The Teacher's Devotional

Core scripture: Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. […]

Core scripture: “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” (Proverbs 1:5) Message: One […]

Core scripture: “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before […]

Core scripture: “‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, […]

Core scripture: “Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, […]

Core scripture: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) Message: Pictures […]

Core scripture: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you […]

Core scripture: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for ones friends” (John 15:13). Message: I […]

Core scripture: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). […]

Core scripture: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). […]

Core scripture: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their […]

Core scripture: “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put […]

Core scripture: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Proverbs 22:6). Message: […]

Core scripture: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know […]

Core scripture: “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and […]

Core scripture: “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears […]

Core scripture: “And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, […]

Core scripture: “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness […]

Core scripture: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing […]

Core scripture: “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation’” (Mark […]

Core scripture: “But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” […]

Core scripture: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). Message: Middle schoolers crack me up.  Valentine’s […]

Core scripture: “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach […]

Core scripture: “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, […]

Core scripture: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Message: Does anyone else subscribe to a scripture […]

Core scripture: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). Message: Every child we teach is unique.  […]

Core scripture: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in […]

Core scripture: “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Message: Where do […]

Core scripture: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Message: Our family was in […]

Core scripture: “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will […]

Core scripture: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (1 Timothy […]

Core scripture: “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than […]

  Core scripture: “I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your […]

Core scripture: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, […]

Core scripture: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). […]

Core scripture: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living […]

Core scripture: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day […]

Core scripture: “Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for […]

Core scripture: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience …” (Colossians […]

Core scripture: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Psalm 119:18). Message: What do you […]

Core scripture: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Message: God has a sense of […]

Core scripture: “A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones” (Proverbs 14:30). Message: Alright, […]

Core scripture: “Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over […]

Core scripture: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Message: Do you ever […]

Core scripture: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). Message: One of […]

Core scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it […]

Core scripture: “Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish […]

Although I liked the format of my blog last year, this year we are going to tweak it a bit.  […]

I LOVE the first day of school.  Everything is new.  Fresh.  You can change anything that didn’t work from the […]

It is almost here.  Can you feel it? The excitement.  The anticipation.  That nervous twitch you feel when you are […]

It was a week or ago when the idea struck me.  Coming up with a theme and scripture for the […]

I created this blog over Winter Break of 2013 to reach out to the teacher Bible study and prayer group […]

My family was headed home.  One week in Minnesota last week was quite precious.  Seeing family, exploring nature, celebrating the […]

One blessing of being a Christian teacher is extra time over the summer to watch movies.  I love inspirational flicks. […]

Core scripture: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” […]

Core scripture: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing […]

Core scripture: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians […]

Indian Trail’s FCA supporting Harper’s Hugs and Whitney Rodden Core scripture: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. […]

Core scripture: “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting” (Job 8: 21). Message: God has […]

Core scripture: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify […]

Gethsemane: Not my will but yours Core scripture: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ […]

Core scripture: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as […]

Core scripture: “Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises” (James 5: […]

Scott Wright: One of my greatest encouragers on the gridiron Core scripture: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, […]

Core scripture: “Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!” (Psalm 105: 2) Message: I ache […]

Core scripture: “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no […]

Core scripture: “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4: 8). Message: […]

Time to listen up! Core scripture: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man […]

Core scripture: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let […]

Core scripture: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John […]

8:02 pm (night before) … I get the word.  It comes through an e-mail.  And then again on TV.  And […]

Core scripture: Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, […]

Core scripture: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12: 12). Message: A few years ago […]

Core scripture: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify […]

Core scripture: “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation’” (Mark […]

Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs: The king of capitalization on the football field Core scripture: “Live wisely among those […]

Core scripture: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3: […]

I found this old devotion that I wrote back in the 2nd year of our prayer group, probably in the […]

Core scripture: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107: 1) […]

Core scripture: “I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.  Because He bends down to […]

Core scripture: “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” […]

Core scripture: “See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other […]

Core scripture: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. […]

Core scripture: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3: 23). Message: My six-year-old […]

Core scripture: “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t […]

Core scripture: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.  Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you […]

Core scripture: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and […]

Core scripture: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to […]

Core scripture: “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied” (Proverbs […]

Core scripture: “They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their […]

Captain Daniels? Core scripture: “Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest.  But Jesus knew their thoughts, […]

Core scripture: “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you are also doing” (1 Thessalonians 5: […]

Core scripture: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; […]

Core scripture: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love” (1 […]

I have this dream.  It started way back in 2013 after I was saved.  The dream percolated in my mind, […]

  Pulling out of the driveway, something wasn’t right.  Fwop, Fwop … Fwop, Fwop … Fwop, Fwop … It sounded […]

