https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20251208ECME.mp3

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near. I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.”

Matthew 3:1-2, 11

When do you put your Christmas tree up? When does Christmas music start to be heard through your house and in your car? Do you wait until after Thanksgiving, or do you pull out the red and green décor as soon as the trick-or-treaters stop ringing your doorbell? Sometimes we start seeing “countdown to Christmas” signs in mid-summer, and the excitement for the holidays begins.

When John the Baptist began his ministry, he knew that Jesus was going to begin the work that started on the first Christmas. John knew that Jesus was near, and so John wanted people to live a life of repentance. In other words, John wanted people to turn from sin in sorrow and turn to God in the confidence of forgiveness. As a result, John the Baptist’s entire ministry was pointing people to Jesus, the Savior and Lamb of God.

Many people that John the Baptist met already knew that a Savior was coming at some point. For generations, families had been passing down the words of Moses and the prophets that told about God’s plan to send the Messiah to save his people. Although God gave them several clues about how Jesus would enter the world and what he would do on earth, no one knew exactly when that would be.

But then John entered the picture! God used John to point people to Jesus, the Savior promised long ago.

Do you point people to Jesus? God calls us to point others to Jesus, especially since Jesus is coming again.

But the thought of Jesus’ return can make people uncomfortable. They remember that Jesus will come as a judge and that he knows every sin.

But Jesus is also the one who was judged on the cross to clear the record of every sinner. Jesus is the one who washes sinners in baptism so that they can be members of God’s kingdom. So, when we point people to Jesus, we help children and their families know about God’s undeserved love in Jesus. We remind coworkers that they are forgiven because of Jesus. We point people to Jesus so that they can be confident in life because they have the joy of forgiveness and the assurance that they are members of the kingdom of God.

Jesus is coming! He is coming as one more powerful than John the Baptist. But he will not use his power to judge your sin. He will use his power to bring you into the full joys of his eternal kingdom.

We hail you as our Savior, Lord, our refuge and our great reward;

Christian Worship 316:3-4

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Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-7

How often do you pray? Do you pray before meals and before bed? When you have an unexpected challenge and need help? Do you pray for friends and enemies? God wants us to pray for all of these things and much more!

God wants us to come to him in prayer, thanking him for blessings and humbly asking him for things that we need. We have this gift of prayer because we are made God’s children through faith in Jesus, and God wants to hear from his children.

Being a believer does not mean we never have trials. We will still have fears, temptations, and times of sorrow. The “to-do list” for both work and home may seem infinite, and the calendar may seem full with no rest in sight. Perhaps there is a personal or professional relationship that is fragile or broken, and you wonder if the connection can ever be repaired. Or maybe you are weighed down with concern about financial instability, a family member with an illness, or regret about a choice made. How broken our world feels sometimes!

The approach and perspective of a Christian, however, will be very different from an unbeliever.

A child of God will have joy, even during times of trouble. We can still have this joy inside, even when troubled by sins and happenings of the past. This joy comes from knowing that Jesus has rescued us, forgiven us, and that he will come again.

God tells his children to let their gentleness be evident to all. But we cannot do this by ourselves! We lack the humility and patience God requests. So, we pray that the Holy Spirit helps us live a life of joy and gentleness because we know that Christ has been humble and patient to us.

A child of God will have joy and peace—and also a peaceful heart. This peace is so powerful and pure, that it doesn’t make sense to the world. It doesn’t fit in with the chaos of the daily life of mankind. Those that do not share our faith might laugh at us or show confusion because of our peaceful heart. That’s because this peace comes from God. He has given us knowledge and trust that he saved us from sin and death and has promised to come again to take us home. This peace guards us from the sins of worry and doubt.

What joy and peace we have, even when we have struggles! We know that we are saved by God, that he is near, and that he wants to hear everything that is on our hearts and minds. May we continue to bring our thanksgiving, requests and prayers to our heavenly Father!

