Devotions

It’s the End of the World… And I Win – November 18, 2022

2022/11/18/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Luke 21:5-19

Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.
Luke 21:17-19

It’s the End of the World… And I Win

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Family Devotion – November 18, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 21:17-19

See series: Devotions

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

What does it take to be a winner? When you play a video or board game, you try to make all the right moves so you can win. When you play a sport, you practice a lot because you want to win the game.

What does it take to win as a child of God?

In our reading from God’s Word, Jesus paints for us what seems like a “no-win” situation—a something that’s impossible to win. He describes a world like our world today—a world where there will be wars that ruin nations; people who teach lies instead of telling the truth; natural disasters and terrible sicknesses that take lives; and many other frightening things. Jesus promises that all of these things will happen in the years before he returns.

If things aren’t tough enough for followers of Jesus, Jesus then adds, “Everyone will hate you because of me.” As people drift away from Jesus, they will not want to hear what God says in his Word. They may even hate Christians for what we believe. Some people will be thrown in jail and put on trial just for following Jesus. Some may even lose their lives for him. That’s frightening. Does that makes you wonder if following Jesus is a “no-win” situation?

Listen to what Jesus promised: “Not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.” After describing the ways we could lose as children of God, Jesus guarantees victory for us. As followers of Jesus, we will win because Jesus has already won the victory for us. Jesus has already defeated the sinful world. He has already crushed the power of the devil. He has already conquered death—and given us the victory.

We win! So stand firm until Jesus comes back. Hold on to him no matter how tough life gets. We do that by spending time with him in his Word. There he promises to be with us, protect us, love us, and give us his peace. He also promises to come back and give us the eternal victory of heaven.

So stand firm. Victory is already ours in Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, as time goes on, it gets harder to be a Christian. By faith, help us to stand firm and hold on to you until you return. Come quickly, Lord. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What makes it fun to win?
What does Jesus want us to do until he comes back?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why can it seem like following Jesus is a “no-win” situation?
What did Jesus mean when he said, “Not a hair of your head will perish”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How can knowing that Jesus has already won the victory help you when life seems tough?
Identify two or three specific ways you can prepare to stand firm when it’s hard to be a Christian.

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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.

The Far Side of Forever – November 18, 2022

2022/11/18/in Devotions, Military Devotions

The Far Side of Forever – November 18, 2022

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. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:17,18

Military Devotion – November 18, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Thessalonians 4:17,18

See series: Military Devotions

PCS may stand for “permanent change of station,” but military families know it means starting over. It means packing up life as you know it and venturing out into the unknown.

A degree of apprehension is often involved. Questions arise in people’s minds.

“What is the weather like at that new place? What will the housing be like? What will our life be like over there? But first of all, where in the world is it located?”

It turns out that not just military people face a permanent change of station. Everyone does, or more accurately, everyone will. This time, the word permanent will carry much more weight. You cannot get any more permanent than forever.

If we wonder, “Where is this place?” we find no GPS coordinates are available.

If we ask, “How will we get there?” we are informed, “Transportation will be provided.”

If we inquire, “What will life be like there?” We are told, “It all depends.”

For those who serve in the army of the Lord, “Life will be better than you could ever imagine—and it will be like that forever.”

For those found in the uniform of the Lord God’s enemy, “Your life will be so miserable that you will wish you had never been born—and it will be like that forever.”

“Are these the only possible destinations? “You better believe it. It is God’s truth.”

Who issues these PCS orders? The King of kings and Lord of lords.

When and where will these orders take place? It begins at the time that life here on earth ends. But then, time and space will no longer exist.

Speaking for the family of God, we will find ourselves “on the far side of forever.”

Our attempts to peer into the future are feeble. We can make our guesses about what lies over the great divide, but certainty is out of reach.

There have been a few people who have come back from the far side of forever. Enoch and Elijah showed up at the transfiguration of Jesus—but said nothing to the disciples there that we know of.

We hear of some children who came back from death. There was a young boy at Nain and a young daughter of Jairus. Another youngster returned to life at the time of Elisha. And then, there was Lazarus, who walked out of his tomb after three days days dead still wearing burial clothing.

None of them described heaven for us.

Saint Paul was given a vision of the place, but he said he could not tell us what he saw.

The Bible lists some bad things that will not be there, such as pain, sorrow, and death. The list of good things includes perfect peace and joy.

Our inability to see the sharp details should not surprise us. Saint Paul explains, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

We have been told all we need to know now about that wonderful faraway life. That includes who else will be there. We are told, “For 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” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

The faithful who are still alive will be lifted into the air to gather with those whose souls had already entered glory.

And we are told, “And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

This is a picture of bliss. This is enough to encourage us during the dark and dreary days we stumble through on this side of the divide.

“I go to prepare a place for you,” Jesus said. We look forward to that place.

Where will that be? When will that be? God knows. We will find out.

But we already delight to know; we will live in glory on the far side of forever.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you tell us that you will return to this planet in bodily form. You state that everyone will see you. You promise that those who love and trust you will be able to be with you. Praise be to your name forever and ever. Amen.

Points to ponder:

What reasons might God have for not giving us more details about life after this one?
When we pray, “Thy kingdom come,” are we asking for the last return of Jesus?
How would we explain the concept of forever to a child?

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.

Anticipation Not Fear – November 18, 2022

2022/11/18/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Then [Jesus] said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.”
Luke 21:9,10

Anticipation Not Fear

Daily Devotion – November 18, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 21:9,10

See series: Devotions

Much of the United States is currently under a severe drought. (As I write, the Mississippi is at its lowest levels in decades, and barges are getting stuck. Several of the largest reservoirs in the western states are at their lowest point since their construction.) Hurricanes have created one of the costliest years ever, with lots of rebuilding needed that will take years. A war with mounting destruction and casualties continues to be fought in Europe as wary eyes watch on, praying there is no escalation in other countries or more destructive tactics.

I would like to think that it is all unique to 2022, but I know it’s not. As we have just seven weeks left of this year, I am sadly confident that what we experienced this year is not all that special. The specifics may change, but the condition of our world will remain the same. There will still be drought in many places. Peace treaties will always be just temporary documents. Storms will continue to bring their destructive forces to bear.

While events like these bring difficulty and sadness to the lives of Christians, they need not bring fear. Jesus told us that all these things would happen as signs that we are living in end times and that they will continue until the final end comes as both a sign and a symptom that we are living in a world with an expiration date. These signs of trouble and decay remind us to look past this world to the life to come—a life Jesus has already won for us when he came to this world the first time. And because he did, his followers can look forward to the day he comes again.

Prayer:
Lord, as I view the events of this world do not let me be afraid. Rather, remind me that it is as all a sign that you are coming soon. Amen.

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

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

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

Waiting on Justice – November 17, 2022

2022/11/17/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.
2 Thessalonians 1:6,7

Waiting on Justice

Daily Devotion – November 17, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Thessalonians 1:6,7

See series: Devotions

“Life isn’t fair” might be one of the hardest lessons we learn in this life. We learn it early when we get recess taken away at school for something someone else did. We keep learning it into adulthood when someone receives the recognition, attention, or promotion we deserve. We learn it over and over again as life finds new ways to show us how unfair it can be.

