God, Teach Me To Be An Example of Love

                  By Elderine Wyrick from TeacherDevotion.Com

JOHN 13:34-35  A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (NIV).

     Jesus walked the dusty roads with impure disciples.  They fussed; they competed; they disbelieved; they failed; they denied him and even betrayed him.  Jesus loved them in all their impurities; He saw beyond their imperfections; He saw their potential, what they could become,-and He loved them.  Jesus not only loved them in their unlovely, undeveloped stage, He trained them in character and spiritual maturity.  He was not satisfied with understanding the disciples' weaknesses.  He sought to change those weaknesses into strengths.  He was their teacher.
     
    Today, if there is one student in your classroom that irritates you, that you can't think of anything good to say about, that you distrust, or that you have no hope for him/her, this scripture was written for you.  Love wins; love brings change; love softens a hard heart; love is kind, considerate, and always hopes for change.  Rejection builds barriers and walls; rejection brings destruction; rejection brings war; rejection kills hope; rejection insures failure.  The scripture says, "...you MUST love one another." 
  
      You may be saying, "You don't know what they did."  Or "They rejected me."  A teacher is above his student.  You have more life experiences, more maturity and more mistakes and victories from which to draw strength.  Remember your own childhood mistakes.  Give grace to your students--unmerited, undeserved acceptance.  The longer you walk with God, the more you will see your "not so perfect attitudes and not so innocent motives".  God wants to reveal to us our self-centeredness, our pride, and our stubbornness.  Often when a student "pushes our button", it reveals an area of insecurity or pride.  We can use these times of vulnerability to search our hearts, to repent, to learn, to grow and develop, and to mature in Christ.  I have often wondered who learns the most through conflict--the teacher or the student.  God uses conflict as a teaching tool to develop both student and teacher.

     Students will remember who you are more than what you teach.  They will recognize insincerity and double standards in a leader's life.  As we teach them to love each other and to accept differences, we must guard ourselves to be sure that we are being consistent with our teaching.  Unconditional love draws out the best in others.  Love reflects our Savior.  Love brings people to the foot of the cross.  Love brings change.  

Dear God.  Forgive me for my lack of love toward students who are unlovely.  Teach me to look beyond their faults and see their potential.  Let love become a part of my daily walk with you.

Learning to Be Satisfied

From His Thoughts Toward Me by Marie Chapian

"And my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord." (Jeremiah 31:14)

 

You have looked for satisfaction in other places, but I satisfy you.  You have given yourself to endeavors, projects, labors and relationships, but never experienced the feeling of satisfaction you crave and deserve.

The child of God deserves the feeling of satisfaction.  The child of God deserves to know and be familiar with My words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."  You are My Child, and you deserve to feel content and satisfied in whatsoever state you find yourself.

I gave My life so that satisfaction could be yours.  I conquered dissatisfaction and discontent.  I have begun a work in you which I promise to complete.  I give you a new sense of purpose now.  Be confident that I am with you.  Take My hand in yours and hold fast.  

I am faithful and I establish you and I keep you from evil that keeps you dissatisfied.  The secret of living a satisfied life is to know My love, which passes human knowledge.  In Me you are perfectly accepted and cherished.

I love, forgive, strengthen and renew you.  To know My love is to know the mercy of God.  It is My joy to give you My satisfaction.  Today hear My loving words to you.  In Me you are complete.

See yourself as having died with me to the hunger for material things.  You have escaped from the world's crude desires to own everything that pleases and attracts your eye.

Do not live as if you still belong to the world.  Know how much I enjoy your love; enjoy My goodness and My love toward you and be satisfied.  (See Ephesians 3:19; Colossians 2:20.)

Reflection:    What impact would it have on your students and colleagues to be able to see the satisfaction you possess in your relationship with your Savior?

 

 

Time of Fellowship for CUSD Educators!

