Tag Archive for: ecme devotions

[Jesus said], “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me. Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
John 16:16, 22

Young children have a lack of understanding of time. When you explain that Mom or Dad are coming later or that they will get to do something later, they want to know what “later” means. When they know something special is happening like a birthday or a visit from someone, we may help them by connecting it with something they do know. You may tell them that it will happen in “four sleeps”. Our youngest son often asked if we could go “in a couple whiles” rather than “in a while”. I guess it sounded like it possibly gave him more time before he had to move on to the next thing.

Jesus’ dear disciples struggled with understanding as well. Jesus’ words from Luke were spoken before Gethsemane and Golgotha. He was letting them know that terrible things were about to happen that would leave them full of heartache. There is no greater heartache than losing someone we love. The disciples were about to experience that in the most gruesome manner. They were about to see their precious Savior and Friend crucified as an innocent man. It’s hard to imagine what it would have been like for them. Jesus knew that this was all necessary and a part of God’s loving plan for them and for us. But as loving as it was, it could be devastating for the disciples who had spent three years at his side.

But Jesus continues with his comfort. “And then after a little while you will see me.” He was telling them, reminding them that the grave could not hold him and that he would rise on the third day. But they didn’t understand. As they wondered among themselves, Jesus knew their struggle and reassured them. “Now is your time of grief.” Those words were for the disciples but they apply to us as well. Grief is all around us. We see the effects of sin in our world as we watch the news, as we hear of tragedies and pain for those we know and love, as we struggle with our own challenges and in particular, our own sin. Grief is all around us. We feel the effect of our own sin each and every day.

And his comfort comes again. While we have grief now, he promises we will see him again. Not just like the disciples saw him for those days between Easter and Ascension, but when we see him again, it’s for eternity, forever! We will see him with our own eyes, for all eternity, in our home in heaven. And that comfort of heaven and God’s amazing grace give us indescribable joy, especially in times of grief. While God does not remove all heartache from our lives here on earth, he also promises that no one will take our joy away. It’s his incredible gift to us today, tomorrow, and each day.

So, as you experience the challenges and grief of your time here on earth, know that “in a couple whiles”, or as Jesus said, “in a little while” we will see him. And when we see him there will be no more pain, no more grief, just joy for an eternity of “whiles”. And that joy doesn’t need to wait until we are with him in heaven. We have that joy today and everyday knowing that his forgiveness and promises are ours today and no one can take that away from us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, the grief and pain of this world can be overwhelming. There are times when despair is hard to fight. Thank you for your reassurance that you are and will always be with us. The thought of being in heaven with you is also overwhelming. Help me to reflect joy in knowing that in all I do. In your precious name. Amen.

A Question to Consider: Sometimes we may wonder what it would be like to be able to know things that will happen to us. What a blessing that we don’t know. But we do know the most important part of our future, heaven. Think of a struggle you are facing. How does knowing that heaven is yours, help as you go through that struggle?

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
Job 19:25-27

One of the wonderful things about young children is their amazing imagination. We know of the benefits of imaginative play. Young children have the ability to create an elaborate story line from a simple thought, to picture a captivating “reality” in their creative play. We encourage their imagination and can be amazed by it.

Imagination in adults? In our busy days of checking off task after task, we seldom have time to just sit and imagine. If you could, what would your imagination create? Would it include a quiet setting at the edge of a peaceful lake? Would it include visiting a favorite bustling city? Would your imagination create the perfect day with those you love all together? Would your imagination wonder about a world with more of something or less of something else? Imagination can be restful and calming and even inspiring.

Maybe one of the things you imagine is what life will be like in heaven. Do you wonder? Do you ever doubt? Our verses today may be very familiar to you. These words from the book of Job were spoken by Job when he was in the midst of pain and heartache that is difficult to comprehend. His body was wracked with pain and his friends had mocked and disserted him. Most of his family had died and he lost almost every earthly possession. And then he says, “I know that my Redeemer lives… I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” What? Where does that kind of confidence come from? In the midst of a story that is so well known that his name is associated with the trials of life, we hear this incredible expression of faith. “I know!” I am not imagining it. I’m not wondering. I know that he lives. And I also know that because he lives, I’m going to see him with my own eyes. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine standing in front of Jesus, him looking you in the eye with arms open wide, saying to you, “Welcome home.”?

