Devotions

Don’t Make the Rocks Have to Sing for You – April 14, 2025

2025/04/14/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Luke 19:28-40

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Luke 19:40

Don’t Make the Rocks Have to Sing for You

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Family Devotion – April 14, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 19:40

See series: Devotions

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

Did you know that Jesus liked rock music? On the Sunday before he died, Jesus entered Jerusalem in a very special way. He rode on a donkey while people laid palm branches and coats along the road.

That may sound a little strange to us, but it was like rolling out the red carpet for a celebrity today. The people were welcoming Jesus as a king. And as the crowds cheered him on, they sang, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38)

They were singing Psalms that talked about the coming Savior. They were saying that Jesus was the promised Savior. They were calling him a king.

But some of Jesus’ enemies didn’t like that. They didn’t believe that he was the promised Savior or king. They hated Jesus, and it drove them crazy to hear the people singing those songs to him.

So, they went to Jesus and told him to make the people stop singing.

“I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

See, Jesus liked rock music!

Actually, he liked the songs the people were singing to him even more. Jesus loves it when his people sing praises to him. He deserves to be praised!

That’s what he meant when he said, “The stones will cry out.” On that Palm Sunday, 2,000 years ago, Jesus was going to be praised one way or another. If the people didn’t sing out, God would make the rocks sing!

Do you know what Jesus likes even more than rock music? He loves your music. He loves it when you sing praises to him at church. He loves hearing your voice sing his praise.

Sometimes, though, we get embarrassed. Maybe you don’t want people to think you’re weird, or maybe you don’t like the sound of your voice. So, you don’t sing very loud at church, or maybe you don’t sing at all.

But Jesus loves you. He loves the sound of your voice. He isn’t embarrassed to call you his friend. In fact, he loved you so much that he went into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday because he was going to die for you on Good Friday.

So, don’t be embarrassed to sing praises to him. Don’t make the rocks sing for you!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are awesome! Thank you for riding into Jerusalem to die for me on the cross. Help me to never be too embarrassed to sing my praises to 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 is your favorite song to sing to Jesus?
Why do you like that song?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

When we sing our songs of praise in church, we do it for Jesus, but who else does it help when we sing?
Why should we never be embarrassed about Jesus or our faith in him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. Just five days later, Jesus would be hanging on the cross. What does it tell you about Jesus that he rode into Jerusalem, knowing exactly what was waiting for him on Good Friday?
A friend tells you, “I don’t sing in church because I can’t sing. Nobody wants to hear my terrible voice.” What would you say in response?

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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.

If You Want It, Go Get It – April 14, 2025

2025/04/14/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Christ Jesus . . . being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing.
Philippians 2:5-7

If You Want It, Go Get It

Daily Devotion – April 14, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 2:5-7

See series: Devotions

If you want something, you have to go get it. That’s the kind of advice a parent, grandparent, coach, or mentor might have for a young person. Success doesn’t just come to you. Opportunities don’t just appear with no effort on your part. You have to get out there and make something happen and seize the opportunities when they come. You have to go get what’s yours.

In most cases, it’s probably good advice. But it doesn’t seem like advice that Jesus heard or accepted. He had it all. He had the power and glory. He was God. He could do anything he wanted to do. But he gave it all away.

“He made himself nothing,” the Bible says. He gave up comfort and ease. He set aside power and authority. He gave it all up to live as a human being, to live life as a lowly servant in this world. In utter humility, Jesus was counted among the worst criminals and sentenced to death. He was crushed under the weight of God’s anger over sin and disobedience.

Instead of selfishly seizing greatness, he surrendered to lowliness. Why? Because of the greatness of his love.

You see, there was something that Jesus wanted. He knew it wouldn’t happen on its own. He had to go out and get it. He seized the opportunity and sacrificed everything to get it. What was it? It was you. It was me.

Jesus surrendered to lowliness and suffering to seize you from the grip of death in which your sins held you. He gave up everything to give you life and riches that you could never earn or achieve for yourself. Riches that will outlast every achievement and reward this world can offer.

Jesus seized the opportunity to surrender what he had to give you what was his—a place in the family of God and an eternal home. That’s what this week that Christians call “Holy Week” is all about.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, no one loves me as much as you love me. Thank you for coming to earth and giving up everything to give me life with you in heaven. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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 – April 13, 2025

2025/04/13/in Teen Devotions

One key truth: A one-time substitute buries all-time guilt.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”
Galatians 3:13

The Curse Traded for a Cross

Let’s be real—life can feel like a constant test. Whether it’s grades, sports, friendships, or even trying to be a “good person,” the pressure to measure up is everywhere. And deep down, we all know the truth: we fall short. No matter how hard we try, we mess up. We break promises, say things we regret, think thoughts we wouldn’t want anyone to know.

That’s exactly what Galatians 3 is talking about. God’s law is perfect, and if we could follow it 100%—never sinning in thoughts, words, or actions—we’d be good. But that’s impossible. Instead of being blessed by the law, we’re crushed by it. It’s like playing a game with rules so strict that one mistake means you lose forever. The Bible calls this being under a curse—and it’s serious. Sin doesn’t just bring bad feelings; it separates us from God.

But here’s where Good Friday changes everything.

Instead of leaving us under that curse, Jesus stepped in as our substitute. He never sinned—he didn’t deserve punishment. But on the cross, he became the cursed one in our place. That’s why Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”

Think about it this way: A one-time substitute buries all-time guilt. Jesus, the perfect substitute, took every sin, every failure, every regret—and buried them in the grave. And when he rose again, the guilt stayed buried, but you didn’t. You’re free.

When Jesus hung on that cross, he took the punishment we should’ve gotten. He carried our sin, our guilt, our shame. He faced separation from God so we wouldn’t have to. His last breath, his pain, his suffering—it was all for you. Not because you earned it, but because he loves you that much.

So what does this mean? It means you don’t have to prove yourself to God. You don’t have to carry guilt like a backpack full of bricks. Jesus carried it for you. The curse is broken. The debt is paid. The cross wasn’t the end—it was the rescue.

On this Good Friday, don’t just see the cross as a sad event. See it as Jesus’ love letter to you, written in his own blood. And because of him, you are free.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and mercy. We fall short, but Jesus took our place, bearing our sin and breaking the curse. Through his sacrifice, we are free and forgiven. Help us to rest in his finished work, not striving to prove ourselves but living in gratitude and faith. In Jesus’ name, 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.

Can’t Keep Quiet – April 13, 2025

2025/04/13/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

The whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Luke 19:37-40

Can’t Keep Quiet

Daily Devotion – April 13, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 19:37-40

See series: Devotions

As spring warmth returns to the northern regions, choruses of birds greet the morning sun. They can’t keep quiet. Rather, they praise their Creator.

As Jesus came to Jerusalem on a donkey, the crowds raised their voices, shouting, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” They couldn’t keep quiet.

And we have an even greater reason not to keep quiet. Because we know that God is not only our Creator. We know that Jesus did more than perform miracles.

Praise him because you know why he came to Jerusalem. He came to die for sinners, to die for you and me.

Praise him because you believe in him, your King. You, like me, were once a slave to sin. But the King ransomed us to be his blood-bought people. His death on the cross redeemed you, so that by faith, you confess that he is your King. What’s more, one week after he entered Jerusalem, he proved himself our victorious King. He conquered death by rising from the dead. He broke sin’s chains and crushed Satan’s head. His resurrection makes our faith sure. So, praise your victorious King.

