Devotions

A Gift for the World – Week of March 6, 2023

2023/03/06/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

A Gift for the World – Week of March 6, 2023

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16-17

ECME Devotion March 6, 2023

See series: ECME Devotions

There is a classic children’s picture book by Margaret Wise Brown called, *The Runaway Bunny. In the story, the little bunny tells his mother he wants to run away. Like any mother, she tells him she would run after him. His response? He will become a fish to escape. She responds that she will become a fisherman and catch him. The story goes on with the little bunny describing himself turning into a rock, a crocus hidden in the garden, a bird, a sailboat and on and on. Each time the mother responds with the lengths she will go to for her son. In the end, he concedes and finds himself snug in her care.

We are often like that little bunny in our relationship with our heavenly Father. We work so hard at doing things on our own. We constantly strive for what we want or even what we think we need. Challenges come and we address them with attempt after attempt at solving them on our own. We struggle with our disappoint over things in our life and especially over our own sin. Our wants often supersede what we truly need—God’s redeeming grace. It’s good to work hard at life, but not without also depending on God’s power and promises.

Today’s Bible verse is one that is known all over the world. You see it referenced on signs at a sporting event or on bumper stickers. It can become so familiar that we can miss the amazing message. “For God so loved the world….” God loved the world so much. Think about that. We don’t really have a lovable world. The evidence of sin is not hard to see all around us. When we reflect on ourselves, the perfection that God demands of us is nowhere to be seen. We can hardly put a foot on the floor in the morning without sin rearing its ugly head. And yet… God “gave his one and only son.” Why? A love that is beyond our comprehension. A love that makes no earthly sense. A love that is utterly undeserved and yet fully and freely given. God’s amazing love for his creation, for us. His love that sent his son, Jesus, “to save the world through him.” This is the message of John 3:16. God’s incomparable love to save those who can never save themselves from the grip and consequences of sin.

The mother bunny was relentless in her love for her little one. The love of parents for their children can be exceptional. None of this compares with God’s love for you, for me, for all. His love that sent Jesus because he wants us to believe in him, to trust in him, to know that he is all we need. His desire is for us to be with him at home in heaven. God so loved the world. God so loved you.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, there is so much that I think I need or want. Remind me that my greatest need was met by you when you sent Jesus as my Savior. Forgive me when I stray and keep me always close to you. It’s in your name I pray. Amen

A Hymn to Consider: For further meditation on John 3:16, reflect on the following hymn.
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
Christian Worship 21 523

*Brown, M W (1942). The runaway bunny. Harper & Row Publishers, Inc. New York, NY.

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.

A Gift to the World – March 6, 2023

2023/03/06/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12:1-3

A Gift to the World

Daily Devotion – March 6, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 12:1-3

See series: Devotions

The Lord asked Abram to move away from his extended family to a brand-new country, a place where he had never been, a place that God did not even identify at first.

Abram could probably have made quite a long list of things he needed. There were so many uncertainties. He had to have a way to survive, to support his immediate family, and make a new home.

God was undoubtedly aware of those needs. But he was looking out longer than the next couple of years. Abram would be blessed, and his reputation would be good. If people were against him, they would be cursed. Abram’s descendants would become a great nation.

Those are amazing promises! Then God made a promise even more amazing. He said that all peoples on earth would be blessed through Abram.

God saw beyond Abram’s immediate needs to the future needs of the entire world. He knew that everyone in the world would need a Savior from sin and death. So he planned that the Savior, Jesus, would be a descendant of Abram, a blessing to the entire world.

God knows that you have immediate needs. He promises to bless you and take care of you. Then he looks to your more far-reaching needs, like forgiveness of sins and salvation, and he provides you a gift in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. That gift is for all people on earth. That gift is for you.

Prayer:
Lord, help me when I am consumed by my immediate needs, and lift my eyes to the cross of Jesus, where you took care of my needs for eternity. Amen.

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

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – March 5, 2023

2023/03/05/in Teen Devotions

One truth shared: The only one who can save you is Jesus.

No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.
John 3:13-15

The Only One

You’re not good enough. You’re too young. You’re too inexperienced. You don’t know what life is really like—you should sit this one out and let those with more experience handle it! Isn’t it frustrating when you hear that? You know full well there’s value to experience, but doesn’t hard work and persistence and the energy of youth count for something? Just let me try it! And when you do try, what if you fail? The pressure is on!

All of this is natural, and it’s not unique to your younger years. It’s human nature to try and take care of yourself, to long for independence and freedom… and that aspect of human nature extends beyond daily needs. It can creep into spiritual thinking as well. It’s easy to repeat the biblical teaching: “I’m not perfect, I’m sinful and I need a Savior.” But it’s a lot harder to live in that reality—it’s much easier to try and explain away our shortcomings rather than taking responsibility. Everyone around me says those words—it can’t be that bad. It’s just a picture on a phone—no one is actually getting hurt—it’s not that big of a deal. Sure, I’m not perfect, but I go to church more often than not, and I’m generally a nice person. Doesn’t that count for something?

Today’s Bible reading shows us a man who likely had similar thoughts at times. This man’s name was Nicodemus, and he’d been raised in the customs and way of life of God’s Old Testament people. Sacrifices, festivals, fasting, a special diet, and so much more—he did it all, and then some! He was a member of the Pharisees—pious religious leaders, well respected among the people. Surely that counts for something!

Ahh, but Jesus knows better. What Nicodemus had done wasn’t enough to please God. In the same way, what you and I do isn’t enough to please God. It falls so far short it would be laughable if it weren’t for the eternal consequence of hell. Notice the repeated words Jesus uses throughout this conversation: no one. No one can see the kingdom of God… no one… can enter the kingdom of God… no one… has gone into heaven. The best efforts of people fall short.

But there is an exception. No one, Jesus says, except the Son! Jesus can please God, and he did. What’s more, he did it for you. In Jesus you are reborn as God’s dearly loved child. God is pleased with you! In Jesus, you can have confidence in life even if other people have doubts, because it doesn’t depend on you. You aren’t what you make of yourself—you are what Jesus made you to be! A child of God!

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you have redeemed me and called me into your family. Teach me to rely on you and your work on my behalf instead of finding satisfaction in my own actions and the opinions of others. Lead me to live each day secure in the knowledge that I was reborn in the waters and promises of my baptism and my new identity as your dearly loved child. 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.

Faith Trusts God – March 5, 2023

2023/03/05/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram left, as the Lord had told him.
Genesis 12:1-4

Faith Trusts God

Daily Devotion – March 5, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 12:1-4

See series: Devotions

How many times have you moved in your life? Often there are many worries, anxieties, and fears that accompany moving to a new place. Abram likely experienced many of these feelings when the Lord called him to leave home.

Yet “Abram left.” Driven by God’s great promises, he did what the Lord told him. God in his undeserved love had chosen Abram. Of all people, the Lord came to Abram and promised to make him into a great nation, to bless him, and to make his name great. Those who showed kindness to Abram would be rewarded with blessing, and those who showed hostility would be cursed. Ultimately, God promised to bless all people through him. Moved by God, Abram obeyed.

When we look at Jesus, we see how God fulfilled this promise to Abram and to us. Through his Son, God has blessed all the peoples on earth. The curse of sin that came to all people through Adam has been replaced by the righteousness won for us by Jesus. Faith trusts what God says is true.

Faith also leads us to obey God’s commands. What crossroads lie ahead in your life? What challenges do you face in your walk with Jesus? How does God ask you to follow him on a daily basis? As you answer these questions in your own life, consider the example of Abram. By grace, he trusted in God’s undeserved love for him and willingly did what God told him.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, you have blessed all people through the life and death of your Son, Jesus Christ. Moved by the forgiveness of sins and your promise of life eternal, help me to trust in you as I face the challenges and temptations of my everyday life. Amen.

