Devotions

Transformed – teen devotion – June 1, 2025

2025/06/01/in Teen Devotions

One key truth: Jesus gave his life for all.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
John 17:20-26

All for One, and One for All

Back in 1844, a French author named Alexandre Dumas wrote a famous adventure story called The Three Musketeers. You’ve probably heard of it—if not the book, then maybe the candy bar or one of the movies! It’s all about sword fights, daring rescues, secret missions, and friendship. The musketeers had a famous motto: “All for one, and one for all.” They stuck together no matter what.

Now fast forward from sword fights to something even more epic—Jesus’ prayer in John 17. Did you know Jesus prayed for you? Right before he went to the cross, with the weight of the world on his shoulders, Jesus paused to pray… not just for his friends back then, but for every single person who would believe in him—including you.

There’s a word that shows up a lot in his prayer: “One.”

Jesus prayed that we would all be one—united. Why? Because he wants everyone to know who he is: God’s Son, the One who came to save the world. He wants us not just to know him, but to believe in him and follow him together. Jesus gave his one life for all of us—“one for all”—so that we could live with him and the Father forever.

And now? We live our lives for him—“all for one.” Jesus wants us to stick together, support each other, and point people to the One who died and rose again for all.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for thinking of me in your prayer. Help me to live for you and show others the One who gave everything for all of us. 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.

It’s Majestic! – June 1, 2025

2025/06/01/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
Exodus 15:11

It’s Majestic!

Daily Devotion – June 1, 2025

Devotion based on Exodus 15:11

See series: Devotions

The magic of David Copperfield is always intriguing to watch. It is fascinating how he can seemingly transport himself from one side of the Great Wall of China to the other. It’s amazing how he can make the Statue of Liberty disappear. I’m guessing he can do some pretty impressive card tricks, too! Yet all the things he and other magicians do are still called “magic.” Trick photography, sleight of hand, mirrors, intricate cameras, and the like make the illusion appear to be reality.

Arguments can be made as to who is or was the greatest magician, but all of them pale in comparison to the Lord, not the magician, but the majestic! Moses saw him part the waters of the Red Sea, allowing thousands of Israelites to cross on dry land and then close the waters on the pursuing army of Pharaoh. What he saw could only have been done by the Majestic One, the Lord. His works are not tricks or sleight of hand. They are obvious. They are real, although not all acknowledge them. Consider the intricacies of the human body and marvel at the balance of the ecosystem. Gaze into the massiveness of the universe. All these “declare the glory of God.”

Even his greatest act, his resurrection from the dead, had no sleight of hand, no tricks and no mirrors. It was real. It was something no one else had done. It shows, just as the parting of the Red Sea convinced Moses, there is none among those called “gods” like the Lord. What he has done for you is not magic; it’s majestic!

Prayer:
Jesus, you proved that you are the majestic Son of God and my blessed Savior by your resurrection from the dead. Comfort me with the knowledge that one day you will majestically return and raise all the dead and give to your believers eternal life in heaven. Use me, Lord Jesus, to catch more people for you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

Real Grief; Real Joy; Same Event! – May 31, 2025

2025/05/31/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
John 16:21,22

Real Grief; Real Joy; Same Event!

Daily Devotion – May 31, 2025

Devotion based on John 16:21,22

See series: Devotions

Jesus spoke earnestly to his disciples just before the three-day, salvation-winning event of his death and resurrection. Jesus pictures a mother in labor, delivery, and at the birth of her child. That same event brings real pain and real grief but also real joy to the mom, and to her husband also.

Jesus’ disciples felt real grief over what Jesus revealed at that Upper Room Passover meal. Jesus spoke of betrayal, denial, and his own death, saying, “In a little while you will see me no more.” But he added, “…and then after a little while you will see me” (John 16:16).

We can hardly plumb the depth of grief the disciples felt that night. Jesus assured them, “I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” On the third day, following the onslaught of that grievous event, which brought our Savior to the agony of Calvary, salvation-winning event culminated in his resurrection! The disciples saw Jesus again, just as he said they would. They were eyewitnesses. Their grief turned to joy, “joy that no one will take away” because Jesus lives and reigns eternally! So he said, “Tell the world!”

For you, me, and every Christian, considering the cross of Christ stirs both real grief and real joy concerning that same event. The real grief is in the deeper understanding that the sins of every human being, including your sins and mine, nailed Jesus to the cross. The real joy is in the deeper understanding that Jesus willingly made that “atoning sacrifice (paid the full punishment price) for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). We have eternal life and an irrevocable joy shared by all who trust in the risen Christ for eternal salvation! Tell the world!

Prayer:
Lord, help me view the cross with grief, joy, and thankful sharing. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

God’s Big Quilt: Even the Messy Side Matters – May 30, 2025

2025/05/30/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.” Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:16-24

God’s Big Quilt: Even the Messy Side Matters

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

Ever heard of “The Weaver’s Poem”? It describes my life like a big picture God is sewing together—kind of like grandma’s homemade quilt. On one side, it’s all messy and full of knots and loose threads. But flip it over—and wow, it’s beautiful! Same with God’s picture for my life. I don’t get to pick the colors. Sometimes, he uses dark, sad colors, and I don’t understand why. But God can see the whole picture, and I only see the messy side. One day, when I’m with him, he’ll show me the beautiful picture he made—using all the colors, even the dark ones.

Sometimes things go wrong. A pet dies. You get hurt. You feel sad. Those are the “dark threads” in the quilt of your life. The disciples felt this too when Jesus told them, “In a little while, you won’t see me . . . then you will.” They were confused and sad. But Jesus promised, “Your sadness will turn into joy.”

He even gave an example: a mom giving birth. It’s painful but once the baby is born, all she feels is joy. Jesus says that’s what it’s like for us. Life is hard now, but we’ll see him again. We’ll be filled with joy that no one can take away.

And while we wait? We pray and remember that God is sewing something beautiful together with our lives—even if it doesn’t look like it yet.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for weaving the story of my life. Thank you for the bright threads like family, friends, and fun. Help me trust you even when I can’t see the whole pattern. I know you have a plan! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Have you ever made something with string, yarn, or fabric like a bracelet or a quilt? What did the back look like?
How does it make you feel to know that God sees the whole picture of your life—even when you only see the messy side?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What do you think the “dark threads” in the poem are talking about? Can you name one?
Why do you think God sometimes lets hard or sad things happen in our lives?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Jesus told the disciples their sadness would turn into joy. Can you think of a time when something sad later turned into something good?
What are some “bright threads” in your life right now—things you’re thankful for that God has included in your story?

