Devotions

Military Devotion – You Are Chosen – July 31, 2026

2026/07/31/in Military Devotions

Based on Ephesians 1:4-6

You Are Chosen

At the time of this recording, I first learned the names of the four US Soldiers who gave their lives in service to our country: Sgt. Michael Swinton, Sgt. Angel Rampersad, 1st Lt. Tyler Feehan, Pfc. Isabella Gonzales.

Combat, war, death, physical wounds, the unseen wounds of trauma and moral injury—these are all evidence of the presence of the devil at work in our world, and the influence of sin on the hearts of sinful people who want to kill and destroy.

During times like this, you wonder, and you ask God questions, “How am I to trust you when there is no guarantee that I will make it home from deployment in one piece or alive at all? How am I to trust you when I have prayed to come home, and we continue to be extended indefinitely? How am I to trust you when my loved one or friend is downrange and life is falling apart around me?”

When you wonder if God cares for you, when you question his love for you, when you believe Satan’s lie that God is not capable to provide or protect you. . .then ask, “What does God say in times like this?”

Listen to these truths from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” (Ephesians 1:4-6).  

Before God created the world, he decided in his heart that he would choose you to be saved. In time he made that election and calling certain at your baptism. Baptized in water and the Word, he adopted you into his family. You are his son or daughter, for now and for eternity. He did all of this in Christ, that is, because of what Jesus Christ has done for you. He was blameless and holy for you. He shed his blood for you. He loved you. And so, God chose you in Christ.

War and combat, injury of mind and soul, grief and sorrow, not even death can change this truth: You are chosen in Christ. Therefore, you are his son. You are his daughter. You are the object of his love, in life and in death.

Prayer:

Father, your thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are your ways our ways. In your wisdom you have allowed the terrors of war to strike the families of these four Soldiers who died in service to our country. Do not let their sacrifice be in vain. Comfort those who grieve with the sure promise of the resurrection from the dead. Send your holy angels to protect our war fighters while they are training and actively engaged in combat. Bring peace to this region of the world so that we may live in peace. Amen.

Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

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. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Rest for the Weary, Rest for the Burdened

2026/07/31/in Devotions, Womens Devotions, Womens Newsletter

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 EHV

Rest for the Weary, Rest for the Burdened – Women’s Devotion

Are you enjoying a restful summer? Or has summer “break” been as hectic as ever?

Maybe it’s a different kind of rest you need. You might be dealing with aches and pains, a chronic physical illness, or a mental health challenge from which there is never a summer break.

Maybe you need a vacation from worry. Your mood darkens on these sunny days, and you realize you have been worrying yet again. Or perhaps you need relief from trying to control your circumstances. Maybe this day, this week, or this entire summer has not gone according to your plans, and you’re struggling.

Whatever form of rest we need, Jesus invites us to come to him and receive true respite. This offer encompasses every kind of rest, including the one that all of us desperately need.

Jesus points to this greatest need with his words immediately before Matthew 11:28: “No one knows the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wants to reveal him” (verse 27). The rest we most need is the peace and security of a close relationship with our heavenly Father. Only through Jesus can the holy “Lord of heaven and earth” (verse 25) become our Abba Father, our Daddy. Only through Jesus, his perfect life lived in our place and his death to pay for our sins, can we rest from striving to earn the Father’s forgiveness, acceptance, and love. All these we have as a free gift. What peace for our souls!

This true rest for our souls forms the foundation for all other kinds of rest we need in this life.

When we are frazzled from overscheduling ourselves, Jesus reminds us that rest and enjoyment are good gifts we do well to build into our lives: “When anyone eats, drinks, and experiences the good things his hard work leads to—this is God’s gift” (Ecclesiastes 3:13).

When we are weary from our struggle with a physical or mental health challenge, Jesus opens his arms and promises: “My grace is sufficient for you, because my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9a).

When we are restless from worry, Jesus reassures us, “Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matthew 6:26).

When we find ourselves exhausted from trying to control circumstances and “fix the chaos,” Jesus gently points out that we are not in charge. We can rest knowing that the One who controls the universe works “all things… for the good of those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
In Jesus, we find rest for body, mind, and soul.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for the true rest for my soul that you won for me. I give you my burdens and receive your peace. I look forward to the eternal rest of heaven with you. Amen.

Written by Mollie Schairer

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Something Better Than Buried Treasure – July 31, 2026

2026/07/31/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Read: Matthew 13:44-52

[Jesus said] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:44-46

Something Better Than Buried Treasure

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Imagine trying to count the value of everything you own: your clothes, toys, books, games, bike, electronics, and everything in your room. The total might surprise you! If you guessed that everything you own is worth $5,000, the real number might be closer to $15,000. Now imagine someone asking you to trade all of it—every last thing—for one treasure. What treasure could possibly be worth that much?

In two short parables Jesus told of people who sold everything they had to obtain one thing. One man discovered treasure hidden in a field. Another man found an incredibly valuable pearl. Both of them gladly sold everything they owned to make that treasure theirs. Jesus was teaching us about a treasure even greater than a chest of gold or a priceless pearl: the kingdom of heaven. Nothing we own can compare with belonging to God’s kingdom.

God’s kingdom is King Jesus ruling in our hearts. Jesus may not promise us expensive clothes, a fancy house, or thousands of online followers. He promises something infinitely better—eternal things. He forgives every sin. He will raise the dead on the Last Day. He has opened heaven for all who believe in him.

Be honest: would you sometimes rather have Jesus give you a new phone, a giant flatscreen, or a bigger house instead of invisible gifts like forgiveness and heaven? Our sinful hearts are easily excited by shiny new things. But how long do those things stay new? Today’s newest phone will eventually stop working. The biggest screen will be replaced by an even bigger one. Toys break. Clothes wear out. Games become boring. But the kingdom of heaven will never grow outdated, never wear out, and never be surpassed.

A man named James Howells accidentally threw away a computer hard drive containing $800 million worth of bitcoin. He tried to buy the landfill for $73 million to search for it. His request was denied. Imagine knowing that your treasure was buried somewhere underneath a mountain of garbage! He was willing to spend a fortune trying to recover it, but he could not get it back.

Thankfully, the treasure Jesus gives can never be buried in a landfill, lost underneath the bed, stolen by a thief, or accidentally thrown away. We did not have to sell everything to purchase it. We couldn’t purchase it—even if we owned all the money in the world. Jesus gave up everything to make that treasure yours. He left heaven, carried your sins, and won for you a place in God’s kingdom forever.

Jesus doesn’t want your stuff; he only wants your heart so he can teach it to say, “Jesus, you are my treasure.”

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us treasure your kingdom above all things. Forgive us when we love our possessions more than we love you. Keep our hearts fixed on your forgiveness, your promises, and the eternal life you have won for us. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

What is a treasure? (hint: a favorite thing that you own)
What is the greatest treasure that God has given to you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What did the two men in Jesus’ parables find? What were they willing to give up to have it?
What kind of treasure would be so valuable that you would gladly give up all your toys, games, and electronics to have it?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How can you tell when something you own has become too important to your heart?
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). What might the way you spend your time, attention, and money reveal about your treasure?

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

The Treasure – July 31, 2026

2026/07/31/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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[Jesus said] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”
Matthew 13:44

The Treasure

A man by the name of Edward Doheny [pronounced Doh-HEE-nee] has just arrived in California. The year is 1892. Doheny is a drifter. He’s worked as a mule driver, a fruit packer, and even a singing waiter. But nothing has panned out. His financial future looks grim.

