Read: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:15-16

God’s Mercy is for Sinners Like Paul and Me

Family Devotion – June 26, 2020

Devotion based on 1 Timothy 1:15-16

See series: Devotions

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

“If you want it, you gotta earn it!”

Maybe that’s what a parent says to get you to clean your room, feed a pet, take out the garbage, or help out around the house. If you help, there will be a reward.

“If you want it, you gotta earn it.” Can you imagine your pastor saying that as he tells you about Jesus’ love, God’s forgiveness, and eternal life in heaven? If you want them, you gotta earn them? I sure hope not! Because that’s definitely not what the Bible says! God does not give us those things because of who we are or what we do. He gives them because of Jesus. He loves us even when we are at our worst. He forgives us even when we find it hard to forgive ourselves or each other. God wants us to be with him in heaven even in the moment we feel a million miles apart from him.

In today’s verse, the apostle Paul points to himself as an example of someone God showed mercy. Listen: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” Paul doesn’t say “I was the worst.” (But now I’m so much better.) He says, “I am the worst!” (Like right now, even today!) Paul understood the bad we all have in our thinking and our talking. They are with us every single day in our hearts. Paul’s right. I am the worst.

Yet, Paul experienced the amazing mercy of God! God used him as an example that:

• Jesus came to save sinners—like Paul and like you!
• God’s love is not for sale, but freely offered.
• Forgiveness is not earned but received through Jesus’ cross.
• Heaven is really open and really for you!

Even when we are at our worst, God is always at his best. Marvel at the mercy of God for you!

Closing Prayer:

God be merciful to me, a sinner. In thankful response to your mercy in Christ, move me to be patient and kinder to the people around me. 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 Paul say that he was the worst?
• Who earned God’s love for us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What’s the difference between Paul saying, “I am the worst of sinners” and “I was the worst of sinners”?
• What are some ways that we can show mercy to the members of our family like God showed mercy to us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Think of examples in life where “you gotta earn it.” How does that mess people up when it comes to being right with God?
• What are some examples of God’s mercy and grace that we see and hear in church when we worship?

Hymn: CW 596:3 – Let Me Be Yours Forever

O gracious Holy Spirit,
My comforter and guide,
Grant that in Jesus’ merit
I always may confide,
Him to the end confessing
Whom I have known by faith.
Give me your constant blessing
And grant a Christian death.

Read: Matthew 9:10-12

Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
Matthew 9:12

God’s Mercy is for Sinners Like Matthew and Me

Family Devotion – June 22, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 9:12

See series: Devotions

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

Do you have ranidaphobia? That’s a fear of frogs. Maybe you have chronomentrophobia? Fear of clocks. If you suffer from iatrophobia, you have . . . anyone? It’s a fear of going to the doctor.

Sometimes people are afraid of going to the doctor. But it’s important that we do, especially when we’re sick. The doctor can tell us what’s wrong. He can prescribe medicine that will help us feel better.

Did you know Jesus was a doctor? Not a doctor with a white lab coat and a stethoscope. Jesus is a doctor for our souls. That’s what he says in God’s Word for us today.

One of the things the Bible teaches us is that we are all sick. Not “body sick” but soul sick with a disease called sin. What are its symptoms? Getting angry and throwing a fit when it’s not appropriate. Sassing mom or dad. Saying bad things about our classmates.

While hearing the news that you’re sick is not usually a good thing, in this case it is. People who are soul sick are exactly the ones Jesus is looking for. He’s not only the doctor. He’s also the medicine that cures us. His holy precious blood seeks out our sin, finds it, and erases it once and for all in God’s sight.

It’s pretty awesome that the doctor, Jesus, wants to see and hear from us! Matthew and his friends were not a very popular group. Others looked down on them and tried to keep them at a distance. But Jesus didn’t run away from them. Jesus shows mercy to the outcasts, the losers, and the spiritually sick. He shows mercy to you and me. There are many things in this world that make us afraid. But we do not need to be afraid to stand before God on Judgment Day. Why? Because Jesus stands there with us.

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, Great Physician, for providing a cure for all my sins. Help me to be kind and show mercy to everyone. 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 were the Pharisees upset?
• How did Jesus show love and mercy to Matthew and his friends?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How can you tell when you are sin-sick?
• How is Jesus both the doctor and the cure for sin?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Someone might be afraid to go see a doctor. Why do you think someone might be afraid to go see Jesus, our spiritual doctor?
• The Pharisees were respected and popular people. While popularity by itself isn’t a bad thing, name three ways that popularity might be bad for our spiritual health. (Examples: We may only listen to our own thoughts but ignore Jesus’ words. A popular person doesn’t automatically make him/her a truthful person. Even popular people can be spiritually sick . . . they just might not know it because they don’t know Jesus. Scary!)

Hymn: CW 596:1 – Let Me Be Yours Forever

Let me be yours forever,
My faithful God and Lord;
Let me forsake you never
Nor wander from your Word.
Lord, do not let me waver
But give me steadfastness,
And for such grace and favor
Your holy name I’ll bless.