Unfairness can be especially egregious when it is something very personal. When someone hurts us and gets away with it, when they succeed at our expense, or profit at our loss, all feel particularly terrible.

So what is God going to do about it? A better question might be, what has God done about it? You see, two thousand years ago, God became one of us in the person of Jesus Christ. He suffered the greatest injustice ever endured when he was nailed to a cross and suffered the punishment for the sins of all people. Because he was willing to endure what we deserve, all who trust in him will receive the forgiveness and eternal life no sinner deserves.

And there’s more. In today’s Bible passage, God’s people are promised that when Jesus returns, he will give relief to those who have been hurt and punish those who have opposed his people. He will restore and make right the things that have been wrong. His coming judgment will be a judgment that brings restoration. What has been unfairly taken away will be restored. What has been hurt will be healed.

So when life seems unfair, when injustices surround you, trust that God will bring relief. With his almighty power he will strengthen you, deliver you, and bring you to his protecting arms.

Prayer:
Almighty King, grant me peace as I live a life in a world full of injustice. Give me confidence in the restoration that you will provide. Amen.

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

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

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

It’s the End of the World… And I’m Safe – November 16, 2022

2022/11/16/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels… on the day he comes to be glorified among his saints and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.
2 Thessalonians 1:6,7,10

It’s the End of the World… And I’m Safe

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Family Devotion – November 16, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Thessalonians 1:6,7,10

See series: Devotions

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

Jake ran as fast as his little legs could take him. Some kids had teased him and started chasing him. He knew where he had to go to be safe, where those kids wouldn’t tease him anymore. Jake ran to his dad. Jake’s dad was a big man, bigger than the big kids. Jake even thought he was bigger than all their dads too. So he ran until he found his dad, who scooped him up in his arms high above the other kids. “What’s wrong, Jake?” his father asked. “The big kids were teasing me.” “Don’t worry. You’re safe here with me.”

Where do you run when you feel scared? Every one of us, kids and adults, needs to feel safe. When we get scared, we run to a parent or teacher, to family or friends, or even to hug a family pet or a favorite stuffed animal. While we can get scared because of nightmares or darkness, storms or monsters, sometimes those who scare us most are other people. Maybe they tease us and they’re not trying to be funny. Maybe they’re unkind and hurtful. Maybe they bully us. Maybe they look down on us. Maybe they even make fun of us for following Jesus.

People can be scary, but God makes a promise to us in his Word. He is just. It means he will make all things right. God knows what’s going on in our lives and he promises to “give relief to you who are troubled.” How will God take away our fears and make us safe forever? “This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.”

Someday we will see Jesus come back to our world in glory, not as a humble baby like he did on the first Christmas, but with glorious power and with all his angels. It will be an amazing sight—Jesus in all his glory! He will come to rescue all of his believers from this scary world. Yet remember: This Jesus who once came to save you from sin and fear and is coming back in glory is the same Jesus who is with you now. There’s no need to be scared. Jesus protects you even now with his loving care and almighty power.

Don’t worry. You’re safe with Jesus now and always.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, where can we run when we’re afraid? Through your Word, remind us that we can run to you. Scoop us up into your almighty arms and keep us safe until you bring us home to heaven. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What scares you most?
Who helps you feel safe when you are scared?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Describe a time when you felt scared and someone helped you feel safe again.
How does Jesus help you feel safe right now? How will Jesus make you safe on the Last Day?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How does time spent in God’s Word keep you safe until Jesus comes back?
Identify a Bible passage that you can tell yourself to help when you feel afraid.

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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.

The Sun Will Rise – November 16, 2022

2022/11/16/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.
Malachi 4:2

The Sun Will Rise

Daily Devotion – November 16, 2022

Devotion based on Malachi 4:2

See series: Devotions

The sun is low in the skies, and I am missing the sunshine of summer. There is something refreshing and revitalizing about the sun. Even on these shorter days I do my best to go out and enjoy the light and feel it warm on me. The nights may be cold and long this time of year, but we know that every day the sun will rise.

As Christians, we have this sure hope that the sun is coming up as dark as today might be. We know that tomorrow will always be better. God will bring an end to the night, and the sun will rise.

Maybe the sun is about to rise, and the difficult things you are going through will soon be over. God will provide the healing and hope that you have so needed. The darkness will soon be replaced by rays of light.

Maybe morning is a long way off and the darkness will remain for a while longer. Even then, it is certain the sun will rise, and God will provide healing. Even if it is not in this life but the life to come, the sun will still rise. We may have to wait a little longer, but the outcome is still certain.

It is certain, because it has been promised by the God who cannot lie. It is certain, because Jesus has done everything necessary to earn us a place in the perfect world to come. Whatever darkness you might be facing today, let this certainty be your comfort.

Prayer:
Gracious God, help me to wait with perfect hope and confidence on your healing. Remind me that the night is ending, and a new day will rise with healing. Amen

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

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

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

Gone – November 15, 2022

2022/11/15/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
Luke 21:5,6

Gone

Daily Devotion – November 15, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 21:5,6

See series: Devotions

The Jerusalem temple in Jesus’ day took decades to construct and was one of the most expensive building projects in the Roman world. It was six times larger than the famous Colosseum and was paid for by some of the heaviest taxes in the world. The stones used in construction could be as large as forty feet by twelve feet by twelve feet and weighed as much as five-hundred tons. Faithful Jewish people journeyed to this impressive structure multiple times every year.

And so, it would seem that there was nothing more permanent in their lives than this temple. Between its large size and all that the people had invested and its importance in day-to-day life, it seemed that it would have been impossible for the temple to ever be destroyed.

Yet in 70 A.D., destruction is exactly what happened. The Romans came in and destroyed everything, and the temple was no more.

While the temple and destruction were very real, it was an illustration of what is to come. Life is full of many things that seem impressive. Things that are “too big to fail” and seem to be so permanent that nothing will destroy them. Things that are daily parts of our lives and so it is impossible to imagine life without them. Buildings, organizations, knowledge, and culture will one day all come to an end, Jesus said. They will all be replaced with a new heaven and a new earth.

Jesus gives us these warnings not to frighten us but so that we might have confidence even as the world seems to be falling apart around us. Jesus tells us beforehand that what seems permanent in this world will eventually be gone so that we do not find our confidence in anything here and now. Instead, we look forward to the perfect world to come—the world Jesus won for us with his perfect life and innocent death, the world that will never end.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, remind me that this life will soon be gone. Give me hope and confidence in the life to come. Amen.

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

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

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

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus – Week of November 14, 2022

2022/11/14/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus – Week of November 14, 2022

Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.
Revelation 2:10

ECME Devotion November 14, 2022

See series: ECME Devotions

The little boy was excited. “Watch how fast I can run in my new shoes!” he shouted as he raced across the playground. When he turned to check to see if I was watching, he collided with another child. After ice packs helped both bumped heads, the little boy was more careful to watch where he was running.

Isn’t this what happens to each of us? As we run the race of life, our eyes wander from our ultimate goal and settle on earthly treasures. Then our hearts follow. Jesus reminds us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 5:21). We are headed for collision.

