Devotions

Transformed – teen devotion – August 6, 2023

2023/08/06/in Teen Devotions

One truth shared: God provides what we need in life—especially our greatest needs in Jesus.

Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.”

Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.”

So he did what the Lord had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
1 Kings 17:1-6

God Always Provides

What’s the last thing you ate? I suppose the answer depends on what time of day you are reading this. If you just woke up, it might have been a late-night snack of pizza rolls the night before. Or maybe you are having breakfast right now. Or could it be that you finally had a day to sleep in and you slept all the way to lunch? Nothing like some pizza leftovers to get your day started right! Is this a nighttime devotion and you’re eating some fresh, hot, delicious pizza just delivered to your door? (Are you sensing a theme?)

Whatever it is you ate last, where did it come from? You might say it came from your fridge or pantry or the delivery person. But how did it get there? Okay, so maybe it came from the grocery store or fast food chain. But how did it get to those places? And how did it get from that location to your house?

We could play this game all day long and you would probably get pretty annoyed. So before you stop playing the question game with me, maybe you get the point? It takes a lot for you to get one slice of pizza, one protein bar, or one loaf of bread. There are farmers who grow and produce products and ship them off to factories. There are workers in the factories. There are drivers to the factory and from the factory to the store. Then there are managers, shelf stockers, and the friendly people who check out your groceries or deliver your pizza. But you wouldn’t have those groceries unless someone in your family had a job and earned money and then used that money to buy food and then brought that food to your home or ordered that pizza to arrive at your house. That’s a lot of people who go into one piece of pepperoni and cheese!

But if we really trace everything back to its source, doesn’t it always go back to God? He is the one that sends rain and sunshine. He is the one that causes things to grow. God is the one who gives people their vocation as farmer or driver or worker or father or mother and uses each person together in an intricate web of connection so as to provide for all of us.

It’s probably true that in America, a land of abundance, we often take God’s providing for granted. I mean, wouldn’t you recognize God’s loving care a little more if you had ravens dropping off food for you like Elijah did in the story for today? (Do you think you would need to tip the raven like the pizza delivery dude?) But just because your PBJ sandwich wasn’t delivered by animals or you haven’t seen Jesus feed the 5,000, it doesn’t mean that God’s providing for you is any less incredible. God works in many, incredible ways to make sure you have what you need.

Of course, the food in the fridge or even the burger in your to-go bag is nothing compared to our greatest need God has met. He provided a Savior for the entire world. He provides forgiveness for your sins. He provides a place for you waiting in heaven. Now that is truly miraculous! God gives you pizza and eternal life with him! What a gracious God!

In our land of consumerism where you can order or buy just about anything you want any time you want, and most people have fridges and pantries spilling over in abundance, don’t forget the God who makes that all possible. Most importantly, don’t forget the God who provides for your greatest needs in Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, King David wrote that, “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing” (Psalm 145:15,16). Thank you for all that you provide for me, especially for the gift of your Son Jesus. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Jesus Provides Our Daily Bread – August 6, 2023

2023/08/06/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, [Jesus] gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Matthew 14:19-21

Jesus Provides Our Daily Bread

Daily Devotion – August 6, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 14:19-21

See series: Devotions

Up. Up. Up. So go the prices for almost everything. Gas. Groceries. You name it, and it’s going to cost more. Up. Up. Up. So go the level of anxiety in our hearts, worrying in our minds, and stress in our lives.

Stop the sinful worrying. When you worry, you are not trusting God, and that’s a sin. Away with anxious thoughts and enough stressing about things out of your control.

Jesus knows our needs. He knows we need food in our stomachs, air in our lungs, clothes on our backs, and a roof over our heads. He has taught us to pray for daily bread with confidence and trust and will not disappoint us. Look how miraculously he fed the large crowd of people in our Bible reading for today.

Jesus has taken care of our spiritual need to be reconciled to God. He accomplished this by a bloody cross and a triumphant cry, “It is finished!” Look to him with the eyes of faith to provide for today, tomorrow and every tomorrow, even when prices go up, up, and up.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the eyes of all, including me, look to you to open your hand and satisfy our desires. Do this, for the sake of your goodness. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Wisdom – August 5, 2023

2023/08/05/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[King Solomon prayed]: “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”
1 Kings 3:9

Wisdom

Daily Devotion – August 5, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Kings 3:9

See series: Devotions

We live in the information age (and misinformation). If you don’t have knowledge on a topic, what you want to know is usually just seconds away. A quick internet search and you suddenly know the 24th President, the name of that weird-looking insect, and 97 recipes for chocolate chip cookies.

Knowledge is available to us. The problem is we often don’t ask for it. And, when we have it, we don’t apply it. This problem impacts more than our retirement planning, fantasy football picks, and menu choices. We are not wise in the way we think and live. Too often, wisdom is missing in the way we treat others and honor our God. We know what is right, but we unwisely choose ourselves over others. We lash out in anger. We love things of this world more than God. This kind of “un-wisdom,” God calls sin.

In wisdom and mercy, God the Father sent Jesus. God’s wise plan included Jesus living perfectly in our place. In God’s wisdom, Jesus suffered and died for all our sins. In perfect wisdom, Jesus rose to life on the third day in victory over sin and death. God’s wisdom resulted in forgiveness for all.

Solomon had recently succeeded his father, David, as the king of Israel. As a young man and inexperienced leader, what could God give him that would enable him to serve his people and his God best? Wisdom. And so, Solomon asked for a discerning heart. God blessed him with a wise and discerning heart.

We don’t need to be a king or be stuck with a seemingly impossible task to realize one of the many things we really need. We need wisdom in our work, in our relationships, in our witness to others, and in our lives of thanks to God.

Pray. Ask God for wisdom to serve and love him in all you do. And thank God that his wisdom and love led him to purchase and give you forgiveness through Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your love and wisdom, your forgiveness and peace through Jesus. Give me wisdom so that I faithfully serve others and honor you in all I do. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

God gives you more than money – August 4, 2023

2023/08/04/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 1 Timothy 6:17-21

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1 Timothy 6:17

God gives you more than money

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – August 4, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Timothy 6:17

See series: Devotions

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

Matt and Rachel were so excited. They finally were buying the house of their dreams for their young family. But it wasn’t easy! They were anxious that someone else would swoop in and buy the house before they could. They went to the bank to get help to fund it. Through it all, they scrounged and scraped to put together a downpayment—even emptying the big bottle of coins on the floor by their dresser! If you asked Matt and Rachel, “If you had more money, would it have made it all easier?” They would have answered, “Absolutely!” But Matt and Rachel also knew what a temptation that would be—to be arrogant and put their hope in wealth.

Where does that temptation come from? We’re born with it. The sinful nature knows only how to be arrogant and to put its hope in all the wrong gods. In our verse for today, Paul warns Timothy about the special temptation that wealthy people face when they count on their money or how many good things they own. That’s when wealth stops being a good thing and starts being a god. But it’s not just rich people who think about money. People with little money also think a lot about money!

How does God want us to think about money? God says that money makes you no promises, forgives zero of your sins, and guarantees nothing in your eternity. So why pursue it as our highest good? It will only make you arrogant when you have some and angry when you don’t. No wonder Paul said that wealth is so uncertain.

When Matt and Rachel were facing the uncertainty of buying their home, they decided to put their hope in God instead of pinning it on the not-so-almighty dollar. They realized God is the one who owns everything and yet made himself nothing, so that in Christ he could take their place.