Praise him because he has taken our hearts that were once stone-dead in sin and made us spiritually alive. How powerless we were! But through his word in baptism and the Bible, he entered your heart and established his throne. Through his gospel, he reigns in you. Your faith holds on to this good news: You have peace with God in heaven above because Jesus reconciled you to him by his death on the cross.

Yes, now we, who were once like stones, can’t keep quiet. We cry out: “Glory to God in the highest, who gave up his Son to bring us peace. Glory to our Savior-King, who reigns forever and ever.”

Prayer:
I praise you, Jesus, for all you have done and continue to do as my King! Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Forgetting What Is Behind – April 12, 2025

2025/04/12/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14

Forgetting What Is Behind

Daily Devotion – April 12, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 3:12-14

See series: Devotions

After a long day, that glorious moment has finally arrived. However, as your weary head sinks deeper into its pillow your mind begins reviewing the events of the day, and you find that sleep is not going to come as quickly as you would like. Unfinished tasks, disappointing events, words that you regret speaking. There are all sorts of things that happened during the day that you wish you could go back and change, but you can’t.

One of the most frustrating things in life is also one of the most solid truths. We cannot go back and change anything that has happened in the past. There is no time machine that allows us to go back and avoid making the mistakes we have made.

How awesome our God is! He does undo the past. He has erased those mistakes, not by using a time machine, but with the blood of his Son, Jesus. Every hurtful word spoken, and selfish decision made, all the sinful acts we have ever committed—they have all been erased by Jesus’ death on the cross.

Now we have been given a tremendous gift—a future. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross in our place, all our sin and guilt have been removed and by faith in Jesus we have been given eternal life in heaven. Instead of ending the day with a mind that is spinning, filled with the regrets of the past, we can rest in peace with our eyes focused on the wonderful future God has graciously given to us.

May the Holy Spirit graciously enable us to echo the apostle Paul’s words: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, fill my heart with a faith that focuses on the eternal prize that Jesus, my Savior, has won for me with his blood. With my eyes focused on heaven, help me to live my life here on earth as the forgiven child of God that I am. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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 Most Important Stone – April 11, 2025

2025/04/11/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Luke 20:9-19

‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.’
Luke 20:17

The Most Important Stone

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Family Devotion – April 11, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 20:17

See series: Devotions

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

In 2006, a fishing crew from the Philippines got stuck in a big storm. The boat’s anchor got caught on something, and they couldn’t move.

One of the fishermen dove down to the bottom to free the anchor. When he got there, he found the anchor stuck on a giant clam. As he freed the anchor, he discovered something in the clam—a huge, oddly shaped pearl, almost two feet long and weighing nearly 75 pounds! He brought it home and put it under his bed for good luck.

In 2016, when the fisherman moved, he gave the pearl to a friend to keep safe. That’s when he found out that the pearl was the biggest one in the world and worth over $100,000,000!

For ten years, the pearl sat under his bed because he didn’t realize how valuable it was.

Just like in the story Jesus told about the evil tenants, the people of Israel in the Old Testament rejected God’s messengers, the prophets, over and over. When God finally sent his Son, Jesus, they rejected him too, even though they killed him on the cross.

They rejected Jesus because he wasn’t what they wanted him to be. They didn’t realize how much he was worth. In today’s reading, Jesus quoted a verse from Psalm 118: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”

A long time ago, the cornerstone was the most important stone. It was the first stone builders used when they started a building. All the other stones depended on it.

Even though Jesus was the most important stone, the people of Israel rejected him. Like the fisherman’s pearl, they thought he wasn’t worth very much.

Sometimes, we can forget how valuable Jesus is. We can get so busy with school, sports, and everything else that we forget about him during the week. We go to church on Sundays but then don’t think about or talk to him the rest of the week.

We don’t completely reject Jesus like the Israelites did, but we forget he’s worth more than a $100,000,000 pearl. Without Jesus, we wouldn’t exist. Without him, we couldn’t live or breathe. Without Jesus, we would be lost forever.

Jesus is the most important stone.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for everything you give us—our lives, our families, and everything we own. Thank you especially for dying for our sins on the cross and giving us heaven. Help us always remember how special and valuable you are. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Why is Jesus so important to you?
How can we show Jesus that he is the most important thing in our lives?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why do you think some people don’t believe in Jesus or reject him?
Look up 1 Corinthians 10:12. Do you think you could ever reject Jesus? Why or why not?

Questions for Middle School and Above

In the Old Testament, God’s people wouldn’t listen to his messengers, the prophets, and they lost everything. What warning does this give us when we go to church and listen to God’s Word?
How is this statement true? “Show me what you spend your money and time on, and I will tell you what is most important to 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.

This King Saves – April 11, 2025

2025/04/11/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Watch the Devotion

Based on Luke 19:28-40

I received a text from a US Navy sailor who asked, “Chaplain Horn, could you please say a prayer today for my shipmates? They were underway and then out of the blue were told that their tour got extended by a handful of months. They are headed right into the thick of it in the Middle East.”

I reached out to one of our deployed US Army soldiers who is in Eastern Europe and asked, “How I can pray for you today?” He responded, “Pray for peace. The number of dead bodies in large-scale combat is not something we can fathom in our American minds.”

Earlier today I reached out to an Air Force National Guardsman who just deployed, asking how she was. She responded, “I just landed in country. I start my job tonight. Pray that my wing supports those who fly sorties, but I’m more concerned about my husband and infant son back home. Please pray for them.”

Jesus said that there will be wars and rumors of wars. These are the things that keep us up at night and cause anxiety, and the reason our prayer lists do not diminish but seem to always increase. It feels that this is ever-present in our life. And it is. It’s because of the presence of sin in a broken world. Some have asked, “Is it proper for us to pray for peace? Will it actually happen on this earth? Is this something that our King in heaven can actually bring about?”

This coming Sunday you will hear about this King, on the Sunday we call Palm Sunday, or Sunday of the Passion. You will most likely hear the story of Jesus as he rides into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey. The disciples and the crowds of people cut down branches from the trees and lay them down in the dirt road to show respect for a king as he comes into his city. They shout, “Hosanna!” We hear this ancient word all the way back in the psalms. It’s a cry to the Lord that says, “Save us!” And that’s exactly what the King comes to do. He rides into Jerusalem to save—to save by going to war.

He goes to war against all that keeps us up at night, against all that makes us anxious. He goes to war against war itself. He goes to war with death and grave. He goes to war against the devil and his forces of evil, who use war and anxiety and fear and frustration to cast doubt in our minds that our King can truly save us. He goes to war by sitting atop a donkey, amid the cheers of “Hosanna!” He goes and he does just that: He saves.

He saves not with Tomahawk missiles but in meekness. He saves not with a show of force but in weakness. He wins by way of a cross and a tomb. Not much of a military strategist, is he? But he wins but stomping on the head of the devil, crushing death by rising from his tomb.

With this victory, no more can Satan cast doubt in our hearts about this King, for he has done what he said he would do. No more can death and grave scare us into submission. For this King lives and lives to give us the sure confidence of life eternal. This King saves. This King restores all things, and he does this for you.

Whatever keeps you up at night, whatever causes you to feel anxious, be at peace. Know that Jesus came to save you, your loved ones, and your battle buddies—to save them from all that might frighten us.

As for that for peace, the answer is, “Yes.” When we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us our daily bread,” part of that prayer includes peace for the nations. When there is peace, when there is good government, there is safety. When there is peace and safety there is the ability to earn our daily bread in our varied vocations. Peace helps us love and serve our neighbor. Even in wartime and disaster, there is certainly opportunity for us to love and serve our neighbor.