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Military Devotion – The Diversity and Unity of God’s Kingdom – May 30, 2025

2025/05/30/in Devotions, Military Devotions

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Based on Revelation 7:9; 22:14

I’m currently listening to an audiobook entitled Blood in the Argonne: The “Lost Battalion” of World War I. It is the story of the 77th Division of the American Expeditionary Forces in France. The author, Alan Gaff, brings us alongside the men of this lost battalion, which was never lost and was not actually a battalion. What I found fascinating about this story was the diversity of this division: blue collar men from every ethnic background in New York City. Not all of these “Liberty Boys” spoke English or understood English, which makes it a marvel that these men were able to work together to form this division and then fight in combat. Communication in the context of war is a life and death necessity.

Another thing that struck me was when the author described the shock of the men of this division when they marched through France and saw men dressed in uniforms from a multitude of other countries—men from nations they had heard about but never dreamed they would meet much less fight alongside.

I saw in this picture of the diversity of the WWI war machine what the apostle John saw in his vision of heaven. In chapter 7 he saw “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” (verse 9). And then in chapter 22 he saw that picture again and wrote: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city” (verse 14).

What the author of this book shares about the fighting forces in WWI and what the apostle John saw in heaven is this wonderful thing called diversity. God created one man and one woman, and from them came the nations of the world. One human race but with such variety and color and colorful cultures—all gifts from God to celebrate. This diversity of the human race is unified, because for those in heaven, they are wearing the same uniform: white robes. And they are waving palm branches, a picture of victory. What unifies the diversity of the human race is the fact that they are all standing before the Lamb—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. All nations, and that includes you and me.

But I see a contrast here too. The book Blood in the Argonne describes in horrid detail just that: the blood and guts, the nightmare and dirtiness of trench warfare. It is awful. It is sickening. It’s a picture of our lives here on earth, a world pounded and splintered by the effects of sin. It’s a picture of lives shattered by trauma, abuse, loneliness, loss, and moral injury—it’s a messy and dirty world.

But the apostle John sees the redemption of this world and our own lives when he hears Jesus say, “Blessed are those who wash their robes.” The paradox is that these robes, once filthy and dirty and stained from sin, are washed in the blood of the Lamb. The paradox is that from suffering and trauma and abuse and the death of the Lamb come peace and forgiveness and cleansing and a washing and life for you.

These white robes are Christ’s righteous living. These robes are Christ’s perfect blood, his innocent suffering and death, and his glorious resurrection, which he drapes over the shoulders of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language. He unifies them under a single banner: the palm branch, the victory over sin and death and grave, and under one commander-in-chief, the Lord Jesus.

The apostle John sees diversity and unity in Jesus’ kingdom, and that’s a good thing! Because he sees you in that vision of heaven. He sees me in that throng of tens of thousands. He sees others . . . people you know and work with and love, people you haven’t met yet, people who don’t look like you or sound like you, people with whom you get to share this good news: that God’s kingdom is for them, no matter their background. Their robes are washed, which means they get to walk through the gates of the city, the new Jerusalem, heaven itself, and eat from the tree of life and live forever!

We’re in the final Sunday of the season of Easter. What better time to bring someone who isn’t like you to hear the message that this diverse and unified kingdom is just for them, just as much as it is for you.

Prayer:
Almighty God, your Son our Savior was taken up in glory and intercedes for us at your right hand. Through your living and abiding Word, give us hearts to know him and faith to follow where he has gone.

As our nation’s military sets up June as PTSD awareness month, help us to open our eyes and ears to listen to those who may be suffering in silence. Move us to sit with them in their darkness, and to listen and just be present. Open their hearts to be willing to receive help from professional counselors and to be receptive to the gospel message of hope through faith in Jesus Christ, who himself suffered trauma and endured and rose from the dead to redeem all things—yes, even minds and hearts hijacked by trauma. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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

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

One Way In – May 30, 2025

2025/05/30/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 21:27

One Way In

Daily Devotion – May 30, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 21:27

See series: Devotions

Heaven sounds like a great place. There will be no crying or pain there. God will wipe away every tear from every eye. Heaven does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and Jesus the Lamb is its lamp. There will be no night there. People in heaven will be in the presence of the Lord forever. Nothing will mess it up.

It sounds like a great place to be! But the more I think about it, the more I wonder how I will ever get there. I have done things that are shameful and deceitful. Because of my sin, I am impure, and the Bible says that nothing impure will ever enter heaven.

But the Bible also says that people whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be able to get in. The Lamb is Jesus. Why is he called the Lamb in this context? It’s because there was a day when a lamb was sacrificed to pay for sins and earn purity for people. Jesus was the Lamb who was sacrificed once and for all to earn purity for all people, enough purity to get them into heaven.

So, I will get into heaven because the Lamb sacrificed himself for me, and when he called me to faith in him, he wrote my name in his book of life. I can be confident that I will fit right into that perfect heaven, and you can be confident, too, through Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, take me to heaven at exactly the right time to live there forever with you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

In the Same Way, You Have Seen Him Go – May 29, 2025

2025/05/29/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

After [Jesus] said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Acts 1:9-11

In the Same Way, You Have Seen Him Go

Daily Devotion – May 29, 2025

Devotion based on Acts 1:9-11

See series: Devotions

You do not have to worry that Jesus has secretly returned to the earth and is gathering people to himself under an assumed name. You do not have to worry that Jesus will return to where you are living, tap you on the shoulder from behind, and ask you religious questions to test you. You do not have to worry that Jesus has returned invisibly and is waiting for a certain number of years to reveal himself.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, the angels said to the apostles he had chosen that Jesus would return in the same way that they saw him go into heaven. He had gone into the sky until a cloud hid him from their sight.

When Jesus returns, there will be no doubt about it. The Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. The angels will gather believers from all over the earth and take them to the place where Jesus is returning.

And so, we will be with the Lord forever. You can encourage one another with these words. Judgment day will be thrilling, not scary, because the one who saved you will also be the judge, and he will not forget what he did for you. In the meantime, do not worry. God has it all figured out.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 472)
Be now our joy on earth, O Lord, and be our future great reward. Alleluia, alleluia!

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

A Sneak Peek at Heaven – May 28, 2025

2025/05/28/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Read: Revelation 21:21-27

The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 21:21,23,27

A Sneak Peek at Heaven

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

Have you ever had your eyes checked at the doctor? You look through that big machine, and the doctor keeps asking, “Which is better: one or two?” It’s all about helping you see clearly.

In Revelation chapter 21, it’s like God is giving us a picture of heaven so we can see it clearly in our hearts! The streets are gold, so pure you can see through them like glass. The gates are giant pearls—not just decorated with pearls, but each gate is one huge pearl! And there’s no need for a sun or moon because God himself is the light. It means there’s no night, it’s sunny and bright all the time in heaven! You won’t need a special eye test or glasses to see it either!

