Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
John 21:4-7

Because Jesus Lives, We Can See Clearly

Daily Devotion – May 5, 2025

Devotion based on John 21:4-7

See series: Devotions

Simon Peter had been a fisherman when he first met Jesus on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Following an unproductive night, Simon’s crew was calling it quits for the day when Jesus convinced him to throw his net overboard one more time. When Simon’s boat began to sink from the weight of so many fish caught in the net, the veteran fisherman knew it was a miracle. All he could see at that moment was how unworthy he was to be in the presence of this holy man. He fell at Jesus’ feet and said, “Go away from me, Lord; for I am a sinful man!”

Fast forward a few years. Simon Peter had many opportunities to learn from Jesus, and he witnessed even greater miracles than that earlier one. More importantly, he and the other disciples had seen for themselves how their teacher, Jesus, allowed himself to be crucified on a cross as a sacrifice to make them right with God—and what’s more, he had come back to life! A short time later, Jesus once again caught the disciples off guard with a miraculous catch of fish. This time, however, Peter’s reaction was completely different. Rather than pleading for Jesus to leave him, he jumped overboard, swimming to shore in his eagerness to see his risen Savior.

Jesus’ resurrection corrects our spiritual vision better than any lenses could do for our physical eyesight. We now know that we have been reconciled with God. Rather than avoiding Jesus out of fear of punishment, we are moved to pursue our Savior in joy.

Prayer:
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives! Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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[Jesus said] “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Revelation 1:18

The Key

Daily Devotion – May 3, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:18

See series: Devotions

Keys are small. Their importance is not. We don’t give keys much thought until we need them or lose them. Have you ever misplaced your keys? There’s a feeling of frustration and fear when you lock yourself out of your car or house.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they lost the key to life. The result of their sin was a verdict of death. And we have been held prisoner under the same sentence.

We have tried, in vain, to escape death’s prison. We have searched for the fountain of youth and the tree of life. We have spent an enormous amount of money on anti-aging creams and medicines. In spite of all our scientific advancements, the worldwide average life expectancy is about thirty years shy of a hundred. After thousands of years of searching and researching, we have not managed to find the key—we cannot break free from death.

Frustrating? Frightening? Yes. But not hopeless.

Jesus is the key. Like every human, he lived, died, and was buried. But unlike us, he broke free. Because, unlike us, he is sinless. He is the Son of God, and death could not hold him prisoner because Jesus had committed no sin.

By his resurrection, Jesus has opened a door that no one can shut. Death is no longer a final destination. It is a doorway to an unending life where sin and death have no authority. In heaven, death is gone, crying is gone, pain is gone.

You might not give your house or car keys much thought throughout the day. But don’t make that mistake with Jesus. He may be small in the world’s estimation, but his importance is not.

Everyone who lives and believes in him does not ultimately die. Follow him and he will lead you through death to life immortal.

Prayer:
Jesus Christ, I find my hope in you alone. With you as my light and salvation, and the fortress of my life, I have nothing to fear. Amen.

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I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
Revelation 1:12-16

The Risen Christ is by Your Side

Daily Devotion – May 1, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:12-16

See series: Devotions

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, a pivotal moment occurs when Gandalf, once thought dead, reappears. He is transformed—radiant, authoritative, and victorious. The sight of him brings hope to his friends and terror to his enemies. This transformation reminds us of the infinitely greater glory of Christ revealed.

In our Bible reading today, the apostle John turns to see someone that the world thought was long dead. His eyes behold Jesus—not as the humble carpenter or crucified Savior—but as the risen and reigning King. His appearance is breathtaking. His snow-white hair and fiery eyes remind us that he is the eternal God who constantly looks out for his people and watches out for his enemies. His bronze feet and thunderous voice remind us that he is the King of kings who rules over everything for the good of his people, with whom he is always present.

What does this mean for you?