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

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

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

One Man – March 4, 2023

2023/03/04/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

How much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
Romans 5:15

One Man

Daily Devotion – March 4, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 5:15

See series: Devotions

In 2014, author Boris Johnson wrote a book entitled, The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History. In his book, Johnson makes the case that our present world would be a very different place had it not been for the presence of one solitary man—Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II.

To make his point, Johnson paints the scene. It is May of 1940. Churchill has just become Prime Minister. The war is not just going badly for Britain; it is going very badly. She is alone. Her armed forces are weak. Her allies in Europe are in collapse. And the Nazi military machine is devouring territory in real time. Churchill meets with his cabinet. The question before them is simple. Does Britain cut a deal with Hitler, thereby saving countless British lives, or does it choose to fight? Johnson asserts that we forget how close—how very close—Britain came to cutting that deal. One man, Churchill, convinced them to fight. Remove Churchill from that cabinet meeting, Johnson says, and Western Civilization as we know it would have vanished.

As irreplaceable as Winston Churchill may have been, however, even the rescue of Western Civilization is a small matter in comparison to what lay in the balance at another time. That time was when all of humanity was lost in a darkness of its own making. It was not the darkness of Nazi rule or political repression. It was the darkness of sin—yours and mine. Such darkness meant a pointless, miserable experience, separated from the goodness of God. And there was not a thing anyone could do to stop it.

Except for one man. And this one man was more than a man. He was the very Son of God who chose to walk among us as a human being. On our behalf, Jesus Christ lived the perfect life that the holy God demands. Then, in our place, Jesus took upon himself all of the punishment that all of sinful humanity deserved. And at the cross he paid the price in full.

That one man—the God-man, Jesus—changed everything. Our rescue is complete. Forgiveness is ours. Now through faith in him, the darkness is gone.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the one man who has changed everything. Move me by your Spirit to look to you alone. Amen.

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

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

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

The Biggest Idol of All – March 3, 2023

2023/03/03/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Matthew 4:11

The Biggest Idol of All

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Family Devotion – March 3, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 4:11

See series: Devotions

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

Do you know what an idol is? An idol is a false god. An idol is someone or something you worship instead of the true God.

When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he tried to bribe Jesus to bow down and worship him. “I will give you all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor,” the devil promised, “if you will just bow down and worship me.”

That was a lie. All the kingdoms of the world and their majesty don’t belong to the devil. They belong to God. Jesus knew that. He knew that we are to worship and serve only the true God.

The devil still tempts us to worship different kinds of idols. Sometimes he uses the power of money. He wants us to believe that money is the most important thing in our lives because it can buys lots of stuff and do lots of fun things.

He can even take an object like a phone and make it more important than God. Just think about how much time we spend playing and scrolling on our phones. If you doubt that your phone has become an idol for you, just ask yourself the question: “What would make me more upset, if my parents told me I couldn’t go to church this week or if they took away my phone for a week?”

Anything that becomes more important to us than God is an idol.

The greatest idol the devil uses to tempt us, however, isn’t our phone or money. To see the biggest idol in your life, just go look in the mirror.

Think about it. Every time we do what we want instead of what God wants, we are showing that we love ourselves more than God. We are making ourselves our own gods.

Sadly, all of us have numerous idols in our hearts and lives which play tug of war with our faith. Thankfully, we have a Savior, Jesus, who was tempted like us in every way, but didn’t sin. Jesus obeyed and loved perfectly in our place. Then on the cross, he suffered the punishment we deserve for all the idols we have harbored in our hearts and our lives.

Because of Jesus, God forgives you and gives you heaven. Money can’t do that for you. Your phone can’t do that for you. Only God can and does.

So worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, forgive me for all the idols I have in my heart and life. Help me to love you above all things. 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 an idol?
In today’s devotion, what did the devil try to tempt Jesus to do?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

In addition to money and phones, give another example of something which can become an idol in our lives.
Why does Jesus deserve to be the number one thing in our hearts and lives?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Agree or disagree: Because God doesn’t want us to have idols in our lives, it would be a sin to love even our families and friends more than him. Explain your answer.
Why is it so comforting to know that Jesus didn’t sin when the devil tempted him?

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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.

He Had a Dream – March 3, 2023

2023/03/03/in Devotions, Military Devotions

He Had a Dream – March 3, 2023

Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
Genesis 28:10,11

Military Devotion – March 3, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 28:10,11

See series: Military Devotions

It is said everyone dreams. It is said we don’t remember many of them. Yet, some dreams are never forgotten. They are passed along to future generations.

The dream of Jacob is one of them.

His name means “The Grabber.” We might call him an opportunist. He had high hopes and big dreams. He was good at lying. He was willing to steal to get ahead. He was good at getting others to help him lie and steal, including his mother.

But he was caught red-handed trying to steal his brother’s inheritance. Now, he was running for his life from a brother who vowed to kill him. Empty-handed, he was heading for Haran, some 500 miles away, planning that an uncle who lived there would help him out.

A dream interrupted his plans.

This was no ordinary dream. None less than the Lord God appeared in it with a surprising message. This lying, cheating, scoundrel was given a blessing beyond his wildest expectations. He was promised an inheritance so marvelous that it reverberates down through the ages, even to us.

The message began, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying” (Genesis 28:13).

He had been sleeping on soil his descendants would one day own. This would be the land of Canaan, the Promised Land.

The message went on. “Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south.”

Even more surprising, “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.”

And finally, “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you” (Genesis 28:14,15).

When he woke up, Jacob thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.”

Then, he became afraid. He set the stone he had rested his head upon as a marker. He poured anointing oil on top of it. “This,” he said, is the gate of heaven.” He named the place Bethel—the house of God.

What do we make of this? What can we learn from this? What did this man do to deserve this?

Nothing. He did not merit anything good from the holy God who had watched his every step, listened to his every lie, and knew the vileness that lived in his heart. But the Lord did not abandon him. Jacob didn’t realize it at the time, but God was leading him into a twenty-year training program. The Lord would use his stay with his uncle, Laban, to purify his faith, cleansing it of self-trust, dishonesty, and falsehood.

He later looked back on his life and said, “My years have been few and difficult.”

When he did return home, he was a changed man—a humble, repentant man.

The Lord God kept his promise. Jacob and his descendants became a source of blessing for countless others, including us.

The sons of Jacob became the 12 tribes of Israel. One of them became a powerful ruler in Egypt. That was Joseph. Another son was Judah. He became the father of a line of people that included King David and an even greater King, called Jesus, who was also the Son of God.

Jesus was the source of Jacob’s blessings. Jesus is the one who blessed him with forgiveness and correction.

There’s a word for those actions by a loving God. The Word is grace. It is a love not deserved.

Divine grace overflowed in Jacob’s life. So also, in ours. Jacob was schooled by God through disappointments and setbacks. Sometimes, so are we. This is also a blessing.

Jacob was shown the stairway to heaven to focus his attention upon the heavenly and holy. A song talks about that. It says, “We are climbing Jacob’s ladder.”

In a way, that’s true. With every new day, we are taking a step closer to heaven.

Jacob had a dream of heaven. And now?

Now he is living the dream.

And we will, too.

One day.

Prayer: Jesus, Savior, bless us with forgiveness and keep us on the path to heaven. Amen.

Points to ponder:

Some say that we lie most of all to those who love us Why might this be true?
Why does God sometimes interrupt our lives and our plans?
What surprising people has God used to bring blessings to you?

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.

