Forty Days of Prayer for Education: Day 38

Section 7: Praise Him In Advance

Join with us today and pray our prepared prayer on pages 69 and 70 from the FORTY DAYS OF PRAYER FOR EDUCATION free eBook or pray independently from our focus scripture, Psalm 103: 1-2 NKJV and enjoy the accompanying song entitled, "Keep On Making a Way" by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

By this time many of us know the name of the students and schools we will be connected to this year.  What do you want to thank God for before you even see it come to pass?  What are you believing God to do to manifest His glory in these students and in these schools?  Search for scripture that praises Him and wait expectantly in 1) working faith, 2) fervent prayer 3) positive attitude and speech and 4) continual praise! 

COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:

Psalm 103: 1-2

Dear Heavenly Father who always satisfies us in the morning with Your unfailing love,

We delight ourselves in You. We thank You for giving us the desires of our heart. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for being the continual fresh oil upon our lives. Thank You for leading and guiding us into the truth of our Kingdom assignment as set forth in Your word.

It is because of Your grace and not of our works that You choose to bless us and be merciful to us. Thank You for Your great love. As we, Your educators of this nation, walk in bold, immediate obedience of our calling to those around us, we thank You for the blessings Your Word has assigned to us.

Thank You Lord for rebuilding the original foundations of education in this country; lessons, curriculum, integrity and values based on the Word of God.

Thank You for providing us with the wisdom and resources to rebuild the broken structures of our school buildings.

Thank You that as we teach our students about values and we live a life of holiness before them, You will raise up our students to be men and women of God who will renew Your design of the family unit which has been devastated in this country for generations.

Thank You for the blessing of unhindered opportunities to share the message of Your eternal love with others in this profession.

Thank You for blessing us with riches and double portions of raises, promotions, increased benefits and resources for ourselves and our schools.

Thank You for Your everlasting love, faithfulness, mercy and grace.

There is no one who loves us more than You. We, Your educators say, "Thank You and we love You too".

In Jesus' name,

-Amen

Forty Days of Prayer for Education: OUR LAST SECTION!!!

PRAISE HIM IN ADVANCE

The end of this prayer journey is well within our sights.  We have four more days to go before those of us in education who start our school year after the American holiday, Labor Day, officially begin.

This last section is entitled, "Praise Him in Advance".  This is an important concept for followers of Christ.  When we are able to praise God before we can see a resolution or answer, we exhibit great faith.

Now, this is not something that comes naturally.  It takes constant reminders from His Word about His sovereignty, wisdom and love for those He has called.  Being able to praise Him in the midst of what troubling you shows God that You trust that, "all things work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose" ...

no matter what it looks like,

no matter what kind of school year they said you will have because you have "that child"

no matter who your administrator is

no matter what school you are assigned to

no matter how much money you are being paid...or not

...no matter what!

It can be very difficult at times because the challenge before you seems insurmountable especially if you have no reference of anyone having ever overcome what you are now facing. However, I challenge you to practice saying, "Thank You Jesus", when you don't understand something. Remember, we are but branches on His vine being pruned for a better harvest of righteousness.  Let Him have His way and praise Him in advance.

The Lord is with you and you are loved,

Toni

Please enjoy this song entitled, "Praise Him Advance" by Marvin Sapp.

P.S.  Hello to all our educators who have just joined us from Egypt and Puerto Rico!!!!!!  Please share your journey with your fellow educators and check Educator Dominion's web page out by clicking on the "Home" button above.   September's update is coming soon!!!!!

A Walking Book of the Bible

Have you ever had a time when you didn't know what to focus your prayer time on?  Truth be told, if the walls of my prayer room could talk, they would tell you I've been known to look around, swing my feet (I'm a short person), push up my bottom lip and tryyyyy to feel spiritual while my mind produces little more than what one could wipe off of a brand new whiteboard.

