Day 10: For Youth Leaders & Pastors

 

Day 10: For Youth Leaders & Pastors

Scripture:

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Prayer:

Lord we thank You for youth leaders and pastors who work with our students.  We pray that they will be faithful and productive in the work that they do with our students.  We pray that they will reach out to every student under their care with love, wisdom, and patience.  We pray that they will preach and teach the Word so that it touches the heart of the students in their care.  Bless them to be a help to parents as they care for their students.  We pray that their hearts will be open to be a blessing to the students in their care.  Thank You. Amen.

Go a Step Further:

Visit the youth leaders and pastors at your church and pray with them personally.  If you have students in the youth or children’s ministry take them with you and let them pray for their leaders.

Day 9: For Parents

 

Day 9: For Parents

Scripture:

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5

Prayer:

Lord we thank You for the parents who care and pray for their students.  We pray that families will put their faith in You.  We pray that parents will raise their children as unto You.  We pray that parents will guide them in the correct way that will glorify You.  We pray that families will be united with encouragement for their student.  Let the parents give their children the independence they need to succeed, but still be there to intervene when necessary.  Let the parents work with educators to do what’s best for their student.  Let the parents be cordial to the other students, teachers, staff, and administrators.  Lord, let the parents lead their children to You and encourage them to be witnesses for You.  Thank You. Amen.

Go a Step Further:

If you are a parent, pray for other parents by name.  If you aren’t a parent, pray for other parents that you know by name.

August 2021 Bible Reading Plan: Belonging Motivates

 

Belonging Motivates...

This year's Bible reading plans are based on my word of the Year, INTENTIONAL.

To be intentional, you need to fellowship with other believers, as well as have a church home because being with other people motivates you to be a better Christian.

Here is the plan for August. (Link goes to a PDF.)

Here is the S.O.A.P. Bible Verse Writing Sheet for 2021.

Here is a W.O.R.D. Bible Verse Writing Sheet.

Day 8: For Educators

 

Day 8: For Educators

Scripture:

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

Prayer:

Lord we thank You that there are educators who want to teach out students.  We pray that You will bless each educator at schools all over America.  We thank You for educators who profess You as their Lord and Savior.  Give them wisdom on how to lead, teach, and nurture the students placed in their care.  Let them be encouraged in the work that they do.  We pray that they will minister to students, staff, and administrators, other co-workers, as they are ministered to by others.  Give them a heart of love, a tongue of calming truth, a mouth of genuineness, a mind of honesty, hands of tenderness, and ears of attentiveness. Let them know when to speak, when to listen, and when to act.  Be their guide and compass as they navigate the school year.  Thank You. Amen.

Go a Step Further:

If you know the names of the educators at your student’s school, pray for them by name.  If you don’t have a student, visit a school’s website and pray for the educators listed by name.

Day 7: For Students

 

Day 7: For Students

Scripture:

And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26

Prayer:

Lord we thank You that there are students who need to be taught.  We thank You for blessing each student that will enter a school this year.  We ask that Christian students be strengthened in their faith in Christ.  We pray that they will be wise and serve others around them.  We pray that each student will be protected and safe from harm.  We pray that the students will help students around them as well as minister to those in need.  We pray for unity amongst the students.  We pray that every student on the campus will hear and understand their need to put their trust in Jesus.  We pray for an atmosphere of respect and harmony in the school.  Lord, let learning be the most important thing at the school, along with compassion and friendship.  Thank You. Amen.

Go a Step Further:

If you have a student in school, pray for student by name if you know them.  If you don’t have a student in school, pray for the students at your church

Day 6: For Schools

 

Day 6: For Schools

Scripture:

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-26

Prayer:

Father, we pray for schools across America.  We pray that they be filled with learning, love, peace, and caring.  We pray that every person that enters the school is safe and calm.  We pray that no violent acts will happen at schools.  We pray for the safety of every student, teacher, staff member, and administrator.  Keep the enemy out of schools.  Pour out your spirit over each school.  Encamp your angels all around every school.  We speak peace, success, and excellence on every school across America.  Thank You. Amen.

Go a Step Further:

If you drive by any school(s) take a moment to whisper this prayer as you drive by.  If you don’t drive by any school(s), purposely drive by a school and pray this prayer.

Day 5: Fear God

 

Day 5: Fear God

Scripture:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Prayer:

Lord we pray that all students, teachers, staff, and administration will come to fear You, Father.  We pray that they will realize that fearing You is more important than all the knowledge they will receive in school and life.  We pray that students, teachers, staff, and administration that profess Christianity will be given opportunities to share the Gospel.  Let them not be fearful when the opportunity arises.  Let them speak with boldness, in love through grace with the courage of Jesus.  Thank You. Amen.

Go a Step Further:

Take the opportunity to encourage the students, teachers, staff, and administration to share the good news of the Gospel with others.

