Planted by Water – February 17, 2025

This is what the LORD says: ā€œCursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. ā€œBut blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.ā€
Jeremiah 17:5-8

Planted by Water

Family Devotion – February 17, 2025

Devotion based on Jeremiah 17:5-8

See series: Devotions

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

Matt planted a bunch of new trees and shrubs at the church one Spring. He loved his church and wanted to make an area look better with new plants. It worked! The plants were beautiful and the church looked better that Spring but then came the hot summer weather. The plants began to look bad and started to lose their leaves. Despite Mattā€™s best efforts to give them water and care, most of the plants dried out and died. A little investigation revealed that the area Matt hoped to make nicer had been a spot where the builder had dumped a lot of leftover bricks. Despite looking nice for a while they dried out because of the bad soil concealing junk underneath.

The prophet Jeremiah said that the one who trusts in man is like a bush planted in the wasteland. It may look good for a while, but it wonā€™t last.

On the other hand, the one who trusts the Lord is like a tree planted by water. Even when the difficult heat comes it doesnā€™t worry as its leaves remain green and it continues to bear fruit.

Itā€™s easy to trust the things of this world and for a while they look good. Maybe you trust your athletic abilities and that you will always get picked first. Maybe you trust that your friends will always be there for you and wonā€™t ever hurt you or disappoint you. Maybe you trust that you will always be the best at music or singing. However, all these things only look good for a while. Eventually you wonā€™t get picked first and the friend will hurt your feelings and there will be a better musician than you.

Putting our trust in Jesus means that we will never be disappointed. Jesus has always kept his promises, and he always will. Everything that he has said he will do will be done. There might be times when things are difficult, and the sun beats down. But like that tree planted by streams of water, God promises to nourish you through those difficult days with his Word.

You are that tree planted by streams of water. Trust in Godā€™s good Word to sustain you.

Closing Prayer:

Mighty God, thank you for planting us by streams of water. Help us to not trust the things of the world but to rely on your certain Word to sustain 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

  • Describe what happened to the shrub planted in the wilderness.
  • Now describe what happened to the tree planted by water (even when the heat comes!).

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Name something youā€™ve recently enjoyed, but you were disappointed because it didnā€™t last.
  • When fun times donā€™t last, how does Godā€™s promise help you stay happy?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • TRUE or FALSE. American culture idolizes what is young and beautiful (be prepared to explain your answer).
  • A lifelong connection to Godā€™s Word will keep your soul feeling young. If thatā€™s true for you, consider a way to position yourself so you can better soak up the life-giving water of Godā€™s Word.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Good and Bad Days of Fishing – February 14, 2025

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the waterā€™s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ā€œPut out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.ā€ Simon answered, ā€œMaster, weā€™ve worked hard all night and havenā€™t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.ā€ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesusā€™ knees and said, ā€œGo away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!ā€ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simonā€™s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, ā€œDonā€™t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.ā€ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:1-11

Good and Bad Days of Fishing

Family Devotion – February 14, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 5:1-11

See series: Devotions

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

Have you ever gone fishing? Do you like to fish? For most people, the best part about going fishing is actually catching fish. On a day when the fish are really biting, and you spend the day busily reeling in fish after fish, it can be a lot of fun. However, on a day when the fish arenā€™t biting, and you are just sitting bored on the shore or in a boat, fishing isnā€™t a lot of fun.

In todayā€™s Bible reading, Jesus is about to give some fishermen a new job. But first he wants them to know that he is in control of fishing. They had been fishing all night but hadnā€™t caught a single fish. It must have been boring and frustrating. Jesus tells them to put out to deeper water and miraculously their nets are full of fish. There were so many fish that their nets began to break and had to call other boats to help them!

At first, Peter is afraid, but Jesus assures him that from now on he will be a fisher of people. Those fishermen then all left their nets behind and began to follow Jesus.

Some days it is hard to be a ā€œfisherā€ of people. We tell others about Jesus, and they arenā€™t interested. Maybe they make fun of us or donā€™t want to listen to us.

Other days it is easy to be a fisher of people. People are happy when we talk about Jesus with them. They have a smile on their face as we tell them about Jesus who loves us.

On good days and bad days remember who is in control. Whether the fishing is easy or hard that same Jesus who brought all those fish to Peter is still in control as you work as a fisher of people. We arenā€™t afraid because God is gracious and in control.

Closing Prayer:

Father of all, you call us from our daily life to follow you and be fishers of people. Help us to not be afraid but to trust your mighty power as we live for you. 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 was Peterā€™s old job?
  • What was Peterā€™s new job?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Explain why fishing is either (pick one): hard and boring, or, easy and fun. (Then repeat, substituting ā€œfishingā€ with ā€œfisher of people.ā€)
  • If Jesus called ordinary fishermen to follow him and share him with others, how does that give you hope for being a ā€œfisher of menā€?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • For real fishermen strategy and skill is important. For fishers of people, it is more important to trust Godā€™s mighty power. Why is it important to trust Godā€™s mighty power as we are fishers for people?
  • You arenā€™t a professional fisherman. God has given you other jobs to do like student, teammate, sibling, babysitter, etc. How can you be a ā€œfisher of peopleā€ as you do your jobs?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Hear and Talk – February 12, 2025

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentileā€”the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ā€œEveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.ā€
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ā€œHow beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!ā€ But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, ā€œLord, who has believed our message?ā€ Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Romans 10:12-17

Hear and Talk

Family Devotion – February 12, 2025

Devotion based on Romans 10:12-17

See series: Devotions

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

Do you know how you learned to talk? You were probably too young to remember how it happened, but it was a pretty simple yet amazing process. You heard the different sounds your parents and others were making and began to imitate them. At about six months old you learned vowels and at about nine months old the consonants came next. Fairly quickly after that you learned about putting those sounds together to form words just like what you heard from your parents. Interestingly enough, scientists have found that you needed these words brought to you and spoken in front of you. Babies who just watch TV shows or listen to music in another language never learn that other language.

Do you know how you came to believe in Jesus? It is also a pretty simple yet amazing process. God sent people in your life so that you heard the good news of Jesus and faith grew in your heart.

Do you know how others will come to faith? It is because God continues to send people like you to share Jesus with others.

Godā€™s Word tells us that for any of us to speak to God there must first be belief. For belief to happen a person must hear the Word of God. For a person to hear the Word of God someone must share it with them. For a person to share it they must be sent and go to that person.

While it is true that God does all the work in our faith and salvation it is also true that he graciously chooses to work through people. He works through parents who read their children Bible stories and devotions. He works through Sunday School teachers who share Godā€™s Word on behalf of the church. He works through friends who encourage us in Godā€™s Word. He works through pastors and teachers as they share Godā€™s Word on behalf of the whole church.

Now itā€™s your turn! To do what? First, hear! Then, talk! God can work through you to bring good news to someone!

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Lord, you have sent many people into our lives to share the good news of forgiveness and life that we might believe and call on you. Help all of us to share the hope that is ours as you send us out to our schools, neighborhoods, teams, and friends. 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

  • Name as many people who have told you about Jesus.
  • Name as many people you would like to talk to about Jesus.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why are parents so important for creating faith?
  • Why are pastors, teachers, and Sunday School teachers so important for creating faith?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • What is the hardest part of telling someone about Jesus?
  • Think of someone you would like to have a conversation with about Jesus. Say a prayer that you would have an opportunity to do so.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Friendly, Not Fearful – February 10, 2025

Read: Isaiah 6:1-8

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ā€œHoly, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.ā€ At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. ā€œWoe to me!ā€ I cried. ā€œI am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.ā€ Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, ā€œSee, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.ā€
Isaiah 6:1-6

Friendly, Not Fearful

Family Devotion – February 10, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 6:1-6

See series: Devotions

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

When you go to church who do you expect to find? You see the pastor who is always happy to see you. Probably you see a friend or two that you can talk to before or after church. Maybe you see some other familiar faces of people who are glad you are there. We know that church is Godā€™s house and so we expect it to be a friendly place where we will see friendly things.

This wasnā€™t the case for Isaiah the prophet. Isaiah sees a vision of Godā€™s house and Godā€™s throne and he is terrified. It was a scary scene: There are seraphim angels, each with six wings flying around the throne of God. Their voices boom as they cry out, ā€œHoly, holy, holy.ā€ They are so loud that the doorposts of the house shake and rattle. Billowing smoke surrounds Isaiah.

But it isnā€™t the angels or the smoke that terrifies Isaiah. What terrifies Isaiah is that he is a sinner before a holy God. More than that, Isaiah lives among people who are sinful and now he is in Godā€™s house standing before a holy God! Isaiah knew that God was perfect and that he was not, and Isaiah knew that God was special and that he was not.

As Isaiah cries out in fear, an angel grabs a hot coal from the altar and touches Isaiahā€™s mouth. This hot coal doesnā€™t burn Isaiahā€™s mouth, but it takes away Isaiahā€™s sin. The altar was a place where sacrifices for sins were made and because of the sacrifice of Jesus, Isaiahā€™s sins were all forgiven. Isaiah didnā€™t have to be scared anymore because God forgave all his sins. He could be in Godā€™s house and not be afraid because his sins were paid for.

It is the same reason we go to church. Our sin ought to scare us. But then, Jesus touches us with the tip of the cross and says, ā€œSee, your guilt is taken away, your sin is atoned for.ā€ That changes everything! We smile at each other and are glad to see each other because in Godā€™s house, we know that our sins are forgiven.

