Devotions

Transformed – teen devotion – October 3, 2022

2022/10/03/in Devotions, Teen Devotions

One truth shared: It is our duty and a delight to serve God because we know everything we have comes from him.

Then King David said to the whole assembly: “My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the Lord God. With all my resources, I have provided for the temple of my God… But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.”
1 Chronicles 29:1,2,14,16

Lord, Increase Our Faith that Delights in Duty

Being a Christian is not like a video game where you have to complete missions and objectives in order to level up. But when it comes to our faith life, we have to be careful not to treat it the same way, as in doing good to level up as a Christian. That kind of mentality can lead to frustration or laziness when serving God.

Take David for an example. Think of the level of Christian he would have been. He slayed Goliath, became king of Israel. He led God’s people to become a great empire. He wrote a large section of the Bible. And now, here is David at the end of his life. He is collecting a crazy amount of money and materials to build God a temple. That would make him at least a level 99 Christian, yet he says things like, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?” And “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.”

Even after all of the good things David had done for God, it was still a delight for him to serve God because it came from faith. David recognized the awesomeness, patience, love, mercy, and generosity God had shown him in his life. David wasn’t serving God to get to level 100 Christian. David was delighted to serve God because God had already made him a perfect level 100 Christian through faith. David didn’t have to earn it. David simply recognized the gift of forgiveness and heaven God had given to him. And so, no matter how many times David served God or no matter how difficult it was to do so, David delighted to serve God.

God has made you also level 100 Christian—forgiven, holy, and perfect in God’s sight. Let this truth make your duty to serve God a delight and not a burden.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for opening my eyes to delight in serving you. Recognizing that everything I have was given by you, may I count it a privilege to imitate my Savior’s service and give myself in service to you and others. 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.

Do I have to? – October 3, 2022

2022/10/03/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 1 Chronicles 29:1,2,10-18

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.
1 Chronicles 29:17

Do I have to?

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Family Devotion – October 3, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Chronicles 29:17

See series: Devotions

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

“Do I HAAAVVVVEEE to?” Mike whined.

Mike was not happy. He really didn’t feel like doing what his mother had just asked him to do. Maybe he could get out of doing it. Maybe someone else would do it. So he whined.

Complaining about something we’re asked to do seems to be something we all do at some point.

Listen again to David’s words—does he sound like someone who is complaining about what he is doing?

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you” (1 Chronicles 29:17).

David doesn’t sound like he is complaining about some he has to do. No, David sounds excited about something he gets to do! That is a big difference, isn’t it?

David had in mind all that God had done for him. God guarded him from wild animals when he was a shepherd, protected him in battle, made him king of Israel, and best of all—said that the Savior who would come to forgive all of his sins would come from David’s own family!

That made David joyful and thankful. So, he gave a great and generous offering to build a big church for God. David didn’t do it because he had to, he did it because he wanted to. God’s love for David changed David’s attitude!

God’s love for you does the same! He guards and protects us, he gives us things we need to live each and every day like clothing and food, and best of all, he sent his Son, Jesus to die for our sins. Your God really loves you!

And that love makes us to do the same as David—we listen to what our God tells us to do and we try to do it not because we have to, but because we want to as a way of saying thank you to God.

It means we get to go to church, we want to read and hear God’s Word, to have a devotion, to give an offering; to listen to our parents; to obey our teachers… not because we have to, but out of love for God, we want to.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, sometimes I find it hard to do the things you want me to do. Please forgive me. Help me remember how much you love me. May it work in my heart the same attitude David had—a thankful, joyful attitude that wants to do the things you ask me to do. 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 at least one thing you have complained about doing today.
Name three things God let happen today that makes you thankful.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What kind of things do you find hard to do without complaining?
How can you show a thankful attitude in the things you do?

Questions for Middle School and Above

What things does God ask you to do that you find hard? Why do you think they are hard for you?
What is the difference in attitude between I have to… and I want to…? How will that show itself in what you do?

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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.

Faith that Delights in Duty – Week of October 3, 2022

2022/10/03/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

Faith that Delights in Duty – Week of October 3, 2022

We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

ECME Devotion October 3, 2022

See series: ECME Devotions

So, how is it going? You are a couple of months back into the routine. How is it working out for you? Are you still tackling each day as if it were your first? Are you still excited to welcome the students into your classroom each morning? How’s your energy level? How’s your attitude?

What an incredible privilege it is to be a teacher. Think of how easily your students proclaim their love of their Savior. They know that they love him, but most importantly, they are learning how much he loves them! Their faith in Jesus overflows with such joy and gratefulness, that one could only hope for an attitude like that!

Is this devotion too positive for you? Are you wanting me to be a little more “honest” in my writing? I understand. Every day is not rainbows and butterflies. Dealing with hardships, both in life and in the classroom, can make this privilege feel more like a duty. Something that we “have” to do. Something that we don’t always feel worthy or qualified to do.

The devil would like for us to forget who we work for. Every good deed, every detailed lesson plan, every newsletter, and so on, is done for Jesus. We can delight in our job even when things aren’t easy. Our hearts can burn for our Savior the whole year through and the ability to do that doesn’t come from ourselves. No, we don’t just pull up our bootstraps and be better—God is better. God is best! We don’t complete our duty through our own ability, but rather through his.

Try making it a habit to thank God for this position that he has you in right now. Thank him for the privilege it is to teach the Gospel message to the littlest of his lambs. And remember that sometimes it’s not actually saying the words, thank you, but rather doing thank you, through your daily duties. Know that even your least delightful duties are a delight in the eyes of the Lord.

Prayer:
Jesus, you are a delight. Forgive me when I see my calling as just a duty. Please strengthen my desire to serve you and let it burn all school year long. Help my students have a heart for you and carry out their classroom duties with joy. Thank you for the privilege it is to teach the gospel. Amen.

A Question to Consider:
Are you aware of tasks that your co-workers dislike doing? Maybe surprise them by completing the task for them. Make their day!

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.

Praise the Possessor of All – October 3, 2022

2022/10/03/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, LORD, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.”
1 Chronicles 29:10,11

Praise the Possessor of All

Daily Devotion – October 3, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Chronicles 29:10,11

See series: Devotions

Do you praise the billionaires of the world? Probably not. After all, what have billionaires like Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos ever done for us? Maybe we own a Microsoft laptop or love our two-day Amazon Prime shipping, but we still had to pay for those things. They weren’t just given to us by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos. We probably wouldn’t praise the billionaires of the world.

However, we do sing praise to the possessor of all things. Like King David, we praise our Almighty God, who is the owner of everything in heaven and earth. God created everything and possesses all greatness, power, glory, majesty, and splendor. We don’t praise Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos because of how rich they are and how much they possess. But we praise God, the possessor of all things because he is also the giver of all good things! Our God uses his greatness, power, and glory to bless us!

We can’t help but shout our praise to the one who has allowed us to possess his love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit’s work. We can’t help but shout our praise to God, who has given us Christ’s white robe of perfection to possess as our very own. We can’t help but shout our praise to God for sharing the glory of his heaven with us. Praise God, the possessor of all, who shares all he has with you!

Prayer:
Almighty Lord, you truly possess all things in heaven and earth. I praise you and thank you for sharing all things with me through your Son, Jesus. Amen.

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

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

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

A Glorious Return – October 2, 2022

2022/10/02/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come.
2 Thessalonians 2:1,2

A Glorious Return

Daily Devotion – October 2, 2022

Devotion based on 2 Thessalonians 2:1,2

See series: Devotions

There was confusion among the members of the church in Thessalonica. A report circulated that Jesus had already returned; his second coming had already taken place. This information had allegedly come from Paul himself, so these Christians were led to believe that it was true. The impact on their faith and life was obviously distressful. If Jesus had already come, then they were left behind. Their hope for heaven was shattered. They were haunted by the fear of what was going to happen to them.

