Your Very Best

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egw65U99qjU

Revival Anthem ~ Rend Collective

And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, “Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best.” ~ Colossians 4:17 MSG

"Mom,” Elizabeth said, “I did my very best work." While I was certain of it, her words weren’t random. They echoed the encouragement of her teacher. We all need encouraging teachers, leaders and/or coaches who are purposeful about pouring into our lives. A good teacher or coach doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear. Instead, they challenge you to do your very best, even when you’re certain you’ve got nothing left to give.

In two of his letters to the Colossians, Paul directly addressed Archippus, a “fellow soldier” for cause of Christ, (Colossians 4:17; Philemon 1:12). Some Bible scholars think it was to challenge Archippus, while others think it was only to encourage him. A good coach or teacher does both. If Paul received word that Archippus wasn’t living up to his calling, it would have been his responsibility to address, challenge, and encourage Archippus.

Like the quarterback, in Facing the Giants, who was challenged by his coach to give his very best, we’re challenged by our Coach. Holy Spirit challenges us, fellow soldiers and champions for the cause of Christ, to give our very best in fulfilling the calling we’ve received. In recent weeks, the world has been turned upside down by this pandemic, fighting a war with what Trump calls an “invisible enemy.” Though we can’t even see the height of the giant we face, our Coach is calling us to give our very best to shine God’s light of hope into a world in desperate need.

For a world plunged into darkness and despair, there is no better time to act. The world is watching, waiting for a hero—for Jesus. As a champion for Christ, Holy Spirit is calling you to give Him your very best. What will you give?

©Heather Potts 2020

https://youtu.be/-sUKoKQlEC4

The Death Crawl scene ~ Facing the Giants 

Teacher

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGJO-wdGGb8&list=RDEGJO-wdGGb8&start_radio=1&t=0

Learning ~ Jason Gray

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

What's a synonym for teacher?

Friend. Buddy. Confidant. Encourager. Comforter. High-Fiver. Juggler. Imagineer. Engineer. Inventor. Trainer. Hugger. Lost-Mitten-Finder. Reader. Greeter. Tear-Wiper. Note-Taker. Record-Keeper. Multiple-Hat-Wearer. Coat-Zipper-Upper. Helper. Maid. Coach. Counselor. Reminder. Mediator. Hand-Holder. Recess Leader. Hall Monitor. Lunch Opener. Microwave Operator. Organizer. Janitor. Table-Washer. Paper-Corrector. Filer. Voice of Reason. Shepherd. Truth-Sayer. And, on top of it all, Educator. 

How do they do it? The best ones, because of, with, and by the grace and strength of God!

Teachers: please know that families don't know all that you do or is asked of you. On days when you are tired and feeling defeated, remember that at All times and in All things, God is able to bless you abundantly so that you will thrive, flourish, and excel in everything He's asking of you. 

Those who've been encouraged by a teacher (or whose kids have): Start with prayer! Pray for their day, health, safety, and family. Pray for wisdom as they teach future generations. Pray that they will be encouraged. And if you're able, send them a thank you note. They need the encouragement and will enjoy hearing how a student's life has been inspired.

Thank you, teachers!

©Heather Potts 2020

Thank you, Teachers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eQd3K2Fxp4&list=RD7j0Pedpgiag&index=3

Only Jesus ~ Casting Crowns

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMPC

With the school year ending, I began thinking about all the girls learned this year. Then my thoughts turned to my own teachers, of which there were many. From Mr. Holba, my fifth-grade teacher, to Mr. Knaus, my senior-year high school English teacher, to Dr. Lipscomb and Dr. Stein, my two favorite Lit professors at USF. Clearly, I had more than four teachers, but these are the ones who’ve stood out over the years. It wasn’t because of the zoo in Mr. Holba’s class, or even the fruit and vegetable nicknames Dr. Stein had us choose for ourselves, the way those who were revolting the Christian church did in the time-periods we studied. It’s not about their titles, or even necessarily the lessons they taught. They stand out above the rest because of how they made me feel: special, smart, strong, able, important. They all challenged me to be the best version of myself. But my teachers didn’t stop at the completion of my BA. Over the years, I’ve had countless teachers with many titles: Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle, Aunt, Husband, Teacher, Leader, Brother, Pastor, Mentor, and Friend.

Today marks the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week at our girls’ school. To all the teachers we’ve had over the years: THANK YOU! You have and are making a difference! On the days you feel like pulling out your hair, just remember: for the child, it won’t be about passing the test, becoming the greatest artist, or even singing on-key. Years down the road, it will be about the days you were there, the way you cared, the way you smiled and always had a hug. It’ll be the way you were Jesus to that child.

We’re told to give thanks in all things. To all our teachers: Thank you!

©Heather Potts 2019