Before you, Lord, we bow, our God who reigns above

Christian Worship 775:1

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You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Luke 12:40

Are you ready? Company is coming for dinner. You’re excited but you’d like just a bit more time to make sure everything is set. The children will start arriving soon, and you could use another few minutes to make sure you are ready to give them your full attention. Are you ready?

You and I like the comfort of knowing what’s coming and how much time until a given event, an appointment, a diagnosis, an answer. How often do we wish that God would let us have even a glimpse of when a situation might be resolved? The challenge of waiting is seldom easy. Being prepared can give us patience as we wait.

Are you ready? Not for the test or an appointment, but for Jesus. Are you ready for his return on Judgment Day? He certainly is coming. He told his disciples in John 14:3, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” He is indeed coming back.

But there’s one detail that we don’t have—when Jesus is coming. All Jesus tells us is, “You also must be ready” (Luke 12:40).

The greatest event for which we wait is Christ’s return on Judgment Day. This will be an event beyond our imagination and expectations. We can slip into thinking that if we knew when this would all be over, we could endure whatever challenge or crisis we’re facing.

In his wisdom, God chose not to let us in on this detail. The Bible is clear that no one knows the day or the hour. Jesus told his disciples, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36).

So, what are we to do? God is clear: be ready! Expect that Jesus could return at any time. It could be today, next week, in 20 years, or in 1000 years. We don’t know.

So, how can we be ready? Our dear Savior points us to the Word. As we continue to be in the Word, we learn about our God. When we are faithful in prayer and worship, we focus our hearts on what is to come, even if we do not know when.

A colleague of mine once said, “If you knew that Judgment Day was next week or even next month, what might you do differently? How would the urgency of sharing the Gospel increase? How might your time in God’s Word be richer and more focused?” As we focus on God’s Word, we can look forward to Judgment Day with eager anticipation. That’s because Scripture makes us confident in what that day will bring. We can pray, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

Dear Jesus, I want to be ready for your return. Life on earth can be such a distraction from you. Help me to focus on you and to be excited and eager to be in the Word you have given us. Help me to pray with confidence, “Come, Lord Jesus!” Amen.

Christian Worship 850: 1, 4 It Is Well with My Soul and 868 By Faith are both wonderful hymns to add to your devotions this week.

If you are looking for extra context for today’s verse of Luke 12:40, read the preceding verses of Luke 12:35-39

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All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.

2 Thessalonians 1:5-7

“But she hit me first!” Do you ever feel like you should wear a judge’s black robe or a referee’s striped shirt when conflicts between children (and sometimes adults) make their way into a day? It was many years into teaching before I discovered the benefit of modeling and teaching the children to resolve their conflicts rather than announcing a judgment on a given situation. Each time I made the decision for them, it was almost guaranteed that the conflict would come back.

It’s in our human nature to strike back and to try to make things just or equal in our eyes. Victims of abuse and violence weigh on our hearts, and we want the peace of knowing that those who caused pain are handed judgments that align with the results of their actions. Without the hope that justice will be served, we might despair or focus on revenge. So, it is important to read how God “will pay back trouble to those who trouble” us.

However, we cannot focus only how God will judge others. We must recognize that we ourselves fall short of God’s expectation. As you and I reflect on our day or even the past hour, it’s easy to recognize our failures. We often do the opposite of what we intended to do. Sin is relentless, and our weaknesses continue to override our best efforts. Discouragement and despair can come creeping (or roaring) in.

Where can we go with our guilt and our frustration about our sin?

Dear Christian friend, relief is ours in the Lord Jesus! Our comfort, hope, and peace come from knowing that God’s judgment is not based on us but on Jesus. The faith that God has given us makes us righteous. Because of Christ, we have been made right in God’s eyes. God looks at us through Jesus and sees you and me as his perfect children.

And now, Jesus’ suffering and forgiveness help us deal with others. When we consider the forgiveness we have received, we can look at others knowing that Jesus went to the cross for them as well. We can give them kindness and grace, just as we received from God.

