WELS Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s Devotions

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20261109ECME.mp3 Listen to Devotion Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Be Alert! A teacher’s morning might go something like this: arrive at school, grab some water (or maybe coffee for a caffeine boost), and open up the daily planner. Go to grab some materials needed for the day and get distracted by newsletters that need to go home. Distribute the newsletters to the children’s cubbies and forget what you were originally going to get. Go back and check the planner again. I don’t know about you, but my planner and checklists help focus me (and refocus me when I get distracted) on what I want to accomplish that day. I have goals for the day to help my students learn and grow. But there are so many distractions! Isn’t life like that? We are in the season of the church year when we listen to what Jesus teaches about his return and how we will join Jesus in heaven. God’s goal is to guide us through this distracting and tempting world on our journey to heaven. Jesus has already done all the work. Through his perfect life, death, and resurrection, we have a sure home in heaven. We are not in darkness but are “children of the light and children of the day” as Paul wrote to the Thessalonians. So be alert and don’t get distracted! We don’t know when our last day will come. God gives us armor against the world’s distractions. We have the breastplate of faith and love to protect our hearts from fear and doubt. The Holy Spirit plants faith in our hearts, giving us the sure hope of salvation. We cannot depend on ourselves. Instead, we trust in God’s strength and promise because he has assured us of a home in heaven. So, we keep our eyes focused on Jesus. We read the Scripture, learn God’s Word, and pray to our Father in heaven so that we may remain confident in God’s forgiveness and stay watchful and ready for the Last Day. While we wait, we work together to encourage and build each other up. We join together in worship. We share God’s love and forgiveness with each other. We sing his praises together. We support families and coworkers with prayers and assurances of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. We reflect on what a blessing it is to share God’s Word with the little ones we teach and hear them encourage us with their declarations of faith. I might not accomplish everything on my to-do list, but I pray that God keeps me alert and ready for the ultimate goal. And he will. Jesus is coming, and it will be the best day of our lives! Prayer: Dear Jesus, keep me alert and ready for the day I get to see you face to face. Help me focus on your Word and promises and use me to encourage others in their faith. In your name I pray. Amen. Some Hymns to Consider: Read through the hymn, Cling Tightly to the Word of God (Christian Worship, 2021, #707). It gives wonderful encouragement to focus on Jesus and his word and sacraments throughout our daily lives. Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20261102ECME.mp3 Listen to Devotion Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:1-12 Focus on the Future “Only five more sleeps until my birthday!” “I can’t wait until we get a few extra days off school.” “Grandma and Grandpa are coming for Thanksgiving! It’s going to be so much fun!” It’s natural to focus on the future. We’re blessed to enjoy birthdays, relaxing days off, and the special fellowship of our family. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus directs his believers to focus on the future. He begins with a list of blessings that direct us to look past this earthly life. Did any of the phrases surprise you? We don’t often think of being blessed when we are poor in spirit or when we mourn. Jesus wants his believers to understand that this earth is just a temporary home, full of imperfections. We are blemished with sin and realize that we are poor in spirit. We can never have enough or do enough to earn a place in heaven. We mourn, feeling sorrow over sin and its effects in the world. But Jesus promises the kingdom of heaven to the poor in spirit and promises comfort to those who mourn. He already lived a perfect life for us, and he guarantees salvation and a home in heaven where we will be with him forever. Jesus wants his followers to focus on the future. And what a future it is! Yesterday was All Saints’ Day, a day to remember every believer who has already gone to heaven. These loved ones are with Jesus and join in the spectacular feast he provides. Sin is gone, and so are sadness, sorrow, and grief. This home in heaven is ours too. While we wait to get there, we trust that we already have the victory over sin, death, and the devil through Jesus. And so, we look forward to what is to come. While we wait, Jesus gives us guidance. He tells us to be meek and merciful. He wants us to be peacemakers. Each day we strive to reflect Jesus’ love as we teach and guide little ones, as we go about our daily lives, and as we enjoy our family life. Because we still live in this world, we will fail to do this perfectly, but we rest in Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Other times, we will show reflect Jesus’ love and be persecuted and insulted because of that. Even still, God strengthens us through his precious Word. Jesus promises that these crosses are nothing compared to what is waiting for us. Rejoice and be glad because Jesus guarantees your home in heaven. So, look to the future. It is sure and certain. And it will be glorious! Prayer: Dear Jesus, I am so glad my future is certain because of what you have done for me. Guide me through this life that I may reflect your love, share the good news of salvation, and take up the crosses you give me. When I struggle, remind me that I can be certain of my victory in heaven. You have truly blessed me. In your name I pray. Amen. Some Hymns to Consider: There are some beautiful hymns for this part of the church year. Some you might want to read through are There Is A Higher Throne (Christian Worship, 2021, #885) and Jerusalem the Golden (Christian Worship, 2021, #889). Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20261026ECME.mp3 Listen to Devotion God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Romans 3:25-26 The Kindness and Sternness of God I was just a little girl. So, when my father sternly said my name and shook his pointer finger down at me in admonishment, tears would inevitably well up in my eyes. I already knew I was guilty, and seeing his accusing finger made me know that I was going to have to face the consequence of whatever I had done wrong. But I knew my father well enough to understand that the consequence would be fitting, not cruel. I knew that before long I’d be on his lap, wrapped in the arms that would always love me. Dad was firm but gentle. “Be firm but gentle.” That was the advice my parents passed on to me when I had children of my own. They weren’t ones to get too involved or offer advice when it wasn’t asked for. But that piece of advice always stuck with me. Firm but gentle. Paul’s words in Romans 11:22 remind me of this phrase. He says, “Remember the kindness and sternness of God.” God’s kindness is his mercy and grace. His sternness is his justice. God is perfectly kind; he loves his people even though we have sinned against him and deserve to be sent to hell. God is also perfectly just; he can’t let sin go unpunished. Today’s verses in Romans 3 help to explain the kindness and sternness of God. Verse 25 says, “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” That’s a stern punishment. God in his justice couldn’t overlook our sin. So, the Father put it on the shoulders of his perfect Son. Jesus died a horrible death in our place. Christ’s payment for our sins satisfied our stern and just God. Verse 26 says that God punished Jesus not only to be just, but also to be “the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” God accepts sinners into heaven because Jesus’ blood covers over their sins. That’s grace—the ultimate kindness! One pastor put it this way, “In Christ, justice has been served. Now, without compromising his integrity as a just and holy God, the Father can show kindness to redeemed sinners, whose guilt has been pardoned and whose debt has been paid. In Christ, God can see the sinner as just and holy.” So, as you firmly hand out consequences and gently show love to your students, keep in mind the sternness and kindness of God. Christ’s death on the cross shows that God is stern and just. It also shows that God is kind, saving those who have faith in Jesus. Prayer: Dear God, you demonstrated your sternness and kindness in sending your Son Jesus to the cross for us sinners. Thank you for sharing that truth with us and giving us the faith to believe it. Give us the strength to live our lives glorifying you and sharing this news through our work and in our daily lives. Amen. Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20261019ECME.mp3 Listen to Devotion Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1 & 6 God’s Authority is Good I have heard these words from my 2-year-old before: “To infiddy—and yon!!!” Let me translate that for you. It’s how my child says Buzz Lightyear’s famous motto, “To infinity—and beyond!” Those words made me drop whatever else I was doing and run toward the child. He was always poised to jump off of the table, the bookshelf, the top bunk, or whichever piece of furniture he was standing on. Thankfully he never sustained any great injury. This scenario led to many conversations about rules and authority. I’m sure you can imagine how those conversations with a 2-year-old would go. After reminding him about the rule not to jump off the furniture, I’d have to answer the follow-up “why, why, whys.” I explained, “Because you could get hurt. Because I love you. Because I’m your mom. Because God put me in charge of you. Because God’s in charge of everything. Because I said so!” Romans 13:1 says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” God created all things and rules over all things. He delegates his authority to many different representatives on earth including parents, teachers, bosses, and governing authorities. Why does he do this? For the same reason we set boundaries and rules for children: because God wants to bless us with safety, peace, and order. As parents or teachers, instilling in children a proper respect for us will lead them also to respect bosses and governing authorities. When we Christians rightly view our government as God’s representatives whom God puts in place to carry out God’s will, our consciences lead us to honor the government. We honor the government when we pay taxes, speak respectfully, and obey laws. (Though, of course, if government requires things against God’s will, Christians will “obey God rather than man,” as Acts 5:29 command.) We do these things not just for fear of punishment, but because we trust in God who put the system in place. He is the one who created us and loved us so much that even when we were poor, wretched sinners, he sent his own Son to die for us. If he loves us that much, of course he set government up for our good. You have the privilege of modeling this for your students, day in and day out. Children will see that you love and care for them and that your rules and boundaries bring safety, peace, and order. You can help them connect this to Jesus’ love for them and how he puts authorities in their lives for their good. May God give you strength and wisdom for this important work. Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for blessing me through the authorities you put in place on earth. I trust your authority. Please help me to show the proper respect for those you put over me and to teach your little ones to do the same. Amen. Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20261012ECME.mp3 Listen to Devotion On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:6-9 This is My Teacher! This is My God! Do you ever run into one of your students outside of school? Perhaps it’s at the grocery store or at a park. You may say “hello” and wait the quick second it takes the child to recognize you out of the context of the classroom. Then the child connects your face with the art projects, the songs, and the games he remembers. If he is the outgoing sort, he exclaims, “This is my teacher!” You’ve done many things for this child and his classmates. You’ve prepared lessons and Bible stories. You’ve bandaged knees and kissed boo boos. You’ve helped to resolve arguments, forgiving when they’ve done something wrong. You’ve comforted them when they’re sad. And now they are excited to tell their mom or grandpa or friend, “This is my teacher!” In Isaiah 25:9, we see believers saying “This is my God!” They recognize him as their God, and what do they say? “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” We are part of that group of believers. We know that we’re sinners who should be on our way to hell, but we trust in Jesus who paid our way to heaven because he shed his own blood for us. The verses leading up to this declaration tell about many things that our God does for us. He prepares a feast of rich food for us; this symbolizes great spiritual blessings. God destroys the shroud that enfolds all peoples because he swallows up death forever! He wipes away the tears from all faces. He removes his people’s disgrace from all the earth. Wow! Let’s say it again! “Surely this is our God; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” Your students may get a kick out of seeing you at McDonald’s and exclaiming, “This is my teacher!” But we are so much more privileged to be able to proclaim, “This is our God!” So, as you spend your work day with the students and communicate with their parents and go about your other daily business with family and friends, may the many things your God has done for you be at the forefront of your mind and, therefore, also at the tip of your tongue. May you say with all believers, “Surely, this is our God!” Prayer: Dear Savior, thank you for preparing a banquet for me, for swallowing up death, for wiping my tears, and for removing my disgrace. Surely, you are my God! Please give me the strength to proclaim that to others every day. Amen. Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.