It means that Jesus has not and will never abandon you. No matter what chaos or challenges you face, Jesus is with you. You are more than a conqueror through him who lived, died, and reigns for you. He cares about you and is in control of your daily life. He knows your needs and sympathizes with your weaknesses. He is always there with you and for you, in his Word, to give peace and rest to your weary soul.

So, when the world overwhelms you, when doubts creep in, or fear grabs hold, remember this image of Jesus—blazing, brazen, braced, and boss. With you. For you. Always.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, be with me and bless me with your presence, power, and peace, today and always. Amen.

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“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:7,8

The Alpha and Omega.

Daily Devotion – April 29, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:7,8

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We were lying awake on the cool grass on a quiet country night, staring up at the sky. Suddenly, the stars started to move, leaving a brief burning trail as they streaked across the heavens. At one point, the trail of one meteor, as thick as my finger, arched from one horizon to the other. Yet, I couldn’t even share it with others. The moment was gone before I could even say a word.

Now, imagine something even more glorious. Our Bible reading for today states that one day, Jesus is coming back. Whether we are awake or asleep, alive or deceased, everyone who loves him and those who rejected him will see him. This isn’t some frightening fairytale. It’s a fact.

No one will miss it, but some will miss out. You see, this is no ordinary event. Because Jesus, who was pierced for our transgressions, is returning to set all things right. Those who loved him and longed for his return will weep for joy. But those who rejected him will weep in despair.

But we don’t want anyone to miss out. So, whether at work, school, home, on the road, or out in public, live with purpose. Every blessing we receive and every challenge we face takes on a deeper meaning. Life isn’t about surviving; it’s about preparing ourselves and others for eternity. Those blessings and challenges are all opportunities to point others to the hope we have in Jesus. He’s coming to make all things new.

Sometimes, life moves pretty fast. Sometimes, life moves pretty slowly. But Jesus reminds us that he remains the same—yesterday, today, and forever. He was there in the beginning, and he’ll carry you to the end. So, love boldly. Speak gently. Serve joyfully. The King is coming!

Prayer:
Risen Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith, fill me with joy, and give me opportunities to point others to you. Amen.

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“Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him.”
Revelation 1:7

Every Eye

Daily Devotion – April 27, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 1:7

See series: Devotions

We don’t know what eventually happened to the Roman soldiers in charge of Jesus’ crucifixion. Perhaps some died quelling a forgotten riot or fighting a forgotten battle. Perhaps some of them died from injury or disease. Or, for all we know, all of them lived long and healthy lives, enjoyed their military retirement and died in their sleep at a ripe, old age.

But there is one thing we do know. Every one of them will see Jesus again.

“Every eye will see him, even those who pierced him,” the Bible says. No matter that they are long dead. No matter that their bodies crumbled into dust centuries ago. They will see Jesus again. They, and everyone else who has ever lived on this earth.

Have you ever thought about that? Everyone is going to see Jesus. Everyone. The checkout girl at the grocery store. The man who maintains the copier at your office. The administrator at the nursing home. The comedian on late-night TV. The boy who’s mowing your lawn this summer. The lead singer for your favorite band. The doctor who performed your mom’s knee replacement. Everyone is going to see Jesus. Whether they want to or not.

This simple fact keeps things real for us. Our Savior is real. Our forgiveness through faith in him is real. Eternal life is real.

It also gives us a sense of urgency. Our living Lord is coming back. When he does, the time for coming to faith in him is over.

Look around you. Every eye you see will one day look on the face of Jesus. Prepare them for that moment. You know what to do.

Prayer:
Living Savior, one day you will return. While there is still time, empower me to share your gospel with those around me. Amen.

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On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Isaiah 25:6-9

The Feast of Victory

Daily Devotion – April 25, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 25:6-9

See series: Devotions

Every year at the Masters Golf Tournament, past winners gather for a feast. The menu is set by the previous year’s winner. He often chooses items unique to his region and home. Some of the best chefs use the freshest, tastiest ingredients to put the meal together. It is an elite banquet reserved for the world’s most elite golfers.