Let us pray for peace, and pray that our hearts may be at peace, knowing and believing and trusting that this King saves. He saves us now and for eternity.

Prayer:

We praise you, O God, for the great acts of love by which you have redeemed us and saved us through your Son, Jesus Christ. As he was acclaimed by those who scattered their garments and branches of palms in his path, so may we always hail him as our King and follow him with perfect confidence.

Keep safe all our nation’s warriors and those who support them. Bring peace to those areas of our world where there is conflict.

Continue to bless our nation’s Air Force Reserve, which celebrates its birthday on April 14. It is by your gracious hand, Lord, that since 1948 you have provided a combat-ready force for varied missions across the Air Force. Today, as these men and women deploy weather reconnaissance to keep our pilots safe and engage in modular aerial firefighting and Pararescue, keep them always ready to assure victory for our nation—anytime, anywhere, to “fly, fight, and win.” We ask this in your gracious name. 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.

To Press On – April 11, 2025

2025/04/11/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

To Press On

Daily Devotion – April 11, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 3:14

See series: Devotions

When word leaked out that Sylvester Stallone was working on yet another Rocky movie, many people groaned and rolled their eyes. After all, it had been thirty years since the original film and fifteen years had passed since the last installment, Rocky V, opened in theaters. Critics had panned Rocky V as nothing more than a thin, tired last gasp of a worn-out franchise.

Despite the guffaws, Stallone soldiered on. He believed Rocky Balboa still had something to say. He was right. The film, simply entitled Rocky Balboa, hit the big screen in 2006. And to everyone’s amazement, Rocky Balboa was good. Very good.

The climactic scene of the film is an emotional exchange between Rocky and his son, who, by now is a young adult. His son has just poured out his heart to Rocky, describing the difficulties and hardships he’s had to endure because of the ups and downs of his famous father. Rocky’s response is poignant and powerful. After describing to his son how brutal, unfair, and relentless life can be, he says, “[But] it ain’t about how hard you’re hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”

The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about taking hits. Over the years of his ministry, he’d endured beatings with rods, imprisonment, stoning, angry mobs threatening his life, shipwrecks, hunger, thirst and lack of sleep. He’d endured the heartache and disappointment of people turning their backs on Jesus.

Nevertheless, Paul pressed on. But here’s the point: He pressed on not to make himself worthy of his heavenly prize. Rather, he pressed on because of what Jesus Christ had already done to secure the heavenly prize for him. Christ had already secured victory by living a life of perfect persistence in Paul’s place. He had already secured victory by going to the cross and washing away Paul’s many sinful stumbles and falls. Therefore, what drove Paul to persevere was God’s persistent love for him in Jesus.

And that is what drives us, too.

Prayer:
Lord, move me to press on, as you pressed on for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Deepest Wish and Need – April 10, 2025

2025/04/10/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Philippians 3:8

Deepest Wish and Need

Daily Devotion – April 10, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 3:8

See series: Devotions

Christian writer Tim Keller once quoted an author by the name of Cynthia Heimel. In her circles, Heimel got to know a lot of celebrities before they became celebrities. Then she got to watch them after they made it big. As a result, she said the following: “I pity [celebrities]. No, I do. They were once perfectly pleasant human beings. But now, their wrath is awful. More than any of us, they wanted fame. They worked. They pushed. [But] the morning after each of them became famous, they wanted to take an overdose. Because that one giant thing they were striving for, that thing that was going to make everything okay, had happened. And nothing changed. They were still them. Cynthia Heimel then went on to say, “I think when God wishes to play a rotten practical joke on you, he grants your deepest wish.”

How about you? It’s easy, of course, to pick on celebrities who find out that being famous does not make everything okay. But you and I are just as vulnerable. Sure, we may not pick fame as our deepest wish. Our deepest wish may be something entirely different. Perhaps it’s popularity or respect from others in your line of work. Perhaps it’s success, financial security, authority, and influence. Perhaps it’s living life with a minimum of trouble.

The problem is that our deepest wish can often miss the mark of our deepest need. When that happens, we will experience the same fate as Cynthia Heimel’s celebrities. We will find that even when we get our deepest wish, nothing changes. We are still us.

That’s what the apostle Paul discovered. When he looked back on all the ways he had fulfilled his deepest wishes, respect, success in his field, success, and power, all this power he now regarded as harmful distractions in comparison to his deepest need.

Jesus Christ filled that need. He washed away Paul’s sins on Calvary’s cross. He connected Paul to God. He’s here to do the same for you and me.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my greatest need is you. Do what you must to keep me close. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

True Value – April 9, 2025

2025/04/09/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Philippians 3:4-14

Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
Philippians 3:7

True Value

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – April 9, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 3:7

See series: Devotions

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

Do you know anyone who collects sports cards, Pokémon cards, or other cool collectibles? Andy collected baseball cards when he was a boy in the 1980s. In 1985, he spent his newspaper route money to buy packs of baseball cards and was super excited when he pulled out five rookie cards of a young player named Mark McGwire.

In 1998, Mark McGwire broke the single-season home run record. His rookie card became super valuable—each one was worth thousands of dollars! Now an adult, Andy thought about selling his cards. Then he thought, “If they’re worth thousands now, just imagine what they’ll be worth in a few years!”

So, Andy didn’t sell any of his Mark McGwire rookie cards. But then, in 1999, rumors started that McGwire had cheated by using steroids to become bigger and stronger. In 2001, another player broke his home run record. Just like that, the value of his cards crashed.

The same cards that were once worth thousands were now only worth a few dollars each.

The apostle Paul once thought he had something really valuable, too. He thought he was earning his way to heaven by being a good person and doing everything right. He thought God loved him because he followed all the rules and was better than others.

For a long time, Paul believed all the good things he did were worth a lot.

But then something happened. Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to a place called Damascus. Jesus showed Paul that he had it all wrong. Paul realized that, even though he thought he was good, he was actually hurting people and making bad choices. He learned that he couldn’t earn God’s love—because God already loved him!

Paul discovered that God loved him no matter what. Even though he had messed up, Jesus had already taken his punishment on the cross. God forgave him completely.

In the end, Paul realized that what he thought was so valuable was actually worth nothing. But in Jesus, he found a treasure that would never lose its value.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, please forgive me for all the times I treat other things as more valuable than you. Help me remember that your love is the greatest treasure of all. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What is something you really love, or think is important? Can you think of anything even more important than that?
Why do you think some people might care more about things like toys or money than about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What do you think it means that God loves you just because you’re you, not because of anything you do?
Name at least one way you show that you love God.

Questions for Middle School and Above

Why do you think Paul called the things he tried to do to earn God’s love “garbage”? What do you think he meant by that?
What are some “good things” you do because you love God? How do those good things show God’s love to others?

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.

Connection – April 9, 2025

2025/04/09/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

The people I formed for myself.
Isaiah 43:21

Connection

Daily Devotion – April 9, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 43:21

See series: Devotions

In April 2020, a ten-part series entitled The Last Dance began to air on the sports network ESPN. It told the story of Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls, and their legendary place in NBA history. For many who love the game of basketball, the series reaffirmed their conviction that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time.

But imagine, for a moment, the unimaginable. Imagine Michael Jordan going it alone, without a basketball team. Imagine him disconnecting from the league of teams known as the National Basketball Association. Imagine him disconnecting from the fan base that makes professional basketball possible. The very notion is absurd on its face.

In Isaiah chapter 43, the Lord says something that’s often easy to forget. He not only created us. He created us for himself. He did not simply manufacture us and plunk us into a universe of his own making. He created us for the express purpose of living life in profound connection with him.

