Tag: teaching

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Wisdom Prayer

Gamaliel’s Advice!

Gamaliel’s Advice!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who share about Jesus even in the face of adversity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Gamaliel was a Pharisee. He was also a member of the ruling council and a teacher of the law. He was held in honor, so when he said something people listened.

Luke reported in Acts 5:38-39 (ESV) what Gamaliel said to the members of the council who wanted to kill the apostles:

“‘So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!’ So they took his advice.’”

Even after this comment, we learn in Acts 5:40-42 (ESV) the apostles still suffered persecution:

“And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.”

Even though the apostles were beaten, they persisted. Would you have done the same? Will you stand up for Jesus? I pray you will.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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Wisdom Prayer

She Opens Her Mouth with Wisdom!

She Opens Her Mouth with Wisdom!

Dear Lord, I pray for women who open their mouths with wisdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When Scripture refers to a person speaking with wisdom, readers take notice.

In this instance, the book of Proverbs includes a discussion of what has become known as the Proverbs 31 Wife.

Proverbs 31:25-26 (ESV) delves into more characteristics of this godly person.

“Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

Conveying confidence, this woman says wise things and demonstrates kindness.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Your Words Give Light?

Your Words Give Light?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who agree “the unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Bible is God’s word.

According to 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

Psalm 119:129-136 (ESV) says that God’s words give light.

“Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
because I long for your commandments.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is your way with those who love your name.
Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.
Redeem me from man’s oppression,
that I may keep your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
My eyes shed streams of tears,
because people do not keep your law.”

Trust what God says in Scripture. Take time to pray. Ask God to show you his truth as you read.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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Giving Back

Giving Back

Diamond Valley Writers’ Guild Presentation
“Writing for the Children’s Market” – Giving Back

 

I have spent a career helping others learn to speak and write well. From personal experience, I like to say, “There is nothing more exciting for a teacher than to watch students’ preverbal light bulbs go on.” 

I remember being at writers’ conferences as speakers shared what they knew. I became a better writer as a result of listening to and learning from their lessons.

Have a story worth telling? Consider a children’s book. I will introduce the audience to the world of writing for children. Learn about appropriate language for different levels of children’s books. Open the poet’s treasure chest to discover found poetry and how to avoid rhyme crimes. Write more. Find out where to publish. Explore the resources available for continuing education.

Join me this Saturday! It is my turn to give back. 

My hope is the bulbs will light up this coming weekend. Join me and the members of the Diamond Valley Writers’ Guild as I speak to the group.

When: This Saturday, June 26, 2021

Time: 9:30 a.m.

Where: On Zoom

What: “Writing for the Children’s Market

 

To participate in this motivating discussion NON-MEMBERS please request a Zoom invitation. Please contact [email protected] 

 

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I Remember You

I Remember You!

Ever say goodbye to a friend knowing you may never see them again?

That is what happened again and again when my wife, Diane, and I served as summertime teachers overseas. Those we taught included university professors in one country and university students in another. We shared meals, played games, and enjoyed picnics. That, coupled with walks in the park and stops at ice cream venders, bonded us for life.

There were instances in which we reconnected with friends when we happened to return in subsequent years. These encounters provided great reunions and reinforced our love for each other.

We exchanged email addresses with only a few people. We did this to cut down on contacts because we never knew from one year to the next if we would return.

My wife got to know one student very well, and they exchanged email addresses. At the end of one three-line email, the student added a Bible verse without text: Philippians 1:3. In the New International Version, it reads:

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Although we may never see this person again, we know their faith is strong. Amen!

We have been blessed to have entertained former students in our home, where we played board games, enjoyed meals, and ate ice cream.

Scrapbooks filled with pictures remind us of the people we have met along life’s journey. When we look at the pictures, we thank God for his provision, and pray for our friends.

Is there someone you have been meaning to call? Do it. Take action to let them know you are thinking of them.

Join me as we pray for wisdom every day in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.