But the message that Jesus’ second coming had already occurred was false. It did not come from Paul. God did not lead him to proclaim that kind of message because it would have contradicted the truth. The word of God that Paul and other holy men of God were inspired by the Holy Spirit to proclaim clearly testified the truth about the coming of the Lord. This great event will take place on the very last day of this world’s existence. Jesus will appear, all the dead will be raised, and “every eye will see him” (Revelation 1:7).

No one will miss out on the second coming of Jesus. The hope and anticipation that we have for his glorious return rest on his first coming. Humbly he came to bear the guilt of our sins and suffer the punishment we deserved. He came to forgive us and give us the gift of eternal life. And he will come again to take his faithful people home with him forever in heaven. No child of God will be left behind. That’s the truth!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, fill me with the peace of your forgiveness that you accomplished when you came to this world as my Savior. Establish my hope in your glorious return when you will bring to an end all things here and receive me into the joys of heaven’s eternal home. 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.

Time and Eternity – October 1, 2022

2022/10/01/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

Time and Eternity

Daily Devotion – October 1, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 13:8

See series: Devotions

A popular theme of science fiction productions is traveling back into the past or jumping ahead into the future. Even if that were possible, the reality is that people can only be at one place at one time.

But at every moment in time, “Jesus Christ is . . .” Our glorified Savior Christ is King over time because he is not bound by it. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

“Jesus Christ is the same . . .” That means the message delivered by Jesus, the eternal Son of God, will not need to be morphed or reformatted for another time or place. The message is the same. The truth of his words stand firm forever.

“Jesus Christ is the same . . .” That means the reassuring comfort of his presence is the same for every person in every part of the world at every point in time. Every believer, including the saints in glory can say, “Jesus is with me.”

“Jesus Christ is the same . . .” That means his death on that one day in history gave the gift of God’s forgiveness to all people of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The Savior who was with Adam and Eve is the Savior who died for them. The Savior who appeared to Moses is the Savior who died for him. The Savior who meets us in worship is the Savior who died for us.

And when we meet this Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, on the last day, he will not need to time travel. He will be the same Jesus who had come in time to live, die, rise, and then ascend into heaven (see Acts 1:11). His words, presence, forgiveness, and love will be forever the same. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Prayer:
Jesus, I am greatly encouraged and comforted knowing you are unchanging. I can count on your unchanging word, your continual presence, your daily forgiveness, and your eternal love. Through all the changing experiences of my life, lead me on the sure and certain way to the glory you have prepared for me. Amen.

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

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

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

Are You a Beggar? – September 30, 2022

2022/09/30/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Luke 16:19-31

The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side.
Luke 19:22

Are You a Beggar?

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Family Devotion – September 30, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 19:22

See series: Devotions

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

Do you know what a beggar is? You might beg your mom or grandma for one more delicious cookie. But Jesus’ story today is about a homeless man named Lazarus. Does Jesus want us to be like him—to leave our homes and live on the streets as beggars? Thankfully, no! Jesus’ story is not really about being rich or poor, having lots of amazing food or just crumbs, owning a big home or being homeless. It’s about realizing that all people, the rich and the poor, are… beggars. And the biggest thing you have to ask yourself is this: Am I a beggar?

The Bible shows us how we are all beggars. A homeless person with a cardboard sign on the street has a need for food or shelter. But if we are beggars too, then what do we need? Well, we are all going to one day die, and we need someone to save us from that. Our world is decaying and there is violence everywhere. We can’t fix it! We need someone to make a “new heavens and a new earth.” But there’s a lot of wrong feelings like anger and thoughts inside us—we need someone to save us from ourselves.

So, who do we beg from? We beg from the one who gave our bodies and the world to us in the first place—God! We have a God who doesn’t simply give us a crumb from his table. He feeds our faith. He sacrificed his Son Jesus to forgive us. He invites us to a feast that will last forever in heaven. With great care and love, he prepares a room for us in his mansion.

Better to be a beggar asking God to save us than the rich man in Jesus’ story who ignored Lazarus—even worse, he ignored his own need for God. God never promised an easy life. But, dear beggar of God, our feast is coming! Like Lazarus, we will be at Abraham’s side, living with GOD!

So, remember. Remember every day that you have a wonderful thing coming to you! God promises this to you. The more you remember, the more joyful and steadfast we will be as we live on this earth.

Closing Prayer:

God, thank you for not merely giving us a crumb from your table, but preparing a huge feast for us in heaven one day! Give us strength to remember you and to patiently wait for life with you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What does it mean to beg?
What do we beg from Jesus? What does Jesus give us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

If this parable isn’t about being poor like Lazarus, then what is it about?
How is the reward of heaven greater than any reward we could have on earth?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How can we be tempted to be like the “rich man?”
What is the purpose of regularly remembering God’s promise of 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.

Of Kings and Such – September 30, 2022

2022/09/30/in Devotions, Military Devotions

Of Kings and Such – September 30, 2022

“Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD’S anointed.’”
1 Samuel 24:10

Military Devotion – September 30, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Samuel 24:10

See series: Military Devotions

The reminder is, “You salute the uniform, not the person wearing it.”

That principle is in line with God’s directive to respect and honor those whom God has placed over us. We learn, “The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1). As such, they are his representatives.

The apostle Peter put it this way. “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17).

David, the former shepherd boy, knew this when he lived under the rule of King Saul. He gives us an example of doing this under trying circumstances.

Following his defeat of Goliath, David joined his older brothers in Saul’s army. Saul’s jealousy of the young soldier began as he heard women singing, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

But Saul’s son, Jonathan, became close friends with David. Besides that, the Lord enabled David to become an accomplished warrior. Soon, he was in command of a thousand troops.

The king’s jealousy raged higher with every success the young warrior achieved. He decided to have David killed. But the murder dared not be obvious. David was much too popular.

Saul chose combat as his weapon. He set a trap by telling David he could marry his daughter if he came back with proof that he and his men had killed 100 Philistines. Saul expected that if he were foolish enough to try this, he would be mourned as a K.I.A.

David came back with proof of 200 enemy dead.

Scripture then records, “When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David, Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days” (1 Samuel 18:28,29).

Desperate, Saul simply ordered his troops to kill the warrior hero whenever they could.

Jonathan talked his father out of this plan. However, the spell of safety did not last long. Shortly after, in a fit of rage, Saul tried to pin David to the wall with his spear. David escaped. Saul sent men after him. But David’s wife tricked the men. David escaped again.

Saul kept hunting for David, and David kept eluding him. When Saul learned that some priests of the Lord had helped David, he killed 85 of them. Then, “He also put to the sword Nob, the town of the priests, with its men and women, its children and infants, and its cattle, donkeys and sheep” (1 Samuel 22:19).

Who could have blamed David if he had killed Saul when he had a chance?

Who but David himself?

Once, he caught Saul in a cave with his guard down. The king didn’t know David was there. Instead of killing him, David crept up and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe without being seen.

Once outside the cave, David called out, “My lord the king!” and bowed down before Saul.

At this, Saul wept. He now knew David would take his place. He begged David not to kill off his family once he came to power.

This David promised. It was a promise he kept.

Saul became a scoundrel, a murderer, and a threat. But he held the office of king.

It was the office that David respected. His words to Saul catch our attention. He said, “Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD’S anointed.’”