Taking Responsibility – March 3, 2023

2023/03/03/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done? The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
Genesis 3:12,13

Taking Responsibility

Daily Devotion – March 3, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 3:12,13

See series: Devotions

When’s the last time you heard someone take responsibility for their actions? Owning up to one’s behavior is a rare thing these days. When caught in a lie or in an unpopular decision, politicians pass the buck. After doing something inappropriate, athletes duck behind lawyers. When engaging in questionable behavior, celebrities hide behind the facade of popular opinion. Even when public apologies are made, they are often in the form of legally prepared statements that are carefully crafted to avoid acknowledgement of guilt.

It is easy for us to shake our heads and condemn such actions, but truthfully, we aren’t any different. Like so many others today and like Adam and Eve in our Bible verses for today, we too seek to blame others for our actions and avoid taking responsibility for those actions. We blame our up-bringing. We blame the circumstances of the situation we were in. We blame people we were with when the bad thing happened.

While passing the buck and denying responsibility might deter others from holding us accountable for our actions, it does nothing before God. God sees through it all and demands that we come clean for our sinful thoughts, words, and actions.

Thankfully, when we do that, we see that we have someone who took the blame for us. Knowing that we could not make our sins right, let alone own up to them, God sent someone who would take ownership of sin. Even though he personally never committed sin, Jesus took ours on himself. He picked up all our sins and carried that heavy burden all the way to the cross, where he died for each and every one of them. He suffered and died so that we wouldn’t have to. He didn’t blame us even though he had every right too. Rather, he died so that we might live.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for dying in my place. Forgive me for my sins. Enable me each day to own up to my sin and trust that you have removed them from me. Amen.

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

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

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

Hide and Seek – March 2, 2023

2023/03/02/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”
Genesis 3:9,10

Hide and Seek

Daily Devotion – March 2, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 3:9,10

See series: Devotions

Do you remember playing hide and seek? Many parents have loved playing that simple game with their young children. Dad or mom would often hide in obvious places, but the toddlers were so happy to find the parent that they would giggle with delight. They were so cute when they played that game.

It is not so cute when we play hide and seek with God. He is always calling out to us in his Word, but we tend to hide, even as adults. Maybe we feel guilty for not being in God’s house more often. Maybe we don’t want to address our own life choices that we know aren’t God pleasing. Maybe we are angry at God or one of his representatives. And so we hide. And like when our parents hid from us as toddlers, we hide from God in rather obvious places: places like work, Netflix, excuses, and even kids’ sports. While we think we are conveniently unable to make time for God, it is all painfully obvious to him that we are trying to hide. He knows exactly where we are and what we are thinking.

And by a miracle of his grace, he still seeks us. He still comes to find us even though he knows all our sin and all our guilt. In love, he seeks to find and save us. That is exactly why he sent Jesus into this world to be our Savior. A Savior who was willing to suffer and die to pay for all of our sins. A Savior who would pay for and remove all our sin, guilt, and shame so that we could now have a right relationship with God. Because of Jesus and his work for us, there is no reason to hide. No reason to fear coming back to God.

So maybe it is time to stop hiding. Come out, come out, wherever you are! Find free grace and forgiveness from God through Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, forgive me for the times when I hide from you and your Word. Thank you for taking my sins away. Enable me to come back to you every day. Amen.

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

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

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

Greater Than, Less Than, or Equal To? – March 1, 2023

2023/03/01/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Romans 5:12-19

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Romans 5:19

Greater Than, Less Than, or Equal To?

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – March 1, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 5:19

See series: Devotions

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

Greater than, less than, or equal to. At one point or another, we all learn those phrases in math class. They are used in comparisons. For example: Is the number five greater than, less than, or equal to three?

Five is greater than three, right?

In our reading for today, the apostle Paul is making a comparison. He is comparing Adam, the first man, to Jesus.

Adam and Eve, the very first people to live on earth, were also the very first people to sin against God. Their sin changed everything. Their sin brought death into our world. From Adam and Eve, sin and death have been passed down from grandparents to parents and to their children.

Because of Adam, we all have sinned, and we all will die.

Before we point the finger and put all the blame on Adam, however, we need to remember that we can’t blame anybody else for the choices we make. We are the ones who choose to lie. We are the ones who choose to fight. We are the ones who choose to get mad. We are ones who have earned God’s punishment of death and hell.

But now let’s compare: Is Jesus greater than, less than or equal to Adam and us? Thankfully, he’s greater! Where Adam and we disobey, Jesus obeyed. Where we lie, Jesus told the truth. Where we fight, Jesus forgave. Where we get mad, Jesus loved.

In fact, he loved us so much that he died the death we deserve in our place. He died for all our wrongs so that we could be right before God. Because of Jesus and through faith in him, God the judge declares us innocent even though we are guilty. Through faith in Jesus, we receive life instead of the death we inherited from Adam.

In math terms, there really is no comparison. Jesus’ obedience is greater than Adam’s (and our) disobedience.

Jesus is the greatest! For us, that equals heaven.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for the gifts of forgiveness and heaven that you won for me. There truly is nothing greater than 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

In what ways is Jesus greater than Adam?
Think of three gifts given to you. Now think of three gifts God has given you. Which list of gifts is greater?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Paul uses the word “trespass” when talking about our sins. Why is “trespass” a good word to describe sin?
Prove that Jesus is greater: Instead of finding us guilty, he declares us ____________. Instead of giving us death, he gives us ___________________.

Questions for Middle School and Above

True or false: The only way to heaven is by being perfectly obedient.
Do you consider yourself a “righteous” person? Explain your answer.

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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.

Guilt and Shame – March 1, 2023

2023/03/01/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.
Genesis 3:7

Guilt and Shame

Daily Devotion – March 1, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 3:7

See series: Devotions

“Why did I do that? What was I thinking? It all sounded good and felt right in the moment. But now, all I feel is guilt and shame.”

We have all been there. Maybe we woke up in someone else’s bed. Maybe we were sleeping off a hangover and could not remember the events of the last evening. Maybe we called in sick to work because we didn’t want to face the co-worker we had offended the day before. Maybe we lost our temper with a family member and are ashamed of how we looked and sounded. We all live with guilt and regret for our past behavior.

God could never forgive us, right? Adam and Eve had to be thinking that as they fashioned for themselves the world’s first clothing. What had they done? What were they thinking? How could they ever face God again? How could he ever forgive them?

But in the first of many surprises in the Bible, God could forgive them. He did forgive even their sin that had such far-reaching consequences. And to prove that his forgiveness for them was more than just words, he sent his Son into this world to pay for their sins and ours. Jesus came and hung on the cross to pay for a world full of sin, guilt, and shame. He died for all of our sins. That’s right. ALL of them. Even the big ones. Even the ones that were too terrible to be forgiven.

Whatever it is in your past that is filling you with guilt and shame, lay it at the cross. Confess it to Jesus and be assured that he has paid for it. Your guilt is gone, and your sin washed away. In its place, Jesus gives you forgiveness and eternal life and invites you to live for him.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you. You have washed away my sin and paid for my guilt. Help me not to look backward, but to look forward in joy to the heaven you have won for me. Help me live for you today. Amen.

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

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

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

Going Along With the Crowd – February 28, 2023

2023/02/28/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Genesis 3:6

Going Along With the Crowd

Daily Devotion – February 28, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 3:6

See series: Devotions

There you were. You were part of the crowd—surrounded by all your friends. It started off as a great evening. Everyone was having fun, and life was good. But then things started to take a turn. Things got out of control and a fun evening crossed the line. Things happened that should not have happened. You wanted to speak up and to tell them all that this wasn’t right.

But there you stood, doing nothing. Sometimes doing nothing or saying nothing is just as wrong as doing the bad or evil thing. And God holds us accountable for our inaction. Adam stood-by and did nothing as Eve was led down the wrong path. He went along with it, and his silence had consequences that were bigger than he ever could have imagined. His inaction cast the whole world into sin and now we are all born with an innate desire to sin.

