Devotions

You Will Live and Reign with Christ – November 6, 2024

2024/11/06/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Read Revelation 20:4-6

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:6

You Will Live and Reign with Christ

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Family Devotion – November 6, 2024

Devotion based on Revelation 20:6

See series: Devotions

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

Where am I STARTING?

That is an important question if you want to get to your destination. If you are heading to Topeka, Kansas you might know that you need to take Interstate 70. But it makes a difference where you are starting from as to whether you’ll drive east or west on I-70. If you are in Denver, you’d go east. If you are in St. Louis, you’d head west.

It’s an important question to ask as we hear today’s word of God. If we have the wrong starting place, we might end up with some confusion about what is being told to us here. So, where are we starting?

The Bible teaches us that at the start of life, we are born alive but spiritually dead in sin. The Bible says that when a person hears the good news of Jesus and believes in him as their Savior, the Spirit of God has raised that person to a new life. That’s faith. This is what John refers to as the first resurrection. It means YOU are part of the first resurrection! It also means you get to live and rule with Christ for a “1,000 years.” Wow, that sounds like a really long time! Doesn’t it? And it’s true, the time between Jesus’ ascension into heaven and when he finally returns to take his people home to heaven has already been a long time—that’s about 2,020 years and counting.

That’s why it’s important to ask, “Where am I starting?” Each of us has already started our lives on earth. Every start of life has an end to life. We will all die physically. Nobody likes to talk about death, but the Bible talks a lot about it because God doesn’t want you to be afraid of it. We’ll cease to breathe, and our souls will separate from our bodies. We could call that the first death. But don’t be afraid because Jesus will raise our bodies in the second resurrection. And we need not ever fear the second death either. We’ll never be separated from God because we’ve been made fully and eternally alive in Jesus, over whom death no longer has any power.

But now, “Where are we going?” Here’s the cool thing—believer in Jesus. By faith, you are part of what’s called the “communion of saints”—those who get to go and live and reign with Jesus in the palace of heaven, in a life that knows only joy, peace, and no end.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for making me alive in you. Help me take great comfort and joy in knowing that I live and reign with you, now and forever. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Describe what you think heaven will be like.
True or False. The Bible doesn’t want us to be afraid of dying.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Today’s devotion talked about the first resurrection. What is it?
How does a person take part in the first resurrection?

Questions for Middle School and Above

What does the number 1,000 represent in Revelation? What does it not mean?
Read John 5:24-29. How do those words of Jesus help us understand these words of Jesus?

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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.

All Our Strength – November 6, 2024

2024/11/06/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Love the Lord your God with . . . all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5

All Our Strength

Daily Devotion – November 6, 2024

Devotion based on Deuteronomy 6:5

See series: Devotions

Who gets our best effort? Who in our lives gets our all? It isn’t always our boss, as we spend valuable minutes of our workday checking Facebook or managing our fantasy football teams. It also isn’t always our kids as we half-heartedly play catch in the backyard while talking on the phone with a client. And it certainly isn’t always our spouse when we can’t even look up from our screen while they tell us about their day.

In our Bible reading today, we find God demanding one thing from us: “Love the Lord your God with all your strength.” But there are some days that we barely have the strength to get out of bed, let alone serve or worship God. Many days, we hardly have enough time to enjoy our hobbies, let alone study the Bible. We all have limited strength, and often, God does not get all of it—even when we try to give our best effort. So often, we lack the strength required to love and serve our God.

When we fall short, we look to the One who did not. Jesus gave every ounce of strength he had in his service to God. It took strength that you and I can only imagine as he endured the flogging and ridicule that came his way. He dug deep and found the strength to carry that cross up the hill, knowing his enemies would nail him to it. Jesus found the strength to stay on the cross and suffer and die even though he had not done anything wrong. Jesus’ love for God and for you and me was so strong that he gave his life in our place.

Then, his strength was on full display as he rose from the dead, forever defeating death for us.

So, the next time you are lacking strength in your life of faith, look to Jesus. The One who lived and died for you will give you renewed strength to love the Lord and serve him in your life.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you are my strength when I am weak. Lift me up today and give me strength to serve God. 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.

Spiritual But Not Religious – November 5, 2024

2024/11/05/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Love the Lord your God with . . . all your soul.
Deuteronomy 6:5

Spiritual But Not Religious

Daily Devotion – November 5, 2024

Devotion based on Deuteronomy 6:5

See series: Devotions

It is a common thing today for people to make the statement that they are spiritual but not religious. It is not difficult to understand some of the circumstances that can lead to this way of thinking. Perhaps the individual has been burned by churches in the past, and the bad experience has soured the individual on organized religion. Such an individual may be seeking to hold religion at arm’s length to feel safe.

On the other hand, claiming to be spiritual but not religious can be nothing more than a claim to practice religion the way I want to practice religion so as not to have to answer to God or anyone else. It can perhaps be an issue of control, not even acknowledging that God is the captain of the ship. In any case, we are often reluctant to love God with all our souls.

To truly love God means to admit that spirituality it is not all about my feelings. Nor is it about what I want. To love God with all my soul is to give up control. It means to trust in someone else rather than myself. It means acknowledging that I don’t have it all figured out and trusting someone else to figure it out for me. This means putting ourselves out there and being vulnerable. To put it another way, loving God with all my soul means believing he is the only one who can safely guide my soul to heaven.

And let me assure you, God is worthy of that trust. He has demonstrated concern for our souls and a willingness to do whatever it takes to save them. He did this by keeping his promise to send his only Son to come into this world and to defeat sin, death, and the devil. A Son who would live, die, and rise again, all to ensure that our souls would be safe now and forever. Our souls are in good hands with God. Love him with all your soul.

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, help me to trust you to guide my soul to heaven. Help me to give up control and give me confidence to follow you today. 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.

Eat An Amazing Meal on a Mountaintop – November 4, 2024

2024/11/04/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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

Eat An Amazing Meal on a Mountaintop

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – November 4, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 25:6-9

See series: Devotions

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

Mountains are amazing to look at. Especially if you live in a place that doesn’t have mountains and visit Colorado or Glacier National Park—just their size can be breathtaking. People love climbing mountains. They do it for the thrill, exercise, or accomplishment of it. But what do they find when they get to the top? It has an amazing view and a different type of clean, cool air. But little else. Maybe a bench, a book to sign, or a flag. But not much more.

Can you imagine climbing a high mountain and finding a huge, delicious meal waiting for you at the top? Can you imagine that it’s the best meal you’ve ever had? Imagine being told, “Eat and drink all you want it’s free!” What if the same person who said that also promised that he could take away all your problems, fears, and anxieties with a wave of his hand? Not only would your belly be full, but your heart would be calm and trouble-free. Would that be a mountain worth climbing?

