Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: The Best

As an educator, I believe it is important to give back to the community that has given me so much over the years. That is why I have this blog, social media accounts, take on practicum students, student teachers, and lead professional development.  If others wouldn't have shared their experiences, knowledge, and passion with me along the way...I truly believe I'd not be where I'm at presently. It is my heart as an educator.  It is a joy for me.  Plus, I want others to be the best they can be!  I believe we are better together.  I believe when other art educators succeed it is a victory for all of us.  ALSO...there is a strong chance that my children will one day be in the art room of someone who has crossed paths with me. If I can encourage my children's future art teacher in some way to help them be the best they can be...you better believe I'm going to do it!  

 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 1: 9-14

I love this section of scripture from Colossians.  You see right away the deep desire Paul has for the believers in Colossea to mature in their faith.  He prays specifically for them to bear fruit, grown in God, strengthened in power, have great endurance and patience, and to give joyfully.  He doesn't just say, "Bless them Lord!"  He gets specific.  We have the ability (like Paul) to make a difference in others' lives.  When the Lord has truly impacted our life, it is only natural that we would want to help impact the lives of others.  He has blessed us with gifts, talents, and skills that can be used to challenge and encourage other believers that he has placed in our path.  We should desire to help others be the best they can be for the glory of God.  Now this doesn't mean that they should be more like you, the pastor, or some other person.  We need to help and encourage others to be the best they can be.  God has wired all of us with a purpose and a plan ...unique and wonderful.  As the Lord has you can be the best you...as you encourage others to be the best them!