Psalm 34:11-14
Come, my children, listen as I teach you
to respect the Lord.
Do you want to live
and enjoy a long life?
Then don’t say cruel things
and don’t tell lies.
Do good instead of evil
and try to live at peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In our neck of the woods, today is “Back-To-School Day”. Facebook is flooded with photos of kiddos posing in fresh new outfits with their backpacks… ready to start another year of studies. Some hold signs declaring their grade level. Others look less than thrilled to be photographed. Mommas and daddies are experiencing a mixed bag of emotions… glad to see the kids shoot out the door and back to a routine – but also sad to see how quickly they grow.
When I was teaching kindergarten, I remember the teary-eyed mothers who could hardly bear to say “Goodbye” at the door – as if their child was going off to war or something. I remember children who clung to their parent’s leg and didn’t want them to leave – as if school was a big ole scary place… and I was the Wicked Witch of the West! Somehow, it all worked out after that first morning or two. I totally “get” the jumble of feelings that parents experience when they drop off their most precious cargo and place them in the hands of virtual strangers for 7+ hours a day. We have all been so excited about our own little Timothy starting to pre-K. But at the same time, it signals a major shift in the timeline of life. It seems like once children start to school – even a pre-K – the years really begin to fly.
School is a wonderful experience for most children. School is important… the place where we hope that learning will occur in a structured, organized continuum… a setting where social skills will be honed and we learn to get along with others and find our place in society. And as I read this passage from Psalm 34 today, I thought, “This would be a great starting point for learning!” If only we could start our school year by teaching these verses! In a round-about way, I believe this will happen in many classrooms. I started my first day each year with a lesson about the “ground rules”.
I reviewed three “rules” with my students… 1) Be kind to others; 2) Work and play quietly; and 3) Respect other people’s property. This encompassed pretty much every situation that might arise. Say something cruel or tell a lie? Remember to be kind to others. Raise your voice or yell and scream? Don’t forget to work and play quietly. Take a toy, crayon or book that doesn’t belong to you – or someone else was using? Gotta respect other people’s property!
The same verses – and rules – have application for us…even long after we have finished our school careers. If we will heed the words of this passage from Psalm 34, we will have a much better shot at living in God’s peace. If we will “be kind to others, work and play quietly, and respect other people’s property” – if we will strive to do good instead of evil… God will bless us and give us a good life in Him.
I’ve said before that as a former teacher, this time of year was more my “New Year” than January 1st. So why don’t we make this a time that we resolve to pay attention to these verses in Psalm 34… to listen to the LORD, to tell the truth and be kind… and to live in a way that pleases Him and frustrates the devil. In the words of the old John Lennon song… let’s “give peace a chance” to grow in our hearts - and enjoy a long, full life in the LORD. Happy “Back-to-School Day”… may yours be blessed and filled with peace!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label teachers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teachers. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 7, 2012
James 3:1-2
Not many [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation].
For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.
Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)
As a public school teacher who spent several years obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Education degree - and summers, nights and weekends adding my Master of Science in Education credentials - I will tell you that not all people who receive said degrees belong in the classroom. I supervised more than one student teacher who had satisfied all of the requisite requirements to get to the point of “practice teaching.” But this did not mean that he/she was qualified to actually teach small children. Good teachers possess innate qualities that cannot be gleaned from textbooks – many simply have what it takes to be good teachers. Others hone their abilities over time and continually improve as they gain on-the-job experience.
My assessment was based on the observed skills (or lack thereof), as student teachers interacted with the students. I didn’t even consider their personal life or how they might conduct themselves outside the classroom… although this does matter! I don’t want the teachers who are charged with the care and education of our children to be engaged in illicit or illegal behaviors. And sadly, all we have to do to learn about people who have no business being teachers is to pay attention to current news reports.
There are many stations in life where we find that we are called to a higher standard of behavior (or we should be)… as parents, Sunday school teachers and leaders in the church or community, mentors, and yes – writers of daily devotionals! This does not mean we are to place ourselves on a pedestal and lord it over others… but that we must seriously consider the significance of what we say and do. We must always be aware that people are watching and listening… and they are checking to see if our words and actions align.
In this regard, we Christians are all “teachers.” Just because you don’t lead a Sunday school class each week or fill another sort of leadership role does not mean that you are immune to these standards. As a Disciple of Christ, you are very much a “teacher” of sorts. We must stay awake, alert, and on guard that our behavior and our attitudes reflect those of the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ. At the same time, we must be very careful not to place our own witness above that of someone else. We must not think more highly of ourselves… or condescend to others who are sharing their witness.