It gives us something to think about as we live our lives under people with authority. It doesn’t mean that we must do everything an authority figure orders. The apostle Peter made that clear in his day when he told an official who demanded he not speak of Jesus, “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29).

Yet, this directive still stands, “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7).

We honor the Lord our God when we honor those whom he has placed over us.

David, the God-serving warrior, has set an example worth following.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the King of kings. You are our commander in chief. You are also the one who died that we might live. Give us good leaders and caring commanders. Give us the will to honor you by respecting the office they hold. Then give us the strength to follow through with that will. After all, what we pray is, “Thy will be done.” Amen.

Points to ponder:

Why is it so difficult to respect the office when we don’t respect the person who holds it?
Wasn’t David unnecessarily risking the lives of his men by allowing Saul to live?
Was David grandstanding by showing Saul the piece of the cloak he had cut off?

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 Word is Enough – September 30, 2022

2022/09/30/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.
Luke 16:31

The Word is Enough

Daily Devotion – September 30, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 16:31

See series: Devotions

My father is a man of few words, but he is also a man of his word. As a child, I learned that when he had something to say, I had better listen and obey.

I remember once, we were on a road trip, driving across middle America. I was sandwiched between my two sisters, and I was getting on their nerves. We bickered back and forth for a while. And then dad spoke.

“That is enough!”

And that was enough. Just like that, the argument was over. The fighting stopped. Peace was restored.

Jesus once told a story about a man whose soul went to hell after he died. Not wanting his still-living brothers to suffer the same fate, he asked that a dead man whose soul was in heaven be sent to earth to warn them. The answer he received is striking.

“They have God’s Word. That is enough.”

That Word is enough. This is because the Bible tells us all we need to know. It tells us all about Jesus and what he did for us. Jesus became earthly poor so that you might become eternally rich. He took on our debt of sin, paid for our guilt with his blood, and suffered our punishment with his death. And he rose from the dead to prove that he is our salvation.

Knowing these truths, recorded in the Bible, is all you need because it proves how much God loves you. No matter what you may be facing, you can go back to the Bible and be reminded again and again. This is why you do not need something more than the Word of God. You do not need something better than the Word of God. The Word is enough.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for showing me your love in your Word. Amen.

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

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

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

The Lord Lifts up the Lowly – September 29, 2022

2022/09/29/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. . . The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous.
Psalm 146:3,8

The Lord Lifts up the Lowly

Daily Devotion – September 29, 2022

Devotion based on Psalm 146:3,8

See series: Devotions

His skin oozed as he scraped at the sores and scabs that covered his flesh. He sat on his throne of ashes, looking out at all that was left of his once great wealth. And it wasn’t much.

Satan had systematically stolen all that was his. His livestock was stolen. His servants were massacred. His livelihood went up in smoke. His children were killed. His health was hanging on by a thread. His wife gave up on him. His siblings and acquaintances abandoned him.

But there was one thing that Satan could not touch. The hope Job had in the Lord his God. In good times and bad, God is the help of the helpless, the defender of the defenseless, the lover of the loveless and unloved. When Job’s life let him down, God remained his helper. When he was laid low—the Lord lifted him up and restored him.

Like Job, you can trust in the Lord. He is the God who allowed himself to be lifted onto a cross to pay for your sins, to make you righteous in his sight. He is the one you can trust to lift you up when life lets you down.

Whatever you are facing this day, put your trust in the Lord.

Prayer:
My Lord and my God, I will praise you as long as I live, for you are my hope, my help, and my salvation. 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.

ME! – September 28, 2022

2022/09/28/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Hebrews 13:1-6

Let brotherly love continue.
Hebrews 13:1

ME!

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – September 28, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 13:1

See series: Devotions

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

After dinner, someone asks, “Who wants the first piece of cake?” The answer is probably “ME!” On vacation, someone asks, “Who wants the biggest bed?” The answer likely is “ME!” When good things are before us, we often want it for “me, myself, and I,” right?

But if you’re in a home with more than one child, parents don’t want all of the good things to go to just one child. They want their earthly blessings to be shared with your siblings too. They also want you to share. They want to hear less “ME!” and more sibling, or brotherly, love.

God, who is our heavenly Father, wants the same for all of us, his children. He asks that we think about “ME!” less and about each other more. We are to be loving to each other before ourselves. That’s a hard thing to do when we see something really good in front of us and we want it for ourselves. Brotherly love is not easy. In fact, it is impossible, and we fall short of what God asks of us.

Good news! Though we continually fall short, we are saved by the blood of a “Brother.” When there was a good thing put before him, Jesus didn’t yell out “ME!” Instead, he used everything God gave him in brotherly love for others—even his life. He gave up his life to save our lives. That’s love! His love pays for every single time we love “me” more than God.

Now, we are brothers with Jesus and with everyone who believe in him. We might see others living out the “me first” game, but we know that Jesus wants to be together as family. We can give up our video game time to help mom when she needs it. We treat our time with family as important. And we can sacrifice screen time to be with our great brother Jesus in his Word and prayer. Instead of more “ME,” we can be “FREE!” in Jesus—not enslaved to our own wants but freed to share brotherly love!

Closing Prayer:

Lord, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Free us from our selfish wants. Renew our joy of having you as part of our family! Strengthen us to give our lives for others. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

How did our brother Jesus show us love?
Do you have a brother or sister? Think of a way you can you show them “brotherly love.”

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Name something that gets in the way of you showing brotherly love to someone.
Instead of being boring, how does being with our brother Jesus in the Word bring us joy?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Give an example of Jesus showing brotherly love. Then think of a way you can model the same love.
Discuss a time you didn’t feel very loved. Why is the brotherly love of Jesus so important to remember in that moment?

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.

A Strange Kind of Love – September 28, 2022

2022/09/28/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 13:1

A Strange Kind of Love

Daily Devotion – September 28, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 13:1

See series: Devotions

Jesus had loved his disciples for the three years he was with them. Now that his death was near, Jesus showed just how much he loved them. Jesus got up and took off his tunic. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he washed their feet.

He stooped down and scrubbed the grime from between his disciples’ toes. One by one, he washed their feet—the feet of the one who was about to betray him, of one who would deny him, of one who would doubt him, of a skeptic, a tax collector, glory-seeking twins, a zealot.

The disciples thought this was strange. Washing people’s feet was a dirty job often given to servants. But here was their rabbi, showing them what love is by serving—a love that gives. But they were about to see stranger love than this. They would watch him give his head to thorns, his hands to spikes, his side to a spear, his life for ours.

It is a strange kind of love. Jesus’ love is foreign to this world. It is unlike anything that the human heart generates. His is not a love that acts only if he gets what he wants from us. He loves to help without expecting or demanding anything in return.

When he gives his help, he gives nothing less than his love. And because love is who he is, he gives us nothing less than himself. When we have him, we have his help. We have his love. We have everything we need to love as he has loved us.

That is what the writer of the book of Hebrews encourages us to do in today’s Bible reading—love one another the way Jesus has loved us. Love with actions–serving, sharing, helping. Look for opportunities to do this today.

Prayer:
God of peace, equip me with everything good to do your will and work in me what is pleasing in your sight. 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.

A Shining City Upon a Hill – September 27, 2022

2022/09/27/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!
Amos 6:1

A Shining City Upon a Hill

Daily Devotion – September 27, 2022

Devotion based on Amos 6:1

See series: Devotions

A shining city upon a hill. That is how President Reagan described the United States. He saw this nation as “God-blessed, teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace.” He envisioned it being “a beacon for all who must have freedom.”