Isaiah talks about a mountain where the LORD Almighty offers exactly that—a splendid feast and a scattering of fear. Where is it? How do we get there? It is a mountain that Jesus climbed. He climbed Mount Calvary with a cross on his back. He was nailed to it. He died on the top of that mountain. By his death, he gave us the rich food of forgiveness and took care of our greatest fear, the fear of death. Very near that same mountain, he came back to life. He tells us that he has provided food for our souls and rest for our hearts. But we don’t need to climb a mountain. It’s all there for us in God’s Word. It is made ours in baptism and given to us in the Lord’s Supper.

One day, Jesus will take us to his heavenly mountain and care for us forever. We’ll never want for anything or experience fear or sorrow again. We’ll never suffer or feel shame. Nothing will make us frown. Total happiness! In heaven, we’ll join all of God’s people on the mountain of the LORD to rejoice in his love and salvation forever.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for providing me with my every need. Help me to treasure all you give me and to look forward to the day when we’ll feast in the joy and peace of heaven. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What does the Lord tell us we’ll find on his mountain?
What does it mean to trust in the LORD’s salvation?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What is Isaiah trying to tell you when he says Jesus “swallowed up” death?
Why is that such a comforting thing for us to remember?

Questions for Middle School and Above

In what way is going to church like going to this mountain of the LORD?
In what way is going to heaven the full experience of this mountain of the LORD?

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.

All Your Heart – November 4, 2024

2024/11/04/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Love the Lord your God with all your heart.
Deuteronomy 6:5

All Your Heart

Daily Devotion – November 4, 2024

Devotion based on Deuteronomy 6:5

See series: Devotions

By now, everyone is likely familiar with the show, The Bachelor. The show has several other versions at this point, but the premise is always the same. The contestant dates a few dozen individuals simultaneously and gradually whittles that number down to the one person they hope to spend the rest of their lives with. It often happens that the individual will find themselves in love with multiple people. To many of us, that seems unrealistic. How can you fall in love with numerous people at the same time?

The truth is, while we are not likely to be candidates for that TV show, we all have hearts that are hopelessly divided. So many things in life demand our love and attention. In fact, our hearts have trouble settling on one thing to love. We throw our hearts at one thing one day, only to find a new target for our love the next.

It begs the question: how much room in our hearts is left for God? Does he get all of our hearts? Truthfully, we love far too many other things more than we love God. It seems that when God asks us to love him with all our hearts, he is asking the impossible.

Impossible for us, yes. But not impossible for Jesus. Jesus loved God with all his heart all the time. He proved it once and for all by obeying his Father’s will and dying on the cross to pay for the sins of the world. He didn’t even love his own life more than he loved God. He lived and died so that we could have forgiveness for the times when we failed to love God. Jesus did this all out of love for us, too.

None of the other things we give our hearts to in this world can do what Jesus has done for us. He has forgiven our sins and earned a place in heaven for us. In view of these wonderful things, give your whole heart to God.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, you loved God with all your heart and now I am saved. Help me to love God with all my heart today. 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 – November 3, 2024

2024/11/03/in Teen Devotions

Death is not forever.

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare
a feast of rich food for all peoples,
a banquet of aged wine—
the best of meats and the finest of wines.

On this mountain, the [Lord Almighty] will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations;
he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.

In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us.
This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

Isaiah 25:6-9

You Will Live Forever

The casket was open in front of the church. A woman lay inside… a wife, mother, friend, teacher. Her body was there, but she wasn’t there. She was wearing a pretty dress, her usual hairstyle, nice make up… but she was just an empty shell of the woman loved by her husband and children and friends. Death had changed everything.

Maybe you’ve experienced a similar scene at a funeral. If not, you will as the years pass. At some point it will also be your turn to be in a box in front of the church. The somber scene of a funeral displays the tragic reality of life: the wages of sin is death, and all have sinned, so all will die. Nothing can change that.

But listen to Isaiah forecast something different for the future. He talks about the shroud (the cloth draped over a casket at a funeral). He says the shroud covering the world is going to be destroyed! He says that the Lord is wiping away tears from the faces of his mourning people! The Lord is welcoming people into a feast! Where does this joyous change take place? On the “mountain of the Lord.” How does one get there? Jesus is the key. He climbed Mt. Calvary’s cross to destroy the shroud!

This past week, churches around the world celebrated All Saints’ Day. It’s a day to remember those who’ve died. More than that though, it’s a day of celebration knowing where they are – the Mountain of the Lord!

Don’t be afraid of the shroud of death – there’s life on the mountain of God! By God’s grace, you will ascend the mountain of the Lord to live with all who’ve gone there before you. Together you will live with God for eternity! What a joyous day that will be!

Prayer:
Lord God who holds the power over death, keep me close to your all the days of my life. When your time is right, bring me home to live with you and those who have gone before me forever. 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 Debt – November 3, 2024

2024/11/03/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.
Romans 13:8

The Debt

Daily Devotion – November 3, 2024

Devotion based on Romans 13:8

See series: Devotions

Credit cards and car payments. Mortgages and medical bills. Leases and braces. Collectors and filing for bankruptcy. Then there is always the question of whether there will be enough retirement benefits and enough for tuition payments. We all know the burden of financial commitments to one degree or another. It’s like a treadmill that we can’t get off. It can feel like a mountain that keeps us buried. Debt leaves us imprisoned and burdened. No wonder wise Solomon wrote, “The borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).

But these debts are just a hint of an even greater debt, the debt we owe to God. And we do “owe him big-time.” We have not loved him and others as we should. And that’s a debt we can’t repay. No amount of silver or gold in the world would ever be enough. That’s why God himself came up with a payment plan, a plan that included the blood of his very own Son. Jesus’ precious blood shed on the cross covers our sin and cancels our debt. That is the very meaning of the word “forgiven.”

God doesn’t promise to pay off all our financial debt, but the forgiveness he gives enables us to face the future with peace and hope. It also creates a new life of indebtedness—the welcomed debt of love and thanksgiving that we can give to him and each other.

Prayer:
Lord, fill my heart today with the peace and forgiveness that only can come from you. Then enrich me with your love that I may share it with others. 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 Eternal Gospel – November 2, 2024

2024/11/02/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people.
Revelation 14:6

The Eternal Gospel

Daily Devotion – November 2, 2024

Devotion based on Revelation 14:6

See series: Devotions

If you drive to your nearest major airport and fly to Tel Aviv in Israel, and from there, take a bus to the city of Hebron, you can see a massive, ancient building erected over the tomb of Abraham. Abraham has been dead for about 4,000 years.

From Israel, if you fly to Leonardo da Vinci Airport near Rome, and take a cab into the city, you can see the sarcophagus believed to contain the bones of the apostle Paul. Paul has been dead for about 2,000 years.

From Italy, if you fly to Frankfurt in Germany, then drive 4½ hours to Wittenberg, you can enter the Castle Church and walk right up to the grave of Martin Luther. Luther has been dead for about 450 years.

Three different men, separated by centuries, separated by culture, separated by life experience. Each man lived and died in his own time, never personally knowing the other two.

However, there is one thing they held in common. They all proclaimed the eternal gospel. They all proclaimed the message of full forgiveness through faith in the promised Savior from sin.