Day 4: Learn Discretion

 

Day 4: Learn Discretion

Scripture:

To give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth. Proverbs 1:4

Prayer:

Lord please help our students learn to control their tongue.  Encourage their hearts to T. (true) H. (helpful) I. (inspiring) N. (necessary) K. (kind) as it says in Ephesians 4:29.  Encourage them to only speak kind and patient words.  Guide the teachers when they speak to the students so that they may speak kind words with love and patience.  Lord encourage the teachers, staff, and administration to T.H.I.N.K.  Help me to T.H.I.N.K. as well in my life.  Thank You. Amen

Go a Step Further:

In your life, practices using kind words delivered with love, grace, and patience.

Commit Ephesians 4:29 to memory.  (Remember, learning is on-going and life-long.)

Day 3: Love & Fairness

 

Day 3: Love & Fairness

Scripture:

To receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity. Proverbs 1:3

Prayer:

Lord we pray that students will learn justice in school.  Currently the culture has changed the definition of right and wrong, we pray that students will be taught about godly justice and godly fairness.  Help them to understand what’s right and wrong.  Father help their parents to teach them godly justice and godly fairness at home.  Thank You.  Amen.

Go a Step Further:

If you have children or know some children, talk to them about godly fairness and godly justice.

Day 2: The Future Generation

Day 2: The Future Generation

Scripture:

Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Psalm 34:11

Prayer:

Lord we pray that You use the education students are getting as an instrument of Your grace to help with limiting the effects of sin on society.  We pray that the schools will teach our children prudent behavior and equip them with the knowledge and skills to make good choices that will not harm them or others.  We pray that after their education is completed they become productive citizens of society and grow to become an excellent future generation.  Thank You.  Amen.

Go a Step Further:

If you see any school age children as you are driving or in your neighborhood, whisper this word of prayer.

Day 1: Thank God for Learning

 

Day 1: Thank God for Learning

Scripture:

To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight. Proverbs 1:2

Prayer:

Lord, we thank you for the gift of learning.  We thank You that You have blessed people with the gift of teaching so that we can learn.  Please let 2021-2022 be filled with an abundance of learning for every student who walks through the doors of the school or college.  Let their minds be opened to learn and let their hearts be grateful to learn.  Remember us all that learning is an on-going process and that we should be grateful to learn.  Thank You.  Amen.

Go a Step Further:

If you drive by any school(s) take a moment to whisper this prayer as you drive by.  If you don’t drive by any school(s), purposely drive by a school and pray this prayer.

31 Days of Prayer List...

 List will update on each day below...

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Get a printable calendar that contains the verses for these days of prayer here.

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Introduction

Day 1: Thank God for Learning

Day 2: The Future Generation

Day 3: Love & Fairness

Day 4: Learn Discretion

Day 5: Fear God

Day 6: For Schools

Day 7: For Students

Day 8: For Educators

Day 9: For Parents

Day 10: For Youth Leaders & Pastors

Day 11: Elementary Schools

Day 12: Pre-Kindergarteners and Kindergarteners

Day 13: Middle Schools

Day 14: Ninth Graders

Day 15: High School

Day 16: Twelfth Graders

Day 17: Colleges

Day 18: College/University Freshmen

Day 19: Universities

Day 20: Graduating College/University Students

Day 21: First Year Teachers

Day 22: Mid-Career Teachers

Day 23: Seasoned Teachers

Day 24: Adjunct Professors

Day 25: Full-Time Professors

Day 26: Administrators/Principals

Day 27: Staff

Day 28: Deans, Associate Deans, & Department Chairs

Day 29: Advisors & Counselors

Day 30: A Safe SCHOOL YEAR!

Day 31: A SUCCESSFUL YEAR!

Bonus Prayer: A PEACEFUL YEAR

Closing Message…

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Get a printable calendar that contains the verses for these days of prayer here.

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31 Days of Verses for Back to School (Printable)

 Some educators like to write scriptures on their yearly planner as they prepare for the school year.  So, they may ask their friends to give them verses to write on their calendars.  If you want to do that… I have a calendar for you.

Some people like to write out scriptures each day.  So, they look for monthly plans with a specific theme to write out each day.  If you want to do that… I have a calendar for you.

Here is an image of the calendar.  It is a calendar for August.

Right click on your mouse, then click "Save As" or "Download Image".

Get a printable calendar that contains the verses for these days of prayer here.

31 Days of Prayer for the School Year

 

Introduction

I began to fully realize that school starts back 31 days before it begins; not sure why, but that is when it hits me fully.

In 2018, the Lord laid it on my heart to pray for specifics things each day, 31 days before the beginning of the Fall School year.  So, for the next 31 days, I will be praying for schools.  I’m sharing this idea with you and ask that you join me in prayer.  Each day, I will post a scripture, a prayer, and a challenge to go a step further.

This time will be a blessing for me, and I’m excited about it.  If you chose to join me, I pray this time is a blessing to you.

Get a printable calendar that contains the verses for these days of prayer here.

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Starts 7/22/2021 - Ends 8/22/2021

There are 31 prayers, a bonus prayer, and a closing message.  Be sure to come back everyday for all the prayers.

