This was a very short word but pertinent for today, almost thirty years later!  I normally write in cursive writing when I journal, but when I get the feeling or knowing that something is specific from the Lord, I switch to printing.  I think that was God’s idea because it makes it easier for me to find His personal words! At this time, I evidently hadn’t gotten a word from the Lord for a while.

From the journal . . . .November 1997

Lord, I haven’t listened to You enough to get a printed word.  Life is too fast.  How do I slow it?

And I believe God said:

You can’t, but life isn’t as hard as you think.  I’m here now and I’m always here.  The things that seem urgent to you aren’t. 

Matthew 6:32-34  For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. ³³ But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ³⁴ “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:27  And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?

Matthew 23:23  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.

Kindness is important.  Caring and taking the time to care is essential.  Being conscientious, responsible, and dependable are good traits, but being consistently kind is better. 

Micah 6:8. He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?

Col 3:12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

Don’t take yourself so seriously.  Be natural. 

Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

Today for your observation, keep the lesson objective in your head, but speak to and for the students, not the principal.

It might be wishful thinking, but I think I am much better at not taking myself as seriously now as I did then.  I received a teaching at one point about the difference between urgent and important. However, perhaps His words to me permeated into my being and I learned from Him.  I ask Him repeatedly about changing me. Could it be that He does?

2 Cor 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Luke 11:9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.