Military Devotions

Military Devotion – Hope because He Lives – April 10, 2026

2026/04/10/in Military Devotions

Based on 1 Peter 1:3-9

Hope because He Lives

At 0430 the first boom sounded over the water. Over 4,000 booms would be heard the next 34 hours over Charleston Harbor as confederate artillery rounds pounded Fort Sumter on this date, April 12, 1861. Four years later almost three quarters of a million people lost their lives. Can you imagine the entire population of Denver, CO perishing within four years?

I won’t enumerate the numbers of American lives lost in wars, conflicts and terrorist attacks since then. As I reflect on this and the lives lost in the current conflict in the Middle East I am reminded of Jesus’ words, “There will be wars and rumors of wars until the day I come back to earth.” This can lead to a spirit of despair, thoughts of inevitability – there will always be a need for armed forces. We will always need brave men and women to raise their right hand and say, “I will prepare for war and go to war if need be.” I will always be thankful for you and at the same time I will be sad that we need military at all. I will pray for peace, but Jesus says there will be war. I will pray that lives are spared, but people will die as they always have. That makes some wonder, “Could I die that way, in war, in combat, even as a civilian, could it happen I die because of collateral damage?” Sometimes life feels hopeless.

You and I need to look at our hopeless situation, the world situation, through Jesus’ words as he speaks through Apostle Peter, “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” (1 Peter 1:3). Hope. Not so much a “I really hope my paperwork goes through today”, but a “I hope, I know for certain this thing that God my Father promised me will happen.”

The sure and certain thing? Jesus died. Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus lives today, in a very real, physical way. Your sure and certain reality, your living hope, is this: no matter how you die, and you will someday, I will die someday, because Jesus lives, we, too shall live. We have a resurrection from the dead. Peter describes it this way, “. . . This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). You have an inheritance because someone died. Jesus died. But he came back to life and lives so that you might know and believe with living hope: this resurrection from the dead is yours right now, kept in a safe place, safer than the Fort Knox depository, and not even civil war, not even WWIII, not even death can take it from you. That is the hope you have because a dead man came back to life and lives for you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in a world of wars and rumors of wars, we confess our hearts grow heavy with despair. Yet you have raised Jesus from the dead, and in him you have secured for us a living hope — an inheritance no grave can snatch away. We give you thanks for those who serve in our nation’s military, who stand watch so others may sleep in peace. Sustain them in body and soul. Remind all of us that because Jesus lives, we too shall live. In his victorious name we pray. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Because He Lives – April 3, 2026

2026/04/03/in Military Devotions

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Based on Matthew 28:1-10

Because He Lives

A gold star on purple backdrop, an inverted rifle planted in combat boots, topped by a helmet and draped with dog tags, a casket, an urn, a field of white marble headstones – all reminders of our mortality. These objects and symbols evoke a cloud of emotions: for some grief and sadness, for others loneliness, anger, resentment, and sometimes they are prompted to ask God, “Why?”

For friends and family of a man named Jesus from Nazareth, the objects that brought about these emotions were a wooden cross, the soldier’s hammer and nails, his spear. Is it possible that every time they witnessed a public execution on a cross those feelings of loss, horror, sadness and grief filled their hearts? Every time they saw a Roman soldier at his post or on patrol brought feelings of resentment and anger? As they walked the paths of Palestine to pluck figs or gather grapes and their hands were pricked by thorns from a shrub, they would see their own blood and shudder?

But something helped them manage and cope with those feelings, something helped to redirect their thoughts to the truth that gave these objects and symbols new meaning. Those “somethings” that helped were an empty tomb, the familiar voice of that man who had died but now lived and said to their attentive ears, “Do not be afraid.” The familiar hands and arms that had embraced them held them now on that first Easter evening. Yes, the body, once a lifeless corpse, was now alive and perfectly healthy and stood before them, spoke with them, ate with them.

My friends, Jesus died, was buried, and came back to life. Because he lives, you, too, shall live. Because he lives, those whom you love shall not remain dead forever but will one day climb out of their coffins and urns, they who died clinging to this one who absolutely destroyed the power of the grave. Because he lives, we can look at a gold star on a purple backdrop, we can see an inverted rifle planted in combat boots, we can walk through the fields of white marble headstones and be sad and grieve and ask the questions but with a new perspective. Because he lives, these, too, shall live. Because he lives, you, too, shall live never to die again.

Prayer:

Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through Baptism, may walk in newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory. Comfort all Gold Star spouses and their children, all who wear the black memorial band around their wrist, any who have stood before the fallen soldier battle cross, all who pass by the white marble rows – comfort them with the reality and power of Easter, because he lives, the dead who die in the Lord shall live, and we with them. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – MAYDAY. MAYDAY. MAYDAY. – March 27, 2026

2026/03/27/in Military Devotions

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Based on Matthew 21:1-11

MAYDAY. MAYDAY. MAYDAY.

The call comes through on VHF Channel 16, “MAYDAY. MAYDAY. MAYDAY.” Help me! The vessel is taking on water. There is a medical emergency. The vessel is on fire. Help me!

When that distress signal comes in, the U.S. Coast Guard gathers the critical information, broadcasts an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to nearby vessels and then dispatches rescue assets like a boat or helicopter. A rescue swimmer is often a member of the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew deployed to respond to a distress call.

Last month off the coast of Washington state, Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers was that rescue swimmer, deployed to help a distressed mariner aboard a large vessel. As Coast Guard aircrews and rescue swimmers have done thousands of times before, Tyler put his life in danger so that others may live. Unfortunately, Tyler gave the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty. Someone called out, “Mayday. Help me.” and he responded.

For over 1,000 years God’s people cried out, “Help me.” The word they used wasn’t “Mayday” but “Hosanna”, which means, “Save!” On a Sunday around 30AD people lined the road that led down the Mount of Olives into the city of Jerusalem and issued a distress signal, “Hosanna! Save us!” They were already drowning… in all that they had failed to do right and in all they had done wrong in God’s sight. They needed someone to rescue them and they saw their rescuer. His name was Jesus. He came riding into the city, not on an aircraft or maritime vessel, but on a donkey. He had come to save knowing the dangers to his own life, knowing he would die in this rescue operation, but others would live.

2,000 years later we send that same ancient distress signal on that same radio frequency, “Hosanna! Come and save us!” Jesus answers that call every single time. For all that we have not done and all we have done wrong in God’s sight that makes us feel as if we are drowning in the sorrow over our sins, Jesus comes riding in through his words, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8) to save you. Every single time we issue the Mayday distress signal, “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9). Jesus comes riding in – in a very real way – through body and blood in bread and wine so that you may live.

When you feel overwhelmed by your sin and guilt, send out the distress signal, “MAYDAY. MAYDAY. MAYDAY.” “Hosanna! Come and save me, Lord Jesus!” and he will respond with free and full forgiveness so that you may live.