Please plan to join us on Friday, September 23rd, for a time of getting acquainted and Christian fellowship among CUSD Educators!  We will be meeting between 4-6 pm at Portal Park (behind Collins School), located at 10299 N. Portal Avenue, Cupertino.  Light refreshments will be served - drop by anytime!  Look for us near the picnic table area.  If you haven't responded to the e-vite, please do so, or respond in the comment section below rather or not you will be attending...  Looking forward to a special time of connecting!

Questions?  duartepam@yahoo.com or 408-738-5597 or 408-505-5720

In My Seat - A 9/11 Tribute

 The following You Tube video "In My Seat" is a poignant reminder that our time on this earth is for a purpose.  Watch it, be inspired, and accept the challenge to hear God say one day, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

http://youtu.be/cLj4akmncsA

Lead Me To A Deeper Relationship With You, Lord

“Blessed by the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.” Psalm 113:2

Jimmy had heard it all before, but this time there was something different. Though he couldn't quite put his finger on it, suddenly the idea of relationship with Jesus Christ made perfect sense. Before, he had missed the logic, somehow. The image of being born again was so appropriate. A part of Jimmy felt like it had never lived. From this day forward, his life was going to be different. He wasn't sure how it would change, he simply knew nothing would ever really be the same again.

At various times in our lives, the reality of Christ will come crashing through the ordinariness of our days. From those times we face life anew; changed at the very core of our being. We move forward in a new, deeper, strengthened relationship with the Lord.

Prayer: From this day forward, Lord, help me to praise You in new ways. Lead me to a deeper relationship with You through Christ Jesus. Shed Your light upon me, that I might know You better. Amen.

(Excerpted from “Wisdom from the Psalms: Daily Thoughts and Meditations” by Dan R. Dick)

What comes to mind for you today when you hear "Blessed by the name of the Lord"?  In what ways has He blessed your day?

PROBLEMS HAVE A PURPOSE by Max Lucado from "It's Not About Me"

"Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory."  Psalm 50:15 NLT

God will use whatever He wants to display His glory.  Heavens and stars.  History and nations.  People and problems.  My dying dad in West Texas.  The last three years of his life were scarred by ALS.  The disease took him from a healthy mechanic to a bedbound paralytic.  He lost his voice and his muscles, but he never lost his faith.  Visitors noticed.  Not so much in what he said but more in what he didn't say.  Never outwardly angry or bitter, Jack Lucado suffered stately.

His faith led one man to seek a like faith.  After the funeral this man sought me out and told me.  Because of my dad's example, he became a Jesus follower.  Did God orchestrate my father's illness for that very reason?  Knowing the alue he places on one soul, I wouldn't be surprised.  And imagining the splendor of heaven, I know my father's not complaining.

A season of suffering is a small assignment when compared to the reward.  Rather than begrudge your problem, explore it.  Ponder it.  And most of all, use it.  Use it to the glory of God....

Your pain has a purpose.  Your problems, struggles, heartaches, and hassles cooperate toward one end - the glory of God.

Heavenly Father, when problems and pain come my way, help me to remember that nothing comes into my life without your approval.  Rather than complain and cry about the challenges I face, help me consider them as opportunities to bring glory to you.  Give me the strength and patience to bear my burdens in a way that will honor you.  I will lift my eyes off the trials and keep them fixed firmly on you, amen.

In what ways has God turned your problems into an opportunity to give Him glory?

He is Our Life

"The giant step in the walk of faith is the one we take when we decide God no longer is a part of our lives.  He is our life." - Beth Moore

This quote challenged me to really reflect on rather God was truly my entire life, or just a part of it.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to live our lives in accordance to His Word and guided by His Spirit.  Personally, I know that I'm not always faithful to do that.  What does that look like for you and for me on a daily basis?

Take a moment to read 2 Peter 1:3-11.  This passage provides for us a spiritual development plan.  These are wise words for us to follow as we step back into our classrooms and schools, knowing that others are watching.  When your co-workers, students, and school community look at you, do they see the fullness of who God is in you?