A shining city upon a hill. The leaders of ancient Judah and Israel also viewed their kingdoms that way. They thought of Mount Zion and Mount Gerizim, their capital cities, as pieces of heaven on earth. The problem was these leaders cared only about their own comfort and cared nothing for the poor and oppressed among them.

Those of us who live in the wealthiest parts of the world can easily fall into the same trap. We can become so concerned with our own comfort that we have no concern for the less fortunate all around us. The warning given by the ancient prophet Amos might well be aimed at modern-day men and women like us. Woe to us who live in luxury and are indifferent to the fate of others. Woe to us who are addicted to feeling good but could not care less about the world’s moral rot and ruin. Woe to us because what this world offers will be taken from us.

For all our self-centeredness and selfishness, let us turn to God for forgiveness. And, thankfully, there we find it. Our God has graciously freed us from sin and death. Through faith in Christ Jesus, who died for our “me-first” focus, God transports us into a spiritual kingdom brimming with the overwhelming peace of forgiveness, the rock-solid hope of the resurrection, and eternal pleasures at his right hand. Through his Word, God transforms us into something new.

You are a shining city upon a hill. As your life beams with God’s kaleidoscopic gifts of grace, you light up the world. Shine on that those who hunger for freedom may find it in Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord God, fill me with the light and life of your Son that his love may shine through my every thought, word, and action. 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.

Don’t Forget About God – September 26, 2022

2022/09/26/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Amos 6:1-7

You put off the day of disaster
and bring near a reign of terror.
Amos 6:3

Don’t Forget About God

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – September 26, 2022

Devotion based on Amos 6:3

See series: Devotions

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

When you put things off, they almost always get worse. Maybe at your house, you have a place where all the toys get used, and you talk about “picking up the toys” or “keeping things tidy.” But maybe you say, “I’ll do it later.” That’s called “putting it off.” And when that happens, the whole room slowly becomes a disaster! That’s because if you don’t take care of things, they almost always get worse.

In the Bible, the same thing happened to God’s people, except it wasn’t that they didn’t keep their rooms clean… they forgot about… GOD! God had told his children that he would bless them as long as they would remember that he was the most important thing in their life, but they kept “putting off” God. You heard about them in the reading from the Bible. They had beds with ivory (that’s really expensive!). They had choice lambs and fattened calves (that’s really good food!). And they had all sorts of other really good things! Now, it’s not bad to have nice things, but it is bad when those nice things make you “put off” God.

Maybe you have really nice things in your life like a nice house, nice clothes, good food, or great toys. Those are good things… but if they make you “put off” God, then they are actually bad things!

Someday Jesus is going to come back to this earth, and when he does, all the nice things we have will go away. All that will be left will be us and Jesus. So, the Bible tells us to always be ready for that day by never “putting off” God. We need to remember that spending time with God is more important than spending time doing anything else!

But that’s hard to do, isn’t it? We might spend days without prayer, skip a week of worshiping God, or forget the devotions. We get so busy do everything else, we forget God! When that happens, say you’re sorry to God! And know that God forgives you and wants you to come to him because he always loves you. Your life is good because you have God.

And God is awesome. He loves you more than anyone else does. He never forgets about you. He always wants to hear your prayers. He will always be with you, even when you’re not very lovable. You won’t always have all the nice things you have, but you have God, and he will always be better.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for your awesome love, even when we are not very lovable. Help us to remember you and the many good things you will give us in heaven one 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

Give two ways to help you remember God.
Give two reasons why remembering God is awesome.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

What happens when we put off God?
When we say we are sorry for “putting off God,” how does God respond?

Questions for Middle School and Above

How could characters in a TV show or influencers on social media tempt you to “put off God?”
Think how remembering God can be a great joy in your life rather than a burden.

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.

My Hope – Week of September 26, 2022

2022/09/26/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

My Hope – Week of September 26, 2022

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God.
Psalm 146:5

ECME Devotion September 26, 2022

See series: ECME Devotions

Several years ago, I was presenting a workshop on parenting with a group of mothers and fathers. Everyone was asked to pick a card from a stack of illustrations of children’s toys. They were given a few minutes to consider the card they chose and complete this phrase, “Parenting is like…. because…” There were some wonderful answers. “Parenting is like a set of blocks because you are constantly working to build and strengthen your child.” One father of five raised his hand. “Parenting is like a merry-go-round because life can feel like it’s spinning out of control and inevitably someone always throws up.”

Do you sometimes feel like that? You try to get your bearings and move ahead only to find that things have changed. Even outside your work with young children, you look at the world and can find yourself asking, “When did that become a thing?” What used to be wrong is now not just ok, it’s encouraged and celebrated. It’s not unusual to feel like you are on the outside of the opinion of those around you and not sure how that happened. Where is the solid ground that you need?

Blessed. Dictionary.com defines blessed as: divinely or supremely favored; fortunate. As we look around and try to find that solid ground, we crave something to hang on to that will not shift and change. How easy it is to forget that we have it already. God. He who never changes. He who never waivers. Our heavenly Father, whose every word is grounded in love for us. His love is immeasurable and unwavering. We are so blessed! In Lamentations 3:22-23 we are reminded:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

We are indeed blessed as God’s children. We have a pillar, a plumb line, an anchor, a sure foundation in our heavenly Father. His Word never changes. His love and forgiveness are without limitations. As we read the Word, we know with certainty that not one word of it will change. The world may change, but not the Word. We have hope. Not a hope that is wishing for something. We have hope that is sure, founded in God’s grace and mercy for us.

The merry-go-round of life will continue. It’s a little slower some days and other days can feel out of control. You and I can be confident and at peace in the midst of it all. God is with us. God is faithful. We are so blessed knowing we are children whose hope is in the LORD!

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. You are my Rock and my Anchor. Help me to turn to you, confident in your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Hymn:
The following hymns are a wonderful reminder to us of the hope we have in God our Savior.

He Will Hold Me Fast
CW21 813

Though Thoughtless Thousands Choose
CW93 466

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.

Looks Can Be Deceiving – September 26, 2022

2022/09/26/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said to them] “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.”
Luke 16:19-21

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Daily Devotion – September 26, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 16:19-21

See series: Devotions

There was a rich man whose life appeared perfectly fabulous in every way. He wore the finest clothes, and every meal was a feast.

There was a poor man whose life appeared perfectly miserable in every way. His clothes were dull. He never had enough to eat.

The poor man’s name was Lazarus. Though the world did not know him as anything special, God knew him well. And Lazarus knew his God well. It was in God that he trusted, in spite of his circumstances. So, while it looked like he had nothing, in God, Lazarus had everything.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Your eyes may see a nobody, someone overlooked or forgotten, but Jesus knows your name, and he has your number! Your eyes may see someone whose life is defined by countless bad decisions, but Jesus has already done all things well for you and purified you completely with his blood. Your eyes may see someone who is struggling, but you are more than a conqueror through Christ who loves you. It may feel, at times, like you have nothing, but in Jesus, you have everything.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see my wealth and my worth in Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

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

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

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

Transformed – teen devotion – September 25, 2022

2022/09/25/in Teen Devotions

We cling to Christ—the one who clings to us through earthly hardships and will carry us to heaven.

