Tag Archive for: ecme devotions

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen.’ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’

There was written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. One of criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us.’

But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God’, he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’

Then he said, ‘Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom.’

Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’

Luke 23:35-43

Welcome home. What do these words mean to you when you hear the words? Are you thinking of coming home after a vacation to the comfort of your home? Perhaps these words are said to you when you visit your parents after you have moved out of their home? Maybe it is as simple as after a long day when you pull in the garage, you mutter these words to yourself. There is a sense of comfort in these words. Home! A special place of belonging and with comfort and peace.

As Jesus was hanging on the cross on Good Friday, many things were happening around him. Some were mourning his pain and imminent death. Others were laughing and hurling insults at Jesus as he was suffering.

Jesus hung on the middle cross. The Bible says one criminal hung to his right and one to his left. One of the criminals mocked Jesus and asked for a miracle. The criminal wondered if Jesus is truly the Savior why he didn’t save himself and them as well.

The other criminal had more of a humble approach on the cross. He even realized that they were being punished fairly, but Jesus had done nothing to deserve the punishment of dying on the cross. He even asked Jesus to have pity on him and remember him when Jesus enters his kingdom.

Jesus turned to the criminal and said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” What amazing words! Can you imagine the shock of the criminal as Jesus gave him this comfort? Jesus is welcoming him into paradise, his eternal home!

One day Jesus will say to us too, welcome home!

Thought to Ponder: Take time to pause today and marvel at the promise Jesus gives to us, just like the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise”

Prayer:
Jesus sinners does receive. Even I have been forgiven.
And when I this earth must leave, I shall find an open heaven.
Dying, still to him I cleave—Jesus sinners does receive. Amen
Christian Worship 304:7

All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.

2 Thessalonians 1:5-7

Have you ever just had one of “those” days, a day when nothing seemed to go right? Maybe it was day filled with trials. Maybe it was a day when you received bad news from a loved one. Maybe it was a day where you felt persecuted for proudly talking about your faith and the Good News of Gospel. It is safe to assume that the answer to this question is a yes from all people. There are days when things do not go as planned, days when chaos overtakes the day, and days when there are trials.

When trials and persecutions come, it is easy to search for answers as to why there is suffering. Where is God? Why is God letting suffering happen? Did we do something to deserve the suffering? Christians can easily begin to think that suffering is a judgement of sinning. However, 2 Thessalonians 1:5 states, “All this is evidence that God’s judgement is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering”. The comfort is that suffering happens because we are counted worthy of the kingdom of God. Suffering and trials are evidence that we are children of God.

The remainder of the passage is describing God’s judgement on the Last Day, Judgement Day. This will be a day when Jesus comes in full glory and the final judgement will take place. The promise is that everyone who suffered, especially for being a Christian, will receive the comfort of eternal life in heaven where there is no more suffering. Christians will receive “relief” from earthly sufferings.

Sufferings and trials can be difficult in the moment. It may seem like the sufferings will not end. Throughout the suffering and trials, cling to the promise of the Savior-salvation and eternal life! Any earthly suffering is temporary, but the peace of heaven will last for an eternity.

Thought to Ponder: God is just. God is judge. We have peace knowing what Jesus has done for us. There is an urgency to share God’s message of grace with those who do not have faith. Since there is a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel, what can you intentionally do this week to share the Word with someone?

Prayer: To me he spoke, “Hold fast to me- I am your rock and castle.
Your ransom I myself will be; For you I strive and wrestle.
For I am yours, your friend divine, and evermore you shall be mine;
The foe shall not divide us.” Amen
Christian Worship 377:7

Your will be done.

Matthew 6:10

If only. Do you ever find yourself pondering these two little words? “If only I could get a bit more sleep.” “If only I was able to pay off the bills just once.” “If only we had a few more students or another staff member.” “If only I had a new vehicle so I wouldn’t have to worry about the next inevitable repair bill.” “If only God would take away my headaches or cancer or fatigue.” “If only we knew what day the licensing rep would be dropping in for an inspection.” “If only God would answer my prayer the way I’ve asked.” If only.