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, work in us Godly repentance that humbly and daily confesses our sins and then confidently turns to your Son Jesus, our Savior, so that we might know and believe our sins are indeed forgiven for the sake of his humble obedience and death on a cross. Comfort all who mourn the death of Tyler Jaggers. Send your holy angels to watch over those who serve as rescue swimmers. Protect them so that others may live. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Beyond the Flag-Draped Case – March 20, 2026

2026/03/20/in Military Devotions

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Based on Romans 8:11-18

Beyond the Flag-Draped Case

It’s not an easy thing to watch the carry team salute the six flagged-draped transfer cases at Dover Air Force Base. It’s even harder to read the stories about those fallen service members. These are men and a woman with families and friends and children who expected to receive them home as they walked off an aircraft, not carried in a coffin.

When a fallen warfighter is escorted home, the ceremony and honor given to the remains of the body reminds everyone that death is real and painful—but it also reflects the promise that their story is not forgotten. The military honors their name, their body, and their future legacy.

God promises even more. “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will raise our mortal bodies. That same Spirit lives in you. For you who are baptized into Christ’s name are baptized into Christ and all he has done. If Christ died and his body was raised never to die again, so also you and I will have bodies that will be raised, no longer subject to aging, disease, or the effects of war, but free from the reign of decomposition, bodies which will live indefinitely.

Death does not have the final word.

Paul then reminds us why we do not grieve like the rest of the world, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). What is it like? How do we compare it? If you had scales in front of you and placed the weight of suffering and grief on one side of the scale, what would you put in the other that would far outweigh suffering and grief? Paul is saying that the weight of glory is so great that you cannot weigh it. Can you imagine it? Caskets and urns will be opened, and life will be found there where death once reigned. Bodies laid to rest at sea, down in the very depths of the waters, will be raised to live and die no more and God will share his glory with us in heaven for all eternity.

Grieve and be sad. But grieve with hope – the sure certainty that since Christ is certainly raised and lives, those who die in Christ will rise to die no more. Yes, there is life eternal beyond the flag-draped case.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you know the grief that fills our hearts when death comes close. Comfort all who mourn, especially the families and brothers and sisters in arms who receive loved ones home not as they hoped. Remind us by your Spirit that death does not have the final word. As you were raised from the dead, so you promise that all who are baptized into you will also be raised to life. Strengthen us to grieve with hope, trusting that the glory you have prepared for your people far outweighs every suffering of this present time. Keep us steadfast in this promise until the day you raise the dead and make all things new. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Ceasefire! – March 6, 2026

2026/03/06/in Military Devotions

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Based on Romans 5:1-8

Ceasefire!

Ceasefire! It is an order that demands: You stop pulling that trigger! Stop dropping mortar rounds!

But the adrenaline still courses through your body. You smell the burnt propellant from your firearm. You taste the salt from your sweat. Your heart beats in your eardrums. Your eyes are still trained downrange as you drop an empty and clip in a fresh 5.56 mag, waiting, listening for the next “Pop! Pop! Pop!” so you can reengage in the fight.

Ceasefire! An order that should demand peace. You no longer need to use your weapon. You no longer need to be on high alert. There is no reason to fight anymore.

This is the order we need to hear from Jesus every day because when it comes to our spiritual life, it is a difficult thing to just stop and let our hearts be at peace. I know this is a hard thing to do because the enemy continues to attack our position with lie after lie. Maybe for you it’s the lie God’s love must be earned by the way you’ve lived your life. Or maybe it’s that God is mean and vindictive and your suffering is God’s way of punishing you for past sins. Or maybe it’s that your worth is determined by how you perform before God as a warrior, as a single person, as a husband or wife or son or daughter. The enemy fire continues to bark, egging you on to keep fighting, keep grinding, maybe you’ll get there someday.

But Jesus calmly approaches our position with a gentle yet firm command, “Ceasefire.” Listen to his “Ceasefire” through the Apostle Paul: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

You have peace with God because he has justified you. This picture of justification lands us in a courtroom. As military service member the thought of standing in court may mean that you have to defend your actions. But in God’s courtroom you don’t need to defend yourself. You don’t even need to testify. “God has justified you,” Paul writes. This means that the judge’s declaration to you is that you are not guilty. You are innocent. Christ Jesus has taken your guilt upon himself for upon the cross he hung guilty for you.

So, listen to the command from Jesus when he says to you today, “Ceasefire.” There is no need to keep fighting, to keep grinding, to keep believing the lie that God is punishing you. Just rest in his peace. Whether you feel it or not, it is true: you are at peace with God for he is at peace with you because of Christ Jesus.

God has declared it, “Ceasefire.” Just stop. Stand down. Listen to what God has declared to you. You are justified in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, because you are my judge, my defense attorney and the one who took my place and paid the penalty for my offenses, you remind me that I stand before you justified right now and tomorrow and the rest of the days of my life. Help me to return to the courtroom and hear your declaration of innocence so that I may rest in the peace only you can give. Continue to bring this message of peace to the hearts of our military service members who are engaged in combat. Reassure them that they stand before you justified. Strengthen their minds and bodies to carry out their vocation as war fighters, knowing their salvation is secure. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – PCSing with a Promise – February 27, 2026

2026/02/27/in Military Devotions

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Based on Genesis 12:1-8

PCSing with a Promise

How many times have you moved in your lifetime? For military personnel, the number can get pretty high. And let’s be honest—moving is hard. Household goods get broken or delayed. You might arrive not knowing a single person. There’s no guarantee you’ll make friends quickly or that you won’t feel lonely. PCS orders may send you somewhere new and much of it feels uncertain.

In Genesis 12, the LORD gave Abram orders that sounded a lot like PCS orders: “Go…to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). Except Abram had no map. No intel brief. No sponsor waiting at the gaining unit. Abram was 75 years old. He and his wife had no children. And yet, the LORD attached promises: “I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). And Abram went—over a thousand miles on foot—not because he had guarantees, but because the LORD had spoken.

Abram moved under promise.

You do, too. In your vocation, God calls you to go—to new duty stations, new homes, new communities. But he sends you with promises. He promises to be with you. He promises daily bread. He promises forgiveness when you fall into sin. He promises that in Christ, you are declared righteous before him—not because of your strength, but because of Jesus’ perfect life and innocent death for you.

At times, PCS moves strain you emotionally, physically, and spiritually. You may wonder if God sees you in the transition. But his promises don’t change with your zip code. The same God who called Abram calls you by his Word. The same God who kept his promise—bringing Isaac, then Jacob, then King David, and finally Jesus into the world—has kept his promise to save you. In Christ, you will not perish but have eternal life.

And that’s the final PCS, isn’t it? Not to another duty station or another town, but to the place Christ has prepared for you. A permanent home where there are no more goodbyes, no loneliness, no uncertainty. Until then, wherever the military sends you, you live under God’s unchanging promise.

You are PCSing—with a promise.

