WELS Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s Devotions

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

You may have heard of the website “GoFundMe.” The website was created back in 2010 as a “fundraising platform dedicated to helping people help each other.” Since 2010, the website has raised over 30 billion dollars. 30 billion dollars sure does sound like the fundraising platform has successfully met their goal of helping people help each other. In fact, maybe you have even donated before. Usually when tragedy strikes, one of the first things you’ll hear about is a GoFundMe page that was set up so others can help. When the situation someone is in feels helpless, it feels good to be able to help, to somehow be part of their healing. People even donate to others that they don’t personally know. It’s a wonderful platform that allows people to carry each other’s burdens. It’s a beautiful picture of startling generosity.

Jesus is an example of startling generosity—the ultimate example. No, he didn’t donate money to your cause, but even more, he gave up his life for you. Your debt was too great for any price to be paid, but Jesus, in love, hung on a cross, suffered, and died to declare you debt free. What an example you have in Jesus to freely be so generous.

You were in great need and Jesus came to your rescue. Not with riches, but with his own body and blood.

You have an opportunity to give to our Lord in thanks. He gives you many opportunities to use what he has given to you to give back to him. This isn’t something that you “have to do”, but rather “get to do” to show love, gratefulness, and honor to God. It is an opportunity to give freely, with joy in your heart, and to say, “thank you” to your Savior for all that he has done for you.

Your money, your talents, and your time, have all been given to you by him. To God be the glory! Be startling generous with it.

Prayer:

A Question to Consider:

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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.”

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20241104ECME.mp3

Have you ever found yourself saying the phrase, “It just doesn’t get any better than this.”? Maybe you had your arms crossed resting in a hammock, or maybe you were on the top of a mountain enjoying the view. Maybe your class was having the best day of the year so far and you felt like you were finally doing something right. God sure does bless us with beautiful moments on earth, but none of them can even come close to the glory that we will someday enjoy in heaven.

Praise God that this is true, because sometimes, we’re not asking ourselves if it can get any better, we’re asking “will it ever get better?”. Your class might be having their third tough day in a row, or maybe you just found out that a loved one has been diagnosed with a illness. Maybe your finances aren’t as strong as you’d like or maybe a relationship is strained.

There will come a time when your circumstances won’t sway from good to bad. You won’t have to worry about the stresses of this world, because you will be living in perfection. You will be praising our Savior eternally and there will be no wondering if it can be better, because it will be the best.

All of those who believe will have eternal life in heaven. It’s true. We are undeserving, and yet, by God’s good grace, the best is yet to come. It gets better than even our best moments here on earth. Open the Word of God and get to know those promises of a better life. When you know him and his Word better, your eyes can more easily be fixed on him. They can more easily look up when the hard times come. Open your Bible to Philippians 3:20-21 to be reminded of where your citizenship lies. Open to Revelation 21 and hear the promise of your tears being wiped away by your Heavenly Father who loves you so. Read John 14 and get excited about the room he is preparing for you even as you are reading this devotion.

It gets better than your best days and it will get better during the toughest ones. You can count it, because you can count on him. Praise God!

Prayer:

A Question to Consider:

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Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”

Daniel 3:28

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20241029ECME.mp3

Fiery furnace. This is one of those Bible stories where children in my class sometimes asked, “Is this story real or make-believe?” It’s a legitimate question. So many of the stories in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, are amazing accounts of God’s power and protection for his people. This is one.

Perhaps it’s the same for you, but when I read accounts like this and the boldness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego or the account of Daniel and the lion’s den, I’m struck with their courage. They had the choice to either deny the true God or face certain death in unimaginable ways. Would I be so bold, so brave?

Their courage is clear but there’s a bigger story here and it’s not about the three men who walked in and then out of the blazing fire. It’s about God. Those men made their choice because of God and who he is. God had shown them and his people for generation after generation that he loved them, he was with them, they were his own. Over and over God’s power was evident in the ways that he protected his people. God saved his people from a flood that covered the world. He parted the waters of the Red Sea. He brought down the walls of Jericho without a single weapon other than horns and shouting.

You and I might read today’s story and, like our children, ask if this could be true. Could someone really be that brave? The answer is yes. But the story is not about bravery. It’s about God. It’s about where their courage to stand up for what they believe came from. It’s about God’s relentless love for each of us.