Closing Prayer:

Dear holy God, our sins separate us from you. However, because of the sacrifice of Jesus our sins are taken away. Make us always glad to go to your house and worship you as our holy God. 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 were some things that Isaiah saw in Godā€™s temple that terrified him?
  • What do you see in church that reminds you that God loves you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why are our sins a problem when we stand before God?
  • What did God do to take away our sins?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • What can you learn from the angelsā€™ song that God is ā€œHoly, holy, holyā€?
  • How can you be friendly and confident in Godā€™s love for you at church?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

What Keeps You Going? – February 7, 2025

Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simonā€™s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them. At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, ā€œYou are the Son of God!ā€ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah. At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, ā€œI must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.ā€ And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.
Luke 4:38-44

What Keeps You Going?

Family Devotion – February 7, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 4:38-44

See series: Devotions

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

School work, house chores and homework. Sports practices and music rehearsals. Church and Sunday School on Sunday mornings. A childā€™s life gets busy.

Adultsā€™ lives are busy, too. Wake up early to get the family ready for the day; put in a long day at work and come home to cook dinner and do the dishes. Put the children to bed and stay up late paying bills. Take care of grocery shopping and house repairs on the weekend, not to mention driving around the kids to practice and rehearsals.

No wonder when we finally have a break, we want to make the most out of it. Go to our rooms and message some friends; catch the game or meet up for coffee. We need some ā€œme time!ā€ so we have the strength to keep going.

Time for rest and time with friends are good gifts from God. We all need those. Jesus needed them, too. He was just as human as the rest of us: he got tired and worn out; he enjoyed getting away for physical rest and for spiritual rest. But what a scene Luke shows us! Jesus put in a day of preaching at the synagogue. Then he went to Peterā€™s house, probably for a chance to relax. But Peterā€™s mother-in-law was sickā€”she needed him! So, Jesus healed her. You can guess what happened next: all the people brought their sick loved ones to Jesus, too, so he could heal them. No rest yet! So early the next morning Jesus goes out to a quiet place where he could be alone, but the people found him there, too, and did their best to keep him from leaving. And what did Jesus tell them? Not, ā€œLeave me alone so I can get some rest!ā€, but ā€œI need to keep going; other people need to hear about their salvation.ā€ Jesus got tired, too, but his love for others kept him going!

Remember that, when you worry that youā€™re facing something alone or that God wonā€™t be there to help you out. Jesus will never be too busy or too tired to take care of you. His love for you keeps him going. And enjoy the gift of restā€”we need it! But when you see people around you in need, remember Jesusā€™ perfect love, and heā€™ll give you strength to keep going as you serve them, too.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, grant that we never grow weary of doing good. At night, bless us with restful sleep. And when we rise, give us a day of loving and serving the people around 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

  • List as many things that Jesus did in todayā€™s Bible reading as you can remember.
  • What are some ways Jesus gives rest for our bodies?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • While itā€™s good to stay busy serving others, can you think of any ways in the Bible that God shows us that getting rest is important, too?
  • How does Jesus give rest to our souls?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • To show how hard Jesus worked while he was among us, take thirty seconds to list as many things that Jesus did as you can. Keep track of how many!
  • Itā€™s important to serve and take care of other peopleā€™s physical needs. Jesus did that. How does this section of Scripture show you thatā€™s not what people need most?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

God Knows What We Need to Hear – February 5, 2025

Read: 2 Timothy 3:14ā€“4:5

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourageā€”with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 3:14-15,4:1-2

God Knows What We Need to Hear

Family Devotion – February 5, 2025

Devotion based on 2 Timothy 3:14-15,4:1-2

See series: Devotions

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

I wonder if Timothy was disappointed in what it was like to be a pastor.

When Timothy was young, the apostle Paul must have told him stories like:
ā€¢ How Jesus once appeared to him in a flash of light and called him to faith!
ā€¢ How Paul once debated with philosophers in Athens.
ā€¢ How he was once jailed but suddenly released from jail by a miraculous earthquake.
ā€¢ In one city, people were so upset that he was preaching about Jesus that Paul had to be put in a basket and lowered out of a window in the city walls at night!
So much of Paulā€™s life of sharing Jesus had been dangerous, exciting and amazing.

Now Timothy was a pastor, too, and Paul wrote some instructions and encouragements for him. He didnā€™t tell Timothy how to escape angry mobs, travel around the world or perform great miracles. Paulā€™s advice seems much more ordinary: ā€œPreach the Word.ā€ Hold to ā€œsound doctrine.ā€ ā€œCorrect, rebuke and encourage.ā€ Tell people the things youā€™ve known ā€œsince you were a little childā€ learning the stories about Jesus.

Thatā€™s still perfect advice. Because what do people need most? Itā€™s not to hear exciting stories or how to live an amazing life. We need to know about how God saves us from our sins. Itā€™s such a simple message that even a little child can learn it: Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins and rose again. But itā€™s so important we need to keep going back to it every day. We need to see our sins (so they donā€™t take us away from God!), we need to learn how to say thank you to God with the way we act, and we need to know above all that God loves us and will never leave us.

Timothy needed to hear that. We do, too. Keep learning about Jesus. Go back again and again to the simple truths of the Bible you were able to recite as a little child. And on the days when our lives seem extraordinary and excitingā€”or they feel ordinary, or even a little boringā€”weā€™ll know that through all of them, God tells us everything we need to know about our salvation and has given us everything we need to serve him.

And thatā€™s just what we need to hear!

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for teaching us about the salvation we have in Jesus. Never let us get tired of hearing it! And bless us with lives filled with every good work as we say ā€œthank youā€ for your love. 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

  • Paul says even little children can learn about Jesus. What is something you know about him?
  • What are some ways you thank a pastor or Sunday School teacher for telling you about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What are some ways we can ā€œcontinue in what you have learnedā€ about Jesus?
  • Describe a time you shared the simple truths about Jesus with someone.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Paul describes people as having ā€œitching earsā€ that want to hear things that are different from the Bible. What are some false ideas about God that people are ā€œitchingā€ to hear?
  • Paul said all Scripture is ā€œGod breathed.ā€ That means he inspired human authors to write the words he wanted them to write. Why is that such a comfort?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

God Knows You Better Than You Know Yourself – February 3, 2025

The word of the LORD came to me, saying, ā€œBefore I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.ā€ ā€œAlas, Sovereign LORD,ā€ I said, ā€œI do not know how to speak; I am too young.ā€ But the LORD said to me, ā€œDo not say, ā€˜I am too young.ā€™ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,ā€ declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, ā€œI have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.ā€
Jeremiah 1:4-10

God Knows You Better Than You Know Yourself

Family Devotion – February 3, 2025

Devotion based on Jeremiah 1:4-10

See series: Devotions

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

Sometimes the thoughts are hard to escape. ā€œIā€™m not smart enough. Iā€™m not strong enough. I donā€™t have enough talent. Someone like me will never be good to anyone else.ā€

Have you ever had thoughts like that? Hereā€™s a secret you might not know yet: Almost everyone has those thoughts. Sometimes your parents do. Your classmates have had those thoughts. Even your pastor does!

Does that surprise you? No matter what anyone else sees when they look at us, we are often pretty good at seeing our own sins and weaknesses. Other people might see someone who seems pretty, or strong, or confident, but we know what weā€™re really like. At least we think we do.

Jeremiah thought he did, too. When he was only twenty years old (maybe even younger!), God told Jeremiah that he was going to be Godā€™s prophet. It was going to be a hard job. He was going to speak to powerful leaders and warn them about Godā€™s punishment!

Jeremiah could think of a hundred reasons that he wasnā€™t the right person for the job. He was too young; no one would take him seriously! He wasnā€™t good at speaking; someone else would do a better job! But Godā€™s answer was wonderful. God knew everything about Jeremiah, even before he was born. He had prepared Jeremiah to be the perfect person for this job. Maybe Jeremiah didnā€™t know what he was doing, but God did.

And God knows what heā€™s doing with you, too. Whatever challenges youā€™re facing, whatever insecurities you have, whatever weaknesses or faults you see in yourself, please know this: God knows you better than you know yourself. Heā€™s prepared you for the life he has in mind for you. He really has! And heā€™s given you his Word. So donā€™t be afraid! The God who made you will always be with you!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Savior, when Iā€™m worried about whether or not Iā€™m strong enough or smart enough or talented enough, donā€™t let me focus on myself or whether Iā€™m good enough. Help me to focus on you and give me your promise that youā€™ll never leave or fail me. Then, Lord, give me joy in serving you! 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 did Jeremiah think he was the wrong choice to be Godā€™s prophet?
  • How long had God known Jeremiah? (hint: verse 4)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Reread todayā€™s Bible reading. What proof do you see here that God cares about babies even before theyā€™ve been born?
  • What can you do if youā€™re having a hard time believing the good things God says about you?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Imagine you have a friend whoā€™s convinced they donā€™t matter to anyone. What is some comfort that you can give them from this passage?
  • God called Jeremiah to share harsh warnings from God to people doing evil things. When might you need to do that?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jesus Seemed Ordinary! – January 31, 2025

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: ā€œThe Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lordā€™s favor.ā€ Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, ā€œToday this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.ā€ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. ā€œIsnā€™t this Josephā€™s son?ā€ they asked. Jesus said to them, . . . ā€œno prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijahā€™s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansedā€”only Naaman the Syrian.ā€ All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
Luke 4:16-30

Jesus Seemed Ordinary!

Family Devotion – January 31, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 4:16-30

See series: Devotions

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

A lot of people have made up stories about what Jesus was like as a child. In one, he makes little toy birds out of clay, then uses his power to make them alive. In another, when he sees a boy bullying someone, he strikes him dead on the spotā€”only to make him alive again when his parents get mad! Those stories arenā€™t true, but itā€™s not surprising that people wonder what the Son of God was like as he grew up as a young boy.

Truth is, Jesus grew up just like you. It seems that Jesus went to church with his family, learned to be a carpenter like his stepfather Joseph, showed respect for his parents and loved studying the Bible and talking with people about Godā€™s promises. Thatā€™s a wonderful thing: God chose to live an ordinary life, much like yours. He knows what itā€™s like to be a son, a brother, a neighbor.