This makes Jesus all the more remarkable. He never went along with the crowd when they were on the wrong path. He always spoke when things were headed in the wrong direction. Jesus lived a perfect life in our place, and then at the end, he let the crowd put him to death so that you and I and the whole world could be saved from our sins. Because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, we have been set free from sin and through faith in him, we now have the gift of eternal life.

That means we no longer have to go along with the crowd! We can now say no to the evil in this world and live our lives for our Savior, Jesus, who gave his life for us. We can now be a positive influence in this world and lead others to the light of Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving yourself as my Savior from sin. Empower me to say no to the crowd and to live my life for you. Help me be a positive influence for others. Amen.

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

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

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

Memorable Beginnings – February 27, 2023

2023/02/27/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Genesis 3:1-15

And I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.
Genesis 3:15

Memorable Beginnings

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Family Devotion – February 27, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 3:15

See series: Devotions

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

Some of the best stories have memorable beginnings. Can you guess which movie or book the following come from?

“A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.” (Star Wars)
“The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play.” (The Cat in the Hat)
“Mr. and Mrs. Dursley of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.” (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone)

Our story, the story of mankind, also has a memorable beginning: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Our story begins in a beautiful garden. Our story begins with two people, Adam and Eve. God created them in his image. It means they were perfect and holy.

But our story quickly took a tragic turn. Adam and Eve listened to the lies of the devil. They disobeyed God. They ate forbidden fruit.

God knew what they had done. They knew what they had done. They knew that they deserved God’s punishment. They deserved to die. They deserved to go to hell. They were so afraid.

So they hid.

But God never stopped loving Adam and Eve. So he went and found them. He made them a promise. One day, a descendant of Eve would come and crush the head of that old serpent, the devil. Her descendant would destroy the power of the devil and rescue all mankind from the death and hell we deserve. But that Savior would have to suffer and die to save us.

Sometimes we like to blame Adam and Eve for bringing sin into the world. If they hadn’t eaten that fruit, we wouldn’t be born sinful.

It’s their fault.

But we all need to remember that we are the authors of our own tragedies. Every day, like Adam and Eve, we have the choice between doing what is right and doing what is wrong, and every day we too make poor choices. We have no one to blame but ourselves. Like Adam and Eve, we deserve God’s punishment.

But God never stopped loving us. He kept his promise to Adam and Eve. Eve’s great, great, great, great … grandson—Jesus—came and suffered the punishment we deserve in our place on the cross. By suffering our punishment in our place, Jesus crushed the devil forever and rescued us from the tragic end we deserve in hell.

Even though our story has a truly tragic beginning, we have the happy ending of heaven waiting for us because of Jesus.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, you know the bad choices I have made. I know the bad choices I have made. Thank you for sending Jesus to suffer my punishment in my place. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What was the beginning to the story of mankind?
Sadly, who did Adam and Eve decide to listen to before they ate forbidden fruit?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Instead of running away or hiding our bad choices, what should we do?
Why did the promised Savior have to be a descendant of Eve in order to save us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

A friend tells you, “I had to cheat on the test at school. I had no choice. The teacher is completely unfair, and I would have failed the class if I didn’t.” Based on today’s devotion, how would you respond?
Genesis 3:15 is the very first promise of a Savior. Try to explain that verse in a way in which a five-year-old could understand it.

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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.

A Champion for the Defeated – Week of February 27, 2023

2023/02/27/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

A Champion for the Defeated – Week of February 27, 2023

Jesus said to [the devil], “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 4:10-11

ECME Devotion February 27, 2023

See series: ECME Devotions

My son has been struggling with lying lately. It’s heartbreaking. A situation occurred recently where I wanted to believe him so badly, but my trust in him was so weak that I just couldn’t do it. His feelings were so hurt, and my heart just broke. It’s a character flaw and we are working very hard to correct it.

This same son is the one that prays so freely and openly. He’s aware of his shortcomings, and he prays, fervently, for the Lord to change his ways. The same son that breaks my heart with his lies, is an example for me when it comes to his trust in the only One who can give him the help that he needs to fix it.

Our students, while young, are not immune to the struggle of sin. They are tempted, daily, to turn from God. It’s important to take these sins seriously. One of our jobs as Christian educators is to help our students recognize these sins and take them to the Lord for forgiveness and strength to turn from them.

While lying might not be my struggle, I could list several other sins that are. I bet you could too.

Without God, we are defeated. But friends, we are not without God.

When we feel like we have lost and that the temptation is too great, remember that we have Jesus on our side. He has already won the battle. Nothing, no temptation is too hard for him. In fact, he’s been in the same situation before. Yet unlike us, he never once stumbled or gave in to temptation. He was everything we are not and cannot be. His sin-free life was lived so that he could die as a sacrifice to pay for our sins.

That same Savior from the consequences of our sins also shows us how we too can face temptation. With his empowering forgiveness, sin no longer rules over us. We too can say “No. Away from me, Satan!” We can use that same command and know that we are not alone in the struggle.

My son does not need to battle his sin alone. Your students do not need to feel like their struggle is too great. Help them be aware of their sin and then show them their Savior. Lead them to the cross where he defeated the enemy and came out the Champion.

I continually pray for my son to stay in the way of the Lord. I pray he stays close to Jesus all the days of his life. I am sure that you pray that same prayer for your students. Continue to pray that prayer. Sin will constantly be knocking on their door, but they are not alone. The Champion is on their side.

Prayer:
Dear Champion, when we are tempted let us come straight to you for strength. Thank you for being our perfect example. Help us be in the Word so that we can be reminded of your strength in our weakness. Amen.

A Question to Consider:
What are some sins that your class is struggling with right now? Take some time to pray for your students and their walk with the Lord.

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.

Did God really say? – February 27, 2023

2023/02/27/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
Genesis 3:1

Did God really say?

Daily Devotion – February 27, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 3:1

See series: Devotions

Did God really say you shouldn’t indulge in this behavior? Did God really say you shouldn’t live your life the way you want? Did God really say you shouldn’t do whatever makes you feel good? After all, wouldn’t God want you to be happy?

Satan has succeeded with that line of reasoning for centuries. It is a tried and true approach to leading people into sin. It worked on Eve in the Garden of Eden and has been working on mankind ever since. It works on us too. We are too eager to believe that life really is about us and that our top priority is to make ourselves happy. It does not take much convincing for us to make life about our desires rather than what God wants or to make it about pleasing ourselves rather than seeking the good of other people. This is the society we live in, and there is only one way that can end. (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t end well.)

Thankfully there is One who did not believe the devil’s lie. Thankfully there is One who did not pursue his own desires but instead pursued what was best for the rest of us. Jesus came into this world not to look out for himself but to see that we would get what we need. He easily could have made his life all about himself and could have used his almighty power to please himself. But instead, it was all about us. He came to save us, and that meant doing what no one else could. It meant living a perfect life in our place and dying so that we could be saved now and forever.

Because of Jesus, God now really says that we are his forgiven children. He says that through faith in Jesus, we will have eternal life. He says that we are his children now and always.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your selfless work on my behalf. As your forgiven child, help me to live for others and not for myself. Amen.

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

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – February 26, 2023

2023/02/26/in Teen Devotions

One truth shared: Jesus is the champion you need.

Then the devil left him.
Matthew 4:11a

Champion

Isn’t it a nice feeling when you know you’ve got someone who will fight for you? It might be a sibling or parent who you know will always defend you no matter what happens. It might be a friend who stands up for you, or a teammate who’s always got your back. It might be a pastor or teacher who always has a minute to talk to you or share a few kind words of encouragement when you need it.

