Tag Archive for: ecme devotions

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
I Peter 3:15

“Oooh! Oooh! I know! Pick me!” Almost every class has that one student who comes in every morning, eyes shining brightly, eager to do anything and everything. As you share the Bible story or read aloud for the day, they can’t contain their enthusiasm. They laugh, they sigh, they comment, they question, often without being called on. They can’t resist verbalizing their thoughts and reactions.

How about you and me? We may not be in a class where a teacher is firing questions at us, but we do have opportunities to answer. The little ones in our classes are full of questions about all kinds of things but especially about Jesus. Our families may be new to learning about Jesus or may be life-long Christians. In either case, they still have questions about matters of faith. Are we ready? How can we be ready? How can we know how to respond?

Our verse for today is such a help. First on our list: “set apart Christ as Lord.” Our sinful nature constantly fights against this…every day! We’ve got things to do and more often than we’d like to admit, those things get in the way of our faith. We need to renew our faith every day by being in the Word which moves us to put our faith into practice by giving thanks and glory to God for all he has done for us and by encouraging each other in faith. Next, we need to get ready, be prepared. How? We need to read, read, read the Word every day. Read the Word on our own, with our family, in Bible class. Read solid books that deepen your spiritual knowledge and equip you to defend the faith.

We can also think about what we might say to someone who asks. Be ready to tell them about sin and how it separates us from God. Be ready to tell them about grace and how God still loves us so much that he sent Jesus to take the consequences that we deserve. Be ready to tell them that even in the most difficult times, God’s peace is ours, heaven is ours. This is the hope that we have through faith. Say it simply, clearly, humbly, and with love for them. Some will be eager and interested in what you have to say. Some may need time to consider it all. Some may not appear interested at all. But your message is the same and the Holy Spirit promises to work through it.

You may not need to raise your hand but questions will come. With the confidence of knowing that the Holy Spirit can and will bless our efforts, we don’t need to be timid or hesitant. We have the joy and privilege of setting Jesus as our highest priority and being prepared to share the amazing blessing of God’s undeserved love and grace for us and for all!

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, I so often get distracted by my tasks that I set you aside. Forgive me. Help me to set you apart as first in my life. And then, give me eagerness and the words to share with those around me how much you love them and your gift of salvation for them. In your name, Amen.

Question to consider: How can you prepare? Can you practice with a friend? Can you write a journal of possible responses? Is there a book on witnessing you can read? A Bible class to take? Make a plan and then ask God to bless your plan.

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 5:20-21

Don’t you love the look in a young child’s eyes when you ask them to deliver a message for you? “My teacher told me to tell you!” they exclaim to the hearer. It’s a big deal for them to be entrusted with such an important task and most children love it. “My teacher knows I’m big enough to do this for her!” They are eager and enthusiastic ambassadors!

What an amazing job an ambassador for our country has! If you were asked to be an ambassador for the United States, which country would you be most excited about? Would it be one like France or Italy? Would you be interested in something very different from your own home like India or Malawi? Would you be eager to serve in a country at peace or one with significant challenges? No matter the case, your role would be to represent and speak on behalf of your president, your country. What a responsibility! What an honor!

In our reading today, Paul is speaking to the people who lived in Corinth. As a reminder to them, he explains that the message he brings to them is not his own but is from God. He and his companions are sharing God’s appeal through them to the people of Corinth. And the message? “Be reconciled to God.” All your sins are covered! God has done it all! He loves you and has forgiven you! In faith, believe these words and treasure the peace of knowing God calls you his own!

Think of what you are blessed to do each day in your classroom. You get to be one of those ambassadors as well. What an amazing and humbling title! An ambassador for Christ! God has entrusted you with sharing this same message with each little one, each family, and those you know and love! And like an ambassador for our country, it’s not always easy. Sharing God’s message can be challenging when some are resistant to hear. Sin and Satan love to try to block the message. Our own insecurities and shortcomings can make us hesitant or reluctant. But like the young child asked to deliver a message, we can be full of joy, excitement, and confidence because the message we are sharing is not ours, but God’s. He has given us his Word, told us to share it, and promised he will bless it. What more do we need! “My God told me to tell you!” How amazing is that!