Read: Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds.
Deuteronomy 11:18a

We Are Blessed When We Focus on the Word

Family Devotion – June 17, 2020

Devotion based on Deuteronomy 11:18a

See series: Devotions

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

“Does anyone know where the remote is?” It was family movie night, and no one could find the remote control. They searched high and low. They checked between the cushions of the couch. They checked underneath everything and behind furniture. The family checked everywhere, but no one could find the remote control.

While Mom and Dad tried to figure out how to show the movie without the remote, Grace went into the kitchen to dish up ice cream for everyone. She opened the freezer and . . . found the remote! What was it doing in there? Someone had had accidentally left it in the freezer without thinking. Now their remote control was as frozen as the ice cream!

Sometimes we do things without thinking. We leave toys, keys, or remote controls in strange places. We fail to pay attention when someone is talking to us. We forget the important instructions they gave us. We fail to pay attention when we need to focus.

Do we sometimes do that with God’s Word? The Lord has important instructions and information that we need to hear. He tells us what he wants us to do and not do. He tells us how we have disobeyed him, how we have failed to obey him perfectly, and how we need a Savior. He tells us how Jesus lived the perfect life we could not and faced the punishment we deserve for our sins. Yet do we always listen? Are you listening right now?

A long time ago in the Old Testament, God instructed moms and dads to help their children focus on his Word, “to fix these words of mine on your hearts and minds.” To do that, the Lord encouraged his people to have reminders of God and his Word around their house. Above all, he wanted them to talk about God their Savior any chance they got—while they relaxed at home or sat around the dinner table, when they traveled, when they went to bed and when they got up. The Lord wanted parents to keep their kids focused on him so he could richly bless them.

The Lord blesses us when we focus on his Word too. God’s Word is such good news that we need to have reminders every day. Maybe you have a picture of Jesus or a cross in your home. Maybe you wear a necklace that reminds you of a special Bible passage. We hear God’s Word in worship. We hear in devotions like this. Then we talk about what God has done for us. Why? Through his Word, God strengthens our faith. He forgives our sins. He assures us that someday we will join him in heaven—and that will be unforgettable!

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, forgive me for those times when I have not listened to you. It is so easy to get distracted. Help me to focus on what is most important—you and your Word. In your mercy, bless me through your Word. 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 one thing in your home that reminds you of Jesus or his Word.
• Who can help you learn more about Jesus and his Word?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How do you get distracted from focusing on God’s Word?
• Why does God care so much that we have daily reminders and conversations about him and his Word?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• In the rest of verse 18 it says, “Tie [these words] as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” How can you give yourself a reminder of God’s Word that you can take with you throughout the day?
• The Lord wants families to talk about him and his Word. Share your favorite Bible passage with your family and explain why it means so much to you.

Hymn: CW 382:1,2 – My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare to make no other claim but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace;
In ev’ry high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

Read: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:14

The Triune God Blesses Us

Family Devotion – June 12, 2020

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 13:14

See series: Devotions

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

The pastor stands up in the front of church. He looks out at the people. They look back at him. The worship service has come to an end. The time has come for the pastor to bless God’s people. He makes the sign of the cross as he says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” The people respond, “Amen.”

Why does the pastor bless the people at the end of a worship service? Is it just a nice, churchy way to say “We’re done! Time to go home!”? Not quite. Perhaps to answer that question we need to ask why the apostle Paul wrote the words of this blessing to end his second letter to a group of Christians living in a city called Corinth.

These believers were having lots of troubles. Some thought they were better than others. They often acted before thinking. Rather than show love for one another, they fought and argued with each other. After teaching and guiding them back to Jesus throughout his letter, Paul prayed that Jesus, the Son of God, would bless them with his grace—his love-in-action that moved him to rescue sinful people like them. Paul prayed that God the Father would bless them with his love—that love that moved him to give up his Son for a world full of sinful people, even though they did nothing to deserve it. Paul prayed that God the Holy Spirit would bless them with his fellowship—that they would live as members of God’s family and as brothers and sisters made holy in Jesus.

Those blessings that Paul wanted for his fellow believers 2,000 years ago are the same blessings that God wants you to take home every time you come to worship. The triune God wants to bless us, even though he knows we all have our own troubles. You think you are better than others. You act or speak before thinking. You fight and argue with people you know and love. You do not always listen when God’s Word is preached or taught or read.

Yet God still loves you with a love far greater than what any of us deserve. It’s a love that moved him to rescue you from the punishment we all deserve for our sins. With the kind of grace that expected nothing from you, Jesus took the punishment for you. He even died for you so you could be his brother or sister in his holy family again. So the next time your pastor stands up to bless the people at the end of a worship service, know that the triune God is blessing you with his grace, his love, and his fellowship now and forever.

