Greetings:
When I teach Bible I have a motto that reminds me of my need to plan. My motto is, "It is a SIN to bore people with the Bible."
I challenge you to make this your motto - "It is a SIN to bore people with __________." (Fill in the blank with your appropriate subject).
You have a responsibility to be well-prepared when you walk into the classroom. And this is more than just knowing your material. It is taking time to plan your methods and choosing what works best in different settings and circumstances. Do you use a variety and range of expression? Can you react to the spontaneous and make it a "teachable moment?"
Consider when the Pharisees brought the woman caught in Adultery to Jesus. He had just a moment to communicate. He took an unusual action and got everyone's attention. "Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with His finger." John 8:6b (HCSB).
Remember, exciting teaching doesn't just happen --- it's planned that way.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
From WTB Teaching with Style (c) 1994.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Borrrrring
Greetings:
"And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4 (HCSB)
Here fathers are warned about stirring up negative emotions in their children. In the same way, we as teachers need to be careful about what we "stir up" in our students. Do we create excitement about a subject - or do we kill them with content?
All truth is God's truth, whether from the Scriptures or from the world around us. Therefore it is potentially exciting and stimulating to students. So, what happens? Dr. Duane Litfin says, "There is no such thing as an uninteresting subject; there are only uninterested people." How do they get that way? The way the material is presented.
Take the approach that content is not boring, and discover methods of making the material exciting and stimulating. Then back up and watch the students take off with the subject.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
From WTB Teaching with Style (c) 1994.
"And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4 (HCSB)
Here fathers are warned about stirring up negative emotions in their children. In the same way, we as teachers need to be careful about what we "stir up" in our students. Do we create excitement about a subject - or do we kill them with content?
All truth is God's truth, whether from the Scriptures or from the world around us. Therefore it is potentially exciting and stimulating to students. So, what happens? Dr. Duane Litfin says, "There is no such thing as an uninteresting subject; there are only uninterested people." How do they get that way? The way the material is presented.
Take the approach that content is not boring, and discover methods of making the material exciting and stimulating. Then back up and watch the students take off with the subject.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
From WTB Teaching with Style (c) 1994.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Important Delivery
Greetings:
Hebrews 1: 1 -2: "Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, He has spoken to us by [His] Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things and through whom He made the universe."
Style. What is it? God throughout history has used a variety of styles in His communicating with man. Jesus used a variety of ways to communicate truth to man. Can we think of a better model on how to teach?
Charles Spurgeon is quoted, "Don't just throw the seed - grind it, slice it, and put a little honey on it." Style is the way that we deliver the lesson to the student. As WTB says, "The way I get the what into the who."
What is your primary style? What other methods do you use? Do you stagnate in one style or vacillate with variety? Consider today the multitudes of methods that you can maintain throughout the school year. Make a list -check it twice - and then most importantly - put them into practice.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Taken from WTB - Teaching with Style (c) 1994
Hebrews 1: 1 -2: "Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, He has spoken to us by [His] Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things and through whom He made the universe."
Style. What is it? God throughout history has used a variety of styles in His communicating with man. Jesus used a variety of ways to communicate truth to man. Can we think of a better model on how to teach?
Charles Spurgeon is quoted, "Don't just throw the seed - grind it, slice it, and put a little honey on it." Style is the way that we deliver the lesson to the student. As WTB says, "The way I get the what into the who."
What is your primary style? What other methods do you use? Do you stagnate in one style or vacillate with variety? Consider today the multitudes of methods that you can maintain throughout the school year. Make a list -check it twice - and then most importantly - put them into practice.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Taken from WTB - Teaching with Style (c) 1994
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Teaching with Style
Greetings:
Luke 4:32 - "They were astonished at His teaching because His message had authority."
A number of years ago, I was privileged to attend a seminar by Walk Thru the Bible Ministries entitled Teaching With Style. Over the next few weeks, I would like to share some thoughts from this seminar to help you in your walk as a Christian educator.
Style is part of a three-legged stool in teaching. We must consider the Students, Subject, and Style in our lesson preparation. The Subject is what we are teaching - the content of the lesson. The Students are who we are teaching - our class, and Style is how we are teaching - communicators.
Dr. Bruce Wilkinson has been quoted as saying,"Great teachers, teaching Biblically-based truth with creative methods see lifechange occur around the world." As we seek to utilize style in our teaching, we will remove a major hindrance to learning - BOREDOM.
Join me over the following days to consider the Scriptural concepts that will help us to teach with style.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Much of the following material will come from the Walk Thru the Bible Ministries seminar materials on Teaching with Style (c) 1994.