In this week’s Bible reading, God reminds us that we have an even greater champion than any of these in our Savior Jesus. Unlike even the most faithful of friends, Jesus will never move away or graduate. Unlike a parent or sibling or pastor, he will never get sick or die. No matter what happens, he’s always ready to fight for you! Even better, when Jesus fights for you he’s able to give so much more than any other champion. When you make mistakes, Jesus provides more than advice and support—his life and death on your behalf means that he has undone the eternal consequences you deserve by defeating your greatest enemies—sin and the devil.

That’s what is happening in today’s scripture reading. It’s Jesus against the devil. An epic conflict, a battle to the eternal death out in the desert. Jesus is humanly hungry, thirsty, tired, and worn down as the battle rages for 40 days and 40 nights. The devil deploys every trick in the book, but it all comes to nothing. Gospel writer Matthew closes with these simple but beautiful words: “Then the devil left him.” He gives up. He can’t win. Satan slinks away with his tail between his legs, unable to corrupt the Son of God in any way.

Remember that victory on the days when it feels like you’re at war and all alone and facing odds you can’t possibly overcome. You’re not alone—Jesus has your back. He provides the strength you need. He promises to work the events of your life for your eternal good. And, he promises that all these battles are temporary, because the war has already been won. The devil has been defeated, you’re forgiven, and heaven awaits!

Prayer: Jesus our Savior, you are our champion. You fought the devil for us, and you won. Give us the perspective to live in the light of that victory, confident that you won it for us. On the days when we feel overwhelmed or isolated, comfort us with reminders of your constant presence and protection. 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.

An Unlimited Guarantee – February 26, 2023

2023/02/26/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”
Genesis 3:15

An Unlimited Guarantee

Daily Devotion – February 26, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 3:15

See series: Devotions

When purchasing a product, we are interested in the manufacturer’s warranty. What does the company promise to repair or replace? How long is the warranty good for? How reliable is the business making the guarantee? Usually warranties are limited to varying degrees and cover only certain items for a specific period of time. Manufacturers do not issue warranties that cover their products without exceptions. Every guarantee is limited.

Except one, God’s guarantee of rescuing us from death and hell. God made a promise to the first people on earth. They had fallen into sin and lost the perfection with which God created them. Their sin condemned them to eternal separation from God in hell and not only them, but the whole human race. But God made a promise. He declared that a descendant of those first sinful people would come and destroy the devil’s power over them. That mighty offspring of the woman would deliver them from death, by being delivered to death himself. Yet he would overcome hell and guarantee for his people life forever.

Unlike a manufacturer’s limited warranty, God promise of salvation is full and free and offered to the whole world. The reliability of this promise is as sure as the existence of the eternal God who loves all people so much that he came into our world to fully accomplish what he promised.

Look at your Savior, Jesus, on the cross. He is your guarantee of unlimited life with God.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you that in your mercy you do not condemn me as my sins deserve but rather give me your ironclad guarantee of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus. Amen.

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

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

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

Real – February 25, 2023

2023/02/25/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

We did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2 Peter 1:16

Real

Daily Devotion – February 25, 2023

Devotion based on 2 Peter 1:16

See series: Devotions

In 2001, director Stephen Spielberg and actor Tom Hanks paired up to produce the miniseries Band of Brothers. The ten-part drama followed a company of World War II soldiers from their basic training through the end of the war.

In this miniseries, the characters were colorful. The plot twists were riveting. The battle scenes were beyond intense. For those who watched the entire program, however, perhaps the conclusion of the final episode packs the most powerful punch. You see, each episode of Band of Brothers began with an old man talking to an off-screen interviewer. Over the course of the series, the various old men became familiar faces as they quietly spoke of their days as young soldiers. Only at the end of the ten-part story did you learn their names. They are the very men depicted in the miniseries. They are the Band of Brothers. Their story was not fiction. Their story was real.

When the apostle Peter sat down and wrote his second letter, he was an old man too. He wanted his readers, including you and me, to understand something about what he and all the other writers recorded in the Bible about Jesus. They did not write it down for entertainment. They did not write it down to tell a rousing story. They did not write it down to keep us spellbound with colorful characters and riveting plotlines. They wrote it down because that’s what happened. They wrote it down because they were eyewitnesses. They wrote it down because it really happened.

That means your forgiveness in Jesus and his guiding hand in your life is real. It means his promise to uphold you and your security in him is real. And that is really comforting.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, as I read your Word, fill me with the awareness that Jesus’ life and death and resurrection took place in real time, for me and for all. Amen.

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

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

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

Kindness in Quietness – February 24, 2023

2023/02/24/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

Be careful that you do not do your righteous works in front of people, so that they will notice. Instead, when you perform acts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Then your acts of mercy will be in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:1a,3-4 EHV

Kindness in Quietness

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Family Devotion – February 24, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 6:1a,3-4 EHV

See series: Devotions

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

You might know the kind of person—the one who brags—the kind of person who brags about where they’re going, what they’re doing, and who they’re with. It eventually becomes hard to listen to and even be around them. Bragging is such a human thing to do. We like to talk about ourselves because it makes us feel good about ourselves. God warns against bragging, especially when it comes to the good things we do for others that makes us feel good about ourselves. God wants us to serve each other, to reach out to others with kindness, and to show mercy. Yet, he does not want us to brag about it in front of others.

Why is it so easy to fall into the temptation called pride? It’s one thing to feel satisfaction and a sense of joy in helping others. When your mom recognizes that you have washed the dishes for her, it makes you feel good. We can be proud—in a good way—about a job well done. But if the only reward for helping is so you can tell everyone else, “Look what I did today! I did the dishes and Mom didn’t even ask!” Don’t be surprised if someone comments that your head is so big it won’t fit through the door.

God’s Word encourages this: “When you perform acts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Then your acts of mercy will be in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” We can be content knowing that God sees our good deeds done out of love for him and our fellow Christians and it pleases him. Just as God was pleased with Jesus who humbly covered our sin of pride on the cross.

In the chapter before our reading, Jesus speaks to the crowd, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Meek means quiet and gentle. Do good … quietly. Gently. Humbly. God sees and will give you your reward in heaven. That’s even more than we could ask for and better than any earthly thanks or praise from others.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord God, sometimes it is so easy to boast about what I do and who I am. I know this is not God-pleasing, and I ask you to forgive me. Help me to be kind and loving to everyone. Give me a gentle and quiet spirit. And if the only one who sees what I do is you, may that be my greatest reward! I ask this in Jesus’ name. 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

Instead of bragging (talking only about yourself), name one thing you could do instead.
Think of (don’t say it) something kind you did for someone else today. Then quietly ask God to use it to bless that person.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

How does it make you feel when someone brags to you about how good they are?
To put humility into practice, think of one good thing you can do for someone tomorrow without them even knowing.

Questions for Middle School and Above

Name two reasons why God warns against boasting about our good deeds.
Ask members of your family to share stories about the consequences of pride and boasting. What can you learn from them to fight against this temptation?

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

The Way of Sorrows – February 24, 2023

2023/02/24/in Devotions, Military Devotions

The Way of Sorrows – February 24, 2023

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.
Isaiah 53:3 KJV

Military Devotion – February 24, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 53:3 KJV

See series: Military Devotions

There is a path marked out in the city of Jerusalem that is said to be the route on which the Roman soldiers led Jesus from the judgment hall to Golgotha. It is called the Via Dolorosa—“The Way of Sorrows.”

While that path may not be exactly accurate, since many years have passed since that dark Friday, the name of the road is most fitting. The Way of Sorrows was walked by the Man of sorrows.

His story is the saddest one ever told. It is a story of grief beyond human description. It begins near the dawn of time.

The one called Jesus is the Son of God who was there at creation. He made a perfect universe with perfect people who were to live in perfect joy. But the perfection was lost, and the heart of the Creator was grieved.