This is what Easter is all about. It’s about Jesus and what he has done for us so that we don’t need to imagine what life will be like in heaven. While we may not know the particulars, we know that we will see him, be with him, for all eternity. “How my heart yearns within me!” I can only picture it now but I know it’s true. And, you and I get to share that amazing truth with the little ones in our care and their families. Thank you, Jesus!

Prayer: My dear Redeemer, I thank you for your perfect life, your death that was undeserved on my behalf, and your resurrection on Easter morning. Because of you, I know that my sins are forgiven and that heaven is my home. You are risen, risen indeed! Alleluia!

A Question to Consider: For some, the hymn “I Know that My Redeemer Lives” is very familiar and for some it may be new. Whatever the case is for you, take a few minutes, open your Christian Worship hymnal and read through each stanza of hymn 152. Ponder all the many ways the hymnwriter reminds us that Jesus lives for us.

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:23-26

When my son was in his toddler years, he would routinely ask to hold my hand whenever we got out of the car in a parking lot. He would say, “Mommy, hold my hand, please” as he held his chubby little hand up for me to hold. I was more than happy to oblige. It was so wonderful to feel his hand hold onto mine. I was able to guide him along the sidewalk keeping him safe from dangers. I was content knowing he was right by my side.

That is what our heavenly Father does for us – he holds our hand through this world of trials. His hand guides us away from the uneven ground, just as I guided my toddler away from the rocks, the holes in the pavement in the parking lot, and the dangers of the streets. Our heavenly Father’s hand guides us to heaven, just as our hands guide our children on a path towards learning about their Savior. Just as my son took delight in holding my hand, so do we desire to walk with our Father’s guidance and strength.

It is comforting every morning to wake up and know that our Heavenly Father will be holding our hand all day. He is there with us when we prepare for the day, when we spend time in his Word, when we read our students Bible stories, when we present our lessons, and yes, even when we are wiping away tears for a little one. He is holding our hand even during those difficult times – when we are frustrated with student behaviors, when a family member is struggling with an illness, when we feel lonely, when we just need a hand to hold. He is there with the wonderful request, “My child, hold my hand, please.” And we are more than happy to oblige.

Prayer: Dear Lord, stay right beside me today and hold my hand. Remind me that with you by my side, I have the opportunity to share your love and comfort with everyone I meet. Amen.

A Question to Consider: How do you encourage and guide your students to heaven? How do you share the comfort of God’s hand with others?

So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Have you had one of those days? Those days when life just seems to be going along smoothly – your kids are all happy and doing well in school, you and your spouse do not have anything too stressful going on at work, the days seem to come and go with the same routine. For me, it is often those times when our family’s schedule is filled to the brim, not allowing any time for meditation on God’s Word. Then suddenly you realize you have not gone even once to your Father in prayer throughout the day. That is what happens. We think we are standing firm, but then we suddenly fall. Our fall can simply be placing something in our life ahead of our loving Father, like our busy, routine schedule.

Or maybe it is the opposite. Our life is so full of crisis after crisis – your child is sick, your husband’s work is slow and he may be laid off, your student had a death in the family, the doctor appointment requires further testing. The list goes on and we are so busy getting through crisis after crisis that we suddenly realize that we have not spent time with our Father. Our temptation is to tell ourselves that we can make it on our own. We have to keep going because our family is depending on us. Our students rely on us to have our lessons ready and be full of energy.

Let’s face it, there are definitely days we are tempted to let the busyness or chaos of life be our focus. That is an easy temptation, but Scripture assures us that God is faithful. He will not let us fall away from him. He will be right there to bring us back to his side. He is faithful.

Prayer: Dear Lord, when I am tempted to let things become more important than you, bring me back to your side. Thank you for being faithful and not letting me fall. Amen.

A Question to Consider: What is a temptation you face? What can you actively do to stand firm?

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

The children were lined up waiting to get a drink out of the water fountain. We all know that waiting is hard, even for adults. One child was getting a little fidgety. The teacher, using positive redirection says, “Please be careful. It scares me when you do that.” That is when a child from the back of the line reminded that teacher of one of God’s great promises. He said, “Why are you scared? You taught us that God says, ‘Do not fear for I am with you.’ We don’t have to be afraid, he is with us!” The teacher took a breath and smiled. She looked that child in the eye and said, “You are right!” That was all that needed to be said. While God does not promise that we will never endure earthly pain, he does promise that we never need to fear separation from him.