But Jesus doesn’t leave us on our own. He picks us up and lovingly brings us back to him. He gives the comfort of forgiveness and reminds us of the faith God put in our hearts in the first place. Over and over again he puts us back on the heavenly path.

He tells us “Be faithful, even to the point of death.” (Revelation 2:10). Jesus doesn’t leave us to do this on our own. He gives us wonderful tools: God’s Word, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. He guides us in worship, Bible study, and prayer. And he even asks that we share the good news of salvation with the people around us. We get to tell little ones and their families about Jesus, and in that process our faith is also strengthened.

With the command to be faithful, God makes an amazing promise: “I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” Any earthly crown will tarnish and eventually decay, but the crown God promises lasts forever. We will be with our triumphant Savior in heaven and will face no more temptation, sin, or trouble. We will have the ultimate victory. Our eyes will never leave our beloved Savior.

“Therefore, . . . let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) Keep your eyes on Jesus and look forward to the victor’s crown.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, keep us faithful to you in our earthly lives. Help us keep our eyes on you and our salvation, until we claim that victor’s crown of life in heaven. Amen.

Hymns to Consider:
Christian Worship 21 700/93 170: Draw Us to Thee
Christian Worship 21 702/93 453: Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spoke
Christian Worship 21 704/93 452: Let Us Ever Walk with

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.

It’s the End of the World… And I’m Dancing – November 14, 2022

2022/11/14/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Malachi 4:1-6

“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace…” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.”
Malachi 4:1-2

It’s the End of the World… And I’m Dancing

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – November 14, 2022

Devotion based on Malachi 4:1-2

See series: Devotions

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

What makes you dance? Fun music with a catchy beat? Of course! You can’t help but dance. Your team winning the big game? Probably. You have to celebrate. How about hearing good news that you’ve been waiting for a long time? Absolutely! Doing a happy dance makes sense in all those situations. But how about this one: the end of the world. Does that make you want to dance and celebrate?

When God’s Word describes the Last Day—that day when the world will come to an end, it’s not usually happy. In fact, the Last Day often sounds frightening. Judgment and fear and destruction, the end of all things as we know it. Just consider the prophet Malachi’s description, “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace.” He describes the Last Day like a superheated furnace blazing with fire. That’s terrifying! There is no way that the end of world would cause us to dance and celebrate… or is there?

“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” When calves are born during the cold winter, they must stay cooped up in their warm pens. They grow in size and strength, filling them with energy that needs to be let loose. When spring arrives and the barn gates finally open, they rush out, awkwardly bouncing around the barnyard. They’re so excited to be free in the warm sunshine. They can’t help but frolic and… dance.

So why would we dance on the Last Day? Malachi gives us a clue. “For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.” Who is that “sun of righteousness”? Not the warm sunshine of spring, but the S-O-N of God, who will return on the Last Day to bring us home to heaven. Jesus, the Son of God, brings healing to our hurting souls—healing for our guilty consciences, healing for our broken hearts, healing for the sadness and hurt we experience every day, healing he earned for us on the cross. On that Last Day, Jesus will come back and bring us to be with him where there will be no more sadness—only joy, no more guilt—only healing, no more death—only life. So on that Last Day, let’s dance!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, as we look forward to the Last Day, there is so much that could cause us fear. Keep us from becoming afraid as that day approaches. Instead, fill our hearts with hope for that day when you will bring healing for our souls and eternal joy in heaven. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What makes you start dancing?
What will make you start dancing for joy when Jesus comes back?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why does the Last Day seem so frightening?
How is Jesus like the sun that brings “healing in its rays”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Explain this statement: The Last Day will be the best day in a Christian’s life, even if they’ve died.
How can you encourage your family or friends to look forward to the day when Jesus will come again?

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Safe Passage – November 14, 2022

2022/11/14/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “Not a hair of your head will perish.”
Luke 21:18

Safe Passage

Daily Devotion – November 14, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 21:18

See series: Devotions

There is a consistent story found in the pages of the Bible: God’s people go through great difficulty, but they pass through unharmed. The details of the story change, but the end result is the same.

The people of Israel were being pursued by the mighty Egyptian chariots. They had nowhere to run until God opened up a path of dry ground through the Red Sea. The people passed through safely without suffering any loss.

Goliath was shouting death threats against the people of God. A giant warrior wanted them all dead until David knocked him down with just a slingshot and a stone. God’s people defeated Goliath and the Philistines that day without enduring even a scratch.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to comply with the King’s order to worship the god he had built. They were thrown into a fiery furnace for their faith but were completely unharmed. They didn’t even smell like smoke.

Luke chapter 21 is full of terrible things that are happening and will happen in the future. It is a chapter of horrific disasters, betrayal, and persecution without limit, and Jesus wants you to know that you will pass through it all unharmed.

Like the children of Israel walked through the Red Sea, like the people of God faced Goliath, like the three men thrown into the fiery furnace, God promises to bring you through the worst of this world.

Trust his promise. It is a promise from the one who fulfilled his promise to send a Savior to rescue us from our sins and fulfilled his promise to defeat death by rising from the grave. Trust his promise to bring you safely through this world to himself in heaven.

Prayer:
Mighty God, you have told me in advance that this world is passing away and will bring many hardships to me. Grant to me the sure confidence that I will arrive safely to your side in heaven. Amen.

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

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – November 13, 2022

2022/11/13/in Teen Devotions

One truth shared: Jesus will come back in justice to judge the living and the dead.

All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.
2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

A Day of Terror for All Those Who Troubled God’s People
There hasn’t been a day like it for more than two decades. On this one specific day, nearly every single American had their eyes glued to the television watching news coverage of one specific event—the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It was an awful and tragic day as many were left reeling in fear, anger, and frustration. Questions flooded the minds of many, including Christians. “Why God? Why would you let this happen? When are you going to do something about it?”

It’s deeply saddening, and yes even maddening, to see the evil and wickedness around us in the world. Teens today weren’t alive yet when 9/11 happened, but surely you have seen and heard many details about that day. But though you might not have been born yet, there have definitely been plenty of tragedies since. School shootings, racial injustice, and too many more everyday evils seen on the news and online video clips.

As if the evil around us isn’t enough pressure to face, there is also the constant squeeze that the unbelieving world puts on Christians. They laugh at our faith. They scoff our beliefs. They poke fun, call names, accuse, and sometimes blatantly hate us.

Living with all these things, perhaps you have had questions enter your mind like, “Why God? Why would you let this happen? When are you going to do something about it?”

The words of the apostle Paul from 2 Thessalonians 1 bring us unique comfort. We certainly try to love and forgive our enemies as Jesus did and taught us. We want them to know Christ, and just as our God, we want “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). However, we also know the harsh reality that far too many live as enemies of Christ and us, his people. So Paul comforts us and encourages us to be patient. Here’s why: There will be a day when Jesus brings justice and vengeance on all our (and thus his) enemies.

Perhaps too often we simply think of Jesus as our BFF, a nice guy who loves us and will help us. While Jesus certainly is loving, caring, and compassionate, we sometimes may forget that Jesus is also the mighty Alpha and Omega, the King of kings and Lord of lords who will come back in blazing fire and glory to judge the living and the dead.