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’

“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’

“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’

“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’

“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Luke 16:19-31

What Seems to Help in Life Fails in Death; What Seems to Fail in Life Helps in Death

June 15, 1904. The PS General Slocum, a 264-foot dual-paddle steamboat, set out with 1,300 passengers for an annual summer cruise on New York City’s East River. Not even thirty minutes after launch, that cruise took a tragic turn for the worse. It was 12-year-old Franky Paditski who first spotted signs that the ship was on fire. Franky raced to the pilot room to inform the captain, shouting “fire” all along the way—but no one paid any attention to him. He burst into the pilot room and told the captain about the fire. But the captain told Franky to get out—thinking the kid was only joking. But Franky wasn’t, an uncontrollable blaze had started within a storage room in the hull of the ship, a room that had been packed with hay insulated barrels and containers of kerosene oil—needing nothing more than a stray ember from a cigarette to ignite a surging fire that would overtake the entire ship. 1,021 people died that day.

What makes this story really sad is, it could have been avoided. The captain neglected any fire drill protocol. The crew waited too long before notifying the captain about the fire. The boat firehoses were cracked with dry-rot and burst immediately. In addition, nearly all the 2,500 life jackets on board were useless—the cork having rotted and dissolved into powder. The lifeboats were all wired in place, permanently fixed to the ship. But the error easily forgotten in this story was disregarding the warning cries of a 12-year-old boy.

Can you see the parallels between this tragic story and Jesus’ parable from Luke 16? The rich man’s wealth did him no better than a rotted-out life jacket. His confidence before God was anchored in his status, his popularity, and his prestige—but it did him no better than clinging to a lifeboat that’s been bolted to a burning ship. This rich man ignored the warning cries of Scripture—which tell us that sin has rendered this world no better than a sinking ship in need of saving.

We don’t have to look too far to see the same thing today. Sure, we know people who cling to wealth like this rich man. But money isn’t the only rotted-out lifejacket. We cling to sinful self-gratification, hatred, grudges, and bitterness. We can be self-absorbed and self-righteousness. And to those who insist on clinging to faulty life jackets and useless lifeboats for life, God’s Word is not silent: the result isn’t life, but death—not just physical death—but spiritual and everlasting separation from God.

We neither earned nor deserved God’s love. We didn’t deserve even the scraps from God’s table. We are beggars. But that’s what makes God’s undeserved love so awesome. When we would have drowned by the weight of our guilt, God, in love, reached out to save us. When sin had rendered us worse than dogs in the kingdom of God, he, in grace, opened the door to bring us in—not as strays to sit under the table, but as family to sit at the table. God sent his Son Jesus to take the sickness of our sin onto himself so—by his wounds—we would be healed. God himself would bleed to buy you a seat at his banquet and a home in his heaven.

We, like Lazarus, can cling to God’s Word of promise in the midst of every storm. We can anchor our identities on sure foundation of the gospel promises embedded in Scripture and sealed by Christ’s blood. So, let go of those rotted life jackets and lifeboats that ultimately can’t save anyone. Cling to Jesus—the one who has saved you, and the one who will carry you through the storms of this life to the safe shores of heaven.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for reaching out in love to rescue us from sin, death, and hell. Strengthen our faith through Word and Sacrament—assuring us that heaven belongs to us as we belong to you. Amen.

Teen Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.

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

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

Money Makes No Promises – September 25, 2022

2022/09/25/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5

Money Makes No Promises

Daily Devotion – September 25, 2022

Devotion based on Hebrews 13:5

See series: Devotions

Define financial stability. Is it having enough money to purchase needs or also the wants? How much savings determines stability—$1,000? $10,000? $1,000,000? Defining financial stability is not so easy.

No matter how we define it, a time of financial instability can be unnerving. When money is tight, the dreams can be dashed. But it is not just dreams that need money. For most, money buys the basics of food, clothes, and shelter. How devastating it is if earthly needs can’t be met from lack of funds. Whether it’s funding dreams or daily needs, the money we thought would always be there can fail us.

There is someone, however, who will never fail us. God has promised in his Word never to forsake those who are his own. In fact, God specifically tells us that we ought not place our trust in money, which can fail, but in him, who never fails. Whether we have $1,000,000 or $1, God will not turn his back on those he loves.

No, God has not promised that he will give us everything we want. But he has promised to supply us with everything we need. He has promised to see us through the hard times. And he proved his promise by sending his own Son, Jesus Christ, to forgive the sins of the world. God loved you and me so much he saved us from the eternal punishment our sins deserved. He also loves us enough to provide for us when money is tight.

Money can make no promises. God says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Prayer:
Dear God, give me what I need for my daily life. Keep me from a love for things that gets in the way of my love for you. When tough times come, strengthen my trust that you will be with me and 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.

Autumn’s Reminder

2022/09/24/in Devotions, Womens Devotions

Autumn’s Reminder – Women’s Devotion

If you live in a climate where the leaves are turning, you know how beautiful the season of autumn can be. Lush green landscapes transform into brilliant layers of red, orange, yellow, and gold. Breezes carry the whisper of impending change as those leaves hang on, summer’s swan song, portraying God’s beautiful creation with colorful splendor.

Yes, creation has a way of preaching beautiful truths about our Creator God. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). The autumn leaves can prompt us to think about our Creator God who is also our Savior God. Those lovely leaves are about to let go and fall to the ground, their work complete. And that’s a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us.

The whole story—the words those lovely leaves cannot speak—is found on the pages of Scripture. In God’s Word we learn that true loveliness is more than meets the eye. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16). When Jesus’ work was fully complete, he let go of his life. His brilliant, perfect season on earth inspired and amazed many people, and it had to come to an end in order to usher in a new season—one in which the world’s sins are paid in full.

Fallen leaves have no life in them. They wither and are trampled and buried. Likewise, our sinful selves died with Christ. That old version was crucified and buried with him, as the apostle Paul describes in Romans 6. But God did not leave us to blow in the wind or wither on the ground. Paul continues: “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him” (Romans 6:8). That’s a promise of eternal life, and it’s also a promise for this life: Each day we repentant sinners are empowered to lead more love-filled and lovely lives because we are alive in Christ.

The falling leaves serve as a reminder to repent regularly—to let go of the previous season and confidently arise to a new and glorious season in Christ. “If anyone is in Christ… The old has gone, the new is here!” (Ephesians 5:17).

Written by Angie Molkentin

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Merciless Master – September 24, 2022

2022/09/24/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

[Jesus said] “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Luke 16:13

Merciless Master

Daily Devotion – September 24, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 16:13

See series: Devotions

We tend to live urgently. Deadlines, high-priority messages, and target dates have many of us working at an unsustainable pace. When we finally catch our breath, we wonder how we’ll survive the next big push.

Pressing deadlines and demanding supervisors make it challenging to have a life outside of work. Often, we try to do two things at once—or more! We bring our phones to the dinner table. We reply to emails during soccer games. Even when we’re finally unplugged, date night is ruined by the overflow of office stress. What is the return on our investment? Divided attention, disappointment, and sometimes even divorce. Our closest relationships suffer the most when work and life are not properly aligned.

So why do we live this way? Money is enticing because it offers potential. If we had more, we could do more. More money means a better house or car. To us, better stuff means a better life.

Jesus warns that money is a merciless master. Serving money will destroy you because it always demands more. More of your time. More of your skills. More of your energy. More of you.

Money wants exactly what God wants—you. That’s why Jesus says, “You cannot serve both God and money.”

Moved by our Lord’s unconditional love, our eyes will be locked on Jesus; not on our hectic schedules. Our closest relationships can blossom because work and eternal life are properly aligned. Even when the pace quickens, God directs our focus heavenward and transforms our attitudes toward the temporal. We’re content with our present circumstances. We’re excited about our eternal future. We rest without anxiety. In Christ, we enjoy unmatched peace.