Closing Prayer:

O triune God, bless me with your overwhelming grace. Bless me with your self-sacrificing love even for a sinner like me. Bless me with your fellowship and keep me as a holy member of your family always. 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 one blessing the pastor gives at the end of a worship service?
• You and I both struggle with sin. When we hear that God gives us his grace, what does that mean?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did Paul ask for God’s blessing on the people?
• What does it mean to have “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Identify what “grace,” “love,” and “fellowship” tell us about each person of the triune God.
• Explain why it is significant that God wants you to enjoy his “grace,” “love,” and “fellowship.”

Hymn: CW 194:1,4,5 – Oh, that I Had a Thousand Voices

Oh, that I had a thousand voices to praise my God with thousand tongues!
My heart, which in the Lord rejoices, would then proclaim in grateful songs
To all, wherever I might be, what great things God has done for me.

Glory and praise, still onward reaching, be yours, O Spirit of all grace,
Whose holy pow’r and faithful teaching give me among your saints a place.
Whatever good by me is done is worked by grace divine alone.

Shall I not then be filled with gladness? Shall I not praise you evermore
And triumph over fear and sadness, although my cup of woe runs o’er?
Though heav’n and earth shall disappear, your endless love is ever near.

Read: Matthew 28:16-20

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:19-20

We Preach and Teach the Triune God to All People

Family Devotion – June 8, 2020

Devotion based on Matthew 28:19-20

See series: Devotions

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

Everyone has a name. Does your name have a story? Did Mom or Dad simply like your name or was your name specially chosen? Did they name you after a family member like your grandma or grandpa? Perhaps your name comes from the Bible or from someone famous. Maybe your name comes from someone special in the life of your parents. Maybe your name is an important reminder of where your family came from. A name can say so much about a person and even about that person’s family or family history.

Did you know that God has also given you his name? Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave his followers a mission. They were to go out into the world and make other followers of Jesus. How? They would take the good news of Jesus out to the people of our world. They would also baptize people from “all nations”—no matter where they came from, what they looked like, or who their parents were.

By doing that, God was going to place his name on people from “all nations.” They were to be “baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” At Baptism, the name of the triune God is placed on you, not the name of three gods, but one God who reveals himself as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That is not easy to understand, but that is how God reveals himself in his Word.

So what is so special about having God’s name? That name reminds you of how much God loves you and all that he has done for you. God the Father created you and cares for you as his precious son or daughter. In fact, God loves you so much that he sent his Son Jesus to rescue you when you disobeyed his holy commands and failed to do the good things he wants you to do. Jesus rescued you by perfectly obeying his Father’s will, dying on a cross, and rising from the dead. Then the Holy Spirit came to plant faith in Jesus in your heart. How? He used someone to share with you the good news about the love and work of the triune God for you and for all people. Through that good news, God made you his own child. Through that good news and the waters of Baptism, he gave you his name as a member of his family—a family made up of people from all nations.

Closing Prayer:

O triune God, no matter where I come from, no matter what I look like, no matter who I am, remind me that you have given me your name and made me part of your family. Help me to see others as people you love and people who need to hear about 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

• What is special about your name?
• What was the mission that Jesus gave to his disciples?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How would you have felt if you were one of those disciples who had received Jesus’ mission to go out into the world? Why would you feel that way?
• Jesus sends us out to people of “all nations.” Why is that important?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain what it means to be “baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
• Read Matthew 28:16 and 28:20. How do Jesus’ promises in these verses help us to carry out his mission to all people?

Hymn: CW 194:1,3 – Oh, that I Had a Thousand Voices

Oh, that I had a thousand voices to praise my God with thousand tongues!
My heart, which in the Lord rejoices, would then proclaim in grateful songs
To all, wherever I might be, what great things God has done for me.

I praise you, Savior, whose compassion has brought you down to ransom me.
Your pitying heart sought my salvation; You bore the cross triumphantly,
Brought me from bondage full release, made me your own, and gave me peace.

Read: John 16:5-11

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
John 16:7

Jesus Promises the Coming of the Spirit

Family Devotion – June 3, 2020

Devotion based on John 16:7

See series: Devotions

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

Ellie had recently been blessed with a baby brother, and she absolutely adored him. She gave him hugs, called him “my little buddy”, and brought him toys for playtime. When Mom or Dad needed her to grab something for baby brother, she did it proudly. When there was a dirty diaper, she happily took it to the trash all on her own.

One day Ellie’s grandma came over and saw the many things she did for her baby brother. “Wow, Ellie, you sure do a lot for your baby brother. What a big helper you are!”

“I’m the helper,” Ellie exclaimed as she beamed. Ellie loved to help her brother when he was a baby and even as he grew older.

Jesus sent a helper for us. This helper does even more than what Ellie did for her brother. This helper brings spiritual blessings such as saving faith in Jesus and the forgiveness of sins, blessings we would not have without his help and power.

The helper Jesus sent is the Holy Spirit. He is the third person of the Trinity. The Spirit works in our hearts through God’s Word to show us our inability to do what pleases God. He works through the Gospel to resurrect us and give us saving faith. The Holy Spirit does everything that we need to bring us into God’s family for all eternity. He doesn’t help us do it, he does it for us. It is done!