Prayer:

Lord God, you called Abram to go with nothing but your promise, and you proved yourself faithful. As military members move through the many changes of military life, remind them that your promises in Christ never fail. Especially watch over those deployed and their families. There is a lot of uncertainly right now, Lord. Do as you’ve promised: be with us, provide for us, forgive us, and keep our eyes fixed on our eternal home with you. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – The Champion Who Fought for You – February 20, 2026

2026/02/20/in Military Devotions

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Based on Genesis 3:15; Matthew 4:1–11

The Champion Who Fought for You

At the time of this recording one of our US Navy carrier strike groups has positioned itself in the Middle East. The purpose of this mission is to strengthen alliances, deter aggression from our near peer competitors and provide rapid response in the region. In a situation like this, you don’t send just anyone into a fight. You send people who are trained, tested, and capable of winning—and you give them the equipment to win. Because the outcome affects everyone else. When the mission is critical, you need champions.

Right after the fall into sin, God promised a champion. In Genesis 3:15, the LORD spoke to the serpent and said that the offspring of the woman would crush his head. That was a battlefield promise. Evil would not have the final word. A champion was coming.

Fast forward to the wilderness on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Jesus, newly baptized, is led into combat—not against flesh and blood, but against the devil himself. Forty days, no food, complete weakness. This is not a fair fight by human standards. And that’s the point. Where Adam fell in a perfect garden, Jesus stands firm in a barren wasteland. Where Israel failed in the wilderness, Jesus holds the line.

The devil attacks the way he always does—by twisting God’s Word, questioning God’s care, and offering shortcuts to glory without suffering or the cross. And Jesus doesn’t argue. He doesn’t negotiate. He answers every assault with, “It is written.”

Jesus fights with the Word of God.

This isn’t just an example for you to follow. This is a victory Jesus wins for you. Jesus goes into this fight as your substitute. He resists temptation in your place. He defeats the devil on your behalf.

The serpent strikes, but Christ stands. The head is crushed, just as God promised. The champion has won.

That matters for you. Because you still face temptation. A war fighter on deployment reached out to me asking for prayers to fight against the sins of lust and coveting, and laziness with the Word of God. You will still feel weakness. You may lose battles. But your salvation does not rest on your performance. It rests on Christ’s victory.

In your baptism, his win becomes yours. His obedience covers your failure. His triumph silences the accuser. The devil can still harass, but he cannot condemn. His head is crushed.

So, when the fight is fierce, when the pressure is heavy, remember this: the battle that decided your eternity is already over. Your champion stands victorious, and he stands for you.

Prayer:

Mighty God and Father, our Lord Jesus walked into the wilderness to face the devil’s temptations, but he did not succumb to Satan’s lies or falter in his resolve to save the world from the prison of hell. Bolster our faith by his mighty victory that we may battle against the forces of evil with courage and confidence; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Not a Story—A Sure Word – February 13, 2026

2026/02/13/in Military Devotions

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Based on 2 Peter 1:16-21

Not a Story—A Sure Word

In the military, credibility matters. Eye-witness testimony carries weight. “I was there. I saw this happen.” That matters on after-action reports and sworn statements because they are grounded in reality, not rumor.

The Apostle Peter understood that. That’s why he begins this section of his letter by saying, “We did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power” (2 Peter 1:16). In other words: “This isn’t propaganda. This isn’t religious spin. This isn’t a morale-boosting story someone made up to help people cope. It’s not even AI generated.”

Peter says, “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). He’s talking about the Transfiguration —when he saw Jesus in all his glory, when he heard the Father’s voice boom from heaven, and stood on holy ground. Peter wants us to anchor our faith in his witness, “I saw it with my own eyes, and I want you to believe that Jesus is who he says he is.

Then Peter adds another anchor for our faith to hold onto, “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable” (2 Peter 1:19). All the prophets through whom God spoke for over 1,500 years during the Old Testament period, they all pointed to Jesus. And they were right.

More sure than a life-altering experience.
More reliable than emotion.
More dependable than memory.

The Word.

For you as service members, this matters. Because life doesn’t always come with clarity. Orders can be confusing. Missions change. Trust gets broken. And when pressure is high, feelings are unreliable.

God does not ask you to stake your eternal life on how strongly you feel, how clearly you remember, or how impressive someone’s story sounds. He gives you something objective, historical, foundational and true: His Word.

Peter says this Word is “a light shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). Not a floodlight that answers every question. Not a crystal ball that shows the future. But a flashlight—enough light for the next step, enough truth to keep you from losing your way.

And this Word doesn’t come from human authority. Peter is clear: “No prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things” (2 Peter 1:20). Scripture isn’t a personal opinion or a flexible guideline. It is God speaking: “Prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).

God acts through means. He uses words, written and spoken, to deliver Christ to sinners like you. Through Scripture, God tells you what you could never discover on your own: that Jesus Christ has already fought your deepest battle, already won, and already forgiven you.

This Word tells you that your sins are not stronger than Christ’s cross. That your failures do not outrank His resurrection. That your future is not defined by deployments, a diagnose, or discharge papers—but by baptism, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life.

In a world full of noise, the Word of God does not shout. It endures. And it will still be standing when everything else fades.

So, stay with the Word. Don’t ask ChatGPT to answer your theological questions. Open your bibles. Study your catechisms. Hear the Word. Read the Word. Trust the Word. Because this is not a story, we tell ourselves. It is the sure Word by which God saves you.

Prayer:

Lord God, in the darkness of this world, keep us anchored to Your holy Word. By Your Spirit, strengthen our faith in Christ, that we may trust Your promises now and stand confident in the life to come, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Under Authority: The Word That Saves – February 6, 2026

2026/02/06/in Military Devotions

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Based on Luke 7:1-10

Under Authority: The Word That Saves

A Soldier needed a chaplain, so he sent for a Jewish rabbi. This might have made sense if the Soldier was Jewish, but he was not. When the officer’s messengers reached the rabbi they pleaded with him, “This man deserves to have you come immediately. One of his subordinates is very sick and about to die. You need to come with us now!”

The Jewish rabbi went with them.

While he was on his way the rabbi was met by friends of the Soldier. They said, “Rabbi, the captain wanted us to share this message, ‘I am not worthy to have you set foot in my home. But I am a man of authority, and I understand the chain of command. I give a Soldier an order and he gets after it. I know who you are. I know your authority supersedes my authority. All you need to do is say a word and my subordinate will be saved.”

The rabbi was speechless. He said to those around him, “I have not found faith like this in all of the places I have traveled.” The friends rushed back to the home of the Roman centurion and found his servant completely restored to full strength.

A Soldier needed a chaplain and he sent for a Jewish rabbi. This Roman centurion knew and believed that this rabbi was not just a rabbi, but the Son of God, Jesus, who came to save him. Jesus came not just to restore the servant’s health, but to save his life for eternity. This is what Jesus does. He saves through his words.

This week we observe Four Chaplains Day, to honor the service and sacrifice of four US Army chaplains who gave up their own lifejackets to fellow Soldiers as the Dorchester sank into the icy waters of the Atlantic on February 3rd, 1943. In a similar way, Jesus saves. He still carries out his work of saving. He does this by wearing the mask of chaplains. When chaplains open their mouths to speak a word from Jesus to you, Jesus saves through that word.

When water was poured and Jesus words were spoken over your head, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, Jesus saved you with those words and that water. In baptism he put his name on you, adopted you into his family, saved you from sin, guilt, and the grave. He saved you for a life eternal in heaven after a resurrection from the dead.