Luke 4:32 - "They were astonished at His teaching because His message had authority."
A number of years ago, I was privileged to attend a seminar by Walk Thru the Bible Ministries entitled Teaching With Style. Over the next few weeks, I would like to share some thoughts from this seminar to help you in your walk as a Christian educator.
Style is part of a three-legged stool in teaching. We must consider the Students, Subject, and Style in our lesson preparation. The Subject is what we are teaching - the content of the lesson. The Students are who we are teaching - our class, and Style is how we are teaching - communicators.
Dr. Bruce Wilkinson has been quoted as saying,"Great teachers, teaching Biblically-based truth with creative methods see lifechange occur around the world." As we seek to utilize style in our teaching, we will remove a major hindrance to learning - BOREDOM.
Join me over the following days to consider the Scriptural concepts that will help us to teach with style.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Much of the following material will come from the Walk Thru the Bible Ministries seminar materials on Teaching with Style (c) 1994.
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Beginning of a New School Year
Greetings:
Lamentations 3: 22, 23 - "[Because of] the LORD's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!"
We are embarking on a new school year today at Montrose. The new and returning students come with many different feelings about today. Some are excited - some sad, same anticipating something new - others the same old same old.
As teachers and staff, we have the challenge to start the year off right. You know, "There's no second first impressions." Today, dwell in the land of God's faithful love - and let it overflow to the students, parents, and others that you come in contact with. His mercy abounds to us - today, find ways to show this mercy to those who are entrusted to your care.
Today is the start of the greatest year of your life ----- make it the greatest for your students also.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Lamentations 3: 22, 23 - "[Because of] the LORD's faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!"
We are embarking on a new school year today at Montrose. The new and returning students come with many different feelings about today. Some are excited - some sad, same anticipating something new - others the same old same old.
As teachers and staff, we have the challenge to start the year off right. You know, "There's no second first impressions." Today, dwell in the land of God's faithful love - and let it overflow to the students, parents, and others that you come in contact with. His mercy abounds to us - today, find ways to show this mercy to those who are entrusted to your care.
Today is the start of the greatest year of your life ----- make it the greatest for your students also.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Thursday, August 21, 2008
WPC
Greetings:
"Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24 NIV).
God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us. All three are indispensable for character development. God's Word provides the truth we need to grow, God's people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment to practice Christlikeness.
This year, spend daily time in God's Word, spend as much time as possible with God's people, and learn to see the circumstances in your life as training ground for God's use. When He mixes all three together, it is a composition that can't be beat.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
"Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24 NIV).
God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us. All three are indispensable for character development. God's Word provides the truth we need to grow, God's people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment to practice Christlikeness.
This year, spend daily time in God's Word, spend as much time as possible with God's people, and learn to see the circumstances in your life as training ground for God's use. When He mixes all three together, it is a composition that can't be beat.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...
Greetings:
Check out the following quote from Beatrice Vincent.
"The people with whom you work reflect your own attitude. If you are suspicious, unfriendly and condescending, you will find these unlovely traits echoed all about you. But if you are on your best behavior, you will bring out the best in the persons with whom you are going to spend most of your waking hours."
As we go forth into this school year, consider this as you deal with students, co-workers, administration, and parents. The way we treat others will be the way that we will be treated. And, when we hit the occasional person who wants to treat us differently, we will have enveloped ourselves in a cloud of people who will minimize them.
So, if the majority of people seem to have negative traits - check the mirror.
Just a thought.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Check out the following quote from Beatrice Vincent.
"The people with whom you work reflect your own attitude. If you are suspicious, unfriendly and condescending, you will find these unlovely traits echoed all about you. But if you are on your best behavior, you will bring out the best in the persons with whom you are going to spend most of your waking hours."
As we go forth into this school year, consider this as you deal with students, co-workers, administration, and parents. The way we treat others will be the way that we will be treated. And, when we hit the occasional person who wants to treat us differently, we will have enveloped ourselves in a cloud of people who will minimize them.
So, if the majority of people seem to have negative traits - check the mirror.
Just a thought.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Building Arks
Greetings:
We are just days away from the return of the children that have been trusted to us to educate and direct towards the Savior. We have an awesome responsibility to these families. Government schools teach children how to make a living, we need to seek to teach children how to live. We have the ability to holistically educate young people to be world changers.
I read a quote from Warren Buffett recently that said, "The Noah Rule: Predicting rain doesn't count, building arks does." The more I pondered this quote, the more I realized that generally we become very good at predicting. However, we need to train ourselves to seek to provide solutions. God told Noah it was going to flood, and He gave him a solution to the problem. Noah told the people that it was going to flood, and he offered them a solution. Noah listened and obeyed, the general population scoffed and --- well we know the rest of the story.