The Holy Spirit continues to help us for the rest of our lives. When we are in trouble or danger, lost or scared, filled with guilt, or do not even know what to pray, the Holy Spirit helps us. He prays for us every day. He is our constant companion throughout our life to work things out for our good. He helps us in our walk of faith. He forms and molds us to be more like Christ. The Holy Spirit uses difficulties in our life to bring us closer to God’s Word and strengthen our faith.

And that only scratches the surface of what the Holy Spirit does for us. Wow! What a helper!

Closing Prayer:

O Holy Spirit, fill my heart with your love and presence. When I am in trouble, pray for me. When I stray, bring me back to my Savior with your forgiveness. Change me every day to live and talk more like my Savior. 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 one-way Ellie helped her little brother?
• Name one way the Holy Spirit helps you.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The Holy Spirit gave you your faith in Jesus. Why do you need faith in Jesus?
• Why do we need the Holy Spirit’s help every day?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The Holy Spirit helps us by praying for us every day. List three reasons that is important. (See Romans 8:26-30 for some help.)
• The Holy Spirit gives us many spiritual blessings. Name as many as you can in 30 seconds. Then decide which one you appreciate the most.

Hymn: CW 184:1 – O Holy Spirit, Enter In

O Holy Spirit, enter in
And in our hearts your work begin,
Your dwelling place now make us.
Sun of the soul, O Light divine,
Around and in us brightly shine,
To joy and gladness wake us
That we may be
Truly living, to you giving Prayer unceasing
And in love be still increasing.

Read: 1 Peter 4:12-17; 5:6-11

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

We Have Hope for Future Glory

Family Devotion – May 29, 2020

Devotion based on 1 Peter 5:7

See series: Devotions

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

What brings you worry or stress in life? Stress can be caused by any number of things: homelife, homework, job, our future, whether a friend likes you or not, something you did wrong, confusion, sadness . . . the list goes on and on.

How do you get rid of worry and stress? That’s a tough thing to do, isn’t it? We can try to forget about it or not deal with it, but it is still there.

Peter gives the solution for worry. Think about what he says this way. When you are sick and your parents can’t help you, who do they call? A doctor! When you have a clogged pipe or broken sink that no one can fix, who do you call? A plumber! When you can’t fix something, you turn to an expert to fix it.

When you have spiritual problems, like worry, anxiety, or stress, who do you turn to? You need an expert, and the expert is Jesus. Jesus is the expert at removing worry and stress. He removed the stress when you sin and feel guilty. How could you ever pay for them all? You can’t, but Jesus did! Sin’s stress and anxiety was on him, not you! That’s why you need not worry. Jesus fixed it by his death and guaranteed heaven by his resurrection.

Jesus showed just how much he cares for you Now, Jesus wants you to come to him with any worry or stress you may have in life. He promises you can leave them all with him. He will take care of them.

If you are worried about your future, trust Jesus’ promise that he has a plan for you. If you worry about your friends and whether they care for you, trust Jesus’ promise that he is your best friend no matter what. If you worry about anything in life, Jesus invites you to give them all to him. Then go and live your life in peace. Jesus has it under control because he cares for you, and he’s the expert.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, here and now I am giving you all these things I worry about. (Encourage everyone listening to share what they’re worried about out loud or silently). I humbly ask you to deal them for me and I know you will, because you care for me so much!

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 something that worries you?
• Why can you give Jesus that worry?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• 1 Peter 5:7 says “(Jesus) cares for you.” Name some ways Jesus shows us he cares.
• Identify two practical ways we as a family can regularly give our worries to Jesus.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it so easy for us to hold onto our worries and not give them to Jesus?
• In what ways could we as your parent(s) better learn your worries and help you bring them to Jesus?

Hymn: CW 173:3 – On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build

Oh, grant, dear Lord, this grace to me, recalling your ascension,
That I may serve you faithfully, adorning your redemption;
And then, when all my days will cease, let me depart in joy and peace
In answer to my pleading.

Read: Acts 1:1-11

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Acts 1:9-11

We Hope for Jesus’ Return

Family Devotion – May 25, 2020

Devotion based on Acts 1:9-11

See series: Devotions

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

Kendall and Ryan watched in sadness as their mother brought her suitcase to the front door. It was a business trip. Kendall had experienced these before, but Ryan, who was only 4, didn’t like them at all. He worried his mom wouldn’t come home.

“Mom don’t leave! How do I know you will come home?” Ryan sobbed.

Ryan’s mom gave him a big hug and said, “I promise I will be back.” Then she handed him a box. Inside were five presents. “I want you to open one of these presents each day I’m gone, because each one will remind you how much I love you. The day you open the last one is the day I will be back.”

So Ryan opened a present each day to find a picture or reminder of his mom. After he had opened the last present on Friday, he sat at the living room window all day, waiting for his mom to come home.