If you’re living in the United States, you know that soon it will be Election Day. In addition, no doubt you are asking the Lord to bless this day’s results for the good of the country and its people.

As you do, however, don’t forget to rejoice in knowing that above the ebb and flow of history, above the twists and turns of nations, above the actions of cultures and governments and individuals—above it all is the eternal gospel. Above it all is the voice of God in his Word. It is the voice that says, “To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life” (Rev 21:6).

And that, dear Christian, is a wonderful thing to know.

Prayer:
Lord of the nations, bless the flow of history for the good of your people. Above all, Lord Jesus, thank you for your eternal gospel. 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.

Military Devotion – Live Forever – November 1, 2024

2024/11/01/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Based on John 11:32-44

The airman watched as the aircraft lowered its ramp, and he peered in and saw the flag-draped boxes.

They huddled together and flinched as the volley of guns echoed over the hallowed ground, and the sound of the bugler playing “Taps” brought tears to nearly every eye. They stood there on that hallowed ground and saw nothing but white headstones.

She stared at the urn on the shelf because it stared back at her, and she was sad.

It’s that picture of your loved one or your loved ones who smile back at you in perpetuity, but it makes you sad because you know that you can’t talk to them anymore or hold them or hug them.

It’s the black metal that rubs against your wrist and you look down to see the names that are etched into that memory bracelet, and you realize with sobering reality that these are battle buddies that are no longer with us.

All of these are sobering reminders that at some time in the future, someone will stand over your grave and my grave and be sad. That they will stare at our pictures as we smile back at them, and they will be sad knowing that they can no longer speak to us, talk to us, hold us, or hug us. Someone once said that grief is the price that we pay for having loved so much on this earth.

But Jesus knows. And more than that he completely understands because he’s been there. He stood in a cemetery, and through his eyes he saw the effects of sin in the tear-stained faces of his friends and loved ones. He looked at the grave of his loved one, his dear friend Lazarus, and he wept because he was sad. He had felt the effects of sin’s consequences in his own life.

But he did something about it. With his robe he wiped the tears from his face. He cleared his throat and with the power of his voice, he told death and grave that today they would not win the victory. And by raising Lazarus from the grave, he gave his friends and us a preview of his own victory over death, so that they and we might believe that he is the resurrection and the life—and that by believing, we might live forever.

So it is true for you and for me and for all who have died trusting in him who is the resurrection and the life. The remains in that flag-draped box, the remains in that urn, the dry and dusty bones beneath those white headstones—they will hear his voice, and the grave and death will have no choice but to capitulate.

In the bugle call, the angels will not sing out “Taps” but will play “Reveille.” It’s time to wake up, never to sleep in death again, for Jesus has swallowed up death forever.

I pray that this is your comfort and your sure hope in your grief.

Prayer:
Almighty God, you have knit your people together into one holy church, the body of Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow the example of the blessed saints who have gone before us, so that in lives of faith and willing service, we with them at last will inherit the inexpressible joys that you have prepared for those who love you.

Send your holy angels to guard and protect the men and women of our armed forces who are currently deployed to the Middle East, for those who are anxious as they wait and wonder. Calm their hearts with your presence and your promises. Bring peace to that region of the world so that our warfighters might return home safely and live their lives in peace. In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

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

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

Prepared to Witness – November 1, 2024

2024/11/01/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 13:9-11

Prepared to Witness

Daily Devotion – November 1, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 13:9-11

See series: Devotions

Are you ready? Christ calls us to live a life of courageous witness in the face of hostility from others. Are you ready to be that witness? While we might know how to prepare for a job, school year, or vacation, how will we prepare to live a life of courageous witness?

While Jesus was teaching his disciples during his final week, he described what was coming after his resurrection. False teachers would deceive many. Conflicts and natural disasters would rage all over the world. Yet for Christians, the hardest part would come from those who oppose Christ and his Word. Hostile opposition from local communities to the highest levels of government would become a reality for God’s people. Since then, Christians of every century have had to make faithful witness in the face of persecution. They proclaimed Christ even when faced with death.

What about us? Are we ready? If not, how can we be ready? We can prepare to be Christ’s witnesses by returning to his Word. There in the Bible, we find God’s law that cuts sinners to the heart. Yet, we also find Jesus—our living and enduring Savior, who forgives our guilt and gives us confident hope, who strengthens us to be his courageous witnesses. Jesus even tells us not to worry in those situations because he will send his Holy Spirit to help us give the reason for the hope that we have no matter the situation or what we face. So then, like the disciples of old, prepared with God’s Word, as we courageously witness Christ as our Savior, the Spirit speaks through us.

Prayer:
O Lord, when confronted with opposition to you or your Word, help me to find courage in you. Send your Spirit to speak the truth of your Word through me that others may know 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.

Courageous Witness – October 31, 2024

2024/10/31/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1

Courageous Witness

Daily Devotion – October 31, 2024

Devotion based on Psalm 46:1

See series: Devotions

The story is told that when times were dark, when persecution was intense, when the enemies of truth appeared to triumph, Martin Luther would gather his fellow reformers. He would urge them, “Come, let us sing the 46th Psalm.” Eventually, Luther took the words of that psalm and composed one of the greatest hymns of the Lutheran church— “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”

As we seek to be courageous witnesses for Christ, where can we go when things get bad, when times get dark, when the opposition to Christ and his Word gets so bad that the enemies of truth seem to triumph? As Luther explains in his hymn, “With might of ours can naught be done, soon were our loss effected…” (Christian Worship 863:2) If it were up to us and our ability, the battle would be over before it even started. Satan and the sinful world would be able to claim victory without a fight.

“But for us fights the valiant one whom God himself elected. You ask, ‘Who is this?’ Jesus Christ it is, the almighty Lord, and there’s no other God; he holds the field forever.” (Christian Worship 863:2) The courageous witness need not be afraid, because it’s not up to us to fight for Christ. It is not up to us to preserve the gospel or the Christian church. We have One who already preserves the Word, the Church, and us—the almighty Lord who “holds the field forever.”

When times get dark, when the opposition of loved ones, coworkers, or classmates gets bad, the enemies of the truth seem to triumph. Where will we find a mighty fortress that not even Satan can destroy? We look to our God who is “an ever-present help in trouble.” We look to Christ, who has already won by his death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. Then we will see every one of Satan’s terrible attacks crash against that mighty fortress and disappear like so many waves. “The God of Jacob is our fortress!” (Psalm 46:11)

Prayer:
O Lord, be my rock and refuge, my mighty fortress against the old evil foe. 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.

Can You Be Someone’s Angel? – October 30, 2024

2024/10/30/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Revelation 14:6,7

Can You Be Someone’s Angel?

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Family Devotion – October 30, 2024

Devotion based on Revelation 14:6,7

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

People think and say many things about angels. Some of them aren’t what the Bible says about angels. We don’t become angels when we die. Angels don’t get wings when a bell rings. But angels are important and powerful. They are special spirit beings who have only one purpose: to serve and glorify the Lord, their creator. God promises to send them to serve and protect his people.