Prayer:
Lord of life, you continue to take care of all my needs. Thank you. Give me peace and fulfillment as I serve you in my workplace, my home, and my community. 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.

And – September 23, 2022

2022/09/23/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Luke 16:1-13

You cannot serve God and money.
Luke 16:13

And

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – September 23, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 16:13

See series: Devotions

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

This Bible passage is so simple we may think, “Of course I want to serve God! I’m a Christian!” But there’s a sneaky word in the passage— “and.” Maybe we want to serve God, but we also want the things money gives us. We want God… AND money.

We want to give our offerings… AND take the big vacation. We want to serve at our church… AND be involved in our other activities. We want to go to church… AND watch sports on TV. And. And. And… we want it all!

The thing is, we can’t actually have it all. God might give us some good things on this earth, but we don’t get everything. We live in a world where many people want worldly things before God. That’s because the devil wants you to fall away from God, and he knows that money and the things that money can buy can do that. How sad. The devil will use the lives of famous people and maybe even our friends to convince us that having money and a beautiful, fun life will make our lives better. We can easily become distracted from loving and serving God.

God doesn’t want you to love him and money. Just him. He wants us to serve him first. The tragedy is… we don’t. Not a single person has ever lived who perfectly loves and serves just Jesus. We all serve God “and” ourselves. What do we do?

In comes our great rescuer—Jesus. Jesus loves us. Not us “and” the world. Not us “and” living a beautiful, fun life. Not us “and” a long life in this world. Just us. Jesus gave up his life to love us and rescue our lives. So even when we do serve money first, we repent and remember that he saved us for the better life! So there’s no need to worry about our money! God has taken care of all of us. Rather than serving God and money (which is impossible), we can serve God with money by being “ready to give!”

Beautiful, pure devotion to God is backwards from what the world says. Don’t live your best life now! Our best life will be in eternity! Wait for that day. Pray for that day. Remember, your money will come to nothing on that day. Only true life with Jesus will remain!

Closing Prayer:

Holy God, our hearts often return to a desire for things of this world and gaining material possessions. Forgive us. Restore our joy in your salvation and give us a willing spirit to serve you first. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What does Jesus love more: You? Or lots of toys?
Our Bible verse says you cannot serve God and… what?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why will we never perfectly serve just God?
When will you live your best life?

Questions for Middle School and Above

In your own words, explain what our Bible verse means: “You cannot serve God and money.”
How does regularly remembering your salvation in Jesus help you to think of your money wisely now?

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.

If Angels Cry – September 23, 2022

2022/09/23/in Devotions, Military Devotions

If Angels Cry – September 23, 2022

“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”
Matthew 18:10

Military Devotion – September 23, 2022

Devotion based on Matthew 18:10

See series: Military Devotions

Everyone said he was the cutest little tyke. His face lit up the room. Grownups couldn’t help but smile at him. His parents glowed with happiness.

Then, one night, his mother found him tucked in bed holding his stuffed bunny. But he was cold. He was dead.

Someone said, “The angels must be crying.”

Maybe they were.

We don’t know enough about angels to know for certain if they do cry. We see that they express emotions. At times, they give severe warnings. At other times, they bring glad tidings of great joy. Perhaps they do cry.

After all, their Master did.

Perhaps they did shed some tears as they saw the parents sobbing, but no tears for the little one. For him, this was better than a birthday and Christmas put together. This day was heavenly.

So then, why might the angels have cried?

Could it have been for the same reason Jesus cried at times?

We think of the Savior weeping at the grave of Lazarus. It’s not unusual for people to feel sad at funerals and cemeteries. But this was an unusual situation. Jesus knew Lazarus would walk out of that tomb in a few moments. Then, joy would overflow.

Yet, his eyes filled with tears. What caused his grief?

It was seeing the dreadful consequences of sin.

This was not what the Creator had intended. He gave humans life so they could live joyfully in a happy world.

Death was not part of the plan. Death stops life on earth. Death kills joy.

It’s the sense of tragedy that wrenched the heart of the Lord of life with sadness!

Remember when Jesus wept over Jerusalem? Listen to his pain. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Luke 13:34).

His sorrow was real because Israel’s rejection of him was real. So also, his warning to those who would lead others to join in the rejection—especially warning those guiding children.

Listen to his words. “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).

Jesus is fierce in his condemnation of those who would harm children. To abuse them is despicable. To kill them—unthinkable! The degree of horror that awaits such culprits—is beyond description. The Lord God says those who reject him will end up “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:48).

Angels know this. They perceive the terror that grips the hearts of those who fall into the pit of punishment prepared for the devil and his angels.

They realize, “How tragic! How unnecessary! So avoidable!”

After all, sin has already been paid for. Death has been conquered. Redemption is free.

Jesus calls out, “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

When humans turn their back on him, when they teach children to do the same, all is lost.

When the waters of Baptism are unused, when the words of the Good Shepherd are unread, when little ones are never taught “Jesus loves me, this I know,” life is empty. Hope is lost.

The Savior who once bled for them still loves them; still looks for them; would still hug them. If only they knew! If only they would accept his invitation.

And if they don’t?

It makes us wonder if, then, their angels cry.

Prayer: Lord of all, we can sing, “Jesus, shepherd of the sheep, who your Father’s flock does keep, Safe we wake and safe we sleep, guarded still by you.” Lead countless thousands of little ones to join us in those words of blessed assurance. Amen.

Points to ponder:

What’s wrong with waiting for a child to grow up to pick a religion?
What warning is given when we realize that children have angels watching them?
What comfort does this offer?

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.

Rich – September 23, 2022

2022/09/23/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

Command those who are rich in this present world . . . to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous.
1 Timothy 6:17,18

Rich

Daily Devotion – September 23, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Timothy 6:17,18

See series: Devotions

Imagine the apostle Paul has just stepped forward into our 21st Century society. He has received a detailed description of the typical standard of living for Christians who live in a modern civilization. He’s learned all about our conveniences: access to medical care, ease of travel, varieties of food, freshly squeezed orange juice in the dead of winter, closets of clothes, garages of cars, indoor climate control, family trips, net assets, investments, retirement plans, our income that’s often so disposable we may think nothing of “going out for a bite to eat” simply because we can.

Then, with Paul knowing what he knows about us, you and I stand before him and clear our throats. We then try to explain to him that the Word of God in our reading that speaks “to those who are rich in this present world” does not apply to us.

The vast majority of us—in comparison to most parts of the world and in past standards of living—are among the materially rich. That is not wrong in and of itself. We give thanks to a lavish God for it. But in light of this lavish treatment, let’s confess to our Lord and to each other all the time you and I have failed to demonstrate heartfelt generosity in its many forms. Let’s also confess all the times we have talked ourselves into thinking that we cannot afford to be generous; that generosity is meant for someone else.

Thank God that we are even richer in another way. We are rich in God’s grace. We are rich in God’s overwhelming forgiveness of our every sin through faith in the blood of Christ. That makes us truly rich, eternally blessed.

How to thank such a generous God? “Be rich in good deeds,” Paul tells us, “be generous.” And we can do so joyfully. For doing this, we are simply giving shouts of praise to God for what he’s already given to us.

Prayer:
Lord, by your gospel, displace the stinginess of my old self with generosity and joy. 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.

Trap – September 22, 2022

2022/09/22/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap . . . For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
1 Timothy 6:9,10

Trap

Daily Devotion – September 22, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Timothy 6:9,10

See series: Devotions

A man by the name of Hansie Cronje [pronounced HAHN-see CROHN-yah] is not familiar to many of us. In South Africa, where the game of cricket is a dominant sport, Hansie Cronje was a household name. Imagine a person with the superstar talent of a Michael Jordan, the universal popularity of a Tom Hanks, and the integrity of an Abraham Lincoln all rolled into one. In the 1990s, when racial divisions were fierce, black and white citizens alike revered Hansie, a white man, for his sense of fairness and his strength of character.