This reality has huge ramifications. It means that my life has no independent value. It means that while I may drift away from God and convince myself it’s okay to dismiss him from my life, doing so empties me of the very purpose for which I exist. And while I may manage to deceive myself with a life of busyness, career, recreation, and pleasure, it means nothing. Nothing.

And yet, in your sinful madness and mine, you and I often try to give it a go. We fade away from God. We replace him with something or someone else. We disconnect from the very One for whom we exist.

But so precious is his connection with us that out of a love we cannot grasp, he did what he had to do to bring us back. He became one of us. He walked among us. On our behalf, he lived a life of perfect faithfulness to replace our lives of faithlessness. Then he took upon himself all our sins of abandonment and betrayal. He suffered and died for all of them in our place. He washed them all away.

All so that he, you, and I could be together again. Connected once more.

Prayer:
Lord, you made me for yourself. In Christ, I am yours once again. Thank you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Lent Devotion – In the Savior’s Steps – Week 5

2025/04/08/in Women's Ministry Lenten Devotions, Womens Devotions

In the Savior’s Steps

Lazarus’ Tomb

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
John 11:1,4,6-7,14-15,38-44

Death wasn’t anything new for Jesus. At this point in his ministry, he had already raised two people from the dead. But a tomb… that was different. Death’s hold hadn’t been so strong before. Lazarus had been in the grave for four days, past the time when some Jews believed the soul still lingered near the body in hopes of returning to it.

Nor was this just any tomb. No, this one was personal. Jesus had almost certainly never met Jairus’ daughter before, nor the widow of Nain’s son. But Lazarus? This was Jesus’ friend, the brother of Mary and Martha, the family whom Jesus loved. The disciples must have been shocked that Jesus waited two days before going to the tomb. Why would he wait? They had seen his power over sickness and death—why not go immediately to heal the one that he loved?

But Jesus did wait, and Lazarus did die, and so here they were: at a tomb. Although we aren’t told what Jesus was thinking when he approached the tomb, there certainly could have been a sense of anticipation as the cross—and the tomb—loomed large. Even the prophet Isaiah linked the Messiah with a tomb: “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death” (Isaiah 53:9).

Like the disciples, we’ll have to wait until Easter morning to see victory over that tomb. But we don’t have to wait that long to see Jesus’ power over death. As we hear him call Lazarus to come out, we also see Lazarus emerge—resurrected, alive, back with his family and loved ones.

Death is also often personal for us. Whether the grief is still fresh and raw or the pain has faded to a dull ache, death always leaves a hole. We might pray for the same outcome as Lazarus: that our loved one would emerge from the tomb and live among us once again. And while nothing is impossible with God, he doesn’t seem to work through those types of miracles anymore.

Where does that leave us in our sorrow and grief? At a tomb with Jesus. Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus, and he knows the heartbreak we are experiencing. Death was personal for Jesus, just like it’s personal for us. We can turn to him in our moments of anguish, knowing that he, too, lost someone he loved.

And more importantly, we know the tomb is not the end of the story. Mary and Martha saw the glory of God on full display when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. We’ll likely have to wait a bit longer for this glory and probably won’t experience it on this side of heaven. But we do have heaven as our sure and certain hope.

Yes, we all stand at tombs, and there’s a tomb in our own future (unless Jesus returns first). But Jesus’ story didn’t end at the tomb, and neither will ours. As we approach Holy Week, may we see it all: the cross, but also the empty tomb, and the sure hope that our graves—and the graves of all those we love—will be empty one day as well.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we marvel at your power over death. In our moments of grief, give us the hope to cling tightly to that power. Remind us that death cannot separate us from your love, nor does it separate us from those we love who die in you. Amen.

Written by Kristi Meyer
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Desert – April 8, 2025

2025/04/08/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19

Desert

Daily Devotion – April 8, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 43:19

See series: Devotions

You are driving on a remote stretch of highway in the Southwest United States. As you do, you pass through the Sonoran Desert. You’re playing your favorite tunes, your travel snacks are ready, and your minivan’s air conditioning is just right at 72 degrees. All is well.

Then, from your engine, there’s a rattle, a pop, and a bang. Your car slows to a stop. All you can do is pull off to the side. Your cell phone has no signal. You step out of your car and into an oven of 115 degrees. You look around and see—nothing, nothing but desert. And in that moment, a strange corkscrew sensation begins to wind its way up your spine.

These conditions are like the desert conditions God’s people faced in Isaiah chapter 43. As a result of their having drifted away from their Savior-God, they now found themselves surrounded by miseries of their own making—including an enemy nation that had dragged them from their homes and surrounded them in the desert.

Ever feel that way? Ever feel as though your sinful actions—or inactions—have dropped you into some terrible desert? If so, then you know the hopelessness and despair. You know the suffocating sense of futility and the raw fear there is no way home.

But there is a way. His name is Jesus. He has entered our desert and made his way to us. For him to do so came at great personal cost. As our substitute, he did all the things you and I have failed to do. In our place, he endured the suffocating heat and death of divine punishment for all our sins. And then he raised himself back to life.

And now, here he is. He has made his way to us. He brings the cool, refreshing water of forgiveness for us to drink. He brings shelter and shade from the terrible heat of God’s anger. Best of all, he brings the promise of eternal life with him in heaven.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I find myself in a desert of my own making. I look to you with a repentant heart. Refresh me in your promises. Embrace me in your forgiveness. Take me home. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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 Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet – April 7, 2025

2025/04/07/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Isaiah 43:16-21

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”
Isaiah 43:18

You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – April 7, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 43:18

See series: Devotions

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

On October 6, 1927, at the Warner Theater on Broadway, the movie industry changed forever. That night, the first talking movie—the first movie where people could actually speak—premiered. Before that, movies had no sound at all!

The movie was called The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson. At the beginning of the movie, Jolson turned to the camera and said, “Wait a minute, wait a minute! I tell ya—you ain’t heard nothing yet!”

And movies were never the same again.

Now, if we could travel back in time to 1927 with today’s technology, we could tell Al Jolson, “No, Al. You ain’t heard—or seen—nothing yet!”

Just think about how fast technology changes. Your parents or grandparents might remember a time before cell phones or tablets. Some might even remember life before computers! But now we have iPhones, smartwatches, and self-driving cars.

Can you imagine what’s coming next? We ain’t seen nothing yet.

In Isaiah 43, God told his people, the Israelites, that one day he would rescue them from their enemies, the Babylonians. He reminded them how, hundreds of years earlier, he had saved them from slavery in Egypt—how he parted the Red Sea and wiped-out Pharaoh’s army.

Then God said, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19). In other words, “You think that was amazing? Just wait. You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

With his great power and love, God was going to save them again.

When life gets hard, don’t give up. Don’t panic. Don’t let worry take over. Instead, remember:
• Remember how God saved the Israelites from Egypt.
• Remember how he rescued them from the Babylonians.
• Remember how he has helped YOU through tough times before.

But then, don’t just think about the past. Don’t stay stuck there. Why? Because you ain’t seen nothing yet.

God is going to help you with the problems you face today. He is going to bless you in ways you can’t even imagine right now. And because Jesus came into the world to die for you, you get to live forever in heaven—where everything is always new, amazing, and better than you can dream!

You ain’t seen nothing yet.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, when life gets hard, help us remember how you have always helped your people before. Help us trust that you have good things ahead for us. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What amazing things has God done for people in the past?
What does God promise to do for you one day when you die?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why does God tell us not to stay stuck thinking about the past?
How does knowing “You ain’t seen nothing yet” make you feel about what God will do next?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Agree or disagree? God only has good things waiting for you in the future.
Sometimes people worry about bad things that might happen. Why don’t we have to be afraid of the future?

