Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 18

National School Choice Week

Not all children (or adults) learn in the same way. One of my friends takes a class at the local junior college whenever she wants to learn a new skill or a new computer program. I learn best by just jumping in and figuring it out on my own through trial and error. Neither way is good or bad—just different.

This week is National School Choice Week. School choice allows parents to choose the best school for their children. Many will stick with traditional public schools, but others will choose a magnet school, a charter school, home school, or some other non-traditional form of education. Ideally, each student will thrive in the school environment that the parents choose.

Children should not be forced to attend public schools if the schools do not provide the best learning environment for their kids. Parents may choose different schools for individual students. A high schooler may thrive in the public school, while a younger sibling may perform best in a charter school. Parents should have that choice.

I wish we’d had so many choices while our son was growing up. He’d had some bad educational experiences before we adopted him at age eleven, and public school was not the best place for him. However, the only other options were very expensive private schools that didn’t meet our needs, either. He managed to graduate from high school, but he never enjoyed school. Our experience motivates me to advocate for school choice for all children.

ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee, with thy gracious favour to behold our universities, colleges, and schools, that knowledge may be increased among us, and all good learning flourish and abound. Give parents choices and the wisdom to make the right choices for their children. Bless all who teach and all who learn; and grant that in humility of heart they may ever look unto thee, who art the fountain of all wisdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ adapted from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

January 9 is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. I have always appreciated law enforcement. Just like our military, they risk their own lives to protect their fellow citizens. Often instead of appreciation, they receive scorn and insults from many.

However, my respect for law enforcement officers grew after my husband became a deputy constable. Although most of his time in law enforcement was volunteer work, he achieved the highest level of certification for peace officers in the State of Texas, Master Peace Officer. His experiences showed me more about the work and the fine men and women who do it, and I realized how dedicated most peace officers are to protecting and serving. I also saw how often officers for far more than is required of them to help people.

We hear about the occasional police officer who uses poor judgment or who actually does wrong, but we don’t often hear about the vast majority of officers who do far more to protect and serve than most of us ever realize. From comforting an accident victim to sharing a meal with a homeless man to helping an elderly couple walk home safely, law enforcement personnel perform acts of kindness in addition to facing danger and making personal sacrifices on a daily basis.

Today, on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, I say “thank you” to the people who risk their lives every day to keep us safe and to bring criminals to justice.

O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the law enforcement officers of our country. Keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage, wisdom, patience, and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

adapted from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, prayer for the Army

Image: © Depositphotos.com/karenr

Devotion for the Epiphany of Our Lord

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” …

And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

~ Matthew 2:1-2, 9-12

The word Epiphany means showing or manifestation. On Epiphany, Jesus was shown to the Gentiles when the Three Kings visited and worshipped Him. The wise men were foreigners, not Jews; they were probably pagan priests or astrologers. Yet the star led them to the king of the Jews to worship and bring gifts, revealing that the Messiah and God’s promises were not for the Jews only, but also for the Gentiles. The gifts the Magi brought were gifts traditionally given to royalty, manifesting that the tiny baby was a king.

Lord God Almighty, how blessed I and all Gentiles are that You included us in Your plan of redemption. Your mercies are not for only certain people but are available to anyone who will accept them. Thank You, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/jamesgroup

Devotion for the Twelfth Day of Christmas

He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

~ 2 Corinthians 5:5-8

Sometimes, I get anxious when I can’t see what’s ahead. I worry about the future and fear what might happen. But God’s word tells us to “walk by faith, not by sight.” God doesn’t always let us see what’s ahead, but He’s always got a perfect plan, and He’s always there with us. When the road gets rough and we can’t see around the next bend, God carries us over the rough spots. He always knows what is around the bend, and He is always in control. We don’t always understand, but we know that He is good and His plan is perfect.