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, you’ve told me to tell. And you’ve given me the most amazing message to share–your message of grace. Embolden me and help me to be excited and full of joy and confidence as I tell all those around me about you. And then I ask you to bless those who hear as you have promised. In your name, Amen.

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8

I tiptoed into the dimly lit room and peered over the side of the crib. There he was, arms out at his side, sleeping as peaceful as can be. When our first son was only 7 weeks old, we travelled to visit family for Christmas. The house was full of relatives, laughter, and boisterous chatter. On any other day, I would have been loving every minute of it. But not tonight. I was a brand-new mom and my baby was sleeping nearby. I couldn’t understand why all these people I love didn’t realize that they were going to wake up my baby! How could they be so insensitive? While my heart was racing, my little one was far away in dreamland, not a care in the world.

Do you ever crave that kind of sleep? Do you ever find yourself lying face-up to the ceiling with eyes open wide and your mind racing? What is it about 2 A.M. that prevents us from the sleep we crave and need? It can be all kinds of things. It can be the long list of uncompleted tasks that are gnawing at you, the worry about bills unpaid or a repair that you can’t put off any longer, the unkindness of your words or thoughts toward someone you care about. This list is as varied as we are. Oh, for the kind of restful sleep that my newborn experienced with all the chaos right outside his door.

This side of heaven, those earthly struggles are going to be with us every day. That to-do list will never have everything crossed off. Things we own will continue to wear and need repair or replacement. We, and those we love, will not always get a clean bill of health. And our sin? It’s there every day, all day. Those careless words, unkind thoughts, harsh reactions are part of our sinful nature that will not leave us alone. That all sounds pretty hopeless. And without Jesus, it is hopeless.

But you and I are not without Jesus. Never did he promise that our lives would be without struggle. In fact, he assured us that there would always be trouble. But, and here’s the most important part, he did promise us that he would be with us always. He may not write a check to cover that repair. He’s not likely to shorten your to-do list, especially when it involves sharing him. He will not always grant the miracle of a cure for you or someone you love. Sin doesn’t give up and move on and leave you alone. But Jesus never moves on, never leaves you. In all of this, he’s with you and has promised you this: you can face each struggle, each challenge, each task, each sinful failure knowing that he’s there with you. He loves you. He cares for you. He knows your struggle. And so often, he can bring unexpected blessings from our struggles.

So, as you lie there, wondering about whatever it is that’s keeping you awake, remember that Jesus is there. Put your troubles at his feet. Instead of trying to solve them while you lie there, pray for his guidance, his encouragement, his forgiveness. And then trust that he has all things in his hands, including you. Then roll over, close your eyes, and sleep in peace knowing that you rest in the loving care of your heavenly Father. Sleep like a baby amid a chaotic world, knowing that Jesus is there, your sins are forgiven, and heaven is yours.

Prayer:
Now the light has gone away; Father, listen while I pray,
Asking you to watch and keep and to send me quiet sleep.

Jesus, Savior, wash away all that I’ve done wrong today.
Make me ever more like you, good and gentle, kind and true.

Let my near and dear ones be safe with you eternally.
Oh, bring me and all I love to your happy home above. Amen

Christian Worship 593: 1-3

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:14

If it hasn’t come yet, it’s likely coming soon. The last day. Even if you have a year-round program, you likely have a final day before the transition to summer. The last day can be filled with all kinds of emotions. There is always a lot of excitement for the children, the parents, and the teachers.

Then comes that moment when you stand at the door and say that final goodbye of the year. Each child walks past, their backpacks brimming with all their stuff. They are excited and so are you. I don’t know about you, but excitement isn’t always my strongest emotion at that moment. As I look at each child, I’m filled with a love for each of them that has grown throughout the year. I’ve seen them grow and seen them struggle. I’ve seen them forgive and be forgiven. I’ve heard their stories (that can go on and on, right?). And best of all, I’ve heard their expressions of faith. What a blessing and privilege it is to be one of their teachers.