Well, today I was having one of those mornings, so I asked the Holy Spirit to do what the bible says He can do, and guide me in what I should be praying about.  With my bible, journal and pen ready, I sat in my rocking chair and just began to praise the Lord.  

Kaleb- aka "Baby Buns" Graves

SOURCE: ARKELL & DANA'S BABY BUN/FACEBOOK

True to His promise, He led me to open up my journal to the very first page and read.  There, following the morning pleasantries and salutations to Jesus,  was a list of people to pray for, with the first person being "Baby Kaleb".  Maybe you don't know who Baby Kaleb is.  If you don't, you probably aren't on Facebook, don't have a YouTube account, don't watch Rachel Ray or the six o'clock news! This little chubby bundle of joy was born in October 2015 at just twenty four weeks and since then has grown by leaps and bounds before the world's eyes while enduring a series of critical surgeries due to his premature birth.

Although I reread the prayer for Baby Kaleb from my March 28th entry , the Holy Spirit also led me to pray for his mother.  During this prayer, He began to weigh on my heart the burden that she has had to endure and opened my eyes to the determination and strength that she possesses through Him and how I can truly learn from her.

Dana and Kaleb Graves

SOURCE: ARKELL & DANA'S BABY BUN/FACEBOOK

God is so awesome in that He has blessed me to know Kaleb's mother personally before she became a Youtube sensation with her pregnancy announcement. We live in the same neighborhood and attend the same church.  Her oldest son is a delight to talk with (if you like comic books and paleontology- and I do) and her husband is one of the coolest guys you'd ever meet.  So, it is my extreme pleasure to introduce you to today's lesson, Mrs. Dana Griffin-Graves! 

 I wanted you to meet this awesome woman of God because sometimes the stories and lessons of the bible don't seem applicable to us because, well... because they're old. We can think that the saints of yesteryear had it much easier since they were physically closer to Jesus and didn't have nearly as much"stuff" to deal with as we do.  But if that's going to be our mindset, we should look around all the more and make note of when Jesus is truly manifesting Himself right in front of us in someone else's life!


The bible says in Revelation 12: 11, that "They overcame him (It is speaking of satan,the enemy, and no, I will not apply the rule of capitalization to his name because he is not worthy.) by the Blood of the Lamb and by their testimony and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die."  As educators who are Believers, our lives are on public display even more than a regular person.  What we say, how we say it, how we deal with situations and attacks from the enemy; these are the things make us living testimonies and are also the things that are being watched, dissected and critiqued by our students, coworkers and every member of the general public that graces the halls of our schools.  My pastor always tell us we may be "the only bible some people will ever read" and to live "like we're the sixty-seventh book!"

Well, Dana is very much a walking sixty-seventh book as she overcomes daily obstacles by her testimony of Jesus and the power of His blood; some of which I'd like to share with you. It is my desire that as you learn the pieces of her story, you will apply the strength of her testimony to your thoughts and actions while preparing for this upcoming school year just as you would if this were one of Jesus' parables.  While I don't have a mountain to sit on, a boat to teach out of or a vineyard to walk through, just keep scrolling down because He IS real and so is His presence in His people!

Dana held on to a promise from God for seventeen years! At the age of forty one with multiple miscarriages under her belt, one adoption and the thoughts that "It's too late now", she found out last fall that she was already five months pregnant! In those seventeen years, she and her husband were still fruitful and multiplied their love by tirelessly pouring themselves into the lives of others with countless service projects and volunteer events. The testimony of how they waited, is one that shows  fruitful patience.

Lesson 1:  God will fulfill His promises for you so prepare to receive it. 

Persist in prayer this year for the things that seem impossible to attain yet you believe are God's will for you; an additional degree or endorsement, financial stability, better health, different position, better relationships etc. Know that God operates in His own timing, but stand on His faithfulness and wait faithfully and productively.  Whatever you're waiting on, prepare for it by seeking God's wisdom on how to best receive His blessing.  

