You may be the only teacher that particular child has ever had that showed them compassion.  You may be the only teacher that child ever had the told them they were destined for greatness.  You may be the only teacher that child ever had who encouraged them to think beyond the lesson.  Who knows, but that you may be the only teacher who showed that you loved Jesus by the way you wore His skin in your classroom?  Kids notice. Kids remember and kids will tell about what they have seen and heard in your classroom.
What a blessing to be a teacher! It is important to stand back from the difficulties of parent conferences, papers to grade, students who are hard to handle and administrators that you do not see eye-to-eye with and thank God that He purposed you to make an impact on the next generation.  Teaching is the one profession that affects all other professions.  We must take our calling seriously and with great purpose “for such a time as this.”





Please read Chapter 5 for next time! Don’t be shy. You can enrich this study with your own voice in the comment section.

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

by: seddonk at 15:42 | link | comments (1)

The Book of Esther - Part 4 of 11

The Book of Esther
“For such a time as this”
Chapter 3



In Chapter 3, the life and death issue of the annihilation of the Jews arises. The second in command, Haman had accumulated great wealth and position. Haman had it all. His wealth, his subjects, his children and his enormous mansion meant nothing to him as long as the Jew named Mordecai would not bow down to him. Mordecai, Esther’s, uncle/father, refused to bow to him and stood alone in his stand. As a Jew, he knew he could bow to none other than God Himself.  At great cost, Mordecai disobeyed the king’s command.  This opened a door for the Haman’s outrage. Not only did he want to see Mordeaci punished, but all of his people.  Haman convinced the king that ridding the kingdom of the Jewish people would be advantageous.  A date for annihilation was set and the edit made law.  The last line of the chapter states, “The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.”  A bit outrageous, wouldn’t you say?


I have never seen or heard for anything so outrageous as the detestable hatred of Haman toward Mordecai and his people in any school, but I have definitely known teachers to have to take a stand for something they believe it against the mainstream of opinion. How do we handle ourselves as Christian educators when our beliefs are compromised or at least in question? We pray.  Please don’t think that is a contrite answer.  Prayer is the foundation of all our moves, all our plans and all our ways. When we pray, we are asking God to take on our burdens. We are casting our cares on Him because they are usually much bigger than us.  What happens if you are asked to do something that violates your conscience or you are convicted that it is wrong? Let the Holy Spirit convict you.  Be honest with your offendernand deal directly with them.  Avoid bringing a crowd into the issue.  Our charge as Christians is to follow Matthew 18:15-17 -"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”   This applies at school also.  Go to the one who puts you in this compromising position first.  Pray for their heart to be softened and their ears to listen.  If you solve, it at this step, you have not only gained a brother, you have stopped the issue from escalating and become a problem for the whole campus.  If no resolution can be made, ask two or three colleagues that you trust and who will be confident to be present with you as you try to resolve the issue again with the offender.  If this step doesn’t work, go to your administrator (or their administrator, if they are the problem).  If it is still not solved, you may be alone in your stand like Mordecai, but it may be a critical  issue that you have been purposed for.  Be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove, always acting and reacting with love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, patience, self-control and faithfulness.  Against these there is no law.


May God give you the strength to live the life of a Christian in an increasingly secular educational system and be the Mordecai of your time.



Please read Chapter 4 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,

Karen

by: seddonk at 07:49 | link | comments (3)

The Book of Esther - Part 3 of 11

The Book of Esther
“For such a time as this”
Chapter 2


The king is feeling bad that he got rid of Queen Vashti, but his counselors come 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 alone 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 one 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,

by: seddonk at 07:30 | link | comments (3)

The Book of Esther - Part 2 of 11

The Book of Esther
“For such a time as this”
Chapter 1


There were no supernatural miracles in the Book of Esther, yet every wondrous event points to God's invisible Hand. Occurrences do not have to be supernatural to be miracles. The special characteristic or attribute of seeing God in everyday life is the lesson of Purim (the Book of Esther). In Persia, there were no BIG miracles. The natural was used. There are no coincidences - only God-incidences! We need to see God's Hand in our everyday lives even when His name is not mentioned. Miracles become daily events in the life of the obedient. “Life is not a schedule of defeats, but a parade of miracles.” Mike Murdock


In Chapter 1 of the Book of Esther, we find tension between the king and his queen, the threat to male authority and a great drama of how to handle the dilemma of a queen’s refusal to do what the king has requested.  No one really knows if the king had asked Queen Vashti to appear in a compromising position or if she was rebelling against his authority, but behind the scenes is our Sovereign God is making a path for “the rest of the story.”  I love the way the king sought the counsel of his elders as they created a law that Queen Vashti could never appear before the king again. The men were more concerned with how their wives would react than with the relationship between the king and queen.  In their culture, an edict was delivered by horseman throughout the kingdom and made law.  The law of the Medes and Persians could not be changed.  Pretty serious stuff!