God gives you more than money. He gives you Jesus. For all our self-serving attitudes about money, Jesus had a single thought his entire life: saving you. So he gave up everything to make you his own. In Christ, we are set free from sin and freed to see money in a whole new way. Money doesn’t give meaning to your life; but your new life with Christ does! May you and your family reflect his love, support the work of sharing his love, and remember that Jesus is your hope!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, you are our sure and certain hope. You never fail us, leave us, or forsake us. Help us to trust in your perfect power to provide all that we need. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Who owns everything in the whole world?
What has God given to you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why is trusting in money to solve all our problems a bad idea?
Who “was rich, yet for your sakes became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Agree/Disagree: Money is the root of all evil.
How does Jesus’ free forgiveness change the way I think about money and stuff?

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

My Namesake – August 4, 2023

2023/08/04/in Devotions, Military Devotions

My Namesake – August 4, 2023

For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
Psalm 25:11

Military Devotion – August 4, 2023

Devotion based on Psalm 25:11

See series: Military Devotions

My namesake is the apostle Paul. There are others with that name in my family line, but my mother made sure when I was very young that I would know exactly whom I was named after. No doubt, there are also many others named after this well-known Christian leader.

Some people are named after other heroes of faith. Peter, Deborah, and Esther are on the long list of such special names. But at the top of the list is a name that is often overlooked, yet it is the most important of all. If that name is not there, nothing else matters.

Those who have put their trust in the one who has bought them with the blood of Christ are named after the LORD of all. That may surprise us for his name is special. His name is holy. His name represents everything he is and everything he has done. It dare not be misused.

He has stated, “I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols” (Isaiah 42:8).

How is it then that sinful mortals can carry the name of the eternal, almighty God?

Therein lies the greatest news of all time and the heart of the Bible’s message.

It starts with the matter of iniquity. That’s where David begins in this psalm. He announces, “To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;” then he explains why, “in you I trust, O my God” (Psalm 25:1).

He quickly asks the Lord to remember something important. “Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old” (verse 6).

Just as quickly, he begs God to forget something. “Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways.”

Then he returns to the basis of his plea for mercy: “According to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD” (verse 7).

That’s a familiar concept for God’s people. It reminds one of the often-used table prayer, “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV).

The mercy of God is the answer to human iniquity. The Bible defines iniquity in many ways, such as, “do wrong,” “transgression” and “miss the mark.” But the most common term is “sin.” David hit the mark when he confessed to the LORD, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:4).

David admitted to doing evil. That should have been a death sentence. It is written, “The soul who sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 18:4).

Why didn’t he? Why wasn’t he delivered to the gates of hell? When David confessed to adultery and murder, he was told, “The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die” (2 Samuel 12:13).

How can that be? The answer is found in David’s namesake. He was called the Son of David. He carried the name Jesus. The apostle John wrote by divine inspiration, “I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name” (1 John 2:12).

The God of free and faithful grace assures us, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

At our baptism, we were named as his child and assured our sins had been washed away.

We still are so named. They still are washed away. We are blessed.

Already at the time of Moses, he gave his people the opportunity to have the name of the LORD placed upon them. It frequently happens in our time at the end of our worship services. The pastor raises his hands and declares,

“The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace.”

The LORD explained the reason for this benediction. “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them” (Numbers 6:27).

We walk out of worship with the very name of the Savior God placed upon us. We walk away with our sins forgiven. We walk forward in life, wherever our path may take us, as redeemed and richly blessed children of the heavenly Father.

When we pray, “Our Father who art in heaven,” he hears us. He knows us. He loves us. He blesses us.

We bear his name.

He is our namesake.

Prayer:
“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,
And drives away all fear.” Amen.
(Christian Worship 541:1)

Points to ponder:

Since we regularly call ourselves Christian, why do we easily forget Christ is our namesake?
How does bearing the name of God encourage us to avoid sin?
Why should the benediction at the end of a worship service lift our spirits?

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

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

Rest From Ourselves – August 4, 2023

2023/08/04/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 7:24,25

Rest From Ourselves

Daily Devotion – August 4, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 7:24,25

See series: Devotions

We are not what we were meant to be. That is difficult to admit. Maybe we even fool ourselves for a while. We accumulate money and material possessions, awards and recognition, a good reputation, and a loving family. We can fill our lives with so many good things and distract ourselves from what is true. But can we really escape the feeling that not everything is what it was meant to be?

We look back at our lives and see missed opportunities. Even with all the positive things, we can look back and see a past littered with failures we managed to hide from the world, but failures, nonetheless. We see a list of things left undone, regrets, and mistakes.

And even if we succeed in so many ways and if the good far outweighs the bad, it still ends in death. It still ends the same way it has for centuries. The richest, most powerful people in history still die like everyone else. This perhaps leaves many wondering, “Is this it? Weren’t we meant for so much more?”

Thankfully, there is so much more. God delivers us from mistakes and missed opportunities. God rescues us from sin and death. Through Jesus, God gives us the victory over sin, death, and the grave. Jesus was exactly who he was meant to be: the only perfect Savior this world will ever see. Through Jesus life, death, and resurrection, he has forgiven our sins and earned our salvation. And because of Jesus, we can look forward to so much more. We will have an eternity of joy, peace, and eternal rest in heaven where there will be no more death. A place where we will finally be what we were meant to be: perfect. “Thanks be to God, who delivers us through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you are my everything. Help me to live for you today and to keep my eyes on my heavenly home. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Rest From Good Intentions – August 3, 2023

2023/08/03/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
Romans 7:18,19

Rest From Good Intentions

Daily Devotion – August 3, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 7:18,19

See series: Devotions

It happened again, didn’t it? The thing that you have been struggling with. The thing that you promised yourself you were not going to do again. Maybe you got drunk. Perhaps you let yourself worry away a few hours rather than pray for strength. It could be that you visited that same website or caught yourself cursing at work.

We always have such good intentions. We have sins that we do not want to repeat. We want to do the right thing and intend to make positive changes in our lives. But we so often fail to make those changes. It has been said the road to heaven is not paved with good intentions. We are not saved because we mean well. We won’t go to heaven simply because we want to do the right thing. In fact, we cannot be saved by anything we can do.

We are saved only because of Jesus. Jesus, true God and true man, is the only one who always did the right thing. The only one who never once thought about doing the right thing, only to fail and fall into sin. In fact, the Bible tells us that Jesus never sinned even one time! And at the end of that perfect life in our place, Jesus gave his life on the cross to set us free from sin.

The road to heaven is not paved with our good intentions but with the perfect life and innocent death of Jesus. It has been washed clean by his blood. Through faith in Jesus, we have been placed on the road to heaven. Jesus forgives our sins and gives us strength for our daily struggles.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to find comfort today, not in my good intentions, but in your life and death for me. When I struggle with right and wrong, give me the strength to live for you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Ask for whatever you want – August 2, 2023

2023/08/02/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 1 Kings 3:5-12

At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
1 Kings 3:5

Ask for whatever you want

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – August 2, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Kings 3:5

See series: Devotions

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

It sounded too good to be true. God appeared to Solomon during the night, threw open the doors to the treasure house of heaven, allowed the young king to survey this vast fortune, and said, “Pick one.” What an offer! What a choice! What would you pick? For a young king like Solomon, there was no end to the list of needs he could rattle off that would really help him as he ruled God’s people. How about long life? People say “Long live the King!” but here’s an offer from God that could actually make that happen! Maybe money? With the right amount of that, he could do pretty much anything. But he didn’t ask for those things. In fact, at first, Solomon didn’t ask for anything. Instead, he praised the LORD for the great kindness he had shown him and his father David. Only then, after acknowledging that the LORD is the giver of all gifts, Solomon made his request: “Give me a listening heart.” Being king is a hard job. Solomon knew he needed a heart that was in tune with God and his Word more than anything else. Solomon desired spiritual wealth more than earthly treasure.