I will be the first to tell you that I don’t always agree with others’ interpretation of what it means to be a Christian. Based on my own prayer and Bible study, there are times when I vehemently disagree with another person’s “take” on things and/or interpretation of scripture. But I try to be very careful in offering a dissenting opinion. Our goal must never be to shame or insult the other person… but rather to lovingly offer our viewpoint… to say, “This is what God has shown me… perhaps this is another way to consider what you are saying,” rather than, “That is NOT what the Bible says… you are so very wrong!”
I don’t know about you, but I have been “called out” for what I have shared from time to time by those who disagree. I have been “reproved” and judged… and I have tried to examine these criticisms and make doubly sure they had no validity… or to make adjustments if I find that I am mistaken. We won’t always get it right. As James points out, to do so would make us perfect…and we all know that this ain’t happenin’! But we can strive to get closer to the mark… to be gentle, accepting, and humble… and to prayerfully and carefully share the love of Jesus Christ with others through our words and actions.
Just as teaching degrees and credentials do not make one a capable, competent teacher… claiming to be a Christian doesn’t make us a Disciple of Christ, either. What about you? What are your credentials? Does your daily living match up with what you speak and demonstrate to others? Don’t you think it should?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Not many [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation].
For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.
Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)
As a public school teacher who spent several years obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Education degree - and summers, nights and weekends adding my Master of Science in Education credentials - I will tell you that not all people who receive said degrees belong in the classroom. I supervised more than one student teacher who had satisfied all of the requisite requirements to get to the point of “practice teaching.” But this did not mean that he/she was qualified to actually teach small children. Good teachers possess innate qualities that cannot be gleaned from textbooks – many simply have what it takes to be good teachers. Others hone their abilities over time and continually improve as they gain on-the-job experience.
My assessment was based on the observed skills (or lack thereof), as student teachers interacted with the students. I didn’t even consider their personal life or how they might conduct themselves outside the classroom… although this does matter! I don’t want the teachers who are charged with the care and education of our children to be engaged in illicit or illegal behaviors. And sadly, all we have to do to learn about people who have no business being teachers is to pay attention to current news reports.
There are many stations in life where we find that we are called to a higher standard of behavior (or we should be)… as parents, Sunday school teachers and leaders in the church or community, mentors, and yes – writers of daily devotionals! This does not mean we are to place ourselves on a pedestal and lord it over others… but that we must seriously consider the significance of what we say and do. We must always be aware that people are watching and listening… and they are checking to see if our words and actions align.
In this regard, we Christians are all “teachers.” Just because you don’t lead a Sunday school class each week or fill another sort of leadership role does not mean that you are immune to these standards. As a Disciple of Christ, you are very much a “teacher” of sorts. We must stay awake, alert, and on guard that our behavior and our attitudes reflect those of the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ. At the same time, we must be very careful not to place our own witness above that of someone else. We must not think more highly of ourselves… or condescend to others who are sharing their witness.
I will be the first to tell you that I don’t always agree with others’ interpretation of what it means to be a Christian. Based on my own prayer and Bible study, there are times when I vehemently disagree with another person’s “take” on things and/or interpretation of scripture. But I try to be very careful in offering a dissenting opinion. Our goal must never be to shame or insult the other person… but rather to lovingly offer our viewpoint… to say, “This is what God has shown me… perhaps this is another way to consider what you are saying,” rather than, “That is NOT what the Bible says… you are so very wrong!”
I don’t know about you, but I have been “called out” for what I have shared from time to time by those who disagree. I have been “reproved” and judged… and I have tried to examine these criticisms and make doubly sure they had no validity… or to make adjustments if I find that I am mistaken. We won’t always get it right. As James points out, to do so would make us perfect…and we all know that this ain’t happenin’! But we can strive to get closer to the mark… to be gentle, accepting, and humble… and to prayerfully and carefully share the love of Jesus Christ with others through our words and actions.