We find decisions made in our educational culture sent out throughout the land for all to comply. What do we do as Christian educators when we don’t like the latest edict that has come down the decision pipe? We pray. We ask God to help us to do the right thing.  He is sovereign, He can change situations that seem impossible and He is the ultimate decision maker.  Should we bother Him about silly little decisions that we don’t like?  Prayer is our connection to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. We have an open door to the One Who knows everything.  Who knows? The miracle He may perform may be the one that changes our attitude? One of my principals used to say, “Perception is reality.”  When God changes our perception of situations, the reality can often be changed as well. 


Please pray for your administrators and their leaders.  The decisions they have to make are not always in the best interest of the students and teachers, but what if we all prayed for them before they met?  Let them know that you are praying for their wisdom and ability to make the best decision and support them.  You will be amazed at what a difference it will make on your campus.


"There are two ways to live your life - one is though nothing is a miracle, the other is though everything is a miracle."  Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Please read Chapter 2 for next week! Don’t be shy. You can add your comments to this study.  It will make it so much more rich.

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

by: seddonk at 08:36 | link | comments (1)

The Book of Esther - Part 1 of 11

The Book of Esther
“for such a time as this”
Introduction


The Book of Esther never mentions God’s name, yet God is clearly orchestrating all its events. This fact is important to the public school classroom because too often God’s name is not mentioned in our ever-increasing “God-free” zones, but He is clearly orchestrating the events of the Christian educators on every campus in America.  Prayer groups are being formed and petitions are being made to the Great Provider for wisdom and grace in our educational system.  As Christian educators, it is our firm conviction that we can make a profound impact in the lives of our students by the grace of our God Who is wonderful beyond description.  One of my favorite verses is Dan. 4:2 - “It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.”  I believe that the Book of Esther holds the key to miraculous occurrences in the public schools.

"There are two ways to live your life - one is though nothing is a miracle, the other is though everything is a miracle." -Albert Einstein (1879-1955) Occurrences do not have to be supernatural to be miracles. By recognizing the magnitude of wondrous miracles, our lives can be dramatically improved. There were no supernatural miracles in the Book of Esther, yet every wondrous event points to God's invisible Hand. The special characteristic or attribute of seeing God in everyday life is the lesson of Purim (the Book of Esther). In Persia, there were no BIG miracles. The natural was used. There are no coincidences - only God-incidences! We need to see God's Hand in our everyday lives even when His name is not mentioned.

For the next twelve weeks, I hope you will join me in this study through the Book of Esther.  I reread the whole book this morning (it's only 10 chapters!) and even recorded it in my own voice for reflection.  It is a powerful story that can be shared as literature, history, drama and suspense.  I designed a presentation for students that models how the Jews celebrated Purim in the synagogue. It’s fun, it’s noisy and I will share more in the last study of this series. What a blessing to share this journey through the only book in Bible that does not mention God’s name, but stamps His hand print throughout. 

“Miracles become daily events in the life of the obedient. Life is not a schedule of defeats, but a parade of miracles.” Mike Murdock

For you homework, please read Chapter 1 of the Book of Esther for next week!


As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

by: seddonk at 16:43 | link | comments

The Book of Ruth - Part 10 of 10

The Book of Ruth
The God of the Ordinary1.10
Chapter 4:14-22


This is the final part of a ten-part examination of the Book of Ruth. The study began as a combination of many great teachers, but the most influential person upon it  comes from the series, God of the Ordinary by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and founder of Truth for Life. This beautiful story of companionship, faithfulness and loyalty is so helpful to us as teachers. 

As we conclude the Book of Ruth in Chapter 4:14-22, we find Ruth out of the picture and Naomi restored to joy with her grandson, Obed. He became the father of Jesse, the grandfather of David, the line of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amazing!  The God of the ordinary works extraordinarily in the lives of those who love and trust Him.  The Book of Ruth is the story of how God cares, God rules and God provides.