There are a couple of places that the words, “Your will be done” are spoken in the Bible. Two that come to mind are when Jesus teaches his disciples and us, the Lord’s prayer. Another time is when Jesus is praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, shortly before his arrest and crucifixion. Wouldn’t we expect that Jesus wouldn’t even need to say those words? Wouldn’t God automatically respond to his own Son’s prayer with a “yes?” No. God didn’t for Jesus, and he doesn’t always for us. And we are left to ask why.

Each time we pray, our words are eagerly heard by the God who made the universe, who made each of us. His love and care for us extends beyond seeing us as a mere creation. He loves us deeply, deeper than any love than any parent for their child. More than the parent anticipating their child coming home, God wants each one of his creations to spend every day of eternity in his home, in heaven. That love sent God’s only Son, Jesus, to the cross, the grave, and then to rise on Easter morning. A God who loves us that much, truly wants only what is best for us. When we pray, “Your will be done,” we are making a statement of faith that recognizes that we may not see the big picture for our lives, but our God does. We know what we want, but God knows what is best for us.

Sometimes our prayers are hard. We feel the weight of our burdens and can be thinking, if only God will answer this prayer the way that I hope, all will be fine. “Your will be done.” What is God’s will? What are we saying when we pray these words? God’s will is that his name is made holy and that all would know and believe in him. His will is grounded in a deep love for us. More than just asking God’s will to be done, we are also asking that the Lord bring our will into harmony with his good and gracious will. We can trust his will for us and boldly pray that he would bless and encourage us as we face the challenges of life. We can pray that he will help us to use each of our blessings and challenges as a way to give glory to him for all he has done for us.

The most important “if only” in our lives has already been done. We have forgiveness and peace with God because of Jesus. The heartaches and stresses of life continue but we can face them with courage and with confidence knowing that God’s will is for our good and that whether the answer to our prayer is a yes or a no, he is with us. “Your will be done, indeed!” We wouldn’t want it any other way! To Him be the Glory!

Prayer: Dear Lord, give me confidence and comfort in prayer trusting that your will for me and those I love is good and gracious and founded in your love. In your name I pray. Amen

Then Philip ran up the to chariot and heard the [Ethiopian] reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?”

Acts 8: 30-31 (For the complete account of Philip and the Ethiopian, read Acts 8:26-39)

You saw someone you were pretty sure you knew. But you saw them out of context. Too many years, too many faces. A former student? Someone from the old neighborhood? Everyone has found themselves at the awkward moment of recognition but not quite recollection. “You are . . . someone?” Ever get it wrong? At worst, we are embarrassed, and we likely embarrassed someone else.

In our account from Acts, far more is at stake than embarrassment. Our Ethiopian friend is struggling with the second scroll of Isaiah. He is reading from what we now know as Isaiah 53. He has come across one of the clearest prophecies as Christ’s substitutionary suffering and death for the sins of the world. Christians have used this very section of Scripture in worship on Good Friday for centuries because it is directly talking about Christ. But our Ethiopian friend is at his own awkward moment of some recognition but not proper recollection – “Is it Isaiah or someone else?”

At just the right time in just the right place, God picked up and placed someone there for the Ethiopian man. God brought Philip alongside the man’s chariot so he could explain who someone else is. The someone else is Jesus. The One who is, who was, and is to come to bring good news. Jesus is the One who gave his life as the ransom for the many. He is the innocent, blameless One who bears the innumerable sins of the whole world. Jesus silently was slaughtered to pay the price for sin – once and for all. This someone, this One is the Savior.

What a beautiful account! It is easy to see the miracle of how God used Philip as a very important someone in the Ethiopian’s life.

Do we realize and appreciate the incredible miracle of our own faith. We all are born into this sinful world with a sinful heart so darkened we couldn’t possibly comprehend the truth. We live in a sinful world so out of context of understanding who God is and what he is like. So in miracles of wonder and grace, God sent into our lives at just the right time and place, someone. A parent, a spouse, a friend, a pastor, a teacher, who brought us to the font and taught us the word of God. The Holy Spirit worked through the Word shared by someone. Now we truly are someone – a child of God, forgiven and loved by the One.

God now uses us as someone in the lives of others. Sometimes this is easy and joyful. We pass on precious truths to the next generation telling them the good news. Sometimes it can be far more awkward or uncomfortable. The next generation gets older and more defiant. Dearly loved friends and family members drift away from church. How will they know unless someone invites, encourages, explains? May God continue to encourage us and use us as someone in their lives.