The prophet Isaiah describes an even greater banquet. The diners are the victors of something more glorious than even the greatest golf tournament. The feast itself is tastier than anything a three-star Michelin chef could come up with.

These people are celebrating their victory over death. God has rejoined their bodies and souls to delight in a feast put together by God himself. They watch in awe and delight as the Lord destroys death.

Death, the great eater, the consumer of all that is living, is itself swallowed by Jesus. And Jesus left no crumbs. Death is completely destroyed by his resurrection. The sorrow that death causes is gone. The pain that death creates is engulfed by the love of Jesus.

The people eating and celebrating at this meal are the ones who trust in Jesus to save them. They rejoiced in life that God had secured their salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And they will spend eternity enjoying the great celebratory feast and their victory over death.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for swallowing up death for me. Help me to always trust in you and rejoice in the salvation you have won for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words.
Luke 24:5-8

Resurrection Promised. Resurrection Delivered.

Daily Devotion – April 23, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 24:5-8

See series: Devotions

It didn’t make sense to them when Jesus spoke those words. They had seen his power. Power over sickness. Power over nature. Power over spiritual forces. But when Jesus spoke about dying—death at the hands of his enemies and sinners—it didn’t make sense.

How could their Messiah die? And what did he mean about being raised again? No one had ever done that. Sure, people like to call their shot, but no one has ever called their own shot about coming back from the dead. Once you died, that was it! At least until Jesus came.

The angels reminded the women that everything had happened as Jesus said it would. He was delivered to his enemies and crucified, but now it was the third day. And Jesus was raised to life. The woman remembered that Jesus had predicted this all along. It wasn’t just that Jesus had predicted this; it was the implications.

If Jesus can predict his death and resurrection from the grave and then has the power to pull it off, what can’t Jesus do? And if Jesus kept his promise to rise from the dead, he would keep all his promises. Jesus is exactly who he says he is. Jesus does exactly what he promises to do. His resurrection from the dead proves it.

We could spend our entire lives marveling at what that means; it still wouldn’t be enough time. Thankfully, Jesus’ death and resurrection mean that his believers will spend an eternity with him, not just marveling at what it means but experiencing it. Because Jesus has power over his death, it means he has power over your death. Trust him.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, your resurrection proves you are the Son of God. Help me to believe all your words. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” . . . But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55,57

Death’s Sting Is Removed

Daily Devotion – April 21, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 15:55,57

See series: Devotions

If you’ve been stung by a bee or a wasp, you know it is not a pleasant experience. The stinger doesn’t just pierce your skin, but the venom causes lasting pain. For that reason, many people have a fear of bees and wasps. But what if you knew that the bee or wasp didn’t have a sting? Well, take away the sting, and you take away the fear. Remove the sting, and the power of that flying insect is gone.

When Jesus rose from the dead, he took away the sting of death. Death had a powerful sting. Death is coming for everyone, and it casts a shadow over all of life. No matter what joy you experience, it won’t last because death is coming.

Death stings because it robs you of your loved ones. All the people you love will one day die. Death separates you from them. There is no FaceTime or phone calls with the dead. They’re gone.

Death stings because everyone has this gnawing feeling deep down that after death, there will be an accounting, a judgment. You are accountable to someone for your deeds and actions. There is a certain sense of fear and uncertainty of what that might be like.

Death stings and its venom can choke out even the best moments of life. The sting of death looks like ultimate defeat. But when Jesus rose from the dead, it meant a stunning reversal. Death no longer held the victory. Death no longer had its sting. Instead, Jesus gives the victory to all who put their faith in him.