Just as teaching degrees and credentials do not make one a capable, competent teacher… claiming to be a Christian doesn’t make us a Disciple of Christ, either. What about you? What are your credentials? Does your daily living match up with what you speak and demonstrate to others? Don’t you think it should?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 10, 2012
Psalm 148:5-7
Let all things praise the name of the LORD, because they were created at his command. He made them to last forever, and nothing can change what he has done. All creatures on earth, you obey his commands, so come praise the LORD!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This week, my dear, precious 3rd-grade teacher - Mrs. Ruth Garner - passed away. She was not only my teacher and friend for more than 45 years…she was also a dear friend to my grandmother. In fact, she sat at the same dining table with my grandmother in the assisted living facility where they both resided, and I visited with her often. Two other lifelong friends of my grandmother and Ruth also sit at this table. And these ladies who are left are incredibly sad and upset.
As we talked after Ruth died, my grandmother and I discussed God’s timing. My grandmother so desires to be next to go to heaven. She told me, “I have prayed about this and asked the LORD to take me.” But we agreed that we obey God’s commands - and when He says, “Come home,” we will go… but not a minute sooner. In the meantime, I pointed out to my grandmother that God apparently still has plans for her on this earth, because I believe He creates each of us with a purpose. Her purpose may be to smile at a nurse or a nurse’s aide and encourage her. She may be here to greet those who visit and offer them a word of wisdom or a reason to get up and out of the house. I really don’t know what her purpose is for each day… but God knows. And like each one of us, when she has done all He created her to do, He will call her home to heaven.
I know Mrs. Ruth was ready to go to heaven. Almost all of these ladies have lived past age 95. They are tired and ready to reunite with loved ones who have gone before them… and rest in the arms of Jesus. But as tired as she probably was, I never heard Mrs. Ruth complain about anything - except being served white meat chicken when she preferred dark meat! She was joyful and positive. She remembered dozens of her students by name… and you could tell she was thankful for each one. She appreciated visits from “young people” like me and others… and she always smiled. She praised the LORD for His creation… and she trusted and obeyed His commands.
My 3rd-grade teacher was still teaching me things at nearly 97 years of age… as are all of these dear elderly ladies I visit. I wonder… will we be sharing the example of praising God’s creation and His command when we are older? Do we even do this now? If not… shouldn’t we get started?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Let all things praise the name of the LORD, because they were created at his command. He made them to last forever, and nothing can change what he has done. All creatures on earth, you obey his commands, so come praise the LORD!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This week, my dear, precious 3rd-grade teacher - Mrs. Ruth Garner - passed away. She was not only my teacher and friend for more than 45 years…she was also a dear friend to my grandmother. In fact, she sat at the same dining table with my grandmother in the assisted living facility where they both resided, and I visited with her often. Two other lifelong friends of my grandmother and Ruth also sit at this table. And these ladies who are left are incredibly sad and upset.
As we talked after Ruth died, my grandmother and I discussed God’s timing. My grandmother so desires to be next to go to heaven. She told me, “I have prayed about this and asked the LORD to take me.” But we agreed that we obey God’s commands - and when He says, “Come home,” we will go… but not a minute sooner. In the meantime, I pointed out to my grandmother that God apparently still has plans for her on this earth, because I believe He creates each of us with a purpose. Her purpose may be to smile at a nurse or a nurse’s aide and encourage her. She may be here to greet those who visit and offer them a word of wisdom or a reason to get up and out of the house. I really don’t know what her purpose is for each day… but God knows. And like each one of us, when she has done all He created her to do, He will call her home to heaven.
I know Mrs. Ruth was ready to go to heaven. Almost all of these ladies have lived past age 95. They are tired and ready to reunite with loved ones who have gone before them… and rest in the arms of Jesus. But as tired as she probably was, I never heard Mrs. Ruth complain about anything - except being served white meat chicken when she preferred dark meat! She was joyful and positive. She remembered dozens of her students by name… and you could tell she was thankful for each one. She appreciated visits from “young people” like me and others… and she always smiled. She praised the LORD for His creation… and she trusted and obeyed His commands.
My 3rd-grade teacher was still teaching me things at nearly 97 years of age… as are all of these dear elderly ladies I visit. I wonder… will we be sharing the example of praising God’s creation and His command when we are older? Do we even do this now? If not… shouldn’t we get started?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 6, 2010
Psalm 86:11
Teach me to follow you, and I will obey your truth. Always keep me faithful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the ladies who attended my grandmother’s birthday was a wonderful friend named Mary. I’ve known Mary for almost 25 years now, and I love her dearly… not only because of her sweet disposition, but because of her amazing example of abiding faith in God.