We have times of fear as well. It will not likely be the potential of facing certain death. However, this side of heaven, we see things all around us that can lead to anxiousness and fear. The greatest fear we could ever have has been taken care of-we have peace with God through Jesus. We can face all other fears knowing we can rely on God who has given us his grace, forgiveness, and promise of heaven.

You and I have opportunities to simply tell those we know who God is, his love for them, his grace through Jesus. It’s not always easy but likely easier than Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had it. You’ve got the most amazing message in the history of the world tucked in your heart. Who needs to hear it? Who needs to sense the peace you have, even in difficult times, because of Jesus? Who needs you to simply say, Jesus loves you, he forgives you, he is your Savior?

A fiery furnace or den of lions is pretty unlikely. But the opportunities to share the joy and peace you have in Jesus are all around you. It’s not about you. It’s all about God. Trust him and then tell and tell. Then pray for the Holy Spirit’s blessing on your telling.

Prayer:

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Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62:1-2

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One of the things that can be misunderstood by those who haven’t served in early childhood is naptime. Children quietly sleeping on their blankets with the lights dimmed and quiet music playing can happen. But it’s not unusual to have one or two children who just can’t find a way to settle in. You might look at them and wonder—“If someone gave me the chance to rest quietly every afternoon, I’d be out like a light.”

Today’s verses talk about finding rest in God. As you might imagine, this is not a rest from our physical needs. The rest referenced in this verse is a spiritual rest. Satan and the world are relentless. Satan knows so many subtle ways to attack us in an attempt to wear us down. He uses things like physical fatigue, doubt, relationship difficulties, and guilt. His voice is full of lies that we need to constantly fight against. “You’re not good enough.” “You haven’t done enough.”

Life this side of heaven is challenging. We can become overwhelmed. Where can we turn? “My soul finds rest in God.” Like the small child who reaches up to be held by mom, dad, or another loving adult, we can reach up to our heavenly Father. Our biggest issue is not a tired body but a soul that needs rest from the sin and guilt of this world.

“My salvation comes from him.” The greatest need we have or will ever have is taken care of. Our sin has been taken away. The record of our wrongs has been completely erased by what Jesus did for us on the cross.

Satan is tough. He doesn’t give up. It shows how much he hates God and God’s people. That can be a terrifying thought. However, even though we’re not more powerful than Satan and his lies, God is. That’s what the verses mean when they talk about God as our fortress. Fortresses were designed to be impenetrable. They had thick, high walls that could not be scaled by any individual. The arrows that the enemy would hurl at them were stopped by the strong stone fortress. That’s what God is for us. He’s our fortress. There’s nothing Satan can do that God can’t overcome. God’s protection is also relentless. His motivation is vastly different than Satan’s. He is motivated by pure, unconditional love for you, for me, for all people.

So what can you do? Fortify yourself. Arm yourself. Not with a suit of armor but rather with things like what you are doing right now. Be faithful with devotions, Bible studies, any time in the Word. Talk to God. Go to him in prayer. Be specific and ask him to protect you and those you care about. Encourage each other spiritually. Find ways to boost someone you know with God’s Word.

And rest. Time in the Word is a time of rest from the world and a focus on our Heavenly Father. Take time to just be still and consider who God is and what he has done for you. Time resting in God’s Word rejuvenates and encourages you in a way that no nap ever will. God is your salvation, your fortress. Trust in God. Rest in God.

Prayer:

Christian Worship 21 818, My Soul Finds Rest in God Alone, is a beautiful setting of Psalm 62.

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Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

Mark 10:21-23

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It would be so easy to pass judgement on the man in the story. He’s standing there, in front of Jesus, the Savior, who invites the man to follow him. We may want to scream at the text and ask, “What are you doing? Don’t you know who’s asking you?” The answer would likely be that he does not. Yes, we can easily pass judgement on this man until we take a closer look at the text and ourselves.

Jesus looked at him and loved him. He knew the heart of this man’s question found in verse 17, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This man knew the commandments. It’s clear from his question that even though he felt he had kept the commandments (which, by the way he hadn’t, and no one ever has), he knew in his heart that something wasn’t quite right, wasn’t enough. And so, his question to Jesus.

Sell it all, give it all away to the poor and come walk the world with me! Can you picture the man’s face? Do what? His reaction was immediate sadness. This was too big an ask.

Now the next question—Is Jesus saying that wealth is wrong or makes it impossible to get to heaven? No. He did say that it would be hard. However, Jesus isn’t saying that to be truly committed to him, we must live a life of poverty. He is saying that the man and all of us need to take a careful review of our priorities.