In our classrooms, we actually live quite an ordinary life when you really think about it.  Even on the extraordinary days, there is an ordinariness (is that a word?) to what we do.  God is the God of the Ordinary.  He gives us all that we need.  As teachers, we need to call on Him everyday even for what may seem ordinary.  In fact, it is in the ordinariness of our lives that He is most extraordinary. Call on Him to help you with your lesson plans.  Ask Him to put centuries around your lips that you do not speak any words of harm.  Go to Him for help in relationships with those on your campus that seem to be unlovable.  Pray for blessings for your administrators and for wisdom in their decisions.  Give Him thanks for your students each day. Look to the God of the Ordinary for the needs of everything.  He is at His best when we are at our worst.  He is strong when we are weak. May this school year be an extraordinary year for you and your students with the God of all grace and peace.

I have loved studying the Book of Ruth.  Alistar Begg was given a copy of a children’s book called, “I Love Ruthie.”  In his gifted style and eloquent manner he read this great story in one of his podcasts.  I highly recommend it to you - for all ages and for encouragement in your journey with our Lord.


As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

by: seddonk at 12:30 | link | comments

The Book of Ruth - Part 9 of 10

The Book of Ruth
The God of the Ordinary1.9
Chapter 4:13
This is the ninth part of a ten-part examination of the Book of Ruth. This began as a combination of many great teachers, but the most influential person upon this study comes from the series, God of the Ordinary by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and founder of Truth for Life. This beautiful story of companionship, faithfulness and loyalty is so helpful to us as teachers. 

   
This whole entry is about only one verse Ruth 4:13 - So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her and the Lord enabled her to conceive and she gave birth to a son.  It’s incredible how a young widow and foreigner devoted herself to her mother-in-law, left everything she knew to commit herself to the God of Israel and now stands in the blessing of marriage.  Our God is so faithful. His steadfast love never fails. His mercies are endless. I ask your indulgence as I compare the benefits of a godly marriage to a Christian educator. When marriage is under the guidance and care of God, a humility and awesome gratitude for such an incredible relationship can only exist by the mercies of a gracious God.  How can two human beings possibly live together in peace and raise a family unless the guiding Word of God and the Spirit of God enables them? I believe that same miracle is possible for a faithful Christian educator.  Think about it. How can one person be faithful to a group of students for a whole year and make a positive impact on them except for the grace of God? As Christian educators, it is immediately evident as we step into the dynamics of our classrooms each day, whether you teach one group of students all day or rotate hundreds through your door, that we cannot do this on our own.  We are ever grateful that when we are weak, He is strong. 


Each student that walks through our doors is fearfully and wonderfully made in His image and it takes the Spirit of God to see that in the child that pushes every one of our buttons.  It takes the love of God to start fresh each day with forgiveness and grace.  It takes humility and repentance to understand that we are often wrong and need as many fresh starts as our students. Christian educators in the private and public schools of our nation understand the need for prayer and thanksgiving on a daily basis.  It is our belief that any true impact on our nation’s educational system is going to come on the knees of our teachers, administrations, support staff, students and parents.  If you do not have a prayer group at your school yet, now is the time to begin.  May God bless this school year as you turn your trust and needs for your classroom to Him as Ruth did.

As always, I am,
Prayerfully yours,
Karen

by: seddonk at 09:16 | link | comments

The Book of Ruth - Part 8 of 10

The Book of Ruth
The God of the Ordinary1.8
Chapter 4:1-12

This is the eighth part of a ten-part examination of the Book of Ruth. This began as a combination of many great teachers, but the most influential person upon this study comes from the series, God of the Ordinary by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and founder of Truth for Life. This beautiful story of companionship, faithfulness and loyalty is so helpful to us as teachers.

   
As we begin Ruth Chapter 4:1-12, we find that Boaz, Ruth’s kinsman redeemer, has gone to the city gates to make public his intentions for Ruth and to do the right thing.  There was another kinsman redeemer before him who had first choice if he wanted to become Ruth’s husband.  Boaz presented Ruth’s situation at the city gates where his fellow townsmen could witness and discuss this effort to preserve the family name of Elimelech.  The other kinsman redeemer was interested in the property that would come with marriage to Ruth and the addition of Naomi’s belongings, but would compromise his own family.  Boaz, in the witness of many, was then free to fulfill his duty of kinsman redeemer.