Jesus opens his mouth to speak:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Jesus saves you from fear and anxiety and despair with those words.

Jesus opens his mouth to speak through his Apostle John and says to you, “. . . If anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2). You are part of the world. You are someone for whom Jesus sacrificed himself to save.

Take a moment today to pause and thank God for chaplains – those who serve in our nation’s military, but also those who serve first responders, EMS, firefighters, police, in hospice care facilities, in hospitals, in schools and corporations, and those who serve the incarcerated. Chaplains serves as faithful masks of God. When they open their mouths to speak the words of Jesus, Jesus saves through his words. His words save you.

Prayer:

All-holy, all-loving God, provide workers for your harvest field, both inside and outside the walls of the church, so that more may hear the story of your everlasting love and your desire that all sinners be saved; through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Savior. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Boasting is Good – January 30, 2026

2026/01/30/in Military Devotions

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Based on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Boasting is Good

Over this past Christmas break our 16-year-old son asked me, “Dad, can I ask you a question – it’s kind of off topic – but…. what are you proud of?” I had to think back on the 47 years of my life and talked about my marriage to my wife and the Christian home that we’ve tried to build. I told him I was proud of all our kiddos and the good friends they have chosen, the spouses that they’ve chosen – we have one son who is married to a dear faithful Christian woman. One of our daughters will be married this summer to a wonderful Christian man who will be a faithful leader in their home. I talked about the three congregations that I’ve served in my ministry, the new church building that that was constructed when I was there in Kentucky, the continuing education, the ministry to the military, all of it.

When I talked about all these things with my son I had to stop and say, “Now listen, buddy. You have to realize that I am proud of these things but none of them are because of what I did. I just happened to be there. But I wouldn’t have been able to do any of those things unless God had worked through me to do it. And despite my pride in those moments – and there was pride at times – pride that I repented of… but I couldn’t really boast in those things and be proud of them because it wasn’t my wisdom, my intellect, or my strength. It was all Christ working through me.”

What about you? What are you proud of? I know what some of you have accomplished. You have shared with me the things that you’ve done on deployments, the missions that you really can’t talk about where you saved lives or deterred the bad guys, when you’ve received commendations, your years of service. I have to give a shout out to General Johnny K. Davis who has been serving in the U.S. Army for 35 years. He’s the head of all recruiting in the U.S. Army – that’s just “Wow!”

None of the things that you accomplished in your lives is because of your efforts, your strength or your wisdom. And the most important accomplishment – your identity in Christ – is not really yours. Your faith in Christ is not really yours because it wasn’t initiated or finished by you. Listen to what the apostle Paul says:

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord’” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).

You are strong. You are wise. You are righteous. You are holy. You are redeemed all because you are in Christ, who sought you out, who called you, who drew you close to himself. Boast in him. That’s good boasting, because it puts the spotlight where it needs to be, on Christ.

Prayer:

Gracious God, you call not the strong or the wise by the world’s measure, but sinners who have nothing to boast of except Christ crucified. In our callings as service members and families, keep us from trusting in rank, strength, or success, and ground us instead in your grace alone. When we feel weak or overlooked, remind us that our righteousness, holiness, and redemption are found in Jesus. Humble us under your Word, sustain us in our vocations, and teach us to boast only in the Lord; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – As in the Days of Midian – January 23, 2026

2026/01/23/in Military Devotions

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Based on Isaiah 9:4

As in the Days of Midian

There are some battles that are so widely known that you just need to say one or two words and most people know: “D-Day.” “The Bulge.” Or today, January 23, 1943… (how well do you know your military history?) U.S. forces seized control of… Guadalcanal.

There is a battle that was so well known among God’s people that the prophet Isaiah only needed to use one word, and everyone knew which battle he was talking about. “For as in the day of Midian’s defeat…” (Isaiah 9:4).

I’d encourage you to read about this battle in Judges chapter 7. The after action report would have said, “Despite overwhelming odds, the small company of Israelite war fighters thoroughly destroyed the warriors from the nation of Midian.”

The Midianites brutally oppressed the people of Israel. The enemy so impoverished the Israelites politically, economically, agriculturally the people cried out under its awful weight. God, through a man named Gideon, shattered that yoke, that heavy bar across their shoulders.

Isaiah predicted that God would do this again: “For as in the days of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor” (Isaiah 9:4).

The well-known battles would be fought, not with swords or spears, not with Paladin or Patriot missiles, but with words and a will that would not be broken. The battlefield was a wilderness where the enemy failed to drive the hero to despair. The battlefield was a garden, where the hero wrestled in prayer, but in the end, willingly submitted his will to his Father. The battlefield was a cross, where the accusations of the enemy and the wrath of a holy God and the burden of guilt was laid on his shoulders, on his soul. The battlefield was a tomb that could not hold the hero’s dead body, which came back to life and lived and lives today. By his resurrection he has destroyed the grip of the grave and death over you.

These battles are so well known that you only need to say a word or two and you know it means victory for you: Gethsemane, Golgotha, garden tomb. Whatever burdens your soul today, whatever guilt you feel pressing down on your conscience, whatever sadness or grief weighs down on your heart, know that it has all been removed, crushed, destroyed – for Christ, our hero, has won the battle against overwhelming forces that fought against him and against us.

When you feel burdened by your guilt, when you feel overwhelmed by the enemy, return to these battlefield sites, walk through them, and remember what happened there: victory for you; freedom from oppression for you. And you can say, “As in the days of Midian’s defeat… so are the days of the devil’s defeat… so are the days of my sins’ defeat… so are the days of my death’s defeat…”

Prayer:

Lord God of hosts, you shattered the power of Midian and through your Son, broke the yoke of sin, death and the devil. When we feel oppressed by guilt, fear or grief, lead us again to the cross and empty tomb, that we may rest in Christ’s victory and live in the freedom he has won for us. In the name of our victorious hero, Jesus. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Making Changes – January 16, 2026

2026/01/16/in Military Devotions

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Based on John 1:29

Making Changes

Whether you agree or disagree with the police action taken by our government last week, one thing is clear: it’s going to bring change. That operation took months of planning and the coordination of multiple federal assets, and its effects will reach far beyond a single moment. We don’t yet know how life will change for the 29 million people in Venezuela. We don’t know how it will impact the economies of near-peer competitors who depend on that country. And we don’t fully know how it will affect the safety and economy of the 347 million people here at home. What we do know is this—when something like this happens, change follows, for better or for worse.

History is full of moments like that. Years, decades, even centuries later, we can look back and see how one decision or one operation altered the course of millions of lives. But there is one event in history, carried out by one individual, that brought a life-changing result for every person who has ever lived, is living now, or ever will live. His name is the Lamb of God. And his single action? He took away the sin of the world.

That’s what John the Baptist points to in John 1:29: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Picture the moment. John is standing in the Jordan River, water still dripping from his hands as he points. People turn their heads. They know exactly what he means. They’ve seen the sacrifices at the temple. They’ve smelled the smoke, heard the cries of the animals, and watched lifeblood spilled on the altar. They understood that sin demands a price. A holy God demands nothing less.

