Tag Archive for: ecme devotions

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Matthew 9:35-38

In England, some villages are built with walled, narrow passageways for transporting sheep. These small alleys are so very narrow that there is only room for sheep to go through in single file. There is no escape so that sheep cannot accidentally go off the path and into danger. Sometimes these passageways even stretch across the entire town so that sheep can be led safely to pasture. Without these trails, sheep could be lost and scattered throughout the village.

God uses this illustration of sheep and a shepherd several times in the Bible. All of us are like the sheep, wandering the world and looking for the right path. The narrow path, like those in the English villages, is like God’s Word. When we read and study the Bible, we learn about Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Jesus is the only way to heaven.

Jesus had compassion on people because he saw how “lost” they were—“like sheep without a shepherd”. He knew that people were on their way to hell. He traveled through small towns and villages, healing the sick and preaching the good news that we are free from sin because of Christ. The disciples, Jesus’ followers and helpers, witnessed first-hand Jesus’ compassion for the people and the need for other “workers” to have this same love for God’s people. They were directly instructed to continue this work of compassion after Jesus died.

Jesus wants us to have this same love and compassion for others and also offers us the privilege of doing this work for him. We are serving Jesus by helping others, and we remember that Jesus doesn’t need us to do this work. Beware! The devil wants us to think that helping others learn more about Jesus is a chore, a burden. Not so! Jesus has all the power and could use other ways to bring people close to Him.

Jesus wants us to serve him by teaching others about his life death, and Easter resurrection. He wants us to help others become “workers in the field”, too. He creates that desire in our hearts as he shows us the same compassion as he did to those lost crowds. He renews our hearts through the healing message of his gospel. That forgiveness moves us to joyfully answer the call, “Here am I, send me”. May we serve our Lord by happily seeking other “sheep” for his kingdom.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, Our Shepherd,
Thank you for the privilege and joy that we have serving others. Help us to continue our work with compassion and understanding, that we may teach others about your saving love. Give us the strength and zeal to do your work throughout our whole life and until we see you in heaven. Amen.

A Question to Consider: In what ways can you show compassion to people God has placed in your life? How can you recruit workers to join you in serving others with compassion?

For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

Romans 3:28

“My child gave you a tough time today. There’s a special place in heaven for you!” Has a parent ever said this to you? The parent is joking but also wants you to know that you are appreciated. They might even be apologizing for their child’s behavior. It seems harmless, right?

This idea that your actions earn you a place in heaven is not only untrue, but joking about it can be very dangerous. First of all, even the good that we do can still be tainted with sin. For example, perhaps we do an act of service out of love for someone. But we also do the act of service for our own benefit as well, such as to look better among our peers, to earn respect, or for a returned favor. “Selfless acts” can be disguised acts of pride.

God’s Word says that we need to be perfect to go to heaven. God says that we could earn our way to heaven. . .if we were perfect. This means never, ever having a bad thought. Never, ever hating a person or wanting something that belongs to someone else. Never, ever lying. Never hurting another person. Never, ever doubting God. Never sinning. Every thought and action would need to be pure and holy. Impossible, right? Exactly. We cannot earn our way to heaven. We are not perfect. Try as we might, we will never be pure on our own.

We are only free to enjoy the gifts of heaven through faith in Christ Jesus, not because of any good that we do. We are “justified” when God declares us righteous, not by our own works but through the work of Jesus, who died on the cross.

What a relief this is! Even our sin-tainted good deeds are pure in his sight because Jesus took on our sin and guilt. We are justified, or pardoned from God, as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ. May we continue to serve others in thankfulness for this free gift!

We are just like the long-ago people of Corinth! We daily struggle against our sins, and we daily need the power of God’s forgiveness in Christ. God is holy and just. Through his perfection we are given the gift of eternal life in heaven. May we find comfort in these words! Through the Word we are daily reminded that we have been freely given grace, love, fellowship, and eternal life. May we gladly share these gifts that our God gave us with everyone.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us the free gift of eternal life through Jesus, your Son. Please forgive me for the wrong that I do. Help me to show your love in my words and actions. Amen.

A Question to Consider: A parent jokes, “there is a special place in heaven for you for how you helped my child today”. What can you say to gently remind her that God’s gift of heaven is free and not earned by the “good things” we do?