View Daily List 

Living on Purpose: The Transformative Power of God's Forgiveness Based on Isaiah 43:25

 

Forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of human relationships, enabling us to repair and restore connections that have been broken by hurtful words or actions. Forgiveness involves releasing feelings of resentment, bitterness, or anger towards someone who has wronged us, and choosing to extend compassion, kindness, and grace instead. It is a difficult and challenging process, but one that is essential for our spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

From a biblical perspective, forgiveness is a crucial element of our relationship with God and with others. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches us to forgive those who wrong us, and to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). In the Old Testament, we see the power of God's forgiveness in stories such as Joseph and his brothers, where Joseph forgives his brothers for selling him into slavery (Genesis 50:15-21). In this article, we will explore the significance of forgiveness from a biblical perspective, specifically drawing from Isaiah 43:25.

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness has numerous physical and psychological benefits, including improved mental health, reduced stress and anxiety, and lower rates of depression. Studies have shown that forgiveness can also improve physical health outcomes, including reduced blood pressure and heart rate variability. In addition, forgiveness can have a profound impact on our relationships, enabling us to repair and restore connections that have been damaged by hurtful words or actions.

Perhaps most importantly, forgiveness plays a crucial role in emotional healing. By releasing feelings of anger, resentment, or bitterness, we can begin to move past the pain and hurt caused by someone else's actions. Forgiveness does not necessarily mean forgetting or excusing what has happened, but rather choosing to let go of the negative emotions associated with the experience.

God's Forgiveness in Isaiah 43:25

Isaiah 43:25 is a powerful verse that speaks to the nature of God's forgiveness: "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." This verse highlights the unconditional and transformative nature of God's forgiveness, which blots out our sins and enables us to experience newness of life.

Understanding the context of Isaiah 43:25 is crucial for appreciating the power of God's forgiveness. In this chapter, God is speaking through the prophet Isaiah to the Israelites, reminding them of his faithfulness and the ways in which he has delivered them in the past. He urges them not to be afraid or discouraged, but to trust in him and his promises.

In verse 22, God rebukes the Israelites for their disobedience and sin, saying, "Yet you have not called on me, Jacob, you have not wearied yourselves for me, Israel." Despite their unfaithfulness, God offers them a way out through his forgiveness. He reminds them that he alone has the power to blot out their transgressions and remember their sins no more.

The nature of God's forgiveness in Isaiah 43:25 is unconditional and transformative. God does not offer forgiveness begrudgingly or out of obligation, but rather out of his own grace and mercy. He desires to restore our relationship with him and to enable us to experience newness of life through his forgiveness.

Forgiveness in Practice

While God's forgiveness is unconditional, our own forgiveness of others and ourselves can be challenging and complex. Forgiveness involves letting go of negative emotions such as anger, resentment, or bitterness, and choosing to extend compassion, kindness, and grace instead. It does not necessarily mean forgetting or excusing what has happened, but rather choosing to move forward and release the negative emotions associated with the experience.

Forgiving ourselves can be particularly difficult, as we often hold ourselves to high standards and may struggle with feelings of guilt or shame. However, as we come to understand the transformative power of God's forgiveness, we can begin to extend that same grace and compassion to ourselves.

Strategies for cultivating forgiveness in our daily lives include practicing empathy and compassion, focusing on positive memories and experiences, and engaging in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. It is also important to acknowledge the challenges and difficulties of forgiveness, and to seek support and guidance from others as needed.

Forgiveness is a crucial element of our spiritual and emotional wellbeing. It involves releasing negative emotions and choosing to extend compassion, kindness, and grace instead. From a biblical perspective, the power of forgiveness is highlighted in Isaiah 43:25, where God offers unconditional and transformative forgiveness to his people.

While forgiveness can be challenging and complex, it is essential for our relationships with God and with others. By cultivating forgiveness in our daily lives, we can experience the physical and psychological benefits of forgiveness, and begin to move past the pain and hurt caused by others' actions.

Some Things to Think About

1. What is forgiveness?
   Forgiveness involves releasing negative emotions and choosing to extend compassion, kindness, and grace instead.
2. Why is forgiveness important?
   Forgiveness is important for our spiritual and emotional wellbeing, and enables us to repair and restore relationships that have been damaged by hurtful words or actions.
3. How does forgiveness benefit our mental health?
   Forgiveness can improve mental health outcomes, including reduced stress and anxiety, and lower rates of depression.
4. How does forgiveness impact our relationships?
   Forgiveness can have a profound impact on our relationships, enabling us to repair and restore connections that have been damaged by hurtful words or actions.
5. How can we cultivate forgiveness in our daily lives?
   Strategies for cultivating forgiveness include practicing empathy and compassion, focusing on positive memories and experiences, and seeking support and guidance from others as needed.
6. How does Isaiah 43:25 relate to living on purpose?
   Isaiah 43:25 relates to living on purpose by highlighting the power of God's forgiveness. The verse speaks to the transformative nature of God's forgiveness, which blots out our transgressions and enables us to experience newness of life. When we hold onto negative emotions such as anger, resentment, or bitterness towards ourselves or others, it can prevent us from fully living out our purpose and calling. However, by choosing to extend forgiveness and let go of those negative emotions, we can experience freedom to pursue our purpose. God's forgiveness in Isaiah 43:25 offers a powerful example of how forgiveness can transform our lives and enable us to live with greater purpose and meaning.