Tag Archive for: ecme devotions

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
I Corinthians 15:58

Images can be powerful. Do you recall the iconic picture from June 5, 1989 of a young man in Tiananmen Square in Beijing standing in front of a row of tanks? He stands there with bags of groceries possibly, facing what seemed most likely fatal for him. During a time of unrest, he stands there alone and seemingly determined. Whatever his reasons may have been, his convictions over-ruled his concern for his safety. He took a stand against those who appeared far more powerful than he. We don’t know what happened to the man after that day but the photograph has been seen around the world.

The verses for today’s reading include two words of encouragement, “stand firm”. This verse begins with the word, “therefore”. This tells us to go back and see why we can stand firm. If we look at the text just before this one, we see a number of verses on the victory Jesus won for each of us through his death and resurrection. Because he died for us and in our place, we don’t need to fear death. Heaven is ours. Because he rose from the dead, we know that we will also live forever in his loving presence in heaven. Because of this, we can look at the challenges and disappointments of this world and know that they are temporary. They won’t last forever (even if sometimes they may appear to) but our home in heaven will last forever.

So, what does that mean for today? As you go about preparing your lessons and materials for the day, how does this verse apply? You and I have work to do. There are centers to be organized, observations to be documented, newsletters to be written and shared, books to be read, and so on. There’s lots to do. But you and I are so blessed to have more to do than these tasks. We are privileged to have the opportunity each day to share the amazing story of God’s grace to the children in our classrooms. We strive to build trusting relationships with the parents and families of the children so that we can support them in their God-given role and share the gospel with them as well. There are days when we are blessed to see the fruits of those efforts. But more likely, most days those fruits are not as evident. It can be easy to be discouraged. It can be easy to slip into more focus on the earthly tasks then the spiritual opportunities. But take heart. While God does not promise that we will always see the fruits of the work of the Holy Spirit, he promises in Isaiah 55:11, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” We can carry on with all the tasks we have and the amazing privilege of sharing the gospel knowing that our work is not in vain. While we may not always see the results, the Lord can and will bless our sharing of his precious message of salvation through him. So, stand firm. Take on each day, each task, each opportunity with the confidence that you know how this ends. The Holy Spirit is at work. Heaven is yours.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, some days the work I do is hard. I can become discouraged and distracted from the privilege and opportunities to tell others of your grace. Forgive me in those times. Remind me of your promises and your faithfulness. Help me to stand firm on your promises and to eagerly share that with those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Question to Consider: It’s hard to avoid discouragement and easy to give up. What are things you can do in anticipation of those times? Is there someone who can be an encourager for you? Is there someone for whom you can be an encourager? What other Bible verses can be reassuring to you and others?

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Wind. Water. Harvey. Fear.
There was another verse and devotion planned for today. However, the news of this past week could not go unmentioned. Hurricane Harvey. This epic storm is one that will be remembered in our nation’s history. It continued to shatter records as the storm raged on. Day after day, you and I saw and heard story after story of heartbreak: people rescued from the roofs of their homes, mandatory evacuations, tornadoes, homes and buildings destroyed, lives lost, and on and on. “Do not fear”? Are you kidding?

No. He’s not kidding. From the beginning, when Adam and Eve sinned, God knew the havoc that sin would play in the lives of his people. He knew the hurt, the pain, the destruction it would have. Out of love for his people, he also knew the comfort and encouragement his people, including you and I, would need. The words, “do not fear” appear in the Bible many times. Over and over, God reassures us that we don’t need to fear. “But this thing I’m facing is frightening!” There are absolutely times in our lives that are frightening and can lead to anxiety and fear. But the Lord tells us not to fear and not to be dismayed.

Do you recall as a child a time when you were particularly afraid? Perhaps you were like so many young children who were frightened of the darkness of your room. But when your mom or dad came in the room, even if they didn’t turn on the light, you felt calmer and safer. The darkness was still there, but you knew that with them there, you would be ok and you would fade off into sleep. While disasters like Harvey and the tragedies that accompany it are very real, God’s presence and promises provide reassurance and hope even more than that of an earthly parent.

The words from Isaiah today were written about the people of Israel who had escaped years of captivity. They could so easily fall into despair. They could simply look around and wonder how this could possibly work out. And yet, these words provide comfort and encouragement to them and to us. God is telling them that he’s with them through it all. He’s there to comfort and help. It’s not a trite pep talk—“You’ve got this!” It’s a promise from a God who never breaks a promise—“I am with you…I am your God…I will strengthen you…help you…uphold you.” This is not a promise that we will be able to decipher the meaning of disasters. It’s a promise that we can trust God even when we can’t make sense of life or see the future. Fear is a natural response in the face of tragedy. “Do not fear” means that we do not need to remain captive to our natural fears. God’s promises for ultimate victory put these into perspective.

