Begin the New School Year With Boldness

". . .and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Ephesians 5:19-20 NASB

The theme of this blog is upholding Christian teachers in public schools, who in some way are like Paul in chains: ambassadors for Christ who live and serve under restrictions placed upon them by worldly authorities. In our workplaces, we seek to live out the servanthood and love of Jesus, even though we are forbidden from verbally testifying of His salvation to those around us.

In the passage above, Paul at least was able to speak, and speak boldly, as the Spirit gave him utterance. That was the request he wrote to the believers at Ephesus, to pray that he would "make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel."

Not "that I will be released from these chains." Why complain about the chains? It was for the Gospel's sake that he wore them. He knew God would work despite them.

At the beginning of this new school year, I pray that God will use all of us to accomplish His purpose. I pray for boldness, not to utter the mystery of the Gospel, but to live the good news in our daily lives in the classroom and the break room and the hallways of our schools.

May our faces reflect the joy of sinners who have been saved by grace. May our hands give freely because we have been given much. May our ears be quick to listen and our feet quick to serve. When we speak, may it be with confidence that we are fulfilling God's call upon our lives to teach.

It's so tempting, while we're at it, to pray for an easy year. "Lord, let us have smooth sailing." But I think it's our responses to the tough times that allow our lights to shine before the unsaved most clearly. If we have smooth sailing all year, how will they know what God can do in a life surrendered to Him?

So please, dear Lord, let us shine as lights for you in a darkening world, even if it means we face difficult days ahead. You promise to walk beside us and uphold us. We submit ourselves to your teaching, that others may see you in us.

Blessings on your new school year, my friend.

Moment for Prayer

Take a moment to pray for your school. Today, focus on the elementary end. Mention teachers and students by name if you are able.

Kindergarten: That God will guide our littlest ones' hearts to Himself, through parents and grandparents and other caring adults in their lives. That the teachers will have stamina to match that of the kids.

First Grade: That the teachers will have wisdom and the students would apply themselves as they learn to read, to add and subtract, and to write.

Second Grade: That the teachers will have stamina and passion for their task; that students would be free of distractions and able to strive toward their full potential.

Third Grade: That the teachers will articulate the importance of each task as students learn to multiply and divide, to read fluently and with comprehension, and to express themselves clearly in writing.

All classes: That the teachers will be humble and seek each other's support and advice. That students would cooperate with each other for greater learning, and that they would approach the learning tasks of the week with exceptional enthusiasm.

Dear Lord, you have called us to teach. Please help us to view ourselves as servants, specially placed to do your work in the public schools. Help us to care more, to give more, to pray more for the needs of our students.

Amen

I Thess. 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."