His lament is recorded. “The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain” (Genesis 6:5,6).

The consequences were horrendous. The Giver of life said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.”

We have read of natural disasters. We have seen the pictures. We feel sorry for the people caught up in them. But nothing compares to the flood in Noah’s day when the waters kept rising and rising, when housetops, treetops, and even mountain tops offered no escape from drowning.

Such a tragedy! No one was even left to grieve—except Noah and his family—and except the holy God who was heartsick over sin.

It brought the Lord of glory no pleasure to see the suffering and the dying. He tells us, “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?’” (Ezekiel 33:11)

Jesus was indeed a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

The Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrows, began long before a Pontius Pilate was born, long before Jesus was betrayed, and long before his first cry as a baby.

But it all could have been avoided. It would have been so easy for the Son of God to skip the sorrow. It would only have been natural, and fair if humans had been left to go down the path they had chosen.

That’s what had happened to the rebellious angels. Why shouldn’t it happen to humans?

Those who sin should pay the price for committing sin. Why should it be any different?

Sin brings shame. Sin brings pain. Don’t believe it? Just wait. Just watch. Just learn.

And then turn. Turn to the one who takes away the shame and the pain. Turn to the Man of sorrows who is acquainted with grief.

The road to Golgotha began at the east side of Eden where cherubim and a flaming sword flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24).

There was no hope for us in Eden. The tree of life growing there would only lock us into a never-ending existence of futility and hopelessness.

The path to life led to a different tree—a dead tree, a deadly tree.

There, the Lord of life would hang until he died.

The Man of sorrows had to walk the Way of Sorrows all the way to his death.

This was our only hope. This gave us life. This turns great sorrow into great joy.

We still have sorrows in our lives. Sometimes they bring us great grief. But they are only temporary. We are traveling through life as if on a train. Sometimes, we run into bad weather and bad times. The train rocks and jerks as we move along life’s track. But this train does not stop. It does not drop us off in the desert of desperation. It will carry us along to the place it is destined to reach.

An old song contains the words, “This train is bound for glory, this train.”

It seems to fit our situation.

Our Savior God walked the Way of Sorrows so we could ride the train to glory.

Something to think about as we watch the season of Lent pass by.

Prayer: Jesus, Savior, lead us through this vale of tears. Take us home. Amen.

Points to ponder:

How does it affect us to learn that our Creator is grieved over our sin?
Why do the pains of life tempt us to think our God does not care?
Is Good Friday a source of sorrow or joy? Why?

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.

God Invites His People to See His Glory – February 24, 2023

2023/02/24/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.
Exodus 24:9-11

God Invites His People to See His Glory

Daily Devotion – February 24, 2023

Devotion based on Exodus 24:9-11

See series: Devotions

Would you like to see God? I think most people would say, “Yes, that would be amazing to see God with my own eyes!” We may want to see God, but we probably forget that our eyes are not qualified to see him in all his glory. Many times in the Old Testament, when a person came face to face with God’s glory, they trembled with fear. For a puny human sinner to gaze upon the full perfection and glory of God is beyond our pay-grade.

That’s why what happened at Mount Sinai in Exodus chapter 24 is so unexpected. Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. It’s stated so simply and matter of fact. They saw God. And he looked glorious. But here’s the most amazing thing–God did not raise his hand against them. Even though they should have had no business standing before God in all his glory, God let them be there in his presence. They even ate and drank there as they saw him.

Standing in the presence our glorious and perfect God is above our pay-grade. God should hide his face from us because of our unworthiness and sin. But instead, God smiles his face upon us and looks on us with favor and kindness. Because of the cross on Mount Calvary we are allowed into the presence of our God. Jesus, God’s Son, has made the imposing God of Mount Sinai approachable. God invites his people to see his glory because Jesus has already draped us in his robe of perfection and holiness. We can approach God without fear. And one day, we will be able to eat and drink with God at the banquet table of heaven.

Prayer:
Dear glorious Lord, thank you for inviting me into your presence and letting me share in your glory. Amen.

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

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

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

Pay Attention to the Light – February 23, 2023

2023/02/23/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2 Peter 1:19

Pay Attention to the Light

Daily Devotion – February 23, 2023

Devotion based on 2 Peter 1:19

See series: Devotions

What would you do if the batteries of your flashlight died while exploring deep in a dark cave? There are only a couple of options, neither of which sounds great. You could either sit there and yell out, hoping someone with a light comes to rescue you. Or you could try to feel your way through the darkness and hope you don’t get lost further in the cave or stumble down a pit. Either way, your chances of getting out of that cave aren’t great.

But if someone started coming toward you in the dark cave with a light, what would you do? You wouldn’t just sit there and ignore it. You’d put all your attention and focus onto that light. That light is your way out. Your life depends on it! That light would be all you care about at that point.

In our Bible verse for today, the Word of God, is compared to a light shining in a dark place. As people living in the darkness of this world and of our own sin, we do well to pay attention to that light above all else. We look to the Word of God as something completely reliable. That Word of God lights up our world and lets us walk on the right path. Most importantly, God’s Word shows us Jesus and what he has done to save us from our sins. It’s no wonder God wants us to pay attention to the light of his Word!

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for giving me your reliable Word to be a light for me in the dark. Keep my attention focused on that Word each and every day. Amen.

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

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

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

Sins Are Not Too Many for Jesus – February 22, 2023

2023/02/22/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Isaiah 59:12-20

Yes, our rebellious deeds are many before you,
and our sins testify against us.
Our rebellious deeds are with us,
and as for our guilty deeds, we are aware of them.
Then a redeemer will come for Zion
and for those in Jacob who turn from rebellion.
This is the declaration of the Lord.
Isaiah 59:12,20

Sins Are Not Too Many for Jesus

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Family Devotion – February 22, 2023

Devotion based on Isaiah 59:12,20

See series: Devotions

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

How high can you count? 10? 100? 1,000,000? Even higher? How long would it take you to count that high? Ten seconds? 10 minutes? It takes 25 seconds to count to 100, but 100 years to count to a billion. That’s amazing.

Can you count how many awful thoughts, rude words, or disobedient actions you committed today? 10? 100? Too many to count? The prophet Isaiah tells us they are many before the Lord. The dictionary defines the word many as “a large but indefinite number.” We have no way of knowing how many because there are too many.

Sometimes we know exactly what we did wrong against God and the people around us. Imagine all the other sins we did without even realizing it. Then multiply those sins by the number of days you’ve lived, and it’s clear: our sins are too numerous to count. That’s not so amazing. That ought to cause us to cower in a corner.

What’s amazing is that even though God knows them all, he has decided to stop counting them. God hurts for you. So he helps you by personally getting involved. “A redeemer will come for Zion and for those in Jacob who turn from rebellion.” Zion and Jacob are terms for believers, people who are sorry for their sins. God promised a rescuer, someone who would come to us and say, “I will save you. I will forgive you. Now, go and sin no more.” That someone is Jesus … and that’s amazing!

This week includes a special day called Ash Wednesday. It helps us remember and admit our personal sins that are way too many to count. It’s kind of painful. But it also focuses us on the very personal and much more pleasant work of our God to forgive us by “not counting people’s sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19).

That’s simply amazing!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, I daily sin much, yet you cover me with your righteousness. Your Father sees me as perfect. For this I thank and praise you. Give me the desire to do your will. 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

In today’s devotion, what did God stop counting?
What happened that made God decide not to count our sins anymore?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Recount an awful thought, a rude word, or disobedient action you did today. Why is it important to remember it? What does God want you to do with it?
Sometimes, the memory of something horrible we did comes back into our heads. What thought from today’s devotion ought we to then remember?