My little one awoke screaming in the middle of the night.  Leg cramps.  My guess is growing pains.  I rolled […]

What does your quiet time mean to you?  How do you go about it?  What things do you study?  Do […]

If you are a Christian teacher and have two months off over the summer, my guess is that you will […]

Throw all the old fart jokes at me that you wish.  I have heard so many over the past few […]

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your was my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are […]

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will […]

We were reading the Outsiders last spring.  In chapter five, Johnny and Ponyboy wake up to see a jaw-dropping, gorgeous […]

Three years ago today I sat in room 1309 at Olathe Northwest High School learning the classroom management strategy of […]

Have you ever had one of those moments when you second guess yourself?  You make a decision that at the […]

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while […]

Give me a word that describes the last two weeks of school.  How about chaotic?  Frantic?  Crazy?  Energy-sapping?  The word […]

For years the last pick in the NFL draft has been given the unfortunate name of Mr. Irrelevant.  Pretty harsh, […]

The gal leading one of the sessions in our inservice a week and a half ago was drilling teachers in […]

Ever sucked on one of those sour candies that turns sweet?  One of my 6th hour students pulled one from […]

The hands shot up one by one.  They popped up like dandelions sprouting in my backyard.  Glancing over the first […]

Ever seen that Geico ad with Europe singing the Final Countdown?  I was a little young to listen to them […]

I heard the groans even back before Spring Break.  Assessment time.  Ugh!  The stresses.  The worry.  The uncertainty.  I see […]

I need Jesus.  So do you.  So does that neighbor down the street, the clerk at McDonald’s, and your estranged […]

We are entering the most unproductive work week in America: March Madness.  The NCAA Basketball Tournament has historically driven basketball […]

Tingles of anxious anticipation are already starting to creep down my spine.  Later this summer in Rio de Janeiro the […]

The change was not too difficult for me to see.  Dark eye shadow.  All black clothing.  That hopeless look on […]

Everyone has a theme song.  A song that has become a part of you.  A song that when it is […]

My wife blessed me with about three hours of freedom one summer afternoon.  She took our little ones off to […]

Quick disclaimer … I have been up since 2:00 am with a four-year-old who has the stomach bug.  We’re talking […]

Is there ANYTHING to look forward to in the mail these days?  I have come to realize that mail has […]

We all have a story.  A testimony of how you came to Christ.  I have heard stories that date back […]

It was mid-November when her confession came out. My dear colleague Pam couldn’t take it anymore. She had to ask […]

It was one year ago that I set out on a quest.  The task?  To put scripture into my heart.  […]

You know, it’s amazing how life changes from your mid 20’s to nearing 40. When you’re 25, you leave the […]

I am staring at him right now. That darn elf on a shelf. We named him Buddy. I know, how […]

Well, it is that time again. Midyear testing time. Students are already beginning to mentally check out for Christmas Break […]

Slothful. Lazy. Apathetic. Pick your word to describe him. They all fit. To us, Andy was just another kid who […]

You know, it is funny how counting your blessings seems difficult when your world is all but perfect. Do you […]

It is amazing how a simple prayer request can change your day. As the requests had moved around the table […]

Eric Liddell: 1924 Olympic athlete and Christian missionary As we continue to “live His legacy” through this school year, I […]

My Kansas City Royals are World Series Champions! With clockwork precision, they dismantled the Mets in five games, taking advantage […]

I could tell something was wrong the moment I saw her face. Tears streaked her cheeks. There was an uncomfortable […]

Last Friday afternoon was quite the ordeal for me. Scrubbing lunch dishes as delicately as I could, my right index […]

It is that time again. Time to put on your best smile. Your best tie or dress. Your best attitude. […]

Every parent dreads it. The call. You know darn well what I’m talking about. The phone rings innocently enough. You […]

To live a legacy worthy of a true follower of Christ, we must know who Christ is.  That is a […]

(Mickey Marvin sharing his testimony.) I was a hot mess last Friday morning. Although spending time with friends at our […]

Alright, it is confession time. No, I’m not Catholic, but I do need to come clean. I just prayed about […]

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15: 13). As we approach […]

(Hudson Taylor: 1832-1905) As we continue to reflect on our theme of Living His Legacy, let’s reflect on the life […]

Fear cloaked me last night. You’d have thought I would have been relieved having survived iPad D-Day, but worry still crippled […]

(Paul and Silas in jail, singing praises to God) I arrived home last Friday a little dazed and confused. Anxious. […]

There is an excitement sweeping the air right now. An eagerness full of anxiety, pleasure, joy, unease, and anxiousness all […]