Mindy Lee Hopman

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. ~Psalm 32:8, NIV

We all have that favorite teacher or coach who stretched us further than we ever thought we could go and helped us to achieve more than we ever imagined we could reach.

Good teachers and coaches partner with parents to impart wisdom and help “raise up” children in the way they should go.

Today’s Scripture:

Now Joshua, the son of Nun, was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him, and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. ~Deuteronomy 34:9

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:5-7, NIV

Today’s Snapshot: A Compassionate Teacher

As we continue to look forward to the coming of Christ, we look backward at another snapshot of the big picture.

Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts.
It is about one life influencing another. ~John C. Maxwell

Moses imparted Godly wisdom to Joshua. Moses taught Joshua how to know God, listen to God, and follow God. He helped Joshua understand God’s heart so he could lead God’s people to fulfill God’s purpose in the big picture.

Moses was a great teacher. As a result, Joshua followed God and led the twelve tribes of Israel into freedom, which continued to light the way for the coming of the King.

As we prepare our hearts this Christmas season, let’s not forget how God opened up His heart to us. He knows us, He loves us, and He adores us so much that He gave us His Son. That sweet baby would become our King of Kings … Oh, come let us adore Him!

Family Discussion:

• Who was your favorite teacher or coach? What made him/her so special?
• How will you impact others as your teacher/coach impacted you?
• Do you have a specific person who led you to the heart of God, or in other words, helped you find Jesus?

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord,

We praise You for the wisdom You passed down from Moses to Joshua and for the Words, You gave directly to him. We praise You for the people whom You have placed in our lives as teachers and coaches. We are better people because of them, and our family has benefited greatly. I praise You for the people in our lives who taught us about You and brought us to You. Please help us continue to spend time in Your Word—not straying to the right or the left by worldly distractions. May this Christmas season be different from all others as we celebrate Your Son and see His role in the “big picture.”
In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, Amen

This devotional is adapted from Faith Roots: An Advent Family Devotional available for purchase on Amazon.