Questions for Middle School and Above

A teenager was once overheard saying, “I’m done with this … and I don’t care what you think.” Why are those words so dangerous?
A teenager was once overhead saying, “I have sinned, and not someone else. I repent.” Why are those words so courageous?

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.

Just Jesus – February 22, 2023

2023/02/22/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
Matthew 17:8

Just Jesus

Daily Devotion – February 22, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 17:8

See series: Devotions

Peter, James, and John had just seen their humble teacher, Jesus, transfigured into a shining and glorious version of himself. Jesus showed them a glimpse of who he truly was as the Son of God. The three disciples also saw two great prophets from long ago: Moses and Elijah. Seeing Jesus in all his glory and hearing the voice of God the Father speak from the heavens must have made the three disciples feel very small and unworthy. In fact, after they heard the voice from heaven, “they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.”

But Jesus came over to them, touched them, and said, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” At that point they looked and saw no one except Jesus. Moses and Elijah were gone. The voice from the cloud was gone. Jesus wasn’t shining with the light of the sun anymore. He was normal looking Jesus again. But he was all Peter, James, and John really needed. The bright glory of heaven they glimpsed on the mountain would be theirs again one day. But right now, they needed their Savior and the humiliation of death he was about to undergo for them. They didn’t need all that glory yet. They did need their Savior now. As great as it was seeing all the glory of God there on the mountain, what they really needed to see was…just Jesus.

This is ultimately what we need to see—just Jesus. The glory of God is too bright and overwhelming for us poor sinners. We needed God to come to us when we could never approach him. So, he did. Jesus, God himself, came to earth in our flesh and blood to be one of us so he could die for us in our place. If we want to know God, we look to Jesus. He is the one who allows us to come to the Father. He is the one who makes us worthy of all the glory of God by sharing the glory of his resurrection with us. This is what we need—just Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for coming as one of us in order to save me. Thank you for being our Way to the Father and glory everlasting. Amen.

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

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

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

Listen to My Son – February 21, 2023

2023/02/21/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Matthew 17:5

Listen to My Son

Daily Devotion – February 21, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 17:5

See series: Devotions

When Jesus was baptized, God the Father’s voice boomed down from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” When Jesus went up on the Mount of Transfiguration and showed himself in all his shining glory as the Son of God, the Father once again said the very same thing about Jesus. God the Father was putting his stamp of authenticity and approval on Jesus. However, this time God the Father added something. He said, “This is my Son…Listen to him!”

Jesus’ words are trustworthy and true. When he speaks, he speaks also for God the Father. This is good news because Jesus has very good things to say to you. He has spoken great promises to you. Listen to Jesus and trust him when he says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Listen to Jesus and trust him when he says, “Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” Listen to Jesus and trust him when he says, “If I go and prepare a place for you [in heaven], I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Jesus has the stamp of approval from God. It’s like God the Father slapped a “double your money back guarantee” sticker on Jesus that day. Jesus is the real deal. His words are authentic and trustworthy. He has the words of eternal life for us. His love and his promises to us are guaranteed. We want to listen to our Savior. We can’t wait to listen to our Savior.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, you have the words of eternal life. I listen to you, knowing that you are always working for my good as the Son of God. Amen.

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

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

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

With My Own Eyes! – Week of February 20, 2023

2023/02/20/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

With My Own Eyes! – Week of February 20, 2023

For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
2 Peter 1:16-17

ECME Devotion February 20, 2023

See series: ECME Devotions

An eye-witness account counts for something. If you are sitting in a courtroom, you better believe that the jury and the judge want to hear from people who saw and heard the crime with their own eyes and ears.

If a group of students come running over to you at recess shouting about something that just happened, you are most likely inclined to want to hear from the people who actually saw what occurred before listening to hearsay.

An eye-witness account counts for something and that is one of the greatest blessings of God’s Word. It is full of eye-witness accounts.

I wish I could have been there for so many parts of the Bible. I mean, just think of the Jericho walls tumbling down, or the sky filled with stars as Abraham looks up at a promise from God, or the mouths of lions shut while Daniel stood right in front of them. To have seen these things, firsthand, would surely have been something to proclaim about.

I suppose one of the most unbelievable sights to see would have been Jesus’ Transfiguration. The definition of the word “Transfiguration” is a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state. That is exactly what happened to Jesus “when he led Peter, James, and John up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Matthew 17:1

In our verses for today, Peter is explaining that while this sounds unbelievable, it is most certainly true. He saw it happen with his own eyes. How gracious is God to give us a compilation of eye-witnesses to his miracles, his promises given and kept, his holy and perfect life. I wish I would have seen it with my own eyes, but I am grateful that so many others did and were inspired to record what they had seen and heard.

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for giving us your Word. Forgive us when we fall out of the habit of being in your Word daily. Put in us a desire to read it and know that it is true. Amen.

A Question to Consider:
Make a list of your top five accounts of the Bible that you would have loved to see firsthand.

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.

In All His Brilliance – February 20, 2023

2023/02/20/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Matthew 17:1-9

Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John the brother of James; and he led them up onto a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured in front of them. His face was shining like the sun. His clothing became as white as the light. Just then, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”
Matthew 17:1-4a EHV

In All His Brilliance

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Family Devotion – February 20, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 17:1-4a EHV

See series: Devotions

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

It wasn’t all that long ago that maybe you heard or recited these words: “and the glory of the Lord shone around them…” (Luke 2). A shining angel announced to simple shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem that Jesus was born. For a few seconds, they witnessed the brilliance of heavenly glory because the Holy One, the Messiah, our Savior, had come into the world.

Did you know something like that happened years later in Jesus’ life? Jesus was a grown man when he began preaching and performing miracles. Even though he traveled the country doing miraculous things such as healing people and walking on water, he looked like a normal human being. His appearance was nothing even close to the glorious company of angels on the night of his birth.

One day, he took three of his followers (Peter, James, and John) up a mountain with him. There, Jesus’ appearance changed. It’s hard for us to imagine exactly what that would have looked like. Matthew tells us, “His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Our eyes can’t even handle looking directly at a 60-watt lightbulb, let alone the brilliance of the sun. It’s even dangerous! Yet here Jesus stood before them, glowing in abundant light. This was something extraordinary and his disciples knew it! That’s why Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”

It was here on this mountain that Jesus revealed his perfection and holiness in his glory. For a few moments, it was like the door of heaven was left open a crack and Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in all his glory. It was here that God the Father put his stamp of approval on Jesus as his Son. It is here that we too can be assured that Jesus is indeed the glorious and true Son of God.

Being in the presence of brilliance and holiness made shepherds and disciples afraid. It’s the same for us. In the face of such holiness, we ought to fall face down on the ground. Until Jesus taps us on the shoulder and says, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.” We don’t need to be afraid of Jesus. He would head down that mountain to do the difficult work of the cross so that someday, you could experience the full glory of his presence in heaven!

Closing Prayer:

This brightness, Lord! What shall I say
to see your face outshine the day?
No greater gift could I receive;
I’ll stay right here and never leave!

I’ll soon exchange this mountain sight
for heaven’s everlasting light;
your brightness, Lord, will then be mine,
and then my face, like yours, will shine!
(Christian Worship 392:1,6)

Thank you, Lord for your gift of heaven! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What happened to Jesus when he went up the mountain?
Fill in the blank: Jesus shining in brilliant glory shows us that he is true _______.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Name three things that happened when Jesus, Peter, James, and John went up the mountain that day.
How did that show that Jesus is true God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Compare Jesus’ transfiguration to Jesus’ baptism. What was alike? What was different?
Discuss why it was important for Jesus to come back down the mountain after his transfiguration.

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.