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Joel 2:28-29

Why doesn’t God talk to us like he does in our Bible stories? Has a young child ever asked you that question? Children hear the story of God talking to his people in the Bible and they wonder what he sounds like, what he looks like. They want to hear his voice. They wonder why we can’t hear him.

After that first Easter, and before Jesus went up into heaven, he told the disciples that God the Holy Spirit would visit them soon and help prepare them for telling others about Jesus. The special day that the Holy Spirit came to the disciples and others that believed in Jesus is called “Pentecost”. The verses from Joel were fulfilled on that first Pentecost. It was a spectacular sight! God came to them in the wind and fire and even allowed the disciples to speak in different languages. How wonderful it must have been that day, to be given strong faith through the power of the Holy Spirit and to share this joy with so many others.

While God does not come to us in the same way as he did to those in our Bible lessons, God is still here! God comes to us not in the wind or fire. He chooses not to speak to us from a burning bush like he did with Moses and he doesn’t send angels to give us messages like he chose to do with the shepherds on the first Christmas. But God is real and very alive.

The Holy Spirit continues to grow faith in our hearts and prepare us to bring others closer to him. He convinces us all that God’s Word is true and trustworthy. Even when we feel as though we aren’t “good enough”. We sometimes fail in our vocations as caregiver and educator, sister or brother, son or daughter, co-worker, and friend. We daily sin against those that we love and those that God places in our personal ministry. And yet, we are not alone, God is here.

God reveals himself to us in the Bible, his Word. The blessings from that first Pentecost are for everyone! God visits us every time that we open our Bible and he talks to us through its words. Every time that we read his Word or go to church, God reinforces for us the reliability of his revealed truth: he shares with us the promises that we are forgiven and will be with him in heaven. As we read, we can hear his voice sternly telling us when we are doing wrong and softly forgiving us after we repent. We can hear him reveal the wonders of his involvement in our world. God wants us to study his Word and for us to come to him in prayer. God IS here, he IS alive!

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, Light Divine, shine upon this heart of mine
Chase the gloom of night away; Turn the darkness into day.
See, to you I give my heart. Cleanse my life in every part.
Your own temple I would be now and for eternity.
CW 183 v. 1, 5

A Question to Consider: How can you plan your schedule to include time to read God’s Word daily? How can you encourage others to do the same?

[Jesus] told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised.”

Luke 24:46-49a

Jesus spoke these words when he first appeared to his disciples after his resurrection. As he’s speaking to the disciples, Jesus uses an interesting word to describe them: “witnesses.” Witnesses of the Messiah’s suffering and death. Witnesses of the Savior’s victory over sin and death. Just like the disciples, we too are witnesses of the power of the gospel in our own lives.

In my first teaching position, I had the great privilege of witnessing two past students and their mother baptized in front of church on the same day. When I was speaking with the mother after the baptism, she emphasized how coming to church was healing her family. I will never forget the tears on her face after her baptism. Their story is one I will carry with me throughout my ministry because it emphasizes just how powerful the gospel is. The gospel changes lives!

It’s now our job, our privilege, to share what we’ve witnessed – to share the power of the gospel to change lives. But who are we to do that? Doubts and insecurities leave us feeling less than capable for such an important job. But just like he did for the disciples, God sends the Holy Spirit to us, too, to help share the powerful gospel message.

We are working for the kingdom of God, and that’s what our callings are all about. Whether through a child being baptized, a family joining the church, or a three-year-old singing “Jesus Loves Me,” we see the Holy Spirit at work in the world. And the cool part is that not only do we get to witness it; we get to participate in it through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Dear Father, may your Holy Spirit work in my heart and the hearts of many to bring the good news of your saving word to all creation. Amen.

A Question to Consider: Do you know any families whose lives could be changed by the saving gospel message? How might the Holy Spirit work through you to bring that gospel to them?

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 2:24-25

There is a book we read quite frequently at my house called “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” This book is set to the famous tune, but instead of following Mary everywhere, this particular lamb decides to find new adventures off on his own. However, things do not go too well for this lamb. He gets drenched in cow milk, shoved by the goat, dropped in the mud, only to be later found by Mary, who gently gives him a bath, feeds him, and tucks him in to bed.