One day, you’re walking through town and see a strange thing. You see Doheny digging a hole with a pick and a shovel. Turns out he’s put down all the money he can on some vacant lot just so he can dig there. You roll your eyes. You think to yourself, “I guess desperate drifters do desperate things.” You keep walking.

But desperate drifter Edward Doheny knows something you do not know. He spotted a black, thick goo seeping up into this vacant lot. He also has a hunch that people will soon pay money for this thick goo. He’s right. Here, on this lot, he strikes oil. He sets up his first oil well—the first of many. As a result, Edward Doheny becomes one of the wealthiest men in the world.

Jesus tells a similar story: A man finds a hidden treasure in a field. When he does, he sells all he has to buy that field. Think about that for a moment. Imagine what his friends and neighbors are thinking. Imagine how silly and foolish they presume he is—how skewed and confused his priorities appear. But he knows something they do not know. He knows about the treasure.

Which brings us to your life and mine. The culture around us may often smirk at us in polite contempt. In a society where pleasure, money, recognition, entertainment, and power are the stuff of life, the priorities of a Christian often seem quaint, clueless, even stupid.

But we know something others do not yet know. We know about the treasure. We know about Jesus. We know about the priceless riches of forgiveness, peace, purpose, security, and meaning we possess in him. In addition, we know this treasure lasts not only for this life; it is eternal.

Prayer:

Jesus, priceless treasure, keep me close to you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Truly Life – July 30, 2026

2026/07/30/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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…so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:19

Truly Life

For decades, Peggy Lee was a fixture in American pop culture. Called “The Queen of American Pop Music,” she performed on stage, on television, and in the movies. For example, you can hear her voice and her songs all through the Disney classic, “Lady and the Tramp.”

For all the joy she brought, however, perhaps her most memorable song is one that is not joyful at all. In 1969, she recorded a song entitled “Is That All There Is?” In it, a woman reflects on past events in her life, from the loss of her childhood home to going to the circus with her father, and her first romantic love. After each event, she asks herself, “Is that all there is?” She knows that something is missing, but she doesn’t know what. And as she looks to the end of her life, she’s convinced that, in her final moments, she’ll ask the same question: “Is that all there is?”

The song earned Peggy Lee a Grammy Award. It also reached the top of the charts. Clearly, the song had struck a nerve. It still does today.

In the closing sentences of the apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he reminds us not to look to the things of this world. Don’t look to the things of this world for security, for fulfillment, for meaning, for identity. Not only are the things of this world uncertain; even if they surround us until the day we die, they offer nothing that lasts. In the end, all we will have is the question, “Is that all there is?”

Enter our Creator. Enter God the Son. Enter Jesus. On our behalf, our Savior did what he had to do to rescue us from an empty, pointless existence. His perfect life and death in our place pulled us out of our darkness and back into his light. For now, in him, not only do we bask in his forgiveness; in him, we are once again what he created us to be. We are in the family of God. And because we are, we now have the life that is truly life.

Prayer:

Lord, in you alone I possess the life that is truly life. Thank you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

The Richest Kid in the World – July 29, 2026

2026/07/29/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all. 1 Timothy 6:17-21

The Richest Kid in the World

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

David Lee Edwards won a $27 million lottery, but only five years later, all that money was gone, and he was living in a storage shed with his wife. Imagine having millions of dollars—enough to buy enormous houses, fancy cars, and almost anything you wanted—and then losing it all! Other lottery winners have had the same thing happen to them.

I guess money doesn’t last forever.

Then why do so many people chase after money as if it is the magic wand that will solve every problem, make them happy forever, and never run out? Because every one of us has a sinful nature. Our sinful selves are attracted to things we can see, hold, buy, and enjoy right now. God’s treasures may not be things we can hold in our hands, but they are much more valuable—and they last forever.

This is not a new problem. More than 2,000 years ago the apostle Paul wrote, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth” (1 Timothy 6:17). Paul did not say that having money is sinful. Money is one of God’s gifts, and it can be used in wonderful ways. The danger comes when we trust money more than we trust God.

God wants you to be rich—just not only in things that can break, disappear, or be taken away. Be rich in something that lasts. Paul said it like this, “Command [them] . . . to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment . . . to be rich in good deeds . . . In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

“Everything” means that our money, food, clothing, homes, toys, and everything are gifts from God. We can enjoy them and thank him for them. But those blessings are only for our life here on earth.

Now look even farther—past this life and the way into eternity. There you can see God’s greatest treasures. We are sinners who could never earn a place in heaven or save ourselves. So God gave us something no amount of money could ever buy: Jesus, our Savior. Because of him, God freely gives us forgiveness and eternal life.

So be rich in things that last! Adults invest in “forever” when they use that money to support Christian education. Parents invest when they bring their family to worship and Sunday school. Friends are “rich in good deeds” when they use their time and talents to help others. You become spiritually rich whenever you spend time with God in his Word.

So, who is the richest kid in the world? You may not have the most money or the coolest stuff. But if Jesus is your Savior, that makes every child of God—including you—one of the richest kids in the world.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us put our hope in you instead of money or possessions. Make us rich in faith, rich in good deeds, and rich in the treasures that last forever. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Does money last forever?
What do we have that WILL last forever?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Name some earthly treasures—things we can own or buy. Who gives us those blessings?
Name some spiritual treasures—gifts from God that money can’t buy. Who blesses us with those?

Questions for Middle School and Above

If someone watched how you use your time, spend your money, and serve with your talents, what would they conclude is most valuable to you?
Make a list of at least ten spiritual treasures Jesus gives us for free that are more precious than anything money can buy. (Possible examples include forgiveness, faith, peace with God, prayer, God’s Word, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Christian friends, purpose, and eternal life.)

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Arrogance – July 29, 2026

2026/07/29/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant.
1 Timothy 6:17

Arrogance

Max Roser does research. He researches the wide variety of living conditions that people experience around the world. He also offers some perspective. For instance, Roser has this to say about living conditions that many of us accept as ordinary. He writes: “What many people in wealthy countries regard as ordinary—electricity at the flip of a switch, clean water from a tap, refrigeration, antibiotics, hot showers, flush toilets, and abundant food—would have been luxuries unavailable not only to most people alive today, but to kings and queens for most of human history.”

Let that quote sink in for just a moment. The luxuries and conveniences many of us take for granted are not only inconceivable to millions of people around the world; these luxuries and conveniences were not available even to the richest kings and queens of the past.

It also means that when the apostle Paul was speaking about “those who are rich,” he was speaking about people who could not even imagine the kind of ordinary wealth many of us enjoy in the 21st Century. In other words, many of us are far, far, far richer than “the rich” of Paul’s day.

When God’s Word, therefore, says, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant,” you and I cannot immediately presume that this does not apply to us. In fact, in all likelihood, it does.

If I am, indeed, rich by historical standards of living, how might I slip into arrogance? I may not display arrogance like some stereotypical rich man from an old movie—smoking a big cigar while I count my money, barking out orders, looking down my nose at others. In my ordinary comforts, conveniences, and luxuries, however, I can begin to insulate myself from the desperate, constant need for Jesus in my life. Such arrogance can be lethal.

Regardless of my wealth, or lack of it, my need for Jesus is urgent and is real. I need him now and always. He came to take away the sins of the world. Even the sins of the rich. Even mine.