That’s not all. In heaven, there’s no darkness, no sadness, and nothing bad ever gets in. But guess who gets to go in?! Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life—that’s Jesus’ book. And guess what?! Your name is in it because you believe in him!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I want to walk as a child of the light; I want to follow you. I can’t wait to see you, the Lamb and the light of the City of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. 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

Do you or someone you know wear glasses? Will we need them in heaven?
Why is there no sun or moon in heaven?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What words did John use to describe heaven’s beauty?
What do people mean when they say, “heaven on earth”? Can anything here really compare to the real heaven?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Name someone whom you know who already is in heaven. What would be your first words when you see them again?
Describe heaven in your own words. What are you most excited about seeing in heaven?

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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.

Uncertainty Gives Focus – May 28, 2025

2025/05/28/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”
John 16:16

Uncertainty Gives Focus

Daily Devotion – May 28, 2025

Devotion based on John 16:16

See series: Devotions

Have you ever driven to a place that you know very well with your mind on something else? Perhaps, upon your arrival, you realized that you had almost no recollection of time passing.

Familiarity and routine may be comfortable, but it can lead to taking things for granted and paying little to no attention. When God wants to get your attention, he may allow something unfamiliar to happen to you.

When Jesus died, it certainly got the attention of his disciples. They did not see him, and they were very focused on what would happen next. Then Jesus rose from the dead, and they saw him again as he appeared again and again, even to over five hundred brothers at the same time. He told his followers they were forgiven and at peace. He focused them on their next great task, getting the word out about his resurrection.

It would be nice to know when we will see Jesus. But we do not know the date of judgment day, and we do not know the day we will die. For a little while, we see Jesus only in our mind’s eye when the Bible is read, but after a little while, we will see him fully.

In the meantime, we focus on the continuing opportunities we have to serve him. When we are tempted to think that our lives are mundane, we remember what Jesus says in Matthew chapter 25. When we feed the hungry, when we give a cup of cold water to the thirsty, when we invite in strangers, when we clothe those who do not have clothing, when we visit the sick and those in prison—Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, until I see you again, focus my life on serving those around me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

Through Many Hardships – May 27, 2025

2025/05/27/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Paul and Barnabas] preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
Acts 14:21,22

Through Many Hardships

Daily Devotion – May 27, 2025

Devotion based on Acts 14:21,22

See series: Devotions

It makes sense that becoming a Christian improves your life. You go from uncertainty and even hopelessness to confidence in rock-solid promises. You discover what God has done for you and what he thinks of you, which is good.

So why do Christians experience hardships? You might think that difficulties in life would all disappear for disciples of Christ. But it’s not like that. There are disappointments and griefs, challenges and struggles. Sometimes, those even happen because you hold to counter-cultural truths of the Bible.

It’s been like that for a long time. The apostles taught the early Christians that they had to go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. They would suffer persecution. They would see occasional downturns in family life and business. They would encounter sin and even death, the wages of sin.

Without pinpointing the exact reason for every difficulty, God promises that all things will work together for good for you in the end. He invites you to trust that your entrance into the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus is secure even when you encounter hardships. Be faithful even unto death, and he will give you the crown of life.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, lead me through life’s hardships to an even stronger faith in your promises. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

Not Gods—Just Guys With Good News – May 26, 2025

2025/05/26/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Read: Acts 14:8-22

In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.
Acts 14:8-12,14,15

Not Gods—Just Guys With Good News

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

Have you ever seen someone do something so amazing, people freak out a little? Maybe someone made a full-court basketball shot or landed a skateboard trick that seemed impossible. Now imagine seeing a man who had never walked in his whole life suddenly jump up and walk because someone told him to. That’s what happened when Paul saw that the man had faith to be healed and shouted, “Stand up on your feet!” The man didn’t just stand—he leaped!

The crowd went wild. But they got the wrong idea. They thought Paul and Barnabas were gods—Zeus and Hermes! That’s like someone seeing a teacher do a science experiment and shouting, “She must be Wonder Woman!” It wasn’t true, and it wasn’t okay. So, Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes (an old way of saying “Stop! This is very wrong!”) and yelled, “We’re just humans like you!” Think of Incredible Hulk-level frustration—except without turning green.

Paul pointed them to the real God, the one who made the world, sends the rain, and gives us joy. But not everyone liked that message. People threw stones at Paul and left him for dead. But guess what? He got up, went back to the city, and kept sharing the good news. He didn’t give up!

Remember this: God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things—not to make them famous, but to point others to Jesus—not with lightning bolts or superpowers, but with love, truth, and courage.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, sometimes people believe the wrong things. Help us be brave like Paul and Barnabas—to tell others about you, even when it’s hard. When we feel like giving up, remind us you’re with us. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

People praised Paul and Barnabas. What would you do if someone praised you a little too much?
Who did the people think Paul and Barnabas were? Were they right?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why do you think Paul and Barnabas were so quick to stop the people from treating them like gods?
Can you think of something you’re good at or proud of and how you can use it to point people to God instead of yourself? What might that look like at school or with friends?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Can you think of a time when people didn’t want to hear the truth about God?
What do you admire most about Paul and Barnabas in this story? Paul and Barnabas told people about Jesus, but the people got so angry they tried to hurt them. Can you think of a time today when someone is made fun of or treated badly for talking about Jesus?

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Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Lasting Joy – Week of May 26, 2025

2025/05/26/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Lasting Joy – Week of May 26, 2025

Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

John 16:22-24

ECME Devotion May 26, 2025

See series: ECME Devotions

The world-famous life coach and cleaning consultant, Marie Kondo, has sold millions of books on “the art of decluttering”. Her Japanese approach to cleaning includes removing every piece in the home that, when picked up and examined, “doesn’t spark joy”. While this could be an effective approach to removing unnecessary clutter from the home, it has some pitfalls. What if I pick something up on a day that I am tired, annoyed, or in a sour mood? What if nothing in my house brings me joy on that particular day? And what IS true joy?

The world wants to teach us that joy depends on our circumstance. If we are doing well financially, if we have friends, if we reach our goals and milestones, we have what the world sees as “joy”. But this can change! If the furnace goes out and we have a sudden bill, we lose joy. If our friend hurts our feelings or leaves us stranded, joy is lost. If we put in a great effort at work and don’t get the recognition, we lose joy.

But the joy that God gives us does not come from a worldly situation or moment. It comes from Jesus! Jesus knew all along that he would someday die on the cross. He used his time on earth to train the disciples and continues to teach us through his life and in his Word, the Bible. He knew that the disciples would suffer for the sake of telling others about him. Jesus knew that they would feel sorrow of the world, but also knew that their suffering would one day be turned to joy in heaven.