Being ordinary brought a challenge, though. When Jesus told the people in his hometown that he was the promised Savior, they refused to believe it. In fact, they got so angry they tried to kill him! They were convinced that someone they knew so well couldnā€™t possibly be the Savior.

Thereā€™s a similar challenge that we face. Many of us have known that Jesus is our Savior for as long as we rememberā€”even from the time we were little children. In a sense, weā€™ve ā€œgrown up with Jesus.ā€ It can be easy for us to forget how incredible and life-changing the Gospel message is. Weā€™ll never try to throw Jesus off a cliff, but when weā€™re faced with doubt or trouble or sickness or fear, we might not think he has anything special to offer us.

Thereā€™s only one answer for that: Listen to his Word as if youā€™ve never heard it before. Understand again what God has done for you in Jesus. Do you feel like your faith is running on empty? Jesus is there to fill you back up. Do you feel imprisoned by guilt? Hear again about Jesusā€™ forgiveness, and heā€™ll set you free. Do you feel like no one loves you? Jesus will show you how much God loves youā€”so much, heā€™d die for you. Itā€™s a message you know well, but itā€™s anything but ordinary!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you have given us the privilege of knowing you so well. Forgive us for the times we take you for granted. Help us every day to see you with new eyes and hear your message with new ears! 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

  • Jesus preached in his hometown. Why was that hard for him to do?
  • What did the people there try to do to Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Whatā€™s one way Jesus showed he is true God in this reading?
  • Jesus refers to both the widow of Zarephath and Naaman the Syrian. If you know either of those stories, describe what theyā€™re about. If not, read the accounts of 1 Kings 17:7-16 and 2 Kings 5:1-19.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Jesus said he came to fulfill Isaiahā€™s prophecy: bringing freedom for the prisoner and setting the oppressed free. Was he speaking literally or figuratively? How do you know?
  • Everyone thought they knew Jesus so well that they were convinced he had nothing special to offer them. Describe a time you felt the same way.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jesus Will Fix Things, No Matter What – January 29, 2025

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. ā€œSovereign Lord,ā€ they said, ā€œyou made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: ā€œā€˜Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.ā€™ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.ā€ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
Acts 4:23-31

Jesus Will Fix Things, No Matter What

Family Devotion – January 29, 2025

Devotion based on Acts 4:23-31

See series: Devotions

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

A new president was sworn into office. Every time there is a leadership change, it reminds us to have confidence in Godā€™s loving control rather than human leaders.

In todayā€™s bible reading, Peter and John had just been released from prison. They were arrested for telling people in Jerusalem that when they crucified Jesus a few months earlier, they did the most evil thing of all: they put the innocent Son of God to death, but God still raised him from the dead. The leaders of Jerusalem knew they didnā€™t have a reason to keep Peter and John in prison, so they let them go. Imagine having your pastor or church elders arrested by the government for telling people about Jesus! Would you be upset at those human leaders and want to tell everyone how awful they were?

Peter and John didnā€™t. Instead, they prayed. In their prayer they recognized that what the leaders had done was sinful and wrong, but they also remembered that God was in control. He used their sinful actions to bring about Godā€™s plan of salvation. They had murdered Jesus, but God used that act of hate and murder to bring forgiveness and salvation to the world. Peter and John didnā€™t ask God for boldness to speak up against the evil government. They asked for boldness to tell people about Godā€™s love.

We should always ask for that, too because we know whoā€™s watching over the whole world. No matter how much human rulers fail or sin, God will continue to use them to work out his saving plans. So letā€™s pray. Letā€™s pray for our leaders, that they do whatā€™s good and right. Letā€™s pray for the nation we call home, that God would bless us and give us peace. And more than anything, letā€™s pray that God opens our lips to speak boldly about Jesusā€™ love.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, even though you came in humility, you are the King of kings. We ask that you graciously bless our president and guide and keep our nation during these next four years. Grant us peace and respect and use our government to safeguard our freedoms. And help us to use our freedoms to speak boldly to all people about the salvation you 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

  • Why had Peter and John been arrested?
  • What did they pray that God would do for them?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • True or False: You should only pray for the human leaders that you like.
  • Why is it important to pray for our government and our leaders?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • The believersā€™ prayer included words from King David (who lived three thousand years ago) talking about leaders opposing God. Peter and John (who lived two thousand years ago) had just been persecuted for their faith by the government. What expectation does that give you for earthly governments today?
  • How does remembering that God even used the government murdering Jesus to bring salvation give us so much comfort and peace today?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jesus Came to Fix the Things That Matter Most – January 27, 2025

Read: Isaiah 61:1-6

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners . . . to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zionā€”to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
Isaiah 61:1-5

Jesus Came to Fix the Things That Matter Most

Family Devotion – January 27, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 61:1-5

See series: Devotions

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

You probably arenā€™t poorā€”at least, youā€™ve probably never had to dig through the garbage for food. I hope none of you go to prison! Even if youā€™ve felt some heartbreak before, youā€™ve probably never been captured or had your hometown destroyed.

But can you picture all those things? Have you seen images on TV of people suffering those things? Can you imagine how it must feel to have a hunger that seems like it will never go away, or feel completely trapped and unable to escape, or like everything youā€™ve known has been destroyed and thereā€™s nowhere safe?

If you havenā€™t, you will someday.

God uses those images as pictures of sin and guilt. When weā€™re caught in a bad sin, itā€™s like weā€™re starving to feel good again. Sometimes the sinful things we do break up friendships or destroy important things in our lives, and we can feel like weā€™re locked up in a prison of our own making or standing in the ruins of what used to be our lives.

But God didnā€™t just want people to have powerful pictures of their suffering. He had the prophet Isaiah tell people a time was coming when someone would come from God to undo all those problems: Heā€™d preach good news for the poor, freedom for captives and comfort for the broken-hearted. Heā€™d build up the broken-down cities and give them wealth and success. Have you felt that kind of glory and success?

You have! Those are pictures of the forgiveness Jesus brings us. God doesnā€™t promise us that when we have faith in Jesus, heā€™s going to give us everything we want. But he does want us to know that Jesus will fix the things that matter. The things that truly matter. He sets us free from sin and guilt! He promises us life in heaven! He gives us everything we need, including his strength to rebuild some of the broken things in our lives.

The people in Isaiahā€™s day must have been filled with joy when they heard those promises! May Jesus give us joy every day, too.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, there are parts of our lives that are hurting and broken. Help us cling to the forgiveness and the hope we have in Jesus. Show us the way you fix our greatest problems now and keep us in the faith until you bring us to heaven, where there are no problems left. 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

  • Whatā€™s one of the pictures for sin and suffering that Isaiah used that made a lot of sense to you?
  • Is there a picture Isaiah used that confused you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Isaiah used pictures for great suffering and guilt. Come up with your own picture to describe what it feels like to feel guilty or alone.
  • Isaiah also used pictures to talk about what forgiveness feels like. Come up with your own picture to describe what it feels like to be forgiven.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • What would you say to someone who said that todayā€™s bible reading proves that if you believe in Jesus, all your problems will go away?
  • Where do you see Jesus in this passage?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Unimaginably More – January 24, 2025

Read: Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lordā€™s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledgeā€”that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19

Unimaginably More

Family Devotion – January 24, 2025

Devotion based on Ephesians 3:14-19

See series: Devotions

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

At just age 24, the artist Michaelangelo sculpted Pieta, a beautiful marble sculpture of Mary holding Jesusā€™ dead body. Michaelangelo would have been famous because of that sculpture alone, but later in life he displayed his skill with other artwork, such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

At just age 18, LeBron James burst into the NBA and became rookie of the year. At just age 24 he became the MVP. That alone would make him remarkable, but LeBron James displayed his basketball ability once again at the Paris Olympics when he was named Olympics MVP at age 39.

Letā€™s talk about you. How old are you? And what is the most impressive accomplishment you have ever done? Do you think you are capable of achieving anything more impressive than that later in life?

Now consider Jesus Christ. In another devotion this week, you heard how he turned water into wine at just age 30. Impressive! But it was nothing compared to the way he displayed his love three years later. Jesus showed the width of his love as he stretched his arms on the cross to pay for the worldā€™s sins. But Jesus topped that three days later. Jesus showed the height of his power as he rose from the dead. This is why the apostle Paul wrote that God is ā€œable to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagineā€ (Eph 3:20).

And that power is at work within you!

As remarkable as it would be if you had Michaelangeloā€™s power to sculpt and paint, it is immeasurably better that you have Godā€™s power at work in your life. Thatā€™s because Michaelangelo canā€™t paint over your sin, but Jesus has!

As wonderful as it would be to have LeBron Jamesā€™ athletic abilities at basketball, it is immeasurably better that you have Godā€™s power at work in you. Thatā€™s because as long of a career as LeBron James has had, your Godā€™s love for you will last even longer. It lasts forever.

So, fill up on Godā€™s love and strength as you learn his Word and someday receive his Holy Communion. The more you do, the more you will understand that no matter how much love and strength God has already given you, he has unimaginably more in store for you. Heā€™ll show that when he takes you to be with him in heaven and when he raises your body.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, strengthen us with power through your Holy Spirit so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. Make us rooted and established in Jesusā€™ love so that we may give you the glory forever and ever. 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

  • How old are you and what is the most impressive thing you have ever done?
  • Name as many impressive things that Jesus did for you.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • We believe in a God that is triuneā€”three persons in one God. Here, the apostle Paul lists all three persons of the Trinity. Who are the persons of the Trinity?
  • Even if we feel weak on the outside or feel like we have failed at something, what does the apostle Paul tell us about whatā€™s going on inside of us (vv. 16,17)?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Explain why Jesus Christā€™s love ā€œsurpasses knowledgeā€ (v. 19).
  • Paul says that God should get all the glory. How can you give him the glory tomorrow?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Funny Names, Faithful God – January 22, 2025

For Zionā€™s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalemā€™s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the Lordā€™s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married. As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.
Isaiah 62:1-5

Funny Names, Faithful God

Family Devotion – January 22, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 62:1-5

See series: Devotions

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

Which of the following names do you think are towns in Michigan:
New Mexico
Truth or Consequences
Kalamazoo

Funny sounding as they may be, all of them are names of towns in Michigan. You may know someone with a differentā€”maybe even funny-sounding name. If so, you have probably wondered what that name means.