In the coming days, you will be faced with problems, obstacles, and set-backs. Just looking and saying that something is going to, or is, happening is not the correct way to go. As we look at what is happening, let us begin to "build arks." Develop solutions to the problems.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
We are just days away from the return of the children that have been trusted to us to educate and direct towards the Savior. We have an awesome responsibility to these families. Government schools teach children how to make a living, we need to seek to teach children how to live. We have the ability to holistically educate young people to be world changers.
I read a quote from Warren Buffett recently that said, "The Noah Rule: Predicting rain doesn't count, building arks does." The more I pondered this quote, the more I realized that generally we become very good at predicting. However, we need to train ourselves to seek to provide solutions. God told Noah it was going to flood, and He gave him a solution to the problem. Noah told the people that it was going to flood, and he offered them a solution. Noah listened and obeyed, the general population scoffed and --- well we know the rest of the story.
In the coming days, you will be faced with problems, obstacles, and set-backs. Just looking and saying that something is going to, or is, happening is not the correct way to go. As we look at what is happening, let us begin to "build arks." Develop solutions to the problems.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Monday, August 18, 2008
Life Lessons
Greetings:
A Teacher of 4-year-olds told the story of King Midas.
"Legend tells us everything Midas touched turned to gold. It made him very rich but there was a problem. You see, when Midas's lovely daughter came into the room, he reached out and embraced her. She turned to gold and Midas was devastated."
After a pause, she asked, "What does that teach us?"
A boy's hand shot up. "Well, I guess it teaches us boys to keep our hands off the girls."
—Jim Voller, Cullompton, England, "Kids of the Kingdom," Today's Christian
As teachers, we get a laugh at this story, but that is because we have had classroom times just like this. We have our lesson all planned out, we are getting to the point, and then -- the unexpected response.
I believe that God hears this from many of us. He is directing our lives, leading us, showing us what we need to know - and then - and then - and then ---
We say (do, think, etc.) the most unexpected thing. Thankfully, He forgives us of our indiscretions (or, to put it bluntly - our sins). Thankfully, He has the patience to instruct us in the right way.
This coming year, as your students respond with the unexpected - turn those times into teachable moments and lead them to the right response.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
A Teacher of 4-year-olds told the story of King Midas.
"Legend tells us everything Midas touched turned to gold. It made him very rich but there was a problem. You see, when Midas's lovely daughter came into the room, he reached out and embraced her. She turned to gold and Midas was devastated."
After a pause, she asked, "What does that teach us?"
A boy's hand shot up. "Well, I guess it teaches us boys to keep our hands off the girls."
—Jim Voller, Cullompton, England, "Kids of the Kingdom," Today's Christian
As teachers, we get a laugh at this story, but that is because we have had classroom times just like this. We have our lesson all planned out, we are getting to the point, and then -- the unexpected response.
I believe that God hears this from many of us. He is directing our lives, leading us, showing us what we need to know - and then - and then - and then ---
We say (do, think, etc.) the most unexpected thing. Thankfully, He forgives us of our indiscretions (or, to put it bluntly - our sins). Thankfully, He has the patience to instruct us in the right way.
This coming year, as your students respond with the unexpected - turn those times into teachable moments and lead them to the right response.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Friday, August 15, 2008
Lifeverse
Greetings:
A few decades ago, after a great deal of prayer, God laid this verse upon my heart as a Lifeverse. It is an exciting sounding verse, and I was thrilled to take this as my verse.
I really didn’t know the depth of what God was saying in this verse at that time. The concept of soaring as an Eagle was holding my attention. Now, decades later, I am beginning to realize exactly what God had in mind. Soaring times are great, they are the “mountain-top” experiences with Him – but they are not the norm in my life. The running times are the trials and tribulations that come at different times and are very challenging. The need to continue through them with weariness is important.
The main times are the walking times. The daily grind, so to speak. The day by day living out life. It is in this daily walk that we really need the strength to not faint. This is often the hardest - walking, walking, walking, walking, ad nausea. This is only possible by trading my feeble strength for God’s. And this comes by trusting Him.
As the old saying goes, “When I can’t see His hand, I can trust His heart.”
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
A few decades ago, after a great deal of prayer, God laid this verse upon my heart as a Lifeverse. It is an exciting sounding verse, and I was thrilled to take this as my verse.