SOURCE: divinewalls.com

If you have the time, scroll through Dana's Facebook page created by her sister to capture not only Kaleb's birth and NICU journey, but support. There has been no hesitation on her or her husband's part to ask family, friends, our church, and the general public for their prayers.  Their response to many of the people who send their well wishes and prayers is that each one gives them both just a little more strength,  a little more faith, and a little more encouragement exactly when they need it.

Lesson 2:  Lay your pride and fear aside and ask  others for prayer.

This school year, do not be afraid or hesitant to ask a coworker or family member that you trust to join you in prayer or pray for you.  It doesn't mean that you can't get a prayer through on your own, but that you desire more of His presence manifesting in your situation. Request that your church place you and your school on their weekly prayer list and pray that God surround you with people who will truly bombard heaven on your behalf. Liberty and the fullness of joy come from His presence and His presence is guaranteed where His Believers are gathered together seeking Him.

SOURCE: cambraza.blogspot.com

Dana is surrounded by her loving husband, parents, siblings, hospital support staff, coworkers and church family. Her role of wife and mother has never been put on hold.  She continues to work, stand with her husband, support their oldest son, volunteer in the community and travel about thirty miles each way to the hospital on a daily basis to see her baby!  How does she do it? More than likely she follows the first part of Lesson 2 and then asks for help.

Lesson 3: You can't do it all on your own.

 I know for a fact that I need help with everything that I do because without God, I am nothing and pretty much clueless.  It is not a sign of weakness if you ask for help.  Realize that if your load seems too heavy for you to bear alone, God could be teaching you about how to truly depend on Him and grow from the spiritual connections made with those He places in your paths.  Pray this year for God to send you spiritual and physical support for every assignment He has for you. 

I have always admired Dana even before she began  this journey.  She is very

SOURCE: tonyevans.org

down to earth in expressing her love of God and people and continues to do so even now as she exalts God during times when she is afraid, perplexed, tired or hurt.  Because Dana is candidly sharing her journey with the world, people are able to witness firsthand how the psalmists, prophets and apostles of the bible could praise God in, through and on the other side of their trials and tribulations.   People around the world and those closest to her are realizing just how tangible God truly can be in our greatest times of need.

Lesson 4: Give God all of the glory.
The true distance of an educator's influence is very difficult to measure. However, Jesus empowers us to influence people eternally as we live out His Great Commission. His Spirit leads and guides us everyday to live holy and praise Him in all things.  When a student is difficult, give God the same amount of praise for Him building your patience as you would for Him providing you with an unexpected check or three snow days! Your constant reference to God teaching you, providing for you, favoring you, empowering you, encouraging you and even disciplining you lets people see real time faith in action, the bible come to life and a intimate relationship with Jesus as life's ultimate goal.

So as we take a lesson from Mrs. Dana Griffin-Graves and the "book" from her life on how to live and love for Christ, may we stand firm on  the same three thoughts that should cement itself in the heart and mind of any reader concluding their journey through any of His original sixty six books:

God is real and good.

With Him, nothing is impossible.

He will never leave or forsake His own.

  

Walk proudly, boldly and wisely in the ways of God this school year.  No matter what, trust God and  project and reflect Jesus in everything you do!

The Lord is with you and you are loved,

Toni

Wear Your Worship Inside and Out

When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.  Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.  Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.  Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.                -Psalm 126 NIV

Hi educator friend!

I just wanted to remind you this week of your assignment to be God's change agent in your school! You are His beloved, cherished and highly favored child.  

Your worship... our worship... draws us closer and closer to Him. This loving relationship that we develop with God not only pleases Him and us, but it overflows into the lives of those around us. Through our times with Him we hear and see His desire to call others to that same love that we experience.  