So it is for us in the times that our own Harvey rages. What is your “Harvey”? While it may not be on the scale of this historical storm, is there a storm in your life? Pain. Hurt. Loneliness. Perhaps your Harvey is a relationship that is strained or broken. Test results. Waiting. Treatment. Maybe illness of some kind is your Harvey. Debt. Bills. Budgets. Financial struggles can weigh so heavily. Guilt. Discouragement. Despair. Maybe your Harvey is a sin that you want so desperately to overcome and the cycle of slipping back continues. “Do not fear”? Are you kidding?

No. He’s not kidding. Even more than a parent holding the hand of their child, God holds each of us with his “righteous right hand”. This represents God’s power and strength and his amazing promise to save us from our sin by making all things right through Jesus’ death and resurrection. God gives us his grace, and in that grace is the peace that only God can give in the midst of the storm. We have peace knowing that our God loves us, he is with us, and heaven is ours.

The storms of our life, while they can seem overwhelming, are temporary. The storm will stop. A city and people will rebuild. But God’s grace and mercy and promises continue to all eternity and they’re yours and they’re mine. He is your God, your strength, your help in all things.

Prayer: Dear God of all things. This has been a week with stories of heartache and fear. Through it all, you are there with your grace and your mercy. We struggle with fear. Help and remind us that you are always with us. Calm our hearts with the peace that comes from knowing that you have called us to be your child. Be especially with those who are struggling as a result of last week’s storms. Be their comfort. May all of this bring people closer to you and your gift of grace. In Jesus we pray. Amen.

A Question to Consider: Young children can be very aware of significant events like Hurricane Harvey. What are ways that you, your early childhood ministry, your pastor can calm their fears and concerns?

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
1Thessalonians 5:23-24

If you say the name Bridget around my husband and his brothers, they all sigh—especially my husband. Bridget was one of the family dogs when they were growing up. But Bridget was special, particularly to my husband. The story goes that Bridget would walk along with him to school each morning and wait outside the school until the end of the day to walk home with him. I know, it sounds like a sappy children’s book, but each of the brothers would tell you that she was the epitome of a faithful companion.

Today’s reading begins with a prayer. The prayer is for fellow believers. It asks God to “sanctify” them “through and through”. In this context, the word sanctify simply means “to set apart”. God has freed them and us from sin through Jesus. The writer is asking God to keep them (and us) faithful to an ongoing life set apart for God. Because of all that God has done for us through Jesus, we can live a life of joy, a life of peace, confident in his love and grace. That joy and peace encourages us and motivates us to be faithful in our study of his Word. As we grow in our knowledge and understanding of all that God has done for us, we reflect that joy and peace to others.

The prayer goes on to remind the reader and each of us where our confidence lies. “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” He is faithful! Those words may be few but they are mighty! God is faithful. God is faithful all the time. He always keeps each and every promise. His love for us is perfect and constant and immeasurable. His faithfulness gives you and me confidence in his promises, in his forgiveness, in his love. We don’t need to live wondering if God loves us or if he forgives us or if he will hear our prayers. He is faithful. He loves us. He forgives us. He hears and answers our prayers, always.

A loyal and faithful companion like dear Bridget can be such a blessing. As a young boy, knowing that his precious friend was waiting for him every day was a rare gift. But even more, the gift we all have knowing that God is faithful, God loves us, God forgives us, and God hears us, gives us the confidence and the peace that only he can give. May the Lord grant you that peace. May you continue to grow in grace and in understanding of all that God has done for you. May all you do each day with the young children you serve as well as their families, reflect that confidence, joy, and peace in God’s grace.

Prayer: Dear Father, bless me and all those around me with the peace that only comes from you and knowing that we are your dear children. Thank you for your faithfulness, for your love, for your forgiveness, for Jesus. Help me reflect your love in all I do each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Question to Consider: What are examples where you see God’s faithfulness in your life? Make a list and share it with a colleague or friend. Thank God for his faithfulness in those situations.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17

I love lists. Nerdy perhaps, but I love them. Like many other list lovers, I think my love comes more from crossing off completed items than anything else. I do love the process of writing a list and having a visual of what needs my attention. While not foolproof, I’m less likely to forget a task if I have it on my list. But oh, the crossing it off! It’s a sweet, sweet moment.