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.

Glory Days – April 7, 2025

2025/04/07/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Isaiah 43:18,19

Glory Days

Daily Devotion – April 7, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 43:18,19

See series: Devotions

“Glory Days” is a classic rock song written by Bruce Springsteen. It tells the story of people who believe their happiest days—their glory days—are behind them. For example, there’s a man who was a standout in amateur baseball. Now his old baseball stories are all he talks about. There’s a woman who was one of the most popular girls in high school. Now, however, her marriage has ended, and she struggles to raise her kids as a single mom. The song goes on to say, “When she feels like crying, she starts laughing, thinking ’bout—Glory Days.”

Does this hit home for you? Perhaps you are in a stage of your life where your present difficulties convince you that your best days are behind. Marriage problems, heartaches in the family, financial stress, dissatisfaction at work, health concerns, wasted opportunities, personal setbacks, regret, anxiety, grief, loneliness—all of these can conspire to tell you that life has passed you by, that your significance has faded, that memories of happier days are all that remain.

Your Lord disagrees. True, in comparison to some past period of your life, your present may be oozing with setbacks, disappointments, difficulties, and pain. This is part of the human experience. This is part of living in a broken, sin-filled world.

But that’s why Jesus came into this sinful world of unfulfilled promise, bitter regret, and unforeseen disaster. On our behalf, he lived the life we should have lived but have failed to live. And in our place, he carried our every sinful failure to Calvary’s cross.

And three days after his death, he raised himself back to life. He did so not only to demonstrate that he is who he claims to be and has done what he’s promised to do. He also did so because he is not just the God of your past but the God of your present and future. He sees you and carries you. He is impacting other souls through you. Savor such a life. Because that’s a life that matters.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when my days grow difficult, remind me you are right here, with precious work for me to do. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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 – April 6, 2025

2025/04/06/in Teen Devotions

One key truth: Jesus Christ is the real treasure that makes us rich—only in him do we find true worth.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:7-9, 13-14

Hiding Treasure in the Trash

In today’s world, it feels like everything revolves around the “stuff” we have, right? “If I can just live in a bigger house… if I can only make more money… if I could just get this or that…” It’s easy to get caught up in that mindset, but it misses the bigger picture. All this “stuff” can feel important, but when you look at it, it’s actually kind of meaningless.

We all get why it’s tempting, though. Maybe it’s a pair of limited-edition sneakers that you feel like you have to have. Or maybe it’s convincing yourself that the clothes you wear, the car you drive, or the people you hang out with will define your happiness and how others see you.

But here’s the thing: if you ever catch yourself stressing over all the material stuff in life, today’s reading is for you. Check this out: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

Jesus is everything, young friends. In the end, nothing else really matters. The car you drive, the house you own, even the job you love—all that stuff is temporary. Health fades, youth passes, but Jesus? He lasts forever.

When we understand this, it changes everything. We can see clearly what’s “trash” and what’s “treasure.” And with that, we can press on each day, knowing that we’re chasing after something eternal—the goal that God has called us toward in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:
You are my glory and my treasure, Almighty God. Jesus’ sacrifice is my salvation. Help me remember this truth every day and keep me close to you. 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.

Don’t Look Back – April 6, 2025

2025/04/06/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14

Don’t Look Back

Daily Devotion – April 6, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 3:12-14

See series: Devotions

When you drive your car, you have a large windshield that lets you see straight ahead. You have a few small mirrors to see what’s behind you. They don’t take up much of your viewing space. That’s because you mostly need to see where you’re going, not where you’ve been.

Before Paul was a missionary for Jesus, he worked hard to stop the good news of Jesus from spreading. He didn’t mind at all if Christians died. But that had been a long time ago. He didn’t let his past wicked sins keep him from now looking forward to heaven with Jesus. Jesus had changed his heart. He repented of his sins. He enjoyed the forgiving love of his Savior.

The guilt and shame of past wrongs can stay with you for a long time. They can keep you from enjoying life. Worse, they can keep you from seeing that the joy of heaven is coming. Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead. He removed your guilt and shame by his death. His resurrection from the grave guarantees eternal life in heaven for you. That’s the prize Paul mentions. That’s the prize Jesus has won for you, too. Don’t look back. Repent. Enjoy Jesus’ forgiving love. See heaven as your eternal future.

Prayer:
Father in heaven, keep my eyes focused on Jesus, who removed the guilt and shame of my sins so that I can look forward to the prize of eternity with you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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 Only Thing of Importance – April 5, 2025

2025/04/05/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

If Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.
Romans 8:10

The Only Thing of Importance

Daily Devotion – April 5, 2025

Devotion based on Romans 8:10

See series: Devotions

John Bacon was a sculptor. And he was a good one. Even during Bacon’s lifetime, Great Britain recognized him as a genius. Some of the most famous places in England eagerly commissioned him to work his magic. Today his astounding sculptures live on. They continue to awe and inspire, from Oxford to Bristol Cathedral to Westminster Abbey and beyond.

John Bacon died in 1799. His 58-year-old body found its final resting place at the Whitfield Tabernacle in London. It’s said that above his tomb are words that Bacon wrote for his epitaph before he died. Everyone walking past his grave will see these words: “What I was as an artist seemed of some importance to me while I lived; but what I was as a believer in Jesus Christ is the only thing of importance to me now.”

As you read or listen to this devotion, what’s important to you? Perhaps you’re a student trying to make it through the final quarter or working in an office and rushing to meet a deadline. Perhaps these words are reaching you at night after you’ve worked two jobs and put the kids to bed. Or you’re retired and battling poor health. No matter where you are in your life, there are matters that are urgent and pressing for the here and now.

But never let the urgent overshadow the important. What’s important is your relationship with Jesus Christ. God’s forgiveness of your every sin at Calvary’s cross is the only thing that will matter the moment your life on this earth comes to an end.

John Bacon worked hard to use his talents to the best of his ability. The Lord wants us to do the same. But as you do, keep in mind “The Only Thing of Importance.” It’s your bond of faith with the Son of God.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, there are so many pressing matters in my life. Give me focus. Empower me to rivet my eyes of faith on what is truly important. Move me to fix my eyes on you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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 Dirty Job That Made Us Clean – April 4, 2025

2025/04/04/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Luke 15:1-3,11-32

“There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15:11-20

The Dirty Job That Made Us Clean

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – April 4, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 15:11-20

See series: Devotions

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

Back in 2005, a show called, Dirty Jobs made its TV debut. The show showed all kinds of gross jobs, like cleaning dirty escalators and checking out smelly sewers.

In our reading for today, Jesus told a story about a son who left his family and wasted all his money on things that didn’t matter. Then, there was a big famine, and the son needed money. He ended up with a nasty job—feeding pigs! He was so hungry that he almost ate the pig food! But then, he realized he could go back to his dad, say sorry for what he had done, and stop living that yucky life.

This story sounds a lot like us. Maybe you’ve never had to eat pig food, but we all have sin in our lives that keeps us away from Jesus. Maybe it’s lying to your parents or wanting things that your friends have. Maybe it’s cheating on your homework or being rude to adults. We need to say sorry for our bad choices and come back to God.

God’s Son had the dirtiest job of all. He took all the sins of the world and died on the cross to take them away. He gave up his life so we could have forever life with God in heaven. His dirty job made us clean.