Prayer Reflection: Give thanks to God for the many “someones” he has placed in our lives to bring us and keep us in the faith. Consider someone we know who needs to hear again of the only One who saves. Pray for love and humility to welcome them home to hear the good news.

Our devotion today continues to focus on the Welcome Home initiative. We consider how the unique relationship that teachers have with students and families, can provide an opportunity to encourage them spiritually, especially if they have drifted away from their church, their faith. For more information and resources for the Welcome Home initiative, go to: welscongregationalservices.net/welcome-home

Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

My mother always called herself the “mean lady” in the neighborhood. We never seemed to get away with much as she was always watching us from a distance to make sure my brothers and I behaved as we were supposed to. I remember specifically one time we were up to no good, and when I looked up … there was mom, both hands on her hips, and we knew we were going to spend some time paying our disciplinary dues.

At the time, it wasn’t a pleasant experience. But now I can laugh and recognize that my mom was loving us through discipline. In a family, love can take on so many different forms. It’s serving one another by cleaning up or cooking meals. It’s a kind word of encouragement when we are feeling down. It’s enjoying one another’s company by snuggling on the couch and falling asleep on a movie night. Love in a family is powerful.

In a Christ-centered family, that love is built on the truths of Scripture – a reflection of the love with no conditions that God offers us freely through Jesus. In a school or classroom, it is no different. You might be referred to as the mean teacher, and the kids might straighten up when they see you walk into the room, but they do that because of the love you show to them, not fear. Whether consciously or subconsciously, they know that God’s love guides you. How? Because you model it and talk about it.

Today’s verses give us some encouragement. “Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” Notice the connection to relationships. They shared spiritual love, but they also shared their lives. They had genuine and meaningful relationships with one another.

That is the type of connection that teachers get to have with students. They build trusting relationships on the foundation of Christ’s work. They open their lives to their students and share the gospel at every turn. Those relationships build a high level of trust.

And here’s the kicker. Trust provides opportunity. There may be students in your classrooms today or your classrooms of old who are not continuing to stay connected to God’s Word. Their connection to the lifeline of Scripture may slowly be getting choked off. And that has eternal consequences.

As you walk into your classroom or school today to faces of God’s children that may be sleepy, angry, overflowing with energy, or just there, may God strengthen your ability to build relationships. May God help you to use those relationships to encourage connection to the beautiful Gospel message, because that message motivates us for today and secures our future in heaven.

Prayer Reflection: Look around your school or classroom today. Identify students and families that may be disconnected from the Word. Take a moment to write them a note or text them right now to encourage and invite them to connect to the Word with you – at church, over a devotion, or over coffee. Pray that God would work through you to connect with someone who may be straying from the life-giving Word.

Our devotion today continues to focus on the Welcome Home initiative. We consider how the unique relationship that teachers have with students and families, can provide an opportunity to encourage them spiritually, especially if they have drifted away from their church, their faith. For more information and resources for the Welcome Home initiative, go to: welscongregationalservices.net/welcome-home

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

I Timothy 1:15

“Why?” “Why is a caterpillar fuzzy?” “Why do the leaves change colors?” “Why do we have to clean up?” “Why can’t I eat my cookie instead of my sandwich?” When we’re in the thick of things in the classroom, the “why” questions can be overwhelming. Even if we recognize the wonderful inquisitiveness behind them, it’s hard to find the time to answer them well. It’s also hard to answer in an age-appropriate way that a young child will understand. And quite frankly—we just plain don’t always know why!

You and I might find ourselves wondering why from time to time. Why does illness strike such a young child? Why can’t our staff get along better? Why is the world so full of chaos and heartache? Why, in spite of my best efforts, do I continue to make the same mistakes over and over? Some days teaching is hard. Why do I continue teaching?

Let’s reread today’s verse: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” We tell the children every day, all day, how much Jesus loves them. We tell them that Jesus forgives all their sins, the naughty things that they do. We tell them about the cross, the empty tomb, and heaven. But sometimes, in the busyness of all we do, we can lose sight of this for ourselves. He came to save sinners. That’s definitely me. On my own, I have nothing to bring to Jesus but my crushed, weary, sin-filled self. “Christ Jesus came… to save sinners”. Stop for a minute and just take that in. Are you a sinner? Then you are one he came to save. When he looks at you, he only sees the perfection you have because of what he did. That makes no sense in our earthly thinking but makes amazing sense when we consider his love for all sinners! It’s overwhelming and it’s our “why.” It’s why, through faith, we have peace in him and why we can share that peace with others. It’s why we have such a sense of urgency to share Jesus with all those around us. Because of what he did, we have an amazing “why” for all we do.