But angels have another very important purpose that we sometimes forget about. They are messengers. That’s what the word angel means. The Lord has used his angels throughout history to speak his Word to people. They announced Jesus’ birth. They told the disciples of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. They spoke of Jesus’ return. In a vision that Jesus’ apostle John was given, he saw an angel flying in the air. And that angel had an important message to share. He had the eternal gospel to proclaim. He had the good news of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection to share with everybody in this world. He had a message that would save them from sin’s judgment and grant eternal life.

Sometimes, we read this little section of Revelation the day we celebrate the Lutheran Reformation. We remember the way God used a messenger named Martin Luther to proclaim the eternal gospel to all who would hear. After living in fear of his failure to live as God wanted him to, he read about the love that God showed to our sinful world by sending his Son as the Savior of sinners. He was captured by that good news. He preached and taught it. He wrote about it in papers, pamphlets, letters, and books. The eternal gospel he proclaimed brought people back to focus on God’s Word and promises instead of things that weren’t true.

Can you be someone’s angel? We sometimes use that kind of speaking to talk about doing something nice for somebody else. But through this revelation, God reminds us of the nicest thing we could ever do for somebody else. We can speak of God’s love to them in the good news of Jesus. It is the thing that can free them from guilt and shame, from anxiety and fear. Many live in confusion and delusion because they don’t yet know and believe God’s eternal gospel. So, can you be someone’s angel today?

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us your eternal gospel. Help us to speak it to others that they might know your love and forgiveness. 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 does the word angel mean?
What did John see an angel doing in his revelation?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What does the word gospel mean?
Can you think of a person you know that you could speak the good news to?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Why do we sometimes read this section of the Bible for the Lutheran Reformation?
Agree/Disagree. You can be like the angels.

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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.

Even to the Point of Death – October 30, 2024

2024/10/30/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”
Daniel 3:28

Even to the Point of Death

Daily Devotion – October 30, 2024

Devotion based on Daniel 3:28

See series: Devotions

Is Christ worth dying for?

Three men found themselves staring at the reality of a fiery death. They had been loyal to King Nebuchadnezzar, but that loyalty could go no further when he demanded that they bow to a tall, golden idol of himself. To refuse would mean death by fiery furnace. Many others had bowed out of fear, but not these three. They were faithful to the Lord, who had always watched over them. They would remain faithful to him, even if they lost their lives.

When they refused to worship the idol, the king got so enraged that he had the furnace heated to an extreme temperature. The flames consumed even the strong soldiers who threw the men into the furnace. Yet we hear no begging, no cries for mercy from the three faithful men. They knew that their God could save them in life or by death.

Will we find ourselves in such a situation? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Either way, the God who saved those three men is the same God who saves us. Even Nebuchadnezzar had to acknowledge that. But how can you be sure? You have a Savior who endured to the end for you, who suffered the punishment of death we all deserve for our sins. You have a Savior who abandoned the tomb for you on Easter morning.

You have a God who promises to deliver you when you must stand firm, whether in this life or by bringing you into eternal life. No one else can do that. Can we live a life of courageous witness even to the point of death? With Christ as our Savior-God, we can!

Prayer:
O Lord, it is far too easy for me to cave into the pressures and opposition of this world. Forgive my sins and help me to see that you will deliver me in this life or the life to come. 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.

You’re Not Alone – October 29, 2024

2024/10/29/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Daniel 3:25

You’re Not Alone

Daily Devotion – October 29, 2024

Devotion based on Daniel 3:25

See series: Devotions

Satan loves when followers of Christ are isolated. Like sheep getting separated from the flock, the devil looks for those times when we are alone or isolated away from Christ’s flock. At the very least, he uses our sinful natures to make us think we’re alone and isolated, that no one else is going through what we’re going through, especially if we are suffering for the sake of Christ.

While Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had courageously witnessed to the true God before an angry king, you wonder how they felt before they were tossed, turbans and all, into the blazing furnace. Did they wonder if God would rescue them? Did they wonder if the flames would destroy them as they had destroyed the soldiers accompanying them? Did they hope it would be quick? God’s Word doesn’t tell us what they were thinking, but we are told they were not alone.

As King Nebuchadnezzar watched all this play out, he noticed not just three men in the fiery furnace but four—one who “looks like a son of the gods.” There is good reason to believe that what he saw was an angel sent by God to protect those three men by suspending the physical properties of fire. They came out of that furnace safe and alive without a hint of smoke. The Lord, their faithful God, had not abandoned them in their hour of need.

Nor does he abandon you! We are called to live the lives of courageous witnesses—and that is not easy. Remaining faithful to Christ and his Word often means hostility, skepticism, opposition, and even persecution. Yet we are not alone. The same God who did not abandon the three men will never abandon us. He will always be with us, as he has promised repeatedly in his Word. As he powerfully rescued those three men, Christ has rescued us through his life, death, and resurrection. With Christ, we will never be alone!

Prayer:
O Lord, when the heat of opposition comes my way, shield me from harm and keep me from danger. Never leave me until I join you in the glories of heaven. 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.

Our God Is Able – October 28, 2024

2024/10/28/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Daniel 3:16-28

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18

Our God Is Able

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Family Devotion – October 28, 2024

Devotion based on Daniel 3:16-18

See series: Devotions

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

Have you heard the Bible story entitled “The Three Men in the Fiery Furnace?” It’s amazing! Three men were about to be thrown into a blazing furnace. The Lord delivered them from certain death. He kept their bodies and clothes from being destroyed by fire (you couldn’t even smell any smoke on them!). It was a complete and total and physics-defying deliverance from certain death. The three men didn’t know it would turn out that way. But they didn’t care. So, they made a very bold confession from which we can learn a lot. They stated clearly that their God had the power to save them from dying. But then they said, “Even if he doesn’t save us from this fire, we will trust in him and obey him.”

What an amazing thing for them to say! They had everything to lose. They were important officials in the government. The king liked, admired, and respected them. They probably enjoyed a good living because of their high positions. But they were willing to give it all up if they did one small thing: Just bow down to an idol! Everybody is doing it. It’s just a way to show respect to your king.

But they stood their ground. Why? Because God was the only one, they would bow down to. Why were they willing to give up everything? Because their trust was in the God who had given them everything. Their position, possessions, and even their lives in this world were all from the Lord, but those were nothing compared to the eternal blessings that the Lord had given them. They knew they belonged to him forever because of the promise he made to them in his Word. They knew of their true King who would come to wipe out sin and conquer death. They knew of the One who would stand up to the lies of Satan, the imposter king of this world. They knew the One who would give his life, that they might lose everything in this world and gain eternal life in his death and resurrection. They trusted him. He was worth everything to them, and they showed it.

What words for God’s children to live by today: “Our God is able to save us, but even if he doesn’t, we’ll trust in him and live for him.”