Prayer:

Lord, remove my arrogance. Empower me to grasp my constant need for you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Priority – July 28, 2026

2026/07/28/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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So God said to [Solomon]. . . “I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart.”
1 Kings 3:11-12

Priority

Solomon had just become the next king of Israel. He was about twenty years old. In lavish generosity, the Lord said a breathtaking thing. He said to Solomon, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”

“Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” In your prayers right now, what is your most common request? Although we have the high privilege of talking to the Lord about anything, my sinful weakness can show up in my prayer life, too. There are periods in my life when I could fit most of my prayer requests under one big umbrella, and on that umbrella is one big word: “Easier.” I want God to make my life easier. I want him to remove difficulties. I want him to make my life more convenient. I want him to make my world more comfortable. I want him to clear my path of those things that create hardship, pain, loneliness, uncertainty, or grief. And while it’s not wrong to pray for any of these things, if the priority in my prayer life is simply for God to make my life easy, then I have forgotten why I am here. And for such forgetfulness, the Lord calls upon me to repent.

Solomon had the chance to ask for anything—anything at all. He could ask for wealth. He could ask for a long life. He could ask for an easy reign through the removal of his enemies. But he didn’t. Instead, he asked for wisdom. He asked the Lord to give him what he needed to serve in this difficult, broken world.

On our behalf, God the Son came here. In our place, he lived a life of perfect faithfulness. As our substitute, he suffered and died for our every sin. Then he arose. In him we stand forgiven, cleansed, at peace. As you and I now live to shine his light in this dark place, our privilege and priority is to ask the Lord to provide us with what we need to serve him.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the privilege of asking you for anything. Give me wisdom. Make my priorities your priorities. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Pray for Your Heart to Have Ears – July 27, 2026

2026/07/27/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. “Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 1 Kings 3:5-12

Pray for Your Heart to Have Ears

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Imagine someone handing you their Venmo app and saying, “Write down any amount you want!” Nobody would really do that, would they? But that is a little like what the Lord God offered young King Solomon—only better. During the early days of Solomon’s reign over Israel, God appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5).

Imagine the possibilities! The sinner inside all of us gets excited at the thought of being able to ask God for anything knowing he will give it to us. What would you ask for? More money? A giant house? Straight A’s? To be famous? Your dream vacation? Or maybe for someone who hurt you to get what you think they deserve?

Solomon could have asked for any of those things—and more. But he didn’t. Instead, Solomon asked God for “a hearing heart” (1 Kings 3:9). What a strange prayer! Hearts don’t hear; ears do. Yet Solomon understood something important. The greatest treasure God could give him was not wealth, power, or fame. It was a heart that listened to God.

God gave Solomon exactly what he asked for, “I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be” (1 Kings 3:12). The Lord blessed Solomon with amazing wisdom because he had asked for something far more valuable than riches, power, or success.

None of us will ever need the kind of wisdom required to rule God’s chosen nation. You probably won’t need to settle arguments between thousands of people or make decisions for an entire country! Yet there is greater wisdom than knowing how to govern. The wisest thing anyone can do is listen to God’s Word and trust its promises. That is what makes followers of Jesus different from the rest of the world.

The Holy Spirit has given us a new heart—one that has ears to listen to what God tells us in his Word. We listen humbly when God shows us that something we have done is sinful—even when we don’t want to admit it. We listen joyfully when God forgives every one of our sins through Jesus. We listen thankfully when God guides us in ways that show love for him and for our neighbor.

When God opened the doors of his goodness to Solomon, Solomon’s response was simple: “Give me a hearing heart.” One of the wisest prayers we can pray is this: “Lord, give me a heart that listens to you.”

Prayer:

Dear Lord, give us hearing hearts that gladly listen to your Word. Help us trust your promises and follow your wisdom every day. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

If you could ask for one special gift, what would you ask for?
What did Solomon ask God to give him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What is a “hearing heart”?
Someone commented, “Solomon’s request already showed God had begun answering his prayer.” What did they mean? How did his request show wisdom?

Questions for Middle School and Above

If God told you, “Ask for whatever you want,” what might your first request reveal about your heart?
How do we show that we have a “hearing heart” when God shows us our sins and points us to Jesus for forgiveness?

Download Family Devotions

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Candor – July 27, 2026

2026/07/27/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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“I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.”
1 Kings 3:7

Candor

Here’s the setting for today’s Bible passage. The great King David is now an old man. The Lord has just anointed David’s son, Solomon, to be the next king of Israel. At this time, Solomon is about twenty years old.

To be twenty years old is to be in a fantastic moment in your life. You’re an independent adult. Your physical and mental powers are at their peak. Countless possibilities lie before you. But this can also be a dangerous moment. For a variety of reasons, it can be easy to presume that you know much more than you really know. And ignorance, coupled with arrogance, can quickly open doors to all kinds of disaster.

And so here is twenty-something Solomon. He has just experienced the indescribable thrill of becoming king. What to do first? One of the first things Solomon does is to speak to the Lord in profound candor. “I am only a little child, he prays. I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.”

Candor in prayer. To talk to my God without candor is to run the ultimate fool’s errand. He is, after all, the One who has searched me and who knows me. To talk to my God without openly acknowledging my frailties, my weaknesses, my sinful flaws—to talk to him in such a way is not only an insult to him; it robs me of the assurance of forgiveness, comfort, and strength that my Savior purchased for me at Calvary’s cross.

Which brings us to the beautiful truth we possess through the power of the good news of Jesus Christ. Because God the Son has lived a perfect life on my behalf; washed my every sin away through his suffering and death, and risen from the tomb, I now have the priceless privilege to speaking to God without fear. I can speak to him in the greatest of openness. I can talk to him in candor about anything. For through faith in the Messiah, I am secure. I am his.

Prayer:

Lord, through faith in your blood I am secure in you. Move me to speak in candor. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Christians Seek Spiritual Wealth – July 26, 2026

2026/07/26/in Teen Devotions

One key truth: God has already made me spiritually rich in Christ. I can ask him for wisdom to use what he’s given me to bless others.

At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.
“Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.
1 Kings 3:5-12

Christians Seek Spiritual Wealth

What if God said to you: “You can ask me for anything. What do you want?”

Maybe you’ve watched Aladdin and imagined what you would do with three wishes. Maybe you’ve thought about winning the lottery or having unlimited money on your favorite game. But this isn’t a genie making promises. This is God. The all-powerful Creator of the universe. And he’s offering to give you whatever you ask. Would it be money? Fame? Athletic success? Straight A’s? The perfect boyfriend or girlfriend? More followers? A new car? The ability to never be awkward in social situations?

What would you ask for?

This scenario actually happened to Solomon. God said, “Ask for anything. No limits.” Before we go over what Solomon asked, let’s stay with the question a little longer. What would you ask for? Maybe an even better questions is this: What are you hoping those things would give you?

In verse 11, God points out some of the things most people would ask for. A long, happy life. Friends, family, and fun. Wealth. Success. Power. Victory over enemies. Wanting a big house, happy life, money, power, or success is not wrong. All these things can be blessings. The bigger question isn’t what you want. The bigger question is why you want it.

The reason people often chase after these things on the outside is because they are often empty on the inside. And they are hoping these outside things will give them inside things: that popularity will give us confidence. That success will give us purpose. That money will give us security. That relationships will give us fulfillment. But they never do… at least it doesn’t last. The excitement fades. The achievement becomes old news. The relationship changes. The money gets spent. The feeling doesn’t last.

Solomon approached God differently. Verse 6 tells us that before Solomon asked for anything, he stopped and remembered everything God had already done for him. Solomon wasn’t trying to fill an empty heart. God had already filled it. He was filled with gratitude and humility for God’s goodness already displayed in his life. His peace, security, fulfillment, and purpose were all met with his connection to God, his Savior. And then from that place of gratitude, Solomon asked for something that would help him serve others. He asked for wisdom. He asked for spiritual guidance. He asked for spiritual wealth. And God was pleased!