Why are there so many heartaches? Sin and its effect are all around us. Why, in the midst of all this worldly chaos, can we live and serve in joy and contentment? Because of Jesus. Why are caterpillars fuzzy? That’s a question for someone smarter at science than me. But you and I can live each day knowing that because of his love, his forgiveness, his grace, we have peace in Jesus. He is our “why.”

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are my “why.” Your grace is my motivation. Thank you for coming to save sinners, including me. In your name I pray. Amen

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.

1 Timothy 1:12

One of my favorite children’s books for the beginning of the year shares the story of a little girl on her first day of kindergarten. Annabelle is excited but also a bit apprehensive. Her older sister attempts to build her confidence by reminding her who she is—Annabelle Swift, kindergartner! After a couple of small setbacks that first day, Annabelle shines in her ability to count change and her teacher appoints her as the first milk monitor of the year. She carries out her role with a sense of pride and confidence. She can do this thing called kindergarten!

In our verse for today, Paul, the author of Timothy, starts by thanking Jesus for the strength he has given him. Paul was one of the vilest persecutors of Christians before the Lord came to him and converted him. And yet, this is exactly who the Lord chose for his ministry! The Lord considered him trustworthy and appointed him to his role as missionary. Note where Paul places the credit: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has given me strength.” As gifted as he was, Paul acknowledges that all he does, all he can do, any blessings that come from his work are the direct result of what Christ has done to and through him. In these words, we hear a sense of gratitude and humility that also lead to confidence. “He [Christ] considered me worthy, appointing me to his service.” Christ also considers you worthy because of what he has done for you. He has redeemed you and appointed you to serve him in all you do whether in a classroom of little ones or in your daily life outside of school.

We have a tremendous responsibility—helping children to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We know ourselves and, if honest, we know our shortcomings all too well. On the outside we may give the impression that “we’ve got this!” while internally we may lack confidence. In humility we recognize our gifts, our areas of weakness, and our sinful nature. We can thank God for our gifts. We can look for forgiveness when we fail. We can ask the Lord to bless our efforts. And with each blessing that we see, we can confidently say, “It is the Lord!”

Annabelle’s confidence was boosted when her teacher noted her ability, giving her a responsibility. Our confidence comes from the Master Teacher, our Savior Jesus. Our confidence lies in the one who sends us, Jesus. He chose us and gave us gifts to serve him. He’s promised to be with us and bless our efforts in spite of our weaknesses. Like Paul, we can look to him for strength and give glory to the One who has chosen us.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, it is so easy to become discouraged in our work. Help us to remember that you are our strength. Bless all that we do, giving glory to you. In your name. Amen

A Question to Consider: No one can do everything, but we all have gifts. What are some things that you feel confident in doing? What are some things that you might say, “That’s not my gift”? Some of the latter are still things that need to be done, aren’t they? What can you do when asked or expected to do something that you don’t feel you have the gifts for? Can you find ways to grow in that area? Can you find someone to partner with who might have those gifts?

You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

2 Corinthians 3:3

In the past couple of weeks, we’ve considered who we are in Christ— redeemed children and heirs. This is our motivation. Because of what God has done for us, we want to serve and to share Jesus with others. Last week we looked at setting our goals, prioritizing our time in the Word. This doesn’t diminish our time for the multitude of tasks but brings purpose and joy to all we do in Christ. This week let’s think about those we serve, the young children and their families, and the potential impact we can have in our time with them.

A letter of recommendation is often requested when you apply for a job or apply to school. Such a letter provides another piece of information for those considering the application. It is meant to reflect the person about whom the letter is written. In our reading today, Paul is writing to the Corinthians. It was a common practice in that time to carry a letter of recommendation. The letter could provide those receiving it, a connection to someone who they knew and could speak on their behalf.