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you are the true King of our hearts and lives. Give us boldness to always live for you. Amen

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

Questions for Younger Children

What were the names of the three men of God in today’s Bible reading?
What did the three men refuse to do that got them into trouble?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why was it a big deal for the three men to bow down to an idol?
An idol is something/someone you follow and give your love and loyalty to other than God. Identify an “idol” in your life that you need to say NO to.

Questions for Middle School and Above

Have you ever been tempted to “bow down to an idol” instead of trusting Jesus?
Why were the men willing to give up their lives in this world rather than commit sin? Where can we find strength to do the same?

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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.

Courageous to Witness – October 28, 2024

2024/10/28/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18

Courageous to Witness

Daily Devotion – October 28, 2024

Devotion based on Daniel 3:16-18

See series: Devotions

It’s hard to look the king in the eye and say, “Here I stand.”

It was hard for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They had already been through so much. They had witnessed the destruction of their homes and endured exile to a foreign land a thousand miles away. Yet the Lord had richly blessed them, or so it seemed until they stood up for their faith. When the king had a gold image of himself ninety feet tall and nine feet wide built to make the people prove their patriotic loyalty to him, those three young men refused to bow down to anyone except the true God.

They stood firm when the king howled with rage. They trusted in God’s ability to deliver them, even through death. They stood firm because they knew their Savior-God. He remained faithful to them through terrible times and would never let them down.

Would we be able to stand firm and courageous to witness in the face of hostile opposition? By nature, we would fail. Our sinful hearts are too quick to give in.

How, then, will we stand firm? We look to the One who has already saved us. We find confidence in the God who delivers us from evil in this life or the life to come. We find confidence in the Savior who has already overcome this hostile world for us. By faith, we can courageously confess our loyalty to Christ’s holy name because he is the God who has saved us from sin and death. He is the only true God, and we will only serve him.

Prayer:
O Lord, in the face of pressure and opposition, even persecution, help me to stand firm and be your witnesses. Remove fear from my heart and make me bold to confess that you alone are the true God and my only 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.

Transformed – teen devotion – October 27, 2024

2024/10/27/in Teen Devotions

God is able to save his people.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18

Will You Fit in or Follow?

What are you going to wear today? How will you style your hair? Which extracurricular activities are you going to join? Which classes did you decide to take? These decisions in life, whether big or small, are probably decisions that are affected, at least in part, by what friends are doing. For many aspects of life, that’s completely normal and just fine. Everyone likes to fit in with the group, and friends who share your interests and tastes are a blessing from God.

But as a child of God, there are also going to be situations in life where you won’t be able to fit in with the group, no matter how desperately you want to. Your desire to live as a Christian will at times conflict with the sad realities of a sinful world populated by sinful people. The temptation will always be there to compromise your beliefs and values to fit in.

This is not a new struggle for children of God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were forced to fit in or follow God. Choosing God would cost them their lives! Many Lutheran churches this time of year are celebrating the Lutheran Reformation. Martin Luther faced the same choice: fit in with a corrupted church or choose the truth of God’s Word.

Where can a child of God find the strength to stand out from the crowd in situations like these? Perspective comes from remembering who God is and what he has done for you. The almighty God is powerful enough to rescue you, even from death itself, should he choose to do so. That’s what he did for the three men in today’s reading. But you know that even if God chooses not to do that on a particular occasion, he remains the God who adopts you into his family where you’re always welcome and always fit in no matter what. Why is that the case? Because your sins are always forgiven in Jesus. Your mistakes are always wiped away through his sacrifice. Your flaws and failings are forgotten forever. Especially when facing the choice to fit in or follow God, remember … you are a child of God. Hold onto that status, even when it means standing out and not fitting in!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, give me the strength to stand up when I need to, the courage to live my faith when so many do not, and the wisdom to connect your promises to my own life. 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.

God’s Outstanding Deliverance – October 27, 2024

2024/10/27/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

This is what the LORD says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, ‘O LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’ See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father.
Jeremiah 31:7-9

God’s Outstanding Deliverance

Daily Devotion – October 27, 2024

Devotion based on Jeremiah 31:7-9

See series: Devotions

The prophet Jeremiah had a difficult message to deliver. The people of Israel had turned from their God, and he was going to punish them. Jeremiah prophesied that Israel would be taken into captivity by a foreign nation. Because they had turned their backs on God, the Lord sent a punishment to show them the error of their ways.

But because he is a gracious and loving God, he also promised to deliver them from their captivity. The most outstanding feature of Israel’s deliverance was that it was all-inclusive. Traveling long distances was especially hard in Jeremiah’s day for those who had physical limitations. But because the Lord cared for them, even the lame, the blind, expectant mothers, and women in labor would be brought back safely.

Today, we can still stand in awe of God’s outstanding deliverance. We have given into sin like God’s people before us. Sin takes us captive, and we can’t save ourselves. But God showed his incomparable strength and love by sending Jesus to release us from the captivity of sin. He gave his life on the cross to pay for our forgiveness and release. Just as God delivered his people in Jeremiah’s day, he has delivered his people through Jesus today.

Prayer:
Lord, forgive my sins and fill my heart with peace. As I go about my activities today, uplift me with the power of your presence and the assurance of your love through Jesus. 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.

Greatness – October 26, 2024

2024/10/26/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

It was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer. . . After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied, by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great. . . For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:10-12

Greatness

Daily Devotion – October 26, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 53:10-12

See series: Devotions

How do you define greatness?

According to one dictionary, greatness is defined as “a person who has achieved importance or distinction in a field.”

Would you define greatness with the name Felix Baumgartner? On October 14, Baumgartner set the record for successfully skydiving from a height of 24 miles above the earth. He also became the first person to break the speed of sound outside of a vehicle. That is pretty great. According to the world, greatness is often displayed through outward acts of glory.

God has a different definition of greatness. Through Isaiah, God defines true greatness with the name Christ Jesus. God’s definition of greatness centers on humble service.

Our sinful flesh doesn’t want to hear this. It screams to be first. But the Bible says, “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). There is no place in the Christian life for selfish ambition. Selfish desire for greatness separates us from God and casts us under his judgment.

But God doesn’t want anyone to suffer for sin. Instead, it was the Lord’s will to crush Jesus under the weight of our sin and cause him to suffer for our guilt.

When it comes to greatness, no one has achieved greater importance or distinction than Jesus. Felix Baumgartner descended from 24 miles above the earth. Jesus came from heaven itself. Baumgartner broke the sound barrier. Jesus bore the sins of the world, breaking the sin barrier between us and God. Jesus is great, not because he performed signs and wonders, but because he provided our salvation.

Prayer:
Jesus, you are the greatest! Help me achieve greatness through a life of humble service to 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.

Selfless Service – October 25, 2024

2024/10/25/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Mark 10:32-45

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45

Selfless Service

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Family Devotion – DATE

Devotion based on Mark 10:45

See series: Devotions

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

Did you know a presidential election is right around the corner? During this time of year, politicians and businesses often reach out to the leaders of political parties to make deals with them to help that potential president’s cause. They might offer to help promote their campaign or fund a portion of it. They may offer to support or vote in favor of an act or a bill.

