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And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:3-4

Look! God Is With You!

It’s the end of the day in the first weeks of school. You look over and there is that sweet child, sitting quietly in a chair, eyes fluttering and head bobbing. Fatigue sweeps over them like their favorite rest-time blanket. As the year progresses, their stamina slowly grows.

We can feel like that wiped-out little one as well. We all have days or times in our lives where it is just plain hard to keep our head up and our worry down. The life of a Christian is one that needs stamina of a different sort. Life on this side of heaven is challenging. As we look at the world around us, we see the evidence of sin impacting just about everything. Even the best of relationships can have struggles. We hear daily reports of evil and hate from our communities and from all over the world. Things wear out leading to costly repairs. People we love get sick, get hurt physically or emotionally. Death takes those we love. Our faith and beliefs are challenged or ridiculed. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are persecuted in unimaginable ways across the world. We can find ourselves feeling discouraged, fatigued.

And then we go back to our reading for today. “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people and he will dwell with them.” The hard things are all around us but “Look!”- God has made his dwelling right here with us, with you! He has made us his saints (holy ones), his heirs of heaven!

You may be thinking, “That’s great, but the problems of life are still right in front of me.” That’s true. However, knowing we are chosen by God as his dear children makes all the difference. First, we’re reminded that this world is temporary; it’s a blip on the timeline of eternity that we will spend in heaven. But we don’t have to wait till God calls us to heaven to have peace. True peace comes from knowing that God is with us in the blessings and in the challenges. He never promised to take away all the effects of sin in our lives, but before he ascended into heaven, Jesus did promise to be right there with us. We have the assurance that comes with the promises he keeps each day. So, we keep our faith focused on what is to come. We will join the saints in heaven where there is no more death, crying, pain because we will be wrapped in Jesus’ loving arms for eternity.

As you approach each day with its blessings and challenges, remind yourself and those around you that God is here with you, his saints. As the fatigue of life rolls over you, find your stamina in his Word and in his promises kept for you. “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among his people.” God and his kingdom dwell in you. He’s with you to comfort, encourage, guide, and bless you with his grace until he takes you to heaven.

Prayer:

Dearest Heavenly Father, I come to you today with a heart full of gratitude. The world can be so hard, but knowing that you are with me each day gives me hope, encouragement, and strength. It is an indescribable gift to know that someday I will join all your saints in heaven in your perfect peace. Remind me that you are always here, and that heaven is my home. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

A Hymn to Consider:

Hymn 867 from Christian Worship entitled Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near has a wonderful text to reflect on as you consider the thoughts of today’s reading.

Listen to Devotion

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Christ Through Us

“I have a job for you to do.” Those words can produce a wide variety of emotions. When I have an unpleasant job to do, I might drag my feet (especially when it comes to the litter box!). At school, the children are excited to do classroom jobs, like helping turn out lights, leading the line, or adding books to read in our library. And then there is the challenging job. Maybe it’s curriculum planning or teaching a different age group. Do I have the knowledge and tools to successfully complete the task? This type of job might be daunting but is also the most rewarding.

In our verses today, the job doesn’t come from parents, teachers, or bosses, but instead from God. Before he even gives us work to do, he assures us that he has given us all that we need for the job. Paul, who wrote this letter to the Corinthians and to us, used the words reconcile and reconciliation to explain how God equips us for his work. To reconcile means to reestablish a close relationship. Over and over these verses show that God changed our relationship through Christ. We once were lost sinners, but through Jesus, we now are holy in God’s eyes. We are reconciled with him; our relationship is right with God. Christ for us.

Because we have this right relationship with God, we are empowered to do the job God gives us. He asks us to be Christ’s ambassadors. An ambassador speaks in someone else’s name. We get to speak on behalf of Christ. We don’t choose the message; the message is given by Christ. We are to speak the message of reconciliation, telling others what Jesus has done. How he exchanged his perfect life for our sinful ones. How he won salvation and a home in heaven for all. We bring Christ to others: Christ through us.

We are especially fortunate. We get to share this special message each day that we spend with our little ones. In our Bible lessons, in our songs, and in all we do, Jesus’ love shines. As we correct and train children, we let them know of Jesus’ forgiveness. We marvel at God’s creation and all he has done for us. We send these little ambassadors home to share Jesus’ love with their loved ones. Christ through all of us.