Are you looking forward to Jesus’ coming back like Ryan waiting for his mom? Or, are you worried he is not going to come back? Or, maybe you haven’t even thought about it. We can get so caught up in our day-to-day lives that Jesus’ return is not even on our radar.

Jesus will come back because he has one piece of unfinished business: He needs you in heaven! That is why he came to earth the first time, to live, die, and rise from the dead so you could be in heaven. The only thing left is for Jesus to come back and bring you to heaven. When Jesus makes a promise, he keeps it.

He left you his Word, filled with all sorts of reminders of his love for you. He will be back, soon. You can count on it.

Closing Prayer:

Ascended Lord and Savior Jesus, you promised to return and take us to heaven. Fill us with greater trust in your promise to return so that we eagerly wait for you to return. 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 do you think will be the best part about heaven?
• Why do you know that you will be in heaven with Jesus someday?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What special tasks did Jesus give us to do on earth while we wait for his return? (Hint: Read Acts 1:8)
• How can you make sure you are ready for Jesus’ return?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jesus is coming back soon! Does that excite you? Or, haven’t you really thought about it? Why or why not?
• What gets in the way of staying focused on being in heaven someday? Consider ways to better stay alert.

Hymn: CW 173:1 – On Christ’s Ascension I Now Build

On Christ’s ascension I now build the hope of my ascension.
This hope alone has always stilled all doubt and apprehension;
For where the head is, there as well I know his members are to dwell
When Christ shall come and call them.

Read: 1 John 3:14-18

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:16-18

Love in Action

Family Devotion – May 20, 2020

Devotion based on 1 John 3:16-18

See series: Devotions

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

Meet Bill. He’s a teacher. Bill has the amazing ability to see creative opportunities in his classroom no one else sees. He sees problems long before they even happen. He notices when a struggling student needs encouragement or extra attention.

But what good is Bill’s ability to see opportunities if he doesn’t do something? Or, if he sees the problems, but offers no solutions? Or if he notices when his students are up or down, but does nothing about it?

Today’s devotion is a lesson on love from someone who loved the most people, the most often, with the most passion. If you really want to know what love is, don’t look at Bill. Don’t even look at yourself. We know what love is. But it’s not always easy to show love, is it? What’s harder: to say, “I love you,” or, to live up to those words? What’s easier: to say, “That’s mine,” or, to let others be first before you? Loving the way God wants us to love is so hard—not because we can’t, but because too often we won’t.

God’s Word today urges, “Let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.” The only way we truly know that kind of love is to see it in action. But don’t look at Bill. Don’t look at yourself. Look at Jesus. He laid down his life for all of our failures to love. Then he picked his life back up to keep showing his love for you every day. Jesus inspires us to keep loving others every day!

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Savior, give us your heart of love for others so that we always see their needs and use our gifts to help them. 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

• Can you find someone you love and say, “I love you”?
• What could you do for the person you just said, “I love you” to that would show that you love them?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Can you recall a time you felt unloved because of what someone said or did to you?
• Think of some common needs people have. What are some ways we can love our brothers and sisters in those needs?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Give several examples of Christians “loving” with “words or speech” but not “with actions and in truth.”
• Talk through specifics: how did Jesus practice what John preaches in verse 15, 17, and 18?

Hymn: CW 497:1,5 – This is My Will

“This is my will, my one command,
That love should dwell among you all.
This is my will, that you should love
As I have shown that I love you.

All that you ask my Father dear
For my name’s sake you shall receive.
This is my will, my one command,
That love should dwell in each, in all.”

Read: Acts 17:1-12

As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. But other Jews were jealous.
Acts 17:2-5a

God’s People Share the Way

Family Devotion – May 15, 2020

Devotion based on Acts 17:2-5a

See series: Devotions

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

It was the day after Easter. Derek was already a bummed-out zombie when he heard, “Jesus is still dead and in the grave.” His jaw hit the ground, especially when he realized the voice behind those words was his Nana’s. Nana was the most Christian person Derek knew. She was always sending him Bible passages. Her walls were decorated with crosses. She was “really old” and still teaching Sunday School. She sang in the choir. Her brother was a Lutheran pastor. “What gives, Nana?”

“Well, with the way you are walking around all mopey, all day long, I figured something horrible must have happened. The only thing I could think of that could be that bad to make such a long face is that Jesus must still be dead.”

“I’m just bummed because we are all cooped up in the house and so many people are losing their jobs.”

“True. That is sad. But, let’s never forget—Christ is risen!”

It’s natural to experience moments of sadness. That’s why Jesus’ resurrection is so important to remember in those moments. When you feel everything is going wrong, the joy of knowing, “Christ is risen!” reminds us what is going right and will never change! It puts a smile on our hearts that no sadness can overcome. It puts an encouraging message on our lips that cannot be silenced.

Jesus’ resurrection was a message the early Christians were excited to share. The apostle Paul went from town to town and synagogue to synagogue with one message: Jesus, the promised Messiah, has risen from the dead! It proves that our guilt is paid for, that our death is dead, and that our accuser, Satan, has no more claim on us.