Take a moment and make a mental list of everything God has already given you. Think about your family, friends, abilities, opportunities, and daily blessings. But don’t stop there! Think especially about the spiritual riches you have because of Christ—your forgiveness, new life in Christ, the promise of heaven, grace, mercy, and peace with God! In Christ, you already have peace, security, fulfillment, and purpose.

When your heart is filled with God’s goodness, you’re in a good spot to ask God for anything.

Because instead of asking God to fill an empty heart, you’re asking him how to use a full one.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you have already given me so much! I’m rich beyond my wildest imagination when it comes to the things that really matter. In you, I have peace. I have fulfillment. I have security. I have purpose. Thank you! I now ask for wisdom to use what you’ve given me to bless others. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Wisdom – July 26, 2026

2026/07/26/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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[Solomon said], “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
1 Kings 3:9-10

Wisdom

Thanks to Walt Disney and others, we’ve all heard of the magic genie who grants you three wishes for anything you want. I doubt most folks have ever asked themselves what they would ask for if given that opportunity. Why? Because it isn’t realistic.

Yet in today’s Bible passage, we have an example of the powerful Lord God himself—not some mere cartoon genie—offering Solomon anything he wanted. And for what did Solomon ask? He asked for a discerning heart that he would have wisdom to govern God’s people. What a request!

It might be more impressive what he did not ask for. He didn’t ask for more wealth than he already had. He didn’t ask for continued health, that he might enjoy a long life on this earth. He didn’t ask for the death of his enemies so that his throne would be secured even more than it already was. He didn’t even ask for a trouble-free life. Instead, he asked for wisdom.

We can learn from Solomon. We can place a high value on wisdom in the Lord, which starts with knowing, “There is a God, and I am not him.” We can set our hearts on carrying out the work the Lord has given us in a way that honors him. We can set our hearts on things above—the eternal promises of Jesus—and not on things below.

Prayer:

Lord, earthly blessings are important, and you have given me too many of those to count. But today I ask you not for more money, better health, or a trouble-free life; instead, I ask you to give me wisdom that I might have deep contentment with all you’ve given me and make choices that honor you as my Savior. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Light at the End of the Tunnel – July 25, 2026

2026/07/25/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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“Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:43

Light at the End of the Tunnel

It is said that people can endure almost anything if there’s some goal to shoot for, some “light at the end of the tunnel.” Prisoners of war have talked about undergoing horrible treatment of all sorts but making it out alive because they thought about the day they would be released, or when the war would end, or reuniting with a loved one.

This world can be tough, with all its stresses and challenges. We struggle to focus on eternal things. We get caught up in the rat race of life. We fail to love God and our fellow humans, and we feel guilty because of it. We experience sinful actions from others, even from close loved ones. We deal with the temptations of the devil, the temptations of our sinful flesh, like lust, greed, and laziness. Our minds become cloudy, etc., etc. It’s tough!

But there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Someday you’re leaving this world, and you’re going to a world that is so far better that it can’t even compare. Because Jesus paid for your sins on the cross and rose from the dead, the doors of heaven are wide open for you. And, it’s going to be awesome!

Looking at that “light” at the end of the tunnel, you and I can endure anything.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, may the thought of the glorious eternal life you won for me give me the strength I need to endure the trials and tribulations of this life. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Military Devotion – Greater Wealth – July 24, 2026

2026/07/24/in Military Devotions

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Based on Colossians 3:1,2

Greater Wealth

I read a recent news article that outlined the discussions between the Senate Armed Services Committee, House Appropriations Committee and Congress and how they are looking at a proposed tiered military pay raise. In my honest opinion I don’t think you are paid enough for what you do, especially knowing how food insecurity can be an issue especially among junior enlisted, barracks conditions, housing affordability, issues with BAH and BAS, costs with PCS moves and quality of life challenges. I know that Congress has been trying to address these issues. The current disagreement is whether pay increases should focus on those facing the greatest financial challenges—which are junior enlisted—or should be distributed evenly. I don’t know the answer.

What I do know is that a lot of you did not join our nation’s military to become wealthy. Some of you joined because you want to serve. Others joined for the ability to pay for continuing education later in life. Still others joined to learn skills in a vocation that would transition well into the civilian world. Even though you didn’t join the military to become wealthy, you can still fall into one of these two ditches when it comes to money and wealth. The one ditch is that you trust too much in your wealth, when you look to your wealth as your security. The other ditch is despair when it appears that you are not receiving your daily bread.

This is why Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer, specifically the fourth petition. When we pray, “Give us today our daily bread,” we trust our Father to do just that: Father, give us what you promise! And we will rest content with what he so graciously provides us. Part of that petition includes prayers for your government, which provides your housing and food, and so we pray for wisdom for our leaders.

Out of all the temptations Jesus warns us about, he focuses the most on wealth and money, because he knows what a trap the love of money can be for his people.

Today, he calls us to repent, and then to look to Christ who never fell into either ditch. He rested perfectly contented in his Father’s ability to provide. This is your true treasure, your true wealth: Christ Jesus. Earthly wealth comes and goes, but forgiveness—the cancellation of all your debt to God—the resurrection from the dead, life eternal, the strength to continue here on this earth until that day comes, that is priceless.

Listen to the Apostle Paul’s encouragement in Colossians 3:1,2, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ. . . set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Keep Christ in your hearts as your most prized possession.

Prayer:

Father, you provide all that we need for our bodies. Help us to trust you to do what you promise us. Move us to seek the greater treasures you pour out on us in your Word, our baptisms, your Holy Supper, so that we might obtain Christ, our greatest wealth. Provide for our service members so that they are never in want. Grant wisdom to our Congress and our president as they work on a budget that will adequately support all ranks of war fighters in our nation’s military. We trust in you, through Jesus. Amen.

Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

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. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Difficult Farming – July 24, 2026

2026/07/24/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

Difficult Farming

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Farming is difficult business. You need to find good seeds and good soil. The sun and rain are beyond your control. Neither planting nor harvesting are easy. And in between you’ve got to keep the weeds from choking out the wheat. But what if the weeds looked almost exactly like the wheat? How would you know which ones to pull?

Jesus says the farmer should leave them alone for now. That’s Jesus’ surprising answer. Of course, he wasn’t talking about literal farming. He was talking about harvesting souls.

When Jesus explained his parable of “The Weeds and the Wheat,” he uncovered some uncomfortable truths. We are happy that the Holy Spirit has called us to be God’s people through Jesus—that’s not uncomfortable. What is uncomfortable, however, is that the devil also has his followers in the world. Like the similar-looking weeds and wheat, believers and unbelievers often look the same on the outside. Someone may smile, be kind, and seem like a good person, but only God knows what is truly in a person’s heart. Only God, who sees hearts, can immediately tell the difference.

That leads to a second uncomfortable truth: God allows both believers and unbelievers to live together on earth. Jesus explains that it is out of concern for believers that God allows this, “while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them” (Matthew 13:29). God knows what he is doing, even when we do not understand all his reasons.

It is difficult to live as wheat among weeds. Sometimes it feels like there are more people who ignore God than follow him. Christians can feel outnumbered. We wonder why God does not put an end to wickedness right now. Yet Jesus calls us to live patiently, faithfully, and with hope. God knows those who belong to him. We cannot always tell who truly belongs to Jesus. A friend who doesn’t believe today might hear about Jesus tomorrow. A neighbor who never goes to church today may someday trust in Jesus because someone shared God’s Word with them. He wants more people to hear the good news and be brought into his kingdom. That’s one reason God waits. He wants more people to be saved.

