Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Today’s reminder is one that speaks to all of us: we must recognize that God's sovereignty calls for our humility. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that our plans, strategies, and preparations will guarantee success. But Scripture reminds us that true success isn’t found in our own control—it’s found in daily surrender to God’s guidance.

We cannot assume that just because we’ve made a plan, it will unfold perfectly. Instead, we are invited—challenged, even—to live with open hands and willing hearts, letting God lead us one day at a time. His plans are always greater than ours, and His wisdom surpasses our understanding.

So as this new school year begins, may we walk in humility, trust in His sovereignty, and be open to wherever He leads. Let’s stay grounded in prayer, rooted in His Word, and committed to the people He has placed in our lives. When we do that, we can move forward with peace, knowing that He goes before us, walks beside us, and holds every outcome in His hands.

As we wrap up this final day of our devotional, we want to take a moment to wish all those in the education system—teachers, administrators, staff—along with every family, student, and individual heading back to school, a joyful, purposeful, and truly blessed school year. Whether you're stepping into a classroom, a school office, a cafeteria, a bus, or simply preparing your home for a new routine, know that you are seen, valued, and prayed for.

Prayer

Lord as we begin our new school year, please help me humble myself and yield daily to you. Please guide and direct my steps each and every day as I live in a way that glorifies you. Help me to love you will all my heart, soul, mind and with all my strength.

Luke 10:19

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

I often remind myself of this verse when I’m facing uncertainty. I tend to be a worrier—a perfectionist—someone who loves a good plan and wants to stick to it. It’s my way or the highway! But of course, life rarely follows our carefully laid-out plans, no matter how much we worry, prepare, or try to control the outcome.

Still, there’s peace in knowing that Jesus has already defeated the Enemy, and He has given us access to that same power to overcome every obstacle. The end of the verse, “nothing will harm you,” is a powerful promise—a reminder that nothing can separate us from His love and that all things work together for the good of those who love Him.

Even when life doesn’t go according to our plan, or when the path is longer, harder, or more painful than expected, His promise remains. So whether you’re starting a new job, entering a new school year, facing a diagnosis, experiencing failure, or carrying fear—no matter the circumstance—remember this: Jesus has already won. Trust in Him. Trust in His promises. Trust in His perfect plan. Nothing will harm you.

Prayer

Father God, Thank you for your steadfast love and unfailing promises. In times of uncertaintly, help us to remember those promises. Your faithfulness is evident day to day if only we look. This year, let us keep our eyes on You, focused on what You have prepared for us, without fear, worry or doubt. Let not our will but Yours be done. Amen

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Today is my mom’s 75th birthday. She is a saint and truly the most amazing human I know. I can’t imagine a better childhood than the one she gave me, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without her constant prayers, unconditional love, and steady presence.

But today is bittersweet. She’s in the early stages of dementia, and deep down, I know the direction we’re heading. It’s heartbreaking to watch, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. I don’t understand why she had to be the one to receive this diagnosis—and honestly, I wish I could change it all. But in the midst of this pain, these verses from Proverbs have been keeping me grounded.

I may not have all the answers, but I know I can trust God with what’s to come. Our job is to trust Him—His job is everything else. And in that truth, I find peace.

Prayer

We all have something in life we can't control, and God is reminding us to lay at His feet and trust Him with it. What is it for you? I pray today would be the day you completely turn it over to Him with all your heart, acknowledge His sovereignty, and let Him be God.

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

Through trials, we come to know God more deeply. And the more we know Him, the more joy we experience. Right now, our understanding is limited—dark and obscure—but one day, it will be made clear. This is why God encourages us to run with patience. Little by little, He reveals Himself to us.

One day, when we see Him face to face, we will spend eternity fully understanding and knowing Him. Until then, we trust the process, embrace the trials, and rejoice in the growth they produce.

Prayer

Lord, help me to embrace and enjoy the beauty of your slow-paced revelation. Teach me to find joy in your timing and delight in the knowledge you choose to reveal, day by day. Amen.

Deuteronomy 8:6-18

Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

These words were spoken by Moses to the generation that would enter the Promised Land, and they remain a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision. In a society marked by abundance, it’s easy to forget that we are merely stewards of the Father’s gifts.