And now John says, This one. This Lamb, who is also God, takes sin away. He lifts it up, bears it, and carries it away. He offers himself as the sacrifice that pays the price for the sin of the world. And when Scripture says “the world,” that includes you. Your sin was lifted up. Your sin was carried away. Your sacrifice was made—in full.

Who else could change life for every single person on this planet? Only the Lamb of God. He has changed your life by giving you his life—and by giving you life beyond this one, life with him for eternity. This wasn’t a last-minute decision. He planned this from eternity. And his motive is no mystery. He gets something out of it. He gets you.

So don’t think of yourself as lost in the crowd, just another number, unnoticed or forgotten. You matter to God. You always have. The Lamb of God came to make changes—to change this world and to change your life by taking away your sin. How might that truth shape the way you live today?

Prayer:

Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Keep us who are baptized into Christ faithful in our calling as your children and make us heirs with him of everlasting life. Open doors for our ministry to the military so that more war fighters might hear this message and have their lives changed for eternity. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Baptismal Identity – January 9, 2026

2026/01/09/in Military Devotions

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Based on Matthew 3:13-17

Baptismal Identity

In November 2024, a young high school graduate shipped off to boot camp, full of promise, and excited to serve in our nation’s military. This was his dream. In mid-December, just a few weeks ago, a family member emailed me saying, “My grandson is being medically discharged. You can remove him from your mailing list.” My heart broke. I said a quick prayer, texted the young man and asked him, “I heard what happened. This must be hard for you. How can I pray for you today?”

I’m guessing that you have faced disappointments like this. You planned the mission, anticipated every possible deviation, but when it came time to execute the mission was called off, or it went horribly wrong. You were on track to achieve rank, but it didn’t happen. You set goals for your squadron but fell far short. You entered a marriage that was to be for life, but it hasn’t. Maybe you were expecting a child who was to fill your house with joy, but that child is no longer with you.

When the unexpected derails life, it’s hard to see yourself as you once were. When you’re no longer carrying out that vocation, or when you’ve failed horribly at that vocation, or have had a series of unfortunate events that no longer allow you to carry out that vocation, you might be asking yourself, “Who am I? What’s my purpose anymore if I am not what I used to be?”

My friends, Christ Jesus came to give you identity and purpose and meaning and worth.

When he was about 30 years old Jesus went to the Jordan River to be baptized by the prophet John. John knew Jesus was the Son of God, so he tried to stop Jesus. “But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented” (Matthew 3:14-15).

Jesus had no sin. He was completely righteous in his living. The righteous thing his Father sent him to do was to completely identify with our sin, our failures, our brokenness, our disappointments. And at his baptism, he became them, took them upon himself as if they were his own. Since Jesus has completely identified himself with your sin he has given you his righteousness – his right living – as if it were your own.

His gift comes to you through the hearing of these words. His gift comes to you through the waters of your baptism. In your baptism he puts his name on you, calls you his brother, his sister, sons and daughters of the Father, heirs of a resurrection from the dead and eternal life in heaven. In your baptism he gives you his righteous life which covers over your failures. He gives you his righteous life so that you might know you are not a failure but forgiven, redeemed and restored.

Whatever disappointments, failures, heartaches, regrettable decisions you’ve made in your life, take them to Jesus. Take them to the waters of your baptism and wash them clean. See yourself the way your God sees you; baptized, forgiven, brother or sister of Jesus, dressed in the robe of Christ’s righteousness forever. And then go and live that baptismal life. Every morning wake up and say, “I am a baptized child of God. I will live that way today.” Every evening before you lay your head on your pillow say, “Despite what happened today, I am still a baptized child of God, forgiven by my Father in heaven, because he loves me.”

That’s who you are and who you will be because Jesus says so in your baptism.

Prayer:

Father in heaven, at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, you proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Keep us who are baptized into Christ faithful in our calling as your children, and make us heirs with him of everlasting life. As we remember in our prayers those who are deployed, keep them faithful to their marriages, pure in their thoughts and intentions. Keep them content and may they find joy in their work. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Remember the Many Good Things the LORD Has Done for You – January 2, 2026

2026/01/02/in Military Devotions

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Based on Isaiah 63:7-9

Remember the Many Good Things the LORD Has Done for You

Now that we have firmly stepped into a new year I want to ask, how was 2025? There are plenty of after action reviews out there to remind us. Nearly every news organization publishes a “year in review”. Like a military storyboard, many showcase the top pictures of the year or the trending memes from 2025. Even your phone will create a collage of your most memorable moments and people to help you recall this past year.

God does something similar. The pictures he uses are the stories and promises he makes in the Bible. He wants to help you remember the good things he has done for you. Listen to the prophet Isaiah:

“I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses” (Isaiah 63:7).

First, Isaiah shares why the LORD has done good things for you: he is compassionate and kind. His heart is moved by his love for sinners and he puts that love into action on our behalf. Because he is a kind and loving God Isaiah says, “… he became their Savior” (Isaiah 63:8). We need a Savior God because if we were to look at your year in review through pictures, I am sure there are some you wouldn’t want to see. There are certainly pictures you wouldn’t want others to see… pictures that show the thoughts you had towards others, words spoken, actions taken, actions you didn’t take but should have. Since your kind, loving God is your Savior, he removes those pictures from your storyboard and replaces them with pictures of Jesus’ loving words, his kind actions, his charitable thoughts. God wants you to remember the good things he has done for you – how he saved you from your sins and saved you for himself.

Isaiah writes, “In his love and mercy he redeemed them.” (Isaiah 63:9) Good thing God did for you is he redeemed you. Jesus paid a price – his very life – to make you his own. You belong to him. Usually when a person is owned by someone else, that’s not a good thing. But in this case, it is one of the many good things the LORD has done for you. Listen!

“He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old” (Isaiah 63:9). The picture is of a child lifting up her arms saying, “Up! Up!” The Father lifts his child up in his arms. Because you belong to your Father in heaven he has lifted you up and carried you. Look back on the year and see how often the LORD did this for you.

So instead of looking ahead to 2026 and wondering what this year will bring, start today by reading your bible every day and remember the many good things the LORD has done for you.

Prayer:

Eternal God, you are always the same and your years have no end. In your mercy we close another year and begin another. You have done good things for us. For this we humbly say, “Thank you.” Move us to devote our time to your Word this year, so that you may remind us of all the good things you have done and will continue to do for us. We march confidently into the New Year with your compassion and kindness to bless us. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – The Hidden Glory of God – December 26, 2025

2025/12/26/in Military Devotions

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Based on John 1:1-14

The Hidden Glory of God

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

The Word—Jesus is the Word. In eternity God spoke, and the world came into being. God spoke and there was light. When the darkness of sin invaded the light, God spoke again and made promises to scatter the darkness. The Word, God from eternity, begotten of the Father, so interconnected with the Father, would take on human flesh. He would be present, not omnipresent as he was before, but confined to space and time.