I really didn’t know the depth of what God was saying in this verse at that time. The concept of soaring as an Eagle was holding my attention. Now, decades later, I am beginning to realize exactly what God had in mind. Soaring times are great, they are the “mountain-top” experiences with Him – but they are not the norm in my life. The running times are the trials and tribulations that come at different times and are very challenging. The need to continue through them with weariness is important.
The main times are the walking times. The daily grind, so to speak. The day by day living out life. It is in this daily walk that we really need the strength to not faint. This is often the hardest - walking, walking, walking, walking, ad nausea. This is only possible by trading my feeble strength for God’s. And this comes by trusting Him.
As the old saying goes, “When I can’t see His hand, I can trust His heart.”
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Monday, August 11, 2008
Miss Pris
Greetings:
Yesterday our 126 year old cat [in cat years - 18 in human years] died. Many of you are aware she had been slowly going down for the last year or so. We knew it was coming - still it impacts your feelings.
I remember the day I brought her home to my three daughters in a cardboard box. They were so excited to see this little kitten. I remember Joy carrying her around up-side down - the kitten's head nearly dragging the ground. I remember when she first climbed the tree in our backyard and cried like she couldn't get down. The girls wouldn't rest until Dad (afraid of heights mind you) had to climb up and retrieve the kitten. Only to have her go back up. Again, Dad had to rescue her - only to watch her go back. This time he taught his girls that kittens can climb down - when they are ready.
We have many fond memories of our cat. She lived a good life (wish I could just eat, sleep, and get attention). She will be missed (as all of you animal lovers know).
Not a devotion - just a chance to share my heart. May God bless you for listening.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Yesterday our 126 year old cat [in cat years - 18 in human years] died. Many of you are aware she had been slowly going down for the last year or so. We knew it was coming - still it impacts your feelings.
I remember the day I brought her home to my three daughters in a cardboard box. They were so excited to see this little kitten. I remember Joy carrying her around up-side down - the kitten's head nearly dragging the ground. I remember when she first climbed the tree in our backyard and cried like she couldn't get down. The girls wouldn't rest until Dad (afraid of heights mind you) had to climb up and retrieve the kitten. Only to have her go back up. Again, Dad had to rescue her - only to watch her go back. This time he taught his girls that kittens can climb down - when they are ready.
We have many fond memories of our cat. She lived a good life (wish I could just eat, sleep, and get attention). She will be missed (as all of you animal lovers know).
Not a devotion - just a chance to share my heart. May God bless you for listening.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Uncertainty
Greetings:
Yesterday, I stood at the graveside of a young man from my Mother's church. His name was Mike Pepper. He was 33 years old. He left behind a widow and 4 very young children.
Last Saturday, my wife and I were with my Mom at her church's annual picnic. I spoke to Mike. He played some hardy Basketball - followed up with some good baseball. He went home and played with his children in the kid's swimming pool. He went to bed - and around 2 a.m. on Sunday morning - he went to be with the Lord. Heaven's gain - our loss.
Mike was choir director and songleader at Pioneer Baptist Church in Thurmont, MD. He was an around good guy. He had a strong profession of faith and a great desire to serve the Lord. Now He is worshipping Jesus face-to-face.
But, what this reminds all of us is this - life is fragile, it is uncertain, and is completely in the hands of our Master. If you read this and know Christ, you will meet Mike in Heaven. If you don't have salvation through Jesus Christ, his life can be a lesson for you about the brevity and uncertainty of your life. Don't put off accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior one minute longer -- it might be too late.
Please pray for Becky and her 4 children.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Yesterday, I stood at the graveside of a young man from my Mother's church. His name was Mike Pepper. He was 33 years old. He left behind a widow and 4 very young children.
Last Saturday, my wife and I were with my Mom at her church's annual picnic. I spoke to Mike. He played some hardy Basketball - followed up with some good baseball. He went home and played with his children in the kid's swimming pool. He went to bed - and around 2 a.m. on Sunday morning - he went to be with the Lord. Heaven's gain - our loss.
Mike was choir director and songleader at Pioneer Baptist Church in Thurmont, MD. He was an around good guy. He had a strong profession of faith and a great desire to serve the Lord. Now He is worshipping Jesus face-to-face.
But, what this reminds all of us is this - life is fragile, it is uncertain, and is completely in the hands of our Master. If you read this and know Christ, you will meet Mike in Heaven. If you don't have salvation through Jesus Christ, his life can be a lesson for you about the brevity and uncertainty of your life. Don't put off accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior one minute longer -- it might be too late.
Please pray for Becky and her 4 children.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Friday, August 8, 2008
Grace
Greetings:
I was reminded recently, that Philip Yancey in his book, What's So Amazing About Grace, makes the point that the opposite of sin is not virtue - it is grace.
