Christian bookstores abound with books of devotions aimed at schoolchildren. Christian teachers have a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing material that will enhance their classroom devotions or help their students understand God’s love better. However, when it comes to devotions written specifically for the Christian teacher to use in his or her own personal life, the selection narrows considerably.

David J. Bangert’s new book, That They May Have Life: Devotions for Christian Educators, helps to fill this gap. An experienced teacher and administrator himself, Bangert is well aware of the challenges and joys unique to Christian educators. His devotions are a reflection of that “insider’s view,” telling teachers what God has to say to them, and telling them in a way that is meaningful and engaging.

The devotions in this book each begin with a Bible passage and vary in length from one to three pages. There are about 70 devotions in all, giving a busy teacher enough material for about two devotions per week during the school year. One of the things I appreciated most about this book is that the devotions are arranged chronologically to follow through the academic year, including sections for the beginning of a new year, homecoming, Advent, Christmas (and Christmas break!), Lent, etc., with a healthy number of “general” devotions as well. An example of Bangert’s experience showing through is the section entitled “May”—which, as any teacher can tell you, is in a category all by itself!

Any Christian teacher would appreciate Bangert’s book as solid, biblical, law-gospel devotions artfully suited for his or her particular calling in life. I know that I will have my own copy on my desk when the new year starts in August!

Chris Pluger
Resurrection, Centerville, Ohio