What would you ask for? We’d like to think our requests would be so noble—for spiritual wealth so that we could be better at serving, loving, and sharing Jesus with others. But we know that’s not the case. Sure, God hasn’t appeared to us in a dream and offered us anything we want, yet he has opened the treasure house of heaven to us. Every time you go to church to worship, you step into his treasure house. In Baptism, he connected you to Christ. He gave up everything for you—even his life on the cross. And now, he’s set you free—free to tell him how sorry you are for how badly you’ve been acting, or talking, or thinking. Then he speaks priceless words: “You’re forgiven.” Would you remember that the next time you are in God’s treasure house (church) and feel the service is soooo long? You are in God’s treasure house surrounded by the priceless riches of Jesus!

Being a child of God may sometimes feel like a hard job. Solomon knew he needed a heart that was in tune with God and his Word more than anything else. We need the same. We pray that God would give us a listening heart.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you are our priceless treasure. Give us “a listening heart” like you gave to Solomon. Help us to seek first your kingdom and righteousness, and trust that you will take care of everything else we need. 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

Read 1 Kings 3:5-12. Who appeared to Solomon in a dream?
What did the LORD say to Solomon?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What sorts of things does a king need to do a good job as king?
What did Solomon ask the LORD to give him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How would wisdom help Solomon in his work?
Why do we say that Jesus is our most priceless treasure?

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Rest From Managing Others – August 2, 2023

2023/08/02/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14

Rest From Managing Others

Daily Devotion – August 2, 2023

Devotion based on Exodus 33:14

See series: Devotions

I cannot begin to imagine how stressful life was for Moses. He was 80 years old and had never run a small business before, much less lead an entire nation. And here he was leading more than a million people out of Egypt and across the wilderness to the promised land of Israel—all on foot. Along the way, he was in charge of their civil life, gave orders to the military, oversaw the regulations regarding worship, and heard civil cases brought before him. He not only bore his own weights, fears, and worries, but also those of an entire nation of people. It is often said that the presidency ages the man in the office. I have to imagine that Moses’ time as leader wore him out to an even greater extent.

Thankfully, he wasn’t alone. God went with him. God spoke to him and reassured him again and again. He reminded him of his presence. He promised to be with him and to give him rest. This promise of rest meant that Moses could let his guard down. He could trust God and rest secure, knowing God would never leave him. God would never sleep on the job or let his guard down.

The same is true for you. In fact, you could say it is even better. God is present with you through Jesus and his Word. Jesus has given you wonderful promises of forgiveness, to save and help you, and to be with you always.

Through faith in Jesus, you have the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal rest in heaven. Whatever challenges you face, like Moses, you can rest secure knowing that God is in control and that Jesus is with you always.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to find rest in you. As I go about my tasks today, help me know that you are with me and will watch over me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Rest From the World – August 1, 2023

2023/08/01/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
Psalm 62:1,2

Rest From the World

Daily Devotion – August 1, 2023

Devotion based on Psalm 62:1,2

See series: Devotions

What is it that makes you feel shaken? What recent events have filled your heart with worry? What happened to you to cause you to live your life in fear? Maybe your twenty-four seven consumption of news has you wringing your hands over the state of the world. Perhaps recent health issues with no answers have left you wondering whether or not it is going to be okay. It could be that a tragedy in your life has left your faith so shaken that you have been seriously questioning whether God really does love you the way everyone says he does.

We need rest from the challenges of this world, and there is only one place to find such rest. This kind of rest can only be found in God. Only with God can we find salvation.

You were not the only one to notice the chaos of this world. God saw it too. He saw a world wrecked by sin and wanting to spin out of his control. God saw it, and he was moved to act. He sent his Son, Jesus, into this world to live and die in our place so that sin would no longer have control over us. And in rising from the dead, Jesus showed his complete control over sin and death. Thanks to Jesus, we are forgiven and saved.

The good news is that the God who saved us, is also in control of everything in this world. All of the things that cause us to worry and leave us shaken in our faith are all things that fall under the control of our God. Nothing happens without his knowledge. Knowing his love that saved us in Jesus, we can now rest secure in his loving care. With God as our rock and fortress—we will never be shaken!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you are my rock. You are my fortress. No matter what happens today, help me to trust in your love and never be shaken. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Giving up everything for one thing – July 31, 2023

2023/07/31/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 13:44-52

When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:46

Giving up everything for one thing

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – July 31, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 13:46

See series: Devotions

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

An enterprising young man started with one red paper clip. His goal was to see what he could exchange for it. Eventually, through a series of fourteen trades, he ended up with a two-story house. Wow! He had learned the fine art of giving up something to get something even better and more valuable.

Here’s a question for you: What would you give up so that you could have the thing you really want?

When we read Jesus’ stories in Matthew chapter 13, we come upon the stories of the treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price. In a way, Jesus ended both with the same truth: When someone finds the thing they really want, they’re willing to give up not just one thing, but everything.

So, what do you really want? What are you willing to give up so you can have it? Maybe it’s money or safety; a better relationship with someone in your family. As nice as all those things are, think deeper: what do you really want?

This week’s devotions will highlight wealth and how we, as children of God, get along with it. We live in a world that is driven by the want for more. Meanwhile, we remember that we are members of God’s kingdom, which offers something completely different.

That’s where it’s easy to get all mixed up. We want all our needs and wants to be met. We’re happiest when every one of our requests are met with a “Yes”! What we want is all that is important! What are you willing to sacrifice to get that kind of treasure?

Does this get us to the point of Jesus’ stories? Be willing to give up everything you have so you can obtain treasure that really matters—but it’s not what you may think you want. Real treasure is Jesus. Can you give up everything if it means getting him? Rather than telling you to give up something, let Jesus’ stories show us “Someone”:

Someone who knew what he wanted more than anything else in the world.
Someone who was willing to go all the way to make it his own.
Someone whose name is Jesus.

He didn’t win you through a series of trades and swaps, but he became like you and gave up everything so that he could have one thing: you.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you gave up everything so that you could make us your own. Fill us with your love that, we, too, will always find our eternal treasure in you. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Read Matthew 13:44-52. What did the two men find in the fields?
What did Jesus do to make you his own?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Read Matthew 13:44-52. What did the two men in Jesus’ stories have to do to get what they wanted?
Why is it so important to remember that Jesus and his Word are more valuable than anything?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Agree/Disagree: It’s a sin to be wealthy.
How do these parables of Jesus show me my sin? How do they show me my Savior and what he’s done for me?

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

The Christian Seeks Spiritual Wealth – Week of July 31, 2023

2023/07/31/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

The Christian Seeks Spiritual Wealth – Week of July 31, 2023

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

ECME Devotion July 31, 2023

See series: ECME Devotions

Whenever I read or hear this section, I wonder why the man was digging in a field that he didn’t own. With a little research, I learned the following.

At that time, it was common practice for a wealthy individual to divide up his wealth into three parts. He would keep one-third as cash for ongoing expenses and business. Another third would be invested—most likely in precious stones and jewels. He could take these with him easily if he needed to travel or flee. The final third would be buried in the ground. That way if he had to flee, all would not be lost. When he returned home, he could reclaim that part of his wealth, that is, if he returned home.