When you see evil in this world, when you face pressure and persecution, first pray for those people who don’t yet know Christ. But then, take heart! Jesus will bring those enemies to justice, and he will bring you safely to your heavenly home!

Prayer: Jesus, King of glory, in your grace you redeemed me from my greatest enemies—sin, death, and the devil. Now come back in your glory and justice to deliver me from the evil of this world. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Sunrise is Coming – November 13, 2022

2022/11/13/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.”
Malachi 4:2

Sunrise is Coming

Daily Devotion – November 13, 2022

Devotion based on Malachi 4:2

See series: Devotions

There is something about a sunrise, isn’t there? Whether you’ve had to pull an all-nighter or if you’re an early morning riser, there’s something energizing about those first rays of sunshine piercing the darkness of the fading night. In a sense, it is healing.

For believers in Jesus, that is what the end of the world will be about; it will be about healing. And what healing it will be! God’s healing rays will drive all of sin’s darkness out of us once and for all. When Jesus returns and takes his people to heaven, there will be no more temptations, doubts, fears, anxieties, pride, bitterness, hurt feelings or inadequacy, messed up relationships, broken promises, shading the truth—the list could go on and on.

Sunrise is coming. Jesus is coming back. Yes, the same Jesus who was willing to be laid in a manger, to be led to a cross—he is coming back. He loves you dearly. He paid for your sins in full. He won heaven for you.

And one day he will return in glory, driving out the darkness of sin forever. Sunrise is coming!

Prayer:
Come quickly, Lord Jesus, to heal us! Amen.

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

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

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

Anticipating Heaven – November 12, 2022

2022/11/12/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”
Isaiah 65:17

Anticipating Heaven

Daily Devotion – November 12, 2022

Devotion based on Isaiah 65:17

See series: Devotions

I’m 47 years old. You know what? I don’t remember all that much about what happened during my grade school years. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I appreciated those years! I was blessed to attend a Lutheran Elementary School, so I learned much about Jesus and had some great friends!

But frankly, I don’t really remember all that many details. Did I have days when I was stressed because of some test or assignment? I’m sure there were, but I don’t remember them. Did I have disagreements and arguments with some of my classmates? I’m sure I did. However, I remember very few of those events.

When we get to heaven and live there for eons, how many stresses, hurts, and difficulties of this earth will we remember? According to this verse, they won’t even come to mind!

Why? Because heaven will be so much better than anything on this earth! All the effects of sin will be removed forever. We’ll have perfect love, perfect joy, perfect peace, perfect relationships with everyone who is there.

That doesn’t mean the things which are happening now are easy or trivial. They may be quite challenging!

But that actually leads us to anticipate heaven all the more—a place without any of the difficulties of this world or even the memory of them.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, come quickly to take me to the eternal home you have prepared! Amen.

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

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

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

Rejoice in Your Defeat – November 11, 2022

2022/11/11/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Luke 6:20-23

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”
Luke 6:23

Rejoice in Your Defeat

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – November 11, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 6:23

See series: Devotions

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

Have you ever been a team captain and gotten to choose your teammates? Whom did you pick? If you were picking a basketball team, did you want the slowest players? Did you want the worst shooters? Did you choose the people who will help you lose the game? Or what about on a review day in school? Which side did you want to be on? Did you want to be teamed up with your classmates who never pay attention? Or with the ones who are really quiet and never answer questions? Did you want to be on the side that never wins?

Probably not. You want to be with the best. You choose the people who are going to help you win. You want to win. Even if you yourself are not the best player on the team or the smartest person in your class, you want to be on the side that wins.

In our Bible lesson today, Jesus tells us that the life of a Christian may sometimes feel like being on the losing side. Jesus upset people with his teaching. Many responded with hate, angry looks, and cutting comments. Followers of Jesus can expect to be treated the same way. It can be embarrassing. It can be painful. It can be sad. It can be really hard.

In those times when being a Christian feels like being on the losing team, Jesus says to rejoice. Rejoice in your defeat. How can Jesus say that? How can you believe it? Remember, being a Christian means that you know you are a sinner. You cannot do anything to earn heaven. Heaven is a gift that God has given you. Because Jesus gave up everything for us, we gain everything.

So when you suffer because of him, it puts the focus where it belongs: on Jesus. He takes all of the embarrassment, all of the pain, and all of the sadness that you and I feel and brings it to the cross. And at the cross, Jesus earned for you a life without pain or embarrassment or sadness. Rejoice in your defeat. It puts the focus where it belongs: on his victory for you.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, keep my eyes fixed always on your victory for me on the cross and at the empty tomb. 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

Name one thing that you are really good at.
God’s Word tells us no matter how good we are, we can’t ever be perfect. Who makes us perfect? How?
.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Have you ever felt embarrassed because of being a Christian? How does today’s devotion help explain why it happened?
Through faith, you actually are on the “winning team” with Jesus. How can you invite others to join the “Jesus Team”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How do you deal with situations where others hate, exclude, and/or insult you because of your faith?
Agree or Disagree: God wants us to be happy during our lives on earth.

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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.

To End All Wars – November 11, 2022

2022/11/11/in Devotions, Military Devotions

To End All Wars – November 11, 2022

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Matthew 24:6

Military Devotion – November 11, 2022

Devotion based on Matthew 24:6

See series: Military Devotions

They thought it would be the war to end all wars.

It wasn’t.

They hoped it would make the world safe for democracy.

It did not.

It did cost the lives of over 16 million people in uniform. The total number of military and civilian casualties (dead and wounded) is normally estimated at around 37 million.

WWI never officially ended. It paused. An armistice was signed in 1918 on November 11th at 11:00 AM. The guns went silent until the next generation of combatants opened up with their weapons. Authorities estimate some 68 million casualties fell before that second war ended after two atomic bombs killed as many as 210,000 just a few days apart.

America did not enter WWI when it began in 1914. Nor did it jump into WWII when the first Nazi tanks crossed the border into Poland in 1939. But eventually, it felt compelled to join both wars, sending combat troops across both the Atlantic and Pacific.

Afterward, Americans were called to arms in faraway places such as Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East.

Today, our troops are standing at the ready once again across both oceans.

People are frustrated. People are afraid. And some of them are angry.

“Why must there be war?” they ask. “When is it going to stop?”

Those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth, those who look to the Lord of nations for answers, find the future of warfare is not left in doubt.

“Such things must happen.”

The question, “But why?” is answered for us already in Genesis. There is something wrong with mankind. Evil exists in this world and within every person. There has been only one exception, and he was executed by his countrymen who feared the wrath of a foreign nation too powerful for them to defeat.

Jesus of Nazareth carried no weapon. He issued no call to arms against the Roman soldiers deployed in Judea or Galilee. Instead, he announced, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

He had been named the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). But his peace does not come at the end of a weapon. As he explained to Pontius Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36).

The Bible tells us about this “another place.” It is the place where the holy God dwells in his magnificent glory with his holy angels. It is the place where no sin, no sorrow, and no fear reside.

This is the place of perfect peace that he will bring his people to at the end of their stay on earth. The final transfer will take place on the day that this creation comes to an end.