Todayā€™s Bible reading has two funny-sounding names. They are Hephzibah and Beulah. They sound funny to us because they are Hebrew names. Hephzibah is a name for the Jewish people, Godā€™s chosen nation, and it probably makes you wonder, ā€œWhat does Hephzibah even mean?ā€ Beulah is a name for the land that Israel lived in, and it probably makes you wonder, ā€œHow did it get to be called that?ā€

God himself gave these names to his people and their land. Hephzibah means, ā€œMy delight is in her.ā€ Buelah means, ā€œmarried.ā€ God gave these names to reflect his love for his people. Even though Israel kept on disobeying him and not trusting in him, God promised to remain faithful to Israel because he loved them.

Think about the way that you name your pets or how you named your stuffed animals when you were younger. Naming a pet or a stuffed animal was your way of establishing a relationship with that pet or that stuffed animal because you cared about it.

Now, what kind of relationship could sinners like you and I expect to have with the holy, eternal God? We sinners might expect to be his slaves because he is the King. We might hope to be friends with God. But God exceeds our expectations! We are more than servants of the King. We are more than just friends of the true God. God has made us his family! Or, as Isaiah put it, God has married himself to us because thatā€™s how much God loves us!

So, you could go around calling yourself ā€œHephzibah.ā€ Then, when people ask you about that funny-sounding name, you could tell them, ā€œItā€™s because God delights in me.ā€ You could ask your pastor to name your church property ā€œBuelahā€ because God promises to stay faithful to his church, like a husband stays faithful to his wife.

You could make a case for those names, but maybe itā€™s just easier for you to live your life trusting this. You have the name ā€œChristian.ā€ And because of Jesus Christ, God rejoices over you and delights in you.

Closing Prayer:

Gracious God, because you delight in us, make us delight in you and your word. Make our words and actions shine in our lives that others may see your glory and trust in your salvation. 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

  • God compares the way that he feels about you to the way that people feel at a wedding. How do people feel at a wedding?
  • God promises to save his people. What does he save us from?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why did God care so much about Jerusalem?
  • How does it make you feel to know that God says you are like a prized possession in his hand?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • God said that he was giving a new name to the land of Israel. Can you think of other people in the Bible who received new names from God?
  • God compares his relationship with his believers to a marriage. People get married because they love each other. What is the proof that God loves you?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jesusā€™ First Miracle Exceeds Expectation – January 20, 2025

Read: John 2:1-11

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesusā€™ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesusā€™ mother said to him, ā€œThey have no more wine.ā€ ā€œWoman, why do you involve me?ā€ Jesus replied. ā€œMy hour has not yet come.ā€ . . . What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
John 2:1-4,11

Jesusā€™ First Miracle Exceeds Expectation

Family Devotion – January 20, 2025

Devotion based on John 2:1-4,11

See series: Devotions

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

Normally, itā€™s the other way around. Normally, children are impatient with a parent. Dinner isnā€™t ready fast enough. The car trip is taking too long. Normally children are impatient with a parent.

In John chapter 2, it is the parent who is impatient with the child. Mary, the mother of Jesus, thought Jesus was taking too long to do something. The wedding party ran out of wine. Mary knew her son Jesus could do something because he is the Son of God. Mary knew that Jesus had begun to publicly preach and teach. To Mary, this seemed like a great time for Jesus to do something. So, she prodded Jesus, ā€œThey have no more wine.ā€

But Maryā€™s timing wasnā€™t Jesusā€™ timing. ā€œMy hour has not yet come,ā€ Jesus lovingly said to his mother. It was his way of saying, ā€œI donā€™t need you to tell me when to do something. As the Son of God, Iā€™ve got this.ā€

What do you want Jesus to do? At dinner, do you want Jesus to change your water into pink lemonade? At school, do you want Jesus to change your grades into straight Aā€™s? At home, do you want Jesus to turn your used clothes into a brand-new wardrobe?

Whatever you want Jesus to do, how patiently are you waiting for it? Like Mary, we prod Jesus along. Do it now! But we need to remember that Jesus knows exactly when it is best to act and what is best to give. It all reveals his glory as the Son of God.

That frustrates our sinful nature. This side of heaven, we do not have a guarantee from Jesus that he is going to turn our water into wine, or every ā€œCā€ grade into an ā€œA,ā€ or every sickness into perfect health. But we do have Jesusā€™ promise that he will reveal his glory in his way and in his time.

Ultimately, this means that Jesus, the son of Mary and the Son of God, will reveal his glory to you when he takes you to heaven. And, just as Jesusā€™ turning water into wine exceeded everyoneā€™s expectation, heaven will exceed every expectation you have.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you displayed your love and power when you turned water into wine. As you find ways to show the same in my life, help me wait patiently and trust you completely. 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 wanted Jesus to do something about the problem at the wedding?
  • What did Jesus turn water into?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What did the master of the banquet think about the wine that Jesus had made?
  • Do you think Jesus can still perform miracles today? Why or why not?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Why did Jesus perform this miracle?
  • Jesusā€™ miracle supplied a lot of what was needed, and its quality was very good. How can that encourage us about things we think we need in our lives?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Baptism Is Bath Time – January 17, 2025

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7

Baptism Is Bath Time

Family Devotion – January 17, 2025

Devotion based on Titus 3:4-7

See series: Devotions

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

There are some really big words in our verses todayā€”words like righteous, mercy, justified, grace, and heir. There could be a devotion on each of them! Instead, letā€™s focus on another word that is easy to understand and picture. Here it isā€”washing.

Washing sounds easy to do, but you probably know from personal experience that washing can be hard. Parents know how hard it is to wash their small children. Kids often donā€™t want to stop playing for bath time; so, parents often need to convince (and plead) with kids to be washed. Even when kids get to the bathtub, itā€™s not easy. Often, the parents are the ones who are applying the soap and shampoo, scrubbing the dirt, and then rinsing the children. All the while, the parents have to make sure that children are safe in water thatā€™s not too deep nor too hot.

But, in the end, washing saves you from dirty appearances, from stinky smells, and from harmful germs. Because the children come out of bath time refreshed and renewed, itā€™s worth it.

And thatā€™s why the apostle Paul referred to baptism as ā€œthe washing of rebirth and renewal.ā€ When we were first born, each of us were covered in the germs of sin. In a spiritual sense, we were dirty and stinky. To make matters worse, like stubborn kids before bedtime, we didnā€™t think we needed to be washed clean.

But, like a loving parent, God took us to the waters of baptism. He applied his word to usā€”the spiritual soap that scrubs away sin. Then, God rinsed us clean. He washed us clean through baptism. In a sense, youā€™ve been reborn. Now, youā€™re brand new.

Eventually, a child realizes that bath time is not the end and heads off to bed knowing there will be a new day to laugh and play. Itā€™s the same with baptism. Baptism is our spiritual bath time, and it guarantees that we can fall asleep and wake up forgiven and clean for the new day.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your death and resurrection, you have saved us from sin and death. By baptism, you have given us the eternal life you won for us. Let me wake up tomorrow remembering Iā€™m clean and ready to live a clean life until the day we wake up to an eternity with you in heaven. 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

  • Whatā€™s the one word todayā€™s devotion was about?
  • When Paul talks about ā€œwashing,ā€ what is he talking about?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Godā€™s love and kindness appeared in Jesus Christ. What are some ways that Jesus showed kindness and love during his ministry?
  • What are some ways you can show kindness and love this week?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Paul pictures baptism as a ā€œwashing,ā€ a ā€œrebirth,ā€ and a ā€œrenewal.ā€ Which word-picture do you like most? Why?
  • At your baptism the words, ā€œIn the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spiritā€ were spoken. Why are the same words said at the start of every worship service?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

I Choose You! – January 15, 2025

When [Jesse and his sons] arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, ā€œSurely the LORDā€™s anointed stands here before the LORD.ā€ But the LORD said to Samuel, ā€œDo not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.ā€ Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, ā€œThe LORD has not chosen this one either.ā€ Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, ā€œNor has the LORD chosen this one.ā€ Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, ā€œThe LORD has not chosen these.ā€ So he asked Jesse, ā€œAre these all the sons you have?ā€ ā€œThere is still the youngest,ā€ Jesse answered. ā€œHe is tending the sheep.ā€ Samuel said, ā€œSend for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.ā€ So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, ā€œRise and anoint him; this is the one.ā€
1 Samuel 16:6-12

I Choose You!

Family Devotion – January 15, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Samuel 16:6-12

See series: Devotions

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

There is nothing quite like the thrill of being chosen. If you have ever seen the game show, The Price Is Right, audience members lose their minds when they are chosen to become contestants. Have you ever felt the excitement of being chosen for a special role?

What did you have to do to be chosen? Some people get picked for teams or performances because they are good at it. Other people are chosen to lead a group because of their personality. Still others get chosen to do important jobs because they have proven themselves.

In todayā€™s devotion, David got chosen to be the next king of Israel. When God sent his prophet Samuel to the little town of Bethlehem, God had already chosen Davidā€”even though he was the youngest his brothers appeared stronger and more experienced. After choosing David, God equipped him to be king. God sent the Holy Spirit to equip and empower David for that important role.