Therefore, when a report with evidence appeared that Hansie was taking money for match-fixing, almost everyone dismissed the report as outrageous. His reputation for honesty was impeccable. How could anyone even suggest such a thing?

A few days later, however, Hansie cracked. He confessed that the substance of the report was true. Later, in a legal hearing televised live to the nation, Hansie told what he had done. He also answered the question: “Why?” The reason he gave was simple. It was, he said, “an unfortunate love of money.” Authorities later banned Hansie Cronje from cricket for the rest of his life. He died in a plane crash two years later.

Hansie was honest as to the trap into which he had fallen. God’s Word, through the apostle Paul, is honest too. Across the centuries, Paul is looking us straight in the eye when he speaks to us. The love of money has always been a trap for our fallen, sinful natures. In our culture that is materialistic and money-centered, the trap is insidious. But such a trap cannot just ruin reputations and careers. Far more lethal, such a trap can pull the soul away from our Savior-God.

Are you in such a trap? Even now, Jesus reaches for you. He calls you to repentance. Be refreshed in his forgiveness purchased at Calvary’s cross. Be empowered to replace your love of money with God’s love for you in Christ.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I think about money so much, and think about you so little. Forgive me. Refresh me in your Spirit. Dominate my thoughts once again. 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.

Ready to Give – September 21, 2022

2022/09/21/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19

Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on that which is truly life.
1 Timothy 6:18,19

Ready to Give

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – September 21, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Timothy 6:18,19

See series: Devotions

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

Today, we are looking at the blessing money can be. Our verse tells us to be “ready to give” and “willing to share.” God’s Word for today isn’t about how you “must give” and “have to share” in order to make the world better or to get to heaven. Instead, it talks about being ready and willing to give or share.

Do you feel ready to give? How willing are you to give away your things and share your money? A lot of us want to keep all of our toys and our nice house and any vacations or sport camps we want to do. We do not feel very willing to share much of the time.

Here is the good news: you have no pressure to give or share in order to fix all of the sad things. It’s not on you to make the world a better place. We could choose to never give a penny or help anyone with our money. Why? Because we don’t have to fix the world, Jesus already did! Jesus was the most “ready to give.” He gave all of his money, his time, and even his life—for you, your family, your friends, and the world. Money was not important to Jesus because YOU were important to Jesus!

So, if we don’t have to give our money to make the world better or to get to heaven, then why would we be ready to give? It’s in the last words of our verse: That you “may hold on that which is truly life.” It means this: Your life is more than stuff and experiences! TRUE life is with Jesus and joining him in his work on earth by loving others until we are with him forever. Until then:

We can be “ready to give” our toys to those who have no toys.
We could be “ready to give” meals to families with no daddy to help them.
We can be “willing to share” dinner with an unchurched kid from our class.

These are not small things! These are “truly living” a life in Jesus. We can join Jesus in being “willing to share” anything and everything!

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank you for your readiness to give everything for us. Forgive us for our selfish ways. Renew our hearts so that we may bless others with our money and live a TRUE life with you. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What was Jesus “ready to give” for you?
How do you hope to use your money for others someday?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

Why don’t you need to fix the world with your money?
How can you use your money in a way that is “ready to give?”

Questions for Middle School and Above

Agree or Disagree: You can fix the world.
How does Jesus’ salvation of the world change the way you think about money?

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.

Contentment – September 21, 2022

2022/09/21/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Timothy 6:8

Contentment

Daily Devotion – September 21, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Timothy 6:8

See series: Devotions

Many years ago, in the Far East, there was a man named Ali. Ali owned a farm, and he was content. However, one day someone told him about diamonds. Ali, therefore, started on an extensive journey in search of diamonds. He never found them. In the process he had to sell his farm to cover his expenses. So when all was said and done, Ali died a penniless and broken man.

Meanwhile, back at Ali’s old farm—the new owner of the farm was getting settled. He brought his camel to a stream on the farm for a drink. As the camel drank, the man looked into the stream and noticed a stone that reflected sunlight in a dazzling way. The man had just discovered the diamond mine of Golcanda, one of the most magnificent mines in the world.

The story reminds us of our lives as Christians. In our 21st Century society, we receive constant messages that tell us not to be content with what we already possess. Through television, radio, print, and the staggering array of social media, a massive advertising industry is at work not only to convince us to purchase a certain product; it is at work to shape our very view of life. Therefore, it should not surprise us that one of the great temptations for you and me is not to be content.

But here’s the problem. When the lack of contentment pushes us to wander away—always consuming, upgrading, and searching for the next new thing—we abandon the treasure we already possess.

Our treasure is Jesus and his gospel. His perfect life lived in our place, and his death on the cross for our sins has given us riches beyond our wildest dreams. Through his Holy Spirit, God himself is now ours, and we are his. We now possess his every promise to take care of us personally. And it is that very treasure that empowers us to display true contentment and remember the treasure we have.

Prayer:
Lord, forgive my lack of contentment. Refresh me in your gospel. Remind me of what I have. 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.

Reflections – September 20, 2022

2022/09/20/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.
Ecclesiastes 5:20

Reflections

Daily Devotion – September 20, 2022

Devotion based on Ecclesiastes 5:20

See series: Devotions

A question. If Satan were to get you to reflect on your life, what kinds of reflections would they be?

Reflections from Satan might include the following: I made it. I’m a success. I’ve done what I set out to do. I’m now enjoying the things that make life worth living. On the other hand, reflections from Satan might also include thoughts like these: My life is a disappointment. I should have achieved so much more. I cannot forget the people who’ve hurt me, and I cannot forget all the people I’ve let down.

Such reflections from Satan have one thing in common. They all focus on the self. They all fail to acknowledge the reality of our Savior-God.

The story of your life is not you in a vacuum. It includes your Creator-God loving you so much that he chose to mount a rescue mission to save you from yourself. To do this, God became one of us. In the person of Jesus, he lived the kind of life you know that you should have lived. Then he took upon himself all the ways you have let him down and blotted them out for all time through his blood on the cross.

And now he lives. He lives to delight in you. He delights in you because, through faith in him, you are forgiven, cleansed, precious in his sight. And because you are, he has saturated your every moment in this life with a kind of significance and purpose that nothing else can match.

You are God’s special creation through faith in his Son, Jesus. He is using every moment of your life to carry out his good will in your corner of his Kingdom. He sees your fruits of faith. He employs your fruits of faith. Regardless of your outward circumstance, what you do matters. It matters because God himself is working through you.

In Jesus, you and I can shake off the distracting reflections that Satan tries to slip us. In Jesus, God keeps us occupied with gladness of heart.

Prayer:
Lord, when Satan slips his reflections into my mind, replace them with gladness of heart in 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.

Abundance is Not Enough – September 19, 2022

2022/09/19/in Devotions, Family Devotions

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:10-20

He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver;
Nor he who loves abundance, with increase.
Ecclesiastes 5:10

Abundance is Not Enough

LISTEN HERE

Family Devotion – September 19, 2022

Devotion based on Ecclesiastes 5:10

See series: Devotions

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

Do you know what it means to “love abundance”?

It means you want a lot of stuff. You think having lots of treats or a new phone or a big house with a trampoline or better sporting equipment or a fancy vacation like your friend went on will make your life better.