When they make such deals, do you think they do so out of the goodness of their hearts? Maybe or maybe not. Sometimes, the agreement or arrangement they propose includes something favorable for them in return. They might request a special position or title. Or they ask for a favor in return or a special tax break for their company. It’s a very human thing to want what’s best for ourselves.

Jesus is so different! Even though he could have easily used his power and authority as God to get whatever he wanted when he came down to earth, he didn’t. Instead, he did the exact opposite—he came to selflessly serve everyone else. That selfless sacrifice would have been amazing on its own, but it’s even more amazing when we consider that he came to serve sinners.

He came for those who would disobey him and reject him. He came for those who sin against him again and again and too often think only what’s best for themselves. But not Jesus! Because of his selfless sacrifice, he forgives all the times we think only of ourselves. He does it without anything in it for him, except his incredible desire to spend eternity with us.

What a great deal! May Jesus inspire our selfless service to others!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you came to serve sinners—that means you came to serve me! Since through your saving service, I have forgiveness and eternal life, help me to follow in your selfless footsteps and delight in serving others. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Think of one or two ways that Jesus served others during his life on earth.
What is the most important way Jesus served you (and all people)?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Share a recent time that you were more interested in making sure others served you than you were in serving them.
Jesus gave his life “as a ransom for many.” Discuss how he did this and what it means for you.

Questions for Middle School and Above

Jesus’ disciples were hoping for positions of importance and recognition. In what area of your life has the Lord blessed you with success for which you crave recognition?
Jesus put himself beneath you in service to you. What conclusion can you draw about how highly he must think of you?

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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.

Military Devotion – Peaceful Sleep – October 25, 2024

2024/10/25/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Based on Psalm 4

How is God testing your patience and your faith today?

You might be saying to yourself, “How isn’t God testing my patience and my faith today?” So much so that you can’t even sleep at night. So much so that at night you cry out, “Answer me when I call to you. . . . Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” Well, you’re not alone.

These cries for mercy and relief from distress are direct quotes from King David’s Psalm 4. When King David writes, “Give me relief from my distress,” literally he’s saying, “I’m in a tight spot. I’m in a narrow place. It feels like the walls and the ceiling are just slowly coming down and pressing in around me and making me feel that I’m crushed.”

So what is it that’s going on in your life right now? Or in the life of your family or parents or children or battle buddies or our nation? Maybe you’re thinking ahead to November 5th, and all of it makes you feel like the walls and the ceiling are just caving in on you, and you echo the words of King David and say, “Answer me, Lord. Give me relief from my distress. Give them relief from their distress. Have mercy on us and hear our prayer.”

And is there so much going on in your world right now that you look around and you ask, “Who can show us anything that’s good right now?” That’s exactly what people were asking King David in this psalm. In spite of all the distress in his life and in the lives of the people under his care and protection as king, he says this at the end of the psalm: “In peace I will lie down and sleep” (verse 8a).

How in the world could David be so confident? He says, “I will do this. In peace, I will lie down and sleep.” How can I have restful, peaceful sleep with all of this crying out for mercy and relief from distress?

Well, David answers that question by saying this in the psalm: “You alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety” (verse 8b). When we are asking who can show us any good, King David shows us the Lord.

And he tells us who the Lord is. In verse six, King David says he is the one who shines the light of his face on us. This is such a cool picture. In the Bible, when it talks about God shining his face on us or turning his face toward us, it’s a picture that God is showing favor on you. He smiles with approval on you. He keeps you and all the circumstances and situations in which you find yourself before his eyes. He knows about them. He knows about all of it.

And because of that, he is the God who is near to us, not distant. And because he shines the light of his face on us, that means that he blesses us in spite of our hardships and sometimes through our difficulties and hardships.

It means that because he turns his face to us, he not only hears and listens to our prayers but answers all of them according to his will. It means that he has mercy on us when we cry out for mercy. It means that he will give us relief from our distress because we cry out to him for relief from our distress. If not in this life, then in the life to come.

So my challenge to you this week is this: to read Psalm 4 out loud tonight before you go to bed. And not just tonight, but every night this week before you go to bed. And then, lay your head on your pillow in peace, knowing that the Lord is your God. In peace, knowing that the face of the Lord shines on you with all of its brilliant, glorious light. In peace, knowing that God not only listens but answers your prayers according to his mercy, that he does have mercy on you, that he will give you relief from your distress—if not in this life, then in the life to come.

Allow that peace to push out those walls and that ceiling that feel like they are crushing down around you. Let that peace surround you, and have a peaceful sleep tonight in the Lord.

Prayer:
O God, the helper of all who call on you, have mercy on us and give us eyes of faith to see your Son, that we may follow him on the way that leads to eternal life. As we look ahead to the election of our governmental leaders in November, and as we look at all that feels as if it is crushing us, help us to know that peace that surrounds us and protects us, and grant us peaceful sleep. In your name we pray. Amen.

My friends, the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and give you peace. Amen.

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

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

He Even Added Intercession – October 25, 2024

2024/10/25/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

He poured out his life unto death and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:12

He Even Added Intercession

Daily Devotion – October 25, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 53:12

See series: Devotions

“Put in a good word for me.”

That’s what people say when they ask you to be a reference for them on a job application. You will be especially helpful to them if you already work for the company and have a good reputation there. You can intercede for them like no one else can. But if you know that the person will be a bad worker, do you still put in a good word for them?

Jesus knew that all people who ever lived would not be good workers. They would sin against him. He died to take the punishment for that sin as if he did it himself. God made him who had no sin to be sin for them.

Then, without even being asked, Jesus put in a good word for them. He interceded for them with God the Father and said, “I know those people have sinned, transgressing against your holy law. But I took the punishment for it, so you can forgive those people and welcome them to heaven.”

Jesus is taking the time right now to put in a good word for you. He has an excellent reputation with God the Father, and his intercession is enough to guarantee you a permanent place in the kingdom of God.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for pleading for me and giving me the opportunity to serve 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.

You Will Never Suffer Hell – October 24, 2024

2024/10/24/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.
Isaiah 53:10

You Will Never Suffer Hell

Daily Devotion – October 24, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 53:10

See series: Devotions

Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah got a glimpse of what Jesus would do. The details in Isaiah chapter 53 lead us to believe that Isaiah saw pretty clearly how Jesus would die on a cross. The selfless sacrifice of the suffering servant of the Lord is portrayed in graphic terms.

Isaiah also spoke of the purpose of the suffering. The death of Jesus was an offering for sin. But Jesus had never sinned! Separated from God the Father while hanging on the cross, Jesus suffered hell, the appropriate punishment for sin. He declared that this suffering was for every sin ever committed by anyone in the world, and he proved that he paid the price for all that sin by rising from the dead. He still lives, and he always will.

Jesus suffered hell for you so that you will never suffer hell. Connected to Jesus by faith, you receive forgiveness for your sins and eternal life with him in heaven. God wants you to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Nearly two thousand years after Jesus died, you have an even clearer view of the details and purpose of his suffering than Isaiah did.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for suffering hell in my place and promising me eternity in heaven with 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.

