The Morning of Famous Faces

The third graders trickled into the rooms bursting with excitement as they were sporting their Famous Faces costumes.  They greeted each other with laughter and praises about each other’s outfits.

After a stimulating homeroom time, the children settled down when the bell rang at 8:10.  They all participated in the pledge, devotion, and prayers.  Then as our custom, we had our personal third grade devotion.   The connecting door between the classes was opened, and they listened to Friday’s devotion from the children’s devotion book, Jesus Calling…

Don’t Be Afraid

The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.  –Isaiah 12:2

Don’t be afraid.  I am your Strength and your Song.  I am your Power and your Joy.

What does it mean to have Me as your Strength?  I simply spoke and the universe was created!  Mountains soared up out of the earth!  The sun and stars lit up the sky!  My Power is absolutely unlimited.  And I am able to take that same Power and make you strong.

Think of it: I am on your side.  I will guide you, protect your, and even fight for you if necessary.  So don’t let yourself become filled up with fear.  Fear only blocks My Strength.  Instead of being afraid, trust Me – remember that I am your Strength!

I am also your Song.  I want you to grab hold of My Joy.  Celebrate!  Shout for joy because I am right beside you!  Sing with Me as we journey together toward heaven!

Once the children heard the title of the devotion, they ALL listened attentively.  Truly you could have heard a pin drop in the room.  A special prayer was offered.  First and foremost giving thanks for this glorious day for celebrating the opportunity to learn and to share gained knowledge and asking God to calm the nerves and flip flopping stomachs.

Then all of the students lined up. As a few of them exited the room, they said, “Let’s DO this!”  Standing in an array of costumes, were thirty-two children.  Calmed, not afraid, with huge smiles on their faces.  They were empowered and eager to get the show on the road.  Consider the message they had just heard.

The processional music began and they paraded into the gym.  And you know the rest of the story…

– By third grade teachers, Nora Norville and Lynn Williams

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