And when we feel overwhelmed, trust that message of reconciliation. Know that God equips us for the job he gives us. He gives us his Word and promises to be with us through every job he gives. First Christ for us, and now Christ through us. What a blessing to be Christ’s ambassadors!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for the salvation and forgiveness you won for me. Help me be an ambassador, sharing your love with those around me. In your name I pray. Amen.

A Hymn to Ponder:

Read through the hymn Lord, You Call Us as Your People (Christian Worship 736). This also works well as a prayer.

Listen to Devotion

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Praying for You

One thing I love to do with my students is pray. We pray in chapel and before our snack. Sometimes we stop what we’re doing and thank God for the wonderful things he has done. We learn prayers by heart and sometimes we just speak prayers from the heart. But we don’t just pray with each other; we pray for each other. When someone is out sick or on vacation, we pray for them. Soon the students start requesting prayers: help my sore finger, help my mom who is sick, take care of my friend, bless my grandparents. Even pets are included. We know the power behind these prayers lies in Jesus who hears us and does what is best for us.

In our verses today, Paul wrote that he was constantly praying for the people of Thessalonica. He had just finished encouraging them that a home in heaven is waiting for God’s people. Now he prayed about their life here on earth, that God would bring to fruition goodness and deeds prompted by faith.

This prayer is for us as well. As we go through this life, complete with struggles and joys, we pray that we may reflect God’s love in our thoughts, words, and deeds. In this way we glorify and thank God for all he has done for us.

Paul also prayed that we may be glorified through Christ. Jesus does this now as he cares for us on this earth, bringing us to him through his Word in the Bible. And he promises the ultimate glory: a home in heaven. Jesus clothes us with his holiness so that, by his grace, God will welcome us as his children in that glorious heavenly home.

Working with children and their families, we shoulder much responsibility. The Holy Spirit works through us to help these little lambs learn about their Savior. Throughout all we do, say, and teach, we lead children to their Savior. Wow! That can be daunting! But God promises to make us worthy of his calling. He gives us his Word, guides us, forgives us, and encourages us to talk to him in prayer.

So, let’s pray for each other. Pray that God makes us worthy of our calling and that we share his saving Word with the children in our care, with their families, and with everyone that surrounds us. Pray that he may bless our efforts to obey his will, motivated by faith in what Jesus did for us. Pray that what we do and say leads others to Jesus. Pray confidently for forgiveness when our sinful nature takes control. Pray that Jesus is glorified through us. Thank him for the glory waiting for us. What a blessing to know that Jesus hears and answers the prayers that we pray for each other!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for your glorious grace and salvation. Help me share your Word through my words and actions and forgive me when I fail. Please bless teachers, pastors, and all who speak your word in truth. In your name I pray. Amen.

A Question to Consider:

When works best for you to pray? Think about times during the day to set aside for prayer. Use the hymnal to find some wonderful prayers, including the section on ministry (Christian Worship hymns 895-898).

Listen to Devotion

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Luke 16:13

Can’t Divide It

Have you ever prepared an art project only to find five other cuter art projects that you could have done instead? Imagine cutting out all of the back-to-school projects only to change your mind and start from scratch to do something different. Or maybe you are someone who writes a list, but once you have crossed a couple of things off of that list you re-write it to make it look nice again. Are any of you smiling a guilty smile?

To find contentment in what we have already produced can be tricky at times. Sometimes a hint of perfectionism can creep into our lesson planning, event coordinating, and even relationship building.

In our reading today, Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Luke 16:13

God wants our full devotion. He tells us straight up that we cannot serve both. So, whether we love money, or work, or perfectionism, status, or possessions, that clearly will not do when were are supposed to be spending our time and effort serving Him and spreading His Word.

When our desires for those things seep in, it would be good to remember that they are not from the Lord. He never says that once you have enough money, then He will think highly of you. He never says if that art project is perfect then He will bless your efforts. He never says that if it is perfect, then you are worthy. We will never be perfect, but we have a Savior who has always been and will always be. His suffering and death on the cross is enough. His rising from the dead is sufficient.

The time we waste by redoing projects or trying to reinvent the wheel could be much better spent by focusing on the real task at hand, spreading His Word.