Take It or Leave It? – October 23, 2024

2024/10/23/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:7-12,19-23

If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?
1 Corinthians 9:11

Take It or Leave It?

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Family Devotion – October 23, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 9:11

See series: Devotions

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

Two pastors each conducted weddings over the summer. After the service, each pastor was offered a gift of money as a thank-you for performing the wedding. One of the pastors gratefully accepted the gift as an expression of appreciation. The other pastor graciously declined, pointing out that his congregation provided for his needs, and conducting weddings was included in his call as a pastor.

Which pastor did the right thing? Should such a gift be accepted or declined?

Both could be correct, couldn’t they? As we look at the words of the apostle Paul in our Bible reading today, he points out that it is perfectly normal for church workers to expect something in return for their church work. When a pastor serves a congregation full-time, it is the responsibility of the church to support those whom God sends to share the gospel. That’s what Paul encouraged in today’s verse when asked, “If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?”

However, Paul declined such aid (“material harvest”) because he didn’t want anyone to think that money or receiving payment were the only reasons he was preaching and teaching about Jesus. He didn’t want people to think he became a pastor because of the money. In his specific situation, he was making a sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.

God doesn’t call every Christian to make that kind of sacrifice. But he does tell us that sacrifices will be a normal part of following him. Rather than avoid such sacrifices, we make them joyfully in support of the gospel, for our minimal sacrifices remind us of the greatest sacrifice ever made: the sacrifice Jesus made for us when he gave up his life and died so that we might live forever.

Now that we have that promise, how are we to live? Sacrificially. We can do without certain things because we know God, who has taken care of our greatest need, will provide for all our other needs as well.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you richly and daily provide all we need for life and then some. Thank you! Thank you for our pastor who brings God’s Word to us. Help us support the gospel work and workers of our church with our prayers and offerings. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

How do you think churches take care of their pastors for their service?
What is one way you can show your pastor (and Savior!) that you appreciate him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What are some sacrifices you have had to make because of your faith?
Agree or disagree. Since pastors carry out the most important work of saving souls, they should make lots of money.

Questions for Middle School and Above

What is the greatest sacrifice you have seen another Christian make because Jesus was their priority? What impact did it have on you?
If you were in the position of the pastor having performed the wedding, what would you do with the gift of money and why?

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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.

Doing What’s Best for Others – October 23, 2024

2024/10/23/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. . . I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 9:19,23

Doing What’s Best for Others

Daily Devotion – October 23, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 9:19,23

See series: Devotions

It may be a virtue to put other people’s needs ahead of your own, but it can burn you out fast. Compassion fatigue is a real thing. Needy people can take everything out of you. Unappreciative people can make you resentful.

If you are going to find out other people’s needs and try to meet them, it’s best to have a clear purpose for doing that. In today’s Bible reading, the encouragement is to do all that for the sake of the gospel.

That means that while you are sympathetic to the perceived needs of people, you know that their real greatest need is a connection to Jesus as their Savior. People need to acknowledge that they are sinners, and they need to hear that Jesus forgives them. That’s the gospel.

When you look at your life of service through that lens, you will share in the blessings of the gospel. Acknowledging that you are a sinner makes you more patient with unappreciative people who are sinners, too. Hearing that Jesus forgives you gives you the strength to forgive them.

In fact, the gospel is an endless source of motivation and energy for going out of your way to serve others.

Prayer:
Jesus, give me perseverance and strength to win people 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.

Servant Leadership – October 22, 2024

2024/10/22/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:43-45

Servant Leadership

Daily Devotion – October 22, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 10:43-45

See series: Devotions

If your main goal in life is to meet the needs of others, not yourself, what does that make you? A flight attendant? The parent of a newborn? Service staff in a restaurant? No, it makes you a Christian. Let me explain.

When Jesus became a human being, he humbled himself. From all eternity, he had been God, and he could have arrived on the earth demanding to be worshiped, but instead, he came to meet the needs of others. He lived the life they could not have lived, and when it came time for him to take the reward of heaven, he chose to take the suffering of hell instead. He died for you. He did not demand to be served. Instead, he earned forgiveness for you. He served.

That means your basic needs are taken care of. As a Christian, you have forgiveness for your sins, and when your sins are forgiven, you get eternal life in heaven.

When you do not have to worry about meeting your own needs, you are freed up to meet the needs of others.

People whose main job is to meet the needs of others are servants. Jesus says that you are free to think of yourself that way, even in areas of leadership. It’s a great paradox. Because of Jesus, Christians are free, subject to no one. In response to that freedom, Christians are dutiful servants of all, subject to everyone.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for desiring to be served. Give me opportunities to serve in your name. 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.

Good Suffering – October 21, 2024

2024/10/21/in Devotions, Family Devotions

It was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin . . . He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:10,12

Good Suffering

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Family Devotion – October 21, 2024

Devotion based on Isaiah 53:10,12

See series: Devotions

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

If you do not like going to the doctor to get your shots, you aren’t alone. Most people don’t enjoy getting stuck with sharp objects!

Have you ever watched a parent or grandparent donate blood? Here’s what happens: the donor is given a bag with a long tube and sent to a reclining seat where a nurse waits. The nurse then connects a needle to the tube and gently inserts the needle into the patient’s arm to collect blood. Once the bag is full, the patient is done and allowed to leave after resting and having water and a snack.

If needles hurt, why would anyone willingly put up with getting stuck with one to donate blood? They do it because they know their blood can help save other people’s lives. They endure the prick of a needle because they want to help other people. Their blood may be used for someone who has been injured in an accident, has gone through surgery, or is very sick.

Why did Jesus willingly endure pain and punishment when he died on the cross? Because he knew his blood would help save other people’s lives. He endured the beatings, the whipping, the piercing and the pain of the cross because he knew that by his suffering, he would save others from having to suffer in hell. Isaiah said it like this: “It was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin . . . He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

People don’t enjoy suffering, but we’re often willing to endure it for others, just as Jesus did for us. Because Jesus suffered for us while here on earth, we know that we’ll never have to suffer again when we finally leave this earth for heaven!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you suffered for us in a way we could never fully understand. But we can be grateful, nonetheless. Help us show our thanks by willingly suffering for others whenever the need arises. 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

Getting shots at the doctor’s office can be painful, so why do people get them?
True or false? Jesus died on the cross to pay for his sins.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Share something that you don’t like because you find it very painful.
Why did Jesus willingly experience the pain of the cross?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Explain the following statement. No one ever suffered more than Jesus, and no one ever suffered for more than Jesus.
Jesus willingly suffered for us. How does his suffering affect us and impact our willingness to suffer for others?

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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.

Followers of Christ Rest in God – Week of October 21, 2024

2024/10/21/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Followers of Christ Rest in God – Week of October 21, 2024

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

ECME Devotion October 21, 2024

See series: ECME Devotions

One of the things that can be misunderstood by those who haven’t served in early childhood is naptime. Children quietly sleeping on their blankets with the lights dimmed and quiet music playing can happen. But it’s not unusual to have one or two children who just can’t find a way to settle in. You might look at them and wonder—“If someone gave me the chance to rest quietly every afternoon, I’d be out like a light.”