The Word became flesh. Jesus assumed the true nature of a human being and lived among his creatures. Men like John the apostle spent a considerable amount of time with him and were able to examine and listen, to scrutinize and confirm: “Yes, this one is like us! He gets tired and hungry and needs water, he cries and he laughs, and he is truly human.” And yet, John says, “We have seen his glory.”

John watched with amazement as the Word revealed the thoughts and attitudes of the hearts of men. He watched the Word walk on water. He watched him heal the sick and raise the dead. The Word himself was subjected to death—they snuffed out the light of life—but he came back from the dead.

Although Jesus was God from eternity and embodied the fullness of the deity, and although John said, “We have seen his glory,” the Word hid his glory. The Word became flesh, not in a palace among kings and princes, but in a lowly place where animals ate and slept. The Word became flesh, not to flaunt his power through words that thunder from heaven, but in the quiet whisper of good news: “You are forgiven!”

At Christmastime we might be tempted to look for something more from Jesus—some sort of financial miracle to get us out of a money mess, some sort of grace bomb that will restore all our broken relationships, some sort of heart and mind transplant that will remove all these relentless inappropriate thoughts and desires.

The Word became flesh and still hides his glory. He hides his grandeur in a gentle word of grace and truth spoken to you: “I forgive you all your sins.” He hides his greatness in simple water where you are reassured: “Yes, you are my child.” He hides in simple bread and wine: “This is my body, this is my blood, given for you for the pardon of all your transgressions.” Grace and truth for you.

This Christmas, marvel at the Word made flesh, who hid his glory, who hides his glory even now, so that you might receive the greatest gifts: grace and truth today, tomorrow, and for eternity, where you will behold him in all his glory.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, during these days of the Christmas season, reassure us that you became flesh so that you might give us your grace and truth. Reassure those who serve in our nation’s military that although they may be far from their loved ones this Christmas, you continue to dwell among your people. Comfort family members and friends who miss their service member with your abiding presence. Renew in us the desire to read, study, and pray on your Word of truth daily so we never forget why you were born—to save us. In your name we pray. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – It Will Not Happen – December 19, 2025

2025/12/19/in Military Devotions

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Based on Isaiah 7:10-14

It Will Not Happen

“It will not happen. There’s no probable way they can win the battle.”

These words could have been spoken during the Revolutionary War. When you read the history of the armed forces under General Washington’s command—the untrained militiamen, the undisciplined Continental Army, the circumstances leading up to that bleak winter at Valley Forge—it wasn’t going to happen. Their situation was desperate. Until a foreigner, a stranger named Baron von Steuben, brought training, discipline, improved hygiene, and increased morale among the troops. He is credited as one of the key figures in turning defeat into victory.

“It will not happen. There is no probable way they can win the battle.” These words could have been spoken by the enemies of the people of Judah, during the time of Isaiah the prophet. The nations of Aram and Ephraim joined forces against God’s people and had already defeated King Ahaz in battle, twice! Now they marched against the city of Jerusalem. The people of Judah had no chance. They would all die or be carried off as slaves. It was inevitable.

But God spoke up and said, “It will not happen. It will not take place.” Meaning, “My people will not lose. Her enemies will not overpower her. I will do the impossible, the unexpected, and rescue them from certain disaster.” God saved his people.

God even gave a sign to wicked King Ahaz to prove to him that he would keep his promise—an unexpected sign: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). How’s that for a sign? God was looking ahead to a greater deliverance, not just from physical armies that threaten to destroy his people but from the spiritual forces of evil who threaten his people. A virgin would give birth to God, who would live as a human being among the people of the world. He would save the world from her enemies: sin, death, the devil, and hell itself.

Who are the enemies that stand in your way and make it feel impossible that you will get through another holiday season? Is it guilt, the guilt of knowing your words caused hurt and as a result there are people you love with whom you will not spend Christmas? Is it regret over an act of infidelity that caused separation in the family? Is it loneliness, knowing that your son or daughter will be in basic training or in the desert or the middle of the ocean this Christmas? Or will it be you in the middle of the ocean or in the desert or in the barracks this Christmas, feeling lonely? These enemies make us feel that we, God’s people, stand no chance to win in spiritual battle.

But listen! God speaks: “It will not happen. It will not take place.” Your sins will not overpower you. Satan’s lies cannot stand against you. Guilt and regret will not overwhelm you. Loneliness will not crush you, because God kept his promise to you. The virgin did conceive. She bore a son. His name is Immanuel, “God with us,” to be our sin, to give pardon for sins, to be our presence. God with us to save us. God with us to do the unexpected and impossible. That’s what Immanuel has done for you.

Prayer:

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the burden of our sins and make us ready for the celebration of your birth so that we may receive you in joy and serve you always.

We thank you for our United States Space Force, which celebrates its sixth anniversary this year on December 20th. Just as you are always above us, looking down and protecting us, cause the members of our Space Force to faithfully carry out their motto, “Semper Supra” (always above), providing defense and protection from all adversaries and threats emanating from the domain of space. In your name we pray. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Do Not Be Afraid – December 12, 2025

2025/12/12/in Military Devotions

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Based on Isaiah 35:3-4

Do Not Be Afraid

I’m certain you’ve heard it at least once the past couple of weeks and will continue to hear it until December 25th if not until January 1st—that old-time classic, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

But I know that’s not always true. The holiday season can lend itself to more tension in the family. Tighter budgets as families plan for Christmas gifting and Christmas travel create financial strain. There can be stress from family gatherings. Increased alcohol consumption can create a volatile environment. That’s when military families see a rise in domestic abuse.

Unfortunately for some, or maybe for you or someone you know, there could be emotional manipulation, physical or sexual violence, financial deprivation, intimidation, or deliberate isolation preventing you from gathering with family, cutting off emotional support.

If this is you, I want you to know a few things. First, you do not deserve to be subjected to abuse. It is not okay. Second, this world is a broken place, filled with people who are so broken by sin they do awful things to each other. I am sorry that this is happening to you.

You may feel powerless and alone, but you are not. You do not have to be afraid. If you are a victim of abuse, your knees may be weak and wobbly, afraid to walk into a pastor’s or chaplain’s office. Your hands may tremble, afraid to pick up the phone and call, with a heart that is so afraid you don’t know what to do or what to think.

Listen to the words of your Savior God through the prophet Isaiah: “Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you’ ” (Isaiah 35:3-4).

Please do not misunderstand God when he says to you, “Be strong, do not fear.” He is not saying, “Chin up! Just be stronger, pray harder, believe more, and you’ll get through this!” When God makes this statement, “Be strong, do not fear,” he gives you the power to do just that.

Your God gives power by bringing a message of hope and life for you. Your God is the God who saves the broken, and that salvation is yours today, tomorrow, and forever. Through Jesus you are right with God. You have an identity in him. You are his child. You are loved by him. And I don’t know why this is happening to you right now, but he knows and he has done something about it. He redeemed all things, including you and your situation, when he became the victim of abuse on the cross.

He also wants you to know that he is the God of justice. His justice will come. God will hold abusers accountable.