This school year ask the Lord to remove any temptation that comes in the way of simply serving Him. When you inevitably fail, bask in His forgiveness and grace and ask Him to help you again. He will be there every step of the way.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, create in us a pure heart that only beats for you. Forgive us when we fall into the lie that we can be our own savior. We need you and are so thankful that we have you. Help us be faithful in our work for you, oh Lord. Amen

A Question to Consider:

What are some idols that you put ahead of God in your professional life and even personal life? Confide in a co-worker or friend on how you want to get better with this. Ask the Lord for help!

Listen to Devotion

And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:27

He Can!

After reading the Bible passage today, you might feel defeated. Jesus said to the large crowds gathering around Him, “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27. May as well give up, huh? There’s even a cross reference in Matthew 10:38 which says, “and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” In the footnotes for that Bible passage it states, “The cross was an instrument of death and here symbolizes the necessity of total commitment—even unto death—on the part of Jesus’ disciples.”

If you take a look at your life right now, would you claim yourself as a disciple of Jesus? Odds are, if a show of hands was asked, your hand wouldn’t shoot up. Still feeling defeated, huh?

The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Did you hear that? He picked up the cross and did it all.

Our sins make it impossible for us to be worthy, but He paid the price for our sins when he picked up the cross, suffered and died for us, so that we could enjoy the glory of heaven.

If you ever feel that you are unworthy to tell the good news of Jesus, be reminded that you are, and yet, through His suffering, death, and resurrection, we are not seen as unworthy. In fact, He calls us to join Him to spread the gospel message to the world. What an honor and privilege it is to have such a responsibility.

Our cross, alone, is too heavy to bear, but we are not alone. We have Jesus by our side every step of the way. Close your eyes and imagine him lifting that cross for us.

So go! Go spread the Word with confidence. He wants you to be his disciple! He wants you to joyfully spread his name. Don’t feel defeated. While you can’t lift your cross, He can. He did! Praise Jesus!

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you. With all of our might, we could never lift our cross to be your disciple and yet, you’ve made a way for us. Help us when we are tempted to think your way is too hard. Strengthen us in our longing to serve you and spread your truth. Thank for your Word. Helps us love it and read it daily. Amen.

A Question to Consider:

Is there anyone on your staff today that you could encourage in their journey as a disciple? Pray about it and think of a way to make their cross a little lighter today.

Listen to Devotion

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.
Psalm 103:8-13

Wounds that Heal: The Door is Very Narrow

Imagine standing at a door so narrow that you can’t carry anything with you through it. No bags, no boxes, not even your own accomplishments. In order to walk through, you must come completely empty-handed.

That’s what Jesus meant when He said the way to life is narrow. Not everyone enters, and not because God isn’t loving. It’s because our sinful hearts want to bring baggage. That sinful nature inside all of us yearns to carry our excuses for why we just couldn’t measure up, to bring with us our pride for our own good works that must have been good enough. But those won’t fit through the narrow door.

God’s Word wounds us when it reveals this. We want to believe we’re “good enough.” We want our service in ministry, our kindness and generosity, or our patience with little ones to earn us a place in God’s kingdom. But Psalm 103 gently corrects that thinking. “He does not treat us as our sins deserve.” That’s the wound: we are sinners who deserve judgment.

But here comes the healing: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

That is good news! God doesn’t hold your sins against you. He doesn’t demand payment from you. He has already shown you compassion in sending his Son, Jesus, to do it all for us – not to just fill in where we didn’t quite measure up, not to complete the good works we couldn’t quite get to. No, he did it all, and he did it perfectly for you – not because you earned it, but because he is gracious. The door may be narrow, but it is open wide through Jesus.

It’s easy to measure your value by what you do. But God measures you solely by what Christ has done in your place. And in him you are anything but empty handed. You are forgiven, loved, and welcomed through the door that leads to life eternal.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy and compassion. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to earn your love or carry my own pride through the narrow door. Help me to trust in Christ alone, knowing that his love removes all my sin. Amen.

A Question to Consider:

What “baggage” am I trying to carry that keeps me from fully trusting God’s grace today?