Today’s verses talk about finding rest in God. As you might imagine, this is not a rest from our physical needs. The rest referenced in this verse is a spiritual rest. Satan and the world are relentless. Satan knows so many subtle ways to attack us in an attempt to wear us down. He uses things like physical fatigue, doubt, relationship difficulties, and guilt. His voice is full of lies that we need to constantly fight against. “You’re not good enough.” “You haven’t done enough.”

Life this side of heaven is challenging. We can become overwhelmed. Where can we turn? “My soul finds rest in God.” Like the small child who reaches up to be held by mom, dad, or another loving adult, we can reach up to our heavenly Father. Our biggest issue is not a tired body but a soul that needs rest from the sin and guilt of this world.

“My salvation comes from him.” The greatest need we have or will ever have is taken care of. Our sin has been taken away. The record of our wrongs has been completely erased by what Jesus did for us on the cross.

Satan is tough. He doesn’t give up. It shows how much he hates God and God’s people. That can be a terrifying thought. However, even though we’re not more powerful than Satan and his lies, God is. That’s what the verses mean when they talk about God as our fortress. Fortresses were designed to be impenetrable. They had thick, high walls that could not be scaled by any individual. The arrows that the enemy would hurl at them were stopped by the strong stone fortress. That’s what God is for us. He’s our fortress. There’s nothing Satan can do that God can’t overcome. God’s protection is also relentless. His motivation is vastly different than Satan’s. He is motivated by pure, unconditional love for you, for me, for all people.

So what can you do? Fortify yourself. Arm yourself. Not with a suit of armor but rather with things like what you are doing right now. Be faithful with devotions, Bible studies, any time in the Word. Talk to God. Go to him in prayer. Be specific and ask him to protect you and those you care about. Encourage each other spiritually. Find ways to boost someone you know with God’s Word.

And rest. Time in the Word is a time of rest from the world and a focus on our Heavenly Father. Take time to just be still and consider who God is and what he has done for you. Time resting in God’s Word rejuvenates and encourages you in a way that no nap ever will. God is your salvation, your fortress. Trust in God. Rest in God.

Prayer:
Dear Father, I can often be so overwhelmed and tired of all the challenges of life. Thank you for being my heavenly Father, my salvation, my fortress, my rest. Keep me always close to you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Christian Worship 21 818, My Soul Finds Rest in God Alone, is a beautiful setting of Psalm 62.

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.

The Hard Way Was the Only Way – October 21, 2024

2024/10/21/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“We are going up to Jerusalem,” [Jesus] said, “and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.”
Mark 10:33,34

The Hard Way Was the Only Way

Daily Devotion – October 21, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 10:33,34

See series: Devotions

Do you ever watch people doing something and realize they are doing it the hard way? You wonder how much better their life would be if they were to figure out the easy way of doing it.

Jesus explained to his disciples what it would take to earn their salvation, and it must have looked like the hard way to them. Surely, he could stay away from Jerusalem, where all his enemies were gathered! There was no reason to let them condemn him, mock and spit on him, flog and kill him, was there? How much easier the life of Jesus would have been if he could have found a way to avoid such suffering.

But when it came to your salvation, the hard way was the only way. Someone had to live a perfect life in your place. Someone had to die to take the punishment for your sin. Someone had to fulfill all the prophecies. Someone had to make the selfless sacrifices for his disciples, including you.

Jesus knew he would rise from the dead, and he wanted you to join him in the resurrection. He did everything the hard way so that your life would be better right now. You have peace with God. He did everything the hard way so that your life would be better in the future. You will live forever with him.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for suffering to bring me to 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.

Transformed – teen devotion – October 20, 2024

2024/10/20/in Teen Devotions

The heart of a follower of Jesus when sharing the gospel is a heart that looks for nothing in return.

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 9:22-23

Whatever it Costs

It can be hard to get fired up to share the gospel. As a follower of Jesus, we know we are supposed to share the gospel, but it can be hard to be motivated to share the gospel. That is because you don’t get anything in return. Getting a reward is a great motivator. Tell a teen that if they clean their room they can go to the movies with their friends. Chances are that room will get cleaned. Tell a teen to mow the lawn and they will get paid $100. That lawn will get mowed, edged and swept. Tell a teen that if they clean the toilets they will get a brand new car. Those toilets will sparkle. Tell a teen to do any of those chores because Mom or Dad says so, it is safe to say that teen will be less motivated. A person is highly motivated to spend time, effort, and energy if they know they will get something in return.

That is why it can be difficult to be motivated to share the gospel. It costs a lot and you gain nothing. Paul said he would do whatever it takes to win someone over to the gospel. If he had to be uncomfortable, he would. If he had to be weak, he would. If he had to be ridiculed, he would. If he had to pretend to like something he really didn’t like just to build a relationship, he would. If he had to spend his own money, he would. If he had to give up his Saturday, he would. He would do whatever cost him just so that he might possibly win someone over to Jesus. And what did he gain from all of that effort? Nothing. Actually, he received hardships more times than not.

So why was he so on fire to share the gospel? He didn’t need a reward because he already had everything. When you have Jesus, you have heaven. Imagine having a visa gift card that never ran out. When you went out to eat with your friends, wouldn’t it be easy to pay the bill for everyone. When you have everything, it is easy to pay whatever it costs and you want to share what you have with others. So if you are struggling to share Jesus with the people around you, take a moment and think about how awesome heaven is going to be. Then look at that person and think about what they are missing out on. You will be motivated to do whatever it costs here on earth to possibly get to share with that person the joy of having everything in heaven. Amen

Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for giving me everything. There are so many people who have nothing because they don’t have you. Give me the opportunity to share the gospel with them. When I get the opportunity, give me the motivation, courage, and words to say. 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.

WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

Read: Read Revelation 20:4-6

You Will Live and Reign with Christ

Closing Prayer:

All Our Strength

Spiritual But Not Religious

Eat An Amazing Meal on a Mountaintop

Closing Prayer:

All Your Heart

The Debt

The Eternal Gospel

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Prepared to Witness

Courageous Witness

Can You Be Someone’s Angel?

Closing Prayer:

Even to the Point of Death

You’re Not Alone

Read: Daniel 3:16-28

Our God Is Able

Closing Prayer:

Courageous to Witness

God’s Outstanding Deliverance

Greatness

Read: Mark 10:32-45

Selfless Service

Closing Prayer:

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He Even Added Intercession

You Will Never Suffer Hell

Read: 1 Corinthians 9:7-12,19-23

Take It or Leave It?

Closing Prayer:

Doing What’s Best for Others

Servant Leadership

Good Suffering

Closing Prayer:

Followers of Christ Rest in God – Week of October 21, 2024

ECME Devotion October 21, 2024

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The Hard Way Was the Only Way

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