Until then, his people will have to endure the days of evil when desires for wealth, power, or glory ignite into firestorms of war.

We are not to panic when we see that happen. We are not to think that evil has gotten out of control. We are not to believe that evil will win. Not in the end.

Even while wars are raging, the Holy Spirit is winning—winning hearts. He brings the peace that surpasses all understanding.

His people share that peace with others. The promise of God is, “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18).

When Jesus comes on clouds of glory, that will be the forever end of all wars.

Prayer: Eternal Father, strong to save, we thank you for watching over America as she faced wars and rumors of wars. We pray you will remain her strength and stay. We request this, not because it is deserved, but because your mercy is great. Lead our nation back to you, the only source of true and lasting peace. Amen.

Points to ponder:

Why would people think that prosperity brings peace?
Does God allow wars in order to demonstrate just how sinful human nature is?
Can war ever be a blessing?

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.

The World Was Not Worthy of Them – November 11, 2022

2022/11/11/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:36-40

The World Was Not Worthy of Them

Daily Devotion – November 11, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 11:36-40

See series: Devotions

The United States honors military veterans of the Armed Forces. People recognize the sacrifices and hardships veterans and their families undergo and thank them for their service.

The Bible encourages us to honor Christians who suffered hardships and served without recognition or distinction. There have been many in history, and there are, in fact, many of them around the world right now. If you live in a country that practices freedom of religion, you may not realize it, but there are Christians in many countries who face jeers, beatings, and even imprisonment.

Why doesn’t God prevent all persecution? He is planning something better. Together with us, those persecuted saints will be made perfect in heaven. We and they will receive the declaration that we have the perfection of Jesus through faith in him.

Those who have died already shine in that glory of God. We who remain on the earth struggle. But when you struggle, face opposition, and perhaps even persecution for following Jesus, remember the glory God has in store for you one day!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thwart the plans of your enemies so that your people may sing your praises unhindered through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

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

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

Using His Power for Good – November 10, 2022

2022/11/10/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”
Revelation 21:6

Using His Power for Good

Daily Devotion – November 10, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 21:6

See series: Devotions

There are places in the world where access to water is power. People who control the water supply can charge outrageous prices to those who need water or can deny them completely. It doesn’t seem fair for something that is such a basic need for life-like water, but that’s how it is.

Jesus is in charge of everything. He calls himself the Beginning, meaning he was around before the world was created. And the End, meaning that he will be around even after the world is destroyed.

So, Jesus is in charge of the spring of the water of life. This water is so basic that without it, no one has eternal life, but with it, people go to heaven. That water is Jesus’ own words, which cause faith in people’s hearts, faith that connects them to Jesus and guarantees them heaven.

Jesus gives that water to people who are thirsty—thirsty for forgiveness, joy, peace, and comfort. Jesus gives all these things through his Word.

And he gives them without cost. He can afford to do that because he has already paid the cost by his perfect life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection.

So, drink up and be satisfied.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, create in me a thirst for you that will not be quenched until I am at home with you in heaven. Amen.

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

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

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

Worth the Wait – November 9, 2022

2022/11/09/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Hebrews 11:32-40

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:39,40

Worth the Wait

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Family Devotion – November 9, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 11:39,40

See series: Devotions

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

Thomas was so excited. His parents promised him that after school they would take him to his favorite place to eat. His favorite restaurant has chicken tenders, French fries, chips, ice cream, and all the soda he can drink. At school that day, Thomas stayed busy so that the day would go faster. He played hard at recess. He finished all his homework. He ate his whole lunch. Even after school, Thomas didn’t pester his parents. He knew that would only make things take longer. He just waited patiently for his dad to come home, change into different clothes, and get ready to drive across town. Finally, it was time! Thomas’ family got in the car and drove to the restaurant. It was all worth it as Thomas ate all of his favorite foods!

Sometimes waiting for good things can seem to take forever. As Christians, we are waiting for the best thing. Life in heaven is what waits for us. By faith, we look ahead to this promise of perfection.

While we wait, we listen to God, and we focus on what is in front of us. God has given us things to do. He tells us to help our neighbors. He commands us to honor our parents and those in authority. He wants us to encourage our fellow Christians with his promise of eternal life. Even when bad things happen, we are not distracted from what God has told us to do.

In our Bible reading today, you get to read about some of the worst things that have ever happened to people who trust in God. But none of these believers let the bad things distract them from what they believed. They were waiting for something better. They were waiting for a perfect life with God.

So are we. God has promised that no matter what bad things happen to us in this life, we are waiting for something that makes it all worth it. We will be made perfect with these other believers to celebrate in heaven with Jesus. How awesome does that sound? It is worth the wait!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, while I wait for you, keep my eyes of faith always focused on the eternal reward you have promised. 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 like to wait? Why or why not?
Waiting to be with Jesus in heaven can be hard. Think of one thing we can do that might help us while we wait.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Describe a time something bad happened to you. What does God promise about bad things when we get to heaven?
What is the most important focus we can have in our life while we wait for the gift of eternity in heaven?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Look up Hebrews chapter 11:32-40 (today’s reading). Choose one of the heroes of faith and look up more about that person in the Bible. How did this hero demonstrate waiting in faith? What did their waiting lead to, just as ours will?
Agree or Disagree: Experiencing hardships in life helps strengthen our faith. Explain your answer.

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Truly Better – November 9, 2022

2022/11/09/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Revelation 21:4

Truly Better

Daily Devotion – November 9, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 21:4

See series: Devotions

Our daughter came home from school and asked for tape that would not hurt her bedroom door. A few hours later, we noticed what she had taped to the door. It was written in marker on construction paper, and it was words from the last book of the Bible, Revelation. Her sign said, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”

It touched us that out of all the Bible passages she could have chosen, our daughter chose this one. She felt things deeply, both good and bad, and we knew she did not enjoy crying when bad things happened. Because she knew Jesus, because she knew she was going to heaven, she was already looking forward to a place without crying and tears.

Later she asked us an interesting question. “Could someone sin in heaven and start all of the pain all over again?” We reassured her that the passage taped to her bedroom door was God’s promise that it would not be like that. “There will be no more death.”

Right now, there is a certain order of things. People die, and people mourn. But a day is coming when the old order of things will pass away, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. God speed that day.

Prayer:
Lord, lead me through this world of tears to the place where I will simply rejoice in your presence. Amen.

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

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

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

The Important Thing About Heaven – November 8, 2022

2022/11/08/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”
Revelation 21:3

The Important Thing About Heaven

Daily Devotion – November 8, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 21:3

See series: Devotions

It’s comforting to think about the souls of believers in Jesus resting in heaven. They don’t have to worry about the stresses of this world and deal with medical issues. Their bodies are safely in the grave, and on judgment day, their souls will be reunited with their bodies raised perfectly from the dead.

When Revelation, the last book of the Bible, describes heaven after judgment day, it doesn’t spend a lot of time on what those glorified bodies are like. People would like to know what activities there will be, and what the consequences are of never having body and soul separate again. But Revelation says there is something more important to know about heaven.