Even if you are not a list lover, this might be the time of year where you have an extensive to-do list. As you plan for the upcoming school year or the transition from a summer program to a school year program, that list seems to be a part of planning. August can be an incredibly busy month. There are class lists to prepare, home visits to schedule and complete, supply lists to be drafted and filled, cleaning, organizing, and decorating your classroom (with endless options thanks to Pinterest!), staff meetings, back to school events, and on, and on. It’s a time of the year when “what’s possible” motivates a spirit of optimism and excitement. There’s a feeling that no matter what hurdles are encountered, things will go well. You’re prepared.

The verse from Colossians is a wonderful reminder to stop and review your plans. Why do you do what you do? Why does your early childhood ministry exist? What are the early childhood ministry goals for the year? What are your goals for the year? “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed…” “Whatever you do” covers, well, everything you do! Lesson planning, conversations with new families, setting up each learning center, planning events for the year—everything! It can be easy to get so focused on the tasks and daily activities, that you fail to stop and refocus on why you are doing what you do and for whom you serve. Stop today, and each day and spend time, dedicated quiet time, with Jesus in his Word. Pray for his blessing on your day, on your planning, on your tasks, on every word and every deed. Pray that all you do reflects his incredible love for you. Thank him for the privilege to serve and for each child, family, and colleague you serve. Thank him especially for Jesus in whose name you pray and whose indescribable gift of salvation is yours.

So, as you compose that list, start at the top with your time in the Word and in prayer. While it’s a delight to cross off cleaning, organizing, decorating, lesson planning, never cross off your time with your dear Savior. May his love permeate and motivate all that you do this and every year!

Prayer: Dear Father, with you I begin the tasks for this year. When I think about it, I am overwhelmed that you have given me the privilege and joy to share your incredible story of salvation with the children, families, and colleagues in my ministry. I am easily distracted by the tasks of the day. Forgive me and help me to stay focused on you, your love for me and all those around me. Bless all I do that it gives glory to you and leads others to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

A Question to Consider: It can be challenging to find a time with an early childhood staff to pray together, have a devotion together, or study the Word together. What are some creative ways to address this vital goal?

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.

Ephesians 3:20-21

One of the tests to detect false doctrine is whether a teaching gives maximum glory to Christ or not. It’s not the only test but it is a pretty accurate one. If a teaching puts the burden of salvation on man instead of Christ, it diminishes Christ. It is as if to say, “Thanks Jesus for dying on the cross. That was nice, but I got it from here.” Not only is it wrong, but it takes away from Christ’s true glory, that is, his love and mercy at the cross for us sinners.

We may not fall into the outright false teaching of work-righteousness (that we make ourselves right/righteous by our own efforts) but we do diminish Christ when we show a lack of trust. Earlier this month we talked about anxiety. We made the point that worry often comes because we care and isn’t necessarily a sinful lack of trust in God. At the same time it can be just that, a sinful distrust of God.

Paul said that Christ can do so much more than what we ask for or even can imagine. Do we not rob him of his majesty by not putting before him our greatest problems and our most needed requests? He can do so much more (and does so much more) than we even understand. Can he not also take care of our problems today? I know that sometimes we think that our requests and problems are better kept to ourselves as if we shouldn’t bother our Lord but he wants to hear them. Remember he can do more than we can imagine. Sure, the answer might often be “No” but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t persistently come to him with our deepest concerns. He loves us. He wants to hear us and he can do more than we think.

Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, remove all fake humility from our hearts and bend our knees before you so that we are free to ask you, our dear Father, anything that troubles our hearts.

A Question to Consider: What does Matthew 25:34-40 tell us about how we serve Christ and give him glory?

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Grandma worries. She worries a lot. It’s not depression. She just has a lot of time on her hands and so she thinks and thinks and thinks. Some days she gets herself worked up beyond belief about the tiniest of matters. Does she sin by worrying so much? Shouldn’t she just trust God? I suppose so. But I know that she worries because she loves. If she didn’t care about her children, her grandchildren, her world, she wouldn’t worry so much.

Such is the life of a Christian. We go back and forth between worry and trust. We can’t help it. It’s a part of being a caring person. It’s a part of being a person who is cared for. St. Peter in this verse does not say that worry is wrong. It certainly can be, but here he doesn’t criticize us anxious souls. Rather he says throw those worries on Christ. Notice that he does not try to fix the problem by changing our attitudes. He does not say, “Here is a program for you to become less anxious. Step one…” No, he says throw it on Christ, the one who will take care of it all and in fact, already has. Don’t waste any time convincing yourself that you don’t need to worry, rather just throw the worry on Christ. That’s how it works. That’s how your faith responds.