Jesus has already undergone the judgment and punishment for sinners. His believers don’t have to fear a final reckoning with God. Jesus promises that those who die believing in him are not lost forever but alive in heaven. You will see them again. And Jesus’ resurrection means that death is not the end of the story for his believers. They will rise to an eternity of perfect joy and love.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for robbing death of its sting. Your resurrection means you have given me the victory. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:3-5

Attitude

Daily Devotion – April 19, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 2:3-5

See series: Devotions

How has your attitude been lately? Have you gotten short-tempered with your children, spouse, or employees? Have you been disrespectful to your parents, teachers, or boss? Have you been a little self-righteous and unconcerned about the people around you? How has your attitude been toward the people you run into on a regular basis?

Now think about this: How is your attitude toward God? You may be happy with God when life seems to be going well, but it’s easy to blame God when things don’t go as planned. You may find yourself getting angry at God when there are difficult times in life—when you attend a funeral, miss a promotion, fail the exam, or have an illness. You may think that you know better than God, even though he is the Almighty and will judge all people one day.

We so desperately need Jesus. His attitude was always to glorify God and to love others. Jesus always displayed a humble attitude. He came to serve, not to be served. That is clearly seen when Jesus died on the cross to suffer the punishment for our sins so that we may live with him in heaven. Jesus even died to forgive you for the times when you had a bad attitude toward God and others!

Jesus’ forgiveness and love for you will change even a bad attitude into a life of love and service toward God and your fellow man.

Prayer:
Jesus, help me to improve my attitude toward others that I may be more like you. Amen.

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Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23

Faithful to His Promises

Daily Devotion – April 17, 2025

Devotion based on Hebrews 10:23

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Today, Christians celebrate Maundy Thursday or, as it is also called, Holy Thursday. The shadows of this night stretch back 3500 years. The descendants of Abraham had been forced into slavery in Egypt. But the Lord had promised that they would one day live in their own land where, through one special descendant, all nations on earth would be blessed.

The Lord kept that promise. Through a series of powerful miracles that you can read about in the Bible’s book of Exodus, the Lord rescued Abraham’s descendants from their slavery and brought them into that Promised Land.

Along the way, the Lord appeared to them with a covenant, a contract that said, “Obey me, and I will bless you.” But almost immediately, the people broke their side of the deal. And they continued to disobey and rebel against the Lord.

But the Lord gave a greater covenant to his people—a promise that didn’t depend on their obedience. A promise of forgiveness and deliverance from disobedience and death, just as he had delivered them from slavery and death in Egypt.

Every year, the people of God celebrated a special meal called the Passover. That meal remembered God’s rescue in Egypt. More importantly, it foreshadowed God’s future rescue, when he would make good on that promise of forgiveness and deliverance for all people.

Jesus came to fulfill that covenant promise. As he ate the Passover meal with his disciples, he was just hours away from giving his life to win a home in a heavenly Promised Land for all people. That night, he gave them a special meal to recall the covenant he came to fulfill. He fed them his own body and blood with bread and wine in a miraculous meal we call Holy Communion. It was their assurance, and it remains ours today, that God is faithful to his promises to unfaithful sinners like us.

No matter how unfaithful we have been to God, God’s faithful love gives us hope. Sure hope that, because God never breaks a promise, every one of our sins is forgiven through Jesus. Sure hope that one day, we will celebrate an even greater feast with Jesus in heaven.

Prayer:
Jesus, help me hold unswervingly to the hope that your faithful love gives to me. Amen.

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In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.
Isaiah 42:3,4

Pursuing Justice

Daily Devotion – April 15, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 42:3,4

See series: Devotions

Some of the greatest heroes in history are those who have fought for justice. In American history, the emancipation of slaves, the fight for women’s suffrage, and the 20th Century Civil Rights Movement are all times when great men and women have made great sacrifices in pursuit of justice. Stirring speeches have encouraged those who listened not to give up the cause until there is justice for all.

The Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah about the work that the Messiah, the Savior, would come to do. He said that he would bring justice. And he would not give up, falter, or be discouraged until it was finished.