In the same way, God has chosen . . . you. But God did not choose you because of your ability, your personality, or your experience. God chose you simply because he loves you and wanted to choose you.

And what did God choose you to do? God chose you to believe in him. God chose you to put all your love and trust in him as the one who created you, saved you, and forgave your sins. God sent the Holy Spirit to equip and empower you with faith. The most important thing God chose you to do was to simply trust in him.

God also chose us to serve him. As much as we may want to be served like a king, one of the most important ways we serve God is by serving other people. Nowā€”letā€™s be realā€”that can be hard. People have many needs and big problems. How can you possibly serve all of them? Well, the same Holy Spirit who used his power to create faith in you also equips you with his power to want to serve others and have a Christian impact on them. The God who said, ā€œI choose you,ā€ makes it possible for you to say, ā€œI choose to serve others!ā€

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for choosing us to believe in you. Give us your Holy Spirit and his power so that we can be faithful to our calling to serve others. 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

  • Jesse had eight sons. Which one was chosen to be king of Israel?
  • How would you feel if you were chosen to be a king or queen?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why was David an unlikely choice to become king?
  • God says that he judges a person by looking at the heart. What do you think God is looking for in a personā€™s heart?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • People often judge by outward appearance. Give an example how that could lead to misjudging someone.
  • Name two responsibilities that you have in the coming days. How has God equipped you to do those things?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

God Knows Who You Are, and So Do You! – January 13, 2025

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, ā€œI baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.ā€ When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ā€œYou are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.ā€
Luke 3:15-17,21-22

God Knows Who You Are, and So Do You!

Family Devotion – January 13, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 3:15-17,21-22

See series: Devotions

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

Have you ever been confused with somebody else? Perhaps you look like your brother or sister, and your coach, your teacher, or your pastor called you by someone elseā€™s name? If that has happened to you, how did you respond?

Sometimes, itā€™s just easier to go along with it. (Maybe you donā€™t want the person to feel embarrassed.) But maybe you find a gentle way to correct the person. You might say, ā€œIā€™m sorry, but you have me confused with someone else. My name is _______.ā€ Then, maybe you give them a way to tell the difference.

The people in the days of John the Baptist were starting to get confused about who he was. They wondered if he was the Messiah (or, the Christ). They wondered if he was the promised Savior whom the Old Testament predicted. Did you catch how John the Baptist responded? He gently corrected them and pointed them to Jesus.

In todayā€™s Bible reading, the triune God gives us a clear way to know who Jesus is.

When John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, God the Father declared, ā€œYou are my Son.ā€ Then, God the Holy Spirit came down in the form of the dove that said, ā€œI, the Holy Spirit, am with Jesus.ā€ This was Godā€™s way of making sure no one would get it confused. Jesus is the perfect Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior.

In the same way, your baptism is Godā€™s way of making sure no oneā€”including yourselfā€”gets confused about who you are.

At your baptism, when splashes of water were put on you ā€œin the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,ā€ God declared you to be his perfect child. Ever since your baptism, Jesus has proudly declared you to be his brother or sister. The Holy Spirit promised, ā€œI will guide you all the days of your life.ā€ Your baptism guarantees that God knows who you are.

And it helps you to know who you are. The next time you wonder who you are, the triune Godā€”the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spiritā€”says, ā€œI put my name on you. You are a Christian. You are my child, and I am well-pleased with you.

God knows who you are, and so do you!

Closing Prayer:

Father in heaven, at Jesusā€™ baptism you made clear that he is your Son whom you love. Through your Holy Spirit, help us to remember that our baptisms have made it clear that we are your children whom you love. 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

  • How is someone baptized?
  • Who was at Jesusā€™ baptism?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • John the Baptist said that Jesus is ā€œmore powerfulā€ than he was. What makes Jesus more powerful than John the Baptist?
  • How does baptism change your identity?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • John the Baptist said that all people are either ā€œthe wheatā€ or ā€œthe chaff.ā€ Which are you? And how do you know?
  • Saint Luke tells us that Jesus was praying at his baptism. Because you are baptized, you can pray to God, too. Think of someone or a situation you want to pray for. Say a short prayer for them.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Star That Shines on All – January 10, 2025

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ā€œWhere is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.ā€

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2:1-2, 9-12

A Star That Shines on All

Family Devotion – January 10, 2025

Devotion based on Matthew 2:1-2, 9-12

See series: Devotions

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

Picture a dark night with a bright star shining in the sky, so big and clear that you canā€™t miss it. Now picture people traveling a long distance, following that light. They donā€™t know exactly where theyā€™re going, but they trust that the star will lead them to someone incredibly important.

This is exactly what happened with the Magi in todayā€™s reading. The Magi were wise men from a distant foreign land. They saw something special in the sky: a new star that announced the birth of a king. These men werenā€™t Jewish, and they hadnā€™t grown up with Godā€™s promises about a Savior. But God still reached out to them, using a prophecy and a star to bring them to Jesus.

The Magiā€™s story reminds us that Jesus came to be the Savior not just for one nation, but for the whole world. His love is for all people, from every background and every place. God didnā€™t just shine his light on the people closest to him; He sent it far and wide, guiding people from distant lands to find the Savior. The Magi traveled a long way and faced obstacles, but they followed that light because they trusted it would lead them to something amazing.

When they finally reached Jesus, they were ā€œoverjoyed.ā€ They bowed down, worshiped him, and gave him precious gifts. The Magi saw Jesus not as just another baby, but as the King worthy of their very best. Maybe we donā€™t follow a star so bright you can see it during the day, but the bright light of who Jesus is has dawned on you, too. He gave his best to you when you were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It comes to you whenever someone shares Godā€™s Word with you (like right now!) and when you hear the best news of Godā€™s love, you are ā€œoverjoyed!ā€

A wise child today is one who follows the light of God and shares the light of his love. Godā€™s light isnā€™t for just one place or one people; it shines on all, inviting everyone to come and worship the newborn King!

Closing Prayer:

Father in heaven, you let the light of your Son, Jesus, shine on all people. That means us! Help us to reflect the light of Jesus in everything we think, do, and say so that more people everywhere might come and worship their King! 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

  • Remember the last time you were in the dark and needed a light? How did it feel to have that light to guide you?
  • How did the wise men feel when they saw the star and found Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why do you think God used a star to guide the Magi to Jesus? How does God guide us to Jesus today?
  • The Magi gave their gifts to Him. Imagine you have $1-, 5-, and 10-dollar bills in your hand. You want to give Jesus one of them as a gift. Which one would you give? And why?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Light doesnā€™t just lead; it exposes things weā€™d rather keep hidden. Why would someone not want the light of Jesus to shine on them if thatā€™s the case?
  • The Magi saw Jesus as their King. What ways in your life display to others that Jesus is your King?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Light for the Whole World – January 8, 2025

Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: ā€œWe had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ā€œā€˜I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.ā€™ā€ When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.
Acts 13:46-49

Light for the Whole World

Family Devotion – January 8, 2025

Devotion based on Acts 13:46-49

See series: Devotions

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

During this time of year, the amount of daylight is pretty short. Imagine living in Fairbanks, Alaska where the sun shines for only 3 Ā½ hours on the shortest day of the year! Light is important for a lot of different reasons.

Now imagine youā€™re in a dark room with a flashlight. Imagine if the flashlight was under a pillow, so only a little light got out. Not very helpful, right? But then you move the pillow away so the flashlight shines brightly, lighting up everything around.

Paul and Barnabas remind us that Godā€™s message of love and forgiveness is like that light. At first, the good news about Jesus came to the Jewish people, Godā€™s chosen people. But not everyone believed it. So, Paul and Barnabas shared the message with the Gentiles, people from other nations who didnā€™t know Godā€™s promises yet. Paul reminded everyone that Godā€™s plan was always for Jesus to be ā€œa light for the Gentilesā€ too, bringing salvation to the whole world.

When the Gentiles heard this, they were overjoyed! Imagine hearing for the first time that Godā€™s love isnā€™t just for a small group of people, but for everyone. Jesus came to save people from all nations, backgrounds, and ages. Through him, God opened the door for everyone to receive eternal lifeā€”Jews and Gentiles alike.

The same is true for us today. Jesusā€™ life, death, and resurrection made it possible for everyone, including us, to be forgiven and have a relationship with God. Just as Paul and Barnabas were sent to share Godā€™s message of forgiveness and love, God invites us to share it, too. We can share the good news with our friends, our neighbors, or even someone whoā€™s never heard it before. God wants his message to be like a bright light reaching everyone, all the way to ā€œthe ends of the earth.ā€ He wants it to shine for everyone!

How can we help that light reach others? Maybe itā€™s telling a friend about Jesus, praying for someone, or even helping others see Godā€™s love through our kindness. This light of Jesus is too great and bright to keep to ourselves!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, let the good news of what you have done for all people be a light dawning on the whole world! Help us hold onto this good news and spread it wherever we go. 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

  • How do you feel when you hear that Jesus loves everyone, including you?
  • Who could you tell about Jesus this week, like a friend or family member?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Paul and Barnabas shared the message of Jesus even with people who hadnā€™t heard it before. Why is it important to tell others about Jesus?
  • TRUE or FALSE. Godā€™s love is for those who believe in him.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Paul calls Jesus ā€œa light for the Gentiles.ā€ How does that challenge you to rethink how you interact with people who donā€™t yet know Jesus?
  • Thereā€™s a lot of darkness out there. How might your actions and words be like a ā€œlightā€ to someone going through a dark time?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Give Credit Where Credit Is Due – January 6, 2025

When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the LORD, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. . . . she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built, the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the Lord, she was overwhelmed.
She said to the king, ā€œThe report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. But I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth, you have far exceeded the report I heard. Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the LORDā€™s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.ā€

1 Kings 10:1-7,9

Give Credit Where Credit Is Due

Family Devotion – January 6, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Kings 10:1-7,9

See series: Devotions

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

Can you think of something people will travel far and wide to visit or see? Disney World has more than 58 million people come through its gates every year. Do you think the worldā€™s biggest ball of yarn in Kansas gets as many visitors? The Georgia Aquarium, the biggest aquarium in North America, welcomed 3 million guests in 2023. Do you think the Worldā€™s Biggest Peanut in Ashburn, Georgia can beat that?