This promise from God is meant to strengthen your feeble hands and weak knees, to give confidence to your fearful heart to take the next steps. He will be your power when you feel you have no power to move forward. He will be your presence when you feel alone.

While you wait for his justice, it does not mean staying in an unsafe situation. God provides earthly help and shelter through the people he places around you—pastors, chaplains, commanders, police officers, family advocates, judges, lawyers, family members, and friends.

Be strong. Do not be afraid. Your God comes to save you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you know brokenness. You know abuse. You were once broken and abused. You endured it all by your death on the cross and were raised again to give us the hope of life in that place of perfect peace. Empower victims of abuse to get help. Help us to become faithful advocates and safe spaces for victims of abuse. Open our ears to listen, our arms to hold, our mouths to speak your words of comfort and love. In your name we ask it. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Hope in December – December 5, 2025

2025/12/05/in Military Devotions

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Based on Romans 15:13

Hope in December

When you step off the boat and walk up the ramp and step into the memorial, you look down 184 feet to the other side and see a wall through a small opening. As you walk the length of the memorial and step into that room, you stop and see that the wall holds the names of 1,177 sailors and Marines who were killed aboard the USS Arizona during the attack of December 7, 1941. There are no artificial lights, but the artwork on the sides of the walls allows natural Hawaii sunlight to shine on those names.

The artwork is called the Tree of Life, created by architect Alfred Preis, who wanted it to be “a symbol of renewal to inspire contemplation.” The tree of life is referred to in the books of Genesis and Revelation—a lifegiving tree for all who eat its fruit. That first tree in the Garden of Eden was destroyed in the great flood at the time of Noah. Paradise was lost because of sin. In Revelation the apostle John sees paradise restored and redeemed by Christ, who destroyed death by his resurrection from the depths of the grave. In the Garden of Eden restored, John sees the Tree of Life there, bearing fruit every month, for the healing of the nations, to dry the tears of those who mourn. This is the promise held out to you and to all who hope in Christ for life eternal.

This is the hope we have when we stand in places like the USS Arizona Memorial, when we stand at a coffin or urn, or lay flowers at a gravestone. There is life in the places where the dead lay. Those bodies in their watery grave, both those who perished and the survivors who died and have been interred with their shipmates, will rise again, and we with them. This is the hope we have as we wait for Jesus to come again and bring us to that place in heaven. There we will eat the fruit from the Tree of Life and live forever, never to die again. Listen to the apostle Paul’s encouragement in Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Days of remembrance, like December 7, might be hard for you, especially if you’ve lost someone in combat or in a tragic accident. These days leading up to Christmas might be difficult as you think about the reality of someone close to you not being here at Christmas.

My prayer is that this sure and certain hope of the resurrection of the dead when Christ comes again fills you with joy and peace this Advent and Christmas season.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, the God of all hope, always hold before our eyes that vision of the Tree of Life so that we may always have hope. Grant peace and joy to those who mourn. Use remembrances like December 7th as a reminder for us to repent of our sins daily so that we are ready for your return. Use days like December 7th to remind us to pray for peace, to pray that your Almighty hand guard and keep us from those who would bring evil on us. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, and bring us to that place of everlasting peace and joy. Amen

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Thank You – November 28, 2025

2025/11/28/in Military Devotions

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Based on Philippians 1:3-6

Thank You

Since this is Thanksgiving weekend, I want to pause and reflect on the past year. The mission of WELS Ministry to the Military is to make Word and sacrament available to our actively serving military members and their families. To carry out this mission, the Wisconsin Synod provides financial support for 25 percent of our operating expenses. The other 75 percent comes from generous gifts from you. This past year WELS Ministry to the Military received $154,000 in gifts. Thank you!

Your generosity and the work we do together as a synod reminds me of the apostle Paul’s words to the Christians in Philippi: “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).

Because of your generosity this past year, I was able to travel to 10 duty stations (including one aircraft carrier and 3 duty stations overseas), 16 congregations, 3 high schools, and 2 grade schools. This included a trip to Okinawa this past January where we led a retreat for service members who came from Guam, Japan, South Korea, and Okinawa.

Because of your generosity, our office mailed 130 Spiritual Deployment Kits to service members around the world, not to mention a number of hymnals, catechisms, and devotion books. Thanks to you, 135 new referrals came in through our website.

We were able to train seven Distinctive Religious Group Leaders to lead Bible study and worship in places we can’t be. Five more are being trained right now.

I want to say thank you to our European chaplain, Rob Weiss, and his wife, Rachel, for their faithful, dedicated service all over Europe: Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Poland.

Thank you to the WELS pastors, teachers, and staff ministers who encourage and support our military service members, who show compassion and care to the family members when their service member is away from home. Thank you to all the grade schools, pastors’ and teachers’ conferences, and churches who adopted our ministry for their mission offering designation.

Thank you to the WELS pastors and lay leaders who serve as contacts at numerous duty stations around the country, especially those who take extra time to visit our young people during basic training. I’d like to highlight Hope in Irmo, S.C., for serving Fort Jackson; Immanuel in Waukegan, Ill., for serving Great Lakes; Our Savior in San Antonio, Texas, for serving Lackland Air Force Base; and Risen Savior in Chula Vista, Calif., for serving Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD).

At MCRD Pastor Paul Schulz leads the Lutheran service on Sunday mornings. This past year the Holy Spirit blessed Pastor Schulz’ efforts with an average Sunday worship attendance of 47 recruits, and he was privileged to baptize 25 Marine Corps recruits. Thank you to the congregations in the Colorado Springs area for adopting Air Force cadets at the Academy and being their home away from home.

Thank you to the Lutheran Military Support Group (LMSG) for their partnership. Because of their generosity, we led a Military Contact Pastor workshop near Hill Air Force Base in Layton, Utah, this past May. The LMSG also provided professional Christian counseling for active duty service members, veterans, and their dependents.

I am grateful for our working relationship with WELS Campus Ministry. They have been helpful in identifying high school graduates pursuing ROTC or the National Guard and referring them to our ministry.

Thank you to Michigan Lutheran Seminary who reached out to us, wanting to partner and provide a stable high school experience for high school-age students of our service members.

I am grateful to the members and staff at Reformation Lutheran Church and School here in San Diego, where my wife teaches and we are members. You have been a huge support for our family.

I want to say thank to the team that works behind the scenes to publish these devotions, for posting on our social media and website. You are so patient with me!

I want to thank my Military Services Committee family: Paul, Joel, Holly, Josh, Dave, Ryan, Rob, Rachel, and Dale. It is a joy working with you.

From me personally, I want to thank you for your small tokens of appreciation. The challenge coins, squadron caps and patches, letters, e-mails, and text messages—this is all so humbling and encouraging. And I am grateful for all of you every day for this partnership in the gospel. I ask that you continue to keep WELS Ministry to the Military in your prayers so that together we might reach more of our nation’s service members with Word and sacrament.

Have a happy Thanksgiving.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – I Am Coming Soon – November 21, 2025

2025/11/21/in Military Devotions

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Based on Revelation 22:12a, 13-14

I Am Coming Soon

He was scheduled to come back into his home port of San Diego the final week in October. He had even arranged a special base pass for me so that I could be there on the dock when his shipped rolled in. Here it is . . . November 21. He’s still underway. I’m hoping that I’ll see him for Christmas, but even that is questionable.