I am aware as I have talked with some people recently, except for grace, we are all alike. Sin is at our core, and it really doesn't matter what sin - they are all alike to God. None of us are good enough to be in God's presence - it is only because of grace that we are able to commune with Him, to be forgiven by Him, and to be a part of His family.
As you have opportunity, make a difference in your part of the world by being like Jesus. Seek out the hurting, the needy, those outside of His family, and model Jesus to them. Love them, reach out to them, bind up the wounds, and help them see God by the way we live. God didn't call us to judge sinners - just model His love to them.
2 Peter 3:18 admonishes us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
I was reminded recently, that Philip Yancey in his book, What's So Amazing About Grace, makes the point that the opposite of sin is not virtue - it is grace.
I am aware as I have talked with some people recently, except for grace, we are all alike. Sin is at our core, and it really doesn't matter what sin - they are all alike to God. None of us are good enough to be in God's presence - it is only because of grace that we are able to commune with Him, to be forgiven by Him, and to be a part of His family.
As you have opportunity, make a difference in your part of the world by being like Jesus. Seek out the hurting, the needy, those outside of His family, and model Jesus to them. Love them, reach out to them, bind up the wounds, and help them see God by the way we live. God didn't call us to judge sinners - just model His love to them.
2 Peter 3:18 admonishes us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Friday, August 1, 2008
Word, People, and Circumstances
Greetings:
Your character is essentially the sum of your habits; it is how you habitually act. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:24 (HCSB), "(Y)ou put on the new man, the one created according to God’s [likeness] in righteousness and purity of the truth."
God, through the Holy Spirit, uses three main tools to develop, mold, and direct us in our lives. These are: (1) His Word, (2) Other People, and (3) Circumstances. As we seek to follow and do His Will, He will at different times use any one of these - or any combination of them to mold us and shape us. They will make us into the new man (or woman) of truth.
God's Word provides the truth we need to grow. Truth is absolute, and it is established by God. The only way to know truth is through God's Word. Man's truths will vary from one to another, from one generation to another, from one culture to another. The ultimate truth is found only in God's Word. If you want to walk in His path, you must study and know the Bible.
God's people provide the support we need to grow. We cannot grow in truth in a vacuum. We need to be around God's people. As the Old Testament passage tells us - "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 22:17, HCSB). The Godly people that we have around us will help us to develop into a Godly person.
Finally, circumstances provide the environment to practice Christ likeness. The circumstances that God puts and allows in our lives give us the opportunity to practice Christ likeness. The old saying is that practice makes perfect - this isn't correct. Only perfect practice makes perfect. We must practice being like Christ in every situation. If someone slights you, if someone treats you unfairly, if the situation is not what you want - you must seek to be like Christ, and respond the way that He does. By the way - this tool only works correctly when you have mastered the first one - His Word.
So, today - begin the lifelong journey of seeking to be like Christ - use the tolls that God has provided - His Word, Other people, and Circumstances.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
Your character is essentially the sum of your habits; it is how you habitually act. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:24 (HCSB), "(Y)ou put on the new man, the one created according to God’s [likeness] in righteousness and purity of the truth."
God, through the Holy Spirit, uses three main tools to develop, mold, and direct us in our lives. These are: (1) His Word, (2) Other People, and (3) Circumstances. As we seek to follow and do His Will, He will at different times use any one of these - or any combination of them to mold us and shape us. They will make us into the new man (or woman) of truth.
God's Word provides the truth we need to grow. Truth is absolute, and it is established by God. The only way to know truth is through God's Word. Man's truths will vary from one to another, from one generation to another, from one culture to another. The ultimate truth is found only in God's Word. If you want to walk in His path, you must study and know the Bible.
God's people provide the support we need to grow. We cannot grow in truth in a vacuum. We need to be around God's people. As the Old Testament passage tells us - "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 22:17, HCSB). The Godly people that we have around us will help us to develop into a Godly person.
Finally, circumstances provide the environment to practice Christ likeness. The circumstances that God puts and allows in our lives give us the opportunity to practice Christ likeness. The old saying is that practice makes perfect - this isn't correct. Only perfect practice makes perfect. We must practice being like Christ in every situation. If someone slights you, if someone treats you unfairly, if the situation is not what you want - you must seek to be like Christ, and respond the way that He does. By the way - this tool only works correctly when you have mastered the first one - His Word.
So, today - begin the lifelong journey of seeking to be like Christ - use the tolls that God has provided - His Word, Other people, and Circumstances.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
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