No black robe, no striped shirt for you and me. There is only God’s loving forgiveness and peace through what Jesus did for us. Thank you, Lord!

and this, we can fully count on God’s promise and his remarkable gift of Jesus for us: while we were still sinners, he died for us so that all things can be right between God and us.

Dear Jesus, it is so easy for me to see the faults of others and try to ignore my own sin. Forgive me for my own sin and give me a heart of forgiveness for those around me. Thank you for the peace that I have knowing that you have pronounced through your death and resurrection, your judgment of me is this: “not guilty!” In your name I pray. Amen

As you spend time pondering today’s verses, is there someone you can reach out to with a word of encouragement or forgiveness? Starting by sharing your gratitude for God’s forgiveness for you can be a blessing to that conversation.

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You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-8

Some things simply don’t make sense. There are things we just can’t understand. Why does cilantro taste like a wonderful herb to some and a bar of soap to others? Why is it that sometimes sleep comes easily and other times at 2:00 a.m. the brain drives far away any chance of sleep? Why does a young child seem to need your help just as you sit down?

Today’s reading invites a different and deeper question. Why would God die for us sinners? The text says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” It also says, “When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”

Our earthly brains and our self-centered nature can struggle to understand this. You and I may reach out to someone who appears powerless and try to help them, but nothing compares to what Christ did. He didn’t save those who were worthy but made worthy those he saved. God looked at us and all people and out of a love that is beyond our comprehension, the Father sent Jesus. The Father said, “Go save my people with your perfect life, innocent death, and resurrection.”

In our eyes that does not seem like much of a plan. In God’s eyes, it was—and is—the perfect plan. God knew we were—and are—powerless to do what needed to be done to save ourselves. But he also knew that Jesus could do it. It was God’s love that looked at us, messes that we were, and eagerly said “Let’s do this! Let’s save them and make them our own dear children.” That doesn’t make sense because we were completely undeserving, but it made perfect sense to our perfect God who loves us perfectly. That’s God’s grace; he gives us what we don’t deserve because of his amazing love.

Everyone wrestles with guilt, and guilt can overwhelm all of us. What is God’s answer to our guilt? It’s Jesus. God’s grace through Jesus says to us, “I’ve taken your guilt. You get God’s perfect grace, peace, and joy in return.” While we may not be able to grasp or understand this, we can fully count on God’s promise and his remarkable gift of Jesus for us: while we were still sinners, he died for us so that all things can be right between God and us.

God loves me dearly, grants me salvation, God loves me dearly, loves even me.

Refrain: Therefore I’ll say again; God loves me dearly, God loves me dearly, loves even me.

Christian Worship 583

The text says that Jesus’ death demonstrates God’s love for us. How does Jesus’ resurrection demonstrate God’s power, and how can that help you be a powerful teacher this week?

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And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:3-4

It’s the end of the day in the first weeks of school. You look over and there is that sweet child, sitting quietly in a chair, eyes fluttering and head bobbing. Fatigue sweeps over them like their favorite rest-time blanket. As the year progresses, their stamina slowly grows.

We can feel like that wiped-out little one as well. We all have days or times in our lives where it is just plain hard to keep our head up and our worry down. The life of a Christian is one that needs stamina of a different sort. Life on this side of heaven is challenging. As we look at the world around us, we see the evidence of sin impacting just about everything. Even the best of relationships can have struggles. We hear daily reports of evil and hate from our communities and from all over the world. Things wear out leading to costly repairs. People we love get sick, get hurt physically or emotionally. Death takes those we love. Our faith and beliefs are challenged or ridiculed. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are persecuted in unimaginable ways across the world. We can find ourselves feeling discouraged, fatigued.

And then we go back to our reading for today. “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people and he will dwell with them.” The hard things are all around us but “Look!”- God has made his dwelling right here with us, with you! He has made us his saints (holy ones), his heirs of heaven!