So, someone digging in a field that didn’t belong to him doesn’t seem as far-fetched. The man discovered a treasure. In his excitement, perhaps hoping to uncover even more but certainly so he could make a legitimate claim on the treasure, he took the risk of selling all he had to buy the field. We don’t know if this paid off, but it illustrates how much he valued the treasure.

The treasure in the illustration represents Christ the Savior and the kingdom of God. Nothing in all the world is more precious than this. Absolutely nothing. However, keeping this as our highest priority is a constant struggle for Christians. The distractions of the world are endless. They barrage our daily lives. It’s so easy to minimize or lose our excitement for this indescribable gift.

What are we willing to do to hold on to this treasure? This treasure is the Word. It sounds so simple—be in the Word. We read devotions like this one and recommit ourselves to our time in the Word. And in a blink, that commitment fades. And yet, God’s commitment to us does not fade. His promise to send a Savior? Kept. His promise to be with us in all things? Kept. His promise to strengthen and sustain our faith? Kept. We recognize that we can’t do it on our own. By his grace and with his help, God keeps us in faith, strengthens our faith, and helps us grow in our gratitude for the most precious treasure ever, the gift of faith in Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

We don’t need to sell all our earthly possessions, but we do need to be sure that things of this world don’t keep making their way back in front of our time with our Savior. He’s eager to spend that time with you, helping you grow in your faith in your Savior and his love, mercy and grace for you.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, you have so graciously given us your Word so that we can continue to learn more about you and all you have done for us. Help us to be excited to spend time with you in prayer, devotion, and in your Word. Amen

A Thought to Consider:

What are ways you can recommit being in the Word each day? Find small steps you can take toward your goal. Here are a couple of ideas to consider.

Get up even 10-15 minutes earlier and spend quiet moments with your Savior.
Use time driving to work listening to a devotion, the Bible, a book on faith.
Starting a spiritual journal where you choose a Bible verse and write a brief reflection on what the verses say about God, about his promises, about what they mean in your life.
Pull out a pen and take a few notes during the sermon.

Blessings to you in all of this!

Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Rest From Expectations – July 31, 2023

2023/07/31/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

Rest From Expectations

Daily Devotion – July 31, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 11:28-30

See series: Devotions

It’s exhausting, isn’t it? Always trying to live up to the expectations of others or the expectations we have for ourselves. Always trying to be the better person. Always having to be the one everyone looks to for answers, advice, and validation.

Whether we are a parent, manager, or reliable friend, people have expectations of us and depend on us. It can often feel like if we make one mistake it will end up hurting others or letting them down. If we make a mistake with so many people depending on us, our error will impact so many others. We so often fail to meet expectations. That is because we are not perfect. We try, but we are never good enough. and we are afraid that people will find out.

There is a better way—it is Jesus. He says, “Come to me . . . and I will give you rest.” The kind of rest Jesus gives is unique. It is not just a kick-your-feet-up-on-the-couch kind of rest. Rather, it is rest from sin. Rest from our own failures. Rest from having to be perfect or feeling like everything depends on us.

This rest from Jesus was hard-earned. It was earned by his time on the cross. A time when Jesus had no rest, suffered for your sins and mine, and gave his life so that we could live forever. Jesus died on the cross to take our sins away and make sure we could have eternal expectations of a home in heaven. Because of Jesus, our future is secure. That means the pressure is off! Now we are free to live our lives in service to Jesus and thank him for the eternal rest he has provided for us.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for meeting all of God’s expectations in my place. Help me today to live for you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Transformed – teen devotion – July 30, 2023

2023/07/30/in Teen Devotions

One truth shared: Go “all in” on treasuring and loving Jesus and his gospel more than anything or anyone else.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:44-46

A Priceless Treasure

What make and model phone do you have? Is it the newest and best, or is it old and beat-up with a shattered screen? How many pairs of shoes/sandals/slides/crocs do you think you have? Which is your favorite pair? If you could be a fashion influencer on social media, what clothing brand would you love to have an endless supply to model? If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would buy?

The old saying is that “money makes the world go round.” Well, ain’t that the truth! You’ve probably figured that out by now as a teen. The version of the phone you have, the kicks in your closet, the fabulous fits you wear, your decisions about college and career, your desire for things like a car, a home, and much more in the future—it all depends on and revolves around money.

In our commercialized America, it’s so easy to get caught up in some kind of fictitious dream of what life should look life—“I need a four-bedroom, three-bath house on one acre of land with two cars and a boat and three smiley kids.” OH . . . “And I need to earn this many dollars in scholarships and pay this much (or little) for college and get a career that makes this much money so I can get all that.”

Be careful! Satan wants to suck you into worldly thinking quicker than you can say mucho dinero. Too many teens worry way too much about scholarship and college costs. Too many teens make career choices based on how much money they might make some day. And too many people in general obsess about getting worldly treasures.

But when your plans fall apart, or your job cuts your salary, or your car breaks down, or your phone is obsolete, or your shoes are out of style, or your house has rain damage from a leaky roof—Satan will only sit back and laugh that you put your heart and mind into so much worldly “stuff.”

Instead, consider what is real treasure. Is it not knowing that your sin is washed away forever? Is it not knowing that you were dead to God but freely made alive in Christ? Is it not knowing that you have the glorious riches of heaven waiting for you to enjoy for all eternity? Worldly “stuff” disappears or breaks or loses value. None of it lasts. But in the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ our Savior, we find and receive a treasure that will never spoil, perish, or fade.

So when you have this gospel-treasure, go all in! Be like the man Jesus describes who found a treasure in a field and sold all he had to buy that field. Or be like the treasure hunter who found a pearl of great value and sold all he had to buy it. Jesus isn’t telling you to sell your cool phone or nice pair of shoes and get rid of all your stuff. No. Surely you can enjoy those blessings. Instead, Jesus is telling you to go “all in” on treasuring and loving him and his gospel more than anything or anyone else. After all, when you have Jesus and you have heaven guaranteed and waiting for you, what else could you possibly want or need!

Prayer: Jesus, my priceless treasure, help me to have a heart that craves nothing more than to have you and your Word. I know you will graciously give me all I need and even countless blessings beyond my needs. I’m so thankful for my many blessings. But give me also a heart that is focused first on you, my treasure beyond worth and value. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

The High Value of Wisdom – July 30, 2023

2023/07/30/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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

The High Value of Wisdom

Daily Devotion – July 30, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Kings 3:9,10

See series: Devotions

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Seeing God’s Creation – July 29, 2023

2023/07/29/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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

Seeing God’s Creation

Daily Devotion – July 29, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 1:20

See series: Devotions

My family traveled to Yellowstone National Park this summer. The beauty and majesty we witnessed are indescribable. Rivers, waterfalls, rocky ridges, and wildlife inspire awe in every observer. Over and over, my family and I commented on how great our God is to have created such a world as ours.

This is precisely how the God of our universe wants us to react when we observe his creation. In fact, the Bible says that anyone who sees what God has created and denies that there is a God who created it is a fool (Psalm 14:1). In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul wrote that anyone who claims there is no God is without excuse. The majesty and complexity of the universe insist that an all-wise and all-powerful God is behind it.