What is it that you want and hope for each of them this summer? We want them to have lots of time with books and stories. We want them to have rich experiences that keep their learning going and lots of time to be active outdoors. What we want most is that they stay close to Jesus. What can we say that reflects our most heartfelt prayer for them?

Today’s verse is a wonderful blessing and prayer for each child as you say your goodbyes.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ …be with you.” Here we ask that the children know that all the Bible stories they learned, all the conversations about showing love for each other, all the times where forgiveness was spoken, come from the grace we have from Jesus. Grace is the gift of Jesus to us, undeserved, given through his life, death, and resurrection. Because of grace, God holds them close as his own dear children. May they always remain close to Jesus in faith.

“May the love of God…be with you.” Think for a moment of the look you see in a mother or father’s eyes when they pick up their child on the first day of school. This is a look that is oozing with love for their little one. God the Father’s love for them and for us is like that but exponentially more. He looks at each child and each of us and calls us his own precious child. May they always know how dearly God loves them.

“May the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.” As human beings, we crave relationships. They are a blessing given to us by God starting with Adam and Eve. Our fellowship as believers starts with the Holy Spirit who works faith in our hearts. Through the Word, the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith. May they continually grow in faith through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Off they go and the Lord goes with them. May this blessing be on them and on each of you as you close the door one more time before the next group enters this fall.

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, keep them safe and hold them close to you. May they always know your grace, your love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. In your name I pray. Amen

Question to consider: Is there a way to continue to encourage your students spiritually over the summer? What are some simple ways to do so?

I thank my God every time I remember you.
Philippians 1:3

I have a picture on my desk that is one of my favorites. It’s a picture of my mother and me on her birthday from several years ago. It’s not framed particularly well and it will never win a photo award but I love it. I love it because it is a reminder to me what a blessing it is that I get to be her daughter. She’s 88 and starting to show signs of life’s toll. She has had a life of challenges and heartache that would crush many. And yet she is tenacious and hard working. She has always loved to work with her hands and is a veracious reader. And it’s a rare moment that she’s not in a pleasant mood. She really is someone I strive to be more like. I’m not sure I’ll ever get there.

Yesterday was Mother’s Day. This is a day that can bring a wide range of emotions for each of us. For some, it’s like the Hallmark commercials with everyone smiling and expressing tender words of love and appreciation. But for some, their relationship with their mother may be strained or broken. For others, it’s a reminder that their prayer to become a mother has been left unanswered. And for many, it’s a reminder of someone whose life on earth has ended and who is dearly missed.

Whatever your situation, when you think of a Christian mother, you may think of pictures of a mother sitting with her child on her lap as she tells them a Bible story. You may think of a mother kneeling by a child’s bed guiding them in a bedtime prayer. The picture can include a mother in worship with her children around her or a mother’s hands folded in prayer for her child. As I reflect on those pictures, I am thinking that I wish I were more like that mother and maybe you do too. We think of the times when we missed an opportunity to encourage our child when they were sad, hurt, or fearful. We could have shared Jesus’s endless love for them and his promise to always be with them. Perhaps, like me, you remember the times when you were frustrated with your child’s behavior and instead of leading them to Jesus’s love and forgiveness, you were impatient.

Take heart, my dear colleagues and sisters in faith. That same love and forgiveness of Jesus that we can share with not only our own children, but also the children we serve, is ours as well. That comfort of Jesus’ constant presence is for you, for me, and for all. Each time you go to the Word, your faith is strengthened and that faith is the most precious treasure that you can share with your own children and the children you serve.

I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to come close to the woman of faith that I see in my mother. But, her reminder of joy in all circumstances, patience and constant love, and a faith that trusts in Jesus as her Savior are one of the greatest gifts that God has given me. I thank God whenever I remember her and other women of faith who have been examples of a Christian woman. Whether in the classroom or with your own children, may the Lord bless and guide you as you share Jesus with young children and their families. May he bless you with Christian women to encourage and mentor you and may you be that for others.