“You are a letter from Christ.” I don’t know about you, but that stirs up mixed emotions. What an honor to think that I can reflect his love to others. What a privilege to be considered one of his representatives. But it’s also sobering. I know myself and my long list of shortcomings. I shudder to think that some of my actions might be the one thing that someone sees, knowing I’m a Christian. How often do I misrepresent his love and forgiveness for me in how I treat others? Each day, we can go to God in prayer asking for forgiveness for our shortcomings. We can pray for his blessings on all that we do and our efforts to share and reflect his love. We are able to begin each day with confidence, knowing that it is only the Spirit of the living God who brings those blessings to and through us.

A new school year is beginning. With it comes new students. Some have heard about their Savior Jesus since they were born. For some, they hear about Jesus occasionally. There may be some who have no knowledge of Jesus’ love and gift of salvation for them. What an amazing privilege you have! You are a walking letter, sharing God’s message of grace in a sin burdened world in your words, and often in ways unspoken. May the Holy Spirit bless and guide you. May the Lord strengthen you and those you serve as you continue to grow closer to him in faith each day.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I come to you today asking you to bless, guide, and guard my words each day. Through the Holy Spirit’s work, may I be a letter reflecting you to my students and their families. In your name I pray. Amen

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Galatians 4:4-7

Did you see the pictures last month of Prince George for his sixth birthday? In his latest birthday pictures, he looks like an adorable, normal little boy full of giggles and missing a couple of his baby teeth. As the son of Prince William, he is third in line to be king of England. What qualifications does he have to be on the short list of successors to Queen Elizabeth? He was born. It’s that simple. He did nothing on his own. He was simply the child of an heir to the throne.

Did you know that you are also an heir? Sorry—no castle in the countryside is waiting for you. You will not find significant wealth or people who serve your every need. However, you are an heir, a child of God. What qualifications do you have? You have even less than Prince George. You are not an heir because of you were born to your mom and dad. In fact, the Bible says that you and I were born in sin. You are not an heir because of any qualifications or training you have. You’d need to be perfect to meet those qualifications. So, if it’s not from our parents, not our flawless character, and not because we have amazing skills and training, what is it?

It’s Jesus, simply Jesus. Does being the Son of God qualify him? It certainly does. Does leading a perfect life while here on earth qualify him? Yes, indeed. But, how does that get passed on to us? How do we become heirs? Jesus led a perfect life for us. He experienced excruciating humiliation on the cross, taking our punishment, our consequences for us. He defeated Satan for us. He rose and then ascended back to heaven for us. To receive that inheritance, we need to have faith in Jesus, but we didn’t even do that on our own. The Holy Spirit gifted us with faith to believe. And because of that, we can call God our Father. We can go to him, lean on him, depend on him, trust in him because we are called his child through Jesus.

It might be interesting for some to watch and see if little Prince George becomes King George someday. But you and I don’t need to wait and wonder about our future. We know what we have inherited as heirs of God, as his children. We have peace in his forgiveness and his promise of a heavenly home with him. We can call him, Abba Father.

Prayer: Dear Father, it’s hard to comprehend that we can call you that. Thank you for the indescribable gift of being able to be called your child. In your name we pray. Amen.

Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

Jonah 3:1-2

“Not it!” We were riding with a friend in a cab in Chicago when he shouted out, “Not it! You pay the fare.” When we arrived at our destination, I watched in stunned silence as he jumped out and waited while I covered the cost of the trip.

Do you ever have tasks for which you wish you could say, “Not it!”? Jonah sure did, and he made it clear the first time the Lord asked him. Jonah set out in a different direction with results that you likely know well. But the Lord didn’t give up on Jonah. He had a purpose and a message for Jonah to deliver to the Ninevites. He came to Jonah a second time.

The Lord has a similar request for you and me. He’s not asking you to go to a city like Nineveh that had a less than stellar reputation. He doesn’t even ask you to go anywhere. But he has a message that he wants you and me to share. And the message is not our message, but his. This summer you may have a program where you see little ones every day. Or you may be in the thick of prepping for this fall. Either way, the Lord’s message is at the heart of all we do.

According to dictionary.com, the word “proclaim” means to announce or declare. The announcement has been given to you already in the Word—the message of Jesus’ love and the gift of salvation. You only need to announce it, declare it. How will you do that? You declare it in the Bible stories you carefully prepare and share, in the devotions you lead, in the conversations you have with the children, their families, your colleagues.