Money isn’t the only distractor that can pull us away from Jesus. What distracts us from our time with the Savior? Is it our activities and overly scheduled life? Might it be our time in front of a screen? Could it be that hobby, which may be a great hobby, but that takes away our time in worship, in the Word, in prayer? Is it worry or stress? These are things that most people struggle with. We want to be in the Word, walking with our Savior. Making the changes in priorities to commit to the time with Jesus, is not as easy. Good intentions. Little outcome.

So now what? Each day is a gift of grace. Jesus hasn’t changed his mind. He still wants you to spend time with him each day. He loves to hear from you. He loves to speak to you through his Word. He loves to use you to share his message of grace and forgiveness to all around us. Jesus wants us to remember that it’s not what we do, but what he has done that gives us heaven with him.

Today-consider one small change you can make to your routines. What step can you take that will give you more time with Jesus? What’s getting in the way? No need for a dramatic selling of everything. Simply stop and reflect on your daily life. Review your priorities. Then set goals for yourself that can provide more and more time with the One who loves you dearly. He went to the cross for you. That’s how much he loves you. He loves to hear from you and loves to share with you through the Word. May God bless you as you seek to be with him more and more.

Prayer:

Christian Worship 21 Hymn 753, My Worth Is Not in What I Own, provides a wonderful text on which to reflect in addition to today’s reading and devotion.

A Question to Consider: What small change can you make to prioritize more time with your Savior? Consider writing it down and then sharing it with someone who can encourage you. Then watch how the Lord uses that time to bless you and your time together.

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People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Mark 10:13-16

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20241007ECME.mp3

A church in downtown Milwaukee has some incredibly beautiful stained-glass windows. In the front of the church is a huge window with the classic picture of Jesus sitting with children on his lap, in his arms, and all around him. Historically, stained-glass windows were often used to share important stories of the Bible to the community, especially for those who may not be able to read. Today, they continue to illustrate Bible stories not just to the worshippers in the sanctuary, but also to those who pass by.

This indeed, is one of the most delightful, comforting, and yet saddest stories in the book of Mark. Jesus’ days were full of preaching, healing, comforting, teaching, and travelling from place to place on foot. Jesus’ disciples were his students, his friends, and his supporters. In today’s reading we hear how the disciples rebuked the people bringing their small children to see Jesus. While the Bible doesn’t reveal their motivation, it’s clear that they felt it necessary to try to send the children away.

It’s not often that we hear Jesus get upset but this was one of them. Mark uses the word “indignant.” While I can’t imagine how the disciples felt at his reaction, even more, I can’t imagine how those bringing the children responded. Jesus made it so clear that not only were young children important to him, but that the faith of young children was an example to all. Heaven belongs to those with simple faith and complete trust in what Jesus has done for us.

So, what’s the lesson for us? First, young children are precious to our Father in heaven. The work that you do to share God’s message of grace with the children and their families is precious to him.

A young child can do nothing to earn heaven. They can’t work hard enough, be kind enough, be perfect enough. And neither can we. Forgiveness, grace, heaven are all theirs and ours because of Jesus and because of the faith given to us by the Holy Spirit.

We don’t need to be Bible scholars. Jesus emphasizes that the simple, child-like faith that knows that it’s all up to Jesus and all about Jesus and what he’s done for us is all we need. Should we continue to learn all we can about God and what the Bible teaches? Absolutely! We look to learn more because we’re eager to know as much as we can about our heavenly Father-not because it helps us get to heaven but simply because we love him so.

As you think about that image of Jesus and the little children, picture the faces of the children you know, the people you know, and your own face looking into the smiling face of Jesus. He looks at each one and at you with the eyes of the loving Savior. He holds you in his arms each day and he asks you to do something for him—tell about him. Better than even the most beautiful stained-glass window, you can tell the children, their families, each other, and all about Jesus, their Savior. What a joy and privilege. May the Lord bless your telling!

Prayer:

Tender Shepherd, never leave them, never let them go astray;

Christian Worship 21 757: 1-2

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“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

2 Kings 6:16

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We were standing in an airport in Oregon gathering our things as we headed to Sun River for our younger son’s wedding. Four adults. Two-and-a-half-year-old twin girls and their 2-month-old little sister. The numbers say we had them four-to-three. Nope. The baby was crying and the twins just wanted to be anywhere but waiting for a rental car. We were losing big time.