God not only gives us the ability to provide and produce, but through His Spirit, He equips us with the gifts we need to lead our students well. Many of us have most of what we need—and even many things we want—but let us never forget that it is not by the power or strength of our own hands that we live, work, and flourish. It is only by God’s grace.

Prayer

Thank you Father for your many gifts. You have given us an abundance. Help us not to forget the Giver, and help us to remind those around us that every good and perfect gift is from above.

Lamentations 3:22 - 23

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail

“Great is Your faithfulness!” Whether we hear these words in Scripture, an old hymn, or a modern worship song, they serve as a powerful reminder of the unchanging, steadfast God we serve. In a world that often feels uncertain and ever-shifting, His faithfulness remains constant.

No matter what circumstances life brings—whether moments of joy or seasons of hardship—we can lift our eyes and praise the Lord for His unwavering love and commitment to us. His mercies are new every morning, and His promises never fail. What a beautiful truth to hold onto: we are anchored by a faithful God, yesterday, today, and forever.

Prayer

Thank our Faithful Father today for his steadiness in an often unsettling world. Tell him how grateful you are for his unfailing mercy and constant provision in your life.

I Corinthians 13:13

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

“Faith, hope, and love—these three remain, but the greatest of these is love.” As we step into the demands and responsibilities of teaching and guiding children, it’s essential that we keep this truth at the forefront of our hearts. The Lord made it clear: above all else, love is what matters most.

In the midst of lesson plans, assessments, routines, and expectations, we must remember that our highest calling is to ensure each child knows they are deeply loved. Loved by God—and loved by us, His representatives here on earth. That love should shine through everything we do, from the way we speak, to how we correct, encourage, and support.

It’s more than a feeling; it’s our directive. If our students leave our classrooms knowing they are genuinely loved, we’ve accomplished something far greater than any academic goal. We’ve reflected the heart of Christ.

Prayer

Dear Father, please help us to remember every day that we are to be an example of your love in all we say and do when we are with our students and to everyone we come in contact with

Galatians 2:20-21

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!

These verses serve as a powerful reminder that we are called to model the crucified life to our students—to live in such a way that they can see what it truly looks like to follow Christ each and every day. Our words, actions, and attitudes should point them not just toward knowledge, but toward Jesus.

As educators, it’s easy to focus solely on academic goals and classroom outcomes, but we are also shaping hearts and souls. Our purpose is greater than grades or test scores. We are part of their spiritual formation. May we never lose sight of the fact that our calling is both academic and spiritual—and that our greatest impact may come from simply living out our faith in front of them, day by day.

Prayer

Father, today we asked that you would remind of us, of the importance of modeling a crucified life for our students. May they see us follow you in a way that is pleasing in your eyes and also challenging to them.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

One of the things I love about summer is getting to work in the Fine Arts building at the fair. It’s a place full of creativity, passion, and personal expression. During one of my shifts, a colleague—an incredibly talented artist—shared something that stuck with me. She mentioned how deeply personal art is to the artist, and how disheartening it can be when people walk by without acknowledging or appreciating the work. She had entered a beautifully beaded jacket into the fair and was disappointed that it didn’t receive an award.

Her comment made me think about how God views each one of us. Just like an artist with their creation, God considers every person He has made a masterpiece—crafted with care, purpose, and love. He sees beauty and value in each of us, even when others don’t take the time to notice.

It was a powerful reminder that the way I look at and treat others matters deeply to God. Whether it’s a student, a parent, or a colleague, I want to be someone who reflects His heart—someone who sees others as His masterpiece and treats them with the love and dignity they deserve.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for beauty and the love of beauty that you have placed in our hearts. Help us to see each person, our students and parents, as your beautiful masterpieces that you are perfecting...

Psalm 1:1-6

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

This has been one of my life verses—one I’ve returned to many times. I especially love the image of the strong, majestic tree. Not only is it beautiful, stately, powerful, and unwavering, but its branches also extend outward, offering shade to others and providing food and shelter to small, seemingly insignificant and helpless creatures.