It's such a blessing to be saved and filled with His Holy Spirit. It's unexplainable  peace and joy in the midst of  test and trials.  It's perseverance well after the human spirit feels like giving up. It's favor in conjunction with the creativity you were born with.  It's wisdom welding the sledge hammer to break up that wall that your back is against.  It is His love deep within us and there is nothing on this earth that equals or surpasses it. 

Psalm 126 reflects on God's goodness from this liberated side of salvation. It is sung by people who are so exuberantly filled with joy that "the [gentile] nations", people who previously were oblivious to the very existence of God, now acknowledge not only His existence but His goodness to His people.    It is a song of Ascents, a song sung while going up God's mountain to worship Him.  Thankfully, we do not have to trek up a specific mountain to worship before the Lord!  We can actually do it right where we are by praising Him and acknowledging our love for Him.  Hallelujah Jesus!  We love you!

So together, we'll trek up this mountain of worship.  As we head up, let's stop and smell the flowers. Let's pick a few and create a garland to place around our head or neck. Don't worry about your allergies, you'll be just fine. Trust Him.

This beautiful garland that we will  wear is going to be so strikingly beautiful and creatively intertwined that others will ask, "Where did you get that?" "How did you make that?" "Where can I get one?"   This garland is our salvation testimony and each flower represents every triumphed test and trial bound together with the True Vine. Wearing this give credence to the saving power and grace of God.

Dear educator, do you wear your testimony so that others may marvel at it? Are you willing to allow others to see and smell the saving grace of God in your life?  This is the essence of you being a Change Agent. While the bible says that it rains on the just and the unjust, our outcome should be different from those who do not believe in God.  We all may experience budget cuts and financial burdens, but God's educators come out on the other side laughing and singing His praises.  We all may experience difficult working environments and annoying people in which we have to interact with, but God's educators come out on the other side laughing and singing His praises.  Why, because although we may cry, we sow seeds of righteousness in the midst of (Hosea 10:12) and reap the fruit of His unfailing love.

We are the evidence of His love. Confidently speak of His goodness and live (as Joel Osteen would say) your best life now. Be God's evidence of provision in your patience, comfort in your calling and help in your hardship.

Romans 10: 14 But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? 

Wear this...

 to show them this.

They won't believe unless you show them the evidence.

Dear Grace giving God,

Thank you for loving us so much that it overflows in our speech.  Thank you for giving us so much joy that it is heard in our laughter and songs. Thank You for blessing us with garments of praise and the oil of gladness.  We bless You and honor You and say "Hallelujah" for creating beauty out of the test and trials of our lives.  Help us to confidently and boldly display the splendor of the saving power and grace of Jesus Christ to those we encounter on a daily basis.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Please enjoy this week's song:  "Something Within Me" by Take 6

Click Here For a Refill

The thing I was reminded most of in church on Sunday is that I have to praise God no matter what.  In fact, it will be in my darkest hour of need and question that my praises to God will do their greatest work. 

(Click here to read about the chain breaking praise of  Paul and Silas while they were in prison)  

You see, my verbal praise to God declares my allegiance to the one I call Savior.  His name is Jesus!   Moreover, my declarations of adoration lets the devil know that I am aware of and believe in the omnipotence, omniscient and omnipresent power of God and that frankly, he (the devil) "ain't got no power".  

So I am here today to help fill up your arsenal of praise by reminding you of four things.  

1.  Praise Him because He's God!

Click here for a reason to praise

2. Praise Him because He's good!

Click here for a reason to praise

3. Praise Him because He is giving!

Click here for a reason to praise

And last, but certainly not least,

4.  Praise Him because He is gracious!

It is my prayer that you and I both exalt God more than we exalt our situations.  Let us boldly proclaim God in all of His goodness and gracious giving.  I promise you, someone needs to hear it.

Any day this week that you come across what seems to be a debilitating situation, come back here for 

                                     

Have a great week.  

The Lord is with you and you are loved,

Toni

Please enjoy this video as you prepare to educate His children this week.