This good news puts us on the way to heaven. This good news gives us reason to thank Jesus. Finally, this good news is our hope to share. Like Paul and the early Christians, we can tell our friends, family, and neighbors about Jesus Christ—the Way, the Truth and the Life—with the same joy he has given us!

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Savior, fill our hearts with the joy of the gospel so that our lips overflow with your praise as we share the way with others in our life. 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 making Derek sad?
• How did Derek’s Nana cheer him up?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What would you say are the main teachings of the Bible?
• Why could a Christian argue that the resurrection of Jesus is the most important message of the Bible?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What are some things Paul might have said from Scripture to “prove” that the Messiah (Jesus) had to suffer and die?
• Sadly, not everyone believed the good news Paul shared. It says that some were “jealous” and others even worked to have Paul arrested or booted out of town. Give several, loving ways you can respond to a person who reacts to the good news of the gospel with rejection or skepticism.

Hymn: CW 422:1,4 – Jesus, Lead Us On

Jesus, lead us on
Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow, calm and fearless.
Guide us by your hand
To our fatherland.

Jesus, still lead on
Till our rest is won.
Heav’nly Leader, still direct us;
Still support, console, protect us
Till we safely stand
In our fatherland.

Read: John 14:1-10

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6

God’s People Know the Way

Family Devotion – May 11, 2020

Devotion based on John 14:6

See series: Devotions

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

“Detour,” the sign says. “Ugh,” says the driver. Dad has toothpicks in his eyes to keep them open after eight hours of driving. “This detour takes us way past our hotel,” groans the co-pilot. Mom’s mood will not tolerate any last-second adjustments. It was already a long road trip, but the destination is worth it: Disney World!

Any map app on a phone can instantly calculate a completely new route to your final destination whenever a detour rears its ugly head. It may be longer, but you will still get there.

When it comes to heaven, there are no detours or other ways. Jesus tell us, “I am the way.” Jesus is the way. No one comes to the Father in heaven except through him.

At first, this might seem a little bit nitpicky on Jesus’ part. After all, dad’s phone map app can find another route to Disney World! The truth is, without Jesus, we sinners would have no way out of this sinful world to heaven. The truth is that Jesus is the gracious way of God that freely gives us life eternal! The truth is that Satan, temptation, sin, and our own guilt try to lead us on every sort of detour—only these detours never end at heaven. They lead us away from heaven to a dead end called hell. Beware of detours!

Listen to the clear voice of Jesus: “I am the way.” Faith watches Jesus walk the path we could never walk to the cross, through death, and out the door of his now-empty tomb—all for us. When we face deadly threats along the way, faith hears the voice of Jesus promise, “Because I live, you also will live,” and our hearts are encouraged. When we feel lost along the way, faith hears the voice of Jesus promise, “I am going to prepare a place for you in my Father’s house,” and our course is corrected. When the way grows dim, faith hears the voice of Jesus promise, “I will come back to bring you there to be with me,” and our hope is renewed.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Savior, thank you for opening wide the doorway of heaven to us through your perfect life, innocent suffering, and glorious resurrection. Give us faith to always stay on the way. 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 are some promises God makes to you when you go on a trip?
• What does God promise is waiting for you at the end of your journey in this life?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some specific “detours” Satan tries to throw in front of us to lead us off the way?
• List some reasons why the destination of heaven will be far greater than the destination of any earthly vacation.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain some ways the world tries to argue that there are many different paths to heaven.
• Jesus is the only way to heaven. How could a Christian also show that Jesus’ way, the way the Bible teaches, is unique and far better than the ways offered by other religions?

Hymn: CW 422:1-2 – Jesus, Lead Us On

Jesus, lead us on
Till our rest is won;
And although the way be cheerless,
We will follow, calm and fearless.
Guide us by your hand
To our fatherland.

If the way be drear,
If the foe be near,
Let not faithless fears o’ertake us;
Let not faith and hope forsake us,
For through many a woe
To our home we go.

Read: Acts 6:1-9, 7:2a, 51-60

But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
Acts 7:55-56

Things Aren’t Always as They Seem

Family Devotion – May 6, 2020

Devotion based on Acts 7:55-56

See series: Devotions

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

The runner was taking her sweet time. She wasn’t winning the race. She was right in the middle of the pack. But the rest of the runners didn’t know that she was saving her energy for the end of the race. With one lap to go, she used that energy to blast past all the other runners and win easily. To those who didn’t know her style of running, it appeared that she was losing for most of the race. It seemed like she didn’t stand a chance of winning. But she knew what she was doing. The whole time, she really was winning. Things are not always as they seem.

Stephen wasn’t afraid to share the gospel. That made some people so mad that they wanted him dead. Angry people dragged Stephen out into the streets where they picked up stones to throw at him and kill him. It looked like Stephen was losing. But things are not always as they seem.