Mary has endured tremendous adversities and hardships. If I took the time and space to tell you about all of them, you might think I was making some of it up… a horrible tractor accident that left her husband, Fred, pinned under the machine – both of his legs crushed, and then the death of Fred several years later… tragic losses of a son, daughter-in-law, and grandson… poor health, and more. Yet Mary is neither bitter nor defeated.
As I visited with her, she hugged me tightly and squeezed my hand as she smiled and we talked. She told me of her darling grand-daughter, Riley, who is now attending college. She shared with the other ladies how we had known each other for a long time and had been members of the same Extension Homemaker’s Club, where I was far younger than the other ladies in our group. I told her how much I had learned from her and the other ladies, and she said, “We learned from each other.”
Somehow, I think I learned more than Mary and her peers… and as I looked at the ladies at my grandmother’s party, I was humbled to think how God has used so many of them to teach me over the years. These ladies showed me many useful and practical things, but more importantly, I saw God’s face through theirs. I saw faithfulness and perseverance in the lives of my own grandmother and my friend Mary. I saw the love and devotion of a mother for her child with cerebral palsy in my precious “birthday buddy,” whom I call MawMac… how she’s never treated her child as anything but the intelligent person she is - trapped in a body that doesn’t cooperate.
Even as my grandmother and her friends gathered around the table today to eat cake and drink punch, one of the ladies said, “Oh, we didn’t say the blessing!” And they stopped, put down their forks, held hands, and their Sunday School teacher led them in a prayer. As these ladies talked and laughed and shared memories that spanned more than nine decades in some cases, my 18-month-old great-nephew darted in and out among their chairs, awed by so many “grandmas” in one place. And God showed me the circle of life and reminded me of His promise to “make all things new.”
My point is that God is teaching us in all circumstances… if only we will pay attention. He can even use the birthday party of a 98-year-old grandmother and her friends to teach us about trust and faithfulness… perseverance and hard times… and the blessings of a life lived for Him, following in His steps and keeping the faith.
What is God showing you today? Who is He using to teach you His ways and truths? Are you learning from others and truly “getting” the lessons? Because I assure you, God is offering instruction… in places you probably never considered. Will you recognize these teachers and the lessons God offers through them? And what sort of example are you offering to others? Are you teaching about God’s love? Will you leave a legacy as rich in faith as these ladies? Are you really paying attention to God’s instruction these days? Shouldn’t you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Teach me to follow you, and I will obey your truth. Always keep me faithful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the ladies who attended my grandmother’s birthday was a wonderful friend named Mary. I’ve known Mary for almost 25 years now, and I love her dearly… not only because of her sweet disposition, but because of her amazing example of abiding faith in God.
Mary has endured tremendous adversities and hardships. If I took the time and space to tell you about all of them, you might think I was making some of it up… a horrible tractor accident that left her husband, Fred, pinned under the machine – both of his legs crushed, and then the death of Fred several years later… tragic losses of a son, daughter-in-law, and grandson… poor health, and more. Yet Mary is neither bitter nor defeated.
As I visited with her, she hugged me tightly and squeezed my hand as she smiled and we talked. She told me of her darling grand-daughter, Riley, who is now attending college. She shared with the other ladies how we had known each other for a long time and had been members of the same Extension Homemaker’s Club, where I was far younger than the other ladies in our group. I told her how much I had learned from her and the other ladies, and she said, “We learned from each other.”
Somehow, I think I learned more than Mary and her peers… and as I looked at the ladies at my grandmother’s party, I was humbled to think how God has used so many of them to teach me over the years. These ladies showed me many useful and practical things, but more importantly, I saw God’s face through theirs. I saw faithfulness and perseverance in the lives of my own grandmother and my friend Mary. I saw the love and devotion of a mother for her child with cerebral palsy in my precious “birthday buddy,” whom I call MawMac… how she’s never treated her child as anything but the intelligent person she is - trapped in a body that doesn’t cooperate.
Even as my grandmother and her friends gathered around the table today to eat cake and drink punch, one of the ladies said, “Oh, we didn’t say the blessing!” And they stopped, put down their forks, held hands, and their Sunday School teacher led them in a prayer. As these ladies talked and laughed and shared memories that spanned more than nine decades in some cases, my 18-month-old great-nephew darted in and out among their chairs, awed by so many “grandmas” in one place. And God showed me the circle of life and reminded me of His promise to “make all things new.”
My point is that God is teaching us in all circumstances… if only we will pay attention. He can even use the birthday party of a 98-year-old grandmother and her friends to teach us about trust and faithfulness… perseverance and hard times… and the blessings of a life lived for Him, following in His steps and keeping the faith.