The point is this: if someone travels a great distance to see something, itā€™d better be spectacular! Thatā€™s what makes todayā€™s Bible reading so special. The queen of a distant land called Sheba heard about a great king. She comes with expensive gifts. She comes to see if what she heard was true about him. And thatā€™s what she finds! King Solomon possessed incredible wisdom and, in his wisdom, he led Israel into greatness.

But letā€™s focus on something very important at the end of what the queen of Sheba said. She praises all awesome things in Israel. And Solomonā€™s wisdom lived up to the stories she heard. But her real focus is on the Lord! ā€œPraise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel!ā€ She recognizes that the only reason Solomon is such a great leader and Israel is so blessed is because of the Lord and his eternal love! She gives credit where credit is due.

You probably donā€™t have people from far away coming to visit you. But people are looking at you. Will they see you giving credit where credit is due? During these weeks after Christmas, donā€™t forget the greatest blessing God has given you in his eternal love: Jesus! We have the incredible love of Jesus born as a baby for you and me.

The Bible says, ā€œThe fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.ā€ Let the wisdom of your faith in Jesus and his awesome love be the thing that pulls people in from far and wide to learn more about the gifts God has already given you (and wants to give to them, too) in Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, let the wisdom of our faith and trust in you show itself in our lives each day. Let it be the thing that draws people to us so that when they ask us why we are the way we are, we can point them to the overwhelming love you showed us in Jesus. 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

  • The queen traveled far to see the great things God had done for Israel. What great things do you see that God has done for you?
  • How can we help people know about Jesusā€™ love, no matter how far away they are?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • The queen praised God for His love for Israel. Why is that important for us to do when enjoying good things in our lives?
  • Godā€™s wisdom made Solomonā€™s kingdom special. Recall the last time you could have relied on Godā€™s wisdom when you have a choice to make or need help.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • The queen saw Godā€™s blessings in Solomonā€™s life and praised God because of it. How might God be using you to reflect His love and wisdom to those around you?
  • The queen of Sheba went out of her way to seek wisdom from Solomon and to understand Godā€™s blessings on Israel. In what ways can you seek out and share Godā€™s wisdom in your own life?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Growing Up With a Twelve-Year-Old Jesus – January 3, 2025

Every year Jesusā€™ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, ā€œSon, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.ā€ ā€œWhy were you searching for me?ā€ he asked. ā€œDidnā€™t you know I had to be in my Fatherā€™s house?ā€ But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:41-52

Growing Up With a Twelve-Year-Old Jesus

Family Devotion – January 3, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 2:41-52

See series: Devotions

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

Have you ever been separated from your parents? It isnā€™t very fun to look up, look around, and suddenly realize that you canā€™t see them anywhere. Maybe you wandered away from Mom at the store because you wanted to look at the toys. Or Mom and Dad were so focused on something else that they thought you were right there with them. It doesnā€™t matter how it happened, but getting lost isnā€™t a great feeling. For you or your parents.

Jesus was twelve years old when he got separated from his family in the big city of Jerusalem at Passover. Youā€™d probably feel more than just lost and a little scared in a strange city, right? But when Mary and Joseph finally found him three days later, Jesus was calm and confident. He wasnā€™t wandering around or getting into trouble. He was in the temple (Godā€™s house), listening and asking questions about God.

Jesus was so special. While other twelve-year-olds might have been distracted or focused on other things, Jesus was perfectā€”completely focused on honoring God. He loved learning about Godā€™s Word and amazed everyone around him with his wisdom. Jesus was showing us what it looks like to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.

But hereā€™s the amazing part: Jesus wasnā€™t just an example to follow. He was also our perfect substitute. As a 12-year-old child, a teenager, and an adult, Jesus lived every day perfectly on our behalf. When he asked questions in the temple, listened closely, and amazed the teachers, he was perfectly fulfilling Godā€™s law for us. Jesus did everything right so that he could offer his perfect life for us, even starting as a young boy.

Knowing this gives us peace. God doesnā€™t love us because weā€™re perfect students or because we always focus on whatā€™s right. He loves us because Jesus did all of that for us. So, as we learn and grow, just like Jesus did, we donā€™t have to worry about being perfect. Instead, we can follow his example, knowing that he has already done everything perfectly for us.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for reminding us that you once were a child like us. As Godā€™s Son, thank you for doing what we should do but couldnā€™t and for doing all of that perfectly in our place. Help us to honor our Father in heaven the same way you did by loving and respecting time spent in his Word and learning more about him. 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 Jesus was here right now, what questions would you like to ask him?
  • Instead of scared and lost, how do you think Jesus felt when he was in the temple, learning about God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Jesus loved learning Godā€™s Word! When do you find yourself most interested in learning Godā€™s Word?
  • Why do you think Jesus wanted to stay in the temple, even though his parents were on their way home?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • A twelve-year-old Jesus was willing to spend time learning, asking questions, and growing in his understanding. How does his example as a preteen help you in your own faith?
  • Name one way you can heighten your desire for Godā€™s Word even when other things in life feel more exciting or important.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Perfect Brother – January 1, 2025

Read: Hebrews 2:10-18

In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, ā€œI will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.ā€ And again, ā€œI will put my trust in him.ā€ And again he says, ā€œHere am I, and the children God has given me.ā€ Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of deathā€”that is, the devilā€”and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Hebrews 2:10-15

A Perfect Brother

Family Devotion – January 1, 2025

Devotion based on Hebrews 2:10-15

See series: Devotions

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

The holiday season is a time when family becomes a big focus. Did you get together with your family to celebrate Christmas or the New Year? If you canā€™t get together, you might make a phone call, send a text, or FaceTime with family. Siblings (a brother or sister), especially, have a special bond. They share family ties, they come from the same blood, and they support and encourage one another. But they also know how to ā€œpush buttons,ā€ donā€™t they?! They may fight one minute yet show incredible love for one another the next.

Christmas morning was when the world got to see one of Godā€™s great miracles: he took on human flesh. God shared our human flesh, becoming like us, living as one of us, so that he could call us his brothers and sisters. And Jesus did not shrink away from calling us that. He said, ā€œI will declare your name to my brothers and sisters.ā€ The baby lying in the manger is your brother. But why is that important? Why do I need Jesus to be my brother?

A couple of years ago, a ten-year-old, Jacob Oā€™Connor, saw his little brotherā€™s shoe floating in the pool. Then he saw his brother, Dylanā€™s body. Jacob quickly jumped into the pool, pulled him out onto the deck, and gave him CPR which he had just seen done in a movie the week before. Jacobā€™s quick actions rescued his brother and saved Dylanā€™s life.

Listen: God sent Jesus to be your brother because he saw you drowning in sin. And Jesus jumped into the pool, into this world to rescue you. But Jesus was willing to do more than just pull you out from drowning. He was willing to make it so that you would never drown again and not fear drowning in death. With the sacrifice of his perfect life, he broke the power of the devil over you. Jesus conquered death with his resurrection. He gives you forgiveness and life. Your perfect brother gives you life.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for being our perfect brother to jump into this sinful world and rescue us from drowning in our sins. You are not ashamed to be called our family. May we never be ashamed to call you our brother now and 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

  • If you include Jesus, how many brothers and sisters do you have?
  • Fill in the blank: Jesus saved us because he _______ (loves) us.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why was it important for Jesus to be like a brother to us and share our human life?
  • Just like Jacob rescued his little brother, Jesus rescued us from drowning in sin. Knowing he saved your life, consider a way that might impact how you live today.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Jesus chose to be our brother to rescue us from sin. How does this help you feel closer to him?
  • Jesus didnā€™t just pull us out of sin; He broke the power of sin and death over us. How does this change the way you look at your relationship with sin? And your relationship with Jesus?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Standing Strong – December 30, 2024

Read: Isaiah 50:4-9

Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.
Isaiah 50:7-9

Standing Strong

Family Devotion – December 30, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 50:7-9

See series: Devotions

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

Jaimee stood with shaking knees at the edge of the diving board for the first time. He felt the eyes of everyone watching, waiting to see if he would jump. His dad was below, arms stretched out, ready to catch him. ā€œDonā€™t worry,ā€ Jaimeeā€™s dad coaxed, ā€œIā€™m right here.ā€ Just seeing his dad and hearing him say those words gave Jaimee courage. He jumped!

In todayā€™s Bible verses, Isaiah speaks with the confidence of someone who knows God is standing thereā€”just like that dad, ready to catch his child and make sure heā€™s okay. Isaiah was surrounded by people who doubted him and tried to bring him down. People constantly questioned the message he shared from God. But Isaiah ā€œset his face like flint,ā€ in other words, he stayed strong and determined. Why? Because he knew that God, the Sovereign LORD, would not let him be defeated.

But Isaiah wasnā€™t just talking about himself. He was pointing ahead to Jesus, who would set his own face like flint toward the cross. He knew heā€™d face terrible suffering and rejection but went forward with confidence, knowing that God would bring victory. Jesus went to the cross not just to show his strength, but to rescue us from sin and death. When He rose from the grave, he silenced every accuser with a great big, ā€œSshhh!ā€ No one can accuse Godā€™s people because nothing stands between us and Godā€™s love!

You may run into people who accuse you of being wrong because you believe in Jesus. But, like Isaiah, we can set our face like flint, trusting that God has our back. He knows us, loves us, and promises to be right by our side through every tough moment.