A harvest is coming. On the Last Day, God’s angels will separate the wheat from the weeds without making a single mistake. Then every believer will finally “shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). What a wonderful day that will be! Until then, we live confidently as God’s people, trusting the Farmer who knows exactly what he is doing.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us live patiently and faithfully for you among the weeds of this world. Keep us trusting in you until the day we shine in your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

In Jesus’ story, what grew in the field besides wheat? Are weeds good or bad?
Who is the only one who can see what is really in a person’s heart?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

True or False: You can always tell if someone believes in Jesus just by looking at them. Why or why not?
Can you think of a time when it was hard to follow Jesus because people around you made different choices?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Why is it dangerous to decide whether someone is wheat or a weed just by what we can see?
How does the promise of the final harvest help you live patiently and hopefully in a world where evil still exists?

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Shine Like the Sun – July 24, 2026

2026/07/24/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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“As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:40-43

Shine Like the Sun

Many people like to be scared. They enjoy watching horror movies and reading scary books. The reason? Some believe it’s all about the amygdala, the small threat detection center of our brain. The frightening images fire up the amygdala, which releases adrenaline and leads to feelings of exhilaration in some people.

God’s Book, the Bible, also talks about some scary things. On the day Jesus visibly returns to this earth, angels will weed out of God’s kingdom all who do evil. The evildoer and all sin will be burned up in the blazing furnace. It will be a time of weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Whether you like to be frightened or not, that just sounds scary. And it will certainly not lead to feelings of exhilaration.

It’s scary to think about standing before God. Why shouldn’t I end up in the blazing furnace? Why won’t I need to gnash my teeth and weep over God’s rightful punishment being inflicted on me?

Because today’s Bible reading says that the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Please understand, this has nothing to do with me. If I stood before God and had to answer for my sin, off I would go to the fire. My sins would rightfully condemn me. But the Son of Man came into this world to rescue us from the fire. The hell I deserve, he took for me. And the righteousness and goodness that I fundamentally cannot provide, he gave to me. His death and resurrection are the guarantee that this is true. He offers the same for you.

So, when Jesus does come back in the flesh, there will be exhilaration. Not borne of fear, but of delight. Because of Jesus, we will shine!

Prayer:

Thank you Jesus, for rescuing me. Help me to let my light shine to others in my life. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Until the Harvest – July 23, 2026

2026/07/23/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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“‘Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
Matthew 13:30

Until the Harvest

Some people believe that the weed Jesus talks about in this parable is the darnel plant. It looks like wheat, grows like wheat, and produces seeds that are similar to wheat. Not surprisingly, then, it has earned the name “false wheat.”

But there is one way to distinguish the darnel plant from wheat. When it ripens, its seed pod turns black. The wheat pod is a golden brown. True and fake become apparent at the harvest.

Jesus promises that everything will work out at the harvest, in other words, on the Last Day of this world’s existence. That’s good for us to remember. Because it’s easy to forget about the harvest. We can get so wrapped up in this life that we assume it will always be the growing season. Jesus reminds us that there will be a Last Day. On that day, the phone we own, the car we drive, and the house we live in will not matter.

Keep an eye on the harvest. That means repenting of our sinful choices. For the times when all we wanted to do was blend in with the weeds rather than stand tall like wheat, we repent. We ask God to forgive us. But we also take comfort. The one who told this story is also the one who bled on a cross to take away our sins. The one who told this story wants you to rejoice in the fact that you are not a weed but wheat growing strong in the field of his kingdom.

He also wants you to understand your role in the world. Share and live your faith. Rejoice in the love of your Savior. God has a plan for you. It all ends with you standing before him at the harvest, shining like the sun in the kingdom of your Father.

Prayer:

Lord God, always keep me in your hands and help me keep an eye to the harvest. Nourish my faith through your powerful Word and help me live my life of faith in joy. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

The Giver – July 22, 2026

2026/07/22/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Read: Romans 1:18-25

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Romans 1:20-21,25

The Giver

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Think of the favorite gift you received on your last birthday. Who gave it to you? Your mom or dad? Your grandma or grandpa? A favorite aunt or uncle?

Now imagine something funny. Let’s pretend you received a new video game console. You spent hours mastering the games. You maybe even lost some sleep before your mom or dad asked you to shut it down for bedtime. Here’s a silly question: Did the video game console ever tell you, “I love you!”? Did it ever give you a hug when you were sad? Did it ever thank you for playing it? Of course not. It’s just a video game! Those who gave you the game, however, love you very much! More important than the gift is the giver—the person who gave it to you. Imagine how sad your parents or grandparents would feel if you cared more about the present than about them.

Every birthday gift, every Christmas gift—in fact, everything you have comes from one Giver—God. He gave us the things we can see like food to eat, clothes to wear, homes to live in, and so much more. He gave us things like a beautiful sunset, music to enjoy, minds that can learn new things, and bodies that can run, jump, and play As wonderful as God’s gifts are, none of them can love us back. But the Giver can. Even better, the Giver loves us so much that he gave us his only Son to forgive our sins and open heaven to us once again.

Unfortunately, people often make a mistake. They begin to love the gifts more than the Giver. The apostle Paul tells us, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him” (Romans 1:21). God’s creation should lead us to honor and thank him. Instead, sinners become so focused on God’s gifts that they forget the Giver. That’s called sin, and sin deserves God’s punishment. Paul warns that “the wrath of God is being revealed against all the godlessness and wickedness of people” (Romans 1:18).

Yet God did not stop loving those who loved his gifts more than him. The Giver gave the greatest gift of all—Jesus. Jesus perfectly honored his Father and took our idolatry to the cross. Because of Jesus, our sins are forgiven. Through faith, we learn to love the Giver above all his gifts.

Paul ends by saying that God is “forever praised” (Romans 1:25). Why? Because God didn’t leave us in our sins. He gave us Jesus! The Giver gave us the best gift—Jesus, the Savior from sin.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, forgive us when we love your gifts more than we love you. Help us honor and thank you as the Giver of every good thing. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Who is the Giver of every good thing we have?
Why can’t a video game love you back?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Can you name five gifts that God has given you today?
Which gift from God are you most thankful for right now? Why?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Paul says people forgot to thank God. Why do you think it’s easy to enjoy God’s gifts but forget to thank him?
Agree or disagree: The created world we live in provides enough evidence to know that God exists. Explain your answer.

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

Weeds and Wheat – July 22, 2026

2026/07/22/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them.’”
Matthew 13:27-29

Weeds and Wheat

As a young boy, I once thought I would help my dad by taking care of some of the weeds in the garden. So, I went to work pulling out all the weeds that I found. Apparently, it never dawned on my young mind that weeds don’t grow four inches apart and in straight rows. Rather than weeding, I pulled up all the sweet corn that my dad had planted.

God has great care for the plants that he is growing. He will not arbitrarily pull them up like an ignorant young boy. Instead, with a Father’s love, he cares for the plants in his garden. Purely by his grace, God has planted his Word into the hearts of his children.

But what about the weeds? This is God’s field, and God’s field should be perfect. Neat row after row of wheat should be growing in rich soil without a single weed. Why does he allow the weeds to grow among the wheat? Why doesn’t he tear out the weeds and toss them from his garden?

Jesus gives the answer. Because tearing out the weeds could hurt the wheat. So, wheat and weeds grow together in this world. We may look very much the same. God’s people and God’s enemies drive the same cars, shop at the same stores, and go to work in the same jobs.

