THINK ABOUT IT

Prayer: Lord help us think (and pray) before we speak and that wisdom and love would cover “whatever” we say.

Scripture: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Phil 4:8 NIV

There are so many thoughts and emotions that spring up as the school year gets closer to the end. There is excitement for at least a change of pace, if not rest; and for the summer ahead. There is anxiety about all the material you still need to cover but there does not seem to be enough time left to cover it all. There may be huge distractions such as job security for next year’s positions, tragedy that has slammed your school or community, great fun that comes with some events and late nights that leave you wondering why you assigned this huge project in the first place.

The end of the year is especially challenging, so what is the cure? More prayer, and the pouring of Scripture into, and through, your thoughts. Satan no longer has the power to kill, steal and destroy a Christian, but he will sure work hard to distract, detain, discourage and depress us. He will use all sorts of tricks to try to put us on the defensive against our friends, family and co-workers. I have seen more school discourse the last month of school than all the other months combined. Jesus rebuked Satan’s temptations with Scripture. The Apostles replied to their opposition with Scripture and Jesus’ words. They would reach back and remember His lessons, warnings, and instruction; speaking what the Spirit prompted.

Read your Bible every day, write down Scriptures on cards or post-it notes and slip them in your desk, car, purse, bathroom mirror, text book, etc… Surround yourself with words that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Take a few extra seconds before speak over the next few weeks, especially when responding to an attack or what feels like an attack. Stop and think -“What-ever!” Then answer with “whatever” is true, noble, right, pure….

Proverbs 16: 23-24 NAS The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]