Just consider what Christ has done for you. He lived in your place. He died an embarrassing and painful death. He rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven. He rules all things at the right hand of the Father for your benefit. He has prepared a place in heaven just for you and he promised to come to get you and take you to heaven. Considering what he has already done for you and how much he has invested in you, do you really think that he could forget you? Never! Do you really think that he will not also take care of the little things? Of course he will. Cast, then, all your anxieties on him.

Prayer: Dear Jesus Christ, we look to you and realize all is done. By faith we need not ask what needs to be done but look to you and see it already done. Help us cast all our anxieties on you. Amen.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

The shiny pair of flats had a pretty teal and pink design on them, but they cost $40. My mom would not buy them because, as she said, my feet were “not done growing”. Years later, how happy I was when I was finally able to buy shoes that I wouldn’t grow out of!

Are you “done growing”? What about your spiritual growth? You know that Jesus died for you, and that we are saved from our sins through his coming back to life. You read the Bible stories with the children, and you know that you will be with him in heaven one day. So, are you done growing?

God tells us to keep growing! The end of the world, judgement day, should always be in our minds. One way that Satan can ruin our relationship with God is to make us believe that we don’t need to be close to God and his Word. Satan wants to separate us from God by separating us from his Word. This can happen even to you, even as you are daily surrounded by children that sing his praises. This can happen to you, even as you daily teach Bible truths in a Christ-centered environment.

Keep growing! Study his Word, attend church services, surround yourself with friends that also live for him. Grow in his grace, knowing that you are saved because of it! Grow in the knowledge of Jesus, all he has done for us in the past and promises to do for us in the future.

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving us all that we need to know in your Word, the Bible. Help us continue to grow in you through faith in Christ Jesus. Amen.

A Question to Consider: Think of the opportunities in your life that will help you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. Is there a Bible Study you can join? Can you start a Bible reading routine? Is there someone on your staff or in your church that can help you get started?

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

He asked to be called Spiderman. He wore the same pajama top every day, the one with a spider web in each armpit. When there was anything out of reach, he told the other children, “I’ll get it!” and then pointed his “Spidy” fingers at the object and squinted his eyes as if he were aiming and casting a web on the target. For months, he believed he was Spiderman, with super-human speed, skill, and intelligence.

We often forget who the real superhero is! The words from Isaiah show us four “superhero” characteristics about our God.

First, God created all things. He created the world, all living creatures, everything “to infinity and beyond”.

Second, God does not become tired or weary—he is everlasting! Unlike all that he created, God is always strong, always ready, and always willing to help us.

Third, our God has “understanding no one can fathom”. His wisdom and power is so great, that His creation humbly bows down before him in wonder.

Finally, these words tell us that God gives strength to those who need it. Our creator, the ever-strong, all-powerful, all-knowing, can help us when we feel tired, broken, disappointed, and sad.

When we feel that we just don’t want to get out of bed, he is ready to help us take that step. When we don’t want to confront a co-worker or parent, he gives us the words to say. When we feel defeated by our own sins and failings, he reminds us in his Word that we are forgiven through Jesus.
We sometimes forget that our God, our creator and protector, is in control of all things. He loves us always, not just when things in our life are going well. He knows everything—we do not! We humbly ask God for the strength we need, and he hears us, every time!

Prayer: Dear Father, I praise you for your mighty works, O Lord! You are in control, and I am not. You are all-knowing, and I am not. Help me to look to you for true rest, true comfort, and true peace. Amen.

A Question to Consider: How can you use these thoughts to encourage a co-worker, early childhood program parent, or friend that shows signs of weariness?

O Trinity of love and power, your people shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe, protect them all where’er they go;
Thus evermore to you shall be, glad praise from air and land and sea.

Christian Worship 517:4

I don’t know about you, but usually I think of Memorial Day as a nice break from the regular school routine, or maybe the beginning of summer vacation. It is so much more, however; it is an opportunity to remember the ultimate sacrifice those in the military make for our country. We thank God for those who gave their lives to keep our country safe.

God also protects his people. As Moses and the Israelites found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army, God shielded his people with a pillar of cloud while making a path through the Red Sea. God was constantly with his people as they fought to overcome the Canaanites and take possession of the Promised Land. God used leaders like Samson, Gideon, and Deborah to rescue his people from their enemies. Ultimately, God even sent his only son into battle. Jesus gave his life to liberate all people of all time from the deadly forces of sin, death, and the devil. God continues to shield and protect us each and every day.