It’s hard to understand how much God loves us. We don’t deserve it, but just like the father in the story, our heavenly Father runs to us and is happy to welcome us back when we mess up. He loves it when we follow his way because he knows it’s the best way.

A love like that should be shared! We have a job to do. It’s not dirty, but it’s really important. The world is full of sin and sadness, and we have the message of hope to share.

There’s so much joy in saying sorry and turning back to God. We don’t have to stay in the yucky stuff because God has washed us clean with his love. So, go and tell everyone about the Father’s love! Let them know we’ve been washed clean. What a great story to share!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for loving us even when we make mistakes and wander away from you. Just like the father in the story, you are always waiting for us to come back with open arms. Thank you for forgiving us and making us clean through Jesus, no matter how far we’ve gone. Help us to share your love and forgiveness with others, so they can know how much you care for them too. 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

Have you ever made a mistake and needed to say sorry? What did you do to fix it?
How do you think the dad felt when his son came back home after making bad choices?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

How can you show love and forgive others like the dad did?
When you mess up, how do you feel knowing that God will forgive you and still loves you?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Have you ever felt lost or unsure? How did you find your way again?
Why is it important to remember that God loves you, no matter what?

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.

True Treasure – April 4, 2025

2025/04/04/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Watch the Devotion

Based on Philippians 3:7-14

I have a little collection of military memorabilia growing in my home office: challenge coins, a hand grenade, an American flag handcrafted out of wood, a .50 round, unit patches, military baseball caps, and coffee mugs. Each of these was a gift. Each one of these pieces tells a story. I can share with you who gifted me these pieces of military memorabilia and why they gifted them to me. They are some of my most prized possessions.

When I am invited into your homes—forgive me if I do this—I may snoop around. Those of you who have had me in your homes know that I do this. I love to look at all the military memorabilia you have displayed in your homes: the awards, the unique gifts, the creative ways you showcase each of the duty stations where you’ve lived. Each one of those pieces tells your story. I know these are some of your most prized possessions because you have them on display for all to see.

How would you feel if one day they were all gone . . . lost in a move; wiped away by a flood; destroyed by fire; or crushed by a tornado, hurricane, or cyclone? I know how I would feel. I would feel devastated.

The apostle Paul redirects our attention in his letter to the Christians in Philippi: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith” (Philippians 3:7-10).

The apostle Paul had a lot to boast about. When you read the section immediately before this in Philippians chapter 3, he lists all of his accomplishments and successes. People would listen to him speak and say, “Wow! You really know a lot! You’ve accomplished a lot with your life!” But the apostle Paul said, “Yeah, I consider them all rubbish. I want to know Christ. I want to be found in him. His righteousness is mine. All the places I’ve been, all that I’ve accomplished, they’re garbage. I have Christ’s righteousness. So that when people look at me, they don’t see all of these things I’ve accomplished but rather they see that what Christ has accomplished for me and what he has accomplished through me is what’s most important in my life.”

Then Paul goes on to say this: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13,14).

Paul is saying, “Instead of fixing my eyes on these things, the things of this world, I fix my eyes on the eternal, not the temporal. For when I fix my eyes on the temporal, I forget about the eternal. I fix my eyes on my true treasure—that God, in Christ, has called me heavenward. That’s where I am going. That’s where I have eternal treasures. That’s my true treasure.”

God is not saying to us today to get rid of all our military memorabilia, the things we proudly display in our homes that showcase the places God has called us to serve and how he has called us to serve. But might there be a way to showcase Christ as our true treasure in our homes? Like a picture of Jesus, a cross, or a Bible verse to say to all who enter our homes, “This . . . this is my true treasure.”

Prayer:
Almighty God, by your great goodness, keep our eyes fixed on heavenly treasures so that we might not become distracted with that which is temporary and fleeting. Make your Word the most prominent fixture in our homes—in our hearts and minds and mouths—so that we may speak true treasure to others.

Lord Jesus, as we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, we know you love children of all ages, for you told your disciples, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Watch over children of military families. Comfort them when they are sad. Keep them safe when they must move. Help them find good friends. Remind them that you are always with them. In your name we pray. Amen.

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

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

Grace in Place of Merits – April 4, 2025

2025/04/04/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[The younger son said to his father] “I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.” . . . The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
Luke 15:19,28-30

Grace in Place of Merits

Daily Devotion – April 4, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 15:19,28-30

See series: Devotions

By nature, we operate on the basic assumption that you get what you deserve. If you’ve worked hard, you reap a reward for your labor. You pay the price if you’ve been lazy, dishonest, or wasteful. This basic assumption moves many to approach God based on a merit system.

Both sons in this story were operating under that basic assumption. The younger son, who greedily demanded and then squandered his father’s wealth, thought he wasn’t worthy of returning home as a son. He approached his father with a plan to earn his way back by being a servant. The older son, who remained on his father’s estate and kept his nose to the grindstone, thought he was certainly more worthy than his younger brother. He became upset when his father welcomed his brother back as a son, based on grace in place of merit.

There is only one Son to whom that basic assumption applies. Based on the merits of the perfect Son of God, Jesus Christ, God welcomes us home as his dearly loved and fully forgiven children. We need not work our way back into God’s good graces. Jesus’ perfect work, his life, death, and resurrection, have already earned your spot in the Father’s house. It is by his grace, not by your works. You do not and cannot approach God based on merits. Instead, he approaches you with his grace. Like the father in the story ran out to welcome home his son, your Father in heaven runs to you and welcomes you with open arms and grace in place of condemnation. Welcome home!

Prayer:
Lord, by your grace, you receive me as your child. May I rest in that grace alone! Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Grace in Place of Greed – April 3, 2025

2025/04/03/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. . . So he got up and went to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
Luke 15:11-13,20

Grace in Place of Greed

Daily Devotion – April 3, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 15:11-13,20

See series: Devotions

Jesus told a heart-wrenching story. You can read it in Luke 15:11-32. The younger son demanded his share of his father’s estate. Greed lured him away from his father’s home, where he had all he needed. His decision to take his inheritance and squander it eventually left him with nothing. A story like this makes our blood boil. Can you believe the audacity of the son that was so greedy and thankless!

Greed can easily lure our hearts away from the grace of our heavenly Father, which we’ve had at our disposal all along. We’ve felt the tug of a greedy heart that thinks our Father’s love and providence aren’t enough. We’ve given into the allure of material wealth as a replacement for the satisfaction that only our Savior’s love can give. The heartbreaking story of the younger son is our story, too.

Thank God, that’s not the end of the story. More extravagant than the lifestyle of the son who squandered everything is the lavish love of his father, who spared no expense in welcoming his son home. The son came to his senses and decided to return to his father’s house. His father was watching and waiting with open arms to welcome him home as a son.

God’s grace more than covers our sins of greed. Our longing hearts finally find what wealth cannot buy. We find our loving Father always ready to welcome us home with open arms. We find that the gift of our Savior’s forgiveness doesn’t depreciate or become depleted like all our earthly assets. We discover again that our Father’s love and his Son’s sacrifice are always enough.

Prayer:
Father in heaven, how great is the love you lavish on me, that you call me a son and welcome me home with open arms. Grant that I may always trust that your grace is enough. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Staying On Track with Jesus! – April 2, 2025

2025/04/02/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Romans 8:1-10

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, . . . in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. . . . You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.
Romans 8:1,4,9

Staying On Track with Jesus!