While the consequences of this lamb’s wandering are somewhat humorous, Peter reminds us today that too often we are like this lamb. However, the consequences of our wandering are much more serious: our sins put Jesus on the cross.

The devil tries to take the pressures of our daily life and use them to turn us against God. Too many responsibilities, misbehaving children, colleagues who hurt our feelings, sickness in the world—these are all ways the devil tries to stick us in the mud on a daily basis and lead us to sinful ways instead of God’s ways. But there is hope! We have a shepherd and overseer who is always there to find us.

Just as Mary rescued her lamb so lovingly, we have a loving Savior who is always there to rescue us. Jesus, the shepherd of our souls, bore our sins, and by his wounds we have been healed. Overwhelmed? Jesus finds you. Feeling hurt? Jesus finds you. Sick? Jesus finds you. He wraps you in his loving arms by his grace and gives us the hope of everlasting life.

Prayer: Dear Father, help us to follow your ways rather than our own ways. Thank you for finding us in our moments of weakness and bringing us back to you. Amen

A Question to Consider: What are some ways young children try to follow their own ways? What are the results of these choices? How can we guide them to choose the right path?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

I Peter 1:3, 8-9

Christ has given us new birth. We are no longer mired in sin but have been resurrected into a new life. This new birth occurred when God took ahold of us whether that was first by the Word and water of baptism or the Word spoken to us. We die to our sins and are resurrected into a new life. This new birth gives us a living hope. We have hope for today because we are alive in Christ and we have hope for tomorrow because we will live forever in resurrected bliss in heaven.

Another way to say new birth is “renaissance”. You have heard the term, of course. It refers to a rebirth of knowledge from the classical age. You may have also heard the term “Renaissance Man”. It means a person who is engaged in a variety of interests and subjects.

I would suggest that all teachers are attempting to groom their children to be “Renaissance People”. Even at an early childhood level (and maybe especially on this level) the goal is to give children the skills to become well-rounded people. People of freedom and hope. Renaissance People.

May I suggest that this has to start with Christ? In him is true freedom. Only when a person is free from the worry of sin and death, can that person truly be reborn into a full life. We die with Christ, that is, our sinful natures die with him at the cross. We are then resurrected with him into this new life of hope. It’s a life of freedom. From there our children can truly flourish.

Only when you are free in Christ can you truly live without fear. Fear seems to be the natural reaction to times like these but not for the Christian. The Christian knows her final destination. The Christian knows his value in Christ. The Christian knows who is ultimately in charge.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit,
Send your counsel to all teachers so that they may give their students grace through Christ and so free them to become people full of hope and joy.
In Christ’s Name we pray, Amen.

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19:30

The words “It is finished” are a translation of one word in the original Greek, tetelestai. (te-TELL-i-sty) This single word means so much. It means that God’s work of our salvation is finished. It is complete. There is nothing left to be done. There is no work yet to be completed. It is finished.

This is freedom. I am secure. I do not have to worry for one second what my value is. Christ showed me that on the cross. I do not need to worry for one second where I will be in after I die. Christ earned heaven for me. I do not need to worry for one second about God’s love and care. Christ made God’s love abundantly clear on the cross. I do not need to worry for one second if more needs to be done. Tetelestai. It is finished. It is complete. I am forgiven. Period.

It is one powerful word. One, single, powerful word.

One word from you can make all the difference can it not? One word from a teacher to a students can make a world of difference. You have seen it happen, haven’t you? One word of rebuke can change the dynamics of a classroom. One word of kindness can alter a whole day by changing an attitude. Words are powerful. Even one word can be powerful.

Of course, that doesn’t always work well, does it? One word of anger can ruin a whole day too. Nor does one word always do the trick. In fact, you know that it is many words repeated over and over and over again (to the point of frustration at time) until the message gets across to some students. Jesus uttered this one powerful word before he died but he repeated the message over and over to his slow learning disciples over three years.

So don’t stop speaking. Words have power even if they do not produce immediate results. And let the last word always be forgiveness. It was Christ’s last word. Leave your children with Christ and his forgiveness. The job has been completed. They are forgiven. Nothing can change that. Not even a pandemic! It is finished. Tetelestai.