But if we look at ourselves honestly in the mirror of God’s law, justice is a frightful thought. True justice not only pursues the end of unjust oppression, but it also pursues proper punishment for those who have done wrong. God’s justice says that the proper punishment for disobeying even one of his laws is death and unending suffering in hell. To let the lawbreaker off without a penalty would not be just and make God’s law meaningless.

Jesus came to bring justice, but not in the way we might expect. Jesus came to bring justice by surrendering himself to justice in our place. Because we could not go free without justice being carried out, Jesus assumed our guilt and surrendered to the just penalties we deserved. There was no plea bargain, no legal loopholes. He faced every charge and suffered every punishment.

One hymn writer put it this way: “Many hands were raised to wound him; none would intervene to save; but the deepest stroke that pierced him was the stroke that justice gave.” In love, Jesus willingly suffered horrible things at the hands of angry human enemies. Even more, in love, he willingly suffered the stroke of God’s justice, the punishment of hell for you and me.

Because he did, the punishment for our sins has been carried out. Now, we are justly counted as innocent in God’s eyes. And only the reward of eternal life remains.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for facing God’s justice for me so that I will always be free. Amen.

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The whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Luke 19:37-40

Can’t Keep Quiet

Daily Devotion – April 13, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 19:37-40

See series: Devotions

As spring warmth returns to the northern regions, choruses of birds greet the morning sun. They can’t keep quiet. Rather, they praise their Creator.

As Jesus came to Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds raised their voices, shouting, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” They couldn’t keep quiet.

And we have an even greater reason not to keep quiet. Because we know that God is not only our Creator. We know that Jesus did more than perform miracles.

Praise him because you know why he came to Jerusalem. He came to die for sinners, to die for you and me.

Praise him because you believe in him, your King. You, like me, were once a slave to sin. But the King ransomed us to be his blood-bought people. His death on the cross redeemed you, so that by faith, you confess that he is your King. What’s more, one week after he entered Jerusalem, he proved himself our victorious King. He conquered death by rising from the dead. He broke sin’s chains and crushed Satan’s head. His resurrection makes our faith sure. So, praise your victorious King.

Praise him because he has taken our hearts that were once stone-dead in sin and made us spiritually alive. How powerless we were! But through his word in baptism and the Bible, he entered your heart and established his throne. Through his gospel, he reigns in you. Your faith holds on to this good news: You have peace with God in heaven above because Jesus reconciled you to him by his death on the cross.

Yes, now we, who were once like stones, can’t keep quiet. We cry out: “Glory to God in the highest, who gave up his Son to bring us peace. Glory to our Savior-King, who reigns forever and ever.”

Prayer:
I praise you, Jesus, for all you have done and continue to do as my King! Amen.

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I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

To Press On

Daily Devotion – April 11, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 3:14

See series: Devotions

When word leaked out that Sylvester Stallone was working on yet another Rocky movie, many people groaned and rolled their eyes. After all, it had been thirty years since the original film and fifteen years had passed since the last installment, Rocky V, opened in theaters. Critics had panned Rocky V as nothing more than a thin, tired last gasp of a worn-out franchise.

Despite the guffaws, Stallone soldiered on. He believed Rocky Balboa still had something to say. He was right. The film, simply entitled Rocky Balboa, hit the big screen in 2006. And to everyone’s amazement, Rocky Balboa was good. Very good.

The climactic scene of the film is an emotional exchange between Rocky and his son, who, by now is a young adult. His son has just poured out his heart to Rocky, describing the difficulties and hardships he’s had to endure because of the ups and downs of his famous father. Rocky’s response is poignant and powerful. After describing to his son how brutal, unfair, and relentless life can be, he says, “[But] it ain’t about how hard you’re hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”

The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about taking hits. Over the years of his ministry, he’d endured beatings with rods, imprisonment, stoning, angry mobs threatening his life, shipwrecks, hunger, thirst and lack of sleep. He’d endured the heartache and disappointment of people turning their backs on Jesus.