So, when you feel insecure like Jaimee at the edge of a diving board, remember that God is there like a loving parent waiting in the pool. He is ready to catch you if you fall and to protect you when others try to shame, accuse, or condemn you.

Closing Prayer:

God, sometimes we donā€™t live like you are always with us to speak up for, defend, and protect us. Help us to remember that Jesus came to be with us. Give us the strength and determination of Jesus to face whatever life might throw at 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

  • Describe how it feels to know that God is like a parent, ready to help you.
  • Think of a time when you felt brave because mom or dad was with you.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What do you think it means to ā€œset your face like flintā€?
  • Isaiah trusted that God would protect him from his enemies. Think of a challenge or fear you have that you would like to trust God with.

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Isaiah says, ā€œHe who vindicates me is near.ā€ How does knowing that God stands up for you give you confidence, even when others doubt or criticize you?
  • When is it hardest for you to trust in Godā€™s protection? How can Isaiahā€™s words give you strength?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Stare at the Light – December 27, 2024

Read: John 1:1-18

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. . . The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:4-5,14

Stare at the Light

Family Devotion – December 27, 2024

Devotion based on John 1:4-5,14

See series: Devotions

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

Science says that if you look at the sun for 100 seconds, your eyesight will be damaged permanently. Itā€™s not a good idea to look at the sun directly. Thatā€™s why there are special glasses you can wear to look at a solar eclipse. Itā€™s dangerous to stare at a bright light like the sun. But as bright as it is, it can only shine on the outside of your body. It canā€™t shine into your heart and soul.

Christmas is about the brightest light to ever shine on the world. In John chapter 1, Jesus is called a light. He is a light so bright it can shine into our hearts and souls. In a way, it can be dangerous to stare at this light.

John says, ā€œThe light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.ā€ John says the light of Jesus is dangerous to the ā€œdarknessā€ inside of us. The darkness is sin. Itā€™s the bad things we do and the bad thoughts we think. That darkness tries to fight against Jesus because his light shows us when we are wrong and that we need a Savior.

But even though this light is ā€œdangerousā€ to the darkness inside of us, we can stare at it. Unlike staring at the sun, it is a good thing to stare at the light of Jesus. This light isnā€™t meant to hurt us; itā€™s meant to save us. The Bible says, ā€œIn him was life, and that life was the light of mankind.ā€ Jesus doesnā€™t just show us our sin but also shows us that he is our Savior from every sin. Which means itā€™s a good thing to look at him. He wants us to stare at him by listening to his words and going to church because when we look at him, we see Godā€™s love for us, his grace.

So, stare at the light of Jesusā€”no special glasses necessary!

Closing Prayer:

Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all we do; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Prayer of the Day for Christmas 2)

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 Jesus called in John chapter 1?
  • How is Jesus like a light?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • How does the light of the sun give life to the world?
  • How does the light of Jesus give life to our hearts?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • What does it mean that the light of Jesus is dangerous to the darkness inside of us?
  • What are some ways we can ā€œlookā€ at Jesus besides going to church?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Wow, a Baby! – December 25, 2024

Read: Luke 2:1-20

ā€œToday in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.ā€
Luke 2:11,12

Wow, a Baby!

Family Devotion – December 25, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 2:11,12

See series: Devotions

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

The angels appeared to the shepherds in the fields. The glory of the Lord shone around them. They said to the terrified shepherds, ā€œDo not be afraid! A Savior has been born to you! He is Christ, the Lord!ā€

That would have been hard for the shepherds to believe. So, the angels gave the shepherds a sign, a miracle, to help them believe a Savior had been born for them.

What kind of sign should they give? A giant fireworks show that everyone in the world could see? An army of angels blowing trumpets around the world? Some miracles like Moses did long before, with water turning to blood and seas splitting in half? Those would make people sit up and say, ā€œWow!ā€

Nope. The angels said, ā€œThis will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.ā€

ā€œHereā€™s your big miracle to prove what we are saying to you is true: Itā€™sā€¦ a baby!ā€

ā€œOhā€¦ a babyā€¦ thatā€™s greatā€¦ wowā€¦ very amazingā€¦ā€

What do you think? Do you ever wish God would show you big, amazing miracles to prove he is real? Do you wish that God would send an angel choir like he did on Christmas so that it is easier for you to believe?

God doesnā€™t do that. He gives you the same simple sign that he gave the shepherds: ā€œYou will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.ā€ Hereā€™s the big, amazing sign God gives to you so you can believe: God came into this world and became truly human, just like you, a baby, just like you were once, so he could save people just like you. It may not be a miracle like splitting a sea in half, but itā€™s just the miracle you and the shepherds needed.

You can see that by the reaction of the shepherds and of everyone they told! ā€œWhen they had seen him (the baby), they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.ā€ They were amazed! We are, too. ā€œWow, a baby! A Savior, born like us, born for us, to save us all.ā€

Closing Prayer:

O then rejoice that through his Son, God is with
sinners now at one; made like yourselves of
flesh and blood, your brother is thā€™ eternal God.
(Christian Worship: Hymnal ā€“ 335:3)

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 appeared to the shepherds in the fields?
  • What sign did the angels give them?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why was Jesus born as a human baby just like us?
  • How can you share the story of Jesusā€™ birth with your friends?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • What are some simple signs God gives us in church that Jesus is our Savior?
  • Think of a friend or family member who doesnā€™t know Jesus. Practice explaining in a couple sentences why you celebrate Jesusā€™ birth.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Hurry to Be With Other Believers! – December 23, 2024

Read: Luke 1:39-55

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariahā€™s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Maryā€™s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ā€œBlessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!
Luke 1:39-42

Hurry to Be With Other Believers!

Family Devotion – December 23, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 1:39-42

See series: Devotions

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

Mary hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea. Why was she in such a hurry? The angel Gabriel had just told her that she would give birth to the Savior, Jesus, but he wouldnā€™t be born right away. He still had to grow for many more months until he was ready to be born. So why was Mary in such a hurry to get to this town in Judea?

The answer comes in her relative Elizabethā€™s greeting. When Mary gets to Elizabethā€™s house and says hello, something happens. ā€œThe baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice, she starts praising God and telling Mary how blessed she is. ā€œWow,ā€ she says, ā€œYou are blessed, and your child is blessedā€”he will be the Savior! And I am blessed because youā€™re visiting me! And the baby growing in my womb is blessedā€“heā€™s jumping for joy because Jesus is near!ā€

Mary hurried to Elizabeth because she needed to hear words just like that.

Think of the other words Mary had been hearing back in her hometown. Words from people around her, from family, from the devil, and from her own doubting mind. ā€œVirgins canā€™t become pregnant. Mary is lying. Mary did something wrong.ā€ She hurried away from that to be with a fellow believer. Someone who wouldnā€™t think she was crazy and shared the same faith as her in Godā€™s promises.

God gives us other believers, too. All around the world, there are people who think we are crazy for believing in a virgin birth. The devil always tries to get us to doubt that Jesus is our Savior. Our sinful hearts can doubt Godā€™s promises. What should we do?

Hurry! Run to be with other believers. Get together with people who will praise God and tell you how blessed you are to believe what so many people donā€™t. Say to them as they say to you, ā€œWow! You are blessed! The child born to Mary is your Savior, too! Blessed are those who believe that!ā€

Closing Prayer:

Fill me, Holy Spirit, with joy knowing Jesus is near! Bless me and my family as we gather with people to sing praise this Christmas. 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 were Mary and Elizabeth?
  • Elizabethā€™s baby leaped in her belly when Jesus was close. Who would that baby grow up to be? (John the Baptist)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why did Mary hurry to visit Elizabeth?
  • Why do we hurry to be with other believers at church?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • What do you think it means to be ā€œblessedā€ by God? Do you consider yourself ā€œblessedā€?
  • Consider a way you can encourage a fellow believer like Elizabeth encouraged Mary.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

We Are Not Worthy – December 20, 2024

Read: Luke 3:7-18

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, ā€œI baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.ā€ And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
Luke 3:15-18

We Are Not Worthy

Family Devotion – December 20, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 3:15-18

See series: Devotions

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

In an old movie, Wayneā€™s World (you can ask your parents about it), the main characters bow down in front of a famous person and say, ā€œWeā€™re not worthy! Weā€™re not worthy!ā€ This person is so much more important and famous than they are, so when they find out who he is, they bow down to him.

In Luke 3, people start wondering if John the Baptist is the important and famous Messiah, the Savior, that God had promised would come for so long. In response, John bows down at the feet of the true Messiah and says, ā€œIā€™m not worthy! Iā€™m not worthy!ā€ Jesus is so much more important and famous than John because heā€™s more powerful than he is. John baptized people, but Jesus gave baptism its power. John told people about Jesus, but Jesus was the one who sent the Holy Spirit, so John and, eventually, the other disciples could talk about him.

Johnā€™s responseā€”like the response in that movieā€”is a good one. ā€œWeā€™re not worthy! Weā€™re not worthy!ā€ We canā€™t come like the Pharisees did, thinking that they were so special that God had to let them into heaven. Weā€™re sinners that donā€™t belong in heaven! Weā€™re not worthy to even bow at Jesusā€™ feet! He is the perfect and powerful God. Weā€™re not worthy!