A tree takes time to grow, and its roots run deep into the earth, giving it a secure foundation. Though the enemy may come and try to cut us down, God will not allow it—if we have made Him our source of life. He will cause us to prosper and bear fruit in our season.

We won’t always feel like we’re bearing fruit, but the time will come if we remain faithful. This passage reminds us to avoid the path of sinners, reject the counsel of the ungodly and the scornful, and instead, to delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night.

Prayer

Lord, make me like a tree that is connected to you. Give me a fresh supply of Your Spirit today and teach me to meditate on Your word. Bless me and cause me to bear fruit when I am ready and use me to shelter the little ones that you placed in my life, both in my family and in my school. Keep me strong and secure and prosper all that I do. Thank you Lord Jesus, amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

To me, this verse helps define what it means to have a joyful heart. On the good days, it's easy to rejoice and thank God—but this verse also reminds me that even the hard days have a purpose, and that trials don’t last forever. We can choose to be thankful in every circumstance, both in the highs and the lows.

As an educator, it’s helpful for me to view challenges as lessons—opportunities for growth in both my faith and character. They are lessons God will help me understand, if I take the time to seek His will.

Prayer

Rejoice on good days and bad. - Prayer Focus: Thank the Lord for all the things you enjoy about teaching. List them out and thank Him. Praise Him because all these good things come from Him. Pray that when you have a trial this year, that you will have the ability to set aside emotions and seek the Lord's wisdom . How does He want you to handle it? What can you learn from it? Rejoice that He loves you and wants what is best for you. Thank Him for what you can learn from the trial.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life—our attention pulled in every direction by the news, social media, trending topics, shopping deals, quick fixes, and even podcasts packed with information. While none of these things are inherently bad or harmful, they often distract us from what matters most.

Scripture invites us to focus differently. Imagine how each day might look if we truly devoted our time and thoughts to pursuing what matters most—things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Wow! I know my thought life would look very different.

As we head into a new school year, let’s step in with a renewed vision and a clear focus on what Scripture calls us to chase after.

Prayer

Jesus as we prepare for a new year, help us to open our hearts and minds to focus on you and all that you stand for! When we get distracted, help us turn to you. When we get discouraged, help us lean into you. When we feel destroyed, help us to cling to you. When we feel distant, draw us near to you. Lord may the words of Philippians 4:8 resonate with our minds as we aim to focus on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Help us to understand the depths of your love and that you truly want the best for us from us. Help us to turn our eyes on YOU!

Psalm 61:1-2

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

The beginning of a new school year brings a mix of emotions. It’s exciting to start fresh, but it can also feel overwhelming. The words “lead me to the rock that is higher than I” are a constant source of comfort for me. David, the Psalmist who wrote these words, understood that God’s ways are higher than ours. He is our rock in every situation.

If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain, remember that your Heavenly Father is always near, ready to help. We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust Him completely—and what a comfort that is!

Prayer

Thank you Lord for being our rock in all situations. Let us draw near to your strength when we are feeling overwhelmed. Bring comfort to your servants today. May we serve you this school year with the assurance of knowing you are in control.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This verse became my life verse when my “perfect plans” were drastically changed in my early twenties. It serves as a constant reminder that whether things go the way we hope or take an unexpected turn, our plans are ultimately not our own—they are God’s. He has already mapped out every step of our lives, and His plans are perfect, just as He designed them.

We can have hope in knowing that when we choose to trust Him and follow His lead, He will never fail us. I have this verse displayed in my classroom—not only as a daily reminder for myself, but also for my students.

Prayer

Lord, we pray that you would guide every step, choice and plans we make in our lives this school year. We pray that our plans would glorify You and that we would listen for Your guidance in our steps! We know that even when our plans don't go our way, Your way is better and we can trust in You to guide us through.

Acts 16:25-34

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.

In the busyness of back-to-school preparations—the supply lists, new routines, endless checklists, and shifting schedules—it's easy for my focus to drift toward the temporary and the urgent. But these verses gently bring me back to what matters most: maintaining a spirit of prayer and worship in the midst of it all. They remind me that even as I care for the needs of my family and manage the chaos of a new season, my heart must stay anchored in what is eternal.