But the God of this universe was not content with just letting nature tell us about himself. He wanted us to know him more personally. So he became one of us in the person of Jesus Christ. He walked among us for thirty-three years. He showed us, in word and deed, who God is and what God is like. He performed miracle after miracle to demonstrate his power and his love. Then he gave himself up to his enemies and allowed himself to be put to death on a Roman cross. There he suffered the punishment for all the sins of all people of all time. There he suffered the punishment for your sins.

When you witness the beauty and majesty of this world, think about God, who created everything. Remember how much he loves you, enough to come into the world he created so that he could save you. And look forward to the new world he promises to create for all his followers when this world comes to an end.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the wonderful world in which I live. Thank you for living in this world for a time to be my Savior so that I might live for an eternity. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Let weeds and wheat grow up together – July 28, 2023

2023/07/28/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

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

“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

“‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

“‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
Matthew 13:24-30

Let weeds and wheat grow up together

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – July 28, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 13:24-30

See series: Devotions

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

In today’s parable (an earthly story with a heavenly point), Jesus compared our world to a field. And in that field, God plants good seed—representing those who believe in Jesus. And in that same field, the devil plants weeds—those who have rejected Jesus. The problem with new plants is that while they are growing, you can’t always tell which are wheat and which are weeds. And so Jesus says, “Let both grow up together.”

Why would he say that? In short, God has not called us to be the final judge of anyone’s life. Are they a weed? Or wheat? We might look at a person struggling with poor choices in their life and think they are a “weed” that someday ought to be gathered in the burn pile of hell. Not so fast! We just don’t know what’s going on in their hearts. But God does. He sees into human hearts. He can identify a glimmer of faith that no one else can. On the other hand, we might see a person who looks like a stalk of wheat—someone who looks faithful and upright, but God knows the evil and unbelief they may be hiding. We just can’t see what God sees.

Jesus is teaching us this: Who is a weed or wheat? It’s so hard to know. But God doesn’t need us to rip out weeds. Someday, he’ll get that job done. As far as it depends on us, live at peace with everyone around you. Instead, let us love the people God has placed in our lives. If hell is real (and it is!), how important it is to share the message of Jesus and his love and heaven with as many people as possible! And then on the Last Day, it will finally be revealed who is a weed and who is wheat. Until that day, let’s love one another.

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, we don’t know what’s really in other people’s hearts. So keep us from making hasty and self-righteous judgments. Purify our hearts and lead us to continue to trust in Jesus, so that we might be ready for that last, great, and glorious day. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Explain the difference between a person who is a “weed” or “wheat” in the story Jesus told.
Who will someday separate the weeds from the wheat?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Name at least two reasons why God is better at separating weeds from the wheat than you.
Instead of jumping to conclusions about other people, what do you think we should do based on today’s devotion?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Jesus once said, “Remove the plank of wood out of your own eye before you take the speck of dust out of someone else’s eye?” What does that mean?
Jesus said to let the weeds and the wheat grow up together. What is the lifelong opportunity that scenario presents to you as a Christian?

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Buying Power – July 28, 2023

2023/07/28/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Buying Power – July 28, 2023

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!
Acts 8:18-20

Military Devotion – July 28, 2023

Devotion based on Acts 8:18-20

See series: Military Devotions

It is said that money talks. If it truly did, it would have to say, “Don’t count on me!”

We know that. But we also know money can be valuable because money has buying power. We like that. It means if we have money, we have the power to buy things we need. If we have enough money, we can even buy things we don’t need. We like the feeling of that power.

Simon was a common name at the time of Jesus. His half-brother carried that name, as did Simon Peter. In our text, we find Peter talking to one called Simon the Sorcerer. It was not a pleasant conversation.

We hear Peter say, “May your money perish with you!” He had not lost his temper. He was showing the man the consequences of his wrong thinking. Simon the Sorcerer thought that he could use the buying power of money to buy power from God.

For some time, he had practiced sorcery and amazed the people in Samaria. He boasted he was someone great and the people believed him. They said, “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.” Saint Luke tells us, “They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic.”

That was before Philip came to Samaria to proclaim the message of Christ. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miracles he worked, they started to pay close attention to what he said. Luke caps the scene by writing, “With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:7,8).

That got the attention of Simon the Sorcerer! We learn Philip baptized many Samaritans. We are glad to hear that. We are perhaps surprised to hear, “Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw” (Acts 8:13).

One of those miracles was that this former fake miracle worker who had claimed divine power now turned in faith to the true source of power, Jesus, the Son of God.

Simon, the former sorcerer, was now a believer, but he was new to the faith and still had much to learn. He still tended to look at life through the glasses of his former life. He was still very impressed with displays of power and very much wanted to use such power in service to Jesus.

He thought he could buy that power. He still did not know that one cannot count on money. You can only count on Christ.

That became apparent when the miracle of Pentecost at Jerusalem was repeated in this city of Samaria. Hearing some Samaritans had come to faith in Jesus, Peter and John quickly traveled there and prayed that they might receive an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We are not told how the Holy Spirit made himself known. Were there tongues of fire on heads? Did they start speaking foreign languages? We don’t know. But it was obvious to everyone that the Holy Spirit had come upon these people.

When Simon, the former sorcerer, saw this, he offered the apostles money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

We have heard Peter’s answer. Buying power from God is not just impossible, trying to do so is a deadly sin.

But that doesn’t mean Satan will stop tempting humans to try that. The lust for power runs deep within us. The thrill of using power is appealing. Simon the Sorcerer isn’t the only one who wants to be known as the Great One. Thus, the danger of trying to bargain with God to exalt ourselves remains great.

Jesus points us in a different direction. He invites us, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). There’s true greatness!

He paid for our salvation with his blood.

Now, that’s buying power!

Prayer:
It is vanity, Lord God, it is a sinful desire that makes us want to be recognized as great and powerful. Remind us that any power we have is from you and any good use of that power is always tied to carrying out your will. Teach us again the importance of the words, “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.” Amen.

Points to ponder:

Why is the thought, “If I only had enough money, I would have no problems” so appealing?
Why are humans so attracted to those who claim to do great things?
How can being humble be a sign of true greatness?

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.

Wheat Among Weeds – July 28, 2023

2023/07/28/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one . . . Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:38,43

Wheat Among Weeds

Daily Devotion – July 28, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 13:38,43

See series: Devotions

It’s not easy being wheat among weeds. Weeds can take up valuable nutrients in the soil. Weeds can choke the life out of a healthy plant. Weeds can rob a healthy plant of life-giving water and sunlight. Yet if that wheat grows, it can still carry out its purpose. Stalks of ripe wheat provide food for people and animals. As for the weeds, they have no purpose. They get torn out of the ground. They get thrown in the trash or burned.

It’s not easy being wheat among weeds. Sin in our lives robs us of God’s good gifts of time, ability, and wealth. The worries of this life, the demands on our time, the reality of evil in our world can choke our trust in Christ and his promises. Our sinful natures inside of us don’t want us to prioritize time with Jesus in the study of his Word or time receiving God’s good gospel gifts in worship. Instead, the weeds of this world threaten our faith and oppose every attempt we make to live for Christ.

Yet Jesus calls us to live as wheat among weeds. He gives us life so that we may carry out the purposes he has given to each of us—to be fruitful with the gifts he’s given us, to be faithful in demonstrating his love to every person he puts in our path to serve, and to be mindful that he is coming again to deliver us from evil. So we need not fear what the weeds can do, but rather we live as wheat planted by our God, who will one day give us life eternal and cause us to shine with his righteousness forever.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to live as wheat even among the weeds of evil in our world. Keep their threats far from me and cause me to be fruitful, faithful, and mindful until you come again in glory to deliver me from evil. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Whose Job Is It Anyway? – July 27, 2023

2023/07/27/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
Matthew 13:28-30

Whose Job Is It Anyway?