Not just in airports with little ones at the end of their ropes, but on any given day you and I can feel like we did that day. We look around and the struggles of this life sometimes seem to multiply faster than our ability to get them off our plate. We tell ourselves, “I can do this. I’ve got this.” But in our hearts, we feel our confidence slipping. What else can I do?” we ask ourselves. In the middle of the night we may think, “If only I could…, then all would be ok.”

Satan loves this scenario. He loves to see us in a state of doubt and uncertainty. He smiles as we keep telling ourselves that we can handle things and fight our fears on our own.

That’s quite similar to the prophet Elisha’s servant’s thoughts as they were at war with the Arameans. The King of Aram sent horses, chariots and soldiers to surround the city. Things were not looking good for God’s people. “Don’t be afraid,” Elisha answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” God provided a miracle by striking those who surrounded the city with blindness. Elisha went out, spoke to them and led the Arameans unknowingly into Samaria before the king of Israel. After feeding them, he allowed them to return to their master. What an unlikely resolution to a terrifying scenario.

Life can be hard. No one escapes the struggles of life in the world. Sin and evidence of sin are all around us. But so is God’s army of angels. In love, God sends his angels to surround us, to protect us. Does that mean that we will walk through life unaffected by hardship? No. However, we can face those hardships knowing that we’re not alone. God has promised to be with us in all things. He has also promised that “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11) Our battle with Satan is brutal but our God is more powerful than Satan and his lies and deceit.

Do you feel like you can’t do it alone? You’re right. None of us can beat Satan but Jesus did. Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven were all for us to assure us that we are at peace with God and Satan is defeated. So, as you face each day, you can be at peace knowing you’re not alone, the battle against sin is done, and God’s angels are there all around you. We are at peace with God as his dear child, loved and protected by our heavenly Father.

Prayer:

Abide, O faithful Savior, among us with your love;

Christian Worship 21 924 Stanzas 1, 5, 6.

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Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Mark 9:35-37

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Almost every child you’ve ever had loves to be line leader. On their day, they walk a little taller and for some, it’s an opportunity for pride. Because their turn is determined simply by a rotation of all in the class, they did nothing to earn that position. And yet they are so proud to be that class leader.

Just before the reading we focus on today, three of Jesus’ disciples were arguing about who was the greatest. How could they, who walked with Jesus every day, even begin to care about status? And yet they did. They wanted to determine who had what it took to be greater than those around them.

In his response, Jesus, the Master Teacher confronts their pride and flips the script on status. “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” The servant? Jesus would say yes, and he was the perfect example. The creator and ruler of all things became an infant and grew up in the world with the challenges of life all around him. For what? For us. Jesus set aside his glory, his presence in heaven, to become one of us, to serve us, to save us. When we consider all Christ has done, our hearts melt with gratitude and humility.

Jesus also picks up a young child and looking directly at his disciples (and us), he emphasizes how precious young children are to him. He tells them that if they welcome a small child, they are welcoming him. If they welcome him, they are welcoming God the Father. His point? It’s not earthly status or pride in accomplishments, but our status with God that matters. Like the line leader, our status is unearned by us, but paid for by our Savior, Jesus.

So, what does that mean for you and for me? First, we too, can be guilty of pride or a self-serving attitude when we compare ourselves to others. We can be critical of others in hopes that the worse others look, perhaps the better we look. As you know, it only makes us look worse. We look to God for forgiveness.

Second, the work you do is precious in the Savior’s eyes. Serving young children is not for the faint of heart but it is the work of the heart. It’s a work that reflects the Savior’s love as you patiently nurture a struggling child, comfort a weary little one, and celebrate their victories. It’s the work of the Savior as you tell them about Jesus and his love for them. Your work is not the work of presidents, corporate leaders, or athletic celebrities. It’s a humble service, a ministry, that nurtures the heart, the mind, the faith of a young one to grow as a child of God.

Who’s first? The servant, the small child, those around us as we welcome them to hear about Jesus, their Savior. May the Lord bless your mighty work to guide and nurture young souls. May he also bless you with a humble heart that knows that your true status is beyond any earthly expectation. You are God’s dear child, always in his eyes and in the heart of your Savior.

Prayer:

Christian Worship 21 735, Before You I Kneel provides further thoughts on gratitude for all that Christ has done for us.

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Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Ephesians 6:10-11

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20240916ECME.mp3

Every single day. It was there yesterday. It’s there today. It’ll be there tomorrow. The temptation to sin, to mess up, to disobey, to be hurtful or thoughtless or lazy or irresponsible. It’s sin and it’s not going away. What a terrible thought.