Prayer:
Jesus Christ,
Your death on the cross was the culmination of the entire story of salvation from the beginning to the end. Your perfect life and death have brought to completion our salvation. May your final word of grace from the cross be our word to our little ones.
In Your Name we pray, Amen.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

This morning I read a mother’s post on Facebook. Last night as she tucked her son in bed, he was thinking about his birthday today. He looked at her and asked if they would need to skip his birthday this year.

We see example after example of visits to the elderly through windows rather than in person.

Stores are closing. Restaurants closing or serving only take out. Libraries closed.

And then there is you. Your school is closed. Your childcare is either closed or providing care for a limited number. You are working to find ways to support parents in continuing their child’s learning. You are missing your students and they are missing you.

So much change. Where did normal go? When will normal return?

This is an unprecedented time. Each day seems to bring new regulations and expectations. There is so much unknown. We are living in an ever-changing world right now. All of this can lead to feeling anxious and concerned.

And yet… we have a reason to have hope and to rejoice.

“Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever.” God never changes. God keeps his promise to be with us through it all. God is faithful.

Does he promise that you and I and those we care about will not get Coronavirus? No. Does he promise that he will be with us each and every day as we wait and watch for this to be over? Yes.

In times of uncertainty and fear, we look to God’s Word. Consider the following passages.

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations. For ever and ever! Amen.

So, what can you and I do?

• Be in the Word. Find the way that works best for you. And encourage others to do the same. Find creative ways to do it together.
• Look for the blessings. They are everywhere! Families are spending more time together than they have in decades. People are finding creative ways to reach out to each other. There are countless acts of selflessness all around us.
• Look for opportunities to help in ways that are safe for you and for others. Call those you know who are home alone. Write letters. Text. Email. Facetime. SKYPE.
• Take care of yourself. Keep moving. Go for walks. Eat healthy as much as possible. Get your rest.
• Pray. Pray for protection, for health, for healing, for leaders, for healthcare workers, and with thanksgiving for the many blessings—especially for faith and forgiveness from our loving Savior.

Things are different. They won’t always be. This is tough but our God is tougher than it all. Some things change but one thing never changes—God’s love for you is ever present and his promises to be with you are sure.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for the confidence we have in you that your promises are sure. Grant us patience and peace in your loving care and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 4:13-14

Water is an essential part of human life. Living in Northern California, where summer temperatures can reach 115 degrees on a typical day, a person can quickly learn about the importance of water. It seems like no matter how much water is consumed during the heat of the day, it is never enough to keep the thirst from the heat at bay. It is not as simple as drinking one glass of water to have a lasting effect. It’s not like the water that Jesus describes in the Bible reading today, which is an “eternal water”.

The water that Jesus offers and gives to each one of us is far different from mere earthly water. Earthly water is only temporary, but Jesus describes his water as eternal. One drink of this water and a person will never thirst again! The water quenches the thirst forever for a person.

Wow! What type of water is Jesus talking about? The water sounds amazing, right? Jesus uses the imagery of living water to speak about that which quenches the deepest thirst of our soul. The living water of Jesus is the salvation he brings to the world, the forgiveness of sins through his life and death. That free gift springs up to eternal life in all who drink this living water.

Faith in Jesus is how we receive the living water. Through faith, each one of has received the free gift of forgiveness of sins and salvation. We do not have to earn the living water, but rather it is ours through Jesus’ perfect life and resurrection!

Yes, water is essential to human survival. Even more importantly is the Living Water that is given through Jesus. It is for eternity in Heaven! A blessing beyond comprehension!

Prayer:
Faith is a living power from Heaven that grasps the promise God has given.
A trust that cannot be overthrown, fixed heartily on Christ alone.
Christian Worship 404 verse 1

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”

Matthew 17:1-4a

There are times in a person’s life when you can’t help but think, “Wow, it’s good to be here!” Perhaps it’s being awestruck by the beauty and grandness of a national park. It might be hearing musicians performing glorious music. Maybe, after having a long hard day, it’s hearing a loved one whisper, “I love you.” God blesses us with moments of pure joy.

Peter, James, and John had such a moment. Jesus gave them a foretaste of heaven when he showed them his glorified body and spoke with Moses and Elijah on that day of transfiguration. The disciples knew they were getting a glimpse of heaven, and they wanted it to last. But it didn’t. All too soon it was time to come down off the mountain and face the world again. Jesus had work for them to do.