Did you know that a lot of people think that buying things will make their lives happy?

Many grownups believe that if they have the prettiest house or the best toys for their kids, their life will be better. Even children can want life to look like someone they see online or on a TV show. They can dream about being as rich or richer than their parents one day—even though God might not give them that life. Some Christians might be tempted to stockpile their money like squirrels stashing nuts or not give their offerings to God because they are scared of not having enough for the future. They forget that God gave them their money and he promised to take care of them. That can be a hard truth for people.

So what’s the solution to wanting more and more abundance? You probably guessed it—JESUS! And this is the best answer ever because it means that if we have Jesus, we don’t really need anything else. Jesus died for us and promises us heaven one day!

Then the Bible teaches us two powerful words to help us remember that more, more, more does not ultimately make us happy. The two words are: “thank you.”

Throughout the Bible, there are reminders to give thanks to God for what he has done for us and what he has given us. When we say, “thank you” for our dinner, we remember that the dinner is enough. When we say “thank you” to our parents for driving us home after school, we remember that time with our parents is enough. When we say “thank you” for our toys, piano, bed, pets, or siblings, we remember that the gifts God has given us are enough. Best of all, we can thank Jesus for heaven. Because more than anything else, Jesus loves us in abundance.

Later this week, we will learn how money can also be a blessing!

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for all of your blessings. Forgive us for when we are unsatisfied with your gifts. Give us hearts that are content with your promises and eager to grow in your wisdom, not wealth. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

What’s the most important thing to thank Jesus for?
Name the top two things that you are most thankful for.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

“He who loves abundance” is someone who wants a lot of stuff. When will you finally have enough stuff?
Having Jesus means we have enough. When is a good time in your day for you to daily say “thank you” to him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

Describe the last time you saw someone online showing off something you have always wanted. How did it make you feel?
Agree or Disagree: If I am just as rich as my parents when I grow up, then I will have enough.

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.

If Only… – Week of September 19, 2022

2022/09/19/in Devotions, ECME Devotions

If Only… – Week of September 19, 2022

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33

ECME Devotion September 19, 2022

See series: ECME Devotions

If only. Do you ever have that thought? If only the one child would be calm for a few minutes. If only we had more children to enroll. If only our staff was full. If only the budget was balanced. If only her health were better. What’s on your list? The list is different for each one of us, but we all have a list. If only these were solved, we could be at peace. We wouldn’t have to worry.

Worry is a beast, isn’t it? Take a couple of minutes and read the verses just before today’s reading. Matthew 6:25-34 takes us to task on the topic of worry. The illustrations have always struck me. “Look at the birds of the air.” True. God provides for them each day as they flutter about. My sinful nature wants to challenge that illustration. They don’t have to pay bills. They don’t have relationship challenges. They don’t… you get the picture. And then I read on. “Are you not much more valuable than they?” My heart is convicted.

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

He, my heavenly Father, created and redeemed me and you. He designed each one of us for a purpose. His purpose for each one of us includes sharing his message of grace with others. If God created us and gave us life and redeemed us, won’t he also provide for what we need? It makes no sense that God would give us physical and spiritual life and then have no concern for us. His love for us is immeasurable and is demonstrated so clearly in sending Jesus as our Savior.

God also created us to praise him. We do so when we seek him and his kingdom and are in the Word learning and growing in faith. We do so in our lives of service to others, reflecting his love and grace. We do so in our example of gratitude for the blessings God has given each of us. We do so as we trust in him to provide for our needs.

Our biggest if only… that our sins were forgiven and that we would have peace with God our heavenly Father. That “if only” is complete. That peace that comes from sins forgiven was taken care of on the cross and on Easter morning. Might we still have a couple of “if only’s?” Sure! If only more knew about God. If only more had the peace that comes from faith in Jesus, the Savior.

My friends, take your worry to your Father in heaven. Go with gratitude for the gifts he has given you and with confidence knowing how dearly he loves you. Seek him as you continue to learn about him through the Word and leave “all these things” to his loving care.

Prayer
Dear Father, it is so hard for me to avoid worry. Forgive me when I lack trust in you. When challenges come, remind me of your promise to be with me in all things. Remind me how dearly you love me and that the most valuable treasure of all is already mine—forgiveness and the promise of heaven with you. In your name I pray. Amen

Hymn
The following hymns are a wonderful reminder to us that we can trust in God.

My Worth Is Not in What I Own
CW21 753 especially stanzas 1 and 5 and the refrain

Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me
CW93 439

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

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

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

The Hoard – September 19, 2022

2022/09/19/in Daily Devotions, Devotions

I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner.
Ecclesiastes 5:13

The Hoard

Daily Devotion – September 19, 2022

Devotion based on Ecclesiastes 5:13

See series: Devotions

His name is Lonnie. When the cameras first enter his home, Lonnie is all smiles. Lonnie is the owner of a massive collection of Las Vegas memorabilia, and he is proud of it. His inventory of artifacts is so large that it fills three large buildings—including his own house. Neon signs, clothing from famous performers, giant statues—Lonnie has it all and more.

Several minutes into Lonnie’s tour, you sense that all is not well. During the tour, Lonnie’s wife, Sandy, comes along. Sandy is quiet and pleasant but also clearly troubled. In time, the truth comes out. After years of feeding his impulse to hoard, Lonnie has put them in debt. Even worse, his passion for collecting has begun to dominate everything else—even his family relationships.

It might be easy to dismiss Lonnie as an eccentric and to congratulate ourselves for not being so over-the-top. But let’s think again. True, few of us have three buildings filled with all things Vegas. However, perhaps, I am guilty of hoarding too. In other words, perhaps I’m guilty of taking something that’s fine in and of itself but hoarding it to such a degree that it twists my priorities. For example, I may hoard a favorite hobby, my children’s athletic schedules and dance classes, my weekends, movies on Netflix, or money.

As God’s Word warns in Ecclesiastes chapter five, anything of this world—even something that’s good in and of itself—anything of this world that I hoard will bring me harm. It will bring harm because such a hoard will put distance between my Savior and myself.

But Jesus does not abandon me to my sinful impulses. Instead, he pursues me, calls me to repentance, and embraces me in his gospel. He assures me that, through faith in the blood shed for me on Calvary’s cross, I am forgiven; and I am his. He refreshes me to remember that life is not what I hoard in this world. Rather, my life is Christ.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, my life is not what I hoard. My life is you. Help me remember this. 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: 1 Chronicles 29:1,2,10-18

Do I have to?

Closing Prayer:

Faith that Delights in Duty – Week of October 3, 2022

ECME Devotion October 3, 2022

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Praise the Possessor of All

A Glorious Return

Time and Eternity

Read: Luke 16:19-31

Are You a Beggar?

Closing Prayer:

Of Kings and Such – September 30, 2022

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The Word is Enough

The Lord Lifts up the Lowly

Read: Hebrews 13:1-6

ME!

Closing Prayer:

A Strange Kind of Love

A Shining City Upon a Hill

Read: Amos 6:1-7

Don’t Forget About God

Closing Prayer:

My Hope – Week of September 26, 2022

ECME Devotion September 26, 2022

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Looks Can Be Deceiving

Money Makes No Promises

Autumn’s Reminder – Women’s Devotion

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Merciless Master

Read: Luke 16:1-13

And

Closing Prayer:

If Angels Cry – September 23, 2022

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Rich

Trap

Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19

Ready to Give

Closing Prayer:

Contentment

Reflections

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:10-20

Abundance is Not Enough

Closing Prayer:

If Only… – Week of September 19, 2022

ECME Devotion September 19, 2022

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