God is there with his people. They have direct contact with him because their sin no longer separates them from him. Their glorified bodies are not affected by sin, so they are able to see God with their own eyes in his perfection and holiness. He is right there with them, and he calls them his people.

It will be nice to be reunited with beloved Christian family members and friends in heaven. It will be especially nice to be that close to Jesus—our friend and our brother.

Prayer:
Be with me, Lord Jesus, until I join you in the perfection of heaven. Amen.

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

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

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

The King Reigns Supreme – November 7, 2022

2022/11/07/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Revelation 21:1-6

“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:4,5

The King Reigns Supreme

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Family Devotion – November 7, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 21:4,5

See series: Devotions

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

When did you last get hurt? How bad was it? When was the last time you cried? How long did it take you to stop? Notice the question was not, “Have you ever been hurt?” That would be too easy because all of us have been hurt before. It could be physical pain or emotional pain. It could be guilt or sadness. There’s no end of bad things in this world. Every day we are surrounded by someone that makes you cry or something that causes pain or loss. Some days it is more obvious than others.

In our Bible reading today, God shows us a new picture. It is a picture of eternal life. But look carefully; it looks so different from the world we know, doesn’t it? It doesn’t have any of those bad things we just talked about. Eternal life with God isn’t just the absence of bad stuff. It’s also the presence of everything good. Like Jesus! Jesus is there on his throne. Picture him as your conquering king. He defeated our greatest enemies of sin and death. They are what cause us so many tears and pain. When we enter eternal life with Jesus, we will see with our eyes what we only know now by faith.

Yes, we still live in an old, tired world damaged by sin. Sometimes, it can look like Jesus really isn’t in control. That’s why God gives us something wonderful to believe and dream about like today’s Word of God. What we see and know by faith is far greater and better than anything we see now.

When you experience pain or sadness, trust that your King reigns supreme. His words are faithful and true. You have them written for you in the Bible, recorded for you that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. This life is completely new. It is completely perfect. One day we will see it. For now, we see it with eyes of faith: Our King reigns supreme.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, continue to rule over all things for my good in order to bring me to the new life you have promised in eternity. 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

Draw a picture or describe what you think heaven will look like.
Discuss: Who will we get to see there?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

List at three bad things caused by sin in our world. Why won’t we need to worry about them in heaven?
What is the job of an earthly king? What does Jesus do for us as our heavenly king?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Respond: “I can’t believe in a God who lets horrible things like natural disasters, sickness, and wars happen. Why would he allow these if he really loved us?”
When we make promises, sometimes we can’t keep them. How do you know that God will keep his promise for eternal life in heaven?

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Wipe Away Tears – Week of November 7, 2022

2022/11/07/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Wipe Away Tears – Week of November 7, 2022

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4

ECME Devotion November 7, 2022

See series: ECME Devotions

Working with young children inevitably leads to wiping away some tears. It might be a scraped knee, hurt feelings or loneliness. We help that child, using comforting words, a friendly hug, and sometimes a band aid. We point that child to Jesus’ comforting presence. Sometimes the tears might be our own as we work through difficult situations. We understand that life in this imperfect world includes tears and sadness.

That’s just the beginning of our story. God has blessed us with our time here on earth. During that time there will be many joys. We marvel at God’s creation, enjoy the people God places in our lives, and grow in wisdom. There will also be sadness, frustration, and anger. Because of sin, ours included, this world will never be perfect, and we will deal with that throughout life. God promises to be with us through all our hardships and joys. Shortly before Jesus returned to heaven, he promised his disciples and us, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). With this knowledge strengthening us, we encourage one another with Jesus’ love.

Our story isn’t over. What might seem like the end of our story, death, is really just the beginning. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have the sure hope of a home in heaven. Our Bible reading gives a wonderful picture of heaven. God will dwell among us, and he will be our God. We know that God is already with us all the time, but in heaven there will be no sin or guilt to cloud our vision of God. “Now we see a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (I Corinthians 13:12). Imagine that! I will see Jesus! He will know me fully, and I will have no guilt because he has already washed my sins away. I won’t sin ever again!

Our story will continue forever. There will be no death, mourning or pain. We will live with Jesus and our family of believers forever. So now, while we wait for that heavenly home, we have a mission. We point people to Jesus. We comfort them in their earthly sorrows and show them the wonderful things to come in heaven. We wipe away the tears, knowing that they only last a little while.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I cannot wait to see you in heaven. Thank you for guiding and comforting me through this earthly life. Give me the courage and strength to point others to you. Amen.

Hymns to Consider:
CW21 502/CW93 449: Children of the Heavenly Father
CW21 518/CW93 367: Christ Be My Leader
CW21 526/CW93 120: What Wondrous Love Is

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.

It Will Get Better – November 7, 2022

2022/11/07/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.
Luke 6:21-23

It Will Get Better

Daily Devotion – November 7, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 6:21-23

See series: Devotions

I’ve had back pain. I can usually get into a position where there is some relief. However, once there wasn’t any position that would relieve the pain, so I went to the hospital. It turned out that the pain was from a kidney stone. I didn’t know when or how the pain would go away. But it finally did, and it was a great relief when it was finally gone.

Jesus told his disciples that they would feel pain. They would be hungry, sad, hated, excluded, insulted, and rejected. Those things would happen because they were his followers.

Jesus assured them that the pain would be real but temporary. He even called them blessed because relief was on the way. They would not always be hungry; eventually, they would be satisfied. They would not always weep; eventually, they would laugh. Jesus told them they could even leap for joy because they knew that heaven was coming through faith in him.

Christians can find relief before they go to heaven because they know heaven is coming. Even when following Jesus causes pain and persecution, God provides relief through faith in his promises.

Prayer:
Almighty God, relieve my pain during my time on earth and teach me to cling to your promises until I join you in heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – November 6, 2022

2022/11/06/in Teen Devotions

One truth shared: While we struggle here in this world, we have the hope of heaven where the saints shine in glory forever.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
Revelation 21:1-6

We Feebly Struggle; They in Glory Shine
An endless trickle of tears streamed down Gabriella’s face and pooled on her pillow. How could she sleep when her heart was so broken? How could she rest peacefully knowing her abuela, her grandmother, was suffering on her deathbed at the hospital?

Gabriella’s abuela, Carlita, was her dad’s mother. For decades Carlita had been the rock of the whole family. She was the one who first immigrated from Colombia to make a living in the U.S. She was the one who made sure her children (and later her grandchildren) were always in church. She was the one who pushed her family for success in education and work. She was also the one who passed down their Colombian heritage and traditions.

Gabriella always thought it was so funny when her abuela would get angry and revert to correcting them all in Spanish. She was so strong yet so kind and loving! But now stage four cancer had quickly ravaged Carlita’s body. The once strong pillar of the family was now lying frail and fragile in a bed, seemingly a shadow of the person she once was.

Eventually Gabriella fell asleep that night, but sadly more tears would be waiting for her in the morning. That night her abuela passed away in her sleep at the hospital. It seemed like Gabriella’s world was flipped upside down. Now what was she going to do? Now where would the family find strength? Now who was going to make the world’s best empanadas?