Jesus has work for us too. He placed us in this time and place to spread his word. We get to tell little ones and their families about Jesus’ saving love. We help them live their faith, thanking Jesus through their words and actions. We patiently correct and train. It isn’t easy. It takes energy, thought, and lots of prayers. In spite of that, we know that this is where God has placed us, and it is good for us to be here.

Jesus showed his disciples this glorified view of himself to strengthen them. Soon they would see Jesus in a very different way: beaten, scorned, and crucified. We, too, are strengthened through the knowledge of what Jesus did for us. His death and resurrection assure us that he conquered sin, death, and the devil. He continues to guide and forgive us through this life, until we victoriously join him in heaven, where we can confidently say, “Lord, it is good for us to be here!”

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for letting me share the gospel message with others. Help me remember how important this work is. I trust that you will guide me each day until I join you in heaven. In your name I pray. Amen.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

As you drive toward Las Vegas, you can’t miss the sparkling flashing lights. They call to tourists, drawing them to spend money on casinos, shows, and restaurants. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells believers that we are to let our lights shine. Through our words and actions we glorify God and draw people to Jesus’ love.

As we work with little children, we have many opportunities to let our lights shine. When a student yet again grabs another’s toy, your gentle correcting words sparkle with Jesus’ light. Praying and singing and talking about Jesus through the day glisten with God’s unending grace. Encouraging words to parents and fellow workers shimmer with Jesus’ love. And the lights multiply as our students learn to let their faith shine. We are truly blessed that reflecting Jesus’ love to the people around us is part of our job description!

There are days, hours, and minutes when our lights flicker. Our world is not a perfect one, and we also are far from faultless. We look inward and realize that all too often we cover our lights.

How fortunate for us that we have the perfect light to reignite us! “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” Jesus declared to his disciples (John 8:12). Through that perfect light, our failings are wiped out. We start again.
A loss of electricity can darken the Vegas lights, but, through the faith the Holy Spirit gives us, our lights shine on. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14). We aren’t just like lights; we are lights. God has made us lights; that is our identity as Christians. As we go about our daily lives, God’s love will be reflected through us. That’s what he promises. That’s what he does.

Prayer:
Dear Savior, thank you for making me your light. Guide me each day to reflect your love to the people around me. Forgive me and strengthen me daily. In your name I pray. Amen.

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9:2

January is a dark time of year. It is still the season of winter and the sun sets early. Many parts of the country have cold and cloudy weather. Families return to regular schedules. Christmas is over.

Isaiah was a prophet, a messenger sent by God to his people. During his time on earth, Isaiah served people that were going through the troubled times of war and defeat, and these struggles would last for years. Their homes would be destroyed, families killed, survivors held captive. For God’s people, those were very, very dark times.

And yet Isaiah pointed God’s people to the coming of Christ, and his words continue to do this for us today. Isaiah promised that a “new light” would come—Jesus! He delivered this great message: even though God’s people would have severe hardships on earth, Jesus would come and heal every wound.

God never promised that we or our students will not have darkness here on earth. We will have times of physical trials. Family members may get cancer. There may be financial strains such as house and car repairs, jobs lost, or money mismanaged. Sin will bring darkness too. Friends will have arguments, co-workers will disagree. We will gossip, hate, cheat. We will feel entitled to something God has not given to us or feel jealous. These are real, dark sins which afflict us all. But God promises that Jesus, the great light of the world will save us.

God will shatter all of our darkness when he comes again to take us to heaven, and God daily gives us a “new light” when we repent, and he forgives our many sins. This forgiveness comes as a gift from God through the birth of our Savior and his death on this cross. With this “dawning of light” comes great joy! The Great Light is here!

Prayer:
Your little ones, dear Lord, are we and come your lowly bed to see;
Enlighten ev’ry soul and mind that we the way to you may find.
Until at last we, too, proclaim with all your saints, your glorious name;
In paradise our songs renew and praise you as the angels do. Amen
Christian Worship 46:1, 4

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.”

Isaiah 42:1

The Chosen One has come! The Bible tells us about many servants of God: Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul, to name a few. Each servant had a special role for that time and place in the history of the world. But this servant that Isaiah writes about is very special, unlike any other servant or messenger in the Bible. This servant is Jesus Christ, the Chosen One.