An important lesson for us as teachers is the ability to do the right thing.  As the school year quickly approaches, the immediacy of classroom issues is not as pressing as when we are in the heat of it.  However, what if you determined to ask yourself this simple question before any important decision, “What is the right thing to do?” Why not train the students that every decision you make on their behalf and for their good will not be made hastily but wrapped in this most important question, “What is the right thing to do?”  If you are not sure what the answer is, take it to those you trust. Seek wisdom.  Read the Word.  Pray for a solution and be confident that God will help.  Do nothing in secret.  Be like Boaz and take your most important decisions to those you trust as witnesses.  Alistair Begg admonishes us to ask that question at the beginning of each day.  He explains that you will get the answer to any question if you read the Bible daily, listen to your parents (no matter how old you are!), pay attention to those who know you best and love you. As a result of the Spirit of God bringing circumstances and the Word of God together and the counsel of godly friends, you will receive the answers you seek.


Perhaps the best part of being transparent in the classroom is that your students always know where you stand.  Be a teacher of integrity like Boaz was in his community.


As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

by: seddonk at 17:12 | link | comments

The Book of Ruth - Part 7 of 10

The Book of Ruth
The God of the Ordinary 1.7
Chapter 3

This is the seventh part of a ten-part examination of the Book of Ruth. (Did you notice how I changed it from week to part?  Summer is a whole different way of doing things when you are a teacher, isn’t it?  I’ll be posting once a month for the rest of the summer and then resume once a week after school starts.) This began as a combination of many great teachers, but the most influential person upon this study comes from the series, God of the Ordinary by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and founder of Truth for Life. This beautiful story of companionship, faithfulness and loyalty is so helpful to us as teachers.
   

As we begin Ruth Chapter 3, we find that Boaz is Ruth’s kinsman redeemer. In ancient Israel, God had provided a system of preserving the family and Ruth, an alien in Elimelech’s family, is able to continue the family line through Boaz. (more on that next time!)  There are three elements of Chapter 3, with the help of Alistair Begg, that I see as important in our classrooms:  commitment, character and time management.

Ruth demonstrates an amazing wealth of commitment.  First, she leaves her gods for the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  Next, she leaves her own family for her mother-in-law, Naomi and then she gives herself away to Boaz, the kinsman redeemer, to preserve the family of Elimelech. When we commit to our students, we give up a lot of the other interests and opportunities in our lives for their success.  Teaching is definitely the most amazing profession. Did it ever occur to you that the rest and rejuvenation we get each summer is part of the reason we can pour our whole selves into your students during the school year?  Commitment to our students, our schools and our administrators is one of the most priceless gifts we can give.

I love the line in Ruth 3:11 when Boaz says to Naomi, “All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character.” Wouldn’t it be great if someone described us like that at our schools?   Virtue and integrity are essential qualities for the Christian educator. Alistair Begg has some great advice from Chapter 3 for young people that applies equally as well to teachers.  As Naomi rushed home after laying at the feet of Boaz, it says in Ruth 3:16 - When Ruth came to her mother-in-law, Naomi asked, "How did it go, my daughter?" Then she told her everything Boaz had done for her. Alistair Beggs's advice is, “Beware of doing anything that you would not want your affectionate mother to know.  If you apply that rule, you will be saved headaches and heartaches to the gaizillonths.”  In our dealings with students, parents, colleagues, administrators or situations, let us be transparent and able to have a clear conscience before God and man.  Acts 24:16


Finally, the way the Boaz deals with issues is the way we need to take care of things in the classroom.  Look at the last line of Chapter 3 “..for the man will not rest until the matter is settled.” Isn’t that great?  One of the best time management tips I’ve ever learned as a teacher is DIN - Do It Now.  There’s always that tendency to take care of it later, but if you DIN - Do It Now - the matter will be settled and will relieve any undo pressures.  It also alleviates those huge to do piles that never seem to shrink.

It’s not easy to be a teacher, but we have a kinsman redeemer Who we can go to daily for our needs, our Lord Jesus Christ, for His tender mercies and grace.  Don’t you want to just lay at His feet like Ruth did with Boaz?