It’s Good for Us to Be Here – February 20, 2023

2023/02/20/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
Matthew 17:4

It’s Good for Us to Be Here

Daily Devotion – February 20, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 17:4

See series: Devotions

The sun is shining. The sand slips between your toes. The sound of the waves lulls you to sleep. Relaxing on a beach vacation might make you think to yourself, “It is good to be here.” But vacation doesn’t last forever. Eventually you have to leave. You have to go back to reality.

The disciple Peter wasn’t on vacation, but he had good reason to say, “it is good for us to be here,” when he hiked to a mountaintop with Jesus. All of a sudden, Jesus’ face shone like the sun. His clothes glowed with light. Moses and Elijah, two of the greatest Old Testament prophets from the past, showed up and talked with Jesus! Peter couldn’t help it. The scene overtook him, and he blurted out, “Lord, it is good for us to be here!” It was an amazing place to be, in the presence of all this glory, seeing Jesus for who he really was.

Peter was right. That was an amazing place to be. But the moment couldn’t last forever. Jesus still had a job to do, and it involved some dark days ahead as he walked to the cross loaded with the world’s sin. The disciples had to face some tough days ahead, too, not only the death of their friend and Savior but also persecution as they spread the word about him.

One day Jesus will bring all of us to eternal glory, to stand with him in the heavenly Mount Zion. In that day, we will say, “it is good for us to be here,” and we will never have to leave. But, until then, we still live in the reality of a sinful world. Yet, even now, we can live in this often-difficult place knowing that Jesus didn’t stay on the Mount of Transfiguration. He best showed us who he was by going up Mount Calvary to save the world by dying on the cross. Now, no matter what place we find ourselves in, we rejoice that Jesus joins us in the highs, the lows, and everywhere in-between.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for showing me who you truly are. Amen.

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

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – February 19, 2023

2023/02/19/in Teen Devotions

One truth shared: Jesus gives us glory through his cross.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Matthew 17:1-9

The Glory of the Lord

“I don’t wanna leave,” Lauren whispered. “We can’t leave. I just wanna stay here forever.”

Lauren was standing on a mountaintop overlooking the beach, the ocean, and a picture-perfect sunset. Tears started welling up in Lauren’s eyes as she thought about going down that mountain leaving. This glorious sunset was the perfect ending to a perfect vacation. Her family’s first time in Hawaii. A week of no homework and no worries. She even got to bring along her bestie Ellie for the trip. “I don’t wanna leave either,” Ellie said. “I don’t wanna go back to that.”

You know what that is, don’t you? That non-stop pile of assignments which never gets smaller. That relationship drama. That worrying about what you’re doing and where you’re going in the future. That fighting with parents. That aching pain from heartbreak. That devastation when disaster or death strike.

No wonder Lauren and Ellie wanted to stay in that glorious Hawaiian moment on the mountain. Who wants to worry? Who wants to ache? Who wants to suffer?

Maybe it’s not so hard to understand why Peter said what he did on the Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus had been shining with the glory of the Lord and as bright as the sun. Moses and Elijah, heroes of faith, had appeared. And all the worries and problems of life seemed to be left down below. Who would want to leave that glorious moment? Who would want to go back down the mountain to all the pains and problems, suffering and sadness of everyday life? “Lord, it is good for us to be here.” No kidding!

But while it surely was good to be there, Peter’s comment was short-sighted and missing the point. Jesus didn’t come to give a momentary flash of glory on the Mount of Transfiguration—he came to win eternal glory on the mount called Calvary. Peter’s comment, though understandable, had a rather worldly focus to it. He was attracted to the glory here, in that moment, not in the greater glory that was yet to come. Peter forgot that before the glory comes the cross.

We often do the same with Jesus. We spend a lot of time and effort looking for glory here in this world. We want those glorious sunset moments of endless blessings all the time. “Lord, it’s good to be here,” we are so quick to think. But then when we suffer, when we get sick, when we have troubles, we become angry or frustrated. We doubt or question God. “Jesus, why can’t we stay here on this mountain?”

God forgive our short-sighted, misfocused hearts! Jesus did not come to give us worldly moments of glory here. Jesus came to give us eternal glory in heaven. The Son, whom the Father loved so dearly, needed to go to the cross so that we could be dearly loved children with whom the Father is so pleased. First came the cross of Christ, so that we can later see the glory of Christ in heaven.

So also in everyday life, first must come the cross. No cross, no Christian. Just as Jesus needed to go down that mount so he could go to the cross on Calvary, so now we must first take up the cross of following Christ as we suffer in a sin-filled world. But this “mount” of suffering is not the end for us. Someday soon, Jesus will take us home to Mount Zion, our heavenly dwelling, where we will see Jesus face to face in all his glory and for all eternity.

Dear teen, take heart! First comes the cross, then comes the glory. May the Savior who overcame the cross with his victory strengthen you each day until that joyful day when you will see his glory and never leave.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to keep my eyes on you and your cross. Because you suffered on the cross on Mount Calvary, I will receive glory on Mount Zion in heaven. Give me strength to endure suffering now until the day you call me home to glory in heaven. 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.

Our Extraordinary Savior – February 19, 2023

2023/02/19/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Matthew 17:1,2

Our Extraordinary Savior

Daily Devotion – February 19, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 17:1,2

See series: Devotions

Can you remember a special event from your life that stands out from the ordinary daily routine? You might have bright and vivid memories of a wedding day, the birth of a child or a move to a new home.

One day, Jesus invited three of his disciples to experience an extraordinary event they would not forget. The disciples witnessed the Savior, whose body beamed with blinding brilliance as he was illumined in heavenly glory. So glorious was this event that Peter wanted the moment to continue.

Jesus graciously shares this special moment with us too. By faith in the Word, we are transported to the mountaintop to stand alongside Peter, James, and John to behold Jesus in all his brilliance. Our eyes witness his majesty. Our ears are captivated by the cloud-enveloped voice of the heavenly Father, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

On that day with his disciples, the light that emanated from Jesus did not linger long. Soon Jesus descended the mountain, destined to die in the darkness of the cross. Our glorious God bore our shame and guilt to win the pure light of life and forgiveness for us.

Jesus has not promised that every moment of our earthly lives will be free from sorrow and trouble. Jesus has told us that there will be days of suffering and tears. Yet each day–even those that are clouded by darkness and difficulty–Jesus extends to us the extraordinary light of his love. He cheers us with the unchanging message of his gospel and points us to the promised light of eternal day in heaven.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for setting aside your glory to suffer and die for my sins. Fill my life with your love and forgiveness through the light of your powerful Word. Amen.

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

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

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

WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

A Gift for the World – Week of March 6, 2023

ECME Devotion March 6, 2023

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A Gift to the World

Faith Trusts God

One Man

Read: Matthew 4:1-11

The Biggest Idol of All

Closing Prayer:

He Had a Dream – March 3, 2023

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Taking Responsibility

Hide and Seek

Read: Romans 5:12-19

Greater Than, Less Than, or Equal To?

Closing Prayer:

Guilt and Shame

Going Along With the Crowd

Read: Genesis 3:1-15

Memorable Beginnings

Closing Prayer:

A Champion for the Defeated – Week of February 27, 2023

ECME Devotion February 27, 2023

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Did God really say?

An Unlimited Guarantee

Real

Read: Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

Kindness in Quietness

Closing Prayer:

The Way of Sorrows – February 24, 2023

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God Invites His People to See His Glory

Pay Attention to the Light

Read: Isaiah 59:12-20

Sins Are Not Too Many for Jesus

Closing Prayer:

Just Jesus

Listen to My Son

With My Own Eyes! – Week of February 20, 2023

ECME Devotion February 20, 2023

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Read: Matthew 17:1-9

In All His Brilliance

Closing Prayer:

It’s Good for Us to Be Here

Our Extraordinary Savior

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