The family was not looking forward to the funeral and final goodbyes at all, but it turned out to be just what they needed. The pastor read the words of this devotion from Revelation 21. Here the apostle John sees a vision of God’s people beautifully dressed as a bride at a wedding. The bride is radiant, glorious, and filled with joy because God dwells with his people and wipes every tear from their eyes. No more suffering. No more troubles. No more cancer! “I am making everything new!” Jesus declares. The pastor reminded everyone at the funeral that Carlita was now dressed so beautifully and sitting at the marriage feast of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. This was his gift of grace to her. “To the thirsty I will give water without cost,” Jesus says. It was so comforting to Gabriella and her family to be reminded that their dear abuela was now living with Jesus in eternal peace and joy. How gracious that God would take her from pain to peace, from death to life!

How many things do each of us suffer through in a lifetime? Oh, the pain and the hurt as we and our loved ones struggle through life! Yet even as we struggle, we remember with joy those who have been called home to heaven. They have won the race and received the crown of life! They are no longer just saints who live by faith like we are, but they are saints who live by sight, face to face with Jesus forever. What comfort to know of their joy, and what comfort to know it will soon be ours! Amid all the sadness of this life, know the joy that Jesus guarantees you. After all, he declares in these verses, “It is done.”

Prayer: Jesus, dry my tears of sadness in this life. There is so much suffering and pain! Give me strength and fill me with the hope of heaven where there will never be tears again! 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.

Everything New – November 6, 2022

2022/11/06/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new.”
Revelation 21:5

Everything New

Daily Devotion – November 6, 2022

Devotion based on Revelation 21:5

See series: Devotions

Consider these lyrics: “Long ago—but not so very long ago—the world was different. Oh yes, it was.” Those words are the opening lines to a song sung by James Taylor. The song was in a major motion picture about a small town and resonated with so many people that it received a nomination for an Academy Award.

“Long ago—but not so very long ago—the world was different. Oh yes, it was.” Part of the song’s power is that it hits home for all of us who have lived long enough to see things decline with time. Perhaps we’ve seen a bustling small-town decline into empty storefronts, or we’ve observed so much of television decline into toxic waste. Perhaps we’ve lived long enough to see the decline in how people in our society treat each other.

To see things decline, wear out, break, fall apart, and fade away is a vivid reminder that we live in a sinful, fallen world. Sinful because you and I are sinners.

But sinful decline does not have the last word. Jesus does. He says, “I am making everything new.” That’s why he took our sins to the cross and rose from the dead. And because he did, he renews us with his gospel and refreshes our spirit every day. And he points us ahead to the time when the effects of sin will be gone forever, when there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. (Revelation 21:4)

We live in a world of decline. But take heart. Jesus makes everything new.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, in this fallen world renew my spirit. Forgive my sin. Refresh my eagerness to live my life for you. Amen.

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

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

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

The Love God Has for Us – November 5, 2022

2022/11/05/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

We know that we live in [God] and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:13-18

The Love God Has for Us

Daily Devotion – November 5, 2022

Devotion based on 1 John 4:13-18

See series: Devotions

The Bible assures us that God loves us. But it is so easy to doubt this, especially when we think about how often we have disobeyed him and done the very things he tells us not to do. How can we be sure God loves us when our own hearts are filled with doubt?

The apostle John answers, “because he has given us of his Spirit.” Instead of looking inside at our own feelings, John shows us God’s action. God gave us of his Spirit’s power, wisdom, gifts, and fruit. That Spirit keeps on testifying that we are the children of God.

By the Spirit we have seen God’s love! “The Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world…we know and rely on the love God has for us.” The Son washes away all our sins. That love gives us boldness for judgment day. Since God is love on judgment day, we will experience nothing but the fullness of his love.

Experience the end of terror about standing before God. Know what it means that God sent his Son. Believe that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him (you and I included) will not perish but have eternal life.”

Enjoy the love God has for you!

Prayer:
Gracious, loving Father, by your Spirit drive out the doubt in my heart. Through your Son drive out the fear in my heart. Amen.

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

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

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

God Calls You His Child – November 4, 2022

2022/11/04/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: John 8:31-36

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
John 8:34,35

God Calls You His Child

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Family Devotion – November 4, 2022

Devotion based on John 8:34,35

See series: Devotions

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

A preschool student asked his teacher, “What is slavery?” “It is when you are considered someone’s property and are forced to work, but do not get paid,” the teacher said. “That doesn’t sound like fun,” the preschooler replied.

One day, that preschooler will grow up and learn more about the history of slavery in our country and around the world. He will learn that slavery is way worse than “not fun.” Slavery has led to some of the most horrible things that have ever been done to human beings. When that preschooler learns more about slavery, he will no doubt say what many of us believe: slavery is evil.

In our Bible reading, Jesus connects sin to slavery. If you sin, you are a slave to sin. If you try to obey God’s law to earn heaven, you will only see the many times you fail. God’s law shows us our sin. You can try your best and follow as many of the laws as you can. But because you are sinful, you will not receive any payment or reward. No, the law shows us that by ourselves we are slaves to sin. It shows us the evil that lives in our hearts and lives. Jesus is clear: living in sin is terrifying and leads only to death.

But Jesus is also clear about something else. He has made us children of God. He has bought us out of slavery to sin to make us free children. This is the gospel message that shows Jesus as our Savior. No longer do you have to follow the law as a slave, with no hope of reward. You are a child of God. You get to live in his household forever.

And what do children of God do? They follow Jesus. They listen to his teachings. They follow his commands. And most of all, they trust his freeing work. They live in the comfort and confidence of knowing that Jesus loves them more than anyone else. You are free indeed!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for freeing me to live confidently as a child of God each 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

List the people in your family. How does it make you feel to know that God wants you in his family but not as a slave?
Jesus tells us to hold to his teachings. Where do we hear Jesus’ teachings?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Agree or Disagree: Now that Jesus has set us free from sin, we won’t ever sin again.
“If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples.” As a child of God, are you also a disciple? What do disciples of Jesus do?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Why is slavery an appropriate comparison to our spiritual condition apart from God’s grace?
Why do we need to hear both law and gospel? What would happen if we only heard the law? The gospel?

Download and print devotion

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

What Hath God Wrought – November 4, 2022

2022/11/04/in Devotions, Military Devotions

What Hath God Wrought – November 4, 2022

The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.
Ezra 7:6

Military Devotion – November 4, 2022

Devotion based on Ezra 7:6

See series: Military Devotions

When it comes to miracles, perhaps our field of vision is a bit too narrow.

We think of Israel crossing the Red Sea on dry ground. We remember the times when at a touch of the hand, the blind received sight, and at a spoken word, the dead came to life.

The people who saw that happen witnessed laws of nature being set aside.

Yet, sometimes the miracle was unseen, as when water turned to wine, and none of the wedding guests knew it.

In fact, it appears that one of the greatest miracles of all is not detected by human eyes—even though it continues to be repeated in our lifetimes.

This miracle occurs in human hearts.

We look in at an amazing event in the history of the nation of Israel. The invasion by Babylon left Israel stripped of its leading citizens and much of its wealth. Especially grievous was the theft of the precious riches in the temple dedicated by Solomon.