Even while Stephen was facing his final minutes on earth, he knew that he had already won. Why? Because “the Son of Man [is] standing at the right hand of God.” Jesus, the Good Shepherd, had given his life for Stephen and Stephen, trusting in Jesus as his Savior, had the victory of heaven waiting for him. No matter what people did to him, he was victorious. He had life in heaven because Jesus already won for him!

Sometimes we may not feel very victorious. Maybe it seems like we are losing one race after another. Maybe we give into temptation and take our eyes off our Savior. Maybe the challenges of life make us feel like we’re losing and we’ll never catch up. But things are not always as they seem. No matter what happens on this side of heaven, no matter what challenges we face, no matter how much guilt we carry, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, has still won the victory for us. Through faith in him, heaven is still our home. Let us hold onto our Good Shepherd to the very end, until the day that we are standing side by side with him in the mansions of heaven.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, keep us faithful to you no matter what. Give us the faith to cling to you in the good times and the bad, confident that we will be in heaven with you 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

• Why did the people want Stephen to die?
• How could Stephen be sure that he would be in heaven? How can you be sure that you’ll be in heaven?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are you looking forward to most about heaven?
• How is Stephen a wonderful example of faith for us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name one challenge and one blessing of staying faithful to God.
• Stephen was the first Christian martyr. The word martyr means “witness” but usually refers to someone who was killed for their faith. How was Stephen a faithful martyr or witness even when he died?

Hymn: CW 432:2 – I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb

Day by day, at home, away,
Jesus is my staff and stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,
Into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, he bids me go
Where the quiet waters flow.

Read: 1 Peter 1:17-21

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
1 Peter 1:18-19

Bought Back With More Than Gold

Family Devotion – May 1, 2020

Devotion based on 1 Peter 1:18-19

See series: Devotions

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

She saw the ad for the American Girl doll, and she got so excited. She could create her own American Girl to look just like her. She could pick the hair color, the eyes, the name. She could even pick the things that this American Girl doll liked. She could make this American Girl doll exactly the way she wanted it. The idea of this doll was the most valuable thing to her. But it cost $200. She didn’t have enough.

Human beings are valuable to God. He made human beings just the way he wanted them to be, down to the very last detail. Adam and Eve were holy and perfect, just like he wanted them. They were so valuable to him! But Adam and Eve decided that they wanted to be something else. They fell into sin, and from that moment forward, all of us are born with that same sin.

But here’s the good news. We are still valuable to God! He wants to redeem us or buy us back from the sin that we live in. But does he have enough money to buy us back? Well, if we want to be with God forever in heaven, it’s going to take a bit more than $200. It’s going to take nothing less than the payment of a perfect life to buy us back. Think about that for a minute. You would have to wake up in the morning being perfect all day, every day, your whole life! You can try, but you can’t. No one can. God sent payment for us. He sent his own Son, Jesus Christ, who was perfect in every way. Jesus gave his own life to buy us back. It wasn’t anything like gold or silver that bought us back, it was the holy precious blood of Jesus.

How much are you worth? Sometimes you may feel like you’re not worth much. Maybe it seems that no one likes you and everyone is against you. Maybe you feel alone at home sometimes, like there’s just no time for you or there are so many things to take care of that you become the forgotten one. Maybe at times you face so much trouble that you even think you aren’t worth much to God.

Nothing could be further from the truth! Take comfort in this: you are worth more than money to God! You are worth the life of his own Son. Now, because of Jesus, you have a heaven waiting for you that cannot even begin to compare to the struggles of this day. Hold onto Christ who bought you back with his own blood.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for buying us back with your own blood and making us your children. Help us to live each day out of thanksgiving for all that you have done for us. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What did Jesus pay to make you his child?
• Name one thing that you can be sure of since Jesus made you his child?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does redeem mean? How did Jesus redeem us?
• Can you think of times when you have felt worthless? How does Jesus show us that we have worth?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Peter calls Jesus a “lamb without blemish or defect.” Why do you think Jesus was compared to a perfect lamb? What other Bible stories does that remind you of?
• Peter calls the sinful life an “empty way of life.” Jesus says “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). What do you think “life to the full” means?

Hymn: CW 160:3 – This Joyful Eastertide

My flesh in hope shall rest
And for a season slumber
Till trump from east to west
Shall wake the dead in number.

Refrain:
Had Christ, who once was slain,
Not burst His three-day prison,
Our faith had been in vain;
But now has Christ arisen, arisen, arisen;
But now has Christ arisen!

Read: Luke 24:13-35

“They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’”
Luke 24:32

The Scriptures Set Hearts on Fire

Family Devotion – April 27, 2020

Devotion based on Luke 24:32

See series: Devotions

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

“If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times,” cries out the exhausted mom to the kids who just don’t seem to get it. She had told them to get ready for bed, but when she saw what they were doing instead, she thought she might as well have been asking the dog to cook dinner. It’s not that her words weren’t clear. It’s not that she forgot to tell them. The truth of the matter is the kids were just too busy with other things for any of her words to really register.