Jesus knows about our trials on earth, too. He knows that living for him is not easy. He knows that we fail to do the good he wants us to do. He knows that we need him in every way, just as the disciples did. But, just like the disciples, our suffering will also be turned into joy. This joy is not of this world, it is not the “joy spark” that you feel when holding an earthly treasure or hugging a loved one—it is true, lasting joy that only comes from the story of Easter, when Jesus came back to life. Jesus promises that this lasting joy will be with us every time that we remember we are saved by his love, and will remain with us until he brings us to our forever home of joy in heaven.

Prayer:
When all your mercies, O my God, my waking soul surveys,
Transported with the view, I’m lost in wonder, love and praise.
Through all eternity to you a joyful song I’ll raise,
But, oh, eternity’s too short to utter all your praise. Amen.
Christian Worship 21 604:1, 4

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.

Joy After Grief – May 26, 2025

2025/05/26/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
John 16:22

Joy After Grief

Daily Devotion – May 26, 2025

Devotion based on John 16:22

See series: Devotions

Grief is real. It is a natural response to loss, and it hits different people in different ways at different times. When you hear about the imminent death of a loved one, you may even experience anticipatory grief.

The disciples of Jesus were about to experience the death of Jesus, whom they loved. Their time of grief was before and after he died on the cross. Without a clear understanding of the purpose of Jesus’ death, they did not have clear thoughts. Without the knowledge of what would happen next, they did not anticipate joy.

But they saw Jesus again when he rose from the dead. He explained that his death won the forgiveness of sins and peace for the whole world. When he was about to ascend into heaven, he explained that they would see him again, and their joy would be eternal.

You may experience grief, but you will see your Christian loved ones again, and you will rejoice. At that time, no one will take away your joy. Before that time, your laughter may come through tears, but because Jesus rose from the dead, you will also rise, and your joy will be complete.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, lead me through grief to a joy with you that has no end. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – May 25, 2025

2025/05/25/in Teen Devotions

One key truth: Deep and lasting joy is possible—even when life hurts.

Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”
“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
John 16:16, 20-22

From Pain to Joy

It happened during a polar vortex—you know, one of those freezing, wind-howling, everything-is-closed kind of days. That’s when I became a dad for the first time.

Now, I wish I could say I did the hard work… but let’s be real—that was all my wife.

Everything seemed okay at first, but then one of the three machines monitoring her started going off like a car alarm in a traffic jam. The problem? The umbilical cord was wrapped around our baby’s neck. Every time my wife had a contraction, the baby was being choked. It was terrifying.

Suddenly, we were being rushed into an operating room for an emergency C-section. I got suited up in hospital scrubs. My job? Don’t pass out from the sight of blood—and keep cheering on my wife, who was in serious pain. Check and… mostly check.

After what felt like forever, we heard it: a baby’s cry. Our son was here. The cord was cut, and I got to hold him for the first time. And then came a moment I’ll never forget—handing him to my wife. Even through the pain, even with tears streaming down her face, her eyes lit up with joy.
That’s when it hit me—pain turned to joy.

Jesus actually talked about this with his disciples. He told them, “Yeah, it’s going to hurt. But just wait—joy is coming.” He knew the pain he was about to face on the cross. He knew how bad it would be. But he didn’t run from it. He went through it—for us. So that our pain wouldn’t be the end of our story. So we could gain something greater—heaven.

So yeah, life is going to bring pain sometimes. But with Jesus? We have way more to gain than we could ever lose.

Prayer:
God, thank you for sending Jesus to face the pain I never could, so that I could have the joy of heaven. When life hurts, remind me: something better is coming. 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.

Giants but Not Gods – May 25, 2025

2025/05/25/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

When the crowd saw [the miracle] Paul had done, they shouted…, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes . . . The priest of Zeus . . . and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, . . . they rushed out into the crowd, shouting: “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and sea and everything in them.”
Acts 14:11-15

Giants but Not Gods

Daily Devotion – May 25, 2025

Devotion based on Acts 14:11-15

See series: Devotions

It is a common expression: “He is a giant in his field.” That’s a person of exceptional importance and reputation. Paul and Barnabas were giants in the field of Christian missionary work. They were not gods. The citizens of Lystra had observed the healing of a crippled man by the apostle Paul and drew a faulty conclusion.

Only God can do miracles. He chose to validate the message of the early Christian Church by working miracles through his messengers. (Mark 16:20, Acts 14:3, Hebrews 2:4) Paul and Barnabas were messengers of Christ, not gods from Greek mythology. However, they were giants in their field.

Hermes and Zeus were worthless idols. Yet the people of Lystra sincerely believed in them. Today, there are those who sincerely believe in worldly philosophies, basing their moral values on them.

Sincerely believing in something does not create truth or value. The “living God” of the Bible has revealed what is true and of real worth.

The “living God” is the heavenly Father, Creator of heaven and earth, who planned the gift of salvation for sinful mankind. The “living God” is the Son, the risen Christ, who paid for the gift of our salvation with his holy life and innocent death. The “living God” is the Holy Spirit, who gives the gift of salvation to sinners, creating saving faith by means of the gospel.

Can you be a giant in someone’s life? Can you humbly and urgently tell them, “Turn from these worthless things to the living God”? You can.

Prayer:
Lord God, help me speak the gospel of your salvation. If that makes me a giant in someone’s eyes, to you be the glory! Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

Love – May 24, 2025

2025/05/24/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34

Love

Daily Devotion – May 24, 2025

Devotion based on John 13:34

See series: Devotions

It is amazing how often the word love is used. It is equally amazing for what it is used. People can love just about anything. From pets to food, from houses to cars, and especially other people—all of these can be preceded by the word love.

It is unfortunate the word love has become so diluted. It is difficult to determine whether a person only prefers something or if there is a willingness to make a life-long commitment.

There should never be any confusion when Jesus uses the word love. As he prepared his disciples for his suffering and death, he gave them the command: “Love one another.” The words were probably met with mixed emotions. This is why Jesus also added the following explanation: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Suddenly, the word took on a special meaning. The new command was not about personal preference or taste. It was about love that was unselfish and never-failing.

Jesus uses his own love as the key to understanding this new command. His love brought him to this earth. It also made him endure shame, mockery, and rejection. It even subjected him to the most horrible of deaths on the cross. In him, the love he commands for those who follow him is revealed in complete clarity.

What makes Jesus’ love unique is that it not only offers the encouragement to love but also provides the reason and power to love.

Roughly forty years after the disciple John heard Jesus’ words, he wrote: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). He learned the lesson Jesus taught and lived it without compromise. As you hear Jesus’ new command, “love one another,” how will you respond? As you learn of your Savior’s unselfish love and grow in that love, there is only one response: I will love others as Jesus loves me.