Nevertheless, Paul pressed on. But here’s the point: He pressed on not to make himself worthy of his heavenly prize. Rather, he pressed on because of what Jesus Christ had already done to secure the heavenly prize for him. Christ had already secured victory by living a life of perfect persistence in Paul’s place. He had already secured victory by going to the cross and washing away Paul’s many sinful stumbles and falls. Therefore, what drove Paul to persevere was God’s persistent love for him in Jesus.

And that is what drives us, too.

Prayer:
Lord, move me to press on, as you pressed on for me. 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 people I formed for myself.
Isaiah 43:21

Connection

Daily Devotion – April 9, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 43:21

See series: Devotions

In April 2020, a ten-part series entitled The Last Dance began to air on the sports network ESPN. It told the story of Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls, and their legendary place in NBA history. For many who love the game of basketball, the series reaffirmed their conviction that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time.

But imagine, for a moment, the unimaginable. Imagine Michael Jordan going it alone, without a basketball team. Imagine him disconnecting from the league of teams known as the National Basketball Association. Imagine him disconnecting from the fan base that makes professional basketball possible. The very notion is absurd on its face.

In Isaiah chapter 43, the Lord says something that’s often easy to forget. He not only created us. He created us for himself. He did not simply manufacture us and plunk us into a universe of his own making. He created us for the express purpose of living life in profound connection with him.

This reality has huge ramifications. It means that my life has no independent value. It means that while I may drift away from God and convince myself it’s okay to dismiss him from my life, doing so empties me of the very purpose for which I exist. And while I may manage to deceive myself with a life of busyness, career, recreation, and pleasure, it means nothing. Nothing.

And yet, in your sinful madness and mine, you and I often try to give it a go. We fade away from God. We replace him with something or someone else. We disconnect from the very One for whom we exist.

But so precious is his connection with us that out of a love we cannot grasp, he did what he had to do to bring us back. He became one of us. He walked among us. On our behalf, he lived a life of perfect faithfulness to replace our lives of faithlessness. Then he took upon himself all our sins of abandonment and betrayal. He suffered and died for all of them in our place. He washed them all away.

All so that he, you, and I could be together again. Connected once more.

Prayer:
Lord, you made me for yourself. In Christ, I am yours once again. 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.

Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Isaiah 43:18,19

Glory Days

Daily Devotion – April 7, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 43:18,19

See series: Devotions

“Glory Days” is a classic rock song written by Bruce Springsteen. It tells the story of people who believe their happiest days—their glory days—are behind them. For example, there’s a man who was a standout in amateur baseball. Now his old baseball stories are all he talks about. There’s a woman who was one of the most popular girls in high school. Now, however, her marriage has ended, and she struggles to raise her kids as a single mom. The song goes on to say, “When she feels like crying, she starts laughing, thinking ’bout—Glory Days.”

Does this hit home for you? Perhaps you are in a stage of your life where your present difficulties convince you that your best days are behind. Marriage problems, heartaches in the family, financial stress, dissatisfaction at work, health concerns, wasted opportunities, personal setbacks, regret, anxiety, grief, loneliness—all of these can conspire to tell you that life has passed you by, that your significance has faded, that memories of happier days are all that remain.

Your Lord disagrees. True, in comparison to some past period of your life, your present may be oozing with setbacks, disappointments, difficulties, and pain. This is part of the human experience. This is part of living in a broken, sin-filled world.

But that’s why Jesus came into this sinful world of unfulfilled promise, bitter regret, and unforeseen disaster. On our behalf, he lived the life we should have lived but have failed to live. And in our place, he carried our every sinful failure to Calvary’s cross.

And three days after his death, he raised himself back to life. He did so not only to demonstrate that he is who he claims to be and has done what he’s promised to do. He also did so because he is not just the God of your past but the God of your present and future. He sees you and carries you. He is impacting other souls through you. Savor such a life. Because that’s a life that matters.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when my days grow difficult, remind me you are right here, with precious work for me to do. 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.