As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

by: seddonk at 20:13 | link | comments

The Book of Ruth - Part 6 of 10

The Book of Ruth
The God of the Ordinary1.6
Chapter 2: 5- 23 

My dear teachers,

This is the sixth week of a ten-week examination of the Book of Ruth. It began as a combination of many great teachers, but the most influential person upon this study comes from the series, God of the Ordinary by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and founder of Truth for Life. This beautiful story of companionship, faithfulness and loyalty is so helpful to us as teachers.

    By the end of Chapter 2, we find incredible favor and grace bestowed upon Ruth. She has met Boaz and he has showed her favor and grace.  Did you read Chapter 2?  Go ahead, it’s great.  If you don’t have your Bible, I recorded it for you.  Just click the file below.  The Book of Ruth is truly a story of God’s covenant care.  When we walk by faith and not by sight and wait on His covenantal care, we put hands and feet to His ways.  How does the 21st century classroom meet God?  By the hands and feet of teachers who are under His care.  Teachers who pray and rely on Him for provision have their hearts turned to the children.  The invisible God becomes visible in the care of His people.  Can you imagine the impact that teachers could make across the nation if we were Jesus with skin on to our students? When the love of God takes hold of a heart, continual kindness to others is contagious.

    Our 21st century classrooms are filled with students from homes that are broken, and who have more troubles in their young lives than we would experience in a lifetime. God is the God to the fatherless, widows and aliens. Duet.10:18 - He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.  Sound like America’s classrooms today?  It’s difficult to be a teacher now, but with the focus on being God’s hands and feet in our classrooms rather than ourselves, is the picture of favor and grace as Boaz was to Ruth.

    Find another teacher on your campus and covenant to be His hands and feet to the students.  How good to live under the shadow of God’s wings and in the companionship of those who have taken refuge in Him.   Next time, we can finally get to the Kinsmen-Redeemer!


As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

This is the audio file of The Book of Ruth Chapter 2, if you care to listen. 

by: seddonk at 17:02 | link | comments (3)

The Book of Ruth - Part 5 of 10

The Book of Ruth
The God of the Ordinary1.5
Chapter 2:1-4

My dear teachers,

This is the fifth week of a ten-week look into the Book of Ruth. It began as a combination of many great teachers, but the most influential person upon this study comes from the series, God of the Ordinary by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and founder of Truth for Life. This beautiful story of companionship, faithfulness and loyalty is so helpful to us as teachers.

Do you see how diligent Ruth is?  She doesn’t wait around for someone to tell her what to do, but determines to be a blessing to Naomi.  Have you considered how you can be a blessing in your school?  Ask God every morning before you begin teaching or serving on your campus, how you can be a blessing to someone.  It may be your students, it may be a colleague or even your administrator. At the end of the day, as you lay in bed, review the day in thankful prayer for blessings on the day.  You will be blessed yourself by this form of adoration and thanks. The other benefit is being able to sleep soundly. Ps. 127:2 - In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for He grants sleep to those He loves.


The unknown journey for Ruth reminds me so much of this time of the year in school.  There is always a great unsettling among the staff as teachers consider moving to other schools, positions and change in general.  What should you do? Alistair Begg has get advice for these times in our lives.  Instead of waiting for some miraculous sign in the sky or a dove pulled out of a hat, our decisions can be sensibly made when we consider common sense.  Naturally, we need to pray first for God’s direction, then read our Bibles consistently, trust God for His Providential care, use the wisdom and common sense of those who love us the most, apply careful thought and then get on with the next thing.  Too often we wallow around in the would’ves, should’ves and could’ves.  I learned one my greatest lessons from my bosses when I worked for Discovery.  Whenever I had a question or doubt about something I was supposed to do, the answer always was, “Get’r done and do the right thing!”   As Christian educators, we need to be confident decision makers under the Word of God and care of the Holy Spirit. Thank God for giving us creativity, wisdom and free will. May you be like Ruth, a “get’r done” kind of girl who seeks the wisdom of the ones she loves and does the right thing.

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

This is the audio file of The Book of Ruth - Chapter 2, if you care to listen.

by: seddonk at 11:15 | link | comments

The Book of Ruth - Part 4 of 10

The Book of Ruth
The God of the Ordinary 1.4
Chapter 2:1-4

This is the fourth week of a ten-week look into the Book of Ruth. It began as a combination of many great teachers, but the most influential person upon this study comes from the series, God of the Ordinary by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and founder of Truth for Life. This beautiful story of companionship, faithfulness and loyalty is so helpful to us as teachers.