Prayer:
Dearest Jesus, you have revealed what true love is, fill me with your pure and unselfish love so that I can love you and all people in response to your love for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

Military Devotion – “Until we dismount at Fiddler’s Green . . .” – May 23, 2025

2025/05/23/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Watch the Devotion

Based on Revelation 7:15-17; John 16:20-24

If you are able, save them a place inside you,
and save one backward glance when you are leaving,
for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them,
though you may, or may not have always.
Take what they have left, and what they have
taught you with their dying, and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide, and feel safe,
to call the war insane, take one moment,
to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.

(Written by MAJ Michael Davis O’Donnell, 01 January 1970, Dak To, Vietnam)

This is a poem one of my friends posted on social media with the picture of a headstone of one of his battle buddies killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Then he posted, “Until we dismount at Fiddler’s Green . . .”

I had to look it up because I wasn’t sure of the reference. Fiddler’s Green is a legendary afterlife for sailors but also for soldiers, particularly cavalrymen, who have used this name for the place you go after death. Fiddler’s Green is a gathering place for rugged professionals, a place of perpetual joy, where the fiddle plays incessantly, where dancers never tire. It’s a place where the weather is always fair and there is a constant supply of friends, family, food, and drink. A place of rest and reward for those who have served honorably.

It sounds a lot like a place the apostle John saw in his revelation of heaven: “They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes’ ” (Revelation 7:15-17).

What John describes is a very real place with real people whose souls have been reunited with their resurrected bodies. They are with their Shepherd, Jesus, who, as the Lamb, laid down his life to redeem all from their sin and guilt, who rose from the dead to die no more, and whose resurrection gives us the sure hope of a resurrection from the dead. He will bring us to a place of perpetual joy, of friends and family members, of an abundance of food and drink, and, yes, there will be music and dancing.
Until then, the poem from MAJ O’Donnell and Scripture itself gives us permission to be sad, to cry, and to grieve. But let Christ’s resurrection give us proper perspective when we stand before graves lined with American flags this weekend.

Listen to what Jesus said to his disciples as he prepared them for his own death: “Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:20-24).

Ask Jesus, the risen and living Lord, to give you proper perspective as you observe Memorial Day. Ask that your sorrow be turned to joy. Ask that your joy may be complete. Find that joy in the good news that Jesus is raised from the dead. Find that joy in the good news that he will raise your loved ones and friends and battle buddies who died in the Lord, never to die again, and we with them.

Until we dismount at Fiddler’s Green . . . until we walk with Jesus in heaven, my dear friends, find your joy in Christ’s resurrection from the dead this Memorial Day.

Prayer:
Almighty Father, strong to save, ruler of nations, we bring our thanks to you this Memorial Day weekend for all the blessings you have given our nation, the United States of America. Help us to know and to acknowledge that freedom, prosperity, and other blessings come from you, and make us thankful.

As memories go back to those who have died to preserve our liberties, make us grateful and humble that others would stand up, raise their right hand for us, serve, and die. Turn our sorrow into joy. Turn the hearts of those who grieve by the power of your resurrection. Use us to share that good news with those who are sad, so they may find their joy in you.

Make us diligent in our prayers for our country and her leaders. Guide them with your wisdom and counsel. Keep us as a nation at peace so that we may carry out our vocations in peace and safety. In your Son’s name, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

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

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

You Are God’s Bulletin Board! – May 23, 2025

2025/05/23/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:31-35

You Are God’s Bulletin Board!

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

Have you ever walked down your school hallway and seen a super cool bulletin board?

Mrs. Hill made some of the best ones! When school started, her board showed a giant crayon box that said, “It’s going to be a COLORFUL year!” Then, inside her classroom, every kid had a name tag shaped like a crayon in a different color! Every few weeks, the board changed to match the season, like snowflakes in winter or pumpkins in fall. But here’s the neat part: the hallway bulletin board gave a sneak peek into what was happening inside her classroom.

Guess what? You are like that bulletin board, too! What people see in your words and actions shows what’s in your heart. When Jesus lives in your heart, his love shows up on the outside!

Before Jesus went to the cross, he told his disciples something super important: “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another. When you love each other, everyone will know that you follow me” (John 13:34,35).

Jesus wants us to love others the same way he loves us—with kindness, patience, and forgiveness. That’s how people know we’re his followers!

Just like Mrs. Hill’s bulletin boards showed what was happening inside her classroom, your life shows the love Jesus has put in your heart.

So, what’s your bulletin board showing today?

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us so much that you died on the cross and came back to life. Help us show your love in what we say and do. Make our lives like bright, loving bulletin boards that point people to you! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

Why do people wear name tags? What can a name tag tell you about someone?
Do you know when God wrote your name in his book of life? (Hint: It happened at your baptism!)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What bulletin boards do you have in your classroom? What kinds of things do they show people?
How are YOU like a bulletin board for Jesus? What are some ways your words or actions show others that you love Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How can people tell that you are a follower of Jesus? Can you think of a time when you showed love or kindness like Jesus does?
How might people know if someone is NOT following Jesus? Have you ever acted in a way that didn’t show Jesus’ love? What could you do differently next time?

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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.

As I Have Loved You – May 23, 2025

2025/05/23/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34

As I Have Loved You

Daily Devotion – May 23, 2025

Devotion based on John 13:34

See series: Devotions

The night before Jesus died, he gathered with his disciples in the upper room. Jesus didn’t fill them with motivational slogans or empty optimism. He didn’t tell them to “go out and change the world.” Instead, with only hours left before his betrayal and death, he gave them a command—not flashy or complicated, but one that would truly change the world: “Love one another.”

The command to love wasn’t new; God had given it through Moses centuries earlier. But the standard was: “As I have loved you.” A love that is sacrificial, unconditional, one-way—a love only Jesus has ever truly shown.

It sounds simple, but it’s anything but easy. Jesus didn’t say, “Love when it’s convenient” or “Love when it’s deserved.” He said, “Love as I have loved you.” It’s a love that reaches down to wash dirty feet, extends bread to betrayers, and stretches out arms on a cross. That’s how Jesus loved us—a love that gives fully, serves humbly, and forgives completely.

And now he calls us to love one another in that same way. But let’s be honest. We don’t naturally want to. It’s easy to love those who love us, to serve when it’s noticed, or to forgive when it feels safe. But what about the people who frustrate us? Disappoint us? Wound us? Jesus still says, “Love them.”

How? By remembering that he loved us first. He loved us when we were unlovable. He gave himself fully when we had nothing to offer. Jesus’ love isn’t just a model—it’s our motivation, our foundation, and our strength. His love forgives our failures to love. His love changes hearts. His love empowers us to love others—not to earn anything from God, but because we already have everything in Christ.