The role of Christ was like no other role of any servant before or after him. His job was to “bring justice to the nations”. The word “justice” written here is defined like that of a legal decision made in a court. It points to the gospel, God’s legal announcement that all sins everywhere are forgiven, erased forever by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Sometimes we forget that this debt has already been paid for us. We are troubled by the sorrows of the world and we forget that we are living for the next world-not this one! We can look in any direction and see sin and temptation. We fail in our vocations as spouse, teacher, parent, co-worker, friend, sibling, son, or daughter. We take the best for ourselves, and compete with others for worldly treasures. We gossip and slander the names of the people that God has given to us to serve. We forget to treat strangers as we would our own family. Although we try to live God-pleasing lives, we fail over and over again.

But the Chosen One has come! God sent his Son, his special servant, the Chosen One, to die for all. Through the life and death of Jesus, he “brings justice to the nations”, declaring the entire world and all people “not guilty”. May we share this good news with all the world until he comes again!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, the Chosen One, thank you for declaring the world “not guilty”. Help me to try to live as your child, saved only by your death and resurrection. Amen

A Question to Consider:
How can you show the same undeserved love that Jesus gives us to other people in your life?

He said, “Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me”; and so he became their Savior.

Isaiah 63:8

“These are my people,” God declares. Usually it starts at baptism. God adopts sinners into his family. He makes them heirs to the kingdom of heaven. He makes them his. “These are my people!”

It also happens when we confess Jesus as Lord. Jesus said, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). He puts faith in our hearts and we confess him as Savior. He then says to the Father, “These are my people! I vouch for them. They belong to us. They belong in heaven.”

Of course there is nothing that we have done to earn such a status. Isn’t that the whole point? He makes us righteous in his sight. He gives us the status we need. He chooses us. He makes us the children who are true to him, as Isaiah describes above. This is good news for us because there are plenty of days when we do not feel like God’s children. There are plenty of days when we absolutely know we should not be claimed as God’s children (the ones who will be true to God).

How about the little ones you teach? Those are his people. HIS people. They belong to him. And no, they do not deserve it. But they are his. He claimed them. He said, “This is my daughter. This is my son.”

It makes us look at our students in a different way, doesn’t it? Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is advocating for these little ones before the Father. Our job is then to advocate for them down here. These are God’s children. He claimed them in his blood. He died for them. We will fight for them and love them and live for them. These are his people.

Prayer:
Dear Holy Spirit, Be with us every day moving our hearts in love for others and trust in our Savior, Jesus Christ, whose blood has claimed us and our students for God. Amen.

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

James 5:7-9

The Lord’s coming is near. So we are to be patient like a farmer. Like a farmer we plant and we wait but we are sure of a harvest. Do you not plant the seed of God’s words into the hearts of little ones every day? Of course you do. Do you have to wait? Yes. But you can be sure of this harvest. God’s Word does not return to him empty handed (Isa 55:10).

We wait in great expectation for the Lord’s return where he too will gather a harvest, a harvest of souls. When you plant the seed of God’s Word you are a part of this process. You are the hand of God. And just as the farmer steps away and lets nature do its thing so we step away (in a way) and watch the Spirit do his work. Sure, we till and fertilize, we weed and we tend but it is the Spirit that creates faith. So be patient. The work will get done. God’s work will get done. He will make sure of that.

Easier said than done, right? Patience is not a virtue we possess by ourselves. (Ask any farmer waiting for rain!) Patience is worked in us by a gracious God. He makes us patient. So pray for patience. God will provide what you need. He always has. In fact, whatever God demands of us, he gives to us in Christ. He says, “Be perfect!” and then gives us the righteousness of Christ that covers all of our un-righteous acts. He says, “Stop doubting and believe!” and then gives us the faith to believe. In the reading from James he says “Be patient.” So we ask for what he commands and he gives it to us.

It might not always look like virtuous patience on our part but so what? Your patience is not about you but about your students and your family. He will give it to you. He has not let us down yet. It won’t be perfect because we will mess it up, but we are forgiven and so are the ones that we serve.

Prayer:
God, grant us a rich measure of patience not so that we can be virtuous but for the love of those we serve. Forgive us when we are impatient and rest us in your promises of Christ’s return in glory. Amen.