In Chapter 2, we find Ruth ready and willing to glean in the fields of Boaz, a wealthy relative of Naomi. One of the practices in Israel that was established in the Law was for the wealthy harvesters to leave a portion of the harvest for the poor to gather from the edges of their fields.  Ruth left the house to seek favor of one of these wealthy harvesters.  She said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.”  There are two things that really stand out about Ruth:  she is industrious and she has the wisdom to seek the favor of those who can help her.


I want to encourage you at the end of the year to remain industrious.  It is very difficult to keep the kids on engaged when everything seems to scream, “We’re done.”  Help them to finish strong.  Remain engaged in your curriculum right until the end.  It lessens discipline problems and raises the opportunities for your students to remember what you have done for them during this year.  It’s pretty humbling to recognize that they don’t remember everything we have taught them, but they DO remember how we treated them.  Show them favor and grace whenever possible.

Also, at this time of the year, our administrators take a lot of heat.  Between planning for positions for next year and trying to close this year out, the students, parents and teachers all have something to burden them with.  Will you say a special prayer for them at this time for their wisdom and grace under difficult times?  Pray also for favor in their eyes.  Just like Ruth said, “ ….in whose sight I shall find favor.” Being in someone’s favor comes from doing the right thing.  Ask God to help you find ways to find favor in His sight and in the eyes of your administrator.  Be an example of faithfulness even if you don’t particularly agree with your administrator.  Respect their authority over you and ask God to help them.  1 Peter 2:13 - Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men; whether to the king, as the supreme authority or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. You will have a peace that surpasses all understanding when you lean on the Lord and seek His grace and favor - just like Ruth.

This is the audio file of Chapter 2 if you care to listen.

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,


Karen

by: seddonk at 19:31 | link | comments

The Book of Ruth - Part 3 of 10

The Book of Ruth
The God of the Ordinary 1.3
Chapter 1:19-22

My dear teachers,

This is the third week of a ten-week look into the Book of Ruth. It began as a combination of many great teachers, but the most influential person upon this study comes from the series, God of the Ordinary by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and founder of Truth for Life. This beautiful story of companionship, faithfulness and loyalty is so helpful to us as teachers.

Chapter 1, verses 19-22, is the arrival of Naomi as she returns to Bethlehem from Moab with her daughter-in-law Ruth.  You have to admire her honesty. Notice how she answers those who ask the question, “Is this Naomi?” She said to them, “Do not call me Naomi, call me, Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.  I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty.” Naomi has just come through the loss of her husband, both her sons and did not try to pretend that everything was ok.  Some circumstances just seem unjust and some questions in life are just not answered.  Notice that Naomi doesn’t attribute the things that have happened in life to chance. She knows that all things are controlled by His Sovereign Power.  He is the God Who is at His best when we are at our worst.

Perhaps you are experiencing a difficult school year. Perhaps one of your teammates has had a most difficult group of students. This is the time to seek God’s help.  It’s easy to praise Him when your students are behaving and your days are a joy, but what do you do in those difficult days? When God is at work, even hopelessness may be the doorway to fresh starts and to new opportunities.  Learning from a difficult year and leaning on Him for His providential care will make the difference between despair and hope. Although He has a whole universe to care for, He turns His gaze on a single teacher just like you.  Just as He returned Naomi to her home, He will give you direction and hope.

I really like the way this Chapter ends because it gives us a sense that something good is about to happen.  May you experience that sense of something good is about to happen in your classroom.


As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen

This is an audio file of The Book of Ruth - Chapter 1, if you care to listen.

by: seddonk at 20:46 | link | comments

The Book of Ruth - Part 2 of 10

The Book of Ruth
The God of the Ordinary1.2
Chapter 1:7-18

My dear teachers,

This is the second week of a ten-week look into the Book of Ruth. It began as a combination of many great teachers, but the most influential person upon this study comes from the series, God of the Ordinary by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and founder of Truth for Life. This beautiful story of companionship, faithfulness and loyalty is so helpful to us as teachers.

In Chapter 1, verses 7-18, we find Naomi without her husband, without her sons and without reason to stay in Moab, but gratefully attached to her two daughters-in-law.  Being a realist, Naomi tries to convince Orpah and Ruth to return to their own families since there is no apparent hope left for any offspring in her family.  Orpah agrees and returns, but Ruth clings to Naomi.  Don’t you just love that word picture? Even better than clinging to Naomi in loyalty, Ruth pronounced her oath of faith in some of the most powerful words ever said.  Alistair Begg believes that this statement is most poetically written in the King James version.  Ruth said, “Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.” Wow, to be that loyal and back it up! Max Lucado equals this commitment to the Beatle song, “Will You Still Love Me When I’m 64?” It is a rare companion in life that will love you unconditionally.