Holy Father, forgive me when I doubt and fear because I can’t see the road ahead of me. Help me to remember that You know the road and the Holy Spirit is traveling it with me. Give me the comfort of remembering that You are always in control, and no matter what else the future holds, it always holds You. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Devotion for the Eleventh Day of Christmas

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

~ Romans 12:1-2

It’s so easy for us to be conformed to this world. It’s happened to so many Christians on a grand scale, and it happens to all of us to some degree. How many Christians do you know that are divorced or believe in “a woman’s right to choose” (a euphemism for killing a baby) or accept homosexual “marriage” or live with their sexual partners before marriage or think it’s okay to take office supplies home from work and take long breaks and lunch periods while on the clock? Or all of the above? All of us sin and fall short of the glory of God, but is we love the Lord and claim to be His disciples, we will study His Word and pray for His guidance. We will aim for what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Lord God, please forgive me when I live like the world around me rather than being transformed and discerning Your will. Lead me in Your ways and turn me from the ways of the world. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Devotion for the Tenth Day of Christmas

And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” …

But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the Lord and dwell there forever.”

~ 1 Samuel 1:11, 22

Hannah was desperate for a son. In that time and place, a woman who was barren was disgraced. She was so desperate for a child that she promised God that if He would only give her a son, she would give him to the service of the Lord. God answered her prayer, and Hannah kept her promise. After he was weaned, she took the child to the temple to serve the Lord. That child who was an answer to prayer was Samuel, a great prophet of Israel. God answered Hannah’s prayer, and she kept her promise. Hannah’s stigma was removed and she enjoyed a short time with her baby, but then she gave him up. She was content just to be a mother, even if she couldn’t do all that mothers do.

Eternal, holy God, please make me more like Hannah. When she was in distress, she went directly to You in prayer. Forgive me when I complain and moan to others rather than taking my problems to You first and only. Hannah was satisfied with bearing a son and giving him up to You. So often I want more instead of being satisfied with the many blessings I have. Forgive me, Lord, and give me a grateful heart. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Devotion for the Ninth Day of Christmas

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

~ Revelation 3:20-22

Jesus is knocking on the door of our hearts asking us to let Him in. If we answer, we will sit with Him on His throne in Heaven! Why would we hesitate to open the door? Too often, we have a short-term, earthly perspective. If we had an eternal perspective, we would hurry to let Jesus in and look forward to sitting on the throne with Him.

Heavenly Father, my heart is open to Jesus. I invite Him in and give praise and thanks for the salvation that He brings. In His name I pray. Amen.

Devotion for the Eighth Day of Christmas

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there, urging him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

~ Acts 16:9-10

The Bible is filled with stories of dreams and visions sent from God to lead His people. There’s nothing in the Bible that says He no longer uses dreams and visions to send messages to His people. We know that dreams and visions of Jesus often the eyes of Muslims and lead them to Christ. Maybe in our sophistication and education, we don’t notice the supernatural messages from the Lord. Maybe He still speaks to us if we only pay attention. I know I have had several dreams that called me to action and a vision of my late husband shortly after his death that gave me great peace. How often, though, have I missed what God is telling me because I don’t recognize a dream or a vision?

Thank You, Lord God, for the dreams and vision I have been blessed to receive from You. Open the eyes of my heart and mind so that I never miss a message You are sending me in whatever form it takes. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Devotion for the Seventh Day of Christmas

And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.”

Then Jacob set out from Beersheba. The sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him.

~ Genesis 46:2-5

God’s ways and thoughts are certainly above ours. The Israelites time in Egypt, including the years of slavery, were all part of God’s plan leading to redemption to His Son born at Christmas. I can’t understand this plan with my finite, human mind. But I know that it is good because God is good. And I see the end and am so glad that Jesus died for my sins and gave me eternal life. Did God send Jacob and his family into Egypt just to show His power and might hundreds of years later when He miraculously brought them out of slavery? I don’t know how or why God has done what He has, but I am grateful beyond words that all He did led to salvation for me and anyone who believes.

Eternal, almighty God, Your plan is beyond my comprehension, but I do understand that it will all turn out the way it’s supposed to. I look forward to the new heaven and the new earth when all Your people will live with You in the new Jerusalem, where there is no pain, no tears, no sorrow. Thank You for including me in Your plan and Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Devotion for the Sixth Day of Christmas

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
~ Psalm 100

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

~ Revelation 3:20-22

God is good; we owe Him thanks and praise. And Jesus is knocking on the door of our heart asking us to let Him in. We praise God best when we love and trust Jesus.

Heavenly Father, my heart is open to Jesus. I invite Him and give praise and thanks for the salvation that He brings. In His name I pray. Amen.