So, what does this mean for you? It means your life matters—not necessarily because you accomplish great things, but because you reflect the love of Jesus. It means you carry a kind of love into the world that can’t be found anywhere else. And it means that when you love, people see their Savior.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, grant that I love others not as they deserve, but as you have loved me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

The Greatest of These Is Love – May 22, 2025

2025/05/22/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

The Greatest of These Is Love

Daily Devotion – May 22, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 13:13

See series: Devotions

Why is love the greatest? After all, faith connects us to Christ and secures our salvation. Hope anchors us in God’s promises and gives us strength to endure. But love—love is the goal.

Faith and hope are essential in this life, but they are temporary. In heaven, we won’t need faith in what we cannot see because we will see Jesus face to face. We won’t need hope for what is yet to come because we will be living in the fulfillment of every promise. But love—love will remain. Love will be perfected.

Love is the greatest because it is the fruit of faith. Faith draws us into union with Christ, but love is the visible result. Just as fruit shows that a tree is alive and well, love shows that faith is active. We weren’t created just to believe—we were created to love. God’s intent from the beginning was that we would reflect his love in perfect relationship with him and with one another. Sin shattered that design, but in Christ, love has returned—now in part and perfectly in heaven.

Love is also the greatest because it reflects God himself. The Bible never says, “God is faith” or “God is hope.” But it does say, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). To live in love is to live in God, and to reflect God is to love others as he has loved us. Jesus’ love took him from heaven to a cross—for you. That same love now lives in you.

Love serves the neighbor. Love imitates Christ. And one day, when faith has become sight and hope has become reality, love will remain. Forever.

Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for the great love that you have shown me in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

From Clanging Cymbals to Beautiful Music – May 21, 2025

2025/05/21/in Devotions, Family Devotions

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Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 (select verses)

From Clanging Cymbals to Beautiful Music

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

At the 2025 WELS National Band Fest, the concert ended with an awesome piece of music called “Foundations.” It was based on the hymn “The Church’s One Foundation.” Before the music started, the band director told the audience, “Listen carefully to the percussion at the beginning—it sets the beat for the whole song!”

To the untrained ear, the opening measures sounded like someone clapping two wooden blocks together. Clap. Clap. Clap. It didn’t sound very exciting at first. But then the flutes joined in, then the trumpets and trombones—and the music grew louder and more beautiful. By the end, the music was huge and amazing!

This is kind of like what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians chapter 13. If we don’t have love, we’re just like that lonely percussion—clap, clap, clap—without a melody. Even if we do good things like give toys to kids, feed the hungry, or help others, if we don’t do it with the love of Jesus in our hearts, it’s just noise.

But when we do have Jesus’ love, our lives become a beautiful song! The Bible tells us what that kind of love sounds like:

“Love is patient. Love is kind.” (That’s like flutes.)
“It doesn’t brag or get jealous.” (Here come the clarinets!)
“Love doesn’t get angry easily. It forgives.” (Here come the horns!)
“Love always protects, trusts, hopes, and keeps going.”
And then the big finish: “Love never fails!”

Why? Because Jesus never fails.

Closing Prayer:

Dear heavenly composer, thank you for writing the music of our lives. Help us show your love in everything we do. Thank you for sending Jesus, who makes our lives beautiful—and gives us the promise 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

Who do you love?
How do you show love to that person?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

In the Bible, Paul talks about what love isn’t. Can you think of the eight things love does NOT do? (Example: “Love does NOT envy . . .”)
Which one (of the eight things) do you find hardest to do? Explain why.

Questions for Middle School and Above

Name someone in your life who shows the kind of love we talked about today.
Of all the ways love was described today, which one is your favorite? Why does it matter to you?

Download Family Devotions

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.

Love Never Fails – May 21, 2025

2025/05/21/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
1 Corinthians 13:8

Love Never Fails

Daily Devotion – May 21, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 13:8

See series: Devotions

We’ve all seen love fail. Marriages end. Friendships break. Families fall apart. Promises are broken. Hearts hurt.

So, when the Bible says, “Love never fails,” it might sound more like a wish than a truth. But it is true—because it’s not talking about the kind of love the world knows. It’s talking about God’s love.

Our love fails. Often. We lose patience. We say unkind things. We keep records of wrongs. We assume the worst and give up too easily. We gossip instead of protecting. We withhold forgiveness. Even when we try to love well, our sinful nature gets in the way.

But Christ’s love? That love never fails. It never gives up, never gives in, never runs dry. Jesus’ love took him from heaven’s glory to a manger in Bethlehem. His love drove him to the cross, where he bore every failure of our lovelessness. And his resurrection proves that his love never fails.

This perfect love is now yours. When God looks at you, he sees the flawless love of Christ. Patience. Kindness. Forgiveness. Endurance. It’s all credited to you by faith. Christ’s love has washed away your sins and given you a new identity as a child of God, clothed in righteousness.

Other spiritual gifts will fade away. But this love never ends, not even in heaven. How could it? Love is the essence of heaven because love is the essence of God. “God is love” (1 John 4:7). This means that one day, you will see this unfailing love face to face and then be able to love perfectly.

Until that day, you live in a world where you will see love fail. You can, however, know Christ’s unfailing love more and more. The more time you spend with him and his Word, the more like him you will become. His love is the source of your forgiveness and the power that makes your love more like his. Everything else fades, but love endures forever. So, live in the love that never fails.

Prayer:
Lord, grant that I may live in your unfailing love all the days of my life. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

Love For Every Day – May 20, 2025

2025/05/20/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love For Every Day

Daily Devotion – May 20, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

See series: Devotions

If you’ve ever been to a Christian wedding, chances are you heard these words read aloud. How could they not be? They paint a portrait of love that’s perfect for a day filled with vows, flowers, and sentiment.

Yet the more you reflect on these words, the more you might think: Maybe this isn’t the best reading for a wedding. The kind of love described here is not romantic. It’s more of an action than an emotion.

This is the kind of love God calls us to—not just on our wedding day, but every day. Love the people around you even when feelings fade, tempers flare, and disappointment creeps in. It’s love that refuses to boast, that keeps no record of wrongs, and that always puts others first. This is a tall order. This kind of love isn’t natural. In fact, it’s impossible—at least for us.

But not for Jesus. Jesus lived every word of this passage to perfection. He was endlessly patient, even with slow-learning disciples. He was unfailingly kind to outcasts and perfectly forgiving to his enemies. On the cross, he bore the record of your wrongs and endured the punishment that you deserved. His love never failed.

This is the love that saved you. And this is the love that now lives in you. In Christ, your record of lovelessness has been erased. Through faith in him, God doesn’t see your envy, selfishness, or irritability—but Christ’s perfect patience, kindness, and endurance. And by his Spirit, he enables you to reflect that same love to others.