Not that long ago, 6-month deployments used to be 12-month deployments. Even due to OPTEMPO, the actions of near-peer competitors, and a whole host of other factors, redeployment back home rarely is on time. This creates strain in marriages, disappointment for family members and friends, and frustration. People say things like, “You said you were coming back soon . . .” It’s hard waiting. It’s hard to practice patience in those situations.

It reminds me of someone who is kind of important in my life and I’m guessing in yours too—someone who said that he was coming soon to visit me and you and the whole world in order to bring us home, to our eternal home.

In the apostle John’s revelation of Jesus Christ, our Lord makes this promise: “Look, I am coming soon! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:12a, 13-14).
Jesus said those words almost 2,000 years ago. When he says, “I am coming soon,” it moves us to ask, “What is soon for you, dear Jesus? It’s been quite some time for us here on earth.” The waiting and practicing patience—this is hard for us who have same-day delivery and expect our cheeseburger to be ready when we roll up to the drive-through window.
When Jesus refers to himself as the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, we begin to see that first of all, he is the eternal present. He is not bound by space or time. When he spoke those words, it was as if he had already made good on that promise. And so, when Jesus says, “I am coming soon,” it’s as good as done. Trust him that he will do what he promises you.

When he comes again—and he will—he will bring us through the gates of the city, the holy city, the new Jerusalem, heaven itself. The special pass he gives you even now is that robe that has been washed in his blood, through the waters of your baptism. You have this special pass right now to get into heaven. So wait. Be patient. Trust his promise. He will come again. He will come soon for you, just as he promised, and what an amazing homecoming that will be for us.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, come quickly, as you promised, and bring us home to be with you, where we will wait no more for anything. Keep us patient and diligent in the reading, studying, and sharing of your lifegiving words so that we are ready when you come for us. You know those who are waiting for their loved ones to redeploy. You know the deployment schedules and for whatever reason you in your infinite wisdom sometimes allow them to delay. Remind us all that our times are in your hands. Bring our loved ones home from deployment safely, in your time and in your way. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Military Devotion – Stand Firm – November 14, 2025

2025/11/14/in Military Devotions

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Based on Luke 21:10-28

Stand Firm

There has not been a generation of Americans who have lived their entire lives without their country being involved in a war or military conflict. Even during those rare stretches of relative peace, our US military was still engaged in smaller operations or “police actions.” To help me better understand our military history, one of my soldiers recommended this book: For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States from 1607 to 2012, 3rd edition.

We pray for peace around the world and in our own country, because war is horrific. People die. Some war fighters who return home find themselves lost and misunderstood by civilians. Others are broken in body and mind. Some sadly lose their faith in God. One war fighter recently shared this with me: “The American civilian public is not ready for large-scale combat, for high numbers of casualties. We’ve not had to wrestle with that reality for decades. We’re not equipped to handle this right now. Please pray for peace.”

Jesus tells us there will be wars and uprisings. There will be earthquakes and famines and pestilence in various places, which means there will always be a need for a National Guard. Jesus also says there will be spiritual conflict. He says, “They will . . . persecute you” (Luke 21:12).

This week I asked a soldier, “How can I pray for you?” He texted back, “Pray that I continue to focus my mind and heart on what our Savior did for us and have the courage to comfortably share it with others.” The military culture—and our society—is not friendly to those who follow Jesus, and he tells us it will get worse for us.

How are we to handle this and not become overwhelmed with depression and anxiety?

After Jesus had shared with his disciples all the bad news about wars and persecutions and disasters, he said this: “Stand firm, and you will win life” (Luke 21:19). You will win.

Jesus won the victory over death and grave. You will win.

Jesus stood firm against the spiritual forces of evil. You will win.

Stand firm on that promise by reminding yourself of that promise every time you hear bad news.

And “when these things begin to take place” (Luke 21:28)—the frightening things that will happen when Jesus comes again—he says that heavenly bodies will be shaken, the dead will rise, and all will see him coming again in the clouds with his angels. Many will be terrified. But Jesus tells you, “Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28).

Christ has redeemed all things. The curse of sin is undone because Christ became the curse for us. The grave is conquered because Jesus lives, never to die again. Paradise lost is restored when Christ creates a new heaven and a new earth for us.

Please understand that we live in the “already” and the “not yet.” But when these things begin to take place, stand firm and you will win life. Stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, in a world filled with conflict and fear, help us to stand firm in your victory. When wars rage around us and within us, steady our hearts with the promise of redemption. Give courage to those who serve our nation and strength to all who serve you. Lift our eyes from the chaos of this world to the hope of your coming kingdom. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Worthy of Rescue – November 7, 2025

2025/11/07/in Devotions, Military Devotions

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Based on Romans 5:6-8

Worthy of Rescue

It is the highest award for bravery that can be given to an individual in the United States. The deed must be proven by incontestable evidence of at least two eyewitnesses; it must be so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes the recipient’s gallantry above and beyond the call of duty from lesser forms of bravery; it must involve the risk of his or her life.

Since 1862, 297 US Marines have been awarded the Medal of Honor. One of the most recent Marines is Sgt. Dakota Louis Meyer. In 2009, during the war in Afghanistan, Meyer spent six hours traversing in and out of an active combat zone to rescue 36 trapped men and recover the bodies of 4 US service members fallen in an ambush by Taliban fighters. Why did he do it? Meyer said, “That’s what you do for a brother. You don’t leave anyone behind.”

Are you someone who is worth rescuing? Would someone risk his or her life to save yours? There may be some days you do not feel worthy, perhaps because of actions not taken in combat, things you did in training or on deployment. Perhaps to this day you still question orders you were given by command because they violated your moral code, but you carried them out anyway—and this bothers you. Why would someone risk his or her life to save yours?

Someone did deem you worthy. Someone did think you were worth risking his life for. In fact, he put himself in harm’s way and died to save your life.

The apostle Paul in Romans 5:6-8 wrote, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

No matter how you feel about your self-worth, know that Jesus laid down his life for you because he loves you. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, engaged in conflict against an opposing force, and he died so that you might live. Live now with the peace of knowing God loves you. You are worth his Son’s life. You are priceless in his sight.

There’s an application for you that I see depicted on the Navy Medal of Honor. There you see Minerva, the Roman goddess of warfare, holding in her hand a shield with which she repels serpents held by the crouching figure Discord. Because Jesus laid down his life for you, because God loves you, any strife or discord, any chaos, any questions or doubts, are repelled by Jesus’ actions for you. Yes, you are worthy of rescue.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, how can we thank you for your great sacrifice for us? Help us to live our lives confidently, knowing that because you died and live again, we may live at peace with ourselves and with you. As our United States Marine Corps celebrates its 250th anniversary this week, we ask you to protect our Marines who fight our country’s battles in the air, on land, and on the sea. Raise up faithful officers and enlisted who will fight for right and freedom to keep our nation safe. Amen.

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

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