Daily Devotion – July 27, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 13:28-30

See series: Devotions

The man’s servants thought they were doing the right thing. An enemy had sabotaged his wheat with weeds. Once they realized those nasty weeds were breaking through the ground alongside the good wheat, they offered to do what seemed most practical—pull up the weeds, but there was a problem. These particular weeds would look just like the wheat until harvest, when weeds and wheat were fully grown and could show their real identity.

The man knew what kind of unintentional damage his well-intentioned servants could do to his crop. Their efforts to uproot the weeds could do more damage than simply letting the weeds grow until harvest. Others would do the job of separating weeds and wheat.

Following Jesus in a world where evil is constantly present, what can we do to work for good in our world? Is it our job to root out evil? Is it our job to separate the weeds from the wheat in the world? Is it our job to do God’s work of judgment? No! If we were to do so, we could end up ruining good gospel work that our God has already done. Instead, God has a plan to carry out that work at the proper time. At the end of the world, he will send his angels to separate believers and unbelievers.

So how can we work for good while evil remains present? We look to the Lord of the harvest. We rejoice in his patience with sinners like us. We take every opportunity to receive forgiveness for our frustrated hearts. Then we let his love for others flow through our service to them. That’s our job. God will take care of the rest.

Prayer:
Jesus Christ do not delay, but come quickly to deliver your people. According to your will, give me opportunity to share the good news of your patient love with others in my life. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

God will right all wrongs – July 26, 2023

2023/07/26/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Romans 1:18-25

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
Romans 1:18-23

God will right all wrongs

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – July 26, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 1:18-23

See series: Devotions

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

Does God really care about justice and the oppressed? Maybe you have cried out to God to stop bullies from hurting you, but he didn’t seem to listen. Or perhaps you have seen innocent people get hurt, and they prayed to God, but in that moment it appeared that God didn’t come to their rescue. And so you wonder, “Why isn’t God doing anything? Doesn’t he care about what is right?”

One of the Bible’s authors, Paul, knew that his readers had the same questions. There were evil people who were actively hurting Christians. “What does God think about such wickedness?” they wondered.

Paul explained God did care about justice. He was angry (in a very holy way) with those who did evil. They had no excuse. They knew better because God made clear his truth to them in ways they could see in the world he created. Such an incredible world speaks volumes about the goodness and power of our God! But they ignored God and disrespected him. They swapped out God’s truth and replaced it with their wisdom. But what an uneven swap! It’s like exchanging a beautiful, delicious apple for a picture of a withered, rotten apple. How horrible!

God promises that his truth can’t be silenced. He will right all wrongs. Eventually, their worldly wisdom would become foolishness and their selfish plans would fail. In other words, although we might not see God bringing the wicked to justice in this moment, he will eventually right all wrongs.

And if God is the final judge, we don’t have to be. We don’t need to let hatred and evil destroy us. We can overpower evil with good. We can love our enemy by praying for those who bother us because God is in charge. He will right all wrongs.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, you are a good God. You forgive all our sins and show us what is good. Lord, set us free from those who want to harm us and hurt your name. Lead us to trust that you will do what is best. 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

Has anyone ever made fun of you? How did that make you feel?
Who can you go to for help when someone says mean things?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Has anyone ever bullied you? What did that feel like?
God knows what it’s like to be disrespected. What can we learn from him in today’s devotion how to handle it?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Identify at least one way the world we live in today suppresses God’s truth and swaps it out with a fake. (Hint: origin of the world)
Explain how God’s wrath is more effective in dealing with evils in the world compared to your anger.

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Wait for the Harvest – July 26, 2023

2023/07/26/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
Matthew 13:29,30

Wait for the Harvest

Daily Devotion – July 26, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 13:29,30

See series: Devotions

It’s hard to wait. Whether waiting for a special event or a medical procedure—it’s hard to wait patiently. We would much rather skip all the preparation and get to the event. We would much rather get the surgery over with so we can move on with life.

For Christians living in a world where evil is still present, it’s hard to wait. We would love for life in our world to be free of evil. After all, we follow Christ. Shouldn’t life get better? Why do we still struggle to follow Jesus? Why are so many still so opposed to him? Daily we are reminded of the reality of evil. In frustration, we wonder if God will ever carry out his judgment and rescue his people.

But in the midst of evil, what does Jesus urge us to do? He urges us to wait for the harvest. On the Last Day, Jesus will fix everything. Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead; at that time, the weeds and wheat will be separated. God will sort it all out and deliver us from evil once and for all. We have no need to fear the present evil since God holds our future in his hand.

What do we do until that time? How can we possibly be patient? We look to the Lord and his promises in his Word. Our God never fails to keep his promises. After all, he kept his most important promise of sending a Savior to rescue us from sin and death. With eyes fixed on Jesus, we wait for the harvest when he will come again in glory to bring us to be with him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you know how evil is always present in our lives and in our world. Grant me patience to follow you, even as I wait for you to return in glory and deliver me from evil. Set my heart on the sure knowledge that you always keep your promises. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

When the Devil Sows His Seeds – July 25, 2023

2023/07/25/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “While everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. . . . “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.”
Matthew 13:25,27,28

When the Devil Sows His Seeds

Daily Devotion – July 25, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 13:25,27,28

See series: Devotions

An infestation. No one ever wants to hear those words. An infestation of pests or parasites can have disastrous, even deadly consequences. As bad as that sounds, what could make an infestation worse? If someone started that infestation intentionally. What hatred or foolishness could cause someone to ruin someone else’s life, home, or business with an infestation?

Yet isn’t that what we see here in Jesus’s story about the weeds and wheat? A man plants good seed in his field, but his enemy secretly sows the field with weeds. Why? He really hates the man. In time, the weeds and wheat sprout. The weeds have become an infestation that threatens to overwhelm the wheat trying to grow there.

When Jesus explains this parable, he tells us that the enemy who sows the weeds is the devil. Satan is the sworn enemy of Christ and all who follow him. He absolutely hates any growth in faith, victory of grace, or rescue from sin and hell that Jesus causes through his Word. Satan doesn’t want sins forgiven, people at peace with God, or souls enjoying eternal life in heaven. So he sows his seeds of evil. He causes sin and leads people to do evil, even against those who try to live as children of God. He wants to ruin what Christ has done for us.

However, there’s something the devil forgets. Jesus will win. Jesus will still overcome the devil and all his works. By overcoming all temptation, Jesus has already won. By dying on the cross, Jesus has already won. By rising from the dead, Jesus has already won, so we can be certain that he will deliver us from evil. He will still cause his gospel to win hearts, and one day he will come again in glory to judge all people. We need not fear the enemy because Jesus has won!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the enemy threatens all who follow you, but I know you have already defeated him. Overcome the devil and cause your gospel to change hearts and lives for all eternity. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

The Christian Lives as Wheat Among Weeds – Week of July 24, 2023

2023/07/24/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

The Christian Lives as Wheat Among Weeds – Week of July 24, 2023

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
Matthew 13:24-30

ECME Devotion July 24, 2023

See series: ECME Devotions

I like to garden—well, sort of. I like to plant things. Getting my hands in the soil with a sense of optimism for the seeds or seedlings I’m planting is very satisfying. I like to fertilize and water my garden or pots. I like to trim the bushes and any low hanging branches. All of these are really rewarding and relaxing for me. However, there they are—those nasty weeds. They stand upright almost mocking me with a sense of, “I dare you to try and get rid of me!” They often seem to be the strongest plants in the garden. Worse yet is early in the season when it’s almost impossible for a novice like me to distinguish between the desired plants and the weeds.