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Family Devotion – April 2, 2025

Devotion based on Romans 8:1,4,9

See series: Devotions

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

Have you ever played in an arcade before? If so, you’ve probably tried a race car game. Depending on how much control you have, these games can be really tricky! Unless you have complete control, the steering wheel can be hard to handle. Just one little move, and your car can fly off the course!

Getting off course is something we can all understand. Giving in to sin can easily knock us off the right path, and sometimes it’s hard to get back on track. While it’s good to stay on the right course, we are tempted all the time to follow our own wants and desires. When we give in to temptation, we get knocked off course, and the devil is happy about it.

In our reading today, we’re reminded that the law of sin and death does not control us. Is it powerful? Yes, but we have the Holy Spirit living in us, being the driving force of our lives. On this side of heaven, we’ll mess up sometimes, and we don’t deserve anything good, but that’s not the end of the story. God sent his son, Jesus, to wash away our sins. When we feel like we’re about to go off track, we can ask Jesus for help to say “no” to our sinful desires. We can ask him to help us fight against sin.

God is so good because he gives us ways to stay on the right path. We can go to him for help, but he gives us other lifelines to help us in the fight against sin. We can go to church and Sunday school to hear his Word and be encouraged by other believers. We can do family devotions that help us grow in our faith. We can sing praise songs that help us keep our eyes on him.

When the devil seems to overpower us, remember our reading from Romans. The Spirit is in us. We don’t have the strength or power to resist the devil by ourselves, but we’re not alone. The One who lives in us has already defeated the enemy. What a victory lap heaven will be!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and keeping me on track to heaven. I am tempted often to do the wrong thing. Please help me say “no” to temptation and “yes” to your ways. 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

Have you ever played a game where you had to stay on a path or track? How did you stay on it?
Why do you think it’s important to stay on the right path, like when we follow God’s ways?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

When you feel tempted to do something wrong, what can you ask God to help you with?
How do you think the Holy Spirit helps us when we try to make good choices?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How do you remember to talk to God and pray each day? Can you think of some ways to spend time with him more?
What is one thing you can do to stay close to Jesus and follow his way this week?

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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.

Grace in Place of Condemnation – April 2, 2025

2025/04/02/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1,2

Grace in Place of Condemnation

Daily Devotion – April 2, 2025

Devotion based on Romans 8:1,2

See series: Devotions

What’s it like to stand before a judge, waiting for his verdict? Maybe you know what it’s like, or maybe you’ve only seen it on the news. Whether we have stood in front of a judge in real life or not, all of us are accountable to God, who rightly judges every heart. If we’re honest, we know what God’s verdict should be—guilty as charged, sentenced to eternal condemnation.

But the grace of God in Jesus Christ overrules what should be. In God’s courtroom, we find grace in place of condemnation. Every day we can confess our sins and plead guilty, and God declares us not guilty through Jesus Christ. When Jesus died on the cross, God’s justice was served, and you were saved. Now, God personally declares “not guilty” all who have faith in Christ Jesus. Now, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!

In Jesus and through faith in him, you need not imagine what it’s like to be declared “not guilty” by the judge of all humankind. It’s a very real verdict, and it impacts you right now. Too often, we dwell in the past. We let past sins and past guilt distract us from the present reality of God’s forgiveness. Once we lived under the law of sin and death, we were controlled by sin and condemned to death. But that was then. Now, things are different. Those who are in Christ have been set free by the grace of God.

Prayer:
Lord, keep me always in Christ so that I may live now and forever in your grace. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Lent Devotion – In the Savior’s Steps – Week 4

2025/04/01/in Women's Ministry Lenten Devotions, Womens Devotions

In the Savior’s Steps

The Synagogue

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.
Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’”
“Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”
All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built. Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.
Luke 4:14-32

Do you find yourself questioning authority? How about God’s authority as he speaks to you? Have you ever felt how your heart wants to push back when God’s Word confronts you with something you may not be eager to hear?

After spending some time teaching in synagogues around Galilee, Jesus stepped into the synagogue in Nazareth, his hometown, to proclaim a profound truth: he was the fulfillment of God’s Old Testament promises. He continued to expound, noting that his redemptive work was for everyone, not just the Jewish people. Reading from the scroll of Isaiah, he declared that he was the Messiah, sent to bring good news to the poor, release for the captives, and sight to the blind. At first, the locals marveled, amazed that someone from among them had such authority. But when Jesus expanded on his message, explaining that God’s grace was for Gentiles as well as Jews, the awe of the attendees turned to anger.

The synagogue represented the heart of Jewish tradition, a place where God’s people studied his Word and worshiped together. It was normal for Jesus to be there; this was his custom. But on this day, Jesus used this setting to redefine their expectations and display his authority. Instead of affirming their exclusivity, he challenged their assumptions about who could belong to God’s kingdom. By claiming authority and extending his message beyond cultural boundaries, Jesus was revealing something that their hearts didn’t want to hear: the reach of his mission included everyone, regardless of background.

The synagogue in Nazareth not only marked a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry; it also foreshadowed the cross. Just as he was rejected by the people of Nazareth, Jesus would ultimately face rejection on an epic scale, suffering and dying for a world that didn’t recognize his authority over all things. Yet, through that rejection, he would fulfill his mission to save all people, Jew and Gentile alike. In the synagogue, Jesus declared God’s truth, no matter how it was received, and his authority to bring salvation beyond the expectations of his audience.

Reflecting on this scene during Lent challenges us to look at our own hearts. Are there ways we resist God’s truth, especially when it pushes us out of our comfort zones or calls us to love those we might consider enemies? Like the people in Nazareth, we can be tempted to limit God’s grace, holding onto ideas about who “deserves” it. Jesus’ words invite us to embrace his sacrificial love, a love that reaches across every culture and nation and invites us to extend that message of salvation to others as he does.

This Lent, let us remember the synagogue as a place where Jesus defined what it means to belong to God’s kingdom. His authority calls us to set aside our limited views and embrace his grace, which reaches across every boundary we might set. The same Savior who spoke with authority in Nazareth calls us to recognize his mission for all people and to share his salvation for us with open hearts, humbled and transformed by his truth.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for declaring that your saving grace knows no boundaries. Move us to acknowledge your authority in our lives and extend your love to others, even when this challenges us. May we follow you wholeheartedly, embracing your salvation for the world. In your name. Amen.

Written by Alycia Cameron
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry

Grace in Place of Anger – April 1, 2025

2025/04/01/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“I will praise you, LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:1,2

Grace in Place of Anger

Daily Devotion – April 1, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 12:1,2

See series: Devotions

When someone offends or hurts you with words or actions, what’s your most likely response? To show grace or fume with anger? For many of us, too often, we react with anger.

In our Bible reading for today, the author says that God was angry with him because of his sins. God’s anger is different from our anger. God’s anger is rightly directed toward anyone who repeatedly disobeys and disregards his perfect will. God would have had as many reasons to be angry with us as we have sins.

Thankfully, our Bible passage goes on to say, “Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away…” Once, God’s anger was directed toward us because of our sins, but that anger was redirected. Where did it go? It was redirected upon Jesus, the perfect Son of God. God’s anger against sin was redirected entirely upon the one who always did his Father’s will. All the reasons for God to be angry with us were redirected upon Jesus on the cross.

When God’s anger was redirected upon the cross of Christ, so was every reason we would ever have to be afraid of a Holy God. When grace takes the place of anger, we can see God not as an angry and just judge but as our gracious and loving Father. In our lives, we can show and speak grace in place of anger. We can speak and react differently than the unbelieving world does. By this, we can open a door for those who still fume with anger or tremble in fear of God’s anger. By showing grace in place of anger, we open the door to reveal Jesus, who has turned away God’s anger and comforts us with his grace.