In the lower level of the Wartburg Castle, where Martin Luther hid from those trying to capture him, is an unexpected room on the tour. Our family was excited to see this castle known for its part in the life of Luther and many of the writings for which he is known. The first stop was a room in the lower level that had a significant display of items used for confinement and torture of prisoners. It also included several items used in battle. We saw close up what a suit of armor looked like. It’s an imposing set of items designed to protect the soldier from attacks on any part of their body. It’s impressive to say the least. While not perfect, (it’s hard to imagine moving with the weight and design of the armor), being prepared with their full suit of armor provided considerable protection.

You and I are in a battle each day. We don’t face arrows flying at us. No one with a sword is hiding out ready to attack. But we do have an enemy. That enemy is Satan, and his weapons are cunning and designed to destroy. Satan is willing to go to any lengths to draw you and me away from our God. He wants nothing more than for us to be separated from our Lord. He uses our reason, our guilt, our relationships, our worries to create doubt, fear, anger, resentment, selfishness, and even complacency. He’s often subtle and always determined. What a terrible thought.

What can we do? In our previous devotion, we considered all that God did for the Israelite people. We reflected on God’s power to overcome earthly enemies and to provide for his people. We recalled the lengths God went to save us by sending the only Son he has, Jesus, to take every sin we have committed on himself and take the punishment that was to be ours. His power is endless and there is nothing, not even Satan, that is stronger than God. His love is also endless. It’s his love for us that motivates his use of power to protect us.

The reading for today reminds us that we don’t need to be afraid of the devil’s attacks. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” We can have confidence that God’s power and his love can protect us from any of Satan’s attacks. Just as the soldier put on the suit of armor one piece at a time, we can put on our armor of protection. How? Be in the Word. Every time we read and study the Bible, reflect on a devotion, sing a hymn, say a prayer and in many other ways, we are putting on our armor of protection one piece at a time. The more we know about God, who he is, what he has done, what he can do, what he does do on our behalf, the more he fortifies our trust, confidence, and ability to stand against the devil’s schemes. As the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith, we are more prepared, with his help, to fight off Satan’s attacks.

Prayer:

Christian Worship 21 870, O Church, Arise provides further thoughts on God’s protection for us with the imagery of the armor of faith.

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Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20240909ECME.mp3

Power. There are many kinds of power. There is the power in fire. A firepit in the backyard can provide a relaxing evening. A fire in a dry forest can produce devastation and uncontrollable destruction. The power of the sun can warm the earth to help plants grow. The sun in a desert can take a life that lacks appropriate protection and hydration.

One word used to describe God’s power is omnipotent. I’m thinking that this may not be a word you use in your daily vocabulary. Me neither. But it’s a great word when we’re considering God’s power. Dictionary.com defines omnipotent as: almighty or infinite in power, as God. “Infinite in power” What does that mean? Infinite is another word for unlimited, endless, immeasurable. That describes God’s power. It has no limits. It can’t be measured or bound by earthly restrictions. He has the power to do absolutely anything.

That can be both comforting and jarring. God has the power to save and to destroy. God’s judgment will eventually be clear to those who don’t believe in him – divine retribution for rejecting his love and mercy. But that sad and stark reality is eclipsed by something even greater: God’s power to save is beyond any earthly power we can imagine. God’s expectations are clear. He demands perfection from each of us. Another reality is also clear. We are completely incapable of perfection. We were born sinful from sinful parents. We have never had a day without sin permeating our lives. Knowing God’s expectation and our ability for perfection, could cause us to fear. “Be strong, do not fear” God says to us. He is coming. He’s coming with judgment on those in who do not believe in him and he’s coming for you—to take you to be with him in heaven. How can this be? He expects perfection and we are far from it. Jesus—the simple and yet, overwhelming response from our God. God’s love is immeasurable and it’s what sent Jesus to be our Savior. Cross, tomb, and resurrection show God accepting his sacrifice to save you. Your imperfections went to the cross with Jesus and are covered by him, replaced by his perfect life in your stead. You don’t need to fear. You have peace with God because of all that Jesus has done for us.

God is a powerful God whose love uses his power to protect, save, and make us his own. And so, like the inspired words of Isaiah we can say, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come.” He is with you each day and one day will come to take you home to him in heaven. We are at peace in his power, in his powerful love and grace.

Prayer:

Christian Worship 21 Hymn 769 Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old, expresses the thoughts today’s readings in hymn form.

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