With all the things that a teacher is responsible for each day, it is easy to get wrapped up in the how’s and why’s and when’s. We often lose sight of that promise that God gives us-“that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” He promises to be with us through them all. Sometimes we need to take a deep breath, say a prayer, and remember that he is walking with us as we lay a foundation that we pray will stay with the children into eternity.

Whether it is a mundane task such as cleaning your classroom or a more complex task like enrollment planning for next year, he promises to be with you. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. What a great comfort that is as we approach each task! May all we do reflect his love and promises for us.

Prayer: 
I am trusting you to guide me;
You alone shall lead,
Every day and hour supplying
All my need. Amen
Christian Worship 446:4

A Question to Consider: What “teachable moments” throughout the day can you incorporate little scriptural treasures into so the children can apply them to their daily lives?

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Matthew 17:5

After a weekend, your students arrive excited to see you. They can hardly contain themselves. They cannot wait to share every detail with you from your time apart. You are their teacher. You are a very important part of their little world. We have our students for only a short time. Sometimes they enroll for a few years. Sometimes it is for one school year. Sometimes it is even shorter. We want to teach them everything they need to know in whatever time we have with them. We want them to be prepared for what lies ahead of them.

The disciples had Jesus right there with them. They had the very Son of God beside them to learn from, talk to, and use as a resource. He was their teacher and their friend. They would only have him for a short time. Soon Jesus would suffer and die for the sins of the world. When Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain with him, he had a purpose. He revealed his glory as the Son of God. He knew the difficult times that lay ahead for the disciples. This experience was to encourage them. It would build them up and strengthen them for what was coming.

God says, “Listen to him!” He also wants us to listen to him. He uses his Word to encourage us, to build us up when we are weak and to help us through those difficult times. God tells us that serving him will not always be easy. We will encounter difficulties and stumbling blocks. But he also promises to be there for us and walk with us through those difficult times. He uses his Word to keep us close to him and to encourage us as we go about the work he has set out for us to do. He tells us to “Listen to him!”

Prayer

Let each day begin with prayer,
Praise, and adoration.
On the Lord cast every care;
He is your salvation.
Morning, evening, and at night
Jesus will be near you,
Save you from the tempter’s might,
With his presence cheer you.
Christian Worship 478:2

Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Good morning! Such a simple greeting. It’s one of the many phrases we use in our everyday life that we often say without much thought. We say it to our family, our roommate, our students, their families, a clerk at the coffee shop. Have you ever wondered what we really mean to be saying? Are we saying, “I hope you have a good morning.”? Are we perhaps saying, “It’s a good morning!” Do we even think about it when we say it or when we hear it? It’s a lovely practice that often becomes mute merely by its repetitiveness.

How was your day yesterday? Did you have a good day as your greetings implied? Did you get everything done on your to do list? (If you did, I’d love the secret of that!) Were you kind and thoughtful to everyone you saw, even in your thoughts? Did you approach each task with joy and gratitude? Did you use every opportunity possible to share God’s message of love and grace to others? Did you, did you, did you…? You likely want those questions to stop. We want the questions to stop because the answer every day to just about all, if not all of those questions is no. We don’t get everything done. We aren’t always thoughtful and kind. We do not always reflect joy. These questions remind us of the impossibility of perfection that God expects and we can feel, consumed by this impossibility.

And then we read today’s verses. “Because of the LORD’s great love.” “His compassions never fail.” “They are new every morning.” As you wrap up a day and reflect back, you can feel disappointed or even, as the verse states, consumed by the tasks still undone, the mistakes of the day, the things you did or the things you didn’t do. But because of the incredible love of the LORD, we exhale. We ask for forgiveness for those sins that were part of our day. We thank God for blessings on things that went well. And then we read that God’s compassion never lets us down and is new every single morning. We can start each day with a fresh start, wrapped in his compassion. It’s ours every single day, regardless of yesterday. His mercy and compassion are ours each and every day, never because of us and anything we may have done. But they are ours because God loves you and he loves me that much. And he is always faithful. We will never wake up to a day without his grace and love. They are new each and every day.