What is God showing you today? Who is He using to teach you His ways and truths? Are you learning from others and truly “getting” the lessons? Because I assure you, God is offering instruction… in places you probably never considered. Will you recognize these teachers and the lessons God offers through them? And what sort of example are you offering to others? Are you teaching about God’s love? Will you leave a legacy as rich in faith as these ladies? Are you really paying attention to God’s instruction these days? Shouldn’t you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 1, 2010
Psalm 32:8
You said to me, "I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have had great instructors in my life … my mom and mother-in-law, my grandmothers, my piano teacher, a wonderful creative writing teacher in college, childhood Sunday School teachers and more than one pastor who have mentored me along the way. I can still hear their words of advice and direction as I go through daily activities. And many of these wonderful people still watch over me today.
Just last week I received a note from a lady who was my Sunday School teacher … when I was in second grade! While at the beauty shop with my grandmother recently, I shared a visit with another lady who has loved me and watched over me since childhood. I am truly blessed to have had so many mentors and caring people who surround me. A few days ago, I visited with a dear friend who has known me forever – taught my high school English class – and now we enjoy conversations about religion, politics, our families, good books and movies, local history, and more.
What is most important about all of these mentors and “instructors” in my life is that they have something in common … a love for Jesus and a faith in His promises. And they have conveyed this love to me over and over again. So ultimately, my Chief Instructor is God Almighty. He has pointed out which road I should follow – and sent agents to make sure I “get it!” He has given me His Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart, be my teacher and watch over me each and every day.
Let’s face it… none of us would make it in this world without good instruction … and great teachers. I’m betting you have been blessed with several of your own, and I know that God can guide you … if you will listen and pay attention. Who are your instructors these days? I ask, because there are good and bad teachers and role models/mentors, and we must choose those we will follow wisely.
Be sure that you listen first and foremost to the guidance given by God. Read your Bible and communicate openly with Him. Then ask God to give you anointed, holy, earthly mentors and instructors to help you navigate the challenges of everyday life … and to watch over you.
As you grow in wisdom and confidence in the Lord, look for opportunities He is providing for you to pay it forward and be a holy instructor for someone else. Open yourself to God’s instruction … and the chance to share what you have learned with others. Thank God for giving us wisdom and discernment – and good earthly mentors and role models. And the next time you see someone He chose to watch over you, give them a hug and say “Thanks!”
©2010 Debbie Robus
You said to me, "I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have had great instructors in my life … my mom and mother-in-law, my grandmothers, my piano teacher, a wonderful creative writing teacher in college, childhood Sunday School teachers and more than one pastor who have mentored me along the way. I can still hear their words of advice and direction as I go through daily activities. And many of these wonderful people still watch over me today.
Just last week I received a note from a lady who was my Sunday School teacher … when I was in second grade! While at the beauty shop with my grandmother recently, I shared a visit with another lady who has loved me and watched over me since childhood. I am truly blessed to have had so many mentors and caring people who surround me. A few days ago, I visited with a dear friend who has known me forever – taught my high school English class – and now we enjoy conversations about religion, politics, our families, good books and movies, local history, and more.
What is most important about all of these mentors and “instructors” in my life is that they have something in common … a love for Jesus and a faith in His promises. And they have conveyed this love to me over and over again. So ultimately, my Chief Instructor is God Almighty. He has pointed out which road I should follow – and sent agents to make sure I “get it!” He has given me His Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart, be my teacher and watch over me each and every day.
Let’s face it… none of us would make it in this world without good instruction … and great teachers. I’m betting you have been blessed with several of your own, and I know that God can guide you … if you will listen and pay attention. Who are your instructors these days? I ask, because there are good and bad teachers and role models/mentors, and we must choose those we will follow wisely.
Be sure that you listen first and foremost to the guidance given by God. Read your Bible and communicate openly with Him. Then ask God to give you anointed, holy, earthly mentors and instructors to help you navigate the challenges of everyday life … and to watch over you.
As you grow in wisdom and confidence in the Lord, look for opportunities He is providing for you to pay it forward and be a holy instructor for someone else. Open yourself to God’s instruction … and the chance to share what you have learned with others. Thank God for giving us wisdom and discernment – and good earthly mentors and role models. And the next time you see someone He chose to watch over you, give them a hug and say “Thanks!”
©2010 Debbie Robus
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