The love described in this passage is more than just beautiful words for a wedding day; it’s a daily calling. When your patience wears thin, and his forgiveness feels far away, lean into the love of Christ. With him, you have what you need to love others.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to love others the way you have loved me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

His Loving Legacy – Week of May 19, 2025

2025/05/19/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

His Loving Legacy – Week of May 19, 2025

When he was gone, Jesus said “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 13:31-32,34-35

ECME Devotion May 19, 2025

See series: ECME Devotions

If you knew that your time on earth was nearly over, what would you do? Who would you see and what would you say to them? You would likely spend much of your remaining time with friends and family, talking about good experiences of the past and telling them that you love them. If you have children, you would likely fill your last days making happy memories and inserting words of wisdom that you hope that they will remember later.

Jesus DID know when his days on earth were ending. Because Jesus is God, he knew that he was about to finish the mission that he was sent to earth for—suffering and dying on the cross for us. He spent his last few days with the disciples, his dear friends, and his last words to them are meant for us as well. He commanded them, and us, to “love one another”. We might say that this was his “parting legacy”. He wanted us to remember to love, forgive, and teach others to do the same.

Jesus was born and raised in the same world that we live in, and he experienced the same hurt and temptations that we do. He knows that sin makes it hard to love each other. He knows that we have to daily fight against jealousy, envy, pride, and lack of empathy. Yet he still gives us this command, to love each other. In fact, he says that this love we share is how others will know that we are his followers. By showing love to each other, we are a light to the world, reflecting the love of Jesus.

Jesus does not just tell us to do something without giving us the tools to achieve it. He knows that we will need to daily fight off our own selfishness to show love, and he gives us his Word, the Bible, as a “sword” in this fight. When we daily read the Bible, we learn more about God’s love for us and are strengthened to live as his child.
So, as we remember the life of Jesus during this Easter season, let us remember that he lived a life of love perfectly for us. Let us stay close to him by going to church with believers and studying his Word. Let us love one another, remembering that he first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for coming down to earth, living and dying for us. Keep us close to you and daily in your Word, that we may share the love that you poured out on us with others. Amen.

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

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

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

Be Our Guest! – May 19, 2025

2025/05/19/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Listen to Devotion

Read: Acts 11:1-18

Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ “I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ “The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’’ . . . So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
Acts 11:4-18 (select verses)

Be Our Guest!

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

Have you ever seen Beauty and the Beast? There’s a fun scene where Belle sneaks downstairs at night because she’s super hungry. Instead of treating her like a prisoner, all the enchanted furniture welcomes her with a fancy dinner! They roll out a huge white tablecloth, pile on yummy food—beef stew, cheesy treats, flaming desserts—and sing, “Be our guest!” They want her to feel special.

A long time ago, Peter, one of Jesus’ followers, had a super strange dream. In the dream, a big white sheet came down from heaven. On it were animals—big ones, creepy ones, flying ones. Then Peter heard a voice say, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” Peter was shocked! “I can’t eat those! Jewish people don’t eat those animals!” But then the voice said, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

God was showing Peter something amazing: Jesus didn’t just come for one group of people. He came for everyone. Jesus’ love is for the whole world—no matter where you’re from or what you’ve done.

It’s like God rolled out a big tablecloth, filled it with something way better than beef stew and pie, and said, “You’re my guest. Come sit at my table. You belong here because of Jesus.”

Jesus died on the cross and rose again to wash away all our sins—even the really messy, ugly ones. Because of him, we’re not prisoners to sin anymore—we’re invited guests at God’s heavenly banquet!

And guess what? The guest list is HUGE. Everyone is welcome. Even people who weren’t part of God’s family before. That means you. That means me. That means everyone!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for taking away the old rules and making a place for us at your table. Thank you for loving us and inviting us to the party in heaven. Help us tell others that they’re invited too! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What are some of our favorite foods to eat for dinner? Do you think someone from the Old Testament could eat those foods, or were they on God’s “do not eat” list back then?
Why is it okay for us to eat things like hamburgers or bacon today, even though people in the Bible couldn’t?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

In the Bible story, why were some people upset with Peter when he visited other people in Judea?
Have you ever been told you were doing something wrong when you were just trying to be kind or include someone? How does it help to remember that God wants everyone to be part of his family?

Questions for Middle School and Above

What strange and surprising thing did Peter see in his dream from God?
Why doesn’t God usually use dreams or visions to speak to people today? How does God help us know what to do instead?

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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.

With Christ’s Love, You Gain Everything – May 19, 2025

2025/05/19/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3

With Christ’s Love, You Gain Everything

Daily Devotion – May 19, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

See series: Devotions

It’s easy to measure success by what you’ve accomplished. You graduate at the top of your class. You land the most prestigious job. You marry someone everyone admires and raise kids who win every award. But as today’s Bible passage reminds us, even the most impressive achievements are meaningless without love.

These three verses strip away all the impressive outward works that can fill a Christian’s life: eloquent speech, prophetic insight, unwavering faith, and sacrificial giving. These good things could fool you into thinking you’re doing something meaningful in God’s kingdom, but if they are done without love, they amount to nothing.

That stings because it reminds us of how easily our motivation becomes misguided. We may teach, give, serve, or sacrifice—but is it out of love for others? Or is it sometimes driven by a desire for recognition, a need to prove ourselves, or a hope to win approval? If you’re chasing success or approval from people, you gain nothing from God.

The kind of love God calls us to doesn’t measure success by what serves ourselves but by what selflessly serves others. It’s a reflection of the love Christ has shown us: selfless, sacrificial, perfect.

Jesus lived this love perfectly for you. He didn’t serve to gain glory but to give grace. He didn’t sacrifice himself to impress you but to save you. He loved you without expecting anything in return and then gave you everything: forgiveness of sins and eternal life. That’s the love that covers you now, empowering you to reflect that love in your life.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to live not for recognition from others, but to show them the selfless love you’ve shown me in Christ. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – May 18, 2025

2025/05/18/in Teen Devotions

One key truth: True gold is loving like Jesus loves us.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Gold Medal Love

Did you catch the Olympics this summer? If you were glued to the TV like I was, you saw something super cool—during the opening ceremonies in Paris, each country showed off their flag… not just by walking in a stadium, but by sailing down the Seine River on boats!

Some boats were full of famous athletes. Others were shared between smaller countries—even ones that don’t normally get along. Imagine that: countries with a beef against each other, floating side by side, waving to the crowd.

In the closing ceremony, the president of the Olympics, Thomas Bach, said something powerful: “You lived peacefully together. You respected each other—even when your countries are divided by war. You created a culture of peace. You inspired the world.”

Sound familiar? It should. That kind of love—the kind that looks past differences and puts others first—is straight out of the Bible.

The apostle Paul talked about this kind of love. Not the “I love pizza” kind. But real, selfless, “you-first” love. The kind Jesus showed. Paul even lists what love is and isn’t in the Bible—it’s why those verses get read at weddings all the time.