He does not leave us alone to figure out the plan and be able to follow it on our own strength or wisdom.  In His provision system he says, "I have given you everything you need for life and godliness" (see 2 Peter 1:3); I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5); "I will supply all your needs according to my riches" (see Philippians 4:19).  It's all about following -- following His lead.

In what ways is He calling you to follow His lead?

Share Each Others Burdens...

                               "Share each others burdens..." Galatians 6:2a (NLT)

"There are times when all of us find ourselves in the trenches in life -- those deep places we can't seem to climb our way out of.  Sometimes those places involve decisions of our own, where we made a conscious choice to do something that wound up hurting us.  Other times, someone made a decision for us that put us there, without our permission.  Either way, there is a need - a need for someone to understand, someone to listen, someone to be available for us, to grieve with us and cry with us -- no matter how dark it may be. 

A speaker once shared how in her community, it was not unusual for poeple to sit with one another for up to seven days during times of loss and grief.  How important and amazing that aspect of community could be to us in our greatest moments of pain -- those moments we find ourselves in a deep trench from which we won't easily emerge.


"Share each others burdens..." refers to this beautiful aspect of friendship.  For the believer, this is not a suggestion.  It is something Jesus expects us to do as we represent Him.  One of the best ways we spread the love of Christ is through our selfless acts of love and serving another.  It's not easy to share in someone else's burden, but it is what Jesus does for us." (Lisa Whittle - Encouragement for Today)

As this school year begins, let's keep our eyes and ears open for the opportunity to get in the trenches and share in the burdens of another.   Perhaps it will mean taking the time to pray with another believer who is in need, giving a hand to a co-worker who is overwhelmed with teaching responsibilities, or listening with an open heart to a student who who is struggling.

Dear Lord, we are grateful that there is no trench too deep, no place too dark that you can't reach us.  it is because of You we are never alone.  Thank You for Your care and faithful love.  Help us to share in the burdens of another, and seek You in our greatest moment of need.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Light of the World

"I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12

"I am the Light of the world.  Men crawl through their lives cursing the darkness, but all the while I am shining brightly.  I desire each of My followers to be a Light-bearer.  The Holy Spirit who lives in you can shine from your face, making Me visible to people around you.  Ask My Spirit to live through you, as you wend your way through this day.  Hold my hand in joyful trust, for I never leave your side.  The Light of My Presence is shining upon you.  Brighten up the world by reflecting who I AM." ("Jesus Calling" Devotionals by Sarah Young)

As you prepare your classroom for the start of a new year, ask the Father to also prepare your heart to be a "Light-bearer" in the darkness.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Flourishing in Faith

"Our ability to endure - no, to flourish - is dependent on our being rooted in Christ.  Those who read His Word, reflect on it, and pray it into their lives bring forth the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  As Psalm 92:14 says, 'They shall be fresh and flourishing.' - David Roper

As you prepare to embark on a new school  year, take advantage of these last few weeks of summer vacation to really tap into being rooted in Christ so that you will "flourish" in your faith in the months ahead.

Blessed Be His Name

Blessed Be Your Name - Inspirational Videos
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=7LKKZPNX

Welcome to Fellowship of CUSD Christian Educators

"And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord." – Colossians 3:23

It is our desire to have a "gathering place" where Christians who are employed by Cupertino Union School District can come together in an effort to encourage, uplift, and bear one another's burdens.    It is also our desire to be an instrument of God's grace and love at our various sites, knowing that He has called us to be where we are.

We will be planning a few times of fellowship during the course of the school year, as well as utilizing this blog as a place for posting scriptures, devotional thoughts, concerns, prayer requests, etc.

Feel free to post comments, invite others to join, and check in often!  Praying for God to strengthen you as you prepare to embark on a new and exciting school year!