“Let my words be few.” “With too many words there is much transgression.”  These two verses come to my mind often and in fact, came to my mind as I started today’s blog post entry. So, I’m going to try to put these Biblical concepts into practice!  My blog writing is clearly a work in process.

Ecclesiastes 5:2 Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. NASB 95 (italics mine)

Prov 10:19 When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable,    NASB 95 (italics mine)

This journal entry was written early in my teaching career.  I wanted to be a good teacher to my kindergarten students and a good witness to the staff.

From the journal . . . . September 2002

Lord, I don’t take enough time to listen to You.  Please increase my desire, faith, and ability to hear.

And I Believe God Said:

Don’t be hesitant to let people know you pray.  Just like the prophets, they may reject you, but I want you to be My witness there at McCarver.  I will defend you and you won’t be ashamed. 

Look to Me when you are tempted to be embarrassed and shrink back .  Remember you are there for Me. It’s going to be a hard year, but I will be with you and you will honor Me. 

Isaiah 41:10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Hebrews 10:38 But My righteous one shall live by faith;
And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him.

Psalm 50:15   Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”

That was one of the hardest years I had had in my career, and it had nothing to do with my students. The Lord was faithful to send me encouragement from Christian friends, including some at school, the Word, and His personal words to me.  He got me through it, and I know I was a better teacher and servant to Him because of it.  It reminds me of what James said to the Church.

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

I didn’t ask Him for something to challenge my faith. I asked for more desire, faith, and ability to hear Him.  That’s how He answered and that’s what I got!!  Thank You Lord.