But Jesus is also the Messiahā€”the promised Savior. The proud Pharisees, and all of us with proud, sinful hearts, deserve to be cut down like dead trees and thrown into the fire. But the Savior came to save people who are not worthy enough to enter heaven. He did that by bowing down and being treated like an unworthy sinner in our place. He was like a tree cut down and thrown into the fire for us. Because of that, we are worthy in Godā€™s eyes.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, we are not worthy of all the mercies you show us. But you are a friend of sinners, and you let us live with you. Help us live in a way that says ā€œthank youā€ for your mercy. 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 the name of the group of people who thought they were better than Jesus?
  • Who did people wrongly think was the Messiah?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why did John say he is not worthy of Jesus? Why do we?
  • Messiah basically means ā€œchosen one.ā€ What was Jesus chosen to do by the Father?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • In what ways can acknowledging our unworthiness help us appreciate Jesus?
  • What can Christians say to friends who struggle with feelings of unworthiness?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Rejoice, of Course! – December 18, 2024

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice, of Course!

Family Devotion – December 18, 2024

Devotion based on Philippians 4:4-7

See series: Devotions

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

Paul was in prison. Important people in the city got upset with him, so they beat him and threw him in jail. What do you think he did there?

He could have cried. It wasnā€™t a nice place to be. He could have complained. He was trying to tell people about Jesus, and they beat him up because of it. What did he do?

He sang! Because Paul wasnā€™t alone there in prison. As he sat in prison, locked up with chains, he sang hymns to God. In other words, while he was in prison, he rejoiced!

When Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, he was in jail again. He didnā€™t know if he was going to die there or not. The people to whom he was writing didnā€™t have it great either; their church was having some problems with grumbling and arguments.

So, what did Paul tell them to do? He told them to rejoice, of course! ā€œRejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.ā€

You probably arenā€™t in prison today, but that doesnā€™t mean everything is going perfectly for you. Life is difficult! You may be having problems with arguing and grumbling with friends or family members. You might be worried about big projects coming up or about all your Christmas plans. So, what does Paul tell you to do?

Rejoice! He says it twice. ā€œI will say it again: Rejoice!ā€ Not because life is perfect or easy. He says rejoice for the same reason he could sing while in prisonā€”because ā€œThe Lord is near.ā€

As you get closer to Christmas, sometimes you get closer to a fun visit. Either youā€™re going to visit someone, or theyā€™re coming to you. Despite all the stress, youā€™re excited because ā€œGrandma and Grandpa will be here tomorrow!ā€

Thatā€™s what life is like with Jesus. Heā€™s the best visitor, who brings ā€œpeace on earth, good will toward men.ā€ Heā€™s near! Not only is he coming soon to bring you to heaven, but he is as near to you as the words of the Bible youā€™re reading today or the truths about Jesus that you sing.

So, what should you do today, no matter whatā€™s going on in your life? Rejoice, of course! Because no matter whatā€™s going on, the Lord is near.

Closing Prayer:

ā€œRejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel!ā€ 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 did Paul do while he was in prison?
  • What did Paul remind the people of Philippi to do despite their problems?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Why can we rejoice even when life isnā€™t perfect?
  • What are some Christmas hymns that help you rejoice?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Explain what it means when Paul says, ā€œthe Lord is nearā€?
  • Pick a favorite, joyful Christmas hymn. Sing or hum it as you go through your day.

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Bringing It Home – December 13, 2024

Read: Philippians 1:3-11

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3-6

Bringing It Home

Family Devotion – December 13, 2024

Devotion based on Philippians 1:3-6

See series: Devotions

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

Do you know what it means to ā€œFinish strongā€?

If a runner doesnā€™t finish the race strong, they might slow down at the finish line and lose the race. If you give up on homework halfway through, your grade will suffer. Itā€™s important not just to work hard but to work hard all the way up until the task is complete. Thatā€™s why coaches encourage runners to finish strong and teachers encourage students to work hard on the whole assignment.

When Paul prayed for the church in Philippi, he prayed for a strong finish. He wanted his partnership with the Philippians to last all the way to the very end so that everyone in that congregation could enjoy a blessed reunion with him in heaven someday. But Paul isnā€™t playing the part of coach, or teacher for the Philippians. He played the role of pastor, and he prayed that God would finish strong.

God is the one who began the good work in each one of us: he gave us faith to believe in him. And because God is the one who began this faith in us, he is the one that keeps us in itā€”and he is the one that will bring it all the way to completion. What does it look like when faith reaches its completion? It looks like heaven! One day, we will be able to see Jesus with our own eyes and see God face-to-face. In heaven, we no longer need faith. Our faith becomes sight! So, Paul prays that all his beloved church members would reach that dayā€”he prays that God would complete their faith and bring them to heaven forever.

The Advent season is a wonderful time of year to pray for a strong finish to faith. As we look ahead to Jesusā€™ return, we have confidence in knowing that Jesus is the one who began the good work in usā€¦and he is the one who carries it to completion. Weā€™ll get to bring it home to heaven because of Jesusā€™ perfect work!

Closing Prayer:

God in heaven, we pray for a strong finish. Help us to run this race of life. Bring us across the finish line. We are so excited to see you with our own eyes! 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

  • How is life like a race?
  • What is waiting for us across the finish line of the race?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Paul thanked God for the partnership of the Philippians. Whose partnership do you thank God for?
  • Jesus came to this earth to finish the work of saving us. What will he do when he comes again?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Why is it so great to have other Christians running this race alongside us, like Paul and the Philippians?
  • Why is it so comforting to know that our finish doesnā€™t depend on us, but on God?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Getting the Word Out – December 11, 2024

Read: Malachi 3:1-7

ā€œI will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,ā€ says the LORD Almighty.
Malachi 3:1

Getting the Word Out

Family Devotion – December 11, 2024

Devotion based on Malachi 3:1

See series: Devotions

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

Imagine that a popular band is taking a world tour. Theyā€™re playing in all the biggest cities in the world, preparing to perform in the largest stadiums in London, Berlin, New York, Los Angeles, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Cairo, and Buenos Aires. But as they plan this worldwide tour, they donā€™t let anyone know. They donā€™t promote it. They show up in each city unannounced, donā€™t give any advance notice to the stadiums they want to play in. They just hope their fans will be there when they arrive. How is that tour going to go? Not very well!

There is a reason that touring bands will spend money to promote, advertise, and get the word out. They want to prepare the places theyā€™re playing in to be ready for them. They need a good schedule and good promoters to make their tour a success. Theyā€™ve got to get the word out!

John the Baptist was basically the promoter of Jesusā€™ ministry on this earth. He was getting people ready to receive the promised Savior. John was part of Godā€™s plan to prepare people for the day theyā€™d been anticipating for centuries: the Son of Man was coming into the world to destroy the devilā€™s work. John wanted to make sure the people didnā€™t miss it!

Did you know we have something in common with John? We are the promoters of Jesus in our day and age. We donā€™t know exactly when Jesus is returning. But our job is t to get things ready. We prepare our hearts to receive Jesus in his Word, day after day. We help the people we know and love to receive Jesus when he does return. We get the word out, near and far, to make sure people know whoā€™s coming and why. Jesus is coming, and he is coming to save. Prepare the way for him!

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, our Savior, prepare our hearts every day for your coming. Then make us good promoters of your world tourā€”help us get the word out so that more and more people look forward to your arrival! 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

  • When is Jesus coming back?
  • When should we be ready for his return?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • Bands rely on their fans to spread the word about their tour dates. As a fan of Jesus, who can you tell about his upcoming tour?
  • How can you get ready for it yourself?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • How is our job of preparing the way for Jesus similar to John the Baptistā€™s, and how is it different?
  • We know that Jesus is coming whether people are ready or not. So, if we canā€™t change the outcome, whatā€™s the point of promoting his world tour?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Prepare the Way for the Lord! – December 9, 2024

The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ā€œA voice of one calling in the wilderness, ā€˜Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see Godā€™s salvation.ā€™ā€
Luke 3:2-6

Prepare the Way for the Lord!

Family Devotion – December 9, 2024

Devotion based on Luke 3:2-6

See series: Devotions

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

Prophets had an important job in the Old Testament. One of Godā€™s prophets was tasked with preaching and teaching to the people, sort of like a pastor. But prophets had the added responsibility of telling the people about the promises of God that would come true in the future. Prophets especially had the job of telling people about the coming Savior. They had to get the people ready to meet that Savior when he arrived!

John the Baptist had this same role. Sometimes people call him ā€œthe last Old Testament prophet,ā€ even though we read about him in the New Testament. But John was blessed in a way that no other prophet had beenā€”John got to prophesy the coming of the Savior AND see that Savior also arrive.

John knew that Jesus was just around the corner, so he preached boldly, and he preached without apologizing: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. Make straight paths for Jesus. Clear out all the debris and brush thatā€™s blocking the way. Jesus is going to be entering into the world and into your heart. What would make it difficult to reach you? Find out what those things are and get rid of them. Bring your sins in prayer to God. Confess your selfishness to him. Make the highway to your heart as clear as possible so Jesus can ride straight in!

The words of John the Baptist are very much for us today. Jesus comes to us in his Word. Are we ready to receive him, or is the highway to our hearts blocked by something? Jesus is coming again on the Last Day, but are our eyes open to see him?

The good news is that no matter what, Jesus is coming with the salvation that he promised. Whatever debris and brush that still blocks the way, heā€™ll clear it. Whatever mountains and valleys make his arrival harder; heā€™ll level them. We look forward to his arrival and do everything we can to clear the path in advanceā€”because we want him to reach us every day!

Jesus is coming. How cool is it that we get to prepare the way for the Lord! Come, Lord Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we love seeing you in your word, and we look forward to seeing you with our eyes. Give us the faith to clear the path for you into our own hearts and into the hearts of everyone we know. 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 kinds of things make it hard to walk on a sidewalk?
  • What kinds of things make it hard to pay attention to Godā€™s Word?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • What kinds of preparations are you making for Christmas celebrations?
  • What kinds of preparations can we make for Jesus the other 11 months of the year?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Why is repentance such an important aspect of preparation for Jesusā€™ arrival?
  • Why was John the Baptistā€™s work so valuable in Godā€™s plan?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.