Sometimes it’s hard to really hear what’s being said, especially when your mind is on other things. And it’s not just the kids! Consider these two men walking on the road to Emmaus on Easter afternoon. They just didn’t get it. Jesus had to suffer, die, and rise again. It’s not like they hadn’t heard this before. The entire Old Testament had been pointing to this, but they were so preoccupied with other thoughts that all the things that God had been telling them through his Word just didn’t register.

But then Jesus talked. He stayed patient with them. He taught them. He reminded them of all the things that they had likely been reading in God’s Word since childhood. They began to understand. Then he broke bread with them, and they saw . . . they saw Jesus! They saw Jesus for who he is, the fulfillment of all the Scriptures. They saw Jesus as their hope for eternal life. Their hearts were set on fire! Not a real fire, but the Holy Spirit planted faith in their hearts through the Word, and that made it all register!

Sometimes, it can be hard for things to really register when your mind is on other things. And for families, the mind can be filled with a lot of other things—the upcoming birthday, schoolwork, bills, jobs, parenting, dance class, piano lessons, baseball practice, housekeeping, and the list could go on. But for just a few minutes, set that off to the side. Open the Scriptures together and hear the marvelous news of Christ risen for us! And while you do, know that the Holy Spirit is at work setting a fire in your heart and the hearts of your whole family. It’s the fire of faith!

Closing Prayer:

Holy Spirit, we thank you for working faith in our hearts through the Word of God. Continue to open your Word to us that the fire of faith may continue to burn in our hearts. 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

• Share one time that you struggled to listen to what Mom or Dad (or another adult) asked you to do.
• Jesus forgives us for all the times that we have not listened to his Word or we haven’t listened to our moms or dads (or other adults who care for us). Why can we be sure that we are forgiven?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did Jesus call the Emmaus disciples “foolish” and “slow of heart to believe”?
• Instead of getting mad at them, what did Jesus do for these “foolish” disciples?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain what it means that the disciples’ “hearts were burning within them.” What (and/or who) caused this “heartburn”?
• Does God’s Word work in our hearts even if we don’t feel it? Explain.

Hymn: CW 160:1 – This Joyful Eastertide

This joyful Eastertide,
Away with sin and sorrow!
My Love, the Crucified,
Has sprung to life this morrow.

Refrain:
Had Christ, who once was slain,
Not burst His three-day prison,
Our faith had been in vain;
But now has Christ arisen, arisen, arisen;
But now has Christ arisen!

Read: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.
1 Peter 1:3-4

Peace Forever

Family Devotion – April 22, 2020

Devotion based on 1 Peter 1:3-4

See series: Devotions

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

What would you do if you had millions and millions of dollars? Ever have the fantasy of winning the lottery? Little kids likely dream of buying all the newest and coolest toys and technology. Big kids (adults) likely dream of buying all the “big kid toys” like cool cars, fast boats, and a big home.

Want to know a secret? The lottery is a huge waste of your time (and money!). Not only is it very rare for people to win, but apparently the vast majority of those who actually do win usually find two outcomes. Either they lose all the money because they spent it all, or they end up very sad and depressed. Sometimes, they even experience both of those things. Why is this?

Well, it turns out that money can buy you a lot of things, but it can’t buy you real happiness—especially not happiness that lasts. You can buy a new car or a new iPhone, but soon enough the next new model will come out. You might also have millions of dollars, but if you like to spend money, eventually it will run out. What a sad thing for someone to find out the hard way that worldly riches do not bring lasting happiness!

The apostle Peter tells us an amazing truth today. Money can’t buy happiness and eventually runs out, but there is somewhere that we can find a treasure that lasts—in the empty tomb of Jesus. You see, because Jesus now lives, we have what Peter calls a “living hope.” It’s a hope for every single day of our lives that we will be with Jesus one day in the peace of heaven. And here’s the best part—this treasure of eternal peace will not run out, fade away, or go away. It will last forever. It’s kept safe for us in heaven from now until the day that we get there.

Some might imagine how different their lives would be if they had millions of dollars. But you have a treasure even greater than that. Because Jesus lives, you will live in the peace of heaven. Oh, and one more thing! You don’t have to imagine, because the treasure is already yours right now. As Peter says, “Praise be to God!”

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the treasure of eternal life with you in heaven through the death and resurrection of your dear Son, Jesus. Fill my heart with joy and thanks for the treasure you have waiting for me. 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 is Jesus more important and more valuable than money?
• What do you think will be the best part of heaven? Why?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think people spend and lose their money so quickly on so many worldly things?
• When are times in life that it is especially comforting to hear that we have the treasure of heaven waiting for us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Identify all the ways you can compare what happens with earthly inheritances to what happened with our salvation through Jesus.
• If you understand that you have the ultimate treasure waiting for you in heaven, how will that change the way you use your earthly treasures?

Hymn: CW #165 – O Sons and Daughters of the King

O sons and daughters of the King,
Whom heav’nly hosts in glory sing,
Today the grave has lost its sting!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Blessèd are they that have not seen
And yet whose faith has constant been;
In life eternal they shall reign.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!