And so, as we begin a day or at any time during the day, we can sincerely say “good morning” or “good afternoon”. As we share that greeting with others, it can remind us that no matter what happens, today is a good day, a new day of God’s grace and love for us. We can share that with the children, their families, our friends, and our families in the words we say and in how we approach each day. Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening to each of you in this new day of God’s grace and compassion!

Prayer

Dear Father, good morning. Today I begin another day of your grace. Help me to always remember your love for me, your compassion, and your faithfulness. Help me to reflect that in every task and conversation I have today. In your precious name, Amen.

We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:20-22

There is often that one child (or sometimes more than one). As the end of the day gets near, they instinctively know that their mom or dad or someone they love will be there soon to pick them up. Even if they’ve had the best of days, they can’t wait. You see them make their way to the window, staring out at the hallway or parking lot, their little nose pressed to the glass. Waiting and hoping. “I hope mom is here soon.” “Do you think she’s on her way?” “I hope she remembers to pick me up.” “I hope we can stop for a snack on the way home!”

“I hope my engine light is not something serious.” “I hope my mother’s health will return soon.” We do a lot of hoping. Hoping for things, for help, for time, for team victories, for good weather. When we use the word hope in this way, it’s an anticipation of something we want but aren’t confident we will get. There is a positive anticipation that it may happen. But it includes the reality that it may not.

How different is the Christian’s hope in the LORD! Our hope in the LORD certainly has anticipation and expectation. But this hope is far different than our earthly hoping. This hope comes with confidence in a known outcome. We hope in the LORD who has made countless promises to us and has kept every single one. “I will save you”-done! “I will forgive you.”-done! “I will always be with you”-done! We hope in the LORD who is our shield and our help. He is not a shield that magically protects us like a futuristic force field warding off any physical harm. He is the shield protecting us from Satan’s crafty attempts to lure us away and to dispel our confidence in Christ. We can trust the LORD completely and with a certainty that we only find in him.

And so, like the small child sitting at the window waiting to be taken home, we can approach each day with confidence, eagerly anticipating our home in heaven. We wait and we hope, yes. But our hope is in the One who has assured us that his love, forgiveness, and heaven are already ours. We hope and wait because we are excited and overwhelmed at these blessings!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me the confidence and assurance as the hymn writer reminded us.
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare to make no other claim but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. Amen
Christian Worship 382:1

A Thought to Consider:
Knowing that your greatest fear, the fear of being separated from God, has already been taken care of by God, how does that affect your response to worries of your life? Take a few minutes and write down those worries and what reassurance God has given you for each of them.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Luke 2:11-12

Christmas blessings! The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is nearing an end. The presents have been wrapped, and maybe even opened. What does Christmas look like in your home? Do you have family gathered together around a large meal? Perhaps, it is a quiet day with just yourself and a few others sharing the joy of Christmas together. No matter how Christmas is celebrated, the meaning of Christmas does not change nor does the blessing of Christmas change. Christmas is a time of celebrating the birth of the Savior, Jesus!

Have you ever wondered what the first Christmas was like? The text for today is taken from the words that the angels shared with the shepherds while appearing to them in the middle of the night! The night of Jesus’ birth, the angels were God’s messengers to spread the good news! The angels appeared to a band of shepherds. The night at first was an ordinary night for the shepherds. They were simply caring for their sheep. However, the night turned from ordinary to miraculous. Suddenly, the sky was filled with angels! The angels said, “Today in town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger”. The message the angels shared was clear: Jesus, the long-anticipated Savior, has been born! The shepherds could find the baby lying in a manger.

This message is not just for the shepherds, it is for you and me too! The Christmas season is filled with many activities. It is easy for these activities to over-shadow the true focus of Christmas, which is the birth of our Savior! The Savior is born for us! We too, can take time this Christmas to focus our attention and praise on the baby lying in a manger.

Prayer
To shepherds as they watched by night
Appeared a host of angels bright;
“Behold the tender babe,” they said,
“In yonder lowly manger laid’.”
Christian Worship 53:1

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Luke 1:30-33

Imagine this…you are a young adult. You think you have your life planned out. Then an angel appears before you with a very important, life-altering message! What thoughts are running through your mind? Are you suddenly frightened by the changes that will happen? Are you humbled that you are the ‘chosen one’? Are you excited at the thought that an angel just appeared to you and gave you great news?