During the final song of the Olympics, a French singer performed John Lennon’s “Imagine.” It talks about dreaming of a world without hate, where people choose love instead.

But here’s the thing—God doesn’t want us to just imagine that kind of world. He calls us to live it.

So don’t just kind of try to love others. Go all in. Wave that Christian flag high as you sail into your week—and love like Jesus did.

Prayer:
God, thank you for loving me so much you died for me. Help me love others the same way—with courage, kindness, and a heart like yours. 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.

Everyday Love – May 18, 2025

2025/05/18/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:7

Everyday Love

Daily Devotion – May 18, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 13:7

See series: Devotions

If you walk through the doors of the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri, you can view artifacts and documents from some of the most consequential years in the 20th Century. In room after room, on shelf after shelf, you can research the end of World War II, the beginning of the Cold War, the rebuilding of Europe, the Korean War, and everything in between.

Somewhere in that library, you also will find a collection of over 1,300 letters. These letters, however, have little to do with historical events of the 20th Century. They are, nevertheless, something extraordinary. You see, President Truman made it a point to write a letter to his wife, Bess, every day they were apart for any reason.

Many of the letters are simple updates on minor things. Others, of course, do mention world leaders. But it’s the sheer number of letters that makes the real impact. To see those letters all together is to see the evidence of one man’s steady, faithful love for his wife.

God’s love for you is often not in the big and the dramatic. Very often his love for you is in the routine of life. He’s the One who sees to it that you get something to eat, have a place to sleep, and something to wear. He’s the One who sees to it that you receive an encouraging word when you need it. Most of all, he’s the One who sees to it that his forgiveness of your sin is fresh and new for you every day. Your face was on his heart when he sent his Son to the cross for your sins and raised him from the dead.

Through faith in Jesus, that’s the love God has for you. It’s a love that is at work in your life every single day.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, forgive me for all the times I have overlooked how your love for me is at work in my life. Wash me clean in Jesus’ blood. Move me by your Spirit to see the reality of your love every single day. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

Sing the Song of the Saints – May 17, 2025

2025/05/17/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. . . . And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” . . . Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; . . . Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. . . . And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Revelation 7:9-17 (selected verses)

Sing the Song of the Saints

Daily Devotion – May 17, 2025

Devotion based on Revelation 7:9-17 (selected verses)

See series: Devotions

One of the most requested songs at funerals is Frank Sinatra’s, “My Way.” It is the deceased person’s way of saying they lived the way they wanted with no one telling them what to do.

Is that your song? Or does your song echo that of the saints in heaven? In the apostle John’s vision he heard them singing, “Salvation belongs to our God, … and to the Lamb.” Followers of Christ don’t boast in themselves. They boast in their Savior-God. Jesus is the only thing that matters in this life. Only he has provided deliverance from sin, all fears, and a hopeless future.

And who benefits? A select few? No! John saw, “A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language.”

It’s not easy to sing the song of the saints. It’s easy to lose heart in this wicked world. The saints in heaven know it. They are those “who have come out of the great tribulation.” But what do those saints have to say to us? “Hang in there!”

How? Don’t rely on yourself. Trust in him who is truly wise and powerful. God gives you the strength to handle whatever you’re suffering.

Just remember that your suffering doesn’t begin to compare to what’s waiting for you in heaven. From tribulation to triumph. Hang in there. Heaven is worth it!

Prayer:
Give me strength, Lord, when life gets hard. Keep me focused on the glory you have waiting for me in heaven together with all your saints. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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

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

Your Good Shepherd’s Voice – May 16, 2025

2025/05/16/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Listen to Devotion

Read: John 10:22-30

[Jesus said] “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
John 10:27,28

Your Good Shepherd’s Voice

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

Have your mom or dad ever promised to take you somewhere fun—like the zoo, a movie, or out for ice cream? Did you believe them? Hopefully, you did! But why? Why do you trust that your mom or dad will do what they say?

You might say, “Because they love me,” or “Because they’ve taken me places before.” And that’s a great reason! If someone keeps their promises again and again, it’s easy to trust them the next time, right?

That’s kind of how it works with Jesus, but even better! Jesus always keeps his promises—every single one. Sometimes, it might feel like his promises are taking a long time. Or maybe they don’t happen exactly how we thought they would. But Jesus never forgets. He always does what he says.

That’s why it’s important to listen to Jesus’ voice—your Good Shepherd’s voice. But how do you hear his voice?

You hear Jesus’ voice when you read the Bible. You hear him when you do devotions at home with your family. You hear him when you sing songs and listen during church. Every time you learn about Jesus, you’re learning to recognize his voice more and more.

And when life gets scary or confusing—and it will sometimes—you’ll know which voice to listen to: your Good Shepherd’s.

In today’s Bible verse, Jesus makes an awesome promise. He says that he gives his sheep (that’s you!) eternal life, and no one can ever pull them out of his hand. You belong to him. You are safe. Forever.

So, until the day you get to meet your Good Shepherd face-to-face in heaven, keep listening to his voice. Trust his promises. And tell other people how great it is to have a Shepherd like Jesus who loves you so much!

Closing Prayer:

Thank you for being my Good Shepherd and making me one of your sheep. Help me listen to your voice more and more every day. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What’s a promise from your mom or dad that they kept?
Who is our Good Shepherd?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Your parents try to keep their promises, but sometimes they can’t. Why can we always trust Jesus to keep his promises?
What is one promise Jesus made that makes you really happy?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How does Jesus know that you belong to him, like one of his sheep?
Jesus says no one can pull his sheep away from him. So why do some people still stop believing in him?

Download and Print

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

It’s Majestic!

Real Grief; Real Joy; Same Event!

God’s Big Quilt: Even the Messy Side Matters

Closing Prayer:

One Way In

In the Same Way, You Have Seen Him Go

Read: Revelation 21:21-27

A Sneak Peek at Heaven

Closing Prayer:

Uncertainty Gives Focus

Through Many Hardships

Read: Acts 14:8-22

Not Gods—Just Guys With Good News

Closing Prayer:

Lasting Joy – Week of May 26, 2025

ECME Devotion May 26, 2025

Joy After Grief

Giants but Not Gods

Love

You Are God’s Bulletin Board!

Closing Prayer:

As I Have Loved You

The Greatest of These Is Love

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

From Clanging Cymbals to Beautiful Music

Closing Prayer:

Love Never Fails

Love For Every Day

His Loving Legacy – Week of May 19, 2025

ECME Devotion May 19, 2025

Read: Acts 11:1-18

Be Our Guest!

Closing Prayer:

With Christ’s Love, You Gain Everything

Everyday Love

Sing the Song of the Saints

Read: John 10:22-30

Your Good Shepherd’s Voice

Closing Prayer:

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