I had a colleague once who shared how much she loved weeding. Taken aback I asked, “You love to weed?” With a bit of a twinkle in her eye (no exaggeration), she wholeheartedly said, “Yes!”. She shared that the quiet of the activity combined with a sense of satisfaction really gave her joy. She also shared that the process of weeding was a reminder for her of God’s grace for us in this sin-ridden world. The relentless nature of weeds, their ability to overtake the garden if not kept in check, and their sometimes deceptive similarity to the desired plants in the garden reminded her of the sin all around us. And as she watched her plants grow, she was reminded of God’s loving nurture for our faith.

Sin is all around us and sin is in us. Everywhere we look, we see the impact of sin in the world. We hear about it in the news with the infighting and divisiveness of people in cities and states. We hear about it in wars around the globe. But we also see it in our own small part of the world. It can be subtle. Things in the world can slowly erode our thinking over time. What was once offensive and considered wrong, is now defended. What was once respected, is now attacked and criticized. Relationships that were strong, are strained or broken.

We can easily become discouraged. But take heart. You were planted and chosen by the Gardener, Jesus. It’s he who is watching over you and keeping you safe. Those weeds, the sin all around you and in you? He has conquered it on the cross. He wants us to keep our eyes, our hearts, our faith focused on him. Jesus wants us to know that the harvest is coming. Heaven is promised for those who have faith in him and he has kept that promise. And he wants us to know that he continues to care for us. We can be encouraged, be faithful, be at peace in the hands of the Gardener. And as you tend your own garden, remember the Gardener who loves you so dearly.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, this world often feels like a mess because of sin. In many ways it is a mess. But it’s also an amazing world with the beauty of nature and evidence of your grace. Keep us close to you and protect us from the challenges of sin in this world. It’s in your name we pray. Amen

A Hymn to Consider:

Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray
Christian Worship 21 873

This hymn is such a great reminder to each of us. We can easily become complacent about the sin around and in us. This hymn calls us to be alert to sin and Satan’s efforts. Consider reading the whole hymn each day or one stanza a day.

Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

God sees the whole story – July 24, 2023

2023/07/24/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Isaiah 44:6-11

“This is what the Lord says—
Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people,
and what is yet to come—
yes, let them foretell what will come.
Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”
Isaiah 44:6-8

God sees the whole story

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – July 24, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 44:6-8

See series: Devotions

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

Have you seen the Star Wars movies? They tell the story of the Jedi versus the Dark Side. It’s a battle between good versus evil, and throughout the series, it seems like the Dark Side is winning.

As we live in our world, we might say something similar. Sometimes, it seems like “The Dark Side” is winning.

If that is how you feel, then you need to listen to the words of Isaiah, the prophet. He wrote about a time when the big bad Babylonian Empire would invade the little tribe of Judah. They would destroy the temple and take God’s people into exile. It seemed like “the Dark Side” was winning.

But Isaiah reminded God’s people that they were only looking at a snapshot in their story. The Lord God Almighty knew their story from beginning to end, and he was going to bring about the ending he wanted for his people.

We have the blessing of seeing how that story has unfolded. Just as Isaiah predicted, the Messiah, Jesus, came. He overcame all that was evil by being pierced for our sins and crushed for the world’s wickedness.

And yet, we still haven’t experienced the final happy ending when Jesus returns. Until that day, Isaiah tells us to remember that there is no God like your God! He’s been from the very beginning to the very end of our story. Nothing compares to him and his power!

As the story of your life unfolds, and especially in dark moments that feel like they are never going to end, remember who your God is and his word of encouragement, “Do not tremble or be afraid.” Instead, cling to the Lord, our Rock, who will bring this story to his desired happy ending with him.

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, when it seems like evil is winning, help me to trust in your and your plans. Remind me of your victory over sin and death through Jesus. And give me hope for your happy ending. 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 your favorite book or movie? How does it end?
Because of Jesus, how is our story going to end? How does that make you feel?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What are some of your favorite movies? Who are the “good guys”? And who are the “bad guys”? Do the “bad guys” ever win in the end? Why or why not?
How can we be sure that the devil and all that is evil will not win at the end of our story?

Questions for Middle School and Above

What are some examples of evil? Why does it feel like evil is winning in our world?
Explain why we can always have hope that God will win in the end.

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

The Problem With Weeds – July 24, 2023

2023/07/24/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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

The Problem With Weeds

Daily Devotion – July 24, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 13:24-26

See series: Devotions

Weeds are a problem. If you do any kind of landscaping or gardening—weeds are bound to confront you. You can plant flowers, plants, or vegetables in fresh, cleared soil, but before long, little green weeds start breaking through the soil. Weeds are everywhere. Left on their own, they are liable to choke the life out of the plants you originally planted.

Weeds have always been a problem. Yet when Jesus tells a story about weeds and wheat, he’s not giving advice about how best to grow your garden. Rather, Jesus helps us understand why evil is still present, even as the good news of forgiveness and life through him goes out to the world.

The gospel goes out through us to the world. We share the good news of the Savior with the people in our lives. We live out our faith and speak up for it, but what happens? People oppose that message. They mock and ridicule those who believe it. They consider us out of touch with reality. Perhaps they even make life miserable. Like weeds, evil pops up wherever the gospel is preached or shared. In this sinful world, it’s inevitable.

The reality of evil in our world can fill us with doubt. Why doesn’t God’s Word work the way we expect? Is it somehow not powerful enough to change hearts? Why does evil still persist? So what can we do? It’s not so much what we do but what our God does. Yes, God allows evil in our world. Yet through his Word, he works faith in our hearts and even in the hearts of the people with whom we share that Word. As his gospel continues to go out through us to the world, the Lord will cause a great harvest of souls to grow!

Prayer:
O Lord, evil is all around me like weeds, threatening your harvest. Keep me from becoming discouraged as I share the gospel. Help me realize that your Word will always work, even in ways I do not expect. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Transformed – teen devotion – July 23, 2023

2023/07/23/in Teen Devotions

One truth shared: Jesus promises to keep Christians safe while living in a world of unbelievers.

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

“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

“‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

“‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

“As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

Wheat and Weeds

Why won’t God do something?

Ever wonder that before? Why won’t God do something about terrorism? Why won’t God bring justice to those being oppressed? Why won’t God take care of those who persecute Christians so that his Word and his kingdom can flourish?

Those are good and logical questions to ask, much like the question the servants asked in Jesus’ parable. An “enemy” had come and planted weeds among the wheat. The servants asked the owner of the field, “Do you want us to pull them up?” A quick and easy solution, right? Get rid of the weeds! But the owner explained the problem—if you pull up the weeds, you might take some wheat along with. A better plan was to leave both until the harvest and then separate the weeds and wheat.

Satan has sown many weeds in this world. There are many unbelievers who follow Satan’s ways instead of God’s ways, and quite a number of them pose big problems (even big threats!) to us the wheat. But rather than removing them from the world now, God has a different plan—to wait until the harvest called judgment day to sort and separate the weeds and the wheat.