Today we thank God for those who served and gave their lives for our country. We pray for those who continue to serve. We know God will be their shield and ours as well. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” (Psalm 28:7)

Prayer: O God of love, O King of peace, make wars throughout the world to cease;
Our greed and sinful wrath restrain. Give peace, O God, give peace again.
Whom shall we trust but you, O Lord? Where rest but on your faithful Word?
None ever called on you in vain. Give peace, O God, give peace again.
Amen.
Christian Worship 519:1, 3

Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works on man’s behalf! Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. Praise be to God who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
Psalm 66:1, 5, 16, 20 (NIV 1984)

Children love stories with a hero, someone who swoops in and saves the day. Outside, they’ll play superheroes or cops and robbers, making sure the good guy always wins.

Psalm 66 recounts a time when the bad guys were crushed by God. Moses and the people of Israel were trapped at the Red Sea, with Pharaoh’s army fast approaching. We know how the story ends, with the Israelites safe on the other side of the sea and Pharaoh’s army destroyed. God prevailed.

As teachers, we get to tell our students about God’s awesome deeds: his almighty power in creating the world, his loving kindness in rescuing his people, his concern for the sick and those in need. Jesus truly is a hero who cares for each of us personally. We teach our students what Jesus did for others and how he helps each of us now. We teach them to take their problems to Jesus and trust him to do what is best.

Our hero, Jesus, after all, rescued us from the most powerful enemies: sin, death, and the devil. He took our sins to the cross and took our punishment as he suffered, abandoned by God. He crushed the devil and obliterated death, then just a few days later he rose from the dead. Jesus took care of our worst problems, and now lovingly helps us through our day-to-day difficulties.

So, with your students, sing and pray to our hero. “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works on man’s behalf!” (Psalm 66:1, 5)

Prayer: Yours forever, Lord of life! Shield us through our earthly strife.
You, the life, the truth, the way, guide us to the realms of day.
Yours forever! You our guide, all our needs by you supplied,
All our sins by you forgiven, lead us, Lord, from earth to heaven. Amen.
Christian Worship 426:3, 5:1, 2

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
Psalm 67:1-2 (NIV 1984)

In my classroom this year I have students of many nationalities: Korean, Chinese, Eastern European, Filipino, Hispanic. For several students, English is their second language. It’s a wonder to see these students change as they grow in their ability to understand and eventually speak English. God’s gift of language learning is amazing!

It’s amazing also to consider that God is bringing the nations right into our classrooms. Mission work begins with us. We get to bring the incomparable news of Jesus’ love and salvation to all our students. No matter what language they speak, children understand and treasure the words, “Jesus loves you. Jesus is with you. Jesus takes your sins away.”

We have the responsibility to bring this news to children, not only during Bible time, but throughout the day. We model love and forgiveness to the rebellious child. We gently guide children to be kind and compassionate. We pray together, sing together, and grow as God’s children together. We know that the Holy Spirit will guide and help us in this huge endeavor and forgive us when we fall short.

Children in turn become missionaries as they retell Bible stories at home, sing songs in church, and deal with each other in love and forgiveness. God graciously makes his ways known through us and the little ones we teach. The next time your students break into Jesus Loves Me as they work, smile and know that God is using you to bring his news of salvation to all nations.

Prayer: O God of mercy, God of might, in love and mercy infinite,
Teach us, as ever in your sight, to live our lives to you.
All are redeemed, both far and wide, since Jesus Christ for all has died;
Grant us the will, and grace provide, to love them all in you. Amen.
Christian Worship 499:1, 4

But when they looked up, they [Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome] saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb.
Mark 16:4-8 (NIV 1984)

“Don’t be alarmed.” The angel uttered this phrase as the women approached Jesus’ tomb. Those who work with young children probably find themselves saying similar phrases on a regular basis: “Don’t worry, it’s just a scratch,” or “It’ll be okay, your mom will be back later.” Children are easily scared and concerned from life’s challenges that are thrown their way, both big and small.

Perhaps you have found yourself feeling scared and worried lately and needing comfort. Maybe your busy schedule is leaving you feeling guilty over the small amount of time you have to spend with friends and family. Maybe someone you love is fighting a losing battle with an illness or addiction. A sin-filled world brings many reasons to grow concerned and feel down. Quite frankly—there are many things that cause fear and alarm. But praise be to God that we have hope amidst these challenges.

Don’t be alarmed! Jesus? The Nazarene? The crucified one? He has risen! He is not here! What a comfort this is for us as well! The Easter message, “He has risen! He is not here!” gives us hope that the sin and suffering of this world is only temporary, but the gift of heaven is everlasting.
Just as the angel told the women to spread the message of the resurrection to Peter and the rest of Jesus’ disciples, what joy is ours to speak the same: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. In him there is no reason to fear. Happy Easter!

Prayer: He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Jesus still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: “I know that my Redeemer lives!” Amen.
Christian Worship 152:8