“Lost forever!” it would seem. Why would a powerful heathen ruler ever be willing to give that back?

The answer is: The Lord God would bring about a change of heart within him!

In the words of Samuel Morse, when the first long-distance telegraph message went through from Baltimore to Washington D.C., “What hath God wrought!”

The world was stunned in 1844 to learn that a message could be sent through a wire. Samuel Morse correctly pointed to the hand of God that enabled such a breakthrough.

In today’s wording, he was saying, “Look at what God has done!”

He was right. Human ingenuity is a wonderful thing. But it is nothing unless God enables it to succeed. It is always God who must first be credited for anything good that is accomplished. Humans are the instruments through which he works.

This is illustrated clearly in the return of the treasures from Babylon to Israel.

Imagine, if we can, the circumstances. Not only have seventy years passed since the heathen army ransacked the temple, but a new foreign power ruled Babylon. Persia now claimed possession of the riches of its former enemy. This included the Israelite captives who lived there and anything else that was valuable.

Who would have expected the Persian powers to give up such treasures freely?

Those who remembered the promise the Lord God had made to his people!

In prophecy, the Lord had set the time limit of the captivity and named the Persian king (Cyrus), who would issue the decree releasing the captives and sending them home with their treasures.

But the transition did not go smoothly. The foreigners who had moved into Israel had no use for the Lord God and resented the returning Jews. They complained to the king of Persia that the returning exiles were illegally rebuilding the temple and restoring the “dangerous” city of Jerusalem.

By now, a new Persian king was in place. He knew nothing about the order to restore Jerusalem and the temple. The accusers were his kind of people. The Jews were not. Why should he even take the time and trouble to check if the exiles’ claims were valid?

Scripture answers. “The hand of the LORD his God was on him.”

Here are the words of King Artaxerxes to the Jewish leaders, “Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his advisers have freely given to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 7:15).

Furthermore, we learn, “In all, there were 5,400 articles of gold, and of silver. Sheshbazzar brought all these along when the exiles came up from Babylon to Jerusalem” (Ezra 1:11).

A miracle? Of course! It was a miracle worked in a heathen heart. Truly amazing!

But then, was the miracle he worked in our hearts any less impressive?

We, too, were born with a heathen heart. We, too, would have been content to continue living our lives looking out only for ourselves and not caring about what was right or what the Lord God had said.

But then, the miracle occurred. Our inner heart was remade. The Lord God took first place in our lives. His Word gave us directions. His Son released us from captivity to sin and death and handed to us the timeless treasures of peace and glory.

What else can we say?

What else than, “What hath God wrought!”

Prayer: All glory, laud, and honor to you, Redeemer King! Amen. (Christian Worship 412:1)

Points to ponder:

Why do we easily overlook the astounding miracle that we have a heart with saving faith?
When the Bible says of the Persian king “the Lord his God,” does it show he was a believer?
What causes us to often overlook the timeless treasures the Lord has given us?

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.

Forgive and Forget – November 4, 2022

2022/11/04/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Jeremiah 31:34

Forgive and Forget

Daily Devotion – November 4, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 31:34

See series: Devotions

The Bible makes it extremely clear that God knows everything. For example: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). This means that nothing has ever happened or ever will happen without his knowledge.

Do you understand that? God knows your every thought, word, and action. He knows everything in your past, he knows all about your present, and he even knows your future. He knows everything there is to know about everything.

That kind of knowledge is terrifying. Imagine how uncomfortable you would be if you had to interact with someone who knew all your secrets. Remember, on judgment day, you will have to stand in front of the all-knowing God. You can’t hide anything from him—he knows all your wickedness and your sins.

That is why this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 is one of the most comforting passages in the entire Bible. You have a God who doesn’t just forgive; he forgets. He promises that the wicked things you are ashamed of and the secret sins that weigh you down have been so forgiven that he doesn’t even remember them anymore.

Yet how can the all-knowing God not only forgive your sins; but also forget them? It is not because he is forgetful, but because he remembered them all on his Son instead of you. When Jesus was on the cross, he endured all of God’s wrath for all of the sins of all of humanity.

So now the all-knowing God who knows all of your sins chooses to not remember them. What should God be angry about when he looks at your life? He doesn’t remember. Because Christ died for sin, that promise is kept.

And since God has forgotten your sin, you can too. Jesus has freed you from the burden of a guilty conscience. God buried your sins in the one place he never will look for them—in Jesus’ empty tomb.

Prayer:
God the Father, thank you for forgetting my sins. God the Son, thank you for dying for them. God the Spirit, give me faith to remember that I am free from guilt. Amen.

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

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

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

Proper Motivation – November 3, 2022

2022/11/03/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Jeremiah 31:33

Proper Motivation

Daily Devotion – November 3, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 31:33

See series: Devotions

The language of the covenant God made with the Old Testament people of Israel was full of “you”: You shall have no other gods. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. You shall not covet. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

The problem with all those “you shall” and “you shall not” was that God’s people proved they could not keep up their end of the bargain. By the time the prophet Jeremiah wrote today’s verse breaking the covenant had become habitual.

The people had shown that the law’s commands could not properly motivate them to be obedient. They needed a new covenant. This new covenant would be different from the old covenant.

It would not be a list of obligations chiseled by God’s finger into stone tablets. It would not be full of “you shall” and “you shall not.” Instead this covenant would be written by God’s Spirit onto human hearts, and it would be full of I’s: “I will make … I will put … I will write … I will be their God.”

The old covenant told people what to do, but the new covenant would be all about what God did to save everyone from their sins and make a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. God made that covenant when he sent his Son into the world to do the work of salvation.

Jesus’ perfect life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection are all we need. There are no “you shall” and “you shall not” required to get into heaven. The new covenant puts God’s law in our minds for us to follow—not so that God will make us his, but because he already has.

In other words, Christians do not serve God because they have to. Christians serve God because they want to!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being my God. Help me to live for you. Amen.

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

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

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

WELS CENTER FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY

Read: Luke 21:5-19

It’s the End of the World… And I Win

Closing Prayer:

The Far Side of Forever – November 18, 2022

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Anticipation Not Fear

Waiting on Justice

Read: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

It’s the End of the World… And I’m Safe

Closing Prayer:

The Sun Will Rise

Gone

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus – Week of November 14, 2022

ECME Devotion November 14, 2022

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Read: Malachi 4:1-6

It’s the End of the World… And I’m Dancing

Closing Prayer:

Safe Passage

Sunrise is Coming

Anticipating Heaven

Read: Luke 6:20-23

Rejoice in Your Defeat

Closing Prayer:

To End All Wars – November 11, 2022

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The World Was Not Worthy of Them

Using His Power for Good

Read: Hebrews 11:32-40

Worth the Wait

Closing Prayer:

Truly Better

The Important Thing About Heaven

Read: Revelation 21:1-6

The King Reigns Supreme

Closing Prayer:

Wipe Away Tears – Week of November 7, 2022

ECME Devotion November 7, 2022

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It Will Get Better

Everything New

The Love God Has for Us

Read: John 8:31-36

God Calls You His Child

Closing Prayer:

What Hath God Wrought – November 4, 2022

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Forgive and Forget

Proper Motivation

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