In the meantime, we need to trust the owner of the field—the Son of Man, or Jesus himself. He is the one who conquered the devil and this sinful world with his life, death, and resurrection. He is the Master Farmer, who graciously sowed seeds of the gospel into our hearts and sent his Holy Spirit to make those seeds grow. He is the One who tends the farm with care and protects us, the wheat, from the weeds.

Moreover, who knows how God might graciously work yet so that some of those weeds might become wheat (believers) before the harvest of judgment day? Who knows how God might use the challenges of living among weeds for good in our lives? Only the Lord knows.

Trust God’s plan. Trust God’s care for the garden of his kingdom. Trust that God will sort the weeds and the wheat on the Last Day. While the weeds will sadly face the fires of hell, we the wheat will be gathered to his storehouse of heaven. Lord, keep us safely to that day!

Prayer: Jesus, life in this world is not easy. Living as wheat among wheat is so challenging. Strengthen and support us through this weary life until that last and glorious day when you gather us to our heavenly home. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

The Treasure – July 23, 2023

2023/07/23/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

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

The Treasure

Daily Devotion – July 23, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 13:44-46

See series: Devotions

Perhaps you heard about the husband and wife who found $10 million in rare gold coins buried on their property in Northern California. Don’t people dream of finding great treasure? Jesus apparently thought so as he taught: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure.”

He tells about someone who fortunately finds buried treasure. In ancient times, rich people were known to divide their wealth into three parts: one for doing business, another converted to precious stones with which to flee if necessary, a third part to be buried in a safe place. So it could happen that when a rich man died, his buried wealth would remain to be found by some fortunate individual.

In the second brief story, Jesus speaks of a pearl merchant whose mission was to seek out exceptional pearls and obtain them.

Some tirelessly seek to get treasure and others just fortunately find it. But the most valuable treasure is that which Jesus has for us. This treasure Jesus tells us is the “kingdom of heaven.” The kingdom is Jesus’ rule in our hearts by faith. When our faith is in Jesus, we have the treasure of the forgiveness of sins, spiritual life, and eternal salvation—we will enjoy the glories of heaven forever.

Still, we don’t have to wait to enjoy this precious treasure. With faith in Jesus comes the peace of knowing we are God’s dear children right now, the hope of present certainty for a blessed future, and the joy of knowing God loves us today, tomorrow, and always.

So whether you stumble upon earthly treasure or spend your life seeking after it, what really matters is that you have the treasure of Jesus. It’s worth giving up everything to make it your own.

Prayer:
Lord, lead me to the treasure that is Jesus and help me to treasure that treasure above all things. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

Planting Seed – July 22, 2023

2023/07/22/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus told the people] many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.”
Matthew 13:3-9

Planting Seed

Daily Devotion – July 22, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 13:3-9

See series: Devotions

Songwriters have used it. Thinkers have used it. Investors have used it. Even Jesus Christ used it. Used what? They used the picture of planting seed to make a point. Jesus told a story about planting seed to teach us that when we hear and learn the Word of God, spiritual seed is planted in our hearts.

But, sadly, sometimes that seed doesn’t grow. People can get distracted from their relationship with God. And, without regular exposure to God’s Word and worship, their faith fails. In a way, they are like a child who excitedly plants a seed in a foam cup and waters it regularly. But a couple of days later, the child forgets about it, and the seed dries up.

But praise be to God, the seed he sows in some people’s hearts produces a bumper crop of spiritual fruits. As they are reminded of the forgiveness Jesus won for them on the cross and the eternal life he achieved for them when he rose from the tomb on Easter morning, they live their lives in service to him and the people he brings into their lives. God grant that this is true for you!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, plant the seed of your Word in my heart and make it grow into a fruitful plant of faith to give you glory. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

What’s the soil of my heart? – July 21, 2023

2023/07/21/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:1-9

What’s the soil of my heart?

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – July 21, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 13:1-9

See series: Devotions

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

“A farmer went out to sow his seed….”

That’s how Jesus began a story he told. It was on a really busy day. Crowds wanted to listen to him talk. As he looked around at the people, he noticed people coming and going. Imagine if during a worship service, some people arrived halfway into the service, while others got up before the sermon and left. Some people seemed excited to hear Jesus, but later made excuses why his message would never work for them. Why didn’t everyone else realize how wonderful Jesus and his message really were?

Does it ever seem as if God’s Word is not working? Maybe you have a friend or family member who is no longer a Christian, or perhaps they never were. You continue to pray for them. You even get the courage to invite them to church. But no matter what you do, they don’t seem to want to have anything to do with Jesus. You might think, “What’s wrong? Why doesn’t God’s Word work for them?”

If you have ever had this experience, you are not alone. When Jesus preached, his message got mixed responses. His disciples were surprised that so many people seemed to reject God’s Word. So Jesus told them a story. “A farmer went out to sow his seed… .”

He said that God’s Word is like the seed that a farmer throws out onto a field. Some of the seed will fall on the path, the rocks, or among the weeds where it won’t grow like it could. And just like that seed, sometimes God’s Word doesn’t grow well. But there will be a person who hears God’s message of love and forgiveness. It gets planted in their heart and begins to grow and change their lives for eternity.

Jesus told this story to teach us to expect mixed responses to his message. The perfect seed of God’s Word will meet different soils. Don’t be surprised when some people reject Jesus, at least for a time. Instead, understand and trust that Jesus died to take away our sins. Instead, rejoice that God’s Word of forgiveness and love has taken root in your life and produces a harvest in you.

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, make our hearts good soil for your gospel seed. May we grow in faith in Jesus. Give me opportunities to share your message wherever I go today. Lead me to trust that you will use it for good. 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

Fill in the blanks that tell the story from today’s devotion: “A _______ (farmer) went out to ____ (sow) his seed.”
What was the seed the farmer was sowing in the field? Do you know anyone who needs to hear the message of Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Go outside and look at the different plants in your yard. (Or find some images on Google.) Discuss how those different plants started in your yard and continue to grow.
Jesus said sharing our faith is like planting those different crops or flowers. Some of them grow well and some don’t. How might this help us when some people don’t want to hear the message of Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Describe a time when you tried to share your faith with someone and you were rejected.
How does today’s devotion help you cope with rejection?

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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

WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

Jesus Provides Our Daily Bread

Wisdom

Read: 1 Timothy 6:17-21

God gives you more than money

Closing Prayer:

My Namesake – August 4, 2023

Share this entry

Rest From Ourselves

Rest From Good Intentions

Read: 1 Kings 3:5-12

Ask for whatever you want

Closing Prayer:

Rest From Managing Others

Rest From the World

Read: Matthew 13:44-52

Giving up everything for one thing

Closing Prayer:

The Christian Seeks Spiritual Wealth – Week of July 31, 2023

ECME Devotion July 31, 2023

Share this entry

Rest From Expectations

The High Value of Wisdom

Seeing God’s Creation

Read: Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

Let weeds and wheat grow up together

Closing Prayer:

Buying Power – July 28, 2023

Share this entry

Wheat Among Weeds

Whose Job Is It Anyway?

Read: Romans 1:18-25

God will right all wrongs

Closing Prayer:

Wait for the Harvest

When the Devil Sows His Seeds

The Christian Lives as Wheat Among Weeds – Week of July 24, 2023

ECME Devotion July 24, 2023

Share this entry

Read: Isaiah 44:6-11

God sees the whole story

Closing Prayer:

The Problem With Weeds

The Treasure

Planting Seed

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

What’s the soil of my heart?

Closing Prayer:

MENU

ABOUT

HELP

SOCIAL

WELS Center for Mission and Ministry

Contact Us