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, thank you for those women in my life who are or have been Christian women of faith. Their encouragement has so often pointed me to you, to your love and forgiveness, and to your amazing grace. Encourage me to share that with the children in my life as well. In your name I pray. Amen

A Question to Consider: Who are the women of faith in your life? Today’s verse, “I thank my God every time I remember you,” is a wonderful reminder to remember those women in prayer. Can you also find a way to share with them the impact they have had on your life as a Christian woman? Perhaps send them an old-fashioned, hand-written note of thanks including this verse.

[Jesus said,] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
John 15:1-2

Let’s get a show of hands. Raise your hand if one of the things you love about teaching is seeing the eyes of a young child widen as they witness a butterfly emerging from the chrysalis? (Imagine lots of hands.) Raise your hand if your favorite part of teaching is sharing the Bible story with young children. (Lots and lots of hands) Raise your hand if your favorite part of teaching is dealing with an angry, tantrum prone child. (Where’d all the hands go?) One more question: raise your hand if your favorite part of teaching is when the director or principal sits you down to address a mistake that you’ve made. (Likely few to no hands.)

We had dear friends in California who raised roses. I’m not talking about a bush or two. They raised over a hundred varieties of champion roses. We lived in the Sacramento area. Summer days can get over 100 degrees and there is no rain for most of the summer. Everyday Bob and Iva would grab their tools, head to their yard, and continue their tedious work. They loved their roses. They kept them hydrated in difficult conditions and made sure that they had supplements specially designed for each variety. And as you might expect, one of their tools was a pruner. They watched each bush for growth and ability to produce a flower. Because they lovingly trimmed and cut, their bushes flourished. They knew so well that if they failed to prune, their prize-winning roses would soon diminish.

You and I are like those treasured rose bushes to our Lord. He loves each and every one of us. He provides for us and cares for us. And part of that care is pruning. An expert rosarian knows all the particulars and specifics of pruning for the benefit of the bush. Even more, the Lord knows when and how to do the same for us. Pruning is painful. It can hurt. That pruning comes when we are reminded to remove anything from our lives that distracts us from God or draws us away from him. We don’t get to rationalize it or excuse it. It needs to be pruned, removed. Our first reaction is to resist. It’s not what our natural will wants. But it is motivated by the Lord’s passionate love for us. When you and I read the Word, when we dig into the Scriptures, when we learn more and more about our God, we are being shaped and guided by his will for us. As we grow, we continue to learn how his expectations for us, while they may seem outdated compared to the world around us, are grounded in a deep love and commitment to you and to me. That commitment is to call us his child when we have done nothing to deserve that status, to draw us closer to him-often through difficulties in our lives, and welcome us home to Heaven to be with him forever.

As you share the Word with your students, you are helping them to grow in faith as well. As you guide and teach young children when they struggle with their own sin, you are helping to prune away sin and its effects and lead them to the precious gospel. And when you share God’s grace, you are reminding them and yourself how much God dearly loves them and you. And this all comes from Jesus. Like the branch on a rose bush, if we’re not connected to him, our faith can diminish or die.

So, raise your hand if you are grateful for being pruned by Jesus. (You don’t really need to raise your hand.) And, what a privilege it is that you and I get to share God’s expectations for us with the children and share his loving grace as well. Raise your hands to fold them in prayer expressing gratitude for our Gardener, the Father, and our Savior, Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, your pruning is sometimes so hard and painful. I don’t naturally want to give up the parts of this world that turn me away or distract me from you and your Word. But I know how much you love me. Continue to draw me closer to you. And help me to reflect you to others. In your name I pray, Amen.

A Question to Consider: How does God prune you? What are things in your life that need to be pruned? Is it an activity? A way of speaking to or about others? Write down a list of sins that you struggle with and then take them to your loving Gardener, God the Father in prayer. May the Lord bless you and keep you connected to the Vine, Jesus.

[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