But at the harvest, on the Last Day of this world’s existence, all will be made clear. On that Day, wheat and weeds will be eternally separated.

Until that day, what does the wheat do? Grow, rooted deeply in the Word of God. Stand up tall, living the faith that God has grown in your heart. And bear fruit, that the seed of the gospel reaches out to others.

Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for caring for me in the garden of this world. Help me to stand tall among the weeds of this world. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Weeds – July 21, 2026

2026/07/21/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.”
Matthew 13:24-26

Weeds

If you have ever planted a garden, you know that there is one kind of plant that will always grow. The green beans may not germinate, the corn might get scorched and produce little, and the bugs might eat up your cucumbers. But weeds are guaranteed. I have never once planted them in my garden. And yet every year they are my most “successful” crop.

In today’s Bible reading, Jesus puts on his farmer’s hat for us and teaches us some lessons from the fields. The farmer will work the soil, remove the stones, add fertilizer as needed, and carefully plant his crops. But the weeds will always grow.

So, it is in our lives. Our gracious God has carefully planted the seed of the good news of Jesus in our hearts. He seeks to grow us by raining down his Word onto the field of our hearts. He watches in eager anticipation for the seed to sprout and grow, and our lives to show the fruits of that planted faith.

And yet, there are weeds. They can sprout up in a moment and overwhelm the good seed that has been planted. Sin will always be a struggle for the child of God as long as the Lord allows us to keep growing in his field. So, what should you do? Ignore them? Allow them? Give up? Of course not! To do so could choke out your faith entirely.

Instead, kill the weeds of sin by exposing them to the light of God’s Son. Trust the forgiveness that Jesus has won for you. Live as a forgiven child of God. And never tolerate the weeds.

Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for planting your Word in my heart. When weeds start to grow, bring me back to the light of Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

God Isn’t Monopoly Money! – July 20, 2026

2026/07/20/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Read: Isaiah 44:6-11

“This is what the LORD says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Isaiah 44:6,8-9

God Isn’t Monopoly Money!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Every Monopoly game comes with $20,580. That’s a lot of money! But imagine walking into a toy store with a handful of Monopoly money and trying to buy your favorite LEGO set or stuffed animal. It won’t work. It’s fake money.

Sometimes people make a similar mistake with something much more important. They put their hopes for happiness and even heaven in created things instead of the Creator. In Isaiah’s time—and, in some places still today—those created things were statues—idols—made of wood or stone. But idols don’t have to be made of wood or stone. An idol can be anything or anyone that we fear, love, or trust more than the true God. Today idols may look like sports, video games, being the best at something, friends, money, or being popular. Wood and stone are real. Toys, money, friends, and popularity are real too. But none of these are God. They are false gods that cannot bring us real joy, peace, forgiveness, or eternal life.

Isaiah says, “All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless” (Isaiah 44:9).

What are the idols that tempt you? Money? Are you more in love with the stuff of this world than with the One who created it? Popularity? Is your life focused on being the most popular person in the room with the most “likes” and “followers”?

This is what makes believers in Jesus different. Christians may or may not be famous or wealthy, and they may or may not have lots of nice things, but they have Christ. They believe God’s words, “Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one” (Isaiah 44:8). By grace, the one and only God found them and called them into his family of faith. They also know that Jesus has forgiven all their sins, even the sin of so often wanting their own selfish desires above what God wants.

Living as God’s people in this world is not always easy. Advertisements whisper that happiness is found in what we own. Social media suggests our value depends on how many people notice us. Yet none of those can save us. Christians are different because they listen to the voice of their Savior, who alone forgives sinners.

To have the true God is to have everything. God forgives sins, promises the resurrection from death, and reserves for us a room in his heavenly mansion. Those are gifts that never wear out, never break, and can never be taken away. When we have him, we possess treasures that never fade and a future that never ends.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, forgive us when we love other things more than you. Help us trust you above all else and find our joy in your forgiveness and promises. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Why wouldn’t Monopoly money work at a real store?
How many true Gods are there?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Name three idols that people today might be tempted to love more than God.
What are some things that the true God gives that idols cannot give?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Luther says that a “god” is whatever we trust most or run to first for help. When kids are scared, sad, or worried, what are some things they might be tempted to trust instead of God?
How can a Christian enjoy God’s gifts—such as family, success, possessions, or popularity—without turning them into idols?

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

The Bible Stands Alone – July 20, 2026

2026/07/20/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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“This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me?”
Isaiah 44: 6-7

The Bible Stands Alone

In Old Testament times, God gave his people a visible reminder of his presence called the Ark of the Covenant. There was a time when the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines who had defeated Israel in battle and claimed the ark as their prize. Since they already believed in many gods, why not add the God of Israel as well? So, they placed the ark in the temple of their god, Dagon.

The next morning, when they went to worship Dagon, there he lay, facedown before the ark of the Lord! So, Dagon was put back in his place. The next morning, it was the same result—Dagon facedown before the ark of the Lord, but this time his head and hands had broken off.

Message received! The ark needed to go back to Israel because Dagon could not handle being in the presence of the Lord. (1 Samuel 5)

God has placed in our hearts an awareness that there is a God and a desire to know that God. Throughout the course of human history, different gods and goddesses, spirits, and mystical powers have been proclaimed as gods.

But “who then is like me?” asks the Lord. The best that the false worshippers could hope for is that their gods and goddesses would send rain and grow their fields and grow their families and flocks. If they gave the right sacrifices, perhaps those gods would listen.

The Lord God stands alone. He does something that sinful minds couldn’t have even imagined. He came to us, wearing our flesh and blood. He redeemed us, taking our sinful failures upon himself. He loves us, promising his presence with us through life and preparing a place in eternity with him when this life comes to its close.

Truly, the God of the Bible stands alone.

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to see you for you who are—eternal, powerful, and singular in your love for fallen humanity. Move my heart to serve you in my life. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Christians Let God Sort Things Out – July 19, 2026

2026/07/19/in Teen Devotions

One key truth: God will sort everything out in the end.

“This is what the LORD says—
Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people,
and what is yet to come—
yes, let them foretell what will come.
Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”
All who make idols are nothing,
and the things they treasure are worthless.
Those who would speak up for them are blind;
they are ignorant, to their own shame.

Who shapes a god and casts an idol,
which can profit nothing?
People who do that will be put to shame;
such craftsmen are only human beings.
Let them all come together and take their stand;
they will be brought down to terror and shame.
Isaiah 44:6-11

Christians Let God Sort Things Out

It can be hard living in a world that doesn’t value the God of the Bible.

Scroll through social media for five minutes and you’ll see it. Listen to conversations at school. Watch what people celebrate, chase after, or build their lives around. Everyone seems to be looking for something to give them purpose, happiness, or security.

It seems like everyone has their own “god,” doesn’t it? Their own truth. Their own ultimate source of wisdom. Modern gods might not be idols carved out of wood or stone. Modern idols often start as good things that become ultimate things.

Family. Money. Career. Success. Entertainment. A good reputation. Sex. Sports. Popularity. Being accepted. Looking good. Getting likes and followers. These can all be good things. Blessings from God. But when they become the thing we depend on most for our identity, happiness, or security, they become dangerous. They take the place in our heart reserved for God alone.

The scary part is that idols rarely announce themselves. Most people don’t wake up and say, “Today I’m going to worship popularity.” Instead, little by little, a good thing becomes the most important thing. Even Christians can fall into that trap.

When we look at Jesus, we know that no one and nothing is like our God! He’s the King! He’s almighty. He’s always been around and always will be around. And, he’s our Redeemer. He’s not just a powerful and holy God. He’s compassionate. He’s caring. He’s kind. He bought us back from sin, death, and the devil through his life, death, and resurrection!