No matter what circumstances I face—whether overwhelming or mundane—I want to be someone who is spiritually alert and rooted in truth. At the core of everything, I must always be prepared to answer the most important question of all: What must I do to be saved? That question reframes my perspective and reminds me that the greatest preparation I can make isn’t just for the school year ahead, but for the life of faith I’m called to live each and every day.

Prayer

Today I pray that students and their families would see Christ in us—and that through our words, actions, and love, many would be drawn to Him.

Philippians 2:3-4

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

As the youngest of five and the only girl, I grew up constantly seeking affirmation and trying to be noticed. This verse has been a continual reminder that in a very "me-centered" world, we must be intentional about looking beyond ourselves—seeing the needs, hurts, and joys of others, and choosing to help and celebrate alongside them.

Prayer

Focus our attention, Lord, to see and hear the needs of all those we meet this year. Give us hearts to serve our school, students, and families.

Ephesians 1:15-23

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."

As I reflect on these verses, I’m challenged to pray for greater wisdom and insight to know Jesus more deeply. The image that comes to mind is road construction at night, where workers use those bright lights that illuminate everything as if it were daytime. That light seems to flood the entire area, allowing them to see clearly.

I believe that’s exactly what Paul is praying for here—that we would be able to truly understand and have confidence in the hope, calling, inheritance, and power available to us as followers of Christ.

For me, it’s perhaps best expressed in this simple thought: "Jesus loves me, this I know. Knowing Jesus, this I love."

Prayer

Father, give us the desire to want to know you better. Flood our hearts with your understanding and wisdom as we seek after you. Give us a fresh insight and vision of who you are, and the blessings available to us as your children.

Luke 10:41-42

But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."

As a mother of three school-aged children, I’m all too familiar with how stressful the “back-to-school season” can be. Every year around this time, I go into full checklist mode, making sure each of my kids has the right clothes, shoes, and supplies—in all the necessary sizes and quantities. And that’s not even counting lunch accounts, bus routes, carline maps… all the things! Let’s face it, the details can get a little overwhelming. Amen?

In times like these, I’m reminded of one of my favorite Bible stories, found in Luke chapter 10. In this story, Jesus and His disciples are on their way to Jerusalem when a woman named Martha welcomes them into her home. While Jesus is there, Martha becomes consumed with making all sorts of preparations, while her sister, Mary, chooses to simply sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. When Martha complains to Jesus about Mary, He responds, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

As a checklist-loving, task-oriented person, this passage hits home—especially this time of year. It reminds me to step away from the hustle of back-to-school prep and step into what matters most: spending time in His sweet presence.

Prayer

Ask the Lord to guide your back-to-school preparations today. Ask Him to give you peace as you consider “all these details” that need to be addressed before the start of school. And despite all the busyness of the season, remember to take some time to sit at His feet.

2 Corinthians 10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV) reminds us to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” This truth is especially encouraging in those moments when overthinking takes over or when small frustrations start to feel overwhelming.

As Christian educators, we are called to remain rooted in God’s Word—daily immersing ourselves in Scripture so that we may walk closely with Him. When we hide His truth in our hearts, we’re able to recognize the lies of the enemy for what they are. God’s Word reminds us of who the real enemy is—and even more importantly, that our victory has already been secured through Jesus Christ.

Watch today’s devotional reflection video

Prayer

Lord, Let me see the truth about myself and others as I seek to understand your Holy Word; Taking every thought captive, as we align ourselves with the Word.

Acts 17:27-28

"God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’"

These verses are spoken by the Apostle Paul to the Athenians, who were a group of wise, highly educated philosophers of the day. They knew much, but didn't know Jesus. What Paul does here in his greater speech (which is worth a read) is approach these wise philosophers with great respect and preparedness. He isn't threatened, because he knows God is always at work in ways beyond our understanding. These verses remind me to not be afraid to share the Gospel, be confident, and know God is previently at work

Prayer

Lord, you are the God of the seen and unseen. Thank you that you are always near to us. May I point others to know Jesus in the way I do. Amen.