Listen to Devotion

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Luke 12:29-31

Undivided Attention: On Heavenly Treasures

Raise your hand if you’ve felt overwhelmed with the lesson plans, or the cleaning, the emails, or the amount of supplies. It’s easy to feel stretched thin and pulled in a thousand different directions. And beneath all the hubbub, worries can creep in. Am I doing enough? Do I have enough? Will it all work out?

Jesus knows. That’s why he speaks these gentle but powerful words: “Do not worry.” Hear that and know that it is not just a suggestion; it’s a loving command from your Heavenly Father who knows your heart and your needs.

The truth is, our sinful hearts often chase after earthly things: comfort, control, security, recognition. We think, If I just had this or fixed that, I’d be at peace. But those treasures don’t last. And when we run after them, we find ourselves anxious, exhausted, and distracted. That’s the law: we often set our hearts on the wrong treasures.

But here’s the truth of the gospel: “Your Father knows that you need them.” God isn’t distant or disinterested. He’s your loving Father. He provides. He protects. And most importantly, He has given you a greater treasure than anything this world could offer – His Son, Jesus.

Because of Jesus’ perfect life, death, and resurrection, your greatest need has already been met. Heaven is yours. Your place in God’s family is secure. He has freed your heart to stop worrying and start focusing – undividedly – on what matters most: “Seek his kingdom.”

Seeking his kingdom is not just about going to church or teaching Bible stories. It means setting your heart on God’s promises. It means remembering every act of service, every hug, every prayer, every moment spent with a child is part of something eternal. You already have the greatest treasure in Christ. Let that truth shape your priorities, calm your heart, and fill your ministry with joy.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for knowing all my needs and caring for me. Forgive me when I chase after earthly things and let worry take over. Help me to trust in your promises and keep my heart focused on your kingdom. Let the treasures of heaven guide everything I do today. Amen.

A Question to Consider:

What earthly worry do you need to hand over to your Heavenly Father today so you can focus more fully on his kingdom?

Listen to Devotion

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
Luke 11:1-4

Lord, Teach Us to Pray

Sometimes when I pray with young children, I’m humbly reminded of the wonderful faith God is working in them. I listen to their heartfelt and honest prayers thanking God for their school or for sending Jesus to die on the cross, telling God they love him, asking God to care for a parent or help a classmate, and I learn something from them – to approach God with joy and thanksgiving and to pray for other people and their needs, not just my own.

One day, after seeing Jesus pray, his disciples asked him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Like his disciples, we can learn some things for our own prayer life from Jesus’ response. First, we want to recognize what a privilege and blessing prayer is – an opportunity to have a conversation with God our Father, our Creator. This is only possible because of Jesus our Savior; we were dead in our sins and separated from God, but Jesus paid for our sins in full with his death and resurrection. Now, as God’s children, we have access and a relationship with God; we can pray to him at anytime and anywhere and trust that he hears us and acts for our eternal good.

When we pray, we acknowledge who God is – all-powerful, all-knowing, holy, and yet, our gentle, loving Father. In prayer, we have the opportunity to praise him for his goodness, marvel at his greatness, and talk with him just like young children share their questions, stories, and concerns with their daddy.

In Jesus’ response, we also hear his encouragement to pray “your kingdom come.” Prayer is about bringing our will in alignment with what God wants and so we ask that God’s will would be done on earth as we wait for the day when we will join him in heaven. We ask God to rule in the world, to establish his Church, and to work saving faith in people’s hearts.

In prayer, we can also thank God for the many blessings he gives us – family, friends, good health, medical care when needed – and bring our requests to him. Jesus’ prayer from our text (the Lord’s prayer) provides a model to pray for daily bread, forgiveness, and deliverance from temptation. We also have the amazing privilege to pray on behalf of others, to ask God to protect, heal, strengthen, or equip those in need.

In this section of scripture, Jesus gives us a pattern and language for our own prayer lives, and later in this chapter of Luke, Jesus teaches us to be persistent in prayer. God wants to hear from you, no matter the time of day, no matter the need. And like the disciples, we can ask, “Lord, teach us to pray.” He’ll do that as we spend time in his Word and spend time talking to him in prayer – and sometimes, he might do that as we witness the earnest and loving prayers of the young children we serve.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the amazing privilege to approach you in prayer. As we study your Word, increase our trust in you and our understanding of your good and perfect will. Teach us to pray boldly for one another and continue to provide for both our physical and spiritual needs. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

A Question to Consider:

In the Bible, despite the demanding schedule of his ministry on earth, Jesus gives us a great example of taking time to pray, to talk to God one-on-one away from distraction. What would help you strengthen your prayer life this week?
 