Mary was just a young adult when the angel, Gabriel, appeared to her. At this time, she was a virgin, engaged to be married to a man named Joseph. In the text for today, Luke describes the visit from the angel that Mary received. The angel greeted Mary with “Do not be afraid, you have found favor with God.” These first words spoken by the angel are meant to calm Mary and prepare her for the good news about to be shared with her. “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus”. At this point, Mary must have been amazed at the miracle that was about to happen! Mary, a young virgin, was God’s chosen servant to be the mother of Jesus! The birth of Jesus is foretold by this angel and Mary will now give birth to a baby boy, and give him the name Jesus. The angel goes on to explain that this baby that Mary will carry, give birth to, and raise is the Most High. His kingdom is not of this earth, but rather he will rule a Heavenly kingdom that will never end.

Mary, a humble servant, received an angel visit that would not only change her life, but is good news for all people everywhere! The birth of Jesus is foretold and Mary is the chosen one to carry out God’s plan for the birth of his Son.

Prayer:
 “I come from heav’n to tell the Lord’s decree:
A blessed virgin mother you shall be.
Your Son shall be Immanuel, by seers foretold,
Most highly favored maiden.” Gloria.!
Christian Worship 24:2

A Thought to Consider: Read Mary’s Song recorded in Luke 1:46-56 to learn about Mary’s reaction to the good news the angel shared with her. How do her words apply to you?

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 27:8

Have you listened to a child talk about her favorite superhero? The child might talk about what the superhero wears, says, or does to defend the world. It’s obvious, in the way the child excitedly stumbles over their words to tell you about him, that they trust and care for this character that can perform super-human tasks.

Isn’t this also how we feel about our God? He is our strength, our shield, in him we trust. We believe every word that he says, and he helps us through the day! He helps us. He helps us even if we don’t think we need it, even when we do not know we are approaching danger. We are so thankful for our strong God!

Sometimes it is hard to be thankful during times of need. Being “in need” is uncomfortable, and often painful, both physically and emotionally. This often causes us to take our eyes off our God. We instead focus on worldly matters, further pushing ourselves away from the very one who helps us!

Yet like any good super hero our God doesn’t wait for us to get our priorities straight before he springs into action.  Putting that strength and protection to work for us, he sent his Son into the world to be our Savior.  In Jesus, he helped us with our greatest affliction: sin separating us from him and his protecting power.  Through Christ we have been restored to God where he promises continued protection and support in difficult times.

So, let us be thankful for the one that fills our every need, especially the need to be forgiven. God has forgiven us through the death and life of his son, Jesus. Let us be thankful for our Savior in times of need and always.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I praise you for your love and all-knowing power! I trust you will always provide for me. Help me continue to seek you in times of trouble, taking comfort in your promise to keep me safe. Amen.

A Question to Consider: How can you show your thankfulness to God for what he has done for you?

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

What rules your heart? What has “first place” in your heart and mind? Is it something worldly like money and status? Does family life and the daily schedule occupy your heart and mind the most? The devil doesn’t care what is in your heart, as long as it isn’t the peace of Christ!

God tells us to let the “peace of Christ” rule in our hearts. This peace comes from knowing that God has saved us through the death of Jesus, who took all our sins on the cross when he died. We feel peace because we know that Jesus always forgives us.

Our Christian colleagues, friends and families have this same peace. We were all together lost in our sins, and Christ died for all. For this we should be thankful! We are also thankful that God gives us co-workers and families that share the same peace in Christ. When this peace is in our hearts, we can work through challenges even when plans, opinions, and personalities clash.

With peace in our hearts, it is easier to forgive others. A peaceful, forgiven heart is happy to forgive others. We are “sinners living with sinners” and want to share the forgiveness and peace God has given us with those God has placed in our life. How thankful we are that God places others in our life to work through the challenges in this world! How thankful we are for the peace of Christ!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the peace of Christ. Let this peace rule in my heart as I work with children, parents, families, and co-workers. Let my words and actions reflect your love and the peace that you have given me through your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Question to Consider: Think of a specific challenge that you have with a co-worker or family member. How can “having the peace of Christ” help you work through this challenge?