You may be thinking, “That’s great, but the problems of life are still right in front of me.” That’s true. However, knowing we are chosen by God as his dear children makes all the difference. First, we’re reminded that this world is temporary; it’s a blip on the timeline of eternity that we will spend in heaven. But we don’t have to wait till God calls us to heaven to have peace. True peace comes from knowing that God is with us in the blessings and in the challenges. He never promised to take away all the effects of sin in our lives, but before he ascended into heaven, Jesus did promise to be right there with us. We have the assurance that comes with the promises he keeps each day. So, we keep our faith focused on what is to come. We will join the saints in heaven where there is no more death, crying, pain because we will be wrapped in Jesus’ loving arms for eternity.

As you approach each day with its blessings and challenges, remind yourself and those around you that God is here with you, his saints. As the fatigue of life rolls over you, find your stamina in his Word and in his promises kept for you. “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among his people.” God and his kingdom dwell in you. He’s with you to comfort, encourage, guide, and bless you with his grace until he takes you to heaven.

Dearest Heavenly Father, I come to you today with a heart full of gratitude. The world can be so hard, but knowing that you are with me each day gives me hope, encouragement, and strength. It is an indescribable gift to know that someday I will join all your saints in heaven in your perfect peace. Remind me that you are always here, and that heaven is my home. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Hymn 867 from Christian Worship entitled Afflicted Saint, to Christ Draw Near has a wonderful text to reflect on as you consider the thoughts of today’s reading.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20251027ECME.mp3

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

Revelation 3:11

How many days until Grandma and Grandpa get here? My mom said that it’s only nine sleeps until Christmas! Teachers and students alike count down the days until the next three-day weekend. We’re used to waiting. As Christians, isn’t that also part of our lives? We wait until the day we get to see our heavenly Father and beloved Savior.

Today’s verse are words spoken to the apostle John by Jesus. Jesus promises a quick return. He will be with us soon. How comforting! In the midst of temptations, struggles, and doubt, Jesus’ promise to visibly return shines brightly.

But, Christ is also with us now. While we wait to see him face to face, he tells us to hold on to what we have. In this section of Revelation, Jesus was speaking to the people in a church in the city of Philadelphia (located in modern day Turkey). He told them, “I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:8). This little church held onto the one thing needful, and we are told to do the same. As we read, learn, and study God’s Word, we are continually reminded that Jesus is with us. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He is with us until the end of the age. Christ is with us right now.

Not only is he with us, but he is our victor. Jesus fought the battle against sin, death, and the devil. He lived a perfect life and submitted himself to the punishment we deserve. As he suffered on the cross, he felt God’s full wrath over the sins we committed. But the battle didn’t end there. In triumph, Jesus rose from the dead and declared his victory to the devil. He secured the victor’s crown, not only for himself, but for all believers. We are conquerors through Christ.

So now we have work to do. We proclaim what Christ has done for us so that more and more people can share in his victory. We live our lives and “shine like stars in the universe as [we] hold out the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15-16). We feed Jesus’ sheep and lambs with the wonderful news of God’s free grace.

Christ has done it all for us. He won the victory. He works through us, as we live our lives of faith in a sin darkened world. And Christ is with us. Now, we enjoy his blessings and endure hardships in our world because soon we will join him in our heavenly home. The last words of the Book of Revelation are the last words of the entire Bible, and they say it all, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21).

Dear Jesus, thank you for winning the victory over sin, death, and the devil. Help me rely on you, knowing you are always with me. Help me carry out the work you give me until I finally see you face to face. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Read through the hymn Christ Is with Me (Christian Worship 681).

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20251013ECME.mp3

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:9-14

I can do it myself! We’ve all heard children adamantly state these words as they strive for independence. Most of the time, we encourage such independence and growth, but not always. Some things a young child is not ready to do on their own, such as crossing the street, lighting birthday candles, or staying home alone. It can end in disaster.

It does end in disaster when this attitude permeates our spiritual life. We think, “I don’t need help; I can do it on my own.” John was an eyewitness of this happening during Jesus’ ministry. He saw Jesus’ own people reject him and his message. Jesus wasn’t the savior they were expecting. They knew the laws given in the Old Testament and thought that they obeyed those laws. They thought that they could do it on their own and would have salvation without Jesus. Except, they didn’t.