Prayer:
Lord God, surely you have saved me; I will trust in you and not be afraid. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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.

Shout It Out! – March 31, 2025

2025/03/31/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Isaiah 12:1-6

In that day you will say: “I will praise you, LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” . . . Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Isaiah 12:1-2,5-6

Shout It Out!

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Family Devotion – March 31, 2025

Devotion based on Isaiah 12:1-2,5-6

See series: Devotions

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

There’s something super special about hearing kids sing to God. When kids sing, they have so much joy and energy, and you can hear them from miles away! It’s one thing when they sing in church or at home, but it’s even more fun when they just can’t help but sing God’s praises out loud, even in public!

In today’s Bible reading, the prophet Isaiah shares a song of praise for God’s love and forgiveness. In verse one, Isaiah talks about how God was angry. Why was God angry? It was because of the people’s sins. Sin is when we do things he really doesn’t like. It’s not what he created us for. So, how is this reading a “song of praise” if God was angry? The praise comes because God saved the people from their sins.

Even though we mess up sometimes, God still loves us. Because of his love, mercy, and grace, he has saved us from our sins. Jesus died on the cross to take away all the wrong things we’ve done. Now, we can say sorry when we mess up and thank God for all the amazing things he has done for us.

The people in the Old Testament sang praises for God saving them from Egypt. In the New Testament, people sang praises for Jesus’ miracles, death, and coming back to life. Today, we can sing praises for all the things Jesus has done for us too! We can shout out, “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation!” (Isaiah 12:2).

So, “Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy . . . for great is the Holy One . . .” (Isaiah 12:5-6). Be brave and bold, just like little kids who aren’t afraid to sing loud and proud. The world needs to hear the good news about Jesus, and it’s too good to keep to ourselves. Jesus is the best news ever, so let’s shout it out!

Closing Prayer:

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound—that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.” (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 576)

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’s your favorite song to sing about Jesus?
Can you think of something amazing that God has done?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why do you think God is upset about sin?
Can you remember a time when you told someone about Jesus who didn’t know him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Do you feel it’s harder to talk about Jesus to others now that you’re older? Why or why not?
Are there any Jesus songs you used to sing when you were younger that you really liked? What makes you still want to sing it?

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.

Saved by Grace – Week of March 31, 2025

2025/03/31/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Saved by Grace – Week of March 31, 2025

In that day you will say: I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense, he has become my salvation.

Isaiah 12:1-2

ECME Devotion March 31, 2025

See series: ECME Devotions

A four-year-old stood up and addressed the class, “What if we just stopped doing all the wrong things? Then Jesus didn’t have to die!” What a happy thought! If no one ever sinned, if Adam and Eve had never eaten the fruit, Jesus could have been spared from his suffering and death.

That four-year-old’s master plan was immediately shot down by his peers. “It’s too late,” one girl said. And another added sadly, “We already did the wrong things.” And they were right. We already did the wrong things. We can’t undo our sins and we certainly can’t make them go away on our own. We can’t hide them, erase them, or make up for them by doing “good” things.

As believers, we sometimes take sin lightly. We know we are forgiven and sometimes slip into the false notion that “it’s ok, I’ll just repent later.” But God hates sin. Yes, he loves us, but even what we think are “small sins” makes him angry. We deserve eternal life in hell for what we think are “small sins.”

Instead of being angry at us, he turned this anger towards Jesus. Jesus, the only human to ever live a perfect life, received everything that we deserved—God’s wrath and punishment. Jesus spared US from the suffering and death that we deserved.

And there’s more! After God forgives us, he comforts us! We don’t need to be afraid of God or the punishment that we deserve. In fact, God covers us with his grace. Grace is the underserved pardon, a forgiving love, that God gives to us through Jesus.

As the preschooler said, “We already did the wrong things.” But God is our salvation—he has saved us from this big problem of sin! May we daily ask God to help us resist our own sinful ideas and take comfort that we are made new through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your gift of grace. I know that I have not earned and do not deserve the gift of heaven that you so freely give. Thank you for the comfort and peace that your forgiveness brings and help me to share this with others in my life. Amen.

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.

No Replacements for Grace – March 31, 2025

2025/03/31/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Luke 15:1,2

No Replacements for Grace

Daily Devotion – March 31, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 15:1,2

See series: Devotions

When it comes to how we view sin and immorality in the world, there are two extremes. One is to celebrate and condone. The other is to judge and condemn hypocritically. The way of our world is often the first extreme: to deal with sin and those caught up in it by condoning and celebrating it as something good. Others with a more accurate moral compass, or those who don’t struggle with certain sins, can easily fall into the other extreme: hypocritically judging and condemning those who sin differently.

Jesus perfectly avoided both extremes and opted for grace in place of hypocritical condemnation and grace in place of condoning and celebrating. Grace is God’s undeserved love. Grace leads God to give the gift of forgiveness, not earned but freely given through Jesus. Jesus was often criticized for interacting and ministering to people who were publicly known as “sinners.” Those who fell into the extreme of hypocritically judging and condemning had replaced grace with works and outward displays of holiness. They wrongly viewed Jesus’ interactions as condoning sin because they didn’t understand grace. Jesus came not to condemn nor condone but to save and forgive. That’s grace!

Jesus was not shy in calling sin what it was. He was not stingy in offering grace and forgiveness to those who knew they needed it. This is good news for us! We have likely fallen into both extremes at times. We’ve opted for something else other than grace. We’ve approached God or others with something other than grace. But grace calls us back home to our Savior, who forgives our sins on both extremes and everyone in between. That’s grace!

There are no replacements for the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Instead, Jesus shows us grace in place of what we once deserved, in place of things that might distract us from the gift of his forgiveness.

Prayer:
Lord of grace, you are not ashamed to draw near to me and welcome me into your family. Preserve me from any extreme that undermines your grace and renew me daily by your forgiveness. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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 – March 30, 2025

2025/03/30/in Teen Devotions

One key truth: Believers need not fear God’s condemnation because he loves us despite ourselves.

Then Jesus told them this parable…
“There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Luke 15:3,11-32

Grace Instead of Condemnation

When we hear this parable, a common question that comes up is, “Which son do you relate to?” It’s a fair question, but I think it kind of misses the real point.

No matter which son you think you’re like, the truth is we’re all sinners. Both sons rebelled. Both wanted something for themselves. Both had that “me first” attitude fueled by selfishness. Both turned away from the blessings they had and wanted more.

We can totally relate to that, can’t we? Think about little kids who always say “mine” before they can even say full sentences. Parents hope for “mama” or “dada” as their baby’s first words, but often it’s just “mine.” It’s like we’re born with this “me first” attitude, and that’s a problem we can’t fix on our own. It’s a reminder that we need someone to save us from this selfishness that takes over.

That’s where God’s grace comes in. His “open door policy” isn’t about punishment; it’s about grace. It’s not about what we deserve, but about what God gives us freely through Jesus Christ.

During this Lenten season, take a moment to think about the huge price it cost to save us. Jesus gave his life for us, and his sacrifice paid the price for all our sins. Reflect on his humanity, the life he lived, and the blood he shed for us. When you think about him being taken down from the cross, remember that this is God’s plan of salvation, completed in the ultimate sacrifice.

And then, instead of focusing on what we deserve, let’s rejoice because God loves us in spite of ourselves and offers us the gift of eternal life with him, totally free of charge.

Prayer:
Lord God, you are the only one worthy of my praise. I trust you for everything and ask that you never leave me. 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.

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