As teachers, we face loyalty issues all the time.  Should we stay at our school next year or move to the new school? Can I support my teammate through a difficult time? Can I love my students unconditionally? Can I support my principal regardless of my personal opinions? As Christian educators, we have the high calling to work first, for the Lord, and secondarily for our school boards.  We answer to the One Who has promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. Hebs. 13:5 - “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” We need to make the same commitment to God that Ruth was making to Naomi.  Can we leave our home, our families, our culture and our “gods” to remain faithful to our King? It’s not as simple as it looks, but it is my prayer for you.  Christian educators who have unequivocally committed to serving the Lord first and serving their students and school community next will be the most loyal of all. 


What are some of the times you have been torn with a loyalty issue?  How did you handle it?  What did God show you He was doing?  It’s always easier to see after the fact.  Although Ruth could have had no idea how huge the implications were, her loyalty decision has actually affected us all.  But that is for another week! 



As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen
This is the audio file of Ruth Chapter 1, if you care to listen.
   

by: seddonk at 19:32 | link | comments

The Book of Ruth - Part 1 of 10

The Book of Ruth
The God of the Ordinary 1.1
Chapter 1:1-6

My dear teachers,

Do you know God’s will for your life? If you think God only uses extraordinary people by spectacular means than a study into this ancient story, this historical record will have application to us as educators. 2nd Tim. 3:16 -  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. This study is a combination of many great teachers, but the one most responsible for the insight into the book of Ruth is from the study, God of the Ordinary by Alistair Begg, pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio and founder of Truth for Life. Let us begin with prayer.

Dear Father,
    Teach us O Lord, how we, your servants can be encouraged by Your Hand of provision in our ordinary lives. Show us how to listen. Teach us how to seek You in all that we do. Help us to pray over our schools and classrooms each day as we touch the lives of the next generation. Lord, open our eyes, our ears and especially our hearts to the lesson of this wonderful book that You have prepared for us.  Amen.

Please allow me to tell you first, that the intention of this study is interactive. I am a teacher, not a preacher and I know only that the book of Ruth is a powerful lesson of commitment, integrity and hope and that we need all of these lessons in our schools today.  Please consider adding your comments and insights as you take this ten week study with me into the Word of God.


The Book of Ruth is nestled between two very dramatic and dark stories of the Bible: Judges and 1st Samuel.  (Be sure and read it if you haven’t already.  I have also attached an audio file of Chapter 1 if you prefer to listen to it.) The Book of Judges, dated somewhere between 1200 BC to 1020 BC, continues forward to 1st Samuel, the coronation of King Saul with the Book of Ruth placed in the middle.  No matter how dark the times may appear, God is still working His purposes out in places regarded as unlikely and in a quiet fashion through the lives of ordinary people like you and me. A lot happens in just the first six verses of the first chapter of Ruth. There was a famine in the land of Judah. Elimelech sought to search for food for his family and took his wife and two sons to Moab in that search. Elimelech dies in Moab leaving Noami, his wife, a widow and his two sons and then she even loses her sons leaving her a widow with two daughters-in-laws. She faces her declining years with the prospect of no husband, nor children or hope of continuing the family name. She was an alien in a strange land. However, word came that there was food again in her land and she set out on the way to return to land of Judah.

Have you ever thought about your provisions? Look around and take an inventory of all that you have and may even take for granted: your home, your pantry, your car, your school. Ultimately is it God who supplies our needs. No one ought to be in greater awe of our provisions than the Christian who understands from Whom all things come.  Let us begin this study with two main reflections. First, practice gratitude for our provisions. As Americans in this generation, we are clueless to the destitute of famine and want. May God help us to be grateful for all His blessings.  And second for His intervention and interest in our lives. It is often in the ordinary events of life that God works out his purposes through us. Let’s sharpen our awareness of Him in the everyday circumstances of our family, students and lives we touch.

As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,

Karen
This is the audio of file of Chapter 1 if you care to  listen.



Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

by: seddonk at 07:50 | link | comments (1)