We know about God’s greatness and how he’s like none other. But still, others around us might choose to not honor God. And when that happens, it can be tempting to to get angry, mock them, or try to prove how wrong they are. Or it can also make us nervous to live in a world where so many people trust in anything else but Jesus. But God tells us we don’t have to be afraid. He knows and sees everything. And, we don’t have to make sure everyone gets what they deserve. That’s God’s domain.

Christians let God sort everything out in the end.

Instead, keep your eyes on Jesus and the forgiveness he won for you. Be a light in a world that often feels dark. Love people enough to tell them God’s truth, and love them enough to show them God’s grace.

Prayer:

Lord, I look around me and see people dishonoring you. I see people trusting in many things besides you. Let me first look at my own heart. If there’s anything I put my ultimate hope in besides you, I repent of that! There is no one better than you. No one that gives me the peace, security, identity, and future that you do! Let me live my life in such a way that I bring you glory and am a witness of your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

No Excuse – July 19, 2026

2026/07/19/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Romans 1:20

No Excuse

Why are apples red? What does electricity look like?

Anyone who has been a parent or teacher has heard questions like these. Sometimes we can give an answer that makes sense to the child, and sometimes not.

How do you know that God exists? If he does, what is he like? These are not new questions. How they are answered is just as important now as ever.

Sometimes we know who has been in a room by the smell of the perfume she has left behind. Sometimes we can tell who designed a building by its architectural style.

In the same way, God has provided evidence that he exists. God’s eternal power is always on display. The world cries out that it was created by someone. And what power its creator must have—to be able to put atoms together into molecules and then exert the power to keep them all together. What power the creator of the stars must have. How far above us he must be!

All around us, there is ample evidence of God’s power, wisdom, and divine nature. There is no excuse for anyone to doubt God’s existence or his involvement in the world.

Does God exist? That’s not the right question.

How should we serve God? What more might God have for us?” These are the questions we should ask. And the answers are given to us in the Bible.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for revealing yourself in the world you created. Today I praise you for its wonders. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Build Your Spiritual House – July 18, 2026

2026/07/18/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11

Build Your Spiritual House

“And he huffed, and he puffed…and he blew the house down!” Remember that story? The first two little pigs hastily built houses with cheap, weak materials. The Big Bad Wolf easily blew them down. The third little pig was different. He used the better, more costly materials. He invested the right amount of time and effort to build a strong house. “And he huffed, and he puffed, but he could not blow that house down!”

“Be careful how you build!” That’s advice from a messenger of Jesus named Paul. It was first written some 2,000 years ago. But that advice is meant for us today, too. Careful construction and high-quality materials will provide comfort, peace of mind, and a good return on investment for our physical dwellings. But Paul had something different in mind when he wrote these words. Be careful how you build…your spiritual house!

Where does one even start when trying to follow Paul’s advice? So many convenient and compelling options. So many building materials and blueprints. Let’s start where he did. Paul, the expert builder, laid a solid foundation—the good news message of Jesus Christ. Jesus laid down his life as payment for the sins of the whole world and rose from the dead in victory. Paul and others continued to build on that firm foundation by speaking and teaching the words and promises of Jesus. Those words don’t always make sense to us and don’t promise a life of ease and success. But they do give great comfort when we struggle with the guilt of sin— “Take heart, your sins are forgiven.” They do give us peace of mind when confronting the reality of death— “You will be with me in paradise.”

Carefully build your spiritual house on Jesus, and yours is a house that will last.

Prayer:

Jesus, help me to build my spiritual house on the firm foundation of your Word and works. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Military Devotion – Fight the Good Fight – July 17, 2026

2026/07/17/in Military Devotions

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Based on 1 Timothy 6:11-16

Fight the Good Fight

What are you willing to fight for? When you signed the dotted line, you said to the country, “I am willing to fight for you, for justice, for freedom; I am willing to fight against all enemies foreign and domestic.” And I thank you for that.

Take that same willingness and apply it to your spiritual life. What are you willing to fight for? In a letter to another pastor the apostle Paul commands Timothy, “Fight the good fight of the faith.” The faith, the trust, and belief in the truth that Jesus Christ is God and man, the faith in the truth that he lived a righteous life, that he truly died, that he rose from the dead—the faith that he did this for you, so that you, by believing, by having faith in this truth, might “take hold of the eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:12).

How is your faith fight? Whether you perceive it or not, you are engaged in a fight, a wrestling match, combat if you will, every single day of your life. This fracas is against the lie from Satan that it is just not worth your time or effort, the lie that you can get after it later, the lie that it is not as important as all the other things you have going on in your life, as relationships, your wealth and finances, your physical health, what you do on leave or liberty. The truth is that all those things suffer when we don’t fight the good fight of the faith.

The apostle Paul reassures Pastor Timothy and you, where you and I have become apathetic or disinterested in our fight, Jesus fought the good fight for us. Paul points us to a skirmish that shows Jesus’ persistence. “While testifying before Pontius Pilate [Jesus] made the good confession” (1 Timothy 6:13).

My fellow fighters, when the battle is long, when you are weary, when you have lapsed, flee to Christ and see your failures pardoned in Christ’s persistent faith.

Then stand on your feet and get ready to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Fight the good fight of the faith until Jesus appears and you may rest from your struggle.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, the fight for my faith in you is fierce and I am often weary. Sometimes I am lazy. Forgive me. Restore me by the strength of your forgiveness. Renew in me the desire to daily put on the armor of God so that I might fight against the lies of the devil with the truths you have taught me. Cause me to stand firm so that I might help others fight the good fight of the faith in you. Amen.

Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California.

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. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Seeds Everywhere! – July 17, 2026

2026/07/17/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Read: Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

[Jesus said] “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:3-8

Seeds Everywhere!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Imagine your family gave you a packet of flower seeds and said, “Don’t waste these!” You would probably be careful, right? You’d plant them in good dirt. You wouldn’t throw them onto the driveway. You wouldn’t toss them into a pile of rocks. You definitely wouldn’t scatter them into a patch of weeds. That would be silly!

But in Jesus’ story, that’s exactly what the farmer does. He throws seed everywhere. Some lands on the path. Some lands on rocky ground. Some lands among thorns. Some lands on good soil.

At first, it almost seems like the farmer is being careless. But Jesus is teaching us something important. In this parable, the seed is God’s Word—the good news about Jesus.

And the farmer is God. God doesn’t keep his Word locked away or only share it with a few people. He spreads it everywhere. Some people hear God’s Word and ignore it. Some people get excited about it for a little while but then drift away. Some people let other things become more important than Jesus. But some people hear God’s Word, trust in Jesus, and their faith grows strong. That’s the good soil. And when God’s Word grows in someone’s heart, amazing things happen: Faith grows. Lives change. People learn about Jesus. Others hear the gospel too. Just think, one little seed can produce a huge harvest!

This parable teaches us how we should share God’s Word. Sometimes we wait for the “perfect” moment. Sometimes we’re afraid someone won’t listen. Sometimes we think, “What if they don’t care?” But Jesus tells us to keep planting. Keep inviting. Keep sharing. Keep talking about Jesus. We don’t have to figure out which hearts are good soil, and which aren’t. That’s God’s job. Our job is simply to scatter the seed. And because God’s Word is powerful, we know it is never wasted.