Listen to Devotion

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-25

Loved By God, Go Out and Bear Fruit

Do you talk about plant life cycles with your students? The bean seed becomes a sprout and over time, eventually produces green beans, or with the right amounts of water, nutrients, and sunlight, an apple tree grows blossoms and eventually produces fruit. Today, we hear about not fruit

we can eat, but the fruit of the Spirit – characteristics that are produced in and mark the life of God’s people.

The book of Galatians lists the fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Such attitudes and actions often stand in contrast to the way the world operates – the “me first,” or “what’s in it for me,” or “look out for yourself” mentality the culture around us encourages. And, on our own, we, too, think like that. Our sinful nature leads us to live in jealousy, selfish ambition, envy, and discord (see earlier verses in Galatians 5). We need no help thinking of ourselves first or failing to love those around us as God intends.

But we haven’t been left on our own! We have a Savior-God who has lived a perfect life in our place, who has died to pay for our sinfulness, who has risen again to ensure we have full and free forgiveness and eternal life with God our Father. So now, as God’s children, brought to faith by the Holy Spirit, we are changed by God’s love to live a new and different way – a way that recognizes and puts the needs of others first (just like God did for us). As our text says, those in Christ have “crucified” or rejected their sinful flesh and now “live by the Spirit.”

What does this look like in your life? Working in educational settings and with young children, we are given many opportunities to demonstrate love, to show patience, to model kindness, to teach forgiveness, to be faithful in our planning and ministry, to practice self-control, and to praise God in joy. Ask for God’s help in recognizing these opportunities and living in a way that helps your students, families, and coworkers better understand God’s character through the way you love and treat them.

The last part of our Bible verse encourages us to “keep in step with the Spirit.” In order to serve others in love, we need to be continually filled up with God’s love for us. Read his Word, spend time in prayer, sing a song of praise to him in the car on the way to work; let him fill you up with strength and give you peace as you go out and bear fruit (by God’s power) in the world around you.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for setting us free from sin to live for you. Continue to work in our hearts and lives that we become more like you – full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – in our interactions with others. Produce these same characteristics in our students and use them also to bring your love out into the world. Amen.

Listen to Devotion

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62:5–8

Undivided Attention: On Christ’s Call for Commitment

One day, during a fire drill, a little girl burst into tears. She wrapped her arms around me and sobbed into my shoulder. “That was scary,” she whispered, “but I feel safe now.” That little girl’s fear didn’t disappear because the noise stopped. It disappeared because she found me – a person she trusted. She found a refuge.

We all need refuge. But as adults, we tend to carry our burdens instead of setting them down. We keep going, keep serving, keep smiling… even when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or spiritually dry. Deep down, we long for peace.

Too often, we search for peace in all the wrong places. We put our hope in routines, reputation, or our ability to manage everything on our own. We say, “I trust God” but still try to handle it all ourselves. We even neglect to pour out our hearts to him or run to his Word. We tell ourselves that we’ll get to it later, when the room is quiet, or when life feels more manageable.

Our trust is incomplete. Our commitment is flawed. Our hearts don’t always seek refuge in God.

But thank the Lord for Psalm 62:
“Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”

God doesn’t wait for you to prove your loyalty before he offers his peace. He gives it freely because Jesus stood in your place with perfect faithfulness. Jesus trusted his Father even to the cross, so that your salvation would never rest on your strength, but on his! Because of Jesus’ faithfulness, we are forgiven, redeemed, and anchored in grace.

Now, Christ invites you to rest. To trust. To pour out your heart to him – without fear, guilt, or delay. His Word is your mighty rock. He is your safe place. He is your refuge.
So, when the noise of the day rises or your own worries feel overwhelming, remember: you don’t run the show. Run to your refuge. Run to your strength. He will never be shaken. And in HIM, neither will you.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, my refuge and my rock. Forgive me for the times I trust in myself more than I trust in you. Thank you for providing me with true rest in Jesus. Help me pour out my heart to you and serve others with peace and purpose. Amen

Listen to Devotion

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5:1–5

Undivided Attention: On the Mystery and Majesty of Our God

“Watch me!” my daughter yelled from the hill at the park. Not tearing my eyes away from the conversation I was having with another parent, I replied, “I’m watching, honey!” And smart little girl that she is, my daughter returned, “No, Mom – look at me!”

