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Truth. Even though the words hurt, she spoke words filled with truth. I went home and journaled about our interaction and thanked God for opening my eyes. Then I thanked him for friends who told me the truth, even when it hurts. In my mind, I saw myself tying a thin rope around my waist. It wasn’t a belt, by any means, but it was the simple start of wrapping truth around my waist. God’s truth. Unbreakable and unshakeable.

We are active in this battle and we must choose a side. Are we going to be used as God’s tool for good or the enemy’s vessel for evil? If we are God’s, we must learn what it means to suit up every day in the armor of God. Join us this week as we visit Ephesians 6 and discuss the implementation of God’s armor in our educational systems around the United States.

If we work in the public school system, we can’t share as freely as teachers who work in Christian environments, but one thing we can do is beat down the doors of heaven with prayers for the souls of our students. We might be the only person in their life praying for their salvation. And we might be the only person they see who models what it means to be a Christ follower.

Praying for Our Students, Day 4 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) She hid the cuts. She kept the targeted words a secret. Her world had to look perfect so no one would ever know it wasn’t. She needed the highest grades. She had to be the best. No. Matter. What. I was a teenager. I didn’t know the signs. All I saw was a teenager striving for perfection, hoping to gain a scholarship and

We all have students like Violet. Kids that are facing such hard situations that they create fantasy worlds to disappear into. Some read and write, others play video games or ride their bikes. But others disappear into negative, depressive places filled with untruths, lies, and deep sadness. We need to make it a priority to pray for our Violets on a consistent basis.

Think about the students in your class. How well do you know their backstory? What conversation should take place that have not happened yet? What information would be helpful to you as a teacher about your students? Ask God to lead you to a greater understanding for each of these students under your care and begin intentionally praying for each of the situations he sheds light upon.

any of our kids live in situations that would turn our stomachs. Unsanitary housing. Expired or ill-prepared food. Limited clean water. No way to wash clothes. Homes filled with drug and alcohol use. Unsafe people with perverted intentions. Physically or sexually abusive caretakers. Sick family members. Dilapidated housing with no air or heat. This list could go on and on. The reality: we need to pray more specifically for our students.

Our students need prayer. So often it takes last place to other interventions. This week our focus is prayer. May we intentionally break down the doors of heaven with powerful prayers for our students.

God doesn’t promise we will never have troubles, he promises to protect us like a mama hen would wrap her feathers around her chicks, causing them to disappear into her protective wings. Doesn’t that picture sound amazing? With God, we have no reason to fear. He is bigger than every single one of them. And he can set you free if you release the control and trust him.

How do we break the cycle? Confession. Humility. Brokenness. Honesty. Sincerity. Willingness. And repentance. No more hiding. No more secrets. We must bring it into the light and seek the appropriate help and accountability to overcome the issues we have stifled. Everyone doesn’t have to know, but someone does; and that someone needs to hold us accountable and be willing to ask us the hard things. Everything changes or nothing changes.

How do we beat the comparison trap? First, we begin with thankfulness. We look at the things God has done, is doing, and will continue doing in our lives. In the hard moments, we look for opportunities to choose praise and thankfulness and we make it a daily practice. And we spend time in God’s word. Paul told the New Testament followers that he had found the secret of contentment. His sole ambition was bringing glory to God, whether in life or in death.

Sarah’s anxiety created a reality that was completely untrue. She fed a lie, because of insecurity and anxious thoughts, and almost lost some real friendships. Anxiety is real and it doesn’t play fair or nice.

So how do we correct this? We must find a trustworthy God-honoring friend who we can confide in. Bringing light into the dark recesses of our mind is critical. Once we admit our untruth, we then seek to find God’s actual truth to replace that lie with. Then we place that roadblock of truth in our mind. Every time our self-talk swings to unrealities, we say no, that’s not the truth. God says I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139).

And what happens to our minds? We form narratives. Imagine what went through different brains during the restaurant scene. If I can just get an opening, I can take him without causing harm. Maybe if I’m quiet and submissive it will be over soon. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Where are the kids? I’ve got to protect the kids. I can’t lose any of them. Where’s my phone? I’ve got to call 911.

What if the writers of the Old Testament and gospels had never written down what took place while Jesus was on earth? What if early astronomers had not written about their assumptions based on nature? And what if historians and news reporters had not cataloged the events of the Holocaust, World Wars, or Korean Conflict?

Both of the units, the one my English teacher engaged me in, and the immersive speech lesson that concluded a unit, changed me for a lifetime. These teachers taught me to tap into my love for words and learning and to be confident in the presence of others—both skills that propel me forward each day. How can we have this type of influence on our students? What thematic units in language arts classes can change a student’s direction for a lifetime?

Thematic units in social studies and history curriculum can be enlightening. Instead of sticking to the book, explore the standards and find ways to connect today’s youth to yesterday’s lives. We will find that we aren’t as different as we think and maybe a student will be inspired for a lifetime.

Math doesn’t have to be dry; it can be filled with inquisition and fun discussions. Units on measurement can lead to scavenger hunts, measuring items around the campus. Lessons on shapes, lines, and angles can take the class to the library to identify those items in picture books. Discussions on historical events can lead to charts, graphs, and timelines.

Think about, plan, and implement units that will leave a lasting impression on your kids. These units can evoke deep thoughts and life-changing conversations. Ask questions that will require inward examination and action. These discussions could also lead them to ask questions about their faith.

Science captivates. And so does God. Even if your school does not allow God’s creation to be reference, remember Romans 1:20 (ESV): “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Ask God to make himself known to your students through the excitement, awe, and wonder around them. And immerse them deeply into his amazing creati