The farmer in Jesus’ story wasn’t careless. He was generous. And God is generous too. He keeps planting his Word in our hearts and in the hearts of others because he wants many people to know the love and forgiveness found in Jesus. So don’t be afraid to share God’s Word. You never know when God is growing a harvest that is bigger than you can imagine!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for planting your Word in our hearts. Let your Word root deeply in us so that we may bear fruit for your kingdom. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

Where did some of the farmer’s seed land? What does the seed represent in Jesus’ story?
What happened to the seed that landed on good soil?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why do you think the farmer scattered seed everywhere instead of only putting it in the good soil?
What does this story teach us about our job and God’s job when we share the gospel?

Questions for Middle School and Above

The farmer kept scattering seed even though he knew some would not grow. What does that teach us about God’s love for people and about the way Christians should share the gospel?
Have you ever invited someone to church, Sunday school, or vacation Bible school? What happened?

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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.

One Seed Multiplies – July 17, 2026

2026/07/17/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. . . Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. . . But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Matthew 13:3,8,23

One Seed Multiplies

The farmers where I live recently planted their corn crops for the year. At the time of writing this devotion, those corn kernels have sprouted and are about six inches tall. They don’t look like much. But by late summer, those little plants will stand taller than the farmer who planted them. From one kernel of corn, one stalk grows. On that stalk, an ear of corn forms. And on that ear, there may be hundreds of kernels. One seed can produce far more than itself.

That is the picture Jesus gives us when he describes the seed that falls on good soil. It produces a crop that is one hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.

The seed is God’s Word. When God plants his Word in the heart, he produces what we could never grow on our own.

First, God produces faith in Jesus. Through the gospel, the good news of what Jesus has done, God teaches us to trust that Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead, and gives us forgiveness and life.

But the Word doesn’t stop there. Where God gives faith, he also grows fruit. Love where there was selfishness. Joy where there was despair. Peace where there was anxiety. Patience where there was frustration. Kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control where sin had made the heart hard and tangled.

And then the fruit multiplies. A person comforted by the Word speaks comfort to someone else. A forgiven sinner tells another sinner about forgiveness. A parent teaches a child. A friend shares a promise. A congregation supports a mission. The same seed that took root in one heart is scattered into another.

One seed produces much fruit. That’s what God’s Word does.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, plant your Word deeply in my heart. Grow faith and good fruit in me and use me to share your Word with others. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

The Solid Foundation – July 16, 2026

2026/07/16/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:10-11

The Solid Foundation

Every building needs a foundation. You can touch up paint. You can change the carpet. You can move furniture. But if the foundation crumbles, the whole building is in trouble.

The apostle Paul knew that the church in Corinth had plenty of problems. They argued. They compared leaders. They acted immaturely. They misused the sacraments. They were tempted to build their faith on personalities, wisdom, talent, and human success.

Paul pointed them back to the only foundation strong enough to hold them: Jesus Christ. That is still the only safe foundation.

Your life cannot fully rest on your intelligence. It will eventually fail you. Your reputation can change in a moment. Your health can weaken. Your money can disappear. Your family, as precious as they are, cannot carry the weight of your soul. Your own faithfulness is not a strong enough foundation either. You know how often you stumble.

But Jesus does not crumble. There is no storm in life stronger than him. There is no earth-shaking event that can make him waver. He is strong and secure through it all.

That means when guilt accuses you, you have a foundation: Jesus died for you and your sin. When your faith feels weak, you have a foundation: Jesus holds onto you. When you are scared, you have a foundation: Jesus is with you.

Build on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Find your rest in it. Be at peace in it. That foundation is the one you need in this life.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, keep me from building my hope on anything that cannot last. You are my foundation in life, in death, and forever. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

The First Button – July 15, 2026

2026/07/15/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Read: 1 Corinthians 3:5-11

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

The First Button

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever gotten dressed in the dark? Maybe you started buttoning your shirt and everything seemed fine at first. But when you got to the last button, something looked funny. One side was higher than the other! You turn on a light and discover the problem. The very first button was in the wrong hole. Because the first button was wrong, every other button ended up wrong too. One little mistake at the beginning changed everything at the end.

Paul was dealing with a problem at the church in Corinth. Some people were arguing about which teacher was most important. Was it Paul, who started the church? Was it Apollos, who helped teach the people afterward? Paul reminded them that they were all working together for God. One person planted the seed. Another person watered it. But God was the one making it grow.

Then Paul shared something even more important. Every Christian is building on the exact same foundation: Jesus Christ. A foundation is the part of a building that everything else sits on. If the foundation cracks, the whole building is in trouble. But if the foundation is strong, the building can stand firm. Jesus is the strong foundation for the church.

Jesus is also the strong foundation for our family. Sometimes it’s easy to build our lives on other things. We might think, “I’ll be happy if I make the team.” Or “Everything will be okay if I get a good grade.” Or “I need everyone to like me.” Those things aren’t bad. Sports, school, and friendships are gifts from God. But they make terrible foundations. What happens if you don’t make the team? What happens if you get a bad grade? What happens if a friend says something hurtful? If those things are your foundation, your whole life can start to feel shaky like it’s going to crash down!

Our foundation is already laid for us in Jesus. That means your value doesn’t depend on how well you play, how smart you are, or what other people think about you. Your value comes from Jesus. When Jesus died and rose again, he forgave every sin. He made you part of God’s family. He promised to love you forever.

When our family prays together, reads God’s Word together, and reminds each other about God’s forgiveness, we are building on a rock-solid foundation. It’s a “first-button” issue: When Jesus is our foundation, we know how the rest of our story lines up. No matter what difficult days come, Jesus will hold us up now until he invites us to our forever home in heaven.

Now THAT’S a really good ending!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for being our strong foundation. When we are tempted to build our lives on sports, grades, popularity, or other things, remind us that you are what matters most. Help our family stay close to you through your Word and prayer. Thank you for loving us, forgiving us, and holding us up every day. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

What happened when the first button was put in the wrong hole?
Who does Paul say is the foundation of the church?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What are some things kids your age sometimes think are the most important things in life?
Why can sports, grades, friends, or hobbies make us happy but still be poor foundations?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Imagine two families. One builds everything around success and achievements. The other builds everything around Jesus. What differences might you notice when both families go through a difficult time?
Look at the practical examples mentioned at the end: praying together, reading God’s Word, and reminding each other of forgiveness. Which of these do you think our family is doing well, and which one could we work on to make our foundation stronger?

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WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

You Are Chosen

Rest for the Weary, Rest for the Burdened – Women’s Devotion

Read: Matthew 13:44-52

Something Better Than Buried Treasure

Prayer:

The Treasure

Prayer:

Truly Life

Prayer:

The Richest Kid in the World

Prayer:

Arrogance

Prayer:

Priority

Prayer:

Pray for Your Heart to Have Ears

Prayer:

Candor

Prayer:

Christians Seek Spiritual Wealth

Prayer:

Wisdom

Prayer:

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Prayer:

Greater Wealth

Difficult Farming

Prayer:

Shine Like the Sun

Prayer:

Until the Harvest

Prayer:

Read: Romans 1:18-25

The Giver

Prayer:

Weeds and Wheat

Prayer:

Weeds

Prayer:

Read: Isaiah 44:6-11

God Isn’t Monopoly Money!

Prayer:

The Bible Stands Alone

Prayer:

Christians Let God Sort Things Out

Prayer:

No Excuse

Prayer:

Build Your Spiritual House

Prayer:

Fight the Good Fight

Read: Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

Seeds Everywhere!

Prayer:

One Seed Multiplies

Prayer:

The Solid Foundation

Prayer:

Read: 1 Corinthians 3:5-11

The First Button

Prayer:

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