And neither do we. As hard as we try, we do not lead the holy life God demands. Sin is such a part of each of us that we can’t even begin to earn our salvation. On our own, we would constantly be unsure. Did I do enough? Am I at least better than that person? Maybe if I just do a little more? We know the answers to these questions. I am not good enough. I cannot do it on my own. I need help.

And so, “the Word became flesh.” The true light came into the world to give his light to all. Jesus was born to live in this world and do what we cannot. He fulfilled the law perfectly and then credited that perfectness to us. Christ for us.

Now we are children of God. Through faith that the Holy Spirit put in our hearts, we have the rights of being in God’s family. We have the Father who cares for our earthly needs, providing food and shelter, protection, and love. The Father loved us so much he even gave his Son for us. In Jesus, we have a brother who never sinned and who loves us imperfect sinners. Jesus is our brother who substituted his life for ours so that we might receive his holiness. Jesus is our brother who conquered death securing our victory over death. Christ for us.

John exclaimed that “we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Through the eyes of faith, we see Jesus’ glory. We see it now as we read and learn and believe in the undeserved love Jesus shows us each day. We will see his glory when we are face to face with our Savior in heaven. Hold onto this truth: Christ for us.

Dear Jesus, you are the light of the world! Help me always remember how much I need you. Keep me strong in the faith as I await the day I will see you face to face. Amen.

Read through and ponder the words in the hymn In Christ Alone (Christian Worship 510).

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With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

One thing I love to do with my students is pray. We pray in chapel and before our snack. Sometimes we stop what we’re doing and thank God for the wonderful things he has done. We learn prayers by heart and sometimes we just speak prayers from the heart. But we don’t just pray with each other; we pray for each other. When someone is out sick or on vacation, we pray for them. Soon the students start requesting prayers: help my sore finger, help my mom who is sick, take care of my friend, bless my grandparents. Even pets are included. We know the power behind these prayers lies in Jesus who hears us and does what is best for us.

In our verses today, Paul wrote that he was constantly praying for the people of Thessalonica. He had just finished encouraging them that a home in heaven is waiting for God’s people. Now he prayed about their life here on earth, that God would bring to fruition goodness and deeds prompted by faith.

This prayer is for us as well. As we go through this life, complete with struggles and joys, we pray that we may reflect God’s love in our thoughts, words, and deeds. In this way we glorify and thank God for all he has done for us.

Paul also prayed that we may be glorified through Christ. Jesus does this now as he cares for us on this earth, bringing us to him through his Word in the Bible. And he promises the ultimate glory: a home in heaven. Jesus clothes us with his holiness so that, by his grace, God will welcome us as his children in that glorious heavenly home.

Working with children and their families, we shoulder much responsibility. The Holy Spirit works through us to help these little lambs learn about their Savior. Throughout all we do, say, and teach, we lead children to their Savior. Wow! That can be daunting! But God promises to make us worthy of his calling. He gives us his Word, guides us, forgives us, and encourages us to talk to him in prayer.

So, let’s pray for each other. Pray that God makes us worthy of our calling and that we share his saving Word with the children in our care, with their families, and with everyone that surrounds us. Pray that he may bless our efforts to obey his will, motivated by faith in what Jesus did for us. Pray that what we do and say leads others to Jesus. Pray confidently for forgiveness when our sinful nature takes control. Pray that Jesus is glorified through us. Thank him for the glory waiting for us. What a blessing to know that Jesus hears and answers the prayers that we pray for each other!

Dear Jesus, thank you for your glorious grace and salvation. Help me share your Word through my words and actions and forgive me when I fail. Please bless teachers, pastors, and all who speak your word in truth. In your name I pray. Amen.

When works best for you to pray? Think about times during the day to set aside for prayer. Use the hymnal to find some wonderful prayers, including the section on ministry (Christian Worship hymns 895-898).