I often try to give my children my focus, eye contact, my warmth. I should, I’m their mom! But it’s hard. I get distracted, overwhelmed, and I’m often running on empty.

The same thing happens with my relationship with God. I say I’m listening, that I’m paying attention, that I really focused on my morning devotion. But how often am I just giving him half of me, or less – distracted, divided, multitasking? My sinful heart is prone to wander. I elevate other voices, other tasks, other priorities. And in doing so, I sin against the One who gave me everything.

God should turn away. But instead, he turned toward me in mercy.

Because of Jesus, we stand in grace. Justified. Forgiven. Loved. Not because we earned his attention, but because he gave it freely on the cross. And through the empty tomb now we have peace with God. Even in our suffering, amidst the chaos, and in our distraction, God’s Spirit pours hope into our hearts like a steady stream.

That’s the mystery and majesty of our God: He gives us his full, undivided attention. In the classroom. At home. In our mess. And when we stop, even briefly, to give him our hearts in return, he fills us with peace that no noise can interrupt.

So, pause. Breathe. Stand in his grace. And when a little one tugs on your sleeve for attention, remember: you’re reflecting the same love your Father has shown you – patient, present, and full of peace.

Prayer:

Dear Father, I get distracted and my attention is divided so easily. Forgive me for the ways I push you aside. Thank you for never turning away from me. Help me stand in your grace and reflect your steady love and peace to all those around me today. Amen.

Christian Worship 21 586: 1-3

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest, and make our hearts your place of rest:
come with your grace and heavenly aid, and fill the hearts which you have made.

To you, the Counselor, we cry, to you, the gift of God most high,
the fount of life, the fire of love, the soul’s anointing from above.

In you, with graces sevenfold, we God’s almighty hand behold
while you with tongues of fire proclaim to all the world his holy name.

Listen to Devotion

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.”
John 17:20–23

Because He Lives—Christ Creates Unity Within Diversity

You walk into your classroom. It is filled with differences: different personalities, learning needs, home situations, and emotional levels. You do your best to meet each child where they are, but there are days when it just seems overwhelming.

You’ve found yourself running on empty, wondering if you’re doing enough. You’ve felt frustrated when students don’t respond the way you hoped, or when fellow teachers see things differently than you do. Sometimes, instead of unity, all you feel is tension or disconnection.

And then there’s your own heart… it’s quick to compare, quick to judge, quick to grow impatient. You know the importance of showing Christ-like love, but it doesn’t always come easily.

The law is honest: we fall short. As much as we strive for harmony and teamwork, we often slip into selfishness. We fail to love others as Christ has loved us. We try to create unity on our own terms and forget that it’s not ours to build. We’re reminded again and again – we need a Savior.
And we have One.

On the night before His death, Jesus looked ahead in love – not just to the cross, but to you. He prayed for you: “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” (v. 20). How beautiful to think about your very Savior, praying for you! He saw your classroom, your heart, your efforts, and your failures…and he loved you. He bore your pain so that you wouldn’t have to.

He prayed for unity – a unity that he would accomplish. Through his death, Jesus broke down every barrier between us and God. Through his resurrection, he gave us life, purpose, and peace. Because he lives, we are united to him and to each other.

This unity isn’t about agreeing on everything or having the perfect classroom. It’s about being one in Christ – washed in his blood, filled with his Spirit, and called by his grace.

So, as you walk into your classroom today, or take on whatever task set before you – take heart! Your ministry matters, not because of what you do, but because of what Christ has already done. He lives. And because he lives, you are not alone. You are part of his body, a diverse and beautiful family, made one in his name.

Prayer:

Risen Savior, thank you for loving me in spite of my failures. Forgive my impatience, my pride, and my self-reliance. Help me rest in the unity you have already won. Let your grace fill my heart, and shine through all I do with the children and coworkers you’ve placed in my life. In your name I pray, Amen.