Jonah may have hesitated that first time for a number of reasons. Our sinful weakness can easily talk us out of opportunities to speak up and speak out about the gospel. Don’t ever lose sight of who has sent you. Jesus has sent you and sends along both a message and a promise. The promise is to be with you and as he said in Isaiah 55:11: “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” The Holy Spirit will bring about the blessings. That’s not up to you. So, relax (The results are not up to you), get excited (What a privilege to be able to share the gospel!), and go and proclaim the Lord’s message of salvation! You’re it!

Prayer: Dear Father, fill me with excitement to “be it!”, to be one of those who gets to share your message. Give me confidence in you, your message, and your promises. Forgive me when I’m timid and build me up so that I am prepared to proclaim. Bless all of this to your glory. In your name I pray. Amen.

O Lord of nations, hear our prayer.
We thank you for this land most fair,
Created by your might.
For mountain sunset, lake at dawn,
For woodland bloom and robin song,
For stars that lace the night,

Most grateful, gracious God, are we
That in this country we are free
To worship you above.
We gather here to speak your name,
Then leave this place to spread your fame
That all may know your love.

Christian Worship Supplement 785:1,3

It has been said that the Grand Canyon is one of the few places where reality surpasses the hype. A child on family vacation may yawn at some scenes – “I have seen this on TV” – but no picture of the Grand Canyon can do it justice. The gaping chasm echoes the glory of our creator God as does the smallest insect. But neither can tell of the love of God. In fact, nature is as much about wickedness as it is about beauty. The Rocky Mountains are magnificent, but its winter storms kill without mercy. The oceans are wondrous unless you are caught in an undertow. If we only have nature to tell us about God, then we must be honest, nature kills indiscriminately. Nature is a beautiful siren that lures us in but can turn on us in a moment.

So, God gives us more. He gives us his Son. He gives us his Word. And in his Son and in his Word, he is hidden. Like mere ink and paper, the gentle voice of a preschool teacher or the stumbling voice of a preacher cannot compare to the Sequoia trees of California. And the bloody scene of the cross is the opposite of the beauty of a field of wild flowers on the American Plains that seems to go on for miles. Yet this is how he comes to us. He hides. He hides to be close to you. He hides to be revealed. There beneath the blood and the dirt, beside the insults and the injustice, there on the cross is the glory of God. That he would love you and I that much. And that forgiving love gives us the peace and freedom to live a life of love and to enjoy his beautiful creation without fear.

Prayer: Dear Creator God, move us to see your glory in this beautiful creation of yours. Help us protect it, preserve it, and enjoy it. Yet push us to the cross where we see your true glory on display, the mercy of Christ. Amen.

Reprinted

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Reflecting on our year is not always easy. It can make us anxious as we remember interactions with parents or children that were difficult. It can make us sad as we think of the students who are moving on to a different classroom or school. It can make us joyful as we remember all the silly things that only young children will say. Reflecting can be hard because it is looking backwards. Whatever emotions it brings to the surface, they can be hard to manage because those things are in the past. They cannot be changed.

In our passage from Hebrews today, we are asked not to look back but to look forward. That word “hope” is a word used in anticipation. We are eagerly awaiting something that will happen in the future. And we are not hoping in the sense that we really want something to happen but are not sure that it will. We are hoping in the sense that we have complete trust in God that it will happen.

The hope we profess is that Jesus will come again and take us to our true home someday. Through Jesus’ blood on the cross he has won us a place in heaven, where we will spend eternity with him. Every promise that God made about heaven will come true, for he is faithful to his promises. There will be no more pain, crying, or death (Revelation 21:4); no hunger or thirst (Revelation 7:16-17); there will be nothing impure (Revelation 21:27); we will have our very own house built by God (John 14:2, 2 Corinthians 5:1); and best of all, we belong there with Jesus (Philippians 3:20.)

As we reflect on the past year and even look ahead to the next year, let’s not lose sight of what is still to come for us, an eternal home in heaven.

Prayer: Dear Father, you are faithful. Your promises are sure. Sometimes I only see myself and my pride or despair or both and they can overwhelm me. Please forgive me and help me to keep my focus on you